#tankedgnostomanic

[gulescamisade]

Betty Crocker Headquarters:  Brief Reunions

ROXY: =KICKS OPEN THE DOOR, READY TO TUSSLE A BIG ASS BUG=

JAMES: -Oh good. He doesn't have to bust through anymore walls... Fists are raised.-

JAKE: -HE'LL FIRE HIS GUN. TIME TO HERO KICK OUT THE DOOS.- BOOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DISCIPLE: -!!!

DISCIPLE: -ENEMY SOLDIERS, PROBABLY. POUNCES AT THEM FROM ATOP THE BUG-

TEREZI: W41T NO W3 C4N TOT4LLY US3 1T FOR TR4NSPORT! =shes sprinting after roxy dressed in ridiculously soft, green jammies.=

ROXY: =WE'RE NOT THE ENEMY YOU'RE THE ENEMY=

DISCIPLE: -try telling that to an entire cat-

JAKE: -TIME TO FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

DIRK: -rattled on this here dragonfly and then RATTLED EVEN MORE when he sees roxy and jake. he similarly leaps from the big bug, but he isn't trying to tackle them...yet.-

SOLLUX: -ear perk- ... tz?

ROXY: AAAAAA-- >:O =oh a cat= aaaaa!! :) ROXY: =Oh a fast incoming cat- lowers fists= AAHH!! >:U

JOHN: -NYOOMS OFF THIS DRAGONFLY HAMMER IN HAND.-

ROXY: =DOOF=

JOHN: -!!!-

DISCIPLE: -CATSLIDE-

DISCIPLE: -sniffs at her-

DISCIPLE: >:oo

ROXY: =wrecked=

JAKE: -HISSSSSSSSSSSSS- OH. He knows that face.- I know that face!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! >8O

JAKE: And that face! Holy shit! Every face in this vicinity!!!!!!

DISCIPLE: IS SAFE.

DIRK: -stands there with his hands up like yikes. A COLLISION.-

DISCIPLE: THEY ARE OUT OF THE CAGE.

ROXY: and i been doin just fine

JADESPRITE: -She hovers in toward this scene -- she was flying up above the dragonfly, watching out for what was going on.- :)

ROXY: haha jk im burning

JOHN: -RECOGNIZES THEM AND BABBLES, ZOOMING IN-

ROXY: =hugs disci tho=

DISCIPLE: -stands up and hoists Roxy over her head.-

JADESPRITE: you all made it out okay

JOHN: GUYS!!! GUYS GUYS GUYS!!!

ROXY: =OH=

JOHN: guys guys guys!!!

DISCIPLE: You see? You see this, yes!

ROXY: =AM HUPPED=

DISCIPLE: Is here.

ROXY: its me

JOHN: dad!!!

JAKE: -looks wildly around. Kind of panicked honestly.- But if youre out here and we all are WHO THE HELL IS DRIVING THIS LOCOMOTIVE??????

JAKE: ROXY????????

KARKAT: !! =rEZI? He peeps over the basket=

TEREZI: =HER HEAD SNAPS TO SOLLUX and she's running for him, arms outstretched, going in for the HUG=

TEREZI: >:''''''D

TEREZI: 1 PROM1S3D YOU, D1DNT 1?

ULFURA: DAS ME!!! -waves atop the dragonfly.-

DIRK: -ok, now that nobody is trying to kill each other-

DIRK: -MOVE I'M GAY-

JAKE: -So wall eyed and confused.- ???????????????

URSAIS: -Dismounts a little slower with Ulfura-

KARKAT: =Lots of fucking clamouring in the basket, he'll crawl over motherfuckers=

SOLLUX: -he's hovering down out of his seat to meet her, just fucking ANNIHILATED BY TEREZI EMBRACE.-

DAVE: -holy shit she's alive. That's a big relief and he's happy for his momo-

TEREZI: =clotheslines Karkat also=

SOLLUX: hhggh.

ROXANNE: -She off that bug so fast, look out disciple and roxy she is making a bee line for you.-

DIRK: Roxy? Jake?

DISCIPLE: -slam dunks Roxy on Roxanne-

KARKAT: =Good kill him, he's crying and holding her so tight=

DISCIPLE: -she's helping-

DISCIPLE : -SHE DOES A FUCKING CAT FACE BUT THIS ONE WON'T LET IT NOT BE A CLOCK-

ROXY: =DOOF!!=

JAKE: Dirk????

JOHN: -FLIES AT HIS DAD!!!-

ROXY: 8U =At all this lifting and throwing=

TEREZI: =squeezing the life out of her quads=

ROXANNE: -OOF-

SOLLUX: fuck... g0d damn it. -buries self in Karkat and Terezi??-

JAMES: OH DEAR. -son incoming...-

ROXANNE: -But also squeezes the fuck out of the daughter hi, hi there hello.-

DAVE: -watching the reunions. Where is Jade-

TEREZI: =HECK, she's crying too=

MICEXA: -And she's sort of frozen in her seat, staring down at the green-robed person down there. It can't... it can't really be, can it?-

JOHN: -THE SON IS HERE. PUMMELS HIM IN A HUG.-

DIRK: -HERE COMES ME-- oh jesus he's still in the booty shorts-

ROXY: =HUGS ON THE MOMMEN, buries face in. She's the stankiest mom, sorry not sorry=

LIFERA: -She's hardly paying attention to all these reunions. She's staring anxiously around them, at the sky.-

HESONY: (Fuck me...)

JAKE: -The confusion ends with Dirk FINALLY finding him somewhere in the tackle of people.- .... 8'(

ROXANNE: -She does not even care, and is totally actually crying but its no big deal, shh.-

DAVE: -they're going to get Jade. They're going to get Jade. They're going to get Jade and bring her back just like everybody else-

ROSE: -She's actually doing the same as Lifera. All that fighting isn't likely to end soon.-

MITUNA: -Elbows Sunny- you owe me like a million caegar5

JADESPRITE: -hey, she's here Dave...-

KARKAT: =Get wrecked sollux, SQUEEZES him too=

DIRK: ... -gently approaches this boof and pulls him into a tight hug.- (Fuck.)

DAVE: -you're A Jade you're not MY Jade there's a DIFFERENCE but I'm happy you're ok too-

JADESPRITE: - :( -

DAVENFORTH: -Also looking around. These reunions are nice but...-

KARKAT: =Don't be fucking RUDE Dave=

DAVE: -I'm the original rude boy-

LIFERA: -climbs out of this dragonfly seat. She can't stay sitting.-

DEREK: -👁️👁️ james in the distance but they can do an unironic bicep close up later... for now he's among those cautiously awaiting the inevitable.-

LATULA: -PROBABLY PUNCHES ROXY AT SOME POINT- LATULA: YOU WOULD NOT B3L13V3 TH3 SH1T W3V3 B33N THROUGH THO.

DAVE: -still staying where he is...eyebrows furrowing. Concentrating. He has to busy himself somehow while still making progress-

JAKE: -He... it takes him a second to realize it's actually Dirk and then another full second to wrap his arms around him.- (Dirk...) JAKE: -breathing shallowly and rapid, high with emotion and above else fear.- (Were not out of the woods yet.)

MICEXA: -finally forces herself out of her seat, too, stepping almost shakily to stand a few feet away from Terezi.-

HESONY: (Shut up, Sparky, 1---) =the rest of his insult dies as his voice breaks, still staring=

TEREZI: =She doesn't ever want to let go, but that would be impractical. Though she doesn't want to she breaks from them, one hand on each of their faces.=

TEREZI: >:']

DAVE: we should get going -he says not loud enough for anyone to hear him except maybe the others on the dragonfly-

ROXY: =SHE BETTER= ROXY: girl there's... a lotta shit

ROXY: so much fuckin shit u wouldnt believe or you would.... but like.... damn... wtf

ROXY: im ready 2 blow this place up

SOLLUX: fuck...

SOLLUX: haha. ahaha...

DAVENFORTH: -Slides out the seat of this big bug, sword already drawn-

LATULA: ok wow fuck you 1m blow1n 1t up F1RST.

ERIDAN: -gazing from beyond and then turns his squint to the sky. Shit's too convenient for his taste.-

TEREZI: =it is only when the movement from her peripherals happen that she glanced toward it.=

TEREZI: .......

ROXY: gd girl later

ROXY: yeesh

LATULA: PSH H3Y 4LSO GL4D 1M NOT D34D??? TH4NKZ. LOV3 YOU 2 B4B3Z.

ROXANNE: -Mmm, unfortunately yeah those killjoys have a point. She is letting go of Roxy (just in time for her butt to be punched by latula) and dries her watery eyes with the back of her hand.-

DIRK: -buries his face against jake's neck. all he needs his a second, though he's definitely greedy enough to take more.- (I know.)

DIRK: -exhales as he pulls away, but keeps ahold of jake's hand. he looks around at all the chaos just beyond them.-

JAMES: -handles the brunt of John tackling him with finesse.- JOHN. YOU ARE SAFE.

ROXY: ur not allowed :C =No one else is allowed to die but she does love her and starts to look around... gangs..... almost all here but not quite=

JOHN: i was worried but i knew you'd be okay. c:

ROXANNE: -She can be more emotional later, its chill. Shes already loading up her gun and looking around for that OTHER someone she is missing.-

JOHN: -Literally hovers around the group, wanting to hug EVERYONE now but they probably don't have time for that. Later.-

HESONY: =Almost falls off the dragonfly, climbing down none too gracefully=

TEREZI: =she pressed herself against Karkat and Sollux one more time before turning to her team, grabbing them by their shirtfronts and pulling them both down into a hug. Too bad, you gotta adjust to MY height.=

JAMES: .......... -fluffs up John's hair, still hugging him. He can't... quite articulate how grateful he is to have his son with him. Presses a stern kiss to his hair and hopes it conveys even SOMETHING.-

KARKAT: =EUGH at that... but if it makes her happy fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffine=

JOHN: -This is a very sweet scene in general and there's nothing to complain about.-

HESONY: =a blubbering pansy=

ERIDAN: -disgusting........................-

HESONY: =stfu=

JAMES: -when he's able, he takes a single moment to search for Roxanne's face in the crowd. How much time did they have? Not enough, he felt.-

MICEXA: Ah--!

MICEXA: T...erezi... -It's all she manages before the sting in her eyes and the tightness of her throat is a little too much, and she leans down into her tiny teammate, her arms curling around both her and Sunny. It feels like it's been a thousand years and yet no time at all. Her swarm.-

JOHN: -floats up above jake and lovlingly beats on his shoulders- i'm glad you're alright, buddy. -he looks so skinny though! he's getting a strict dietary regimine of lots of protein after this.-

TEREZI: =Her chest heaves as she began to cry again from happiness. The missing pieces now fit. Everyone she loves is here or waiting elsewhere. Distance does not seperate as it used to.=

ROXANNE: -It really isnt but the moment she is sure John and James are done she is marching up to him.-

SOLLUX: -he has no idea who these douchebags are or why Terezi is hugging them... but his gaze drifts away for a moment as he moves toward Dirk and Jake.-

JAKE: -It was the raw pumpkin diet. But there Jake stands, fiddling and anxious. HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.-

TEREZI: =she'll tackle you later, Sollux. Theres hours of piletime in her schedule=

MITUNA: -He's happy seeing all this but he really misses Porrim and Damara now...He hopes they're still okay.-

JOHN: -Aww. Poor guy. 8(-

MICEXA: Don't cry-- I'm sorry... -It's little more than a whisper, but her hand strokes over Terezi's hood for lack of ability to touch her hair, and she wishes she could, to remember better times.-

ARADIA: -she looks like she's waiting for something...-

ROXANNE: -Shes had like a whole month to think about stuff, and while the last time they were really face to face things were pretty uncertain, but now she is running on determination, resolution and also no sleep hah... anyways before things hit the fan shes dragging James into a kiss right on the lips.-

DAVE: -he's restless and he wants to find Jade and everyone here getting back together is great and all but he's bitter.-

TEREZI: =They'll have time for all of that and more. She'll make sure of it.=

SOLLUX: -just kinda happens at them. he's here and he's gonna find Jake's tiddies with his face.-

JAMES: !!! -THIS IS DEFINITELY HAPPENING AND JAMES IS HIGHLY SURPRISED. And red in the face and Roxanne plszzzzzz. He die, it's hardly even a proper kiss.-

TEREZI: DONT... YOU D1D WH4T YOU COULD, G1V3N TH3 C1RCUMST4NC3S...

DIRK: -yes bring it in, sollux...-

JAKE: -He just... fresh tears anew. This soft chitter.- Q_Q

TEREZI: =that's my rail, everyone. bask in his glory=

JOHN: -ROSE DO YOU SEE THAT YOUR MOM IS KISSING MY DAD???? WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT? this is the first he's heard or seen fo this.-

ROXY: =Wait a diddly darn second what=

ROSE: -uh-

ROXANNE: -Its not but she is pretty sure they've got like thirty seconds before they gotta jump into action again.-

ROSE: -okay THAT'S enough to distract her from her fidgeting-

ROSE: Hi.

ROSE: -leaning from on top of the bug.-

MICEXA: -She just purses her lips then, wordless, with too much emotion to fit any words to even if she wanted to. The tears roll out, so much she's been forcing herself to hold, and she's almost afraid she might not be able to come back from this.-

ROSE: I can see that you're.

ROSE: Busy.

JAMES: - /////////////// -

JAMES: ....

JOHN: ...hehehehhehe. :D

ROXANNE: -Any kiss is done, she is pulling back, her face red but its DONE. She's wanted to do that for weeks and now if she does die, her checklist is complete.-

ROXANNE: -So serious looking.- Gonna' hope youre okay.

DAVE: -muttering to himself- ok but has anyone seen jade

SOLLUX: -Yeah. It's about now that he's crying, too, just silent yellow seeping into Jake's Crocker (TM) shirt.-

SOLLUX: hh--

SOLLUX: hey.

