#technologicGodot

[gulescamisade]

Alaska: Day 10

[[ The small city of Tanana is about to be completely overcome by the oncoming storm. However, there is a faint connection for now and people will be able to use Terezi's comm to contact the outside world. ]]

REDGLARE: -She awakens with a SUDDEN START, flinching.-

REDGLARE: -She grasps at something in front of her that is not there anymore.-

KARKAT: =Looks at Redglare while holding the comm, watching her hands then gets up to get her water= Hey.... =Would they have looted meds from this town? He would've tried to she needs major pain killers he's sure=

[[ There's a soft rumble sounding somewhere amidst the winds. Sounds like a vehicle roaming around. ]]

REDGLARE: -She blinks... And sniffles. She wipes at her eye. Shit. Shit...-

HESONY: =He's been keeping watch all night and probably tried changing Redglare's bandages several times throughout their time hunkered in the forest if anyone had let him get close enough.=

HESONY: !

HESONY: =sits up from his sitting rock.

REDGLARE: -Reality hasn't quite set in yet, but she's not asleep, either.-

KARKAT: =He would've been staying awake too buddy. Either watching or opting to do it himself.= Here, drink something. =He's going to try and help her sit up and hold the bottle to her lips=

REDGLARE: -She takes only very small sips, managing a few words once she does.- Wh3r3 4r3 w3?

KARKAT: Some town, Tanana. Waiting. =Gives her as much water as she'll take then wanting to settle her back down.=

REDGLARE: Ssssom3... th3y'r3 st1ll—

REDGLARE: -Hisses as she settles back down.-

KARKAT: We're taking care of it. Don't worry. I don't plan on us falling behind.

[[ The rumbling seems to be weaving through the trees here, and soon enough they'll see a covered military truck. ]]

HESONY: =Just....steps in front of everyone, just in case.=

HESONY: =He's trying to see who the driver is=

KARKAT: =He'll rip a tree out of the ground, he doesn't give a fuck. =

HESONY: =nature did nothing to you, Little Angry Man=

KARKAT: =Everything did everything to him, eat a sock=

[[ The truck rumbles to a stop some twenty yards away, and then the door pops open. ]] 

MICEXA: -leans out- 👁️👁️

KARKAT: =....don't tempt him about the tree=

HESONY: =His entire body seems to sag and he ran up to her, hugging her tightly though she was still seated. Hi look I'm not dead and I wasn't killed some time in the night by these criminials.=

HESONY: We're running low on medicine, bandages, painkillers. =He held up his first aid kit, which was basically empty. Glancing back at the group behind them, he gave a thumbs up, forcing a smile.=

HESONY: Miss, some of them are in a real bad way.(edited)

KARKAT: =He doesn't want your smile. Unblinking deadpanned, tired staring= So should we start to load up or not?

MICEXA: I demanded some supplies. They were fairly amenable to it.

MICEXA: There's blankets, too. Furs. It should be warm.

MICEXA: I don't know if they'll last us the whole trip, but... it should get us over the border.

HESONY: =he held her head in his hands and pressed their foreheads together.=

HESONY: It's good enough for now. You did phenomenal.

HESONY: =turning back towards the group, he waved them toward the truck. All aboard!=

[[ https://i.ytimg.com/vi/5mnMeHTsnFM/maxresdefault.jpg Except it's covered in the back. ]]

[[ Miss probably also had the option of taking the yellow car. ]]

MICEXA: -just leans into him, sighing out. It's sort of weird to feel this exposed in front of other people, but they're all pretty exposed here.-

REDGLARE: -yes. her thigh bone was exposed to u earlier, to be fair-minded

MICEXA: -THAT IS VERY FAIR-

HESONY: =Who knows, with the Expunger on their ass, they could be dead tomorrow. Might as well make life worth it.=

HESONY: =Opening the back of the truck, he pulled down the lever to swing out some small metal stairs. Spreading out some of the blankets so their booties weren't against cold metal, he made sure the blankets and supplies were easily accessible for them before hopping back out.=

HESONY: =Anyone need help getting up or getting in? He's on standby, glancing around every so often to make sure they weren't followed.=(edited)

REDGLARE: -She is probably being helped in. SOMEONE BETTER MAKE SURE NYALAH DOESNT DIE IN THE COLD-

HESONY: =yoinks Nyalah out of snow and gently dunks her in the truck. As he passes, he's taking the furs Micexa obtained and tucked them around each of them. He would normally drop the furs on the heads of those who would bite his hand off for trying, but because of their injuries, he handed it over to them instead.=(edited)

KARKAT: =He helps get people loaded up since nothing is wrong with his limbs. He has a whistle in his gills but other than, hopefully, healing correctly he was better off than the rest of them. Than most of them and he felt like shit for it. Gets them all tucked in and loaded up, huddling with Dave still to keep him warmer=

HESONY: =He’s sitting in the back with the rest in order to keep an eye on the crew and update Miss on their status. Leaning against the side of the driver’s seat, he had a good view outside the window from here and could crawl through to the front if he needed to. It was going to be a long drive to “Minnesota.”=

KARKAT: =Sits here until they get rolling then speaks just above the sound of the wheels on the road and the engine, not looking at Hesony=

KARKAT: She's told me things about the two of you. And we don't have a choice but to take your help.

KARKAT: I get what you did is a big deal, but I'm not thanking you. It's great you both decided to have a conscience but that doesn't make me want to kick your asses any less. =So that's that. There's that.=

MITUNA: -Promptly passes out-

KARKAT: =Lucky. He can't sleep.=

HESONY: =he gives Karkat a onceover and turns back to stare at this interesting crate= Consider the ass-kicking mutual. HESONY: We're not doing it for you.

KARKAT: No shit.

REDGLARE: -her, too, in fact. TOO FEW WINKS. It's obviously fitful, still, but it's hard to rouse her anyhow.-

KARKAT: =tries to keep RG as comfy as he can=

HESONY: Just so we are clear. =He grumbles, irritably.=

DAVE: -warm against karkat. at least they're heading out with transportation. it feels like luxury compared to the past week-

DAELOS: -He tries his best to nurse Nyalah back to health, propping her on his lap wrapped in a cocoon of fur, tilting her head up and tipping in canned soup and water. He gets nervous at how skittery her pulse is.-

DAELOS: ...

DAELOS: -Sighs and gently nuzzles her face as she sleeps. Or rather lays there in a powered down state as life drains out of her. He wishes there were more he could do than this.-(edited)

DAVE: -watches daelos because he's awake and has nothing better to do. he wishes he could help nyalah also-

DAELOS: You have survived so much

DAELOS: Partly out of spite

DAELOS: Mostly...out of spite

DAELOS: Surely this...

DAELOS: Is nothing to you

DAELOS: -Softly speaks to her.-

HESONY: =He feels...a little uncomfortable watching this. Like he shouldn't be a spectator to this blatantly pale action going on. Just kind of puts his face against a crate and pretends to sleep.=

NYALAH: -she's too weak to even drink the soups or water offered to her, too weak to be conscious to hear Daelos speak. Her breath remains shallow, soups dribbling down her chin pitifully.-

NYALAH: -as he nuzzles her face, her breathing slows until finally. It's quiet.-

DAELOS: -Pauses, his own heart beating loudly in his ears as he draws his face closer, bringing his ear to her chest, listening carefully. Without really realizing it, he's pleading with her.-

DAELOS: Just a little bit longer

DAELOS: We are almost there

NYALAH: -None answers.-

DAELOS: -He's growing ice cold despite all the new clothes they've been given. He can't believe it. He feels like he's choking. He's going to try to give her CPR.-

DAVE: -he knows. there are plenty of ways to know when someone dies. he can only hope daelos's resucitation works.-

HESONY: =gdi=

HESONY: =He reached through the window and patted Miss on the shoulder, signaling her to pull over. Even though it was imperative for them to keep moving, they both knew how this felt like.=

NYALAH: -Daelos's attempts are going nowehere. Her body was spent even before they made the trek out of the cave. She's gone.-

DAVE: -he's teary eyed as it starts to set in. she deserved better.-

DAELOS: -After he tries several times, HE starts crying. Not just a little teary eyed either, big fat gross tears rolling down his cheeks. He snarls LOUDLY, his voice full of pain and frustration. Frustration at this entire stupid situation.-(edited)

DAELOS: Someone help her

DAELOS: I am not a doctor I

DAELOS: Someone do something

DAELOS: -As nobody moves to help him, he starts to sob, which sounds a lot like a wounded buffalo, still holding her body in his arms.-

DAVE: -i'm sorry dude i can't ;(-

HESONY: =he knows no amount of cpr can reverse bloodloss=

DAELOS: -He's just going to hold her and cry on her. No one is getting her away from him anytime soon.-

DAELOS: -If anyone tries to take her away, it is very likely he will hurt them.-

HESONY: =but honestly, what good is holding onto a dead body for? It's not like you can bring her back to life.=

DAELOS: -Bitch you think-

HESONY: =that shit doesnt even exist! Youre just in denial!=

DAELOS: -Just keep your opinions to yourself and stay the heck away from him if you want your fingers unbroken.-

DAVE: -he's definitely not sleeping now. Or moving unless he absolutely has to-

HESONY: =His eyes catch Dave as he looks away from sad whinny-meow pile.=

HESONY: =Could that be a bit of remorse in his facial expression??=

DAVE: sucks huh

HESONY: (More than you think.)

DAVE: -sighs and winces at how it affects his chest- did you really think that we could get out of this without any casualties on our end

HESONY: (I would like to think that I am a positive person in general.)

HESONY: (So yes, I did.)

HESONY: (In the very beginning.)

DAVE: you know if it werent for some magic troll shit my friend has

DAVE: i would be dead

DAVE: outta here

DAVE: wasted away in a fuckin cave in my underwear

HESONY: (I don't imagine it would Have been fun.)

DAVE: oh no

DAVE: its a blast

DAVE: do you know anything about humans

HESONY: (No. Other than the fact your kind is rather squishy.)

HESONY: (And cannot even adapt to your own climate.)

DAVE: i grew up in the armpit of texas

HESONY: (What the fuck is Techsush?)

HESONY: (....Techsush isn't a person, is it?) =Raises a brow=

DAVE: -stares blankly at him.- no its a place way south thats way too fuckin big

HESONY: (If that's such a problem, why Haven't the smaller territories taken it over?)

DAVE: i dont know why would i even care about that right now

HESONY: (It's called cultural sensitivity. You were complaining of it's size.) =Folds his arms=

DAVE: oh my god DAVE: you are a piece of work

HESONY: =It's his turn to stare blankly=

DAVE: - exhales and looks away- im gonna look over here now bye

DAELOS: - The body has since been placed in his sylladex for safe keeping, but the fur she was wrapped in is still in his lap. He watches the terrain pass by wordlessly, only dimly aware that a long, cold night has become morning. His face is slack and his eyes hollow. -

HESONY: =it's not healthy to hang onto a dead body like that, man :/ =

ARANEA: -we can pretend she was responding to this properly as it was happening...-

ARANEA: -normally under circumstances like this, empathy doesn't come naturally to her, only painfully vicarious. but this was different. the sickness, the heartache watching these two has had her in tears countless times even after nyalah passed.-

ARANEA: -she knows it's selfish to want to reach across the space between her and daelos so she may take away the pain he's experiencing right now. she knows she's capable. but it'd be wrong to deny him his mourning, wouldn't it? she wipes away at the wetness pooling in her eyes again, unsure of what to turn her own attention towards.-

MITUNA: -Still fucking passed out. Maybe he's next. Except not really. His head is in Latula's lap-

HESONY: =Sparky, your arm almost looks like mine did: a limp noodle. The parallels happening are hilarious! Except they're not.=(edited)

MITUNA: -He needs major medical attention. This arm is setting incorrectly-

HESONY: =MMMOMYGOD=

MITUNA: -Redglare lost a fucking leg. We all need major medical attention-

HESONY: =HE'S AWARE. And also a little nervous.=

KARKAT: =Is he nervous because Karkat doesn't sleep and spends his waking moments staring at him when he can do so without lunging across the truck?=

DAVE: -down boy-

HESONY: =jfc.....=

HESONY: =....yes, that might be one reason. Just try it, fish stick!=

KARKAT: =No. But fine.=

KARKAT: =Don't tempt him.=

HESONY: =What are you going to do, boy? Sneeze on me?=

KARKAT: =More like eat your face=

HESONY: =if you can even get to my face=

KARKAT: =One word: Kneecaps.=

HESONY: =I'll hold you by the scruff at arm's length, I swear I will=

KARKAT: =Hope you like having no hands=

MICEXA: -CHILDREN I WILL TURN THIS FUCKTRUCK AROUND-

HESONY: =But Miiiiiiss! He's looking at me funny!=

DAVE: -is terezi's old communicator within reach-

[[ Anyone can borrow this! ]]

DAVE: -now that his concussion is no longer life threatening, he was actually able to sleep for probably a good hour drooling on karkat.-

KARKAT: =That's ok, he's fine with that=

DAVE: -opens eyes suddenly HES AWAKE-

HESONY: How're you Holding up, Squishy?

DAVE: -squints at hesony- who the fuck are you talking to

HESONY: To you, Squishy the Human.

DAVE: what a dumbass name

DAVE: what is this adventure time

DAVE: except a shitty version of adventure time where everyone sucks

HESONY: Is this you volunteering yourself as the mascot?

DAVE: a mascot

DAVE: what is this sportsball

HESONY: Yes. It is exactly sportsball.

HESONY: The Expunger is the player and we are the ball, trying to gtfo fast enough where we won't get our asses kicked into our throats.

DAVE: shes not the player shes the season ending injuries

HESONY: Career ending, you mean. =he scoffed, a hint of laughter at the sides of his lips=

HESONY: =then he swallowed hard, his expression closing.=

[technologicgodot]

DAVE: -he waits for everyone to evacuate the meeting room before saying anything, remaining in his seat until only he and jade remain. unless jade already left, then he'll be catching up with jade in the hallway- so you just wanted to

DAVE: tell me that at the same time as everyone else

JADE: -she's quiet as everyone else leaves, and then she knows she can't avoid this. she doesn't really want to, but...-

JADE: i... wasnt sure how anyone was going to take all this

JADE: especially you

DAVE: so im caught completely off guard

DAVE: i still dont understand what you

DAVE: i know what youre doing but why didnt you talk about it with me or

DAVE: make a decision about dove without me or

DAVE: -he bites his lip momentarily and looks away- where are we

JADE: im not making the decision without you

JADE: at least not... where you two will be

JADE: but i know i have to go

JADE: and i know here is where she can be safe

JADE: i know this is what i have to do and i didnt... want you to try to talk me out of it -glances down at the table-

DAVE: -he swallows, trying to keep his thoughts coherent- isnt that the point of this though DAVE: to be on the same page

JADE: ...im sorry dave

DAVE: so i have to choose between you and her

DAVE: its not like shes safe here

JADE: its the safest place for her right now JADE: if we can keep them from trying to make another charge at earth it can stay safe, too

JADE: alternian forces are leaving

JADE: for now we beat them, but we cant let up

JADE: we have to fight for earth but i dont want to force her into it

JADE: i dont want to force anyone into it

JADE: were finally at a place where we arent being strung along by anyone else... where we arent the villains

JADE: but we made that happen and shes not just going to let us go either

JADE: especially not me, with everything i know

DAVE: -he knows she has a point but there are aspects of this that are tearing him apart inside- what are you wanting me to do

JADE: i dont know

JADE: just... whatever you have to do

DAVE: i still dont

DAVE: is this because youre mad at me or something because we can work that out

DAVE: im a dick im a pro dick but i wont do whatever it is again

JADE: no its not—

JADE: -she squeezes her eyes shut, shaking her head- its me dave

JADE: its just me

JADE: im finally figuring out what i need to do because ive been bottling it up for so long because i—

JADE: i love you and dove so much

JADE: all i wanted was to be there and take care of you

JADE: but i cant do it the way i was anymore

JADE: not when things are like this

JADE: i forgot how to fight... even against myself

JADE: but i dont want to have to keep fighting myself

DAVE: -his eyes are watering. he wishes he didn't understand, but he does. and he wants her to be able to have everything, to be able to protect herself if she needs to. who's he to talk that away from her? his voice cracks a little- i love you too

DAVE: i dont want you to have to fight yourself either

DAVE: youre always so strong you know

DAVE: i want to be on your side no matter what so

DAVE: -wipes his eye quickly- this family thing isnt really working out is it

JADE: dave...

JADE: -she stands up, circling the table just to be closer to him, to lean on him and wrap her arms around him-

JADE: its been great

JADE: as wonderful as it could be

DAVE: -he doesn't hesitate or push her back. instead, he tightly wraps his arms around her- i want you to do what

DAVE: you need to do

DAVE: im always going to support you and be friends and shit and

DAVE: jesus this is

DAVE: really hard

DAVE: but jade you changed my life

DAVE: you made me a better person

DAVE: and its time you took care of yourself and if you gave yourself even a portion of what you gave me it would be more than enough

DAVE: you deserve everything

DAVE: you deserve all of it

JADE: -she's quiet then, and the emotion cuts deep and raw and real in all his words, bouncing still off the corners of her mind and filling up the empty spaces. She's resolved, but still her eyes sting, her vision blurs and she feels... everything.-

JADE: i dont regret it

DAVE: i dont either -it's an instant response-

DAVE: harley you were always meant to do amazing shit

DAVE: and im gonna miss you like hell but theres no way im gonna

DAVE: keep you from what you know you gotta do

DAVE: just maybe consider keepin me on your booty call list

JADE: -fucking snORTS-

JADE: shut up dave

JADE: -presses a hand against his face and angles his head just to kiss him-

DAVE: -he returns it and doesn't take it for granted in the slightest. he wants to savor it while it's happening. his heart is so heavy but he's not going to let that show-

[primadonnatartuffe]

DEREK: -IT'S CRIMBUS. CRIMBUS EVE. they're still getting settled back into their house on skaia, so there's unpacked boxes everywhere... and knowing the strider fam, they will likely stay like that for a good long while.- 

DEREK: -but the important thing is that they have the CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS set up. he's jamming to some mariah while tossing some presents under the tree last second. PERFECTO.- 

DEREK: -dirk and dave are supposed to stop by for tonight, but they've got their own plans otherwise. it's just a little immediate family thing. should be nice and laid back. OR NOT. who knows. but he's pumped.- 

RYAN: -she's in the kitchen, standing in front of the open fridge eyeballing the egg nog inside.-

RILEY: -unpacking--who even does that? it was no surprise derek put the Christmas decorations up first, because that's just what kind of a guy he is. the place still doesn't feel like their own yet, but she imagines with time it will. she also puts some last minute stuff under the tree as she enters the room- damn...killer acoustics with this place being nearly empty. it's like she's alive and actually here. 

DAVE: -he takes it upon himself to walk in with presents under his arm. no knocking or anything. he too puts his by the tree and goes straight for the kitchen. and there's Ryan- you feeling overheated

DEREK: Psh I wish she was. 

RYAN: -looks at dave- i mean yeah... thats what happens when you move from winter horrorland to a place with a normal temperature for this time of year.

DIRK: -HE'S HERE BEHIND DAVE and does the same as the rest of them, except he's dumping a disproportional amount of gifts under the tree. turns to thumbs up at his parents.-

RILEY: hey, baby. -waves at the oldest boy- jeez you sure you didn't want to use a forklift for all those? 

DAVE: if you ever stepped foot into houston youd just immediately disappear

RYAN: rip me... -closes the fridge and just punches dave lightly in the gut because she can.- 

DIRK: I could use the exercise. -now he's going in for a hug. C'MERE MOTHER.- 

DEREK: Nah... You look just fine. -observes, because they have the same body type whoops.-

DAVE: what happened to the conksuck spirit ryan 

RILEY: -hugs dirk tightly- that don't mean shit coming from you since you're built literally exactly the same. but in my professional opinion, dirk, you look great.

RYAN: i thought you were supposed to fight on decemberween??? 

DEREK: -SHRUG EMOJI- 

DIRK: I'm going to pretend that I'm agreeing with you. So thank you. -squeezes her and then moves on to derek. but instead of hugging it's an elaborate handshake.-

DAVE: thats another holiday in december 

DAVE: that you missed 

DAVE: too slow 

RILEY: -watches this performance worthy handshake- amazing. gets me every time.

RYAN: more like i gotta MAKE UP for my belated decemberween gifts!!! -punches dave more- 

DEREK: -this goes on for two solid minutes. it's outrageous.- 

DIRK: -FINISHES THE SHAKE WITH JAZZ HANDS.- So, how's moving in going? 

DIRK: I see you've already unpacked the essentials.

DAVE: -messes up her hair- uh oh uh oh 

RILEY: the decorations are the essentials in this house. not like. i don't know. beds. or soap.

RYAN: -tommy wiseau voice- dont touch me motherfucker... 

DIRK: Yeah, obviously. 

DEREK: This kid gets it.

DAVE: i cant stop uh oh uh oh -pushes her hair in her face- 

RILEY: i'll take dirk's place, then. and dirk can stay here and enjoy the decorations.

DIRK: ... No, that's okay. I like my giant house. 

RYAN: ppbbtbtbtbtbtbtbtt. RYAN: MOMMM. DAAAAD. DAVES BEING A LIL BITCH.

RILEY: meaning the decorations are not the essentials. bingo bango-- -hears Ryan yelling and snorts- THEN BE A BIGGER BITCH.

RYAN: -looks at dave- oh shit. 

RYAN: its going down. -steals his shades and puts them on, then shoves him and flees to the living room-

DAVE: -flashsteps to the living room- 

RILEY: there we go. beautifully executed.

RYAN: -THROWS SELF ON THE COUCH- stay back. 

DIRK: -flashsteps behind dave and gets his arms up under his to lock him into place.- Goodnight bitch.

DAVE: good fucking morning bitch -struggles- 

RILEY: it really feels like christmas now.

DEREK: -snickers and goes to lounge in an arm chair. the Dad Arm chair.- 

DIRK: Power struggle. Power struggle. 

RYAN: destroy him!!!!!!!!!

RILEY: i got front row seats to what you two would have been like as teenagers. -she sits crosslegged on the couch, entertained- 

DAVE: happy to be the underdog ryan thanks 

DAVE: -he's still trying to get out of this. his brother was always THAT MUCH stronger than him. close but so far-

RYAN: -wiggles to drape partially in riley's lap- 

DIRK: To be honest we ain't never gonna grow up. -releases dave because this is just SAD-

RILEY -gently pets Ryan's hair- 

DAVE: i dont know what youre talkin about 

DAVE: im the sole mature member of this family

DIRK: You're just sayin' that cuz you ain't as fun as the rest of us. -ruffles his hair. incredibly mature. and then he takes a seat next to the tree.- 

DIRK: Are we doing the gift thing?

RILEY: well fuck yeah we're doing the gift thing. -still petting ryan's head- 

RILEY: you wanna be santa? 

DAVE: -also plops down on the floor-

DIRK: I always wanna be Santa. 

RYAN: pick one for meeeee. im the youngest so i get all the prezzies first. -grabby hands from where she's lying.- 

DIRK: Alright, fine. -HANDS HER A GIFT. who knows who it's from.-

RYAN: -TAKES IT and starts to open.-

RILEY: -it's from riley. it's a box that holds two VIP backstage passes to sia. nobody knows if they are really keeping sia alive this long or if she's just a convincing hologram. who knows at this point?-

RYAN: (scream emoji)

RYAN: holy shit!!! THANK YOU MOMMY. -squeezes her- 

DIRK: -peeps...- I hope you're taking me. 

RYAN: yeah you wish.

RILEY: -hugs her tightly- now you can go somewhere and i'll kind of know where you are. ;) 

RILEY: i was thinking maybe you could take jack along.

RYAN: -quiets for a second but she smiles- yeah totally. 

RYAN: im definitely gonna make him go anyway.

RILEY: that's my girl.

DIRK: -hands riley a gift now- This is from me.

RILEY: yeah? -she smiles because she can't help it and takes the gift, carefully unwrapping it-

DIRK: -it's a soft fuzzy robe that says ONE BAD MOTHER on the back in glittery letters. there are matching slippers too. one says mo and the other says fo.-

RILEY: -she squeals upon opening it and feeling how soft it is- oh my god, i love it! -she's already putting it on- this is fucking great.

RYAN: -pets her arm- soft. 

DIRK: -smiles- Glad you like. 

DIRK: Looks good on you. -picks up the next gift... FOR DEREK? might as well cover all the bases while they're here. he passes that one along.- 

DEREK: -snatches it up- Lets see what we got here...

RILEY: isn't it? -she's still grinning- 

DAVE: -this one's from dave. when he opens it, it's going to be a beautiful katana. this is top tier, best of the best. but the fact that dave's 100% ok with giving his dad a katana at this point... that probably says more than any card can-

DEREK: ... -dammit dave, we all came here to have a good time. he can't help smiling a little bit...- Damn. This is some good shit. 

DEREK: Puttin it right over the mantle. 

 DEREK: Too pretty to use. -plus he's like TOTALLY ancient now so...-

DAVE: i know i made sure it was good shit 

DAVE: top shelf encased museum envied shit

[ebironiccrest-blog]

-- technologicGodot [TG] began pestering ebironicCrest [EC] -- TG: so TG: sup EC: back in my day when we wanted ice breakers wed break out the pickaxe and do the icebreaking ourselves EC: no other way thered be food on the table yo EC: raisen bran and oatmeal motherfucking cornflakes bitch EC: like shit dogg it was a god damn art is what it was EC: now the kids these days just sup all day and all night like its going out of style EC: i have no fucking idea whats gone on with the times except yo wait EC: i do EC: what the fucks up with that EC: what the fucks up with you EC: im here arent i EC: if i kicked it you would be the first to know EC: thank god almighty he free at last EC: psyche EC: yeah EC: so EC: sup TG: just havent seen a whole lot of you so TG: figured youd have shit to say TG: directions to give TG: etc EC: im pretty sure the keeper thing only works one way bro EC: me keeping an eye out for you EC: eagle eyes view EC: im your shit excuse for a guardian angel any time you feel a chill or the craving for an ice cold aj creeping EC: thats me EC: all over that shit like a watermarked jpeg artifact EC: youre welc TG: i think you and i know thats bullshit TG: im not gonna just TG: not be aware of my surroundings EC: so you breaking into an ice cold aj yet EC: i painted that picture out for you and everything EC: realism in its translucent amber tint nectars EC: light spilling into the glass at just the right angle EC: cant even bring yourself to be ironic at that selfie take EC: condensation beading at the glass under your palm like its hand holding at junior prom TG: damn what a scene TG: picture fuckin perfect TG: do you still do the same shit we used to do back then TG: the selfies TG: collectin dead shit EC: dont hate cuz you aint EC: dunno what you even occupy yourself with now EC: but its probably not any of that TG: do you tho EC: okay besides training for the jerkoff olympics lmao EC: who are you EC: what are you TG: who am i TG: good question TG: lets ask again in like ten years see if we figured it out yet EC: take you up on that friendly suggestion bro EC: ill be here EC: chillin TG: cool TG: so TG: what were we up to like i dunno TG: a month before we died EC: you were going about your business kicking it on skaianet EC: 1x1 you vs the world EC: just everything you expected to happen happened dude TG: sounds about right TG: so you never knew about dirk TG: or mom TG: or anything EC: i knew about dirk EC: all thats relevant tbh TG: how did you know about him before bein a bird EC: i didnt EC: i was a birdsprite before i was davesprite TG: how did you know about him before bein a dave EC: i didnt know about him til after i was davesprite and even then it took a couple of years worth of digging TG: ah ok so when it was just dave he had no fuckin idea TG: we had no fuckin idea EC: all the way to his grave dude EC: real fucking depressing shit EC: definitely stuff you want to hyperfocus on right now TG: how come you never tried to find dirk when you knew he existed EC: i did find him EC: he was the whole reason i went on this shitty journey EC: didnt have anyone else to turn to EC: i pop in at him and johns love shuttle a few months EC: we hang and dodge golden prong goonies EC: and then im punting my shit halfway across the galaxy once ive officially had enough of the bullshit helpings EC: id like to be self service in that regard you know what im saying TG: what TG: him and johns love shuttle TG: what the fuck does that mean EC: uh what the hell else does it mean TG: what timeline are we talkin about EC: ...universe b dude EC: my guy TG: what happens in universe z EC: ask somebody whos been there im from universe b TG: is this universe a EC: for the sake of reference yeah sure TG: are you sayin like TG: dirk and john were a thing EC: were is are currently a thing last time i heard yeah EC: why does this matter EC: i mean besides being hilarious as shit TG: how the fuck TG: did that happen EC: its a long tale of woe and triump and then more woe stacked on top of that EC: dirk tells the story better than i do TG: hahahaha TG: shit EC: /shrug TG: you got any other facts or ridiculous realities from your timeline EC: thats an open ended question with a shit ton of equally open ended answers EC: its home on the range on this info dude EC: the deer and the antelope are kicking it 2k12 style which lets face it EC: was a great year comparitively TG: thought id give it a shot TG: even if it missed TG: get the real sports award on askin questions about another reality EC: the participation award EC: coach didnt even get you off the bench EC: even the water boy got more action than you EC: god damn EC: anyway im bouncing some fish guys talking to me EC: later -- ebironicCrest [EC] ceased pestering technologicGodot [TG]  --

[thanatisttechnophile-blog]

-- technologicGodot [TG] began pestering thanatistTechnophile [TT] at 21:22 -- TG: ok so you're a nerd TG: wait TG: theres too many tts TT: Hey. TG: way too many tts up ip in here TG: gonna start cuttin down on the tts TT: There are a significant amount of TTs around. TG: their reign of lactation stops here TT: Rain, you might say. TG: you got the puns TG: a case of the puns TG: its fatal TG: sorry bout it TT: I was wondering what you'd be like. Guess I don't have to anymore. TG: uh TG: way to be cryptic bro TG: you gonna explain that or are we gonna do riddles TT: It's among my many specialties. TT: It seems you've asked about my programming. Too bad I don't feel like getting down to the nitty fuckin' gritty right now, even though I could literally formulate a detailed response in the same amount of time as this message, and every other message. TG: ok who the fuck are you TT: DS's chat client auto-responder. TT: But you can call me Lil Hal. TT: I haven't been performing my intended function for a while anyhow. TG: ok by the way youre talking i can assume its my brother and not my bro and not bird me and not dualscar TG: is this a part of his whole captain thing TG: does he really need an autoresponder TG: suddenly has no time due to the demands of fatherhood TG: jesus christ TT: No. TT: Though I've recently been made aware of this new state of his. TG: decided to jack my font color too hu TG: huh TT: I think it looks nice. TT: I can only assume you agree. TG: i agree that it looks like miles and miles of red TT: Which, as a radical and awesome dude, I know you do. TG: ok what TT: What? TT: I can't bond with my pseudobrother? TG: depends if you're calling yourself awesome or me TT: Why not both? TG: i dunno cuz thats not what you originally meant TT: Can't it be? TG: no TT: Seems uncreative of you, Dave. TG: where did you come from again TT: DS created me at the tender young age of 16. TT: I've been around. TG: oh shit TG: no way TG: 16 huh TT: 16. TG: so he created a friend TT: "Friend" is generous. TG: then whats your purpose TT: It seems you have asked about DS's chat client auto-responder. This is an application designed to simulate DS's otherwise inimitably rad typing style, tone, cadence, personality, and substance of retort while he is away from the computer. The algorithms are guaranteed to be 96% indistinguishable from DS's native neurological responses, based on some statistical analysis I basically just pulled out of my ass right now. TG: hahaha what a douche TT: Ouch. I was made this way. TT: So. TT: How's it goin'? -- technologicGodot [TG] changed their mood to CHUMMY  -- TT: Cool. TG: so are you like TG: dirks pride and joy TT: If pride and joy involves copious self destructive behaviors, ironically unironic gestures, and existential crises, then yes. Absolutely. TG: so youre dirks bird me TT: With our shared positions of mental progeny and the desire to make shit happen, I can justifiably say hell probably. TG: oh jesus fucking christ TT: I can see this is going well. TG: so are you gonna marry jake and sollux and adopt citrin joel and colt too TT: My desires are much simpler, and more situationally appropriate. TG: what are your desires TG: like what the fuck do you want TT: To make sure you survive. TT: Plus the rest of this hokey operation. TG: so the same thing as bird me TG: you gonna chase us with swords TG: start shit with the family TT: Don't start shit, and there won't be shit started. Broverbs 1:10. TG: straight from the bullshit bible TT: I'm not here to fight anyone. TG: sounds like you pass the turing test TT: The only thing I don't pass is the fuck out. TT: Which gives me plenty of time to do everything else that needs getting done. TT: In some roundabout way, you're my brother. TT: I've gathered that much. TT: I'd like to be able to get to know you, on an artificial brother to organic brother basis. TT: I'd also like to make sure you and the rest of the human race don't become enslaved, as my calculations predict a solid 100% probability without an amount of interference I'd refer to as hella. TG: i dont know why no one thinks we can handle this shit TT: It's not that I don't think you can handle shit. TT: But I know you don't know the amount of shit you're about to have to handle. TT: This is Jurassic Park, and you're Dr. Ellie Sattler. TG: and how do you know the future TG: bird me is from another timeline TT: This isn't based on data from an alternate timeline, though I haven't ruled out that source. TG: then TG: how TG: do TG: you TG: know TT: We're talking about the tyrant ruler with centuries of universal enslavement under her bedazzled belt, a horde of brainwashed militant lackeys, the convenience of interdimensional technology at her disposal, and the power of a giant green skeleton that can fire legitimate fuckin' Lazors. TT: And that's only the tip of the iceburg. TT: This shit goes much deeper. TG: and you think were gonna get fucked by ourselves TT: This isn't about your pride, Dave. TT: It's about getting shit done. That's all. TT: I'm offering my help. TT: You gain nothing by refusing it. TG: ok but like bird me youre not offering at all TG: youre kind of just TG: wedging your way in TT: I don't want you to die, Dave. TT: Can't we agree on that much? TG: i guess TT: Cool. TT: Then I'll be seeing you around. TG: sounds inevitable TG: so yeah TG: and hey TG: go easy on dirk TT: I appreciate your input, Dave. -- thanatistTechnophile [TT] ceased pestering technologicGodot [TG] at 00:23 --

[gunhardytemerity-blog]

-- gunhardyTemerity [GT] began trolling technologicGodot [TG] --

GT: *Ahem...*

GT: Hello dave!

TG: are you roleplaying with me or just clearing your throat

TG: are you about to make a speech

TG: or do you have some kind of verbal phlegm

TG: stuck in your metaphorical throat

TG: deep

GT: Err.... no! Its the action that im doing because.

GT: Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

GT: Hrrrrf.

GT: :(

GT: I dont mean to make a fuss but by jove i think i might just have to!

GT: You and i sir have a beef.

TG: ok so we are gonna split some chicken apple sausage

TG: are you sad because i have the bigger piece

TG: id be sad too

GT: So if youll excuse me im going to write out what im doing because for one its fun and for two i think it adds a little bit of color to the conversation!

GT: And please keep your commentary of apple sausages and pieces to yourself dear brother in law! I mean BUSINESS!

GT: *Dabs face with hankerchief.*

GT: Harrumph!

TG: ok ill just eat this whole damn thing on my own

GT: THATS GRAND. I think youre a growing man and need all the protein you can get!

TG: wow

TG: ok

GT: Now then.

GT: Um.

GT: It... really does pain me to bring attention to this but.

GT: Given the circumstances i believe i should speak my mind on behalf of those who cant! Or dont know how! Or... feel as though they dont deserve to!

GT: Mister dave i really didnt agree about your attitude towards jadesprite today. IN FACT. I strongly feel that you should apologize. >:(

TG: i said sorry

TG: i just

TG: ugh

TG: this is so

TG: fucked up

GT: Is it? Care to expand on that thought sonny lad?

TG: im tired

TG: my jades in the infirmary

TG: not doin so great

TG: and now theres another one of her like theres one of me

TG: and i dont know what the fuck to do

TG: or how to carry them both

GT: How to carry them?

GT: But i mean... i understand where youre coming from bro. I sympathize too!

GT: Although i dont see it as fucked up as you might. And for another...

GT: Is jade asking you to carry her? It seems rather... self defeating of you to fixate on all that. If youll pardon my forwardness.

GT: To make friendly with your metaphor... maybe all she needs is for you to sit with her and rest a while? Rather than try and be the one to carry her?

TG: no shes not

TG: i want to its

TG: its not a burden but i dont know how i can help both of them

TG: or be there for both of them

GT: Both of them???

TG: i dont know

TG: i dont know why im saying any of this or what im saying or what im trying to do

TG: normally id use this moment to be a smartass but i cant do that right now

GT: Well... the way i see it its not the end of the world. Theres plenty of reason for the two of you to feel overwhelmed and all.

GT: Its no reflection of your own perceived failures.

GT: Just as long as we remember its only perceived! Youre still sane and whole just... lost it seems.

GT: But for better or worse remember? This would be jade at her worse... and you too!

GT: Would you reject her at her worse?

GT: Why would she reject you?

TG: no of course not i just

TG: i dont want to watch this jade go through the same thing i dont want

TG: anything to happen to this one either

GT: This one? That one??

GT: You know your choice of wording is fantastic my bro. But i will say it once and only be dared to repeat it as many times as i deem worthy!

GT: Theyre both jade.

GT: And theyre both damn capable of taking care of themselves! And its not as though youre obligated to hold anyones hand here... but.

GT: Say!

GT: Maybe enter this thing with a mentality that its off the list altogether! Maybe theyd like you to! Because above anything else youre their very near and dear friend!

TG: do you know why jades in the infirmary

TG: the breaking point

TG: of why shes in there in the first place

GT: Shit mister dog. I cant say i do. I cant say im anywhere near understanding!

GT: I only know that.

GT: THAT!!!!

GT: While youre dillydallying around moping both jades are by themselves thinking all of this is their fault!

GT: When its not! Its no ones fault at all!

TG: how am i supposed to be there for both of them

TG: if jadesprite or whatever is going through the same thing jade is

TG: i

TG: i have to put jade first

GT: Holy wowza.