JAMES: I AM FAR MORE THAN OKAY. -He's always serious. And flabberghasted. Wheeze...-

JOHN: -YEAAAAAAAH. GET IT DAD! he's thumbs upping and grinning, being a general emabrassment.-

DIRK: -hhh. he can't not sandwich sollux between them now. he's too upset seeing all this.-

DEREK: -SIDE EYES DAVE but only because he's very pointedly NOT looking in the other direction... with the reunions and such.-

[[ There's a resonant sort of growling from...somewhere. It's a little hard to make out, and maybe not entirely audible if you aren't paying attention. ]]

ROSE: -Ah. Well, there it goes again.-

ROSE: -NEEDLES AGAIN-

TEREZI: =She stares at them and...laughs. It's soft, but genuine as the smile reached her eyes.= NOW YOUR3 CRY1NG

TEREZI: W3R3 4LL CRY1NG

TEREZI: 4 BUNCH OF J4CK4SS3S CRY1NG 1N 4 C1RCL3--

DAVENFORTH: -His head turns in the direction of the growling, sword at the ready.-

JOHN: -???-

JOHN: did you all hear something?

ROSE: Yes.

ROXANNE: Great 'cus-- -Mmmm growling, there it is, she knew it.-

JAKE: Its... JAKE: We... JAKE: Well be alright now. -he wished the seconds could stretch and that he could articulate everything he means to say. But there's not enough time. He just squeezes Sollux tight.-

DAVE: -side-eyes Derek-

[In the middle of all this -- The moment they've ALL been waiting for... In the distance, looming over the vast lake, is the unmistakeable shape of the Condesce's big red motherfucker of a flagship. Pointy and imposing, but it's easing itself onto the scene at a dauntingly slow speed. The shadow it casts engulfs a large number of the ships fighting just below them. And then it waits.]

TEREZI: 1TS-- =she paled=

DAVE: ...

ROXANNE: ........

JAKE: -Just holds his husbands. He knows. He sees it.-

MINDFANG: -Oooh boy, well this is going to suck.- MINDFANG: -Staring up at that ship that every troll with half a brain cell knows.-

[[BARK, comes a sound from somewhere. Is someone barking?? Weird. ]]

ROXY: =pauses from this beauitufl reunion to point= FUCK YOU SHIP =She's so fucking steamed she doesn't even give a fuck anymore=

[S)(-ELLO B-EAC)(-ES]

JOHN: >80 !!!

JADESPRITE: !!

DAVE: -he's REAL FUCKING ALERT NOW-

MICEXA: -sniffs and pulls back from Terezi abruptly-

DAVE: -sits up and looks around-

DAVENFORTH: Flashy

TEREZI: =Roxy's shout pulls her from her fear and her grip tightens on her gun.=

TEREZI: 4LL R1GHT GUYS! TEREZI: L3TS FUCK SH1T UP

LIFERA: -She stares up at the ship as it looms, expression fixed into one of solemn determination...-

LIFERA: -And then moments later, she pulls out her 2x3dent and crouches to LEAP, soaring with a powerful jump high into the sky. High enough to reach the top of the HQ building, at the very least. Looks like she plans on going up to that ship. Either way, she's left them all with a quickness.-

JOHN: -he's got his hammer at the ready, and indeed he is ready to fuck shit up. well put, terezi.-

ROXY: =There she go= .... =majestic=

ROXY: =Well she's not goin ALONE, there are several bones here she has to pick=

SOLLUX: -pulls away from Jake and wipes at his face, turning it up toward the sky... and that's a lot of red.-

SOLLUX: g0d damn it.

DAVENFORTH: Lif -Welp. He can't do all of that, but suddenly flash stepping away, probably up a building to go after her-

MITUNA: UM

MITUNA: 7H475 K1ND 0F 57UP1D

DISCIPLE: Rrrrr.

ROXY: =she can't fly... gdi. wait doi= 

ROXY: i fuckin love bein stupid whos goin up?

QIRIN: Dave! =What did she expect tho?= 

QIRIN: =mutters= Honestly... =She's off to find some STAIRS=

DIRK: -HE'S GOT THE HOVERBOARD OUT-

JOHN: so...up it is?

ROXY: grab on cause this aint a 2 way strt

JOHN: -FWOOOOOOOOM. He starts channeling some breeze. In a circular motion.-

ARADIA: -flies upward immediately after the others-

SOLLUX: i'm g0ing.

JOHN: -Kind of a LOT of Breeze.-

DIRK: I can carry two people.

SOLLUX: -floats up after Aradia-

LATULA: 1m not 3v3n gonn4 PR3T3ND 1m gonn4 b3 us3ful up th3r3. LATULA: -She hops back up on the dragonfly.-

JAKE: -Sollux pulls away and Jake's wibbly anxiety dissolves to be replaced with such a rage.- SIGN ME THE FUCK ROXAROO. -stepping on with Dirk, pistol ready.-

JOLENE: -FUCKING COMES OUTTA NOWHERE ON ROCKET BOOTS YEEHAW.-

JOLENE: -SHE'S COMING FOR YOU NEEUHI-

MITUNA: UM

ROXY: o then fuck that im savin my sinergey, jumps on with dirk and jake- HYAH SUGARPRINCE

TEREZI: SOLLUX!

TEREZI: B3 S4F3! =she holds up two fingers - her half of their diamonds=

ROXY: =holds up tiny fists=

DIRK: -THERE THEY GO eating grandma's dust-

LATULA: H3Y STUP1D YOUR3 NOT 4LLOW3D TO D13 31TH3R!!!!

SOLLUX: -spins around to offer her two fingers... and then a middle finger for everybody else.-

LATULA: -shakes a fist at roxy-

SOLLUX: -ascends-

JOHN: -He's mixing up a special present for you, Condy. He stays on the ground for now to nurture it. It spins and spins. Yeah. He's making a small tornado.-

ROXY: i wont i love you ill brb with the BLOOD OF MY ENEMIIEEEEEEESSSSSSssssssss... =nyooms off=

DAVE: -he swore he heard the barking and the growling where is it COMING from. Up there? Somewhere else?-

ROSE: One moment.

HESONY: =he's only come to realize how WELL Terezi had actually adapted and moved on with her life. He's...slightly jealous holy shit.=

ROSE: -She pulls out her communicator.-

MITUNA: -Sighs- fuck i7 gue55 who need5 a ride

ERIDAN: -sweeping himself up to Mituna, finally talking up.- HEY SPARKMAGE

ERIDAN: we gonna ignore the wwhole arsenal of altenian militials havvin their wway on the BATTLE GROUNDS

[Eridan does have a good point. The ships are giving them their attention now...]

MITUNA: who the bulge are you

URSAIS: nah me 'n my crRew is gon give 'em the at ten shun they deserves. -EL SQUINTO AT THIS RANDOM FUCK OFF SEADWELLER.-

MINDFANG: -Behind Eridan now.- I agree. We shouldnt 8e focusing all our efforts on one... -squints up at the red ship- fish.

ROSE: -Puts the communicator away.-

ROSE: Okay.

KARKAT: =some douchebag= FINE ALRIGHT THEN LET'S GET TO IT. =Rolls his shoulders but he's not jumping in the water.... YET. Brandishes his fists=

LATULA: -leaning over and peering through her scope to watch those ships...-

LATULA: 1 got 4n 3y3 out bro.

TEREZI: =brandishes...Jakes gun=

ERIDAN: some douche wwhos full assed about takin on an army wwith the likes of some ragtag rebellion fucks -Also he has a few automatic rifles on him.-

JOHN: well, i'm going to focus my attention on the one fish. see you guys on the flip side. -THERE HE GOES.-

JOHN: good luck! -TAKES HIS TORNADO WITH HIM-

HESONY: =he pulled out his gigantic shield. Yall gonna be protected so hard.=

MINDFANG: -Oh so now the shield is for protecting.-

NEPETA: =Eyes Eridan, eyes Hesony=

LATULA: 4lr1ght y4l 3v3rybody who 41nt st1ck1n to gu4rd th3 r34r???? 1tz PROB4BLY 4bout t1m3 to g3t your 4ss3s up h3r3.

LATULA: c4us3 th3yr3 com1n 1n hot.

[[BARK.]]

EQUIUS: -He has released the back up. Be free, my children.-

HESONY: =if you rather i didn't, mindfang...=

DAVE: -ok now he's trying to identify where the barking is coming from again.- jade

NEPETA: =Takes her coat off and leaves it in the basket, ear perk....... RUNS OFF=

NEPETA: =TO WAR=

JADE: -It is now fairly apparent where the barking is coming from... as there is a sparking of green coming from above. On the headquarters rooftop stand Jade and Jane both, staring down at the group.-

JANE: -She has her giant red fork by her side... and she only watches down at them for a moment before turning around and walking back away from the edge and disappearing onto the rooftop.-

JADE: -And then she zaps down to the group on the ground, growling and fizzling with power. This could get pretty bad unless somebody does something.-  

DAVESPRITE: -As she zaps, Davesprite appears from seemingly out of nowhere. Sun's out, swoards out.- surprise bitches

DAVE: -he finally hops down from giant bug. He's not gonna get his sword out yet- jade chill-- -OH THIS GUY-

DAVESPRITE: -FLAP FLAP HIS WINGS. You thought you'd seen the last of him...-

JADE: -OKAY WHAT THE FUCK??-

JADE: BARK!!! -lunges at Davesprite, flashing green. It's probably clear she intends to pull the same stunt she did last time.-

ROSE: -Grabs Aranea's arm.-

ROSE: Hello. ROSE: I need to be up.

ROSE: -POINTS TOWARDS THE ROOF-

ARANEA: !

ARANEA: Right! -holds onto rose and FLAP FLAPS-

MINDFANG: -What an angry looking human dog and a weird orange monkey bird.-

DAVESPRITE: -She can try and disappear with him but he'll only come back and appear right at her side again. ANNOYINGLY.- alright harley

DAVESPRITE: lets do this

JADESPRITE: -meanwhile, she floats up to Mindfang.- (the roof! we should head up there)

JADESPRITE: (im sure davesprite is going to lead her up there too)

JADESPRITE: -reaches for Mindfang's hand- (you can put humans to sleep cant you?)

ROSE: (Try to keep her attention off of you. I don't think she'll hesitate to kill you like she will the others. Also, we need you to knock her out.)

DAVESPRITE: -caw caw, jade. Look at the birdieeee.-

ARANEA: -side eyes... but yes, she has a point.- (Right...)

MINDFANG: -Who dis other dog girl.- (...Yes I can.)

MINDFANG: -Gives the rustling duo over there one more look as she quickly catches up with the idea.- !!

MINDFANG: (Alright lets move.) -Is there any clear path to get up there?? Shes looking around for one.-

JADESPRITE: -HERE'S THE PATH. She grabs Mindfang's hands and starts flyin', soarin'. NYOOM.-

DAVESPRITE: -And so uses sprite kinetics to get a grip on Jade and PUNT HER UP TO THE ROOF. He did indeed just do that.-

MINDFANG: -Warning next time but THIS WORKS.-

DAVESPRITE: -soars on after her.-

JADE: RRRR!!! RRRRAAWWOOOOOOOOF!!!

JADE: -COMICALLY FLIES UP TO THE ROOF.-

[gulescamisade]

Betty Crocker Headquarters:  Prison Break

[It's been quiet here in the prison area... Maybe the prisoners have accepted their fate at this point, or maybe the stillness is something like the calm before the storm. The atmosphere seems to foretell a happening -- but there's little more evidence of that than a fading blood stain on the floor.]

TEREZI: =In a soft glow of light, a body returns to it's area of expiration, plopping gently feet first onto the floor in a garb of green. For the second time in a short time, Terezi is returned to the land of the living. She clenched and unclenched her hands - was this real? It wasn't quite as jarring as the last time, but unlike last time, she wouldn't hesitate. Whether it was real or not, she didn't have time to doubt it; she had to believe it was.=

TEREZI: =Noticing that she stuck out quite literally, being smack in the middle of a hallway along with her attire a colorful beacon, Terezi ducked down against the wall. Hoping no cameras caught that, she continued moving. Even though she didn't know where she was going or where she could remain out of sight, the very least she could do was make herself a little harder to track.=

TEREZI: =slipping down another hall, she stuck close to the left side, keeping her ears open.=

[If the cameras did pick it up, no one has immediately swept in to deal with her... Definitely not little red riding hood and her pointy jam. The only signs of life are those inside the cells, if Terezi takes a peek...]

TEREZI: =she does. A very slow, careful peek. Guh, gotta get this hood out of the way first.=

[Let's say luck is on her side and she happens upon JAMES very quickly, catching a glimpse of him through the tiny slot in the door.]

JAMES: -is seated at his cot and meditating. He has been conserving his energy for this moment. TZ only needs to get his attention.-

TEREZI: !

TEREZI: =She taps a finger against the slot.= ((h3y m1st3r 3gb3rt s1r, psssssst!)) =tiny wave=

JAMES: -That'll do it. He recognizes the voice and rises to stand. Subtly cracking his neck as he does so.- MISS PYROPE.

JAMES: I TAKE THAT IT IS TIME FOR ACTION?

TEREZI: ((1m go1ng to gu3ss so, y3s))

TEREZI: ((1 dont r34lly know wh4t th3 h3ll 1s go1ng on, but 4ct1on 1s 4 gr34t pl4c3 to st4rt)) >:]

JAMES: SAY NO MORE. -coming over to brace his hands by the door.- I DON'T SUPPOSE YOU CARRY A KEY WITH YOU?

TEREZI: ((no, 1 just got h3r3)) =Literally=

JAMES: WHATEVER THE CASE, I AM PLEASED TO SEE YOU HERE.

JAMES: I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SUGGEST YOU STAND CLEAR OF THE DOOR.

TEREZI: ((y34h, sur3 th1ng)) =She disappears from view as she stepped aside.=

JAMES: -Wastes no time, pulling his fist back and swinging it againt the door in a single mangrit-charged punch. One punch, if you will. Please expect the cell door to explode off its hinges. Crashing into the hallway.-

JAMES: ...

JAMES: -steps through the forced hole he just created.- HELLO.

TEREZI: =....= ....