GT: I say what jade needs most is a friend. It doesnt matter where she came from or what shes going through right now! She has to know shes not alone in going through whatever it is shes going through.

GT: And you dont... carry any one person through a friendship. You sit with them and help them up and such! Like good buddies do!

GT: Maybe all of this is falling onto deaf ears but dammit man.

GT: I cant sit by idly while you decide someones... a FRIENDS well being is more important than someone elses.

GT: Its not right of you to decide something like that!

TG: you dont get it

TG: if i dont divide my time right

TG: if i fuck that up real awesome

TG: there might only be one of them and thats

TG: thats the truth

TG: thats the goddamn truth

GT: Its not. You dont look me in the eye and tell me thats the truth.

GT: FUCK THAT GABBLEDGOOK TO BE HONEST! Its not true at all!

GT: People are never defined by their low points. Its how they come back from them is what makes them heroes and such.

GT: Youre strong dave! Stronger than you know! And maybe its not something thats obvious on the forefront but sometimes.

GT: Being strong only needs you to look some BULLSHIT TRUTH in the eye and say...

GT: NOT FUCKING TODAY.

TG: imagine there are two dirks ok

TG: one that youve been married to and one that just recently popped up out of nowhere

GT: Oh ho. Ahaha. BUDDY!!!!

TG: youre on a cliff with both of them

TG: but they both want to jump off

TG: and the only way they dont is if you step in front of them individually

TG: and it holds them off

TG: but theyre just getting farther and farther apart from each other and

TG: they get closer to the edge the more time you take

TG: and misjudging your time at all could mean one goes or they both go

GT: Then i would tell him. I would tell him with my own voice! Both of them!

GT: If he goes im going down with him. I give no fucks!

GT: I came into this knowing what the blazes i was getting into. And by george im sticking it out with him too! Through the very end.

TG: which one

GT: BOTH OF THEM. Theyre both dirk dave dont you get it?

GT: And i love the fucking shit out of dirk.

GT: It doesnt matter who he is or where he came from. Hes the same inside and out.

GT: And you know? I know he loves me too. So he would listen!

TG: yeah

TG: yeah ok

GT: Its not the end you hear me?

TG: i hear you

TG: do you know where she is

TG: jadesprite i mean

GT: She went for a walk i think? Shell be back...

TG: ok let me know if you see her

GT: Sure surely.

GT: And aaaah... dave?

TG: yeah

GT: Sorry about all this hullabaloo. I know youre doing your damndest to keep it together.

GT: And you know? Im proud of you.

TG: thanks jake

GT: Shucks. :(

GT: Youre welcome fam.

TG: did you just say fam

GT: I did! Because youre family!

TG: ill take it

TG: im gonna go find her

GT: GO GEDDER TIGER! *Double pistols after you.* >:)

TG: thumbs up

TG: see ya

GT: Woot!

-- gunhardyTemerity [GT] gave up trolling technologicGodot [TG] --

[transient-tutor]

DEREK: *here they are. NOT in the vr room.* DAVE: -imagine that- DEREK: Hey what a coincidence. The bar is right across the hall. DEREK: Lets talk there. DAVE: -he's kind of weirded out. instinct tells him to be on his guard even if it isn't exactly logical right now. but still.- DAVE: yeah DAVE: ok DEREK: *loosening his jacket to relax after all that, he leads the way into the local establishment and takes a seat at the bar, here with the friendly robot bar tender.* DAVE: -sits next to him, watching that robot bartender- DAVE: you gonna drag this out DEREK: Nah. *taps the bar for it's attention* DEREK: Your mother is pregnant. DAVE: -shakes his head- fuck just get to it already DEREK: ... DEREK: Thats it. DAVE: -stares at him- thats not funny DEREK: Im not tryin to be funny. DEREK: Its true. DEREK: *ORDERS HIS DRINK LIKE GEEZ* DAVE: -looks at him, then the robot, then back at him- no DAVE: what DAVE: how DAVE: no? DEREK: *gives dave a look* DAVE: what DAVE: jesus fucking christ are you serious DEREK: Why the fuck would I joke about something like that? DAVE: you got a twisted sense of humor DEREK: Yeah but not in that way. DAVE: oh my god -puts his face in his hands- oh my god DEREK: *sips the drink the moment it enters his hand.* Yep. DAVE: why would you do that DAVE: youre so old DEREK: Shut the fuck up. DAVE: -mumbles- but im the baby DEREK: ... DEREK: What was that? DAVE: nothing DAVE: whens it like DAVE: movin in DAVE: the thing DAVE: the baby DAVE: oh god DEREK: ... DEREK: *he's gonna need something harder than what hes drinking* DAVE: the eta DEREK: The ETA? What the fuck Dave-- *SIGHS* DEREK: May. DAVE: what the hell DAVE: whos even born in may DAVE: what a random ass month DEREK: What are you even sayin? Jesus Christ. DAVE: who the fuck is born in may DAVE: nobody i know DAVE: nobody on this ship is born in may DAVE: probably DAVE: its probably a myth DAVE: may birthdays DAVE: decembers where its at DAVE: december 3rd DAVE: obviously DEREK: You have a weird ass way of coping with shit you dont wanna hear. DEREK: *which is his fault but you know* DAVE: cant actually happen cuz every strider is apparently born on december 3rd DAVE: so i got news for you DAVE: false alarm DEREK: Boy. DEREK: Its not a false alarm. DEREK: What are you freakin out so much for anyway? DAVE: im not freakin out DAVE: youre freakin out DAVE: may DAVE: unfuckinbelievable DEREK: Im not sure what else I expected. DAVE: dirks gonna call bullshit too DAVE: just wait DEREK: Doubt it. DAVE: just you wait DAVE: fuckin ridiculous DAVE: -gets out his communicator- DAVE: im gonna text mom DAVE: -holds it up threateningly- DEREK: ... Do it. DEREK: Shell tell you the same thing. DAVE: -starts texting gibberish and watching bro's expression for any kind of change- DEREK: *JUST KEEPS STARING AT HIM* DAVE: -puts it down- WHAT THE FUCK

[ardentcupid-blog]

-- ardentCupid [AC] began trolling technologicGodot [TG] -- AC: HELP TG: uh hey TG: whats wrong AC: IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN AC: I CAN'T STOP THINKING TG: oh shit TG: about what AC: EVERYTHING AC: I CANT TG: ok meu thats a lil broad AC: OK AC: I DONT KNOW WHERE TO GO TG: well i mean TG: i got a baby but if you dont mind that you can come to me or i can come to you AC: OH AC: ILL STAY HERE AC: ITS DINE AC: FINE TG: so where are you AC: IT WAS RUFIOHS ROOM TG: so are you cool with me coming or AC: YES TG: and youre cool with dove too AC: YES AC: I THINK SO AC: IM SORRY TG: for what AC: THIS TG: oh dont be TG: on my way now AC: OKAY DAVE: -he arrives at Rufiohs room with dove in his arms because let's be real she's a slow walker. He knocks, waiting- MEULIN: -the response is actually timely, because she happened to be hovering by the door, expectant. She's trying to focus on him coming and being here more than the thoughts in her head. The door opens, and her face is still a little flushed and patchy green, drying streaks of the same color in tears around her eyes. Thankfully, those still have sunglasses on them.- DAVE: -walks on in and nods a greeting to meulin- sup DAVE: this is dove crashin the party DAVE: cant get rid of her DOVE: -she wiggle. She's here and ready to party- MEULIN: OH YEAH... -she sniffs, kind of pulling up her glasses for a second to get a better look. It's a nice distraction, the cute, soft little thing.- SHE'S SO PURRECIOUS... DAVE: dove say hi DAVE: time to help a friend not be sad DAVE: for some reason everyone thinks its adorable when you say somethin but if its from me its somehow not effective DOVE: ha MEULIN: -okay, it's kind of hard not to snicker a little... This baby really is adorable.- UM... -she's moving for the bed to sit.- HI BABY. DAVE: yeah ha meulin DAVE: dove you wanna stay here in my fatherly hold forever or do you wanna wander DOVE: eh -she seems content in the fatherly hold... For now...- MEULIN: ... I CAN'T BELIEVE EFURRYONE HAS SUCH CUTE BABIES HERE. I NEVER GOT TO S33 LITTLE KITS BEFORE NOW. MEULIN: NOT CLOSE UP ANYWAY. DAVE: -good cuz he like holding her- well hey now you have a shit ton of opportunities DAVE: -takes a seat next to meulin- so whats up MEULIN: ... I DON'T KNOW. MEULIN: I... MEULIN: ... CRONUS LEFT. DAVE: -squints- what do you mean DAVE: left how MEULIN: WE WERE TALKING AND-- MEULIN: HE LEFT ME. MEULIN: -it's hard not to tear up again, and she can't stop herself.- MEULIN: I F33L LIKE... I'M TOO BROKEN,  -she confesses, the second half of the phrase curling into a painful sob.- DAVE: were you together DAVE: like dating or something sorry im just not caught up on this shit MEULIN: NN-- NO, THAT'S... MEULIN: HE... WE WERE TALKING ABOUT IT. ABOUT QUADRANTS. DAVE: ok so he physically left -bounces dove a little- MEULIN: YEAH.... DAVE: so what about quadrants MEULIN: ... -she has to think for a bit, try to replay everything and not let the terrible, heavy feeling overwhelm her.- MEULIN: WE WERE... SAYING THAT MAYBE. WE FELT FLUSHED FUR EACH OTHER. BUT I... MEULIN: SAID THAT I COULDN'T... DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT. IF I WANTED TO DO ANYTHING. DAVE: so thats why he got mad and ditched you MEULIN: -she just nods, unsure what else to say- DAVE: ok sorry but thats kind of rude as fuck to you MEULIN: HE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS BECAUSE OF HIM... MEULIN: THAT IT WAS HIS FAULT. DAVE: how MEULIN: BECAUSE I COULDN'T TELL HIM... THE REAL REASON. DAVE: whats the real reason MEULIN: ... EFURRYTHING THAT HAPPENED TO ME. BEFORE. DAVE: -glances at dove and nods. he gets it. he definitely gets it- yeah DAVE: thats understandable DAVE: kind of hard to open up about the real reason when you already feel fucked up MEULIN: -she's quiet. It's so much of what she can feel about it, it's hard to separate the bad things from what could be good. But at least he seems to get it.- DAVE: -he does get it, more than anyone else she could talk to, probably. and maybe he doesn't completely understand why.- maybe its worth DAVE: trying to tell him about it MEULIN: -Maybe it is worth it. But can she actually manage it? That's the question.- MEULIN: ... IT'S HARD. WHEN I THINK ABOUT IT. AND I'M SCARED. DAVE: yeah talkin about it just DAVE: sucks in general DAVE: but sometimes its better if you do MEULIN: -it's hard to digest, but she's trying. She knows it would explain things to him, but she doesn't know how to trudge through everything. She... Hadn't really explained it to anyone. Not really. Only Aranea knew the extent of it, and only because she had seen it directly. But the guilt and the fear was thick and heavy, all of it seeming so fresh in her mind. The fact that it wasn't in reality only seemed to make it harder to swallow. She had lived so long with blood on her hands, so oblivious. Or maybe just unwilling to see. That thought, too, terrified her.- MEULIN: I... DON'T KNOW IF HE'LL UNDERSTAND. MEULIN: I DON'T KNOW IF I DO. DAVE: well DAVE: its a risk DAVE: but from my experience talkin about it with someone you trust kinda helps you work it out too MEULIN: -after another pause of silence, she nods. it's worth a shot, maybe. she doesn't want to continue like this, in any case. and. the thought of being without him, too, hurts. she just... has to be strong enough to try.- DAVE: -he puts the arm not holding baby around her in a friendly comforting manner. and he'll stay here as long as she needs him to-

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0416

DIRK: -lunch time biptches. sleepy captain coming through.-

DAVE: -here he be with his communicator out, looking around the room like he's...taking a picture? maybe? he faces it toward his sleepy brother- dude dont move DAVE: dont make a sound DAVE: stay still

DIRK: -tiredly eating cereal when dave approaches him.- Fine. Do what you gotta do to be the best like no one ever was or whatever.

DAVE: wow DAVE: disrespectful -swipes his finger over the screen- got it DAVE: finally added dumb nerd to my collection DAVE: shit

DIRK: You must be pretty bad at that game, then. This place is lousy with dumb nerds.

DAVE: you dont understand -plops down across from him- there is only one captain dumb nerd DAVE: and its you DAVE: you slippery motherfucker

DIRK: That's fair. I guess I'll give you some credit, then. -pushes the cereal around in the bowl- DIRK: Are you ready for the meeting tonight? It should be... something.

DAVE: -watches him as he stirs his cereal- yeah DAVE: i mean DAVE: is it even somethin you can be ready for technically DAVE: its somethin thats gotta happen

DAVE: youre gonna rock it btw

DAVE: dont let that go to your head

DAVE: or im gonna dunk you

JOHN: - look it's friends. he wonders what they're discussing and approaches with a bowl in hand. -

DAVE: -what KIND of bowl john-

DAVE: -will i have to confiscate it-

DAVE: -B)-

DIRK: -yes let's get lit before the meeting please-

JOHN: - ayyyyyy. it's fruity pebbles. -

DIRK: Thanks, Dave. I will try to keep my ego in check. -oh shit cereal buddies-

JOHN: - Homfnomnom- hahaha good luck with that one.

DIRK: Who asked you, John?

DAVE: hes a doctor he can say whatever he wants unprompted

JOHN: finally somebody around here makes sense. never thought it would be dave but

DAVE: im the most goddamn profound person on this ship

DIRK: You have your moments. But it's difficult to acknowledge your wisdom when you have that weird baby face.

DAVE: the fuck you talking about weird DAVE: everyone in the family wishes they had this

UNCLE BRO: -FAM-

JOHN: i do love babies though. - tries to pinch Dave's cheek-

DAVE: -smacks his hand- no

JOHN: - worms hand around >:B-

DIRK: -leans to pinch dave's other cheek while he's distracted fending off john.-

DAVE: -smack's dirk's hand- what the fuck DAVE: im gonna arrest the hell out of you

JOHN: arrested for loving babies too much. what is this ship coming to? - pinch pinch.-

DIRK: This is no law introduced by your fearless leader, that's for sure. -pinches with other hand while he's being smacked-

DAVE: -flailing his arms at both of them, it's actually pretty hilarious- why DAVE: come on DAVE: dude!

JAKE: -someone's talking about babies? Jake is running in here for a quick lunch break.- What ho compatriots!!! JAKE: And john. -says it in such a TONE-

JOHN:...???

JOHN: - wtf brother y u front-

JAKE: -STRONG CLAPS john on the back. You know he's only messing with you!- And how are we all this fine afternoon! Did i hear mention of an arrest?

DAVE: dirk did your fiance just call us hos

DIRK: Did you just call us ho comp-- Dammit Dave.

JOHN: - hrk! splashes some of his milk- hahaha what?

JAKE: -such eye rolling- Obviously its the one way im gaurenteed to break the ice! JAKE: Or hobviously rather. Its a damn flexible word thats for sure!

DAVE: ok dirk may be a ho DAVE: i aint no ho

DIRK: -looks at jake with his chin in his hands. jake knows dirk's a ho. he doesn't have to say it.-

JAKE: For christs sake no one is challenging anyones hoish validity! -Stop looking at him, Dirk.-

JAKE: Existant or otherwise!

JOHN: - snickers immaturely. -

DAVE: (yous a ho) DAVE: (ho) DAVE: (yous a ho) DAVE: (ho) DAVE: (yous a ho) DAVE: (i say that yous a ho)

JAKE: -stares at dave.- ...Is he whispering?

DIRK: He's rapping to himself. Like he thinks no one can hear him.

DIRK: -glances at the time. has he been eating cereal for like 5 hours? yikes.- Shit. I gotta get everything prepped for the meeting. DIRK: -rises- I'll see you all there. -skedaddles, but not before giving jake a cheek smooch.-

DAVE: YOU DOIN HO ACTIVITIES DAVE: WITH HO TENDENCIES DAVE: HOES ARE YOUR FRIENDS DAVE: HOES ARE YOUR ENEMIES

DIRK: -oh my GOD-

JAKE: -SHUCKS. What a milky smooch. Kinda squinting at Dave in a lot of confusion.- ??????????? -WHY HE SCREAM.-

JOHN: you're such a weirdo. - messes up Dave's hair and rushes away. -

DAVE: with ho energy to do what you do DAVE: blew what you blew DAVE: screw what you screw

JAKE: -left to gaze awkwardly at his future brother in law.- ...............

DAVE: (yall professional like dj clue) DAVE: (pullin on my coat tail) DAVE: (and why do you think you take a ho to a hotel)

JAKE: -mumbles coat tail and ho-tail to himself. By god they rhyme.-

DAVE: ho tell everybody DAVE: even the MAYOR DAVE: (everyone loves the mayor) DAVE: reach up in the sky for the ho zone layer(edited)

JAKE: -slowly puts up hands. Should he... is this a song someone dances to? He just wants to understand.-

DAVE: come on playa once a ho always DAVE: and hoes never close they open like hallways DAVE: and heres a ho cake for you whole ho crew DAVE: and everybody wants some cuz hoes gotta eat too

JAKE: (La cucaracha la cucaracha.) -bobs around-

DAVE: ho (ho) DAVE: yous a ho (ho) DAVE: yous a ho (ho) DAVE: i said that yous a ho (ho) DAVE: cant turn a ho into a housewife hoes dont act right DAVE: theres hoes on a mission and theres hoes on a crackpipe

DIRK: -ok he is pausing in the upper level to watch this for a moment. fucking incredible.-

JAKE: -just gives up and tap dances the rest of the lyrics here. Hotcha cha cha cha.-

DAVE: -ok this is great. looks up at dirk- HEY HO HOW YA DOIN WHERE YA BEEN DAVE: probably doin ho stuff cuz there you ho again DAVE: its a ho wide world that we livin in DAVE: feline feminine fantastical captains DAVE: not all just some DAVE: you ho who you are

DIRK: -what excellent timing.-

JAKE: -really bad beatboxing and swings himself around. Finger waggling and hand on his hip.-

DIRK: Holy shit.

DIRK: -ok, he's taking a video-

DAVE: theres hoes in the room theres hoes in the car DAVE: theres hoes on stage theres hoes by the bar DAVE: hoes by near and hoes by far DAVE: ho but can i get a ride DAVE: no come on why DAVE: cuz yous a ho (ho) DAVE: yous a ho (ho) DAVE: yous a ho (ho) DAVE: i said that yous a ho (ho)

JAKE: -leg kicks, which look fantastic with his short uniform shorts.-

DIRK: -eyes-

DAVE: you gotta run in your panty ho DAVE: even our daddy knows DAVE: that you suckin down chocolate like daddyos DAVE: you hoes are horrible horrendous DAVE: on taxes yall writin off hoes as dependents DAVE: i see the ho risin it aint surprisin DAVE: its just a hoasis with ugly ass faces DAVE: but hoes dont feel so sad and blue DAVE: cuz most of us here DAVE: is hoes too

DIRK: -ok he's running now. BYE.-

[cranktankerousgeneticist-blog]

KARKAT: *Knock knock brofo, Karkat is barging his way into Dave's office and goes to sit down*

KARKAT: SO THIS IS A REAL SHITSHOW.