TEREZI: W3LL 1 GU3SS TH3R3S NO PO1NT 1N B31NG QU13T NOW, 1S TH3R3? =but she's smiling!! ITS WONDERFUL TO BE ALIVE. She was stock still for a moment before continuing=

TEREZI: L3TS G3T TH3 OTH3RS

TEREZI: TH3R3 4R3 OTH3RS H3R3 TOO, R1GHT?

JAMES: ROXY, JAKE. THE CHERUBS. LAST I WAS INFORMED.

JAMES: -Does take a moment to take in the state of her... but decides not to dwell on it.- THEY ARE CLOSE.

TEREZI: =Most of her is hidden under these green jammies, but there are conical horns poking through slits that seemed to be made just for them.=

TEREZI: GOOD! L3TS G3T GO1NG! =she motioned with a hand, to lead them further down this hallway. She paused only to peek through the slots thoroughly for more of the crew and friends.=

JAMES: -as Terezi peeks for friends, James is going to take the initiative and scout further down the hallway. Checking the doors don't lead to cells.-

[There is one door, that at first glance just appears to lead to another cell, but behind the window slot is instead something like a locker room. The door is locked, of course, but a panel opens on it to reveal a keypad.]

TEREZI: =with no one else in the cells she checked, she joined James, glancing down at the keypad.= TEREZI: KNOW 4NY SW33T H4CKS? =she does take a glance down towards each end of the hallway to make sure they weren't being followed.=

JAMES: I PERHAPS KNOW ONE SWEET HACK. -reaches far into the steel trap of his memory and tries a code.-

JAMES: ...

JAMES: IT IS THE BINARY NUMBER FOR CAKE.

ROXY: =RATTLES HER BARS, only no=

JAMES: - 01100011 01100001 01101011 01100101 -

[THE DOOR OPENS.]

JAMES: -Golly... it worked. Of course, it did. Cake is the answer to all the world's problems. He's pretty sure CrockerCorp had a slogan of that nature some years ago... Anyway, James is taking a cautionary look into the lab.-

TEREZI: W41T 1...

TEREZI: =she returned to one of the cells she had previously checked. The room was full of fucking green.... How??=

ROXY: =Heckin magic is how=

JAMES: WHAT IS IT?

[It's mostly just lockers and storage bins stacked on shelves. James might notice that one of the bins has a HANDSOME WALLET in it.]

JAMES: -Strong fatherly exclamation point! Swiftly moving to pluck this wallet out and looking to ransack the rest of the storage bins for STUFF. Clips his whole sylladex back onto himself. He is ready.-

TEREZI: =Still peeping through the slot. Is there anyone in there?=

[Roxy, Jake and the Cherubs sylladexes are definitely in the bins too, if he can recognize them. They maye or may not be obvious.]

JAMES: -Retrieve sylladexes.-

ROXY: =Some of the cubes shift about, two of them move to the side and there's pink eyes staring back=

ROXY: !!

ROXY: =Suddenly the disappear and after a few seconds Roxy (and about 50 green cubes) decend on Terezi= rexrezzie!

ROXY: =Get buried=

TEREZI: !!!!!!!!!!! >8O

TEREZI: =That was perhaps the most startling thing she experienced in her new life so far=

TEREZI: ROXY! >:D

ROXY: =HER EYES, holds her face also her body, looks around and sees James= wut.... wait

ROXY: explain on the way this is a bust out right? i have snausages 4 the guard dawg

TEREZI: STR4NG3LY 3NOUGH TH3R3 H4V3 B33N NO GU4RDS

TEREZI: OR GU4RD DOGS

TEREZI: >:\

TEREZI: =gives roxy a quick, tight hug though=

ROXY: =SQUEEZES even tho she stank= that's suspicerous

ROXY: =Squints a bit and looks around=

JAMES: -returns back to their place of convening.- ROXY.

JAMES: ...

JAMES: -scoops both these girls in a brief strong fatherly embrace.- I HAVE RETRIEVED YOUR SYLLADEX.

JAMES: HOWEVER I FEAR THERE MAY BE A REASON WE HAVE YET TO ENCOUNTER ANY CONFRONTATION.

JAMES: -hands roxy back her sylladex.-

ROXY: =A BIG HUG FOR EVERYONE SHE'S SO HAPPY=

ROXY: =takes her dex back and immediate puts on her strife spec= let's take advantage of that for now n find jake n callie

TEREZI: =that's okay! she's happy to see her alive and well! Terezi on the other and smells fresh and new like laundered linen.=

[Roxy likely remembers the way to where they're being held from before she was chased away by the guard dog. It is basically a straight shot through this exit, the next hall, and through a spooky and suspicious door labeled "we do horrible experiments here" OR SOMETHING. It was implied.]

ROXY: =SHE SURE DOES=

ROXY: =stretches her legs a little then nods down the hall=

ROXY: this way itll b a good place to start at least also maybe theyve made progress since i last been there =starts to guide them down the hall=

JAMES: -carrying up the rear. Will leap to defend the ladies if he needs to. He is armed with his photon watch shield and 100 count of cakes kept fresh in his sylladex. Hope everyone is hydrated. James is going to make sure they are.-

JAMES: -distantly fussing at them children.-

ROXY: =A sweet hot dad :') =

TEREZI: =she's got nothing on her except the literal clothes on her back=

[They exit the prison area and into the next hall with the tech labs. The staff NEVER seems to be around here... That probably isn't a good sign, but oh well. It makes their trek to their destination all the easier. The super secret lab they're looking for is still locked, but nothing void magic, gadgets and gizmos, or fists thru the wall can't fix.]

TEREZI: =Is there another keypad for this door?=

[INDEED. Or it requires a keycard... I can't remember. Either way.]

ROXY: =Is someone gonna fist that wall? 👀 she missed wall fisting=

ROXY: =she can totally handle this but like.... 👀=

JAMES: -What about cake override codes... Aw, darn.-

JAMES: -There was a door punched off its hinges back in the hallway. She def can appreciate that now.-

ROXY: =She does but also she'll just give some SWEET HACKS to this door for now to save her energy. All this absence she feels like she'll need it=

[DOOR: HACKED.]

ROXY: =turns to them= im in

TEREZI: H33

ROXY: =NOW WHAT NERD SCIENCE BULLSHIT HAVE THEY EVEN DONE UP IN HERE?=

JAMES: WELL DONE, ROXY. -He's proud of you... but also focused on this serious business.-

[Inside, as she remembers, there are some panels on the wall where video feeds used to be, but everything is shut off right now. She would ALSO rememebr another door being locked in here, but it's WIDE OPEN NOW. This will lead to, you guessed it, even MORE rooms. But they are less like prison cells and more like dingy examination rooms. One of them has pumpkin vines peeking out from under the door...]

JAMES: ...

JAMES: ODD.

TEREZI: D1DNT J4D3 GROW PUMPK1NS?

ROXY: =Squints at that open door and peeps all at the one with vines growing from under the door- WAIT! Is there a panel to this door too?= hang on....

ROXY: cuz i remember jake was like.... o =she remembers... the greenery... the tiny shorts. Yes, it's all coming back to her=

JAMES: THEN IT ONLY STANDS TO SAY JAKE IS BEHIND THIS DOOR. -Should he pry it open? Or maybe he doesn't need to. If Roxy would like to do the honors?-

[Flashback cut to photos of Jake in tiny red Crocker Corp booty shorts and suspenders.]

TEREZI: W41T 4 S3C GUYS, 1---

TEREZI: MMMNG... =a hand hovers to squeeze at her temples before she moved to the door, her hand lowering to the keypad. Reaching into the past, she searched for someone who had used the keypad last.=

ROXY: =Ah.... yes... she remembers......=

[Whoever used this keypad last LOOKS LIKE A NERD. Probably a scientist. So definitely a nerd. She can see them typing in the code.]

TEREZI: =After a pause of her looking COMPLETELY out of it, Terezi's fingers moved, punching in the code.=

[DOOR: SEER'D.]

TEREZI: =a little surprised that worked actually!=

JAMES: -He is... so concerned. And also surprised. Before James can think to comment on it, however a pumpkin is being FLUNG from behind the door. Thrown with such a force that it explodes violently against the wall opposite his cell.- !!!!!!!!

JAKE: BACK AT IT AGAIN YOU WEASLY SONS OF BITCHES??? TIME FOR ROUND TWO!

JAKE: -PUMPKIN FLINGS. PCHOO POCHOO.-

JAKE: -SPLAT-

ROXY: =👀= girl wu-!! =YIPE=

[If Terezi seer'd just a little bit longer, she might have seen the nerd get pelted with a pumpkin.]

ROXY: =but also= JAKE!

JAKE: -a mustached face peers from behind his cot/pumpkin fort. But not another second is spared before he is EMERGING. Hello booty shorts. It's also apparent that he is armed with pumpkins attatched to a vine sash on his back.- ROXAROO!!!! TEREZI? JAMES?

JAKE: Good golly is it time??????????

TEREZI: =everyone ELSE had exited calmly!=

TEREZI: =RELATIVELY=

JAKE: -don't blame him... he's got bandages plenty on his arms from many needle pokes... He's BEEN rowdy.-

TEREZI: =peeks around the door at Jake= GOOD GOLLY 1S 1T S4F3?

JAKE: -He doesn't care and is blubbering a little bit. Q_Q- You came...

TEREZI: >:D

TEREZI: H3CK Y34H W3 D1D!

ROXY: =Baby no.... she frowns at him then goes to give him a gently FIRM squeeze= baby ...... :C

ROXY: ofc we woulda come

JAMES: -There, there Jake... James is ruffling his hair in support.-

JAKE: -obviously takes a minute to be scooped in Roxy's muscle embrace and cry a little bit. Terezi too. Come here quad in law.-

JAKE: -he hug...-

JAKE: I knew you would! -It's all he could tell himself all alone in his kennel.-

[ENOUGH HUGGING TIME IS MONEY MONEY IS POWER POWER IS PIZZA PIZZA IS KNOWLEDGE.]

JAKE: -He wants pizza!!!!!!!!!! Swipes his face clean of tears and puts his angry eyebrows on.- Now what the hoo heck hash are we diddydaddling around for? Weve some cherubs to track!

JAMES: WE WERE SEARCHING FOR YOU, SON. -hands him his sylladex- JAKE: !!!!! -EQUIPS. HOLA double pistols.-

TEREZI: =quad in law....= >:']

ROXY: yeah! but i dunno where they are :c

ROXY: least with u i had an idea..... =starts to get back out of this cell=

JAKE: -suddenly guns. 🔫- Well find them no problemo. -he BELIEVES IT.-

JAMES: -Son... do you maybe want to change into a different garb? He has extra clothes.-

JAKE: -No........................................... Leave it............................................... He burns to see this through to the end.-

JAMES: -I'm proud of you.-

ROXY: =jake she can make you more booty shorts and suspenders its ok=

TEREZI: S1NC3 NO ON3S S41D 1M GONN4 S4Y 1T

TEREZI: 3V3RYON3 LOOKS SO R1D1CULOUS

JAKE: -they cling to his every curve. He breathes out with a low hiss.-

JAKE: All the sweeter the victory when we blow this laboratory to SMITHEREENS.

JAMES: -fixing at his tie self consciously... Does he look ridiculous? Oh dear.-

TEREZI: =Youve been in jail a month, sorry mister=

JAMES: - :( He'll have to put on his hat to hide his shame.-

ROXY: im hot always

ROXY: also we got a sweet precious baby girl 2 find! =Trnansformers.... ROLLOUT=

[Its true, they will find the Cherubs no problemo. For all the cells are empty, but further investigation will take them to an open lab... But it isn't a pretty sight here. Large tubes with floating... body parts? Inside of them. Vials and beakers of rainbow blood standing against the red of a human's... Stained slabs and tables.... Just to name a few of the unpleasant sights. There are large drawers, too, which give the whole lab the look of a morgue.]

TEREZI: HOT HOT T4T3R TOT

TEREZI: .......

ROXY: =MMMNNG GROSS.....=

JAMES: -Entire vats drained of blood. There are no words.-

JAKE: -the sight and feel of this place is freezing the breath in his lungs a little bit. Big old, cold sweat gulps.-

TEREZI: WH4T...H4PP3N3D H3R3?

TEREZI: =but even as she asked the question, something in her reached out for her to reach back, and her mind delved into the decisions made in this place. =

JAKE: Id...

JAKE: Rather not know. -hiding behind roxy just 8C -

[But Terezi will know, decisions were made here to follow out their Empress' fucked up, and frankly ridiculous, endeavors to make humans more like trolls. Going so far as to even try to fill their veins with caste colored blood. It isn't limited to that, and what all was decided and executed here would likely be overwhelmed. Particularly when it involves familiar faces like Jake's and Calliope and Caliborn's.]

TEREZI: =she tried to pull herself away from the memory - the visions? - and when she finally had control over her limbs again, she used them to propel her to the nearest trash can=

TEREZI: =blaaaaaar=

ROXY: .......oh

ROXY: =Rushes over and rubs her back= ... what happened are you okay???

JAKE: -gHGHGHHGHHG. Now he feels terrible...-

JAMES: -swiftly fetching a bottle of water for Terezi.-

TEREZI: =shes dry heaving; food isn't real in dreams=

TEREZI: 3XP3R1M3NTS...ON HUM4NS

TEREZI: TO M4K3 TH3M MOR3 L1K3 US =she felt like she really NEEDED to have something in her stomach because nothing felt so much worse=

TEREZI: TH3 CH3RUBS...W3 H4V3 TO F1ND TH3M-- W3-- =but a part of her knew that search would be fruitless=

TEREZI: =finally noticing the waterbottle, she took it tentatively=J4K3 =she turned to spitting stomach acid into the wastebasket= 1M SO SORRY...

ROXY: mmmnnng :c

ROXY: =She looks to the drawers now.... a little scared to open them=

ROXY: fuckin.... maniac bitch fish =goes over to them to like, peek in a few=

JAKE: I-- hmm hn... -he can't exactly be left to try and think about EXACTLY what they did with all those pokes and prods from before. He feels more conscious of the bandages on his arms than ever before.-

JAKE: Im whole and here. What more can i ask for?? -gathering himself up, still cold and sweaty. Roxy, don't... Jake can't handle this.-

ROXY: =she'll SHEILD THEIR GAZE WITH HER BODY=

ROXY: =But she really can't not...=

TEREZI: =no need, she's seen everything all at once. it was horrible=

JAKE: -HE'S VERY AFRAID OF WHATS IN THE DRAWERS AND DECIDES TO TURN HIS BACK AWAY.-

JAMES: -stern and steady hands on his back. Look away, son...-

[Unfortunately for Roxy, most of these are full... Mostly of ashen skinned humans, but there is one body that is very distinctly green.]

ROXY: ..... =like... with ganggreen?=

ROXY: =She'll take tthat=

ROXY: =But also her expression falls and something in her tightens up.... wtf=

TEREZI: =she would have told Roxy not to look, but she's busy coughing into the trashcan again=

ROXY: =SORRY EVERYONE SHE'S TOO CURIOUS FOR HER OWN GOOD=

[CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT.]

[At the very least, it made her quite sad...]

[She can BELIEVE the skin tone is unnatural, but of course she knows the truth. They found the cherubs.]

ROXY: =WOW THIS IS A BAD CASE OF GANG GREEN=

ROXY: =but no she's crying and holding the handle of the drawer tight=

ROXY: (fuckin.....)

JAKE: Theyre dead arent they? -he doesnt have to see. He knows in his hopes of heart.-

ROXY: =Can she just... sylladex this body= ROXY: .. yeah

ROXY: =They deserved so much better.... better than all this. All these people did=

JAKE: - ;__; - Oh callies...

[Caliborn is flipping you off in the afterlife, Jake. It's okay...]

JAKE: -HE WOULD CORPSE SMOOCH YOU BACK TO LIFE IF HE HAD TO, HE SWEARS!-

[She can steal the body if she wishes, however.]

ROXY: =Steals it she does and strides out of the lab with rage renewed= lets get the fuck out of here and find these dicks >:''(

TEREZI: =wiping her mouth with the back of her hand=

TEREZI: SH1T...

TEREZI: 1M W1TH YOU TH3R3

JAKE: -cocks his pistols. The world's grimmest, most grumpiest look on his face.- They wont even know what hit them.

TEREZI: =Is there anything lying around that she can use as a weapon?=

ROXY: o the fuck that yes they will =time for her ROXY LNDE brass knuckles=

JAKE: -Why not hopevoid her a weapon?-

[Good plan, because there isn't much else around besides scalpels and needles.]

TEREZI: =Imagine, flying into combat: NEEDLE JAB! Now you have some horrible troll disease! Congrats!=

JAKE: -eyeballs Terezi.- Say...

JAKE: How...

JAKE: I mean.

JAKE: How did you manage to get here?

TEREZI: UH....UM....W3LL

TEREZI: ....

TEREZI: 1TS 4 LONG STORY

[For all intents and purposes, they should be able to escape easily between Roxy and James' sweet hacking skills, whenever they are ready to vamoose.]

[AKA their work here is done. MISSION COMPLETE. You found your dead friend.]

ROXY: =SQUINTS WHILE HACKING SO MUCH, water u hidin rez=

JAKE: Oh okay... Would you like one of my pistols? -He literally has a whole pile of them in his sylladex. Ushers after the HAXXORS, letting them do their thing.-

TEREZI: =perks a bit= Y34H!

TEREZI: =She hasn't quite used such a precision weapon in a while, but it's a weapon and she'll take it.= TH4NKS

JAKE: -potentially giving a blind troll a gun??? This is normal. He has yet to be updated on things.- THATS THE SPIRIT!

JAKE: -Assuming Terezi is wearing the seer hoodie that covers her eyes. Not weird in the slightest to him.-

TEREZI: =She is indeed wearing the hood. You'll see, Jake. You'll see.=

ROXY: =Touches Terezi's bitchin jammies, so soft=

TEREZI: =softer than a baby's booty=

JAMES: -assisting in leading the way through the building and all the confusing layout business. They are well on their way OUT OF HERE.-

TEREZI: =takes the gun and checks to see how much ammo is left in the chamber. She remembered how to do that at least.=

TEREZI: TH3 SHORT OF 1T 1S 1 D13D =puts the clip back in and turns off the safety= TW1C3

JAKE: -Wall eyed...- Erm....

JAKE: Now that sounds like some tale. Too bad its so short!

JAKE: Terezi!

ROXY: ...wtf??

ROXY: ughh :c

ROXY: UGH >:(

ROXY: thats... bullshit!

[Outside they will probably see a GIANT ASS DRAGONFLY.]

TEREZI: M4J3ST1C

JAKE: -spongebob caveman memes in his booty shorts.- What the piss???

ROXY: =MORE LIKE A BITCHASS DRAGONFLY, SHE KICKS OPEN THE DOOR= MA-DEAD-STIC!

TEREZI: =there's dragon in the word. it's close enough=

ROXY: =GUN READY SHE READY TO BLASTEE U ASSTEE=

[colostrumtractatus-blog]

[[ When everyone is least expecting it, a wild power surge is overtaking the ship. For one solid, very scary minute, the engines stop and the lights cut off. The ship is floating in space. RIP in hecking rest, UU. ]] ROXY: =FUCKIN WHOOPS= ROXY: =panicked cursing and fumbling= [[ It's over soon enough. With a distant BANG, another energy surge shudders throughout the ship system and everything begins running as before. The crew can see! But also, what the fuck? It won't take long to figure out the surge had come from the engineering labs. ]] DIRK: -in his quarters, very carefully assembling a sandwich layered with doritos when the lights go out.- What the fuck? DIRK: -and then they come back on.- ... -sighs and leaves the room to try to figure out what the hell just happened. he's messaging anybody who might still be working in engineering right now to see if any of them know what just happened.- DIRK: -EATS THIS CRUNCHY SANDWICH on his way to the labs.- ROXY: =INTENSE SWEATING..... eyeballs her phone.....= ROXY: =STRAIGHTENS ENGINGEERING AND props her feet up. Fingers tented, party hat on her head, overalls dirty as she puts her boots up on the desk...... no foul play here= TEREZI: =Terezi has been on edge since they fled the moon, so her weapon is out in it's (relatively) harmless cane form= TEREZI: =Her vision still feels like someone wiped their hand all over an oil painting, smearing the colors, but she's going to make the best of this pyschadelic picasso-y feel to everything.= TEREZI: =Makes her way to engineering, also giving it an excuse to deliver sollux's weekly salad.= [[ Cool as Roxy acts, there's no denying there's an actual real portal looking machine up and running in the labs. It's as circular as an entrance and... veiled with enough inky blackness to choke a horse. It swirls ominously, leading off to parts unknown. ]] ROXY: =LISTEN= ROXY: =PUTS A SHEET OVER IT... jk she's watching it curiously and almost warily, gun on the table= DIRK: -BUSTS DOWN THE DOOR. except not really. you can't exactly bust down steal sliding doors. he just enters engineering.- ... DIRK: -points at the portal.- That's new. ROXY: ... i thought itd bring the room 2gether [[ Roxy is getting messages from her communicator. Confirmation that it's working. Ping ping. ]] ROXY: =peeps her communicator, it sure is working, she sends corresponding replies= so.... this is a thing 4 a test ROXY: lmao im #2good then again its a cotribubaby =Co-signed with a hornse= DIRK: And... did this knock out all the lights? -approaches the portal and eyeballs-(edited) DIRK: What is it? ROXY: yeeaaaahhhhhhhh this is what done did it ROXY: me n eq and a ghost horse happened..... hes here 2 help apparently and is ghost fef approved TEREZI: =brow lift= 4 L1T3R4L GHOST HORS3? TEREZI: TH4TS TO S4Y, 1M NOT DOUBT1NG YOU ROXY: a horse trapped in a troll spirit ROXY: i call him....... ROXY: sprinkles [[ At this moment, Roxy recieves another message. This one pretty straightforward. "CT: I'm coming out to test it. Standby." ]] DIRK: Ah. DIRK: Sounds legit. ROXY: =looks at her device= sprinkles is on his way DIRK: ... Ok. Now you've lost me. ROXY: the horse troll ROXY: hes got the voidy things like me and eq ROXY: and... hes p dead apparently but he wants to help us and also this old alien race that was wiped out by alternia DIRK: DIRK: So what we've got here is a giant Ouija board. TEREZI: NOBODY L34V3, 4ND R3M3MB3R TO S4Y GOODBY3 WH3N W3 F1N1SH >|O ROXY: p much ROXY: =snrk= DIRK: You're lucky you're so cute, otherwise I'd be pretty pissed you made a horse ghost summoning machine without consulting me. ROXY: =grins and shrugs= ima lovable scamp...... also 2 be fair i didnt think itd be done so soon ROXY: .... then again with 2 workaholics..... :thinking: [[ It's fine. Horuss is dead already and it's not like anything could happen to his GHOST. He's pretty sure. Speaking of the devil... Just as the boundaries of science are pushed, so is the veil of the void. A literal robotic horse is emerging from the dark. This is the body chassis he's chosen to inhabit. Roxy. Behold his mighty metal flanks. ]] HORUSSBOT: -clops onto the scene, hissing out steam from his nostrils. This was happening, this wasn't a fever dream though Horuss would understand if they believed it was. A gloomy sounding voice speaks through a synthetic microphone somewhere... in his body.- I was listening to the entire e%change. If you would allow me to e%plain. HORUSSBOT: Hello. I am here to provide assistance. HORUSSBOT: ... HORUSSBOT: Ro%y. HORUSSBOT: The machine works phenomenonally. E%cellent work. ROXY: =wEHEHZS= ROXY: =inhales, srs face= yes ROXY: ty sprinkles JOHN: -he obviously arrives just in time to witness this happen. w....t....f- DIRK: ... DIRK: ... DIRK: ... TEREZI: ....SH1T! DIRK: -squishes his own cheeks and is just. tiny smile.- JOHN: ......... ROXY: =IDIRK= ROXY: =wheezing noise in her chest... single tear= :'T TEREZI: H4PPY B1RTHD4Y ROXY: from me 2 me the ebst JOHN: what the heck is this JOHN: what the heck is THAT ROXY: john plz dont be fuckin rude JOHN: omg TEREZI: 4 ROBOT HORS3 JOHN, K33P UP JOHN: i can see that but.... ROXY: tthis is sprinkles aka horuss aka horunensea=wheezes shee can't= HORUSSBOT: -Yes. His metal plating catches the light and he holds his goggled horse head up high. He has no idea what a birthday is but if it's anything like a wriggling day...- Horuss. HORUSSBOT: My name is Horuss. TEREZI: 4N 4CTU4L S34B1SCU1T, 1 C4NT B3L13V3 TH1S JOHN: -assumes this is just some weird early thing for dirk's birthday.- ROXY: = TETEREZI= JOHN -ok.jpg.- DIRK: -don't you mean belated... HIS BIRTHDAY WAS YESTERDAY JOHN. - JOHN: -then yes he meant belated dirkus.- DIRK: It's great to meet you, Horuss. HORUSSBOT: I'm sure you have many questions. But please keep a hold on them. HORUSSBOT: I have not been in the physical plane in quite some time and this is... incredibly disorientating. -testing his legs, shifting his weight. Testing his breathing systems. Nickers.- TEREZI: =troll jesus christ= DIXIE CONCLUSION: :eyes: TEREZI: =i reiterate!= DIRK: Actually, I'm willing to accept all of this without question. HORUSSBOT: Then you are more intelligent than you appear to be. -Good job on that. Shakes his mane.- JOHN: -is very not ok with this, but listening to horuss speak has rendered him stunned in silence.- TEREZI: Y34H...W3V3 H4D OUR F41R SH4R3 OF WH4T TH3 4CTU4L FUCKS TEREZI: T4K3 YOUR T1M3 OR13NT1NG TO TH3 L4ND OF TH3 L1V1NG DIRK: ... -wonders what about him doesn't appear intelligent.- TEREZI: =the shades, probably= DIXIE CONCLUSION: -Clip clop, clip clop. He wants to scan the visitor with his sensors. In other words, sniff the other hornse.- DIRK: -fuck.......- DIRK: -takes pictures- TEREZI: =a few sweeps ago, this would have been reaaaaaally strange to her= HORUSSBOT: -brays threateningly- E%cuse me. Lesser creature. TEREZI: =laughs= TEREZI: WH1CH ON3? DIXIE CONCLUSION: -Snuffle. Snort. Twitches ears.- DIRK: -sends these pictures RIGHT to jake without context- JOHN: -he thought he was numb to oddness but this is too much.- HORUSSBOT: -whirring aggressively. He's not happy about this close inspection. - HORUSSBOT: -compels himself to trot. To move. Suddenly rushes forward with force.- HORUSSBOT: -clops right out of the engineering lab. STOMP STOMP STOMP.- JOHN: is this why the power went out???? DIXIE CONCLUSION: :eyes: ROXY: whoops DIRK: Oh shit. There he go. DIXIE CONCLUSION: :heart: :heart: :heart: TEREZI: HORS3 LOOS3 1N 41SL3 TW3LV3 4H4H4H4H4H4 DIRK: -feels the strong urge to... chase... and try to tame him...- DIXIE CONCLUSION: -GALLOPS AFTER THE OTHER HORNSE FRIEND!!!- DIXIE CONCLUSION: -bye bitches- DIRK: And there he go. DIRK: -looks at john.- Anyway, yeah. JOHN: -sighs- i'm going back to bed. JOHN: -WINDY THINGS OUTTA HERE.- TEREZI: =Colors fly everywhere= >|O TEREZI: SUP3R H3LPFUL TH4NKS! EQUIUS: -Appears from the engine room- [[ The aftermath of Horuss's arrival is very obvious. In fact, he's still causing a ruckus in the atrium. ]] EQUIUS: -He was the one that got everything up and running....then decided to make modifications so that power thing wouldn't happen again- ROXY: =she's still here... amoung the wreckage.....= ROXY: so....... EQUIUS: -Sighs a horse sigh- ROXY: mission accomplished? =sheepish thumbs up?= ROXY: =TWO THUMBS EVEN= EQUIUS: D --> I see. Where is he ROXY: he and dixie frolicked out yonder =gestures to the door, voids up some rope= ROXY: should we...? ROXY: ....wrangle? EQUIUS: -Sighs again- EQUIUS: D --> I will handle this. -He pauses though- I would like for you to join, hoovever ROXY: far be it from me 2 turn u down :P =jumps off the desk and makes WAY= EQUIUS: -disappears into the void-