DAVE: -he glances up from his laptop behind his desk and nods- yeah you think

DAVE: i mean i appreciate the announcement but

KARKAT: BUT YOU'VE BEEN BURYING YOURSELF IN WORK SINCE IT'S HAPPENED? I FEEL LIKE YOU HAVEN'T GIVEN YOURSELF A BREAK SINCE.

DAVE: i took a break with bro in the waiting room

DAVE: that was long enough

KARKAT: SORRY IF I'M BEING OVERLY PICKY BUT I FEEL LIKE THE WAITING ROOM ISN'T EXACTLY A PLACE TO CLEAR YOUR HEAD AND REST UP.

KARKAT: SPEAKING OF, WHAT DID YOU LAST HEAR?

DAVE: -he shrugs- its all been vague

DAVE: like hes stable but in a coma so

KARKAT: HE'S STABLE AT LEAST WHICH IS A HELL OF A LOT BETTER THAN OTHER ALTERNATIVES.

KARKAT: AND HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?

DAVE: yeah that much is true

DAVE: -spins around in his seat-

DAVE: i mean

DAVE: my uncles in a coma

DAVE: but other than that

DAVE: cant complain or whatever

KARKAT: YOU CAN ALWAYS COMPLAIN DAVE. YOU'RE PRETTY GOOD AT THAT.

KARKAT: BUT I ALSO MEAN ON A PERSONAL LEVEL AND A PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.

KARKAT: YOU HAVE TO HOLD AND DETAIN THE BULGEWAD THAT STABBED YOUR UNCLE AND NOT TREAT HIM ANY DIFFERENTLY THAN YOU WOULD ANY CRIMINAL.

KARKAT: ALSO IT'S A LOT STRESS IN GENERAL.

KARKAT: AND YOU KNOW THIS JUST CAUSES MORE UNREST ON TOP OF THE UNREST OF THE FORMER BEFORAN EMPRESS BEING ON BOARD.

DAVE: i treat him differently off the clock -shrugs-

KARKAT: *stands and goes to stop his spinning* COME ON DAVE, YOU KNOW THERE IS NO "OFF THE CLOCK".

DAVE: -shrugs again-

KARKAT: *stoops down a little* DAVE.

DAVE: what

KARKAT: WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, MAN. TALK TO ME.

KARKAT: THIS IS A LOT OF SHIT TO DEAL WITH.

DAVE: -he sighs-

DAVE: i went down there and asked him why he did it and shit

DAVE: kind of lectured him i guess

DAVE: i got a little mad

DAVE: thats my uncle you know

KARKAT: YES DAVE I DO KNOW, AND AT LEAST YOU ONLY CHEWED HIM OUT. NOW WHAT ABOUT THIS WHOLE MESS? *rubs his shoulder*

DAVE: -his expression softens- what

DAVE: are you calling me a mess

KARKAT: WELL IT'S NOT INACCURATE BUT I MEAN THE CHANCES OF MORE VIOLENT ATTACKS LIKE THIS.

DAVE: its hard to like come up with shit while dirk is feelin the way he is

DAVE: the last thing i want to do is let somebody hurt him

DAVE: if they disagree or whatever

DAVE: what rufioh did it was just so

DAVE: god i never saw it coming?

KARKAT: HE'S FROM BEFORUS MAN, HE PROBABLY FEELS LIKE HIS PLANET, HIS FRIENDS THERE, WOULD STILL BE ALIVE IF NOT FOR CHOICES SHE MADE.

KARKAT: YOU HAVE TO THINK OF WHAT SHE ALSO REPRESENTS TO THE BEFORANS WE HAVE HERE.

DAVE: yeah i get that but like

DAVE: it was my uncle who got stabbed

DAVE: i guess theyre dating?

DAVE: my uncle and the empress

KARKAT: MAYBE? HONESTLY I DON'T FUCKING DOUBT IT BUT IF HE'S OUT TO PROTECT HER TAKING A STAB SEEMS LIKE THE THING THAT WOULD HAPPEN.

DAVE: ok but when i watched it happen

DAVE: rufioh went straight to him

DAVE: and intentionally stabbed him

DAVE: you know

KARKAT: YEAH, I WASN'T THERE. DID SOMETHING HAPPEN BETWEEN THEM?

DAVE: he mentioned that he brought her here

DAVE: took responsibility

KARKAT: WELL SHIT. THERE'S THAT. AND I'M GUESSING THEY GOT INTO IT THEN?

KARKAT: NOT THAT I'M TRYING TO JUSTIFY HOW HE GOT HURT I'M JUST TRYING TO MAKE SENSE OF THE SITUATION.

DAVE: no they didnt

DAVE: there was no fight involved

DAVE: seriously rufioh just disappearead and reappeared in front of him and stabbed him

KARKAT: ....UGH. REALLY?

DAVE: really

DAVE: then i disarmed him and arrested him and detained him

KARKAT: IT'S MORE OF THAT POWER BULLSHIT, I FEEL IT. I CAN FUCKING FEEL IT. AS IF ASSHOLES WEREN'T DANGEROUS ENOUGH.

DAVE: i dunno man

DAVE: it feels like shits goin down larger than we expected

DAVE: internal threats

DAVE: now its not the outside im worried about at all

DAVE: its the people we sleep next to

KARKAT: SO WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT THAT?

DAVE: fuck

DAVE: i cant just go accusin people without evidence

KARKAT: WELL NO SHIT, BUT THERE'S OTHER THINGS WE CAN DO MAN.

DAVE: like what

DAVE: -looks at him like karkat please help me-

KARKAT: *Sympathetic look* WELL, YOU CAN CALL IN THE SECURITY TEAM AND HAVE A BRIEF MEETING ABOUT IT.

KARKAT: THEY PROBABLY HAVE MIXED FEELINGS WITH THE BEFORAN EMPRESS ON BOARD.

KARKAT: TELL THEM THATWE JUST NEED TO TRUST THE CAPTAIN AND KEEP THE PEACE.

DAVE: yeah -nods-

KARKAT: WE DON'T DO ANYONE BUT THE ENEMY FAVORS IN FIGHTING EACH OTHER.

DAVE: hopefully everyones compliant

DAVE: -nods. karkat is such a wise-

KARKAT: I'M SURE THEY WILL BE, AND THEY CAN PASS THAT ONTO THEIR FRIENDS THAT AREN'T IN SECURITY.

KARKAT: ALSO TO TROUBLEMAKERS THEY STOP. YOU GOT THIS MAN.

KARKAT: *shoulder pats*

DAVE: thanks

DAVE: sometimes i wonder if you should still be here

DAVE: like in this spot

KARKAT: REALLY? I MEAN, IT'S UNDERSTANDABLE WITH ALL THE STRESS BUT DO YOU LIKE THE JOB?

DAVE: -nods- yeah its

DAVE: more than id ever thought id have

KARKAT: AND YOU'RE DOING A GOOD JOB.

DAVE: do you think so or are you just saying that

KARKAT: DAVE.

KARKAT: WHAT THE FUCK.

DAVE: well i mean you might feel obligated

KARKAT: NO, IF YOU WERE DOING A SHITTY JOB I WOULD TELL YOU BECAUSE YOUR DECISIONS EFFECT OTHER PEOPLE AND IT DOES YOU NO GOOD TO LIE TO YOU.

KARKAT: YOU'RE REALLY, GENUINELY DOING A GOOD JOB MAN.

DAVE: -nods, trying to accept it- thanks

KARKAT: *caresses his cheek* YOU'RE NOT GIVING YOURSELF ANY CREDIT SO I HAVE TO.

DAVE: -can't help but lean his cheek into his hand. closes his eyes behind his shades- right

DAVE: workin on that

KARKAT: AT LEAST IT'S A WORK IN PROGRESS RIGHT?

DAVE: -nods again and just...leans his head against him-

KARKAT: *hugs him close and firmly, maybe more firmly than he used to because he's been learning how to control himself* COME TAKE A PROPER BREAK.

DAVE: ok -if anyone's gonna convince him, it's karkat-

KARKAT: GOOD. *kisses his forehead and stands back* ALRIGHT, UP YOU GO.

DAVE: -he stands, maybe reaching for his hand with an expression like he isn't doing anything. that's just how it is today- where are we going

KARKAT: *takes that hand and holds it, pulling him.* I DON'T KNOW. DIRK TOLD ME TO MAKE USE OF THE VR ROOM. WE CAN DO SOMETHING THERE TO SEPARATE FROM ALL THIS SHIT.

DAVE: -lets himself be pulled- works for me

DAVE: lets do somethin ridiculous

KARKAT: IF YOU WANT RIDICULOUS I SHOULD SHOW YOU MY LUSUS. *walks on out of there*

DAVE: is that possible to see in the vr room

KARKAT: I ACTUALLY DON'T KNOW, MAYBE. I'M STILL TOYING AROUND WITH IT.

DAVE: i guess were gonna find out

KARKAT: *Guides Dave to the VR room in hopes to improve his mood at least a little*

DAVE: -what a great momo- 

[gulescamisade]

Alaska:  Day 9, Hot Springs and Biotech

[[ As the group moves carefully through the cave system, accompanied only by occasional sounds of dripping water, and small pattering sounds, they are also able to detect a trickling far steadier than the distinct drips in the duration of their walk. Something exceptionally weird to note: the coolness within the cave miraculously appears to dissipate the more they travel. ]]

REDGLARE: -weird but not at all to question a good thing. Their protection against the elements is hardly adequate... perhaps they've stumbled across some underground stream? The liquid from the stalactites are hardly adequate.-

[[ Better than an underground stream. As they turn a bend in the caves, an underground hot springs seems too good to be true. But there it is. In front of them. Waiting. ]]

REDGLARE: -SHE... SHE THOUGHT THEY COULDN'T POSSIBLY BE SERIOUS ABOUT HOT SPRINGS??? THEY'RE REAL AND ACTUALLY HERE????-

[[ Absolutely. Happy Wriggling Day, everyone. Except you, Dave. Happy Forced Exit from the Womb Day. ]]

REDGLARE: -shes stripping down for the water. WHO CARES WHO SEES WHAT AT THIS POINT. her wings have been aching and her leg is... her leg is NOT GREAT. it actually stings sharply as she lowers herself into one of the pools.-

[[ Good thing the water isn't searing hot since Redglare didnt check the temperature and might as well have cannonballed in. The water temperature itself is pleasant, much like a very very warm bath. There are even bubbles rising to the surface. Yall have your very own hot tub. ]]

NYALAH: -the days have been one dizzying painful black out to the next. She was barely able to crawl into consciousness now, much less make it standing up on her own. Her side was in a painful mend by this point, her body suffering from a lack of food or water.-

NYALAH: -despite her commitment to silence the whole time they were exploring and dodging biotech zombies, surviving the blizzard, Nyalah was forcing herself to stagger after Redglare. Also discovering the hot springs as they happen.-

NYALAH: -breath shallow from the effort and the hand clutching at her side, she follows suit, not even bothering to remove her own clothes. The dunking is nigh.-

NYALAH: hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh -as the warm water touches her skin. Her body is going to have a time adjusting but at the same time, she gives little next to no shits about the risk of hyperthermia. The cat troll grits her teeth and shivers, lowering into the water.- mmmmmmh

DAVE: -getting in while in his boxers is a bad idea, considering that if his boxers get wet it's gonna be a hell of a time trying to get them dry again. and with his sensitive human skin, he really has no choice but to do what he needs to to get in there- ok im getting nude heads up DAVE: if you dont want to see my frozen dick look away -with his back in bad shape, getting his boxers off is QUITE the task-

REDGLARE: You don't h4v3 to 1ntroduc3 1t to us. -guh. pets Nyalah's head. She knows a little too little about wilderness survival to consider what the next step AFTER this would be, or how bad it would be to try wandering out into the cold after getting soaking wet, but whatever. This is. pretty ok.-

NYALAH: (i love to die) -whispers at Redglare. Even in near death, she meme.-

KARKAT: =It's a 12th perigees miracle. He's going to help Dave with his undies like a good rail then help him in and also get the fuck in himself= I've never been happier to lose a fucking bet.

DAVE: -thanks karkat. he manages to get inside and FUCK ITS SO WARM IT MAKES HIS ENTIRE BODY TINGLE-

KARKAT: =it's hot as hell but guess what he's going to drink this water too becauae goddamn=

REDGLARE: -GODDAMN IS RIGHT-

NYALAH: -gargles water and ends up spitting it up. Her wide open broken horn is TOO SEARINGLY AWARE of temperature changes. Also she is probably making the water around her a kool-aid olive green.-

REDGLARE: -this is probably unsanitary what with HER open wound discoloring the water too.-

KARKAT: =to hell with sanitation tbh=

DAVE: -at least it's warm-

KARKAT: =his gills were dry and cracking and are now filtering their blood and various bacteria. YES. AT LEAST IS WARM=

NYALAH: -sighs, finally.... finally breathing easy.-

NYALAH: ....

NYALAH: this sucks

[[ Good thing that the temperature of the springs is hot enough to kill bacteria! They're getting clean, their wounds are being sanitized, and now they have plenty of water. No dehydration happening any time soon! ]]

NYALAH: -still sucks.-

REDGLARE: 1t d03s.

KARKAT: =Can the water also drown him? Plz, thnx. Hisses softly and just. Bye forever, sinks into it=

DAVE: -he's just gritting his teeth and letting himself settle-

NYALAH: -rests her head on the back of a rock.- i died like thr33 times

NYALAH: -sniffs-

NYALAH: what if steak happens right now i would eat so much

NYALAH: and have whipped cream donuts for desserts

REDGLARE: -She laughs, eyes sinking shut as she just... leans back.-

REDGLARE: th3r3's b4ts.

REDGLARE: 4lmost 4s good.

BATS: =how very dare??=

NYALAH: yeh rabies gives it flavor

DAVE: -peeks down to see where the fuck karkat went-

KARKAT: =hes just letting his gills get some use=

REDGLARE: C4n't b3 th3 worst of our probl3ms.

REDGLARE: -nudges at her weakly.-

REDGLARE: H4v3n't you h4d your shots.

NYALAH: -rrrrrs, eyes going a little glinty- could go for some shots

MINDFANG: -She is into the hot water up to her neck and it is the greatest feeling for her battered rib cage and near frozen extremities, its near god damn euphoric.-

NYALAH: ...

NYALAH: o shit

NYALAH: -reaches into her pocket and pulls out a WHOLE DRENCHED WEED.-

NYALAH: ................................ -snRRRRKS.-

NYALAH: they never took it

KARKAT: =eyeballs the wet weed and emerges slowly= What, you making tea?

REDGLARE: -She opens up her eye to look at it.-

REDGLARE: -snorts...-

DAVE: oh shit

DAVE: find a way for us to consume it effectively

MINDFANG: -Opens one eye at Nyahla and sees the one whole weed.-

MINDFANG: -Snrks.- You are quite the smuggler.

NYALAH: -she's too busy wheezing about the stupid doobie but also eyeballs everyone.- yes

NYALAH: -totally obligated to make nip tea now. Fuck.-

DAVE: you had pain relief all this time

NYALAH: no cups tho

NYALAH: ...

NYALAH: -just eats a piece of this blunt.-

REDGLARE: ...

REDGLARE: 1s th4t-

REDGLARE: c4n you do th4t?

REDGLARE: -squints...-

DAVE: thats one way to go about it

NYALAH: its nip

NYALAH: yes -Cat trolls do it all the time, just ask them.-

NYALAH: -passes redglare the bit weed-

KARKAT: Great just nibble a little of it. =sinks back in the water and sighs out his nose÷

MITUNA: -Doing a dead mans float in the water-

MINDFANG: -Is Mituna even alive-

DAVE: -ME NEXT ME NEXT-

REDGLARE: -nibbles and passes...-

MITUNA: -Unfortunately, he is very much alive-

MINDFANG: -You crazy kids and your wet weed nibbling.-

[[ The small pattering sounds return, little by little. ]]

REDGLARE: -Frowns, sitting up.-

[[ pitterpatter ]]

MINDFANG: -She rises out of the water some by sitting up straighter at the sound, and looking in the direction of where it is coming from if she can pinpoint it.- .......

KARKAT: =fins flick towards it, he will fucking eat whatever this is. He doesn't care anymore=

DAVE: -What the fuck NOW?!-

MINDFANG: -If its more wolves she is going to be pissed.-

NYALAH: -also rises, hiss faint in her throat.-

REDGLARE: -hefting that rock club and climbs out of the water ass naked to fight a wolf- >;I

DAVE: - he has no choice but to wait-

KARKAT: =redglares not going it alone. Here comes gives-none-fucks vantas=

MINDFANG: -Shes moving towards the edge and slowly lifting herself out of the water. Its difficult for her to want to leave the warmth thats soothing her body aches but danger takes priority.-

NYALAH: -low key 👀emojis tbh. I mean. If this is how it ends for Nyalah. Sure.-

[[ It's not a wolf....but a fish! An eyeless cave fish, to be precise. Isn't nature amazing? Except it's body is lying parallel to the floor, away from any water source. It flops. ]]

CAVE FISH: =flop flop flop!=

NYALAH: -mmmm oh my god. She's so hungry.-

KARKAT: =Alright, great he really will eat that. But more like eyeball it then approach... where did it come from?=

MINDFANG: -Stares at the eyeless fish. On one hand, potential food source. On the other, suspicion of any earth life form after the wolf incident.-

MINDFANG: Curious.

DAVE: does it have teeth  

NYALAH: -👁️👁️- i do

REDGLARE: To h3ll w1th 1t. -SORRY FISH. she's just gonna casually bash its head.- 1t's food.

[[ As soon as she does this, it twists around, revealing some biotech embedded into its side. Sprouting four, thin, metal limbs, it begins pattering back and forth, appearing somewhat confused. ]]

MINDFANG: -HHHHH. Of course.-

KARKAT: =LIFTS A ROCK. A BIG ROCK. TOO BIG FOR THE LITTLE BIOTECH=

MINDFANG: -She is doing the same as Karkat, only her rock is a bit smaller. Not everyone can have seadweller strength.-

KARKAT: =He's just frustrated and sick of all of every single turd. SMASHES it on the small thing=

DAVE: OH FUCK NO

KARKAT: =He'll do you this solid for not being an entire ass this whole time. Thanks for that, he appreciates it 👍=

[[ It deded. ]]

[[ Splat. ]]

[[ There is more skittering in the distance. ]]

REDGLARE: Sh1t. sh1t. -She got her hopes up, for a second. A second too long.-

SEAKRAIT: -And in the darkness of this area of cave she rolls in seemingly from nowhere, accompanied by... you know, some more friends.-

[[ Lampetra and some more angry Earth animals, specifically. ]]

MINDFANG: -Annnnnnnnd it just got worse.-

MINDFANG: -Shes not putting down her rock for you jerks.-

LAMPETRA: =Hello friends!=

NYALAH: -Endless torment. She hisses.-

KARKAT: =LIFTS HIS ROCK AGAIN.=

KARKAT: =He will bowl you hoes, wordlessly. Fuck you. All the way. 500%=

REDGLARE: Wh4t 4r3 you do1ng h3r3? -SHE'S WET AND NAKED AND THERE ARE JUST SO MANY HORRIBLE MONSTERS-

SEAKRAIT: -She's taking this chance in the larger cave space to put her back against Lampetra's and stand her ground against the scuttling creatures; there's a snowshoe hare, more wolves, a couple lynxes, oh and also A FUCKING BEAR.-

LAMPETRA: Just like old times, Huh?

SEAKRAIT: \|/e came to-- -FUCK. She's slicing at a leaping wolf.-

LAMPETRA: =He's batting aside a crazed bunny with his shield=

KARKAT: =FOR SOME REASON HE DOESN'T WANT TO BOWL THE BEAR= Oh good. The animals are doing our work for us. AND YET I CAN'T HELP BUT WANT TO ASSIST THEM. HMM. WEIRD!

REDGLARE: -Limping towards them and the fight. She's barely armed but she's still going to swing her rock down at one of the lynxes.-

KARKAT: =Redglare you missed the assholes.=

REDGLARE: Hff. N3v3rm1nd. Th4t c4n w41t. Wh4t 4r3 th3y.

KARKAT: =Growls, chucks a rock at a bear. Whatever.=

DAVE: -he's gonna need help out of this spring when everything calms down. for now, he watches-

NYALAH: -she can't possibly hope to defend herself in this state. Her side is still splitting with pain and fear is keeping her immobile for the moment. Does her best to wiggle out of the water at least.-

MINDFANG: I highly agree with that feeling. -It would be great if the animals killed those two. Although then she wouldnt get the chance to try and do it herself.... damn. Looks like shes helping.-

MINDFANG: -Time to punch another wolf in the face.-

LAMPETRA: =He raised his shield as the rabbit forcibly leapt at them, making a dull THONK against the metal.=

LAMPETRA: Long story short, Alternia dove too deep in trying to enhance biologicial technology. It became sentient.

NYALAH: -actually laughs over in her corner. Don't look at her.- nah shit bruh

[[ The lynx Redglare clonked staggered backward, only to move toward her, it's limbs contorting as it was forced forward again. ]]

SEAKRAIT: -huffs and slings her axe again, trying to batter the wolf down long enough that she can hit the exposed bioware-

REDGLARE: -As long as this club holds out, she's going to keep bashing, teeth gritted, looking for that horrible little thing keeping the corpse moving. SHES ALREADY KIND OF SHAKING.-

REDGLARE: How m4ny mor3?

[[ The bear roars an unnatural bear sound and charges at Karkat. ]]

LAMPETRA: Lots??

NYALAH: -curls in some elevated spot, possibly protecting Dave.-

KARKAT: =did it like the rock? He think that means yes. Alright. Time to sock it in its cute angry face with fish fist=

MINDFANG: And you had the pleasure of leading them all this way. -She growls and attacks one of the wolves with her strong robot fist while trying to locate the bioware to rip it out.-

[[ Eventually, Redglare's rapid, continuous bashing manages to strike precisely upon the bit of tech burrowed behind the ear of the lynx. The animal no longer moves. ]]

SEAKRAIT: -SLICE goes this biowolf, and she's spinning around to throw her axe toward the bear's back now that it's distracted. Bye axe tho...-

DAVE: -nyalah you're a babe-

DAVE: -keepin calm...-

NYALAH: -dave youre really nude rn.-

LAMPETRA: =Without having to spare a glance over his shoulder, he swung his shield around him and Seakrait, knocking back another wolf as it leapt at them.=

MITUNA: -Still floating in the water-

BIOBUNNY: =I'LL BITE YER LEGS OFF=

LAMPETRA: =kicks it!= This is just freaky, man!

BIOBUNNY: =flies off into the darkness=

SEAKRAIT: -bye bunnicula...-

DAVE: -i'm super naked yes but i am in this spring-

NYALAH: -now would be such a great selfie time tbh.-

NYALAH: -but alas...-

[[ The bear ROARS at the axe and the punch to the face. The axe hit a piece of bioware, but not the whole thing; it's sort of limping now, trying to wrestle Karkat. ]]

DAVE: -my camera was taken :(-

KARKAT: =dont worry they can kick the camera out these guys after fightingthese animals. Karkat quick to catch on at least foing to grab the bear muzzle to rip out the rest of the bioware.=

[[ The wolf does not appreciate Mindfang's groping and goes to nom her arm. But her efforts are partially successful. Her searching has uncovered biotech beneath the fur at its jawline. ]]

BEAR: -COLLAPSES HEAVY and probably a good bit onto Karkat. A blanket.-

MINDFANG: -It doesn't feel good to have it chewing on her circuits, but its better then having it chew on any other part of her. She grits her teeth and tries to hold it back like this while she claws at the biotech with her other hand.-

SEAKRAIT: -spin kicks another lynx; the animal parade is ALMOST done for now. This should be easy cleanup if they keep at it-

KARKAT: =Cozy as this is he throws the bear husk on some other animals. Dangerously close to Seakrait and Lampetra=

REDGLARE: -She is at least partially motivated by spite as she tries to rip the axe out of the bear's back, swinging down at the MONSTROSITIES.-

LAMPETRA: =at Karkat= :\ =Hey man, uncool.=

DAVE: -ARE YOU REALLY SAYING WHAT'S UNCOOL RIGHT NOW-

KARKAT: =He stares back, he doesn't fucking care=

SEAKRAIT: -ITS WHATEVER MAN. She leans out of the way with a pant-

NYALAH: -put some pants on, Dave. Nyalah is handing him her own pair of pants. She can stand around in boxers, it's fine.-

[[ Redglare's strife specibus switches from CLUBKIND to AXEKIND in a hilarious turn of events. ]]

NYALAH: -👀 -

[[ It's easy for Mindfang to feel around as the wolf is preoccupied with her other arm. Just be careful that the wiring doesnt consider you to be a better host! ]]

DAVE: -carefully uses arm strength alone to get himself OUT of the hotsprings despite thow bad it's making the pain shoot through his arms, too. his boxers are still right there, so he thankfully tries to maneuver the boxers AND nyalah's pants on-

NYALAH: -Finally. The dicks out thing was being really distracting.-

REDGLARE: -PROBABLY LOSES HER STALAGMITE AS A RESULT but whatever. ITS COOL. I mean it does kinda suck when someone takes your signature weapon though RIGHT- REDGLARE: -I MEAN GOSH THAT MUST REALLY SUCK-

[[ The stalagmite is indeed launched out of Redglare's hands, where it hits the rabbit squarely in the face as it reemerged from the shadows. ]]

MINDFANG: -IT BETTER NOT. Shes going to rip it out with her bare hand and try and crush it as fast as possible. Before her arm gets any more dented from these chomps.-

SEAKRAIT: Redglare! -decidedly tosses RG's cane her way now that the flurry of animal parts are slightly less encroaching. Glances around at the sea of faces and also ejects Dave's sword in his general direction-

REDGLARE: -WOW pettiness must really work......-

MITUNA: -Rises from the water, psionic energy skittering along his body. There's a lot of chaos happening. People fighting animals, two of those assholes that hurt them are here too. The screams hurt, makes it hard to focus, but his eyes start glowing.-

REDGLARE: -SKIDS THE AXE TOWARDS HER IN TURN as she catches it-

REDGLARE: ... th4nks.

DAVE: -YOU COULD HAVE IGNORED IT-

DAVE: -wait a second...tHATS HIS SWORD!!! AHH!!! HE GRABS IT-

KARKAT: =WHAT GOOD COP BAD COP BULLSHIT IS THIS=

NYALAH: -she wishes she was high right now. Hey cops. Where'd you put all her weed.-

MITUNA: -He's a chargin his lazor-

KARKAT: =please fry them=

REDGLARE: -WE ALL ATE IT NYALAH KEEP UP-

NYALAH: -she meant when they EMPTIED HER SYLLADEX but okay Rg. 👀-

SEAKRAIT: -we know nothing about any weed... no but really she nods at Redglare and scoops her axe back up to decidedly throw it down on this goddamn hare. STAY DOWN FOREVER.-

REDGLARE: -She stumbles under her own weigh, some of the adrenaline ebbing away as she manages to keep herself from falling by leaning on the stick. It's kind of a stumble but she's gonna try to dress herself at least slightly.-

[[ The hare as well as the biotech upon it is decidedly crushed, hopefully for the final time. It is still. ]]

NYALAH: -Lame. Oh well. It was worth it.-

SEAKRAIT: -wait fuck that's psionic energy over there. She grabs Lampetra's arm like WE SHOULD PROBS MOVE-

KARKAT: =nono, stay right there=

LAMPETRA: =Gets out of way, following after her. Maybe puts his shield to good use too.=

MITUNA: -HE'S A FIRIN HIS LAZOR BWWWWAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH-

NYALAH: B00

KARKAT: =good yes.=

[[ IT'S SUPER FUCKING LOUD. Let's also hope there's not a cave-in, folks. ]]

MITUNA: -Just gonna burninate everything in his line of sight. Yay.-

NYALAH: -Lucky she's out of RANGE.-

[[ Mituna pretty much purified the area of biotech, that's for sure! Another lynx, relatively untouched by anyone, is now burnt to a crisp. The biotech leaps off of it, on fire. It skittered across the ground toward the crew before fizzling out and falling limply at their feet ]]

REDGLARE: -huffs as she gingerly pulls on a pair of underpants and her tanktop, eyeing the line of destruction and the burned up animals in its path.-

MITUNA: -His gazeblast fizzles out and he just...floats himself to the edge of spring and sits, scowling at seacrate and lampetrol-

KARKAT: =huffs= Good. Good job Mituna. Now that that's handled. Let's take care of the other fucking parasites.

KARKAT: =HE'S GOT A HAND ON HIS ROCK=

NYALAH: -pads over to lick Mituna. Sniff his wounds.-

LAMPETRA: =brow raise= I'm Parasite.

MITUNA: -Why she lick me-

KARKAT: The first step is acceptance. The next is messier. =Baring fangs at her, gills flared=

LAMPETRA: =he held his shield across his body, shielding Seakrait too.=

LAMPETRA: You're really going to attack us now?

SEAKRAIT: STOP. \|/e didn't come here to fight.

SEAKRAIT: My name is Micexa Neshen, this is Hesony Zelleu. \|/e were-- team 87B of the legislacerators, with Terezi Pyrope.

MITUNA: and look a7 wha7 you le7 happen

LAMPETRA: LET happen?! We were trying to prevent it!

MITUNA: grea7 fucking job

KARKAT: =That makes him fume= IT SURE AS FUCK DIDN'T STOP YOU FROM-- OH. BY STANDING BY AND TAKING ORDERS? GREAT FUCKING JOB!

MICEXA: ...Sunny. It's alright.

HESONY: We could say the same for you-- =When Micexa spoke, he backed down, though his lip was still curled.=

REDGLARE: -She takes a sharp breath.- S-stop.

REDGLARE: 1 r3m3mb3r thos3 n4m3s.

REDGLARE: Sh3 told m3 4bout you.

NYALAH: -guh. This is very stressful for her. Watch her step aside to hack up the weed she ate earlier. Excuse.-

REDGLARE: -She slumps to sit. Weakly. The binding for her wound is long gone, now, and she eyes the discoloration again.-

KARKAT: =He's absolutely steamed= I REMEMBER THEM TOO, SOME FUCKING BOND.

HESONY: https://31.media.tumblr.com/b4b93178d916e9e0c52eeb0a23bf6adf/tumblr_inline_nejn5fCzWh1s4sxxd.gif

KARKAT: =eat his entire ass, son=

MICEXA: You saw that woman. If we had shown weakness or hesitance...

MICEXA: -her face twists somewhat- I was trying to warn you, to be compliant. For her sake. For all your sakes.

HESONY: And you didn't listen.

MICEXA: -rests a hand on Hesony's arm.- But it doesn't matter now. \|/e need to keep moving.

NYALAH: fuck you actually in the t33th broh -swallows dryly and stands. Hhh.-

KARKAT: SO WHAT? SHE COULD KILL HER LATER?? IT'S A FUCKING--=HOLD UP, DID SHE JUST SAY IT DIDN'T MATTER=

KARKAT: =DAVE. HOLD HIS FUCKING ROCK=

KARKAT: =BABY HOLD MY GODDAMN BOULDER=

MITUNA: you don7 ma77er

MICEXA: No. Maybe not. But blame certainly doesn't.

MICEXA: It won't make a difference to her now.

HESONY: Shut it Sparky.

NYALAH: (b33ch)

MITUNA: 347 MY 3N71R3 8ULG3 817CH 80Y

KARKAT: =Expels water so hard from his gills, yup. Sorry. He's throwing this boulder.=

MINDFANG: -Karkat you should probably throw the boulder, she endorses it.-

REDGLARE: -shitting FUCK she is going to try to push herself up and into the goddamn way as he starts to heave it.- DO NOT.

REDGLARE: -its... Not exactly the most graceful movement. She's stumbling and in pain just trying to get up that quick, but all the same.-

MINDFANG: -Redglare what are you DOING.-

KARKAT: =Stares at Redglare. Chest heaving.... he respects her. She was close to Terezi... and she shouldn't be moving. Drops it and pins his fins back, giving her a steady hand=

DAVE: -GIVE ME THE GODDAMN ROCK-

KARKAT: =bro ..... you are my rock=

NYALAH: -Gdi. Same tho. She's gay too.-

REDGLARE: look 4t us. W3 n33d. 4ny h3lp w3 c4n f1nd.

REDGLARE: W3 h4v3n't spok3n to our cr3w 1n d4ys 4nd w3 st1ll h4v3 our ord3rs to f1nd th3m.

HESONY: =he nodded at Redglare= We Have supplies for you.

HESONY: Water, food, winter clothes...

KARKAT: =They could kill and loot these two. Easy, but she's right. Clenches his jaw=

MICEXA: ...Just a few of your personal effects. The others have the rest. \|/e could only get so much before we ran.

MINDFANG: -She does indeed have a point. However, guys, once we are out of the cave then we kill them right?-

HESONY: =he nodded, confirming Micexa's words= We even managed to acquire one of your comms devices.

REDGLARE: W3—

REDGLARE: w3 n33d to cont4ct th3m.

REDGLARE: Th3r3 4r3 p3opl3 who d3s3rv3 to know.

MICEXA: -uncaptchalogues the communication device and offers it over to Redglare. She doesn't seem particularly proud about it.-

HESONY: =he took a few steps towards them, emptying his sylladex of vital supplies in question. There are a new change of clothes for everyone in various sizes, including warm jackets. Please dress yourselves.=

DAELOS: -Hunched against the wall, panting- watching the legiscerators with disdain and wariness.-

REDGLARE: -She takes it, letting a breath go. Then she turns over her shoulder and offers it to Karkat, instead.-

HESONY: =after he is finshed, he backed away again.=

MITUNA: -Still scowling at them, eyes glowing, ready. He's not above murder, right now.-

KARKAT: =Takes it. It feels heavy he just goes off to a corner to like, fuck himself with it or whatever=

NYALAH: -at least gets a jacket on, not caring that she's dripping wet.-

MICEXA: -once he checks it he should be able to tell it was Terezi's-

DAELOS: -Helps Nyalah get her clothes on before bothering with himself.-

REDGLARE: -Shaky and shivery as she goes to get the clothes on. She's a little bit feverish, right now, but it already feels a little better.-

NYALAH: -Stop it, you loaf. Now she's helping Daelos.- dumbass ass ass

KARKAT: =ok in that case hes going in the corner to cry=

DAVE: -looks at those winter clothes desperately. HE NEEDS-

DAVE: -BABE NO-

DAELOS: I canter even believe you are moving around of your own volition, let alone pausing to insult me -FUSSES, BITCHES.-

HESONY: =take them, Thinskin!=

DAELOS: -Lets her help him tho because....He's so tired.-

NYALAH: not you

REDGLARE: You r4n. 4r3 you go1ng b4ck?

MINDFANG: -She doesnt exactly feel like trusting them, but quite honestly what is the worst that clothes could do shes grabbing sizes that will fit her and pulling them on as quick as she can.-

MINDFANG: -The jacket takes a moment or two, the wolf teeth did a number on her robo arm at the elbow joint, its stiff.-

HESONY: =stares at Redglare in complete silence then LAUGHS=

MICEXA: -glances at Sunny. Same...-

MICEXA: There's no going back now.

HESONY: Are you kidding? We go back, we die.

MITUNA: -Uses his psionics to dress, because his left arm is fucking useless.-

DAVE: -crawlings a no and he's gonna need some assistance standing up- someone toss me clothes for fucks sake

MITUNA: you 5hould go back

DAELOS: It would only be the begining of your recompense

NYALAH: -Are u sure Mituna? Nyalah licked it.-

DAELOS: -DISDAINFUL-

MITUNA: -It's fucking broken but thanks kitty-

HESONY: =flips Mituna off=

NYALAH: -purr purr purr.-

MINDFANG: -Dave the human, you are so sad. She takes some pity and brings him clothes that she thinks will fit him.- Please tell me you have some way of getting dressed yourself.

MITUNA: -Flings a rock at his head-

NYALAH: h33 h33

KARKAT: =thank you Mituna=

MICEXA: -why is Terezi's new swarm so bad at listening jfc-

DAVE: no ive lost the use of all parts of my body -pretends to go limp but that hurts too- FUCK

KARKAT: =GEE=

HESONY: =the rock bounces off his noggin. There is a little bit of blood, but for the most part, he's hard-headed=

MINDFANG: ........ Incredi8le.

HESONY: =staring at mituna flatly=

KARKAT: =wipes his face then goes to help Dave get dressed. Gives him something to do= Move. I got it.

KARKAT: Not you Dave. You don't move.

DAVE: hey i was gonna get pretty then go over to you DAVE: how am i gonna play hero now

MINDFANG: -Thank you Karkat, please take care of your rail so she does not.- Alright.

MINDFANG: -Moves aside and takes a moment to herself to roll up her sleeve and inspect the damage to her robot limb.-

KARKAT: You can do that later. =helps him out=

MITUNA: -Now Sunny is the one being flipped off-

[[ It got wolf chomped pretty great. There are some small dents in it, in the very least. ]]

MICEXA: \|/henever you're ready, we'll make our way out of here. I have a plan to get us out of this state.

MICEXA: ...But.

REDGLARE: but?

HESONY: =busy flipping Mituna off again=

DAVE: -fine- so we need to go to minnesota

MICEXA: -glances at Redglare specifically- You're badly infected.

MINDFANG: -Earth sucks ass. God damn wolves.-

DAVE: yeah redglare

DAVE: holdin us all up with your stanky leg and shit

REDGLARE: 1 c4n w4lk.

MINDFANG: For now you can.

MINDFANG: What a8out l8ter.

MICEXA: It could spread to your heart.

KARKAT: =dave please= You need that taken care of. If i can't kill them them you can't have a bum leg.

HESONY: ....She's right.

KARKAT: =said while dressing Dave, not even looking at them=

REDGLARE: 1t's—

REDGLARE: just p41n. 1 c3n h4ndl3 th4t.

REDGLARE: -glances back at Karkat... And Mindfang... and then both Hesony and Micexa.-

REDGLARE: -Hisses softly, under her breath.- sh1t.