[colostrumtractatus-blog]

== SOME DAYS IN THE PAST BUT NOT MANY... All is dark is the void until suddenly, it's not. An abandoned cobblestone town emerges out of the nothing into something and whether anyone thinks they're asleep or awake, it's very hard to tell. But there is a large, leatherbound troll waiting at the center of town. He stands by the only other sign of life-- the musclebeast water fountain. Meanwhile, murmurs of ghosts rattle in the distance. They peep, drawn to the darkened windows of seemingly empty buildings as they sense new newcomers. It's time. == EQUIUS: -This was normal now. These dreams on the rare nights he actually slept. This town...hm. He explored, of course finding himself at the fountain, admiring it.- ROXY: =Was it a dream...? Was it a dream...? But she wanders into the town, looking at the fountain= could use more horse dong :thinking: HORUSS: -and here he is, glad they could make it. Finally. Ears angle at them in a kind of greeting, his expression crumbled in a hard stare.- HORUSS: My fellow Zahhak, your dreamscape is astonishingly difficolt to penetrate. But your attention has been lassoed nevertheless. Welcome. HORUSS: ... HORUSS: Hello, Ro%y. -large horsey exhales.- We meet in the flesh. Kind of. EQUIUS: D --> Is there a reason you have summoned us here. I was finally enjoying some rest ROXY: omg back 4 round 2 also sorry im trottin in ur dreamscape EQUIUS: D --> I canter imagine why you would need to ROXY: 2 buy realestate obvs HORUSS: -he flexes under his workshop uniform. Behold.- Rest assured, were it all up to me, I wouldn't bother carroling what precious little time you have. But I am marely a vessel to a greater purpose. HORUSS: And you two are... HORUSS: The means to an end. -bares his teeth for a moment. A smile?? But no, it's gone even a moment later and the horse is regarding them with a very grumpy expression all over again.- HORUSS: My name is Horuss Zahhak... I am here to enlighten you to the infinite possibilities of which you are capable of. I refer to, of horse, your affinity with the Void. The e%panse of nothing that surrounds us as we speak. -gestures mildly to the inky black cover above before proceeding to ramble on and on and on and... on....- HORUSS: You are currently e%isting in a pocket realm of my own creation. One of countless others that lay to be discovered if you open yourself to the prospect. I suppose... your ne%t question would be whether you can trust me. HORUSS: Well. HORUSS: You can. HORUSS: I am a friend. And we three have mutual friends. In fact, I came to know you through Miss Pei%es and she will be pleased to know how great we are all giddying up together as we are. -gazes off fondly at nothing in particular. There's literally nothing in the direction he's looking at.- I hope you find this as something of a comfort after her untimely departure. ROXY: its.... somethin ROXY: not that i dont beieve a total stranger off the bat whom ive had extensive horse shenenaganry convos with about a friend from beyond the beyond but i mean what ends are we the mean to? ROXY: we can make each other friendship club void bracelets later but i gotta admit im p tired of mysterious shroudy figures whisperin nonsensicals 2 me being gas stations about destinies purposes and possibilities ROXY: pardon my french but le show me ze god damn meat hon hon titty baguette HORUSS: A crude way of putting it but it's true. Something is coming. I feel it... in my breast. -rumbles and flexes his whole tiddy rack while he's at it.- HORUSS: You ought to be prepared. Or at very least, allow me to plant some ideas in your mind and have it bear fruit. -taps the frame of his goggles.- And I would like you to take these lessons quite literally when I say. HORUSS: It's the concept of these ideas which you can pull from theory, into reality. HORUSS: Anything. Everything at all. If you can think it, it can become real. This also extends to your abilities. HORUSS: Are you following what I'm saying? EQUIUS: D --> It's hard not to. You speak as if these are difficolt concepts, when they are merely basic and at the most abstract. State your ideas, we have work to do -also he is unimpressed with your physique- ROXY: =Please don't get into a flexing contest guys= ..... :eyes: ROXY: that is literally p much what ido all day every day EQUIUS: D --> I have better things to accomplish HORUSS: -It's a good thing he's so patient and understanding. Horuss nods.- HORUSS: Your vessel will need shielding very soon. A method to disguise itself while you encroach enemy territory. -starts to trot down the street, heading to a low leveled building with a perfect Sagitarrius symbol on it. Up the stairs he leads.- It so happens that I can help you achieve this task. ROXY: convenient.... =Watches him trot..... she's so= HORUSS: -Yes. Literally fucking trotting. His boots are leathery and reminisciently designed like horse hooves.- ROXY: =PL EASE= EQUIUS: D --> How is that so -He follows as well. The aesthetic is nice, but Horuss is doing The Most™ - HORUSS: -gets to the top of the stairs in 3 seconds. Breaking out in every sweat.- I have been crafting a mechanism. And in theory, has a great deal of potential to become more than its intended purpose. HORUSS: A bridge between the physical world and this one. HORUSS: Come and see. HORUSS: -leads the way into the workshop. The sentries that greet them are steam-powered and horse-headed. Nod at Equius and Roxy.- HORUSS: In theory, we can use this device to create a safe passage which could lead to a number of places. Including your destination. ROXY: =Why are they all so moist?.... she follows and peeps the sentries as they go by= uh huhhhh... ROXY: and watre u gonna us it for? HORUSS: -here comes the work floor where none of the other projects on the tables compare to the circular metal structure built into one of the further walls. He approaches it, regarding it grimly.- Its purpose continues to change. HORUSS: It began as an attempt to resurrect an abolished race of extraterrestials. You would not be familiar with them. HORUSS: They were a peacefoal people obliterated by Alternia. Actually, it's their souls which inhabit this town currently. I am keeping them cloaked from the horrors beyond until this device... may function. -rests his gloved hand against it. His precious...- EQUIUS: -Regards these projects fondly. Yes good, this horse is a horse of science, but this structure captures his attention- EQUIUS: D --> A noble cause, but will be using it to protect our ship? What will happen to them HORUSS: Nothing. So long as we maintain the cloak. HORUSS: You, rather. -twitches ear at Equius.- How far have you tested your powers? EQUIUS: D --> So far the e%tent I've pushed myself is transportation and shrouding myself. I've begun practicing conjuring at the behest of Ro%y ROXY: =shimmers, good yes. hone ur abilities horseyboi= EQUIUS: -shimmers with sweat- HORUSS: Hm, yes. At this point, I don't suppose it would trot to you so simply in such a limited time frame. -flicks some sweat off his ear. It always gets pretty.... steamy in his workshop. It also doesn't help he's wearing a full leather body suit.- If you want to make it possible to shield an entire vessel, you will need assistance. HORUSS: I can provide it. -tssssss. Some pipe releases a hiss of vapor in the distance. Horuss keeps talking.- HORUSS: Conceptualize if you would, the void and the physical world e%isting side by side as water does to oil. Their densities too different to mix but! -he stresses that butt.- It's possible to create pockets within the two substances. That is what this device will be capable of. HORUSS: Spreading the void out into the physical plane and vice versa. If carried out with... theoretically professional hooves such as our own, it will be a seemless operation. Devoid of consequences or attention from unsavory parties. -clears his throat- HORUSS: Hoovever... it requires the construction of an e%act replica of my mechanism on your end of the ship. To funnel the connection, in a literal manner of speaking. HORUSS: I have the b100prints right here. -holds a hand up to show them the rolled up parchment. His teeth grits as he continues.- Now, it comes to question your respective competence. Will you help me finish what I have started? HORUSS: In e%change, you will find yourselves with the capacity to protect those which have brought you to this point to begin with. Perclops even worthy of the abilities you've been granted. HORUSS: -offers the blueprints out.- A wonderfoal thing, don't you think? ROXY: =That sure is one hootenanny of a machine= .... =eyes the blueprints and gently takes them= ROXY: u do realize how fishy this sounds rite? .... =squints tho and opens the blueprints a lil= HORUSS: In what respect? HORUSS: Do you doubt your capabilities? ROXY: nah ROXY: i mean its the classic o hey scratch my back ill scratch urs lmao i had my fingers crossed im gonna fuck em up ROXY: not sayin ur not the real nice and charitable dude because idk u sell that kinda bad anyway but like ROXY: im gonna prey on it.... but give the schems a looksee ooksee HORUSS: I appreciate the insinuation but, alas. HORUSS: To intend on harming Miss Pei%es'... friends. With my inventions would be hayly counter-productive. -flexes, look at that rippling muscle.- HORUSS: How would you like for me to prove myself? ROXY: listen ive lost 2 much to just trust some rando with all the answers =she sees it...peeps= ROXY: =hands on the hips= agree 2 a kill switch on either side, a sequence that we know and can shut it off whenever n everywhere HORUSS: ! HORUSS: That option is already included in the plans. -what kind of a scientist would he be if his inventions didnt come with kill switches.- And I stand to repeat! You will do well to trust me. HORUSS: But in a good show pony of faith... perclops I can be the one to entrust you first. EQUIUS: D --> If you wish for my cooperation, then you will grant me an audience with Feferi hershelf...self. I worry little about the ramifications of distrusting you, but perclops she can ease the doubts let free to roam in the pastures of my mind HORUSS: -He appreciates the horse analogies... And snorts rather sweatily.- You seem to think the heiress is at my beck and call. Why, even the marest idea causes me to perspire profusely. HORUSS: I can attempt to locate her but it's no guarantee she will emerge. HORUSS: Miss Pei%es is... HORUSS: A free galloping spirit. -says, his tone turning a little wistful.- And should remain so. EQUIUS: D --> Of horse. I should have e%pected as such HORUSS: -He has decided he likes this horse and turns to face him fully. Goggles shine. - I would not be opposed to providing a tentative escort. HORUSS: That is... if you don't mind going on something of a trot. EQUIUS: D --> Do you mean at this particular moment? I would loathe to leave Miss Lalonde by her lonesome ROXY: its cool u guys can go on a walk n casually flex amongst urselves ROXY: =Wanna give Eq some alone time with Feferi if they find her= just idk tell her 2 come my way so i can say whats up or say it for me EQUIUS: D --> Most definitely. I will reconvene with you post haste -Roxy you're a doll. Thank you.- EQUIUS: D --> Let us proceed -Turns to Horuss, flexing gently.- ROXY: =fingerguns at them both and winks before taking these blueprints with her and disappearing= HORUSS: -flexes communicatively back. Yes good, this shows they are allies.- Very well. HORUSS: You will understand that incriments of time are not the same here as they are beyond. And it is good you bear eye protection. HORUSS: It's best not to... peer over the edge. It's hayly likely something will peer back. -And with that, Horuss takes the lead out of his workshop and back out into the cobblestone streets. The lights are still dimmed and the ghosts still rattle. They are now hiking up the impression of a road.- EQUIUS: D --> I'd be remiss if the abyss did not gaze back. Tell me of horself, Horuss. Where did hail from originally -He follows this horse, a thin sheen of sweat covering his body, a slight knot in his stomach at the prospect of what may be coming.- HORUSS: Beforus, until I met an untimely demise like the majority of everyone who had been living there at the time. -The further they head up the road, the darker it becomes... until eventually, the only thing visible is the ground. But Horuss keeps going.- HORUSS: I will say this much. HORUSS: Of all the methods to die, I would not recommend being present at the obliteration of a planet. You will feel the flesh melt off your very bones and scarcely remember anything but the combustion of o%ygen in your lungs. Followed by the infinite sound of oblivion, which of horse. Isn't a sound at all.... but a feeling. HORUSS: It haunts me to this day. -hums rather thoughtfully. Like he's talking about the weather.- EQUIUS: D --> And so it shall for the rest of your e%istence. My apologies. Despite my origins, I came to respect Beforus. Naturally the same fate befell Europa. In that moment, I came to find that I had not considered that my home for some time -The inky blackness was...comforting in a way. The beginning and ending of everything: nothing. This, felt like home- HORUSS: A Europan? How interesting to think that we have met in this case! It mare even compel me to share a secret... HORUSS: About this place, about my own ambitions. -trudges along, his eyes trained to the dark ahead.- I feel as though if anyone might appreciate it, it's likely you. HORUSS: And I don't even know your name. EQUIUS: D --> Ah, forgive me. I've misplaced my manners. My name is Equius, of course you know my hatch name. Please, do share HORUSS: A STRONG name. I will be sure to remember it for all my days. -nods very sweaty.- HORUSS: After my death, I felt as though I had become nothing for a long time. Not a single thought, emotion, or semblence of consciousness... until all at once, I became me again. But I wasn't me, I was everything and nothing at all. Can you relate to this feeling? HORUSS: E%isting like a receptacle of vast emptiness... so full of it that it flows through your very core. E%panding the spaces of your mind and soul outwards like... how it feels to gallop a hundred thousand miles but still remain in the same spot. HORUSS: That feeling is who I became and understanding this about myself, I came to believe that I was not alone in this. And if I can move through it, who's to say cannot find other obscurities? HORUSS: Lost objects. Places. Memories. HORUSS: Forgotten races such as the e%traterrestrials I mentioned previously. HORUSS: Equius. Did you know that in this infinite Nothing, there is also everything that has ever been? And for that matter... did you know you have the capacity to pioneer into that abyss and discover it? I know because I have already begun the e%cavation myself. HORUSS: With power such as ours, we can uncover all that has been lost and forgotten... and bring it back to the surface. Then perhaps one day, cultures such as Europa and Beforus will live once again. HORUSS: If you would like, you can assist me in the endeavor. It can be... a conquest between two heroes of a common background. Nobletrolls of our respective histories, almost seemingly hatched for this purpose. HORUSS: I quite like the sound of it. EQUIUS: -He listens, absorbing all of this. Horuss was quite the speaker, a quality Equius himself did not possess- EQUIUS: D --> A noble purpose insteed. I shall have to delve deeper into my consciousness to unlock my foal potential. Naturally, you are correct, everything begins and ends with nothing. This is the alpha and omega, and if that is the case then so are we HORUSS: If I were not so well composed, I feel as though I would shed many tears right now. HORUSS: But alas. HORUSS: You will have to make due without my emotional display. -heavy horse snorts and then stops in his tracks. The path they walk is dropping into abyss, signifying the border of Horuss's dream bubble. Up ahead glows a bright pink light.- HORUSS: -squinting.- We have... a visitor it seems. == Far off in the distance, a familar shaped sprite is glowing and raising a paw to wave. 3833 == HORUSS: Now who the f*lly is that? Do you know them? EQUIUS: D --> Watch your language. It's just sweet, lovely, fefetasprite -waves back- EQUIUS: D --> She followed me here. Naturally, she is e%ploring EQUIUS: D --> She's a sprite that seems to have been imbued with the properties of Feferi and my moirail HORUSS: -He is not pleased by the prospect of strangers but grunts anyway.- Very well, fine. If she is a friend. FEFETASPRITE: -as soon as Equius gives the wave, she floats towards him. Wiggles and then POUNCES HIM. Here come the claws to the tiddy.- >3833 HORUSS: -easily steps aside as she whizzes by.- EQUIUS: -Grunts softly. He's used to this at this point. He scratches behind a fin- EQUIUS: D --> Mind your manners, say hello Fefeta. This is a new friend, Horuss FEFETASPRITE: -purr purr purr, she is shrinking until she's travel size for convenience.- FEFETASPRITE: -side eyes Horuss. Who is he? She has no idea but doesn't seem to care.- ... >38;33 HORUSS: - ! - HORUSS: It is... neigh-ce. To meet you. -SWEATS IRRITABLY.- FEFETASPRITE: -responds with a wave of her sprite tail. It seems like now is the time to urgently rest a tiny webbed hand on Equius's face. Look!- = Another shape is coming... floating? Swimming? Out of the void, having been following Fefeta. Unmistakably troll and seadweller, she is also lifting a hand to wave. == HORUSS: Ah, the heiress. -looks relieved and crosses his arms.- Thank goodness. FEFETASPRITE: 3B33 -Yep. Her hunt was successful.- EQUIUS: D --> You were seeking her out? I did not think that's what you were doing -The knot in his stomach tightening. He hadn't spoken to her much before she perished. Why did he think this was a good idea, oh dear. He's sweating more now...wait he should wave.- FEFETASPRITE: -snuggles Equius right on the sweaty chin. You've got this! She climbs out of his arms to float off and groom herself. So salty.- HORUSS: I don't imagine it to have taken so little time if-- Oh. Hello Miss Pei%es. -stops midspeech as the seadweller makes her approach. Gosh... is his hair alright?- FEFERI: -Already making her descent to land, exactly the same as she's always been except for the ghost white empty of her eyes.- )(ey -Equius! )(i )(oruss! -It's so odd seeing him like this. She sure remembers everything but at the same time. It's like her feelings were peering through the long end of a glass bottle. So far away.- FEFERI: You found me. Or... maybe I found you? 38) -feet touch the ground. The fish hass landed.- EQUIUS: -He's frozen. It's been too long since he'd seen her. Far too long. There's more sweat. She seems...hollow, no not quite but just less herself than he remembered. It was to be expected probably.- EQUIUS: D --> It seems Fefeta is the one that found you. How have you been, Pei%es FEFERI: -she grins, indifferent to his regard of her.- Pretty D----EAD. And you? FEFERI: You look alive. T)(at's great! FEFERI: I guess you've met )(oruss? -gives the horse a small wave.- Me too! T)(ere are so many people out )(ere... you just need to know )(ow to look! HORUSS: -bashfully plays with a lock of his beautiful mane. Feferi please.- FEFERI: I t)(ink )(e's )(ere to kelp... And t)(at's ------EXCITING too! EQUIUS: D --> You seem very e%cited, and that is good. I am very much alive, you know that I am entirely too stubborn to perish. Horuss is proving to be a help, yes. What, e%actly have you been doing here FEFERI: -hmmmms thinking.- Making fronds, keeping people company. FEFERI: And encouraging t)(e elder gods to )(elp make dream bubbles for t)(e wandering souls of t)(e dead! So keeping t)(em company too. 38) FEFERI: )(ave you been looking for me? EQUIUS: D --> I have not. My apologies. We are all working diligently. We're rapidly approaching. Hoovever, your presence is missed. There is a, void, if you will. I'm glad you are making friends...fronds. You were always talented in that aspect EQUIUS: D --> You are happy and safe, correct? On that note, did you have anything you wished me to e%press to anyone. I think that would be nice, in an unnecessarily sentimental way FEFERI: O)( glub... -eyes widen. Any sentiments behind Equius's words are falling flat to her bloodpusher. She doesn't really have one nowadays.- Yes, of course I'm fine! W)(y wouldn't I be? FEFERI: Also... FEFERI: Water you t)(ink everyone would want me to say? EQUIUS: D --> I...couldn't say really. I imagine what I'm trying to convey is difficolt to say the least. I believe everyone would want to know if you're happy and safe...and perhaps if you planned on coming back HORUSS: -Observing this exchange quietly. It's impossible to decipher what he must be thinking.- FEFERI: W)(ale, t)(at makes sense at least. -replies easily, only blinking. It's simple when you don't have a way to attach your emotions to everything.- Yes, I'm fine! I do feel like I miss everyone. FEFERI: I know I've missed you. -gives him a small smile.- But I'm also not s)(ore w)(et)(er I can come back rig)(t now. FEFERI: I t)(ink I'm waiting for somet)(ing? Someone... -looks on a moment before flicking a fin dismissively. Fixes her blank gaze back on him.- FEFERI: But even if I can't come back, everyone will be okray rig)(t? We keep moving on and we keep finding one anot)(er in all KINDS of different waves. FEFERI: I t)(ink it's kind of neat. EQUIUS: D --> I have missed you as well. It would be rude of me to ask you to come back now. You are doing important work. Of horse we will be okay, all of us are STRONG after all. You are loved and missed, but we continue doing what we must. I believe John misses you terribly but he is carrying on valiantly. Ruleus is growing and maturing beautifoally in case you wanted to know FEFERI: -Hearing about Ruleus and John should strike something inside but... it doesn't. And with a knit of her brow, she knows it's vaguely frustrating.- I'm reely glad to )(ear it. FEFERI: You s)(ould keep t)(em safe for me, -Equius. I'd like to sea t)(em! But not )(ere. FEFERI: Not soon. FEFERI: Do you t)(ink you can do t)(at? EQUIUS: D --> Yes, of horse. They are as much my family now as Aradia and Ananya are, just like the rest of the ship. I will keep them safe FEFERI: -keeps gazing at him, knowing how difficult this must actually be for him. Maybe he was just pretending for the sake of it? In a vague kind of way, it made Fef a little sad to think it hardly made a difference.- FEFERI: -In any case, Feferi is crossing over to Equius. Closing the distance enough to press a small kiss to his cheek.- I know... I trust you. HORUSS: -covers mouth in a tiny gasp in the distance.- ! -The drama.- FEFETASPRITE: -pauses mid grooming to :eyes: - EQUIUS: -He's spent his whole life being a show pony. But this...was more true than even he knew. The sweat really pours as she kisses his cheek, there was still a fondness for her and there probably always would be, but it felt different now. Not sad and achey so much any more. Still he can't help but wrap his arms around her.- EQUIUS: D --> Thank you, and I you. Keep working hard, we will do the same FEFERI: -sighs when his arms come around her. She's solid to hold but far away on the inside. Very far away.- I know for s)(ore I miss you now. -lets her eyes drift closed, her cheek rested on his sweaty shoulder.- HORUSS: -pointedly facing another direction. He's doing his best to be discreet but is failing fantastically.- EQUIUS: D --> It is okay. There is much to be done. I did not mean to be so unnecessarily emotional -He hangs on just a bit longer before going to release her. It was nice to hold her again, but still it was a ghost. A ghost of memories and the past. The time now was to move forward, and to work harder.- EQUIUS: D --> It was good sea you FEFERI: It was totally neig)(seasary! -strokes the sweat from his face, grinning all over again.- -Eelspecially if it makes you feel better. FEFERI: Do you feel betta? EQUIUS: -No. However he does feel...more at peace. There is still absence.- EQUIUS: D --> Yes. Thank you -blushes b100. Feferi please.-

[colostrumtractatus-blog]

HORUSS: *The day plays out as any other day might. Quiet and unassuming, Roxy might find herself spending time alone. In her lab or in her quarters, whichever she felt most comfortable in. However, her solitude would not remain uninterrupted. A message lights up at her communicator, the handle unfamiliar.* CT: Hello lowly human. Be alert. CT: I am on standby. TG: sorry buster does not compute with this model of human TG: usin my amazing fuckin powers od deduction and sleuthism im guessin ur not human TG: and prolly a nerd TG: like 90% nerd and not even the good kind like me TG: neganurd CT: You are correct in assuming I'm not a member of your mildly disgusting, vulnerable species. CT: But I disagree hayly in your claims that I am a... nerd, as you e%press. CT: You will cease and refer to me with titles I find acceptable. CT: You may call me Horuss. TG: or ill call u never lmao TG: so r you another b100 hornse frucker? TG: sure seems like it my guy TG: oh my fuck ur name even sounds like horse TG: its that deep CT: Yes, you will call me as such. CT: Horuss. CT: I appreciate the parallels my name bears with the mighty hoofbeast but my word. I am finding it so difficolt to speak with someone with such a vulgar vernacular. CT: Your behavior herdly lives up to the regal color of your te%t. Off color as it is. CT: My patience is being tried. CT: Neigh. CT: I know it is. CT: I can respect this. TG: mkay as such TG: and idk man if ur lookin for a queen thats into gettin it with mr ed ur like TG: several thousand years 2 late TG: also im not russian TG: way 2 miss the mark TG: gg CT: I don't follow these references. In fact, I will not even attempt. CT: That being said, if you haven't herd yourself speak yet... you would know you would make a terrible queen. TG: so says the horsey munchin on hay in the stables TG: like im takin empirical sass and advice from a fuckin horse TG: bruh CT: Yes. That is e%actly what is occuring. CT: I will accept further onslaught of equine honorifi% from you at a later date. TG: hold ur sugarcubes spirit arent u gonna woo me before plannin a 2nd date TG: did u just roll up to get me to slam you with the jesties? CT: I'm not above admitting that I grew distracted by the prospect. CT: You have a great deal of... CT: Spunk. TG: holly golly im blushing :P CT: Reign in the salacious behavior if you would, pink-laced human. CT: I speak to you with purpose. I STRONGLY advise you pay attention. TG: hmmmm yeah alright type away but im still crazy suspish of this entire encounter TG: but ill give u till im done w/ my baked potato TG: plead ur case CT: I will begin by bringing a painfoally obvious fact to light. CT: This conversation is occurring in your sleep. You are dreaming. CT: Pester client is the most convenient method of communication, without straining your p**rly assailable psyche with such a comple% concept. CT: But nevertheless. CT: You will trust my intentions. CT: You have no choice. TG: im not gonna lie man im enjoyin the illusion of this dream potato but it could use more green onion TG: disappointment lane population me CT: You'll be met with many more setba% before the evening is complete. CT: For now, it's acceptable to bask in my charming audience and the irrefutable value of my guidance. CT: Your gratitude has been registered in advance. TG: my gratitude is changin the dreamscape hold up ROXY: *And so she does, changing it from her room on the ship to Lauctis, food district* TG: yes TG: yesssssss TG: hell fuckin yessssss CT: You have an ample grip on your bearings. CT: For that alone. I commend you. TG: ive been told to have good grips TG: these hands man TG: u couldnt comprehend the majesty of these gd hands CT: You stand corrected. I am capable of comprehending a great deal of concepts and ideas. CT: Some of which, do not e%ist in this particular plane of udderstanding. CT: I am, after all, but a vessel of limitless potential. CT: You are as well, if to a lesser much more simplistic degree. TG: um whos the queen and whos the stable hornse again TG: lettuce remind ourselves TG: while i get a dream lettuce wrap TG: check urself b4 u heck urself CT: If you insist on applying f001ish make believe dynami% to this conversation, it would behoove you to commit 100%. CT: Ask yourself. What power do you possibly possess which makes you worthy of the title "queen". And I, a humble hoofbeast of the stables. TG: i mean for one im a fuckin atomic blonde bombshell mae west sassy n classy and idk man TG: i get this distinct kinda TG: feelin from u TG: like i thought u were gonna be a dustybutt grump TG: now i feel like its the opposite CT: Neigh. CT: My mannerisms make me hayly approachable. Passionate as I am spirited. CT: Others would be glad to think to speak to one of such high esteem such as myself. Or be subject to my attention. TG: where they @ tho CT: Dead. TG: o shit :( CT: Language. TG: o sugar honey iced tea :( CT: That is better. CT: I udderstand that some time has passed, if at all. It would be best not to dwell in the revolving despair which surrounds the subject. CT: It can be... CT: Suffocating. CT: In a place such as this. TG: so if im dreaming and ur friends arent doin so great is it safe to assume ur not either CT: Of horse not. I am dead as any of the others. CT: Hoofever, being much more capable than any of my peers, I managed a method of maneh**vering myself from an inevitable fate. CT: I am not alone. TG: i see ur bein all humble and whatnot but what do you mean? CT: I mean this in a very literal sense of the word. Infused with immeasuable talents from the day of my hatching, I also happen to share these qualities with specialized individuals. CT: You, for example. CT: Others. CT: I will assume you don't know what I'm referring to and will divulge further e%position. TG: so wrist deep in the inky icky sticky TG: so i see CT: That's crude way of describing it but if it helps to further your udderstanding. Then, yes. TG: well i mean i get it but i also like the idea if u want u can be like TG: mid forearm in there TG: but its somethin im familiar with yeah CT: I will penetrate the subject with more than just my forehoof. TG: ok i think the fisting is one thing but i wanna add hooves and shit i aint a clopper my guy TG: i think u want dirk for that business TG: esp if ur tall brawny and gross with natural fluids TG: actually no hed tell me about his dream with you goddammit TG: no escape TG: no peace CT: I am considered stately in structure. This is correct. CT: Back to the topic at hoof. TG: plz CT: My condition has enraptured the entirety of my essence. CT: Mind, body, and soul. It's difficolt for me to identify with my sense of self. I am free-minded and galloping through the vastness of nothing and everything at once. CT: Most reverently, I inform you that I feel the furthest from a troll as possible. My soul is quite akin to that of a mighty hoofbeast. TG: fuckin TG: ongv ROXY: *literal wheezing then straightens up, straight face* TG: tell me more CT: Gladly. CT: It was the first sensation which surged through my being when I began to regain consciousness. CT: Following a simply 100dicrous amount of STRENGTH surging through my limbs, the em001ation of breath filling my powerful lungs. CT: I was whole and sane but sure of this fact. Perfect every way save my physical form. I was trapped as this... bipedalic creature. CT: Tr001y a tragic tale. TG: thats just about the saddest shit ive ever heard in my entire life TG: im weeping TG: do you see my actual tears TG: there are tears god dmamit there are tears CT: Very well. It's appropriate to e%press this f100d of emotion when I, too, find myself often moved by it. CT: There are times when bodily f100ids canter be helped. CT: You are e%used. TG: gee thanks tbh i think im the only one allowed to have any fluid leakage in my own dreamscape TG: keep ur wetness in check man TG: dont b gross CT: I find this statement contrad*ctory. CT: If there are times which f100ids can't be helped, then it cannot be considered "gross". CT: In many instances, it is a grim fact of life... and you can't force me to feel ashamed for it. CT: Although you are welcome to try. With fair warning, I implore you to consider the ironbound STRENGTH of my willpower. CT: But. CT: Theoretically. CT: How would you have me behave? TG: hes into it TG: i cannot believe TG: a dead horse ghost from the void just fuckin TG: and then what ;) 'd me TG: im so CT: I fail to understand the source of your confusion. CT: The question was horsenest. TG: oh i know it was horsenest TG: which plz say that out loud for me TG: just to urself TG: and think if that was the best pun 2 use CT: Horsenest. TG: which of course it was TG: 10/10 for the whores nest CT: The repit*tion of your vulgarities seems to be a personal quirk. Or an unfortunate disability. TG: ....did u censor that TG: u sneakin curses in sentences TG: yet have the raw audacity to come 4 me TG: im upfront crude CT: I am the te%tbook definition of audacious. TG: *salacious CT: I censor out of respect and an uncanny awareness of certain... faults within myself. CT: Again. I refuse to feel ashamed for it. CT: Unless. CT: Once again. CT: You opt to be particularly forcefoal in e%ecuting the insult. CT: I mare reconsider. TG: im not shamin u man im just tryin 2 get he story here TG: but i gotta say i can feed a ghosts kinks CT: I shan't play the imbecile. Wherever you have garnered the se%ual aspect of this conversation, I would hayly recommend putting it back where you found it. CT: Or so help me. CT: Rest painfoally *ssured, you need me a great deal more than I need you. TG: we might have to back this thing up all the way to beginnin man CT: Let's continue this... deriding at another time frame. You are about to wake up. TG: i got six jobs i dont get tired but alright broseph TG: catch u on the flip TG: or not i guess? CT: We will hear from one another s**n. HORUSS: *and with that Roxy will find herself snapping awake, wherever it is last she fell asleep.* ROXY: *And there she was, on her couch, bbq sauce on her tiddies... oh gdi. But...weird dream, she'll have to look into this*