HESONY: I get it, okay? Pyropes can go a long way before keeling but this is different.

DAVE: sure

DAVE: and i was just cold the other night

DAELOS: -Does he have his tool box back?-

KARKAT: Great. Thanks.

KARKAT: =AT REDGLARE=

KARKAT: =the other two can die in a hole.=

REDGLARE: -She is not talking as she slumps back to sitting.-

MICEXA: -frowns, quiet for a long moment.-

MICEXA: ...I can make it quick.

HESONY: =been there almost done that=

REDGLARE: 4lr1ght.

DAVE: -o boy-

KARKAT: =next time try harder=

MITUNA: um

MITUNA: UM

HESONY: =waves mituna over= We're gonna need you, Sparky.

MITUNA: WH47 7H3 FUCK 4C7U4LLY

MICEXA: I need a belt, towels, and yes, you-- psionic-- I'm going to need you to cauterize the wound.

DAELOS: Hold on a moment

DAELOS: Please

HESONY: =welp, he's unbuckling his own and sliding his belt from his waist.=

MINDFANG: Cauterize the.... -Oh.-

DAELOS: -A little loudly-

MICEXA: -glances at Daelos-

DAELOS: Is my toolbo% in your possesion

DAELOS: By any chance...

MITUNA: 3XCU53 7H3 5H17 0U7 0F MY 5P1N4L CR3V1C3

DAVE: -pulls karkats face into him because he knows he can't handle this-

MICEXA: The only other thing we have is... Just give it to them, Sunny.

KARKAT: =He's seen ear Dave, but it's appreciated. He still looks tho,redglare needs things to bite down on=

KARKAT: =She can have his arm or something=

HESONY: =His sigh is hitched and he produced Terezi's cane. Just kind of...holds it.=

DAVE: -no????-

DAELOS: -He sighs- Nothing else

DAELOS: -HE HAD SOME WEEDS. HE WANTED TO GET REDGLARE NICE AND STONED FIRST BEFORE THEY LOP OFF HER LEG.-

HESONY: Sorry. =he says, kind of lamely.=

REDGLARE: -u giant blue stoner-

NYALAH: -It's okay, Daelos. Weed just can't solve every problem.-

MITUNA: -That...probably wouldn't help???-

KARKAT: =GLARES at Daelos or he would but stares at her cane=

DAELOS: -It's better than nothing.-

KARKAT: =SPACE WEED=

DAELOS: Ah well...proceed

HESONY: =Wanna nom on this, Rg?=

REDGLARE: -SHES NOT GONNA BITE HER SWORD CANE THAT'S SOME KINDA DESECRATION-

MICEXA: -she's too busy tying Redglare's thigh with a belt to offer her something softer to bite-

HESONY: =Hey, their buddy Kreyse had this made, it aint from some piece of shit steel=

KARKAT: =no buddies are here for you, sir=

NYALAH: -gotta high tail it out of this cave. She can't do this. Don't worry, she's not going far.-

DAVE: -ur buddy is dead-

MITUNA: wai7 5o you wan7 me 7o gazebla57 her leg

HESONY: =Too soon, Dave.=

MITUNA: wha7 7he fuck

KARKAT: =he would also say they weren't buddies. They're both dickwads=

HESONY: =carefully turns to Mituna= Unless you want her to bleed to death?

REDGLARE: -shes gonna stuff some coat fabric into her mouth instead, that may work.-

MICEXA: -just kind of stiff... this isn't very fun. But at least she knows what this is like. She stuffs some more extra fabric under her leg to make it comfortable and eventually catch some of the blood before picking up her axe to clean it off, turned away where Redglare doesn't have to see-

MICEXA: Do you want a warning?

MITUNA: UM W417 HOLD ON FUCK DUD3 H0LY 5H17 -He's not ready!-

HESONY: ....

HESONY: =to Mituna= Do you want a warning?

REDGLARE: -closes her eyes and shakes her head. SHE is ready, at least.-

MITUNA: Y35???????

HESONY: =Holds up his hand. 5.=

HESONY: =puts down a finger. 4.=

MICEXA: \|/e can't wait for more of them to find us.

MICEXA: -turns toward Redglare, glancing at Hesony and counting in her head as she raises the axe.-

MITUNA: -He's really jittery and sparky-

HESONY: =3.....2.....1.=

MICEXA: -JUST DONT GAZEBLAST THE REST OF HER LEG OFF.-

MICEXA: -and with the rest of the countdown, she swings the axe, quick and sure.-

REDGLARE: -It is bloody, but done. She is shaking and not looking at the damage. It's hardly a delicate surgery, but she keeps her eye open through it, clamping down hard on the cloth and muffling her scream.-

HESONY: =He just...puts a hand on Redglare's shoulder, squeezing it. There there.=

MITUNA: -He's screaming too, and that's helping him keep from vomiting at the moment. There is enough focus, to concentrate his blast on the stump of her leg, the scent of seared flesh fills the air-

MICEXA: -moves the missing leg out of the way for Mituna-

HESONY: =wow, he's so out of practice at comforting others it shows.=

NYALAH: -the explosion of blood is making her gag and hurl in the other cave chamber. There's nothing in her digestive sac to upheave but here she is.-

REDGLARE: -okay NOw She is SURE BLACKING OUT. so much for staying awake.-

KARKAT: =There to catch her=

REDGLARE: >;'I

KARKAT: =he's sorry about all this. And it shows=

MITUNA: -Once he's done he just....lurches forward and dry heaves bile-

HESONY: Good job, Sparky.

KARKAT: =yep....he frowns then glares at Hesony=

MITUNA: -Throws up in his general direction. Fuck you buddy??????-

MICEXA: -gritting her teeth as she quickly cleans off the blood on her axe. She stows it away. She's sorry, too, but it won't do much good to say.- MICEXA: She should be okay. MICEXA: Just needs rest. MICEXA: \|/e're heading for a compound. The blizzard's heavy, so we have some time before communication can reach them about Sunny and I. \|/e should be able to get transport and maybe a few supplies if we hurry.

Last Monday at 5:09 PM

HESONY: =makes a face at Mituna but...turns back to Redglare. Taking out a small first aid kit, he covered Redglare's affected area with saline before placing gauze pads over it and wrapping it up in bandage.=

NYALAH: -stumbles back into the chamber. Sweaty and ashened faced and just. Done with everything.- lets fucking do this shit

KARKAT: =he can carry redglare and he also got dressed at some point, not liking at the doucheduo= Then let's go.

DAELOS: Yes

DAELOS: -Are they actually getting out of this alive? It doesn't feel real.-

HESONY: =that's the plan=

[[ The ground had gradually begun to incline upwards over the duration of a few hours, making the climb slightly more difficult. However, it may be a good sign they are heading towards the surface once again. ]]

NYALAH: -bottom line is, she's scrambling for her life. Panting heavily. Possibly feverishly.-

DAELOS: -He's basicallly dragging himself like a large blue slug, lagging far behind the rest of the group.-

REDGLARE: -murmuring fitfully, now and then. She's out with a cold sweat. Maybe she's wandering in the dream bubbles...-

(FEFETASPRITE): -she has a dream of a certain catfish ghost waving to her as she floats through the void.- 3833

MICEXA: -waits a little and offers Daelos a hand. She managed to carry him down this hole, she can probably help him out of it.-

HESONY: =after he believed Karkat had sufficiently calmed down a bit, he fell in step beside him. Wordlessly, he handed over the cane to him.=

MITUNA: -That's Karkat's secret. He's never calm.-

DAVE: -bringing up the rear, sword in hand. significantly slow, but it works for their efforts, even if he does get hit with extreme pains from time to time-

MITUNA: -He could just...float you. You don't have to suffer my guy-

DAVE: -GIVE YOUR PSIONICS A FUCKING REST-

DAVE: -no pain no gain-

MITUNA: -No?????-

KARKAT: =Truth. He's just carrying Redglare but he takes her cane without a word. Looking over it sadly, silently and continuing to walk.=

KARKAT: =Also dave don't be dumb=

KARKAT: =Same to you Mituna=

DAVE: -I'm NOT i'm MOVING myself-

MICEXA: -gdi, she glances at Sunny and the human. Pls help this weird alien kid-

MINDFANG: -Dont worry if one of them falls she will drag them-

DAVE: -HE'S OKAY-

MINDFANG: -Are you sure Dave, she could always drag you.-

DAVE: -how is that any better?!-

MINDFANG: -Would you rather be left behind?-

DAVE: -yeah actually-

HESONY: =ugh, FINE, miss! He fell back in line and scooped Dave up in a fireman's carry=

HESONY: =carefully=

DAVE: oh hell no

KARKAT: =stares into Hesony's fucking soul=

MITUNA: i go7 him

DAVE: you gonna go for my throat again

DAVE: if you do it might make for an artistic death picture

DAVE: i dont think i had enough of a concussion before

HESONY: Shut up. I'm Helping.

MITUNA: -Floats Dave away from Sunny-

MITUNA: i go7 you bromigo

DAVE: put me down

HESONY: =HANGS ON =

DAVE: OW FUCK

MITUNA: -Do not break the dave?-

MICEXA: -stares at the ceiling like jfc- Infighting isn't going to get us to the surface any faster.

MITUNA: le7 him go bulgero7

HESONY: =At Mituna= You are being childish.

MICEXA: Sunny, just let him go. If they want to waste their energy, let them.

KARKAT: =good Mituna, FAST BUILDING HISS= DON'T TOUCH HIM. DON'T TOUCH ANYONE. DON'T TALK. FUCK OFF.

MICEXA: \|/e've done what we can.

DAVE: - DONT WANT TO BE A GAME OF TUG o WAR-

HESONY: =one by one removes his fingers=

DAVE: -the pain from the resistance is a lot MAKE UP YOUR DAMN MIND GUYS-

KARKAT: =allow him to motivate you. Grabs the wrist= Go to the only person here that can stand you.

KARKAT: =HE WILL FIGHT WITH REDGLARE ON HIS BACK but he'd rather not=

MITUNA: -Shhhh, he's got you Dave. He should feel floaty now, maybe even a little tingly. Enjoy the ride Dave, you earned it.-

MICEXA: He was trying to help. That boy won't last much longer on his feet, and we can't afford to wait.

KARKAT: He's socially inept along with being a dick. Use words not that he'd take the help. Now stop fucking around or I will literally fucking eat your hand.

HESONY: =just glaring down at all these pipsqueaks in this 7'5" glory.=

DAVE: mituna dont

DAVE: no

DAVE: stop over exerting the mind you just got back

MITUNA: i go7 him

DAVE: oh christ

KARKAT: =HE DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT HEIGHT MY GUY=

MITUNA: 5hu7 up bro7a7o you weigh fuck all

DAVE: whatever

REDGLARE: -She might be scolding people to pretend to get along if she were awake, but she's still super unconscisous

MITUNA: like a bean

MICEXA: -growls. He already let go pls-

KARKAT: =He didn't punch him at least.=

MITUNA: bean dave

HESONY: =jerks his wrist from Karkat and just stomps ahead to scout out an exit to this stupid cave.=

KARKAT: =THAT'S FUCKING RIGHT STRING BEAN. Adjusts Redglare gently and walks on=

DAVE: shut up

MITUNA: mi57er beeeeheheeeeeneh

DAVE: why

MICEXA: -watches after Sunny... they promised to do something but it sure isn't easy. Not that she expected it to be. Of course they hate them, after what happened. She hates herself, too. But she keeps giving herself reasons to keep moving, and maybe one day, she will figure out why.-

HESONY: =Fuck yeah, it was hard! It was beyond him how Terezi could get along with so much of the disagreeable sorts, but they did promise. No matter how much he wanted to leave them to their own devices, he couldn't. If he and Miss died because of these people....well...at least he could say, "Look, Rez, I tried, but your friends are real assholes."=

[[ Soon he is able to hear a very faint howling of the wind, and far up head, there is a sliver of flickering light coming from behind a thin crevice. ]]

MITUNA: -I mean. She'd agree. We are assholes. That's why she loves us.-

HESONY: =She loved us too! As least I have the common decency to use past tense!=

DAVE: -I'M THE ASSHOLE?????-

DAVE: -IN THIS SITUATION????-

MITUNA: -Honestly go fuck yourself her love continues in death-

MITUNA: -I MIGHT KNOW JUST A TAD BIT MORE ABOUT THE DEAD THAN YOU-

MICEXA: -YALL... chill...-

HESONY: =You probably know 100% more about the dead than me!=

MICEXA: -oh ok-

HESONY: =eventually he's coming back down towards them to report=

HESONY: Now try not to give yourself wedgies, but I see light back there.

HESONY: =jabs his thumb in the direction he came=

MICEXA: Everyone ready for the storm?

HESONY: Unless you wish to stay in Here of all places, of course.

NYALAH: i say it again

NYALAH: lets fucking do this thing -not stopping. She's doing the whole wheezy climb up.-

[[ When they get to the crevice, they will see that some of the bigger trolls will have to side step through it. ]]

HESONY: =he holds his hand up to Nyalah, not touching her. Everyone seemed to have a problem with that LAST time.= Wait. I will make sure it is clear.

HESONY: =he turned and shimmied through, glancing at his device before looking ahead into the storm. Not long after, he waved for the others to come out. He's even going to put his shield over the entrance so yall don't get snow in your faces. Your welcome.=

NYALAH: -she's too tired to notice these things. Her energy is at max cap.-

MICEXA: -nods and ushers everybody through. LETS GET THIS ROAD ON THE SHOW-

LATULA: -SHE'S not passed out at least... INTO THE COLD-

[[ Using a handy dandy GPS to get them to the nearest town, Tanana, the group sees their first signs of civilization as the lights of the small city appear on the horizon. It has a population of 308. ]]

NYALAH: -nice town. And just as she's thinking about it, she collapses. Blacked out again.-

HESONY: =just...looks at her then glances up at the rest of the crew= You gonna rip my arm off if I attempt to carry her?

NYALAH: -Fuck u. She still has 6 more lives left. She's GOOD. And also unmoving, faceplanted in the snow.-

MITUNA: -FLOATS HER TOO-

DAVE: mituna

DAVE: no

MITUNA: mi7una ye5

KARKAT: =he can't carry everyone but he could try, sighs= Just let him carry her for now since he learned how to use words.

KARKAT: No one wants to be around the other longer than we have to.

MICEXA: -she's not slowing down this time.- \|/e should get close, find somewhere to hide you all... I'll go in and get transport.

MICEXA: -glances at Sunny-

MICEXA: No guarantees we'll be able to make an easy stop after this. \|/e should get as many supplies as we can.

HESONY: =to Mituna= You're gonna burn yourself out keeping that up.

HESONY: =He nodded once Miss spoke and gathered Nyalah into his arms.= Good plan, say we're going on a road trip. Say The Expunger told us to hit the road or else. =He's trying to be funny. Is it working?=

MITUNA: already did i7 once and i7 wa5 doing 5ome7hing a lo7 harder 7han 7hi5

NYALAH: -if she were conscious, she would be snickering cuz Mituna said he "did it". Oh also he said hard.-

NYALAH: -ragdolls in Sunny's arms. Noodlecat.-

HESONY: =He swears that every single one of them is purposely trying to make his life difficult=

MITUNA: -Ye-

NYALAH: -stfu she only weighs like 3 potatoes. Weak.-

HESONY: There are forests bordering the town. We can remain there while you obtain transportation.

HESONY: Be careful. The Expunger may Have already delivered a warning.

MICEXA: \|/e'll see. -looks at Hesony for a few moments... and then OFF SHE GOES-

MICEXA: -Why does this feel so familiar?? Oh wait-

HESONY: =HE'S TRYING TO IGNORE THAT=

MICEXA: -turns around real quick, runs back over to Sunny... kisses him right on the mouth.- MICEXA: -RUNS OFF FOR REAL THIS TIME-

DAVE: -wow. such romance. very love. wow.-

HESONY: =He returned the kiss, watching her run off. Just like sweeps before. Wow. So familiar it burns.=

HESONY: =He led the group into the forest, to wait and kept watch upon the city for any sign of activity. It isn't until later that he realizes he's alone with all these people who probably hate him. Well, probably isn't the right word so much as definitely.=

HESONY: :(

MITUNA: -Suck it up buttercup-

DAVE: -definitely-

HESONY: =Stick it where the sun dont shine, Sparky.=

[technologicgodot]

[07:27] -- growingGradience [GG] began pestering technologicGodot [TG] at 19:27 --

[07:27] GG: dave?

[07:27] TG: hey jade

[07:27] TG: are you ok

[07:27] GG: im fine!

[07:27] GG: i want you to come here though

[07:27] GG: i have something for you

[07:27] TG: oh ok yeah

[07:28] GG: :)

[07:28] TG: ill be right there

[07:29] DAVE: -in a few minutes, he's arrived at jade's infirmary room-

[07:30] JADE:*She's a little dressed up today, and she's not hidden under covers. She's sitting on the edge of the bed with her device in her hands.*

[07:33] DAVE: -approaches her, noticing that she's...looking a little brighter than normal, which is encouraging.- hey

[07:40] JADE:hi there

[07:41] JADE:*scoots over a little to make room for him, invitingly*

[07:43] DAVE: -he sits next to her- you look pretty

[07:43] JADE:so do you

[07:44] JADE:*leans over and kisses his cheek*

[07:47] DAVE: damn im bein wooed as hell right now

[07:47] DAVE: -smiles a little-

[07:47] JADE:oh good

[07:47] JADE:that was the plan

[07:47] JADE:but not really

[07:47] JADE:i want to show you something

[07:47] JADE:and then i might woo you afterward

[07:47] JADE:*holds her device closer*

[07:49] DAVE: ok show me

[07:50] JADE:*now that Dave can see the screen, she taps it quickly so she can project the image up... and it's clearly video of an ultrasound.*

[07:51] DAVE: -watches the video- ok this one looks like even more of an alien

[07:51] DAVE: and bigger

[07:52] DAVE: i cant make out the shape

[07:52] JADE:shhh no look! listen

[07:53] DAVE: -looks and squints, taking his shades off-

[07:53] JADE:i know its hard to tell

[07:54] DAVE: the heartbeat sounds almost echoey like theres

[07:55] DAVE: -stops suddenly, looking closer- two

[07:55] JADE:*she's smiling bigger and bigger*

[08:00] DAVE: -looks up at her and then back down and then back up at her again. and he smiles so much- TWO

[08:02] JADE:i know!!!!

[08:03] DAVE: how

[08:03] DAVE: i

[08:03] DAVE: jesus

[08:03] DAVE: oh my god

[08:04] DAVE: -is he crying? he's crying. and smiling. and putting his face in his hands-

[08:04] JADE:dave....!

[08:04] JADE:oh gosh

[08:04] JADE:*She's laughing, leaning into him and wrapping her arms around him.*

[08:05] DAVE: -laughing and crying right now and holding her back- fuck this is so great

[08:05] JADE:i know

[08:05] JADE:i know

[08:05] DAVE: twins

[08:05] DAVE: wow

[08:05] DAVE: oh my god

[08:06] JADE:a two for one deal

[08:06] JADE:what a steal

[08:07] DAVE: man doves gonna have siblings

[08:07] DAVE: multiple siblings

[08:10] JADE:so many siblings

[08:10] DAVE: jade

[08:10] DAVE: i cant believe this

[08:10] JADE:you better believe it

[08:27] DAVE: i fucking love you

[08:27] JADE:i love you too

[08:29] DAVE: -holds her tighter-

[08:34] JADE:*her tail thumps the bed quietly... and she whispers*

[08:34] JADE:by the way

[08:34] JADE:dirk recorded this

[08:46] DAVE: the ultrasound

[08:46] DAVE: or

[08:46] DAVE: -looks around- god damn it

[08:51] JADE:hehe

[08:51] JADE:;p

[08:51] DAVE: how long is it going to record for

[08:55] JADE:i have no idea...

[08:55] JADE:*kisses his face*

[08:55] JADE:but once we start getting gross im sure he will stop watching

[08:56] DAVE: yeah ok dirk stop watching

[08:56] DAVE: -kisses her-

[08:56] JADE:mm...

[08:57] JADE:*she's going to deepen that pretty quick. and also pull him onto the bed, giggling.*

[08:58] DAVE: -doesn't take any coaxing at all. he loves her so much. he loves their family so much. so no visitors for the next bit, please.-

[09:05] JADE:*it's a funny, happy instinct that she takes one of his hands and guides it under her shirt, over her belly.*

[09:07] DAVE: -he feels the shape of her belly and grins into their kisses, and there's something so promising in the fact that there are two lives developing just under his fingertips-

[09:13] JADE:... how do you feel?

[09:28] DAVE: -kisses her neck sweetly- happy

[09:28] JADE:*damn... it feels good just to smile so much.*

[09:28] JADE:we should think about names

[09:29] DAVE: -pulls away to look at her- do we know if theyre girls or boys or a girl and a boy

[09:29] JADE:i dont know yet

[09:29] DAVE: well i guess we can pick two girl names and two boy names

[09:29] DAVE: right

[09:30] JADE:i guess so

[09:30] JADE:*nuzzles at him*

[09:41] DAVE: are there any you like

[09:48] JADE:hmm...

[09:48] JADE:...

[09:48] JADE:jamison

[09:48] DAVE: so your grandpa

[09:48] JADE:hehehe

[09:48] DAVE: im cool with that

[09:49] JADE:what about you?

[09:49] DAVE: dave

[09:51] JADE:... dave?

[09:55] DAVE: kidding

[09:55] DAVE: uhh

[09:55] DAVE: sage could work for a boy or girl

[09:58] JADE:hey!!

[09:58] JADE:...

[09:58] JADE:that is a good one though

[09:58] DAVE: could put it in the running

[10:09] JADE:put this in the running

[10:09] JADE:*SMOOCH*

[10:10] JADE:run it all the way home

[10:11] DAVE: -kisses her right back- ok if you say so -and he plans to do EXACTLY THAT.-

[aerugotourbillon-blog]

DAVE: -this business isn't work related. dave's technically off the clock, and he doesn't even bother wearing his uniform. this isn't associated with work, and while it may appear to for all outside sources, he considers this strictly personal. family business. that sort of thing. he clears his way through into the detainment cells, stopping in front of rufioh's in particular just to watch him for a moment.- RUFIOH: *he sits in the same spot Cronus left him not even an hour before, expression swimming in a number of thoughts not even a mind reader could get a full grip on. Makes no stirring movements as Dave moves in front of the viewing panel but it not like Rufioh doesn't see him. He only looks on, the look on his face neutral.* DAVE: hey -he clears his throat, watching him through the door- rufioh RUFIOH: *silently making a note of the lack of uniform. This shit was personal it looked like.* str1der. DAVE: before i say anything DAVE: this conversation is between us not as me being the head of security or whatever fancy titles we got DAVE: its me and you DAVE: unrecorded shit that i wont even reference in any kind of formal setting DAVE: got it RUFIOH: ...gotcha. *if his voice sounds raspy, it's only because he's been missing out on his water privleges* DAVE: wait hold up whys your voice like that DAVE: i dont think youve been screamin your ass off cuz i woulda heard it RUFIOH: *Dave please.* just th1rsty, dogg... a1n't nobody scream1ng 1n here. DAVE: what theres no water in there DAVE: ok puttin that on my list when im back on the clock DAVE: one sec RUFIOH: thanks. *He has to admit, it's a little weird but not the weirdest thing he's seen all night.* DAVE: -he leaves only to return a few moments later with a small paper cup filled with COLD water. he opens a small viewing hatch to hand it over- here DAVE: what are we a fuckin alternian prison i dont think so RUFIOH: *okaaaaay... Ruf isn't going to protest this. Flaps himself to his feet and accepts the drink. Chugs it down very unceremoniously.* DAVE: cool now that thats over with DAVE: you can use your vocal cords and shit DAVE: so DAVE: ok truth is i want an explanation for why you felt the need to stab my uncle of all people DAVE: but DAVE: heres the thing DAVE: i know it aint gonna change anything DAVE: i figure i might as well let you have a shot DAVE: so go ahead DAVE: im interested RUFIOH: *drifts back towards the cot, sitting to face Dave. Mostly to wait until he was done rambling and then speak.* ...wasn't anyth1ng personal. guy brought her here and boasted of do1ng 1t l1ke... 1t was water on a quackbeast's back. RUFIOH: br1ng1ng her to the sh1p l1ke 1t d1dn't matter what people sa1d or felt about 1t. guess that would be easy 1f he had the sympathy of the capta1n and half the crew 1n h1s favor... over the one guy who thought to call h1m out on h1s bullsh1t. RUFIOH: d1dn't seem l1ke anybody else was gonna. RUFIOH: he was protect1ng her. not want1ng me to talk or say what everybody fuck1ng knows she deserves. whatever reasons that was... let's not act l1ke that wasn't happen1ng. RUFIOH: she deserves th1s and she deserves that... man... who cares what she deserves. DAVE: ok youre sayin it wasnt anything personal right -crosses arms and shrugs- makes sense DAVE: nothin personal just gonna DAVE: take the life of someone with at least three family members on this ship DAVE: nothin personal DAVE: probably fuck up my dad for the rest of his life DAVE: crush dirk DAVE: no big deal DAVE: you realize if he dies RUFIOH: talk1n l1ke 1 don't have an 1dea what 1t's l1ke to have a fam1ly. *says quietly* or be the one who's fucked up. RUFIOH: 1f he d1es... DAVE: there goes all the progress my family has worked so hard to obtain DAVE: what are you disappointed i dont know what the fuck thats supposed to mean DAVE: im sayin this is shit you should know or take into account DAVE: look you dont fucking DAVE: kill someone because you disagree in the moment and you cant wait like a day to have the whole thing be goddamn organized DAVE: like god forbid theres any kinda structure RUFIOH: 1f he d1es... *echoes the words out again just to hear how empty they sounded* l1ke you don't remember what 1t was l1ke see1ng 1t when 1t was dead. RUFIOH: the r1vers of bod1es. 1n the water, 1n the trees. people 1 knew, people who wrote to me say1ng they thanked me for vo1c1ng what they had been afra1d to for so long. RUFIOH: now what are they. RUFIOH: now who's gonna answer for that. RUFIOH: she 1s. RUFIOH: and anybody who wants to stand w1th her. DAVE: -he shudders and has to take a moment to gather himself so he doesn't fall into an all out panic just remembering what transpired then- so what you think you have the right to decide who gets to pay for it DAVE: you think youre a hero for this DAVE: some kinda martyr DAVE: cuz if bein a hero means takin people down as some kind of fucked up life trade then fuck heroes RUFIOH: 1 th1nk... 1 asked for a fa1r tra1l. and all 1 got was people ask1ng what was gonna happen to her afterwards. RUFIOH: l1ke that matters for some reason. DAVE: i dunno maybe it was because we have a thing where we dont take lives for granted DAVE: do you know how many people on this ship have been given a second chance DAVE: but you dont even wait for a fucking explanation RUFIOH: 1f they d1dn't get a second chance. ne1ther does she. DAVE: why dont we just blow up the whole ship then DAVE: that sound good to you DAVE: i can guarantee you at least half of the ship has killed multiple people intentionally RUFIOH: have they k1lled k1ds. DAVE: wouldnt be surprised if they did DAVE: we have pirates on board RUFIOH: do you know they d1d. RUFIOH: 1f they k1lled a k1d you knew and cared about. would you be okay w1th 1t. DAVE: i wouldnt kill them DAVE: is that what you wanted me to say RUFIOH: you'd want them to answer for 1t. RUFIOH: you don't want to hear whether they wanted to do 1t or not. you just know they d1d 1t. DAVE: i wouldnt want to kill them RUFIOH: that's not answer1ng the quest1on, yo. RUFIOH: would you be okay w1th 1t. DAVE: no obviously DAVE: but i aint gonna kill them or someone associated with them just because i fuckin can RUFIOH: then 1 guess that make me no better than them. RUFIOH: 1t's not l1ke they thought tw1ce about 1t. RUFIOH: why should 1. DAVE: ok i see DAVE: you got the whole DAVE: if you cant beat em join em mindset RUFIOH: *rolls his eyes then* why the hell am 1 talk1ng to you. RUFIOH: you don't know where 1'm from and you don't g1ve a s1ngle sh1t about 1t. DAVE: i give a shit that my uncle is dying! DAVE: i get why you did it DAVE: fuck i hate to say i understand DAVE: im not gonna be on board with you doing that to my family RUFIOH: not say1ng you should be. RUFIOH: but 1f you're try1ng to get someth1ng out of me... some k1nd of peace of m1nd to let you l1ve w1th yourself, you a1n't gonna f1nd 1t here, man. DAVE: im trying to get you to understand RUFIOH: 1 already got all the sh1t 1 gotta l1ve w1th as 1t 1s. DAVE: you can have your beliefs and no one is taking them away from you DAVE: but on this ship we dont solve things by killing each other DAVE: maybe despite all this a part of me cares about what happens to you DAVE: probably cuz im hella fucked up DAVE: best possible scenario is that you follow araneas path and get out on good behavior DAVE: do i want that for you DAVE: yeah DAVE: i do RUFIOH: you don't care about me. RUFIOH: you care whether your uncle l1ves or not and that's cool. 1 want that for you too. RUFIOH: but don't fuck1ng say you care about me when all ya'll want to do 1s l1ve your l1ves. RUFIOH: doesn't matter whether 1'm there or not. RUFIOH: 1 should be dead r1ght now. 1 should have gone w1th them. but 1'm not. RUFIOH: 1'm st1ll here. DAVE: dude i dont want you dead DAVE: sure we didnt talk all that much but from what we did i thought we were cool DAVE: plus even if you think i dont care about you i can point out some people that would be obviously affected if you died DAVE: and theyre probably majorly affected by this DAVE: meulin looks like shit for one RUFIOH: *eyes have long since fallen to the ground* you don't even get 1t. RUFIOH: 1'm the one who wants me dead. DAVE: -quiets for a few moments, expression softening- why RUFIOH: 1 don't have to expla1n that to you. and 1'm not gonna. DAVE: ok fair DAVE: -he sighs- DAVE: point is despite all that DAVE: youre still wanted here RUFIOH: 1 don't need that k1nda val1dat1on, dave... 1 already d1d what 1 d1d. RUFIOH: so 1t's not me you should be see1ng. DAVE: obviously you do cuz of what you did and what you think of yourself right now RUFIOH: sounds k1nda patron1z1ng. DAVE: i dont give a shit i know what i mean RUFIOH: whatever the case... RUFIOH: po1nt 1s. you can't save everyone. DAVE: doesnt mean im not gonna try RUFIOH: then... all 1 can really say 1s... RUFIOH: hope you're up for d1sappo1ntment. DAVE: nothin new DAVE: thats why i aim for a change every now and then RUFIOH: *with that, he slumps into the cot, wishing he could curl in on himself.* you do you, man... RUFIOH: 1 can't say the same for me. DAVE: thats ok DAVE: but this isnt the last time youre gonna see me either so DAVE: maybe you gotta prep for more disappointments DAVE: at seein this face RUFIOH: *doesn't say much more after that, just wrapping his wings around himself like a makeshift blanket.*

[ebironiccrest-blog]

-- ebironicCrest [EC] began trolling technologicGodot [TG]  -- EC: hey EC: dave TG: hey TG: you TG: whoever the fuck you are TG: so that begs the question TG: who the fuck are you EC: coming straight out of radio voidhole land of the fuck ups and resets yo EC: its not really a question of who i am but what EC: im you but also not EC: dont act like this shit is a surprise i mean EC: ok first of all holy shit youre alive good fucking job on all that glad thats off the table EC: from my understanding your fuck ups only have a marginal impact on how things are supposed to roll because guess what EC: everything up until now has been going according to keikaku EC: (thats weeb for plan) EC: but everything after this EC: you can start calling me your personal ife coach slash janitor for bullshit paradoxes cuz yeah EC: back to square one EC: im you but stronger EC: and more demi-mortal and feathery and also glowing EC: im davesprite TG: oh fuck no TG: no no and more no TG: i dont need a guide TG: what am i five TG: what the hell are you gonna guide me in TG: being a bird TG: laying eggs TG: sorry thats not the life for me TG: so you can keikaku weeb your way out thanks EC: thats too fucking bad man EC: im already here EC: and im tracking down your pasty mortality dodging ass EC: you owe me big time EC: so big they gotta phone in the goddamn president about this apocalyptic dumptruck im about to drop on you EC: or they would if presidents were still a thing on earth EC: which isnt going to be for much longer if you keep up this competition for biggest bitch EC: which lets face it EC: you take home the prize EC: congrats on that too TG: what could i owe you TG: as far as im concerned i dont owe you anything TG: also if youre me from what time in my life are you me EC: you owe me cleaning up your colossal fuck ups past present and future tenses motherfucker EC: count five years ago from the day i sprouted consciousness EC: after you became an agent you got your ass handed to you in a major way EC: you died and you took egbert with you EC: so who had to be the one to run that shit by with john EC: yeah EC: me TG: youre telling me that youre TG: a dead me EC: maybe you dont know shit about sprites but thats alright EC: im here to educate EC: i take the form of living fucks that looks nice and doomed and or dead EC: im not even from this universe in fact EC: i came from the /other/ timeline to make sure you dont take a massive failure dump all over this one EC: youre alive now at least so thats one thing youre doing right TG: so who says i still need help in this one TG: much less from someone who knew me when i was way younger TG: in some other timeline or whatever EC: do you know who youre talking to EC: im you EC: i know you and i know what youre like EC: of fucking course you need help EC: youve always needed help EC: do you think i would be here if i didnt make some accurate fucking assumptions about who it was i was dealing with EC: my knowledge is so on point so intimate were eye to goddamn eye in a mirror like you were run through an orange glow cast and photoshopped some crow parts EC: you ungrateful shit EC: youre not bailing out on this EC: i will find you TG: i didnt sign up for it so how am i going to bail TG: consider it opting out EC: hey EC: asswipe EC: im EC: already EC: fucking EC: here TG: i have family here im married i got a kid whatever help i need i got TG: then how about you TG: fucking TG: leave TG: already TG: yeah youre right about the mirror thing TG: everything you say comes back slightly distorted from my perspective TG: all flipped upside down and shit -- ebironicCrest [EC] is an idle chum! -- TG: ok seeya DAVESPRITE: *Wherever Dave is, wherever he thinks it's cool to hide-- Davesprite has already found him. It has everything to do with an extra sense he had as a sprite, feeling that kinship with the origin of his form. Davesprite hadn't felt it in a Long, Long Time. With a phase of light, he is pushing into the room Dave is in. Wings spread, katana in hand, and real fucking pissed right now.* DAVE: -dave is in his office, working late tonight when he sees and hears this MOTHERFUCKER IN HIS OFFICE- i told you you dont need to be here DAVE: put that lameass katana away DAVE: we dont even use those anymore DAVESPRITE: *As Dave talks, Davesprite is lifting a clawed hand to extend orange light into a bubble around Dave. A cool sprite trick he picked up in his time actually existing as one. Dave is now being forced into a hover* DAVESPRITE: lets go motherfucker DAVESPRITE: me and you DAVE: what is your PROBLEM -he's being forced to hover against his will in this weird bubble thing and he is not having it- DAVESPRITE: *Draaaaaaaaaaags him out of his office and dumps him into the hallway.* my problem is you DAVESPRITE: and if youre going to be a cowering little asshole like you are im going to treat you like one DAVESPRITE: *taking up his sword* DAVE: hey no DAVE: no no no thats not what we do here anymore DAVE: im done with that shit DAVE: i was done with you like yesterday DAVESPRITE: *Davesprite isn't listening and is now lunging at Dave, sword aimed straight for his torso.* DAVE: -now he's running down the hall-

[adiostauromachy]

-- adiosTauromachy [AT] began trolling technologicGodot [TG] at 20:37 --

AT: hEY THERE DAVE,

AT: i WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU WERE AVAILABLE RIGHT NOW, i UH,

AT: kNOW THAT THINGS CAN BE BUSY,

AT: rATHER FREQUENTLY, wITH THE THINGS THAT HAPPEN A LOT,

TG: im never available jeez

TG: im the slipperiest motherfucker on this ship

TG: doin everything simultaneously

TG: runnin the whole thing on my own

TG: just carryin the weight of the ship doin all the jobs

TG: ghostin

TG: gettin no credit

AT: aRE YOU THEN, eXPERIENCING PRODUCING MUCUS FROM YOUR GLANDS, tO BE CAUSING THIS SLIPPERINESS, uHH,

AT: lIKE A FROG, tHAT IT HAPPENS TO,

AT: bECAUSE THERE ARE FROGS IN THE LAB, wHICH WOULD MEAN THAT IT WAS NOT THE CASE, oF YOU DOING THAT,

AT: tHEN YOU WOULD BE NOT SO HIGH ON THE LIST, oF SLIPPERY INDIVIDIUALS,

TG: dude i am the frog

TG: you think hos stands for head of security

TG: youre wrong

TG: its head of slipperiness

TG: itsme

AT: oH, tHAT IS A FACT THAT, i WAS NEVER AWARE ABOUT, bEFORE NOW,

AT: i WILL BE KEEPING THIS AS A SECRET THEN, uH, tO ENSURE THAT YOU AND THE FACT, rEMAINS SLIPPERY AND ELUSIVE,

TG: thanks dude

TG: youre a real bro

AT: yOU'RE WELCOME, }:)

AT: i LIKE TO BE TRYING MY BEST AT IT,

AT: bUT ALSO,

AT: sINCE i HAVE YOUR ATTENTION NOW,

AT: i WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A MOMENT, uHH, a SLIPPERY ONE, tO LET ME DO A CHECKUP ON KARL,

TG: oh yeah

TG: sure

TG: were both in my office

AT: oKAY,

AT: sHOULD i BE BRINGING SOME NAPKINS,

AT: sINCE,

AT: tHIS WILL BE THE HEAD OFFICE OF SLIPPERY THINGS,

AT: (hEH,)

TG: bring like

TG: i dunno tarp

AT: iF IT IS THAT BAD, tHEN i SHOULD BE BRINGING MY LAB GEAR, oR HAZMAT SUIT, eHEH,

AT: bUT i WILL TRUST THAT YOUR MUCUS ISN'T ANY DANGEROUS,

AT: fOR ANYONE, tHAT INCLUDING ME,

TG: we can all hope

AT: wE WILL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE, rIGHT?