[robynsaint]

ROXY: =It's been a while so that is the cool down right there, right? And while it was totally not /her/ business it was still pretty much her business as much as she didn't want Dirk to have more shit to stress about but here she goes. At least it'll be civil. It's also not that hard to track down anyone on the ship so wherever Riley is it was relatively easy to find her=

RILEY: -she's in her room, studying after a significantly rough day. It's hard to concentrate and she doesn't even feel smart enough for this shit as it is-

ROXY: =Knock knock it's a Rox and she's standing there outside the door with a lot on her mind and weighing heavy on her tongue=

RILEY: -she's relieved at the knocking, happy for an excuse to get away from this work. She isn't so relieved when she sees Roxy standing there, though. Play it cool- oh, hey.

ROXY: sup =A little short but also not really overall crappy at least= you mind if i snag a lil bit of ur time?

RILEY: ...not at all. -she's a bit suspicious, wondering if her meeting with rose got to her already. she wouldn't be surprised. honestly, she doesn't know what to expect when she steps aside to

ROXY: =Walks on in and turns right to her= so i figure you know what im going to talk to u about already cuz i been sittin on it and id rather get everything out on the table and more or less taken care of

RILEY: -she nods slowly- all right. yeah. do you uh...want to sit or something?

ROXY: yah sure =She wasn't going to at first but sits in a chair, or on the couch or whatever other sitting places Riley has in her room=

RILEY: -she's got a couch, and riley joins her on the opposite side, not wanting to crowd her or anything- okay. cool. RILEY: go for it.

ROXY: =Still turns to face her= i didnt know what we could really talk about like i dont want the deets and even then details dont excuse that kinda shit ROXY: dunno i read you 2 not be ROXY: yknow some total asshole so at least theres a chance of the hopeful remorse because golly gee how fucked up but still bruhtf where is the foresight on how it all woulda played out?

RILEY: -glances at her and just nods-

ROXY: no that was more like an actual question

RILEY: oh. uh. RILEY: absent. i guess.

ROXY: would it even have been brought up on its own? and i mean by you to my mom

RILEY: you're asking like, if i would have ever told her? instead of derek telling her?

ROXY: yup about the whole situation lets say there was no pressure to it aside from the obvious hangy feeling that shit aint right ROXY: which i mean i feel like the pressure is the only reason it was brought to her attention in the first place but none of that would you have actually gone to her with her bein none the wiser like everyone else and told her straight up?

RILEY: -she thinks on that, trying to give roxy an honest answer, because she deserves one- i...don't know. i do know i did feel pretty guilty, but i think...she would be someone that he needed to tell himself, like he did. because coming from me, it would be even more wrong. but i guess you can't get much more wrong than that. -scratches the back of her head-

ROXY: this is just a scenario where he lost his voice or nerve or both and felt like he just couldnt do it when his neck wasnt bein breathed down =She has such a low standard of expectation for Derek= ROXY: i mean dont get me wrong it is messed up comin from u first but i wanted 2 know if you even woulda done it in the first place especially knowin what was up from the jump

RILEY: you want me to be honest with you? because i don't know. i can't tell you.

ROXY: =stares at her for a long moment then speaks= gotta say thats not exactly comfortin 2 hear like ya honesty is gr8 but u could possibly sit there and smile in some1s face while shittin on their front porch

RILEY: -she crosses her arms, sighing slightly- i would have pushed for him to tell her. i know that. and i would expect myself to do the same with my girlfriend, much quicker, had she been easier to contact. RILEY: i wouldn't have let it last. if that's what you mean. i didn't want to keep our relationship like that.

ROXY: =curtly= lemme reiterate to make my concern clear your relationship is somethin i dont care about ROXY: what i do care about is what happened while yall had your respective signif others ROXY: the only thing i give a shit about in this conversation is honesty and if that crap woulda been swept under the rug and ignored for the sake of what? ROXY: not seeming like shitty people? not hurtin feelings? both prolly??? thats my main focus cuz id like 2 know whose going to act fuckin fake around people i care about for their own sakes

RILEY: it wasn't going to be swept under the rug. RILEY: it was never going to be.

ROXY: so long as u werent the bringer of bad news right?

alicici-06/29/2016RILEY: if you want to believe that, go ahead. i ain't stopping you. RILEY: i don't really deserve an excuse or a reason for anything.

ROXY: =Inhales and stands up= alright duley noted im also gonna stop and thank the universe for the genuineness and honesty that crawled in dirk and daves head probs thru fuckin ROXY: pbs n looney toons and anime or some shit cuz i dont see it in the genes ROXY: =goes for the door= enjoy the rest of ur day or whatever

 RILEY: -stands- wait.

ROXY: =Pauses in her trail and turns back to Riley, she's waitin=

RILEY: we both should have told her earlier. before anything even happened. in the moment things happened, i was only caring about myself because i didn't want to think about how it would affect your mom. i was being selfish. really fucking selfish. didn't tell her before it happened because i guess we expected to move on and we didn't. because i didn't want derek to completely fuck up being with someone so much...just a fucking better person than i am, all around, RILEY: i didn't want to hurt them if i didn't have to, but it was inevitable due to a decision i had already made. RILEY: and like i told your mom, i'm sorry. for putting her through this. for putting you through this. because your mom was my friend and i completely took her for granted and it was...so wrong.

ROXY: =presses her lips together and watches Riley= im sorry she had 2 go through it too ROXY: =she appreciates the words even if they are just that because what's done is done.= if anything im glad shes away from all that shit now =ollies the outtie=

RILEY: -defeatedly plops down on her couch, resting her face in her hands. the tears stem from something that cannot be repaired-

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0367

ROXY: =Wanders on into the cafeteria, she could use a good, hard breakfast. The best breakfast even with all the fixins. Here she come for all that, also she as a Pythia in a strawberry jumper in her arms. The cutest jumper=

PYTHIA: :3

MEENAH: -wanders in here too- -eyes the tiny pythia and thinks about how spearable she looks-

ROXY: =Bitch don't play. She got both hands with trays and looks at Meenah= what up

MEENAH: -nods at her- sup MEENAH: in here for the shramps

ROXY: i shouldve taken at least more than half of them shramps

ROXY: theres still a bunch left tho

MEENAH: betta be thems my lifeblood

ROXY: ham is pys lifeblood =gestures to bab with one hand=

PYTHIA: -GIVE HER HAM, GIVE IT NOW- MEENAH: p crazy thing for a gal like her

ROXY: for a seadweller? =raises eyebrow=

ROXY: =also sits=

MEENAH: yup -goes to sit with to nom her fishy goods-

ROXY: =sets pythia loose on the food= so howve u been

MEENAH: bored MEENAH: waitin for us to land on the new place so i actually got somefin to do

ROXY: i can feel that its kinda slow but also im not eager for the alternative

MEENAH: -snorts and just keeps eating her food-

ROXY: .... idk what the fuck thats sposed 2 mean but aight girl =eats her own foodibles=

PORRIM: -shows her face out in the open, a pretty rare sight these days, but she's really craving some shenanigans. hopefully the fun kind, or the kind she can observe.-

KANKRI: -He himself can't really be considered a shenanigan, but he is at least something right? Kankri spots her from wherever he was previously and takes the moment to walk over and greet her.- Hell9, P9rrim.

PORRIM: -pauses from her leisurely walk to look at him.- Hey, Kankri. Ho+w's it go+ing?

KANKRI: Averagely things have 6een pr9ceeding decently alright. -He's only slightly still reeling with the realization of his moms status it's no big deal really.- And y9urself?

BALDUR: -2FASTing through the area in his tiny little legs. GOSH he can sprint for someone who can't yet make a fist-

KANKRI: -Why is there a child lose-

PORRIM: -shrugs- I can't co+mplain. Tho+ugh, I've been meaning to+ ask abo+ut-- !

PORRIM: -tries to move in baldur's way-

BALDUR: O-O -STOPS-

KANKRI: -he is looking around Porrim at the Baldur with a raised eyebrow.- I was g9ing t9 inquire what y9u were g9ing t9 ask, 6ut it seems that s9me9nes wiggler charge has escaped.

BALDUR: -IMMEDIATELY SCAMPERS THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION- ROSE: -who was evidently chasing him, abruptly stops so that she doesn't stEP ON THE CHILD, falling right on her face.- BALDUR: -takes no heed of this and just. climbs on top of her head and steps on her back and keeps running the other direction.-

KANKRI: Unless they are s9mewhere nearby but h9nestly giving them this much space t9 run ar9und with9ut guidance may n9t 6e the wisest idea. I am all f9r having the independence t9 make 9nes 9wn ch9ices 6ut there is an age where supervisi9n is unf9rtunately required-- -oop, it be Rose.-

ROSE: -wheeze.- No, don't let that stop you, that's my kidney, sweetheart.

PORRIM: ... I... -watching all this, she's barely registering what he said- Ho+ld that tho+ught, Kankri. -PURSUES THE CHILD while much quickness. must proceed rapidly.-

KANKRI: -He's pretty content standing here and waiting for her return. For one he doesn't like wrigglers too much, and two she asked him to wait so he shall.- KANKRI: -He can low key judge roses parenting skills while he is here.-

BALDUR: -the game is RUN FROM so obviously he's going to continue running.- ROSE: It's. Okay. Honestly. ROSE: ...Oh thank god, I'm not bleeding.

KANKRI: -Alright maybe he can move to go offer his coworker a hand- Are y9u alright, R9se?

ROSE: Yes. I'm fine. It's fine, that was just... unexpected. I thought no one was out here.

PORRIM: -sliiiides in front of the baby suddenly, holding her arms out to try to capture him-

BALDUR: OoO -as suddenly he is scooped- BALDUR: -he's still wiggling and kicking his legs but they are not really UNHAPPY sounds-

PORRIM: Sho+o+sh, Baldur. -makes a very gentle, but somehow stern?? chirring noise at him while she starts walking back to rose and kankri.-

KANKRI: -Gross don't bring the baby over here- KANKRI: Well the imp9rtant thing is that n9 9ne seems t9 6e injured.

ROSE: -This is a lot more embarrassing with people around, and she rubs her head a little to shake some of the DIZZINESS out of it.- BALDUR: -he's mostly just tugging at her hair.- ROSE: Yes, that is a platitude with a wide variety of acceptable uses. ROSE: I didn't... intend to interrupt. ROSE: ...Apologies.

PORRIM: -frowning a little about the tugs, but she can ignore it. he just has a lot of energy.- Do+n't wo+rry abo+ut it, Ro+se. We understand. -glances at kankri- PORRIM: Well, I do+ at least.