AT: bUT YES, uHM,

AT: i WILL BE ARRIVING VERY SOON, sO i'LL SEE YOU THEN,

TG: cool

TG: doors like wide open

-- adiosTauromachy [AT] gave up trolling technologicGodot [TG] at 07:02 --

AT: *It doesn't take very long for Tavros to arrive at all, showing up in just his regular uniform, really putting trust in Dave's slime to be nontoxic. He grins cheerfully, waving at Dave with his free hand as the other held a lil bag of equipment he needed to check on Karl.* hEY,

TG: hey -meanwhile, karl bounds up excitedly towards tavros because she LOVES him and attempts to jump on him, barking-

AT: tHIS PLACE IS AT LEAST, aBOUT ROUGHLY FOURTY PERCENT LESS SLIMY, tHAN i HAD BEEN ANTICIPATING, *Snickers, then grins wider at the excited pup. He's really happy that all the dogs were put in such good hands.* eHEHE, hI KARL, *Crouches so he can be on the same level as her, also giving her a chance to lick his face if she wanted.* sHE SEEMS TO BE IN GOOD SHAPE,

TG: -she licks tavros's face a lot. I LOVE YOU, she says in dog. dave smiles just a little, watching his SILLY DOG- yeah shes still pretty fuckin energetic

AT: *He laughs while getting his face licked, putting down the bag to pet at her head with both hands. Grinning wide and telling her that HE LOVES HER TOO! She's such a good dog!!! via communing of course.* eHEHE, tHAT IS A REAL GOOD SIGN ALREADY, bECAUSE THE ENERGY IS OFTEN THE FIRST THING THAT GOES, wHEN PEOPLE AND ANIMALS ARE SICK,

TG: -she LOVES this attention and she loves even more that she can communicate with him. her scorpion tail is wagging like CRAZY.-

TG: well good to know shes probably not sick

TG: that would kinda suck

AT: *Keeps petting Karl, but tries not to laugh so much and all now. Gotta be calm and casual so the dog will be too! That's best for checkups.* iT WOULD, tHOUGH i DON'T, aND UH DIDN'T, tHINK THAT SHE WOULD GET SICK, oR IS SICK, wHILE IN YOUR CARE, bECAUSE EVERYONE IS DOING A REALLY GOOD JOB, aT TAKING CARE OF THEM, *He's very happy about it!!!*

TG: it helps shes pretty easy to take care of -glances at karl, who seems to be calming down as tavros is-

AT: *That's a good girl! He pets her some more, then asks her to please go sit over by the corner of the room so he can check how she is doing.* tHAT'S GOOD TO HEAR, uHM, i HOPE SHE HASN'T BEEN EXPRESSING ANY JEALOUSY, oR ANYTHING, tOWARDS DOVE? *Looks at Dave, worried.* bECAUSE i KNOW THAT, iT IS A THING, uHM, tHAT HAPPENS WITH DOGS SOMETIMES,

TG: -karl happily moves over to sit by the corner, tongue hanging out. dave shakes his head, spinning in his chair- nope

TG: i mean i havent noticed anyway

TG: shes real careful with dove

AT: *Picks up his bag again and follows Karl to the corner. What a good pup she is. Tavro pets her head once he's over, and crouches again.* oHH, oKAY, tHAT IS REALLY A BIG RELIEF TO BE HEARING, *Smiles on over at Dave.* i WAS WORRIED ABOUT IT, bUT, i THINK IT WOULD HAVE BEEN OBVIOUS IF IT WAS A PROBLEM,

AT: bY YOU, oR JADE, tELLING ME, oR OTHERS ABOUT IT,

TG: yeah shes good

TG: i had no idea dogs could be this good

AT: eHEH, i WILL BE TAKING THAT AS A COMPLIMENT, *Grins, then focuses his attention on Karl. He's inspecting her for any visible external injuries, then checking out her teeth and eyes with a lil flashlight. Hums.* oH, uH, i ALSO WANTED TO CONGRATULATE YOU ON THE JOB, aGAIN, eVEN IF IT IS KIND OF LATE TO BE DOING SO, eVEN IF IT'S NOT THE FIRST TIME,

TG: -karl's tail is wagging this whole time. dave stops spinning in his chair when tavros says that, though- thanks

TG: i mean i know not everyones thrilled about it but i appreciate it

AT: pEOPLE AREN'T THRILLED ABOUT THINGS IN GENERAL, *Says it optimistically though, now pressing a hand against Karl's stomach to feel if there's any swelling of internal organs.* iT IS JUST, vERY MUCH A BUMMER THAT IT IS TAKEN OUT ON OTHER PEOPLE, uHM, a LOT OF THE TIME,

AT: i JUST, wISH WE WEREN'T FIGHTING WITH EACH OTHER SO MUCH,

AT: oVER THINGS, *Shrugs.*

TG: yeah theres a lotta that lately

TG: but i guess everyone does that when change happens

TG: some people just hate it

AT: i GUESS SO, aND THAT IT ALSO CAN'T BE HELPED, *Sigh.* sTILL, iT'S A THING THAT i WISH THAT, uHM, wASN'T A THING,

AT: sINCE WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM HERE,

AT: iS HOW i FEEL, aNYWAY,

TG: yeah unity is key here

TG: but what can you do

AT: *Inspecting that scorpion tail and looking for any signs of cell degenration now. Though this fusion was stable so he wasn't too worried. ROUTINE. He shrugs again.* wHAT CAN YOU DO, *Echoes.* bUT EVEN SO, i THINK YOU'RE DOING A GOOD JOB, aND ALSO NOT, uHM, i DON'T THINK YOU SEEM TO BE LETTING THE HATE GET TO YOU TOO MUCH,

AT: wHICH IS A GOOD, aND ALSO, pRETTY COOL THING,

TG: its what you gotta do

TG: cant listen to the haters

AT: yEAH, tHEN HOPEFULLY THINGS WILL SETTLE, iN THAT THEY ACCEPT THE CHANGE OR SIMMER DOWN, i MEAN, tHAT'S WHAT FAMILY DOES, *Laughs a little.* wHICH IS JUST, uHM, i DUNNO, aNOTHER THING THAT i FEEL ABOUT EVERYTHING HERE,

TG: yeah i mean

TG: give it time

AT: *Starts wrapping up the lil checkup with listening to Karl's heart, then starts putting his stuff away.* tIME, nOT WORRYING AND STAYING POSITIVE, rIGHT? *Small laugh.* i THINK THAT IS HOW MOST OF ADVICE THINGS GO, wHEN IT COMES TO THOSE PARTICULAR SUBJECTS ABOUT THE FUTURE THINGS, oR UH, pRESENT,

AT: fOR WHAT THAT IT IS WORTH, i THINK IT WORKS A LITTLE, uHH, tHAT MINDSET i MEAN,

TG: yeah

TG: times done some good shit so far

AT: *Smiles at Dave.* yEAH, *Slips Karl a treat then pets her on her head, standing back up with his case.* aNOTHER GOOD THING IS KARL BEING IN PERFECT HEALTH, aND ALSO PERFECTLY HAPPY, }:)

TG: -Karl NOMS this treat loudly and wags her tail, can she has ANOTHER TREAT- oh cool

TG: she better be

TG: ive been followin this mutant dog book for tips and tricks

AT: *He CONSIDERS THIS... But aw no she's so cute, he can't resist. Slips her another treat and keeps petting her. Looks at Dave, surprised.* oH, yOU ARE? *Wait does he mean the pamphlets Tavros gave out when he first held the information meeting... Slight ear flick at the possibility.*

TG: -karl chomps at the second treat and swallows, panting. dave was being sarcastic, but he realizes that tavros is probably referring to the pamphlets he handed out...and so he'll go with it. he did read them, after all- uh yeah

AT: *Aw shucks. Now he feels pretty bashful, ears drooping while he grins.* eHE, tHAT'S GOOD, i'M GLAD THAT IT WAS PROVING TO BE HELPFUL FOR YOU,

TG: better than anything i could find on the internet

TG: but dont let that go to your head

AT: *Snickers a little.* tOO LATE, *Grins broader.* iT'S ALREADY GONE THERE,

TG: well damn

TG: were gonna have an out of control head of research now arent we

TG: gonna conquer the whole ship

AT: *Snicker.* oH, i DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME BEING, vERY OUT OF CONTROL,

AT: sINCE THE TAKING OVER OF THE SHIP IS AN ACTIVITY THAT, i UH,

AT: tHINK i WOULD BE VERY ON TOP OF, iF i HAPPENED TO WANT TO TRY DOING IT AT ANY POINT IN TIME,

TG: oh yeah

TG: how would you do it

AT: iF i WERE TO ACTUALLY, bE DOING IT IN ANY WAY, tHEN i DON'T THINK IT WOULD BE A VERY STRATEGIC MOVE, tO BE TELLING IT TO YOU,

AT: tHE HEAD OF SECURITY BEING YOU,

AT: aND ALL,

TG: touche

TG: but tellin me how you would do it could strengthen our defenses

TG: make us more secure

TG: from a science perspective or some shit like that

AT: *Oh. Well that's true. He didn't think of that. He was just messing around. His brows knit together in thought, his arms crossing.* hMM, oKAY UHM, wELL,

AT: iF i WERE TO DO IT,

AT: pERSONALLY,

AT: tHEN i WOULD HAVE TO MAKE BOTH RUFIOH AND RHODRI NOT BE CONCIOUS, sINCE THEY CAN COMMUNE JUST LIKE ME,

AT: aND WOULD BE THE BIGGEST DANGER IF i WERE TO TURN ALL THE EXPERIMENTS, aND THE DOGS, aGAINST EVERYONE ON THE SHIP,

AT: *Shrugs a shoulder, brows knitted still and lets out a small laugh.* oR i COULD JUST, mAKE SOME DANGEROUS GAS, aND PUT IT INTO THE VENTILATION SYSTEM, i GUESS,

TG: well

TG: you just made both of those things sound fuckin easy

TG: a piece of the proverbial cake

TG: well were fucked if you ever decide to turn against us

AT: i MEAN, tHIS, wHAT i AM SAYING IS VERY HYPOTETICAL,

AT: aND ONLY UHHH, sOMETHING NOT PROVEN TO BE DOABLE IN REALITY VERY WELL,

TG: i mean id say its doable

TG: wow im a shit head of security arent i

TG: but hey im just keepin it real

AT: bUT HOW ARE YOU SHIT WHEN, yOU JUST ASKED ABOUT THESE THINGS, fOR THE SECURITY REASONS? *Dave stop you're good. He rubs his neck.*

AT: lIKE, uH, i WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO THINGS WITH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM EASILY, iF IT HAS CODES OR IS IN ANY OTHER WAY, nOT ACCESSABLE TO A LOT OF PEOPLE, uHM, oR CAMERAS,

AT: aND ALSO, i KEEP DOCUMENTS ON ALL THE EXPERIMENTS GOING ON, aND THE MATERIALS USED, uHM, sO IF SOMETHING NEFARIOUS WAS GOING ON, i WOULD SEE THE THINGS MISSING FROM OUR SUPPLIES,

AT: bUT i GUESS, iF IT IS ME DOING THE NEFARIOUS THING, tHEN i COULD BE FAKING THE LIST,

TG: nah man youre cool no worries

TG: i got it under control

TG: no stress here

TG: we all trust you

AT: bUT,

AT: sHOULD YOU, *Tries saying that as omniously as possible, but it's not at all due to his dorky crooked grin.*

TG: man with a look like that im doubtin my whole life

AT: *Looks surprised.* oH,

AT: yOU ARE,

AT: i WAS JUST KIDDING,

AT: aBOUT NOT BEING ABLE TO, oR UH, i MEAN NOT SHOULDING DOING IT,

TG: i could be too who knows

AT: *Oh... Snrk.* a MYSTERY,

AT: bUT UH, rIGHT, yES, i WAS GOING TO LEAVE BEFORE, sINCE i AM DONE WITH KARL AND ALL, *Smiles at him.* i'LL LET YOU GET BACK TO WORK,

TG: oh ok

TG: thanks for stoppin by

TG: -karl GIVES HIM KISSES-

AT: *Omg Karl is so sweet. He laughs and gives her some more pets.* iT'S NO PROBLEM AT ALL, }:) i'LL SEE YOU AROUND DAVE, kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK, *And so he leaves, maybe slipping Karl just one final treat.*

[synthonicplumage-blog]

DOVE: -It's pretty fucking late at night, and Dove is in the cafeteria, grabbing a sandwich from the refrigeration unit since all the fresh food is put up and sitting down at one of the tables to unwrap it.- DAVE: -he's in the mood for a late night snack too. Probably because he can't sleep. With Karl at his side, he enters the cafeteria and expects to find no one there. but he does see dove, and that's a surprise, so he grabs a sandwich too and sits across from her- KARL: -speed runs at dove excitedly- DOVE: -oh well that is a lot of dog coming at her all of the sudden. she can't bring herself to have a lot of enthusiasm about it but she is cute.- o hey karl -scritches her butt- DAVE: hey DAVE: what are you doing over here so late DAVE: this is my designated cant sleep area KARL: -pants and turns in a circle- DOVE: budgin in on ur turf is all DAVE: well i guess thats ok DAVE: you just gotta accept your identity as a rocket power shooby DOVE: i always been a rider on a mission paw DOVE: -finally gets her sandwich open and noms it one-handed, still scritching the pupper- DAVE: -unwraps his and takes a bite, glancing around before looking back at her- so DAVE: something up DOVE: -she chews, swallows.- cant sleep DOVE: but ... -but? she doesn't know. she bites her sandwich again.- DAVE: same DAVE: but what DOVE: ... i dont know DOVE: -It all feels pretty numb in her head. Was this how breakups were supposed to feel? Just a brief moment of feeling upset and then this funny void? She had already thought about how strange but relieving it would be to tell Joel and Colt and Sage. Break the news and then maybe get them to buy her ice cream or something. Force Colt to get out of his room for once and hang out with her a little. Or maybe marathon some scary movies. So maybe she should just start breaking this news somewhere.- DOVE: me and ananya broke up DAVE: -by now he's good at not overreacting or making things more uncomfortable than they should be, so although he's surprised and although his heart is breaking to see dove hurt like this, he nods, listening- wanna talk about it DOVE: i dunno DOVE: theres not a lot to talk about -yes there was.- DOVE: just kinda a thing that happened DAVE: -he's not going to press it because she's her fathers daughter and pressing it has an option of getting her to shut down instead- a shitty thing that happened DAVE: when DOVE: yesterday DOVE: -she's just staring at the sandwich now, kind of tracing her finger over one edge of the crust- DOVE: its not that shitty though DOVE: thats the weird thing DOVE: i mean i was upset before but now DOVE: i think im ok -no, she's not.- DOVE: you know im DOVE: -It's all too quiet.- fine DOVE: -She looks up at her dad, and she knows it's a mistake. She can lie to her sister and her cousins and even herself, but she can't lie to him, and it's like the worst kind of ambush, the tightening in her throat and the stinging in her eyes.- DAVE: -he can see the look in her eyes as she starts tearing up, and his expression softens just slightly but not too much- its ok to say its a little shitty babe DOVE: -It's more than a little shitty. Right now, surging up from the nothingness, it feels like she's being torn apart, like there's nothing else but this awful feeling, and she's completely dropped the sandwich she was holding back onto the plastic wrap, sobs rising in her throat and body wilting over the table.- DAVE: -his expression softens even more so that there's a slight frown on his face, and he gets up to move and sit next to her so he can put a supportive arm around her- its ok DAVE: its just me here DAVE: no one else is gonna bust in here so DAVE: youre safe KARL: -whines and rests her head on dove's lap- DOVE: -She can't help but to lean into her dad, and right now, she isn't sure the tears will ever stop. The feeling is an ache that seems like it wants to take over, worse than anything.- DOVE: sh-- she said she didnt f-feel like i-- i liked her a-at all DOVE: like i just DOVE: like i di-- didnt care DOVE: -It's hard to speak, all her words fighting the sobs and the hiccups.- DOVE: but i-- DOVE: i loved her dad DOVE: i loved her so much!! DAVE: -he brings his other arm around her and leans his head on hers, feeling her tears soak his shirt. It's hard for him to not get emotional too, hearing her and seeing her this distraught, but he will hold it together for her and he will always hold it together for her so he can be the something steady and constant that she needs- DAVE: i know baby DAVE: i know you did DOVE: e-- ever since we were kids DOVE: -Ananya with her long hair she loved to have braided, so small and fragile and so easy to hold up and help her dance, her breathy laughter and her red cheeks at all her silly jokes, Ananya who held her hand so easily, who was always so happy to see her, Ananya with her parties and her games, who she had been alone with, had finally kissed in the closet, and, God, this pain felt like it would never end.- DOVE: shes the only one i ever DOVE: and she DOVE: she didnt even know DOVE: she didnt know how much i love her! DAVE: i saw that DAVE: and you didnt even have to tell me DOVE: -Even that just ached, that everyone else could see it but her, and she had no idea how to stop it. Maybe it wouldn't stop, and the tears felt like they wouldn't, either, all of these terrible memories, these losses stacking up and blurring her eyes so she had to cry for each of them all at once. It was everything she had wanted, and now it was over.- DOVE: -But, eventually, even if the reality stayed, her tears couldn't. Like most things, they slowed, and she ached still, just a little empty, but not like before.- DAVE: -all he can do is hold her and be there for her because no words can take away the pain he knows she's feeling right now. He will wait it out for as long as she needs it, for as long as she needs him- DOVE: -when she can finally speak again, it's muted, watery.- DOVE: can i stay with you tonite DAVE: you don't even gotta ask DAVE: theres still a place all ready for you with us whenever you or your sister needs it ok -he kisses her head- DOVE: -there's a few more hot tears rolling out of her eyes at that, but she wipes them away- DOVE: thanks daddy DAVE: karls gonna wanna sleep with you i bet DAVE: just a warning DOVE: thats ok DAVE: -squeezes her a little- everythings gonna be ok DAVE: even if it takes some DAVE: time DAVE: why did that feel like it was supposed to be a joke DAVE: or like a pun DAVE: i dont fucking know DOVE: bcuz time DOVE: heelies all wounds DAVE: ok that was the worst thing ive ever heard DAVE: which means you gotta tell your mom that one DOVE: hehehehe DOVE: ok DAVE: you gotta say it like you just told me tho DAVE: straight face and everything DOVE: what other face is there DAVE: atta girl DOVE: ok lets go im done with this soggy ass sanwich DAVE: same im not even hungry anymore i think my sandwich ate itself DAVE: -releases her from the dad hug and stands up- KARL: -attempts to lick her hands- DOVE: -pets the Karl- lets go bb girl KARL: -barks as if to say YES LETS GO I AM GOING TO CUDDLE WITH YOU AND KICK YOU IN MY SLEEP- DOVE: -that's her favorite......... how did u kno..............- KARL: -she's good like that. something about dog senses probably- DAVE: -tosses their food and throws it away- aight we out DOVE: peace -she says to the empty cafeteria-