ROSE: Right. Right. -She's just. gonna catch her breath.- ROSE: Thank you. ROSE: I mean, ROSE: You probably know what I mean. -Hff.- ROSE: What were you two, um. Doing?

KANKRI: -Squints at Porrim.- Well 9f c9urse I d9 as well that sh9uld have 6een implied and y9ur statement did n9t require editing. KANKRI: -Back to Rose lookin less stern- We were merely catching up it w9uld seem.

PORRIM: -nods- That's right. Oh, but I'm glad the bo+th o+f yo+u are here, actually. I was just abo+ut to+ ask Kankri ho+w things are go+ing fo+r yo+u co+unsello+rs, what with the recent changes Dirk has been making. PORRIM: I'm kind o+f interested in helping o+ut wherever I can, if that o+ffer is still o+n the table.

ROSE: Another person on staff was good news, yes. ROSE: I certainly can't complain about it. ROSE: I've been... trying to keep up with people.

ROSE: A bit harder than it seems, no matter how many people we've got.

KANKRI: -He nods- I happen t9 find James is a rather engaging and interesting individual. I think he certainly has every9nes 6est interests at heart and while it might 6e an adjustment it is 9ne that I d9 indeed welc9me, as I have welc9med him int9 the department. KANKRI: Als9 I have recently had an increase in visit9rs, which 9f c9urse is g99d. The m9re pe9ple wh9 9pen themselves t9 help and c9unciling I think the m9re 9thers might c9nsider the same.

PORRIM: Yeah, yo+u're right abo+ut that. It wo+uld make sense if that's what Dirk was ho+ping fo+r... Maybe if he was o+pen abo+ut it being so+mething peo+ple sho+uld seek help fo+r, they wo+uld. PORRIM: Whatever the case, I'm glad yo+u guys are seeing results. I did always wo+rry abo+ut yo+u... That is... a lo+t to+ handle o+n yo+ur o+wn. -frown-

ROSE: I've had similar thoughts, yes. ROSE: -She surpresses any particularly derisive noises she could make at that understatement. Since Baldur seems to have calmed down, she holds her arms towards him.- Do you mind if I...?

KANKRI: I did n9t pers9nally feel that it is 9r was s9mething difficult t9 "Handle." KANKRI: 6ut y9u are certainly welc9med t9 y9ur 9pini9n, P9rrim.

PORRIM: -smiles a little as she offers him back... AND THEN SHE FROWNS AGAIN, looking at rose like "can you believe this guy?"-

ROSE: -She cradles him. Nice and tired now. that will make things easier.- ROSE: -The downside is that she's a little tired, too.- ROSE: ...All things considered. That strikes me as a not remotely irrational opinion. ROSE: I suppose it's all well enough, though. None of the policies have changed how I run my office, and that's fine with me.

KANKRI: -Dont be frowning at him, he will frown right back at you Porrim.-

KANKRI: -Scowl even.-

PORRIM: That's go+o+d. -pauses, IGNORING KANKRI- Well, I'll be sure to+ dro+p into+ o+ne o+f yo+ur o+ffices so+o+n to+ o+ffer my services.

KANKRI: Y9u w9uld likely 6enefit m9re fr9m visiting R9se's 9ffice if that is alright with her. -Glances at Rose then.- Given that y9u and I share pers9nal 69nds, it might just 6e p9ssi6ly m9re pr9ductive if we did n9t w9rk t9gether. N9t that I w9uld c9mpletely a6h9rr y9ur help, 6ut as I said y9u w9uld likely d9 6etter w9rking with s9me9ne y9u d9 n9t have cl9se pers9nal ties with.

ROSE: Were you considering changing positions? ROSE: It's strange to think of us as our own seperate department. ROSE: Rather than a withered, vestigal limb hanging off of Medical's side, like an underdeveloped twin.

KANKRI: .......That was quite the anal9gy.

PORRIM: -snorts- Well... If I can get away with do+ing bo+th, I will. But I do+n't do+ terribly taxing o+r... impo+rtant wo+rk in the infirmary. -shrugs- PORRIM: I think I co+uld do+ mo+re go+o+d wo+rking with yo+u guys. -continues to ignore kankri's uncouthe comments. she can't possibly chastise him for all of them. there are simply too many.-

KANKRI: -He is only trying to be professional clearly.-

ROSE: I'm sure you'd make a great addition.

KANKRI: With the right training 9f c9urse.

PORRIM: -only a LITTLE sarcastically- But o+f co+urse. -crosses her arms, now that they aren't full of baby-

KANKRI: -Dont be sarcastic Porrim. He is also folding his arms.- I l99k f9rward t9 seeing y9u participate m9re in 9ur department th9ugh, P9rrim. I am certain y9u will manage t9 fit right in sh9uld y9u still ch9se t9 w9rk with us.

ROSE: Oh, yes. Cut from the same cloth, as they say.

PORRIM: -laughs a little- I very co+lo+rful clo+th, in this case. PORRIM: It'd definitely be interesting.

KANKRI: Certainly. -He neither looks nor sounds wholly entertained with the thought.-

ROSE: -kisses babby face-

[taskforcetumut]

ATRIUM SECURITY RECORDING 0353

DIRK: -HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. Dirk is here in the cafeteria, assembling a Mother's Day lunch for his own MOM.-

RILEY: -she is here for the Mother's Day lunch. ITS A WEIRD CONCEPT BEING A MOM FOR MOTHERS DAY, but here she is, nonetheless, letting Dirk do his thing because there's really no talking him out of it-

DIRK: -returns to the table and sets the plate down for her- Here you go. Strider style feast. -it's probably loaded nachos honestly.-

RILEY: -Perfect. This is fine cuisine in her eyes anyway. She's ready to eat and it's so nice to eat outside of her room- thanks, baby. looks fucking amazing.

DIRK: -sparkles and sits down next to her- No problem. DIRK: So... How are you enjoying the ship? Now that you can actually enjoy it.

RILEY: -takes a bite of these NACHOS- it's a lot bigger than i remembered. which is probably why i've been getting lost every time i leave the room.

DIRK: Do you need a map? I can install one onto your comm.

RILEY: does it include a gps because i am freakishly direction disoriented.

DIRK: Of course. -already holding his hand out for it-

JAKE: -trots into atrium like nobody's business while Porthos the robot puppy is tagging at his heels. BORK.- Aloha strider fam! -It's time for BREAKFAST.-

RILEY: -passes communicator to Dirk when Jake walks by and she greets him with a smile- hey, jake! fuck, is that a robot dog?

DIRK: It's Porthos. -fusses with the device-

JAKE: Ah yes! This is- Okay well. He is a very well behaved thank you! -Just as he speaks, Porthos goes for Dirk's shoelaces.-

PORTHOS: -nipping at shoes-

DIRK: ! DIRK: NO.

DIRK: -jerks away-

PORTHOS: >:O -BORK BOOF. He is so small Dirk and stumbles as he jerks away. His tail wags anyway.- JAKE: -is off getting himself a loaded breakfast plate.-

RILEY: -can't help but giggle at robot dog- that's so cool! who made that?

DIRK: Jake did. Dunno why he had to program him to always go for my shoes, though.

ROXY: =Beep beep= BEEP BEEP =wow that took a lot of energy actually. She was still tired but hey. Progress. Here comes fish on wheels=

ERIDAN: -HERE COMES THE FISH ON WHEELS-

PORTHOS: BARK!!!! -chasing Roxy and Eridan. His sensors smell cat.-

ERIDAN: the FUCK -WHY-

PORTHOS: -sniffing up Roxy and Eridan and logging their scent. Mostly their shoes. Theyre not nearly as fine quality as Dirk's so he doesn't chew them.-

RILEY: -fuck!!!! It's the fish guy. Slides under the table stealthily-

ERIDAN: -WOW, EXCUSE YOU???????????-

ROXY: =A POOCH. A ROBO POOCH, she stops she's gonna hug the fuck out of this dog with her barms= !!!

ERIDAN: -his shoes are VERY fine quality-

PORTHOS: -he wiggle and vibrates at the hug. Maybe piddles some oil a little. This is very exciting.-

ROXY: what a cutie snoot =lifts the pup seeing the oil her bfg has done worse piddles= awww he aint even ship trained yet

ERIDAN: fuckin gross

JAKE: -returns with a breakfast burrito in tow, munching.- Whos not ship trained? JAKE: -eyes the oil- Baaah porthos. Havent we been working on this???

JAKE: -throws his hands up anyway- Erijam! Youre home free of the infirmary!!!

JAKE: How are you feeling???

RILEY: -u can't see me my time is now-

DIRK: ... -looks down at his mom. There she goes.-

RILEY: -DONT LOOK AT ME YOULL GIVE IT AWAY- RILEY: -don't make me go back there ugh-

ERIDAN: -HE DONT EVEN CARE ABOUT RILEY RIGHT NOW- i dunno im feelin ERIDAN: -trying to keep himself from sliding around and sitting weirdly in t he chair due to not being able to feel much DOWN THERE*

RILEY: -u never know with trolls-

DIRK: (Mom, I think it's ok.)

RILEY: (when you say think how sure are you?)

JAKE: -doesn't notice the awkward way he's sitting and just beams at him.- Well damn if you dont look fresh! JAKE: And trot rox? How are you? -shuffling closer to her and looms, eyeing her with a crinkly eyed grin. He see you.-

DIRK: (Like 84% sure.)

RILEY: -sighs and slides back up- because of how specific that percentage was, i have no choice but to trust you.

DIRK: I'll take care of it if things go south. DIRK: ... For real this time.

ERIDAN: -blinks at riley before glancing at dirk, BUT DOESNT SAY ANYTHING-

RILEY: unless you go down with me.

RILEY: -SPOTTED-

DIRK: -looks back at Eridan- ... -sweats- DIRK: -peers over shades... WINKS????-

ERIDAN: -WHAT???????? flushes at the wink and looks up at roxy like DID U JUST SEE THAT????-

RILEY: -carefully eating nachos-

DIRK: -AHA the distraction ruse worked-

RILEY: -YES-(edited)

ROXY: =WHAT? Sorry she spaced out= oh im alright

JAKE: As opposed to all lefts? -nudges her like ey eyyyyyyyy?-

ERIDAN: .... -stares hard at jake-

DIRK: -babe plz-

JAKE: -hes trying to get her to smile, okay. Even at the cost of his own dorkiness!-

RILEY: -that girl looks weirdly like Roxanne-

DIRK: -dat me best friend-

ROXY: =snrks for jakes efforts. He's a good bean= whats all this up in here? =LIKE IT WASNT OBVIOUS but conversation=

JAKE: You know. I dont actually know? -Why IS everyone out and about?-

ROXY: =oh that makes sense= its a holiday celebrated on a buncha different days on earth but basically praising all the moms =pythia is likely on her back here also. Family outting=

DIRK: -watching his mom eat nachos-

DIRK:                        

JAKE: Ahhh.... -frowns and then just- HOLY CHEESE AND POTATOES. IS IT MOTHERS DAY???????????? -appalled-

DIRK: ... -Jake plz-

PYTHIA: -SHE SHORE IS, clinging like a precious child- ERIDAN: yeah somethin like that

RILEY: -snorts at jake's yelling- yeah, i guess so! -glances at Roxy and Pythia- she yours?

JAKE: -just standing there like an idiot. How does one even CELEBRATE mother's day??-

ROXY: yeah but its not over yet u still got time

ROXY: =sniles at riley a little= yeah she is her names pythia

DIRK: -give gma nachos obviously-

JAKE: -You cant give grandmas nachos! What about her frail old gums?-

DIRK: Isn't she cute?

RILEY: -NACHOS ARE A PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE. She grins at Roxy- she's gorgeous. -seriously the prettiest baby troll she's ever seen though- happy mothers day.

PYTHIA: :3 -chirpglubs. She knows she's pretty- ERIDAN: -hes PROUD OF THIS GRUB he had no part in creating-

ROXY: =shes very proud and smiles more reaching for pythia to come sit down with the gang while pushing eridan= happy mothers day 2 you too

RILEY: -wow she hasn't heard that in over 20 years. WEIRD- thanks.

JAKE: -still feels wrought with guilt for forgetting a holiday he never really celebrated before and draaags himself to sit at the table.- :(

ERIDAN: wwhats your fuckin damage

JAKE: -Sir are you talking to Jake.-

JOHN: -comes in wearing his Sunday best, tie and fixed collar and all.-

ERIDAN: -oh hai john-

DIRK: -looks at Jake in a way that says may I offer you a nacho my love-

JOHN: -friendly chatter- hey guys!

JAKE: Ahoy mister john bomb! -waving. He does not notice the nacho offer.-

JOHN: -plops down with his mates.-

DIRK: -wtf-

DIRK: Hey John. Have you met my mom?

JOHN: nope i have only heard of her in legend!

RILEY: -it me- hi. john, i'm guessing your name is?

JOHN: hey dave and dirks mom! im super jazzed to meet you. -goes in for excited hand shake.-

-TAILWAG-

DIRK: John is one of our doctors, as well as my neighbor and good buddy.

JOHN: -preens.-

JOHN: -I AM A GOOD BUDDY!-

ERIDAN: johns MY doctor

ERIDAN: -eyes everyone-

JOHN: -ERIDAN CALLED ME HIS DOCTOR.-

DIRK: -don't make me wink at you again-

JOHN: -sparkling-

RILEY: -extends hand to shake his, grinning- call me riley. i'm equally jazzed to meet you too. -listens to dirk's intro- ooh you grabbed a personal doctor gig, huh? awesome.

JOHN: -proudly puffs chest.- yup! that's definitely what happened!

RILEY: nice. you gotta be a good one. -it's good news that a doctor is living next to Dirk. Just in case-

DIRK: -mother please-

JAKE: -munching burrito, glancing between all these friends at once.-(edited)

ERIDAN: -he wants a food- -stares at jake's burrito-

DIRK: -pokes obnoxiously at Jake-

JAKE: Wh- -keep your hands to YOURSELF. Punches his hand out of the way.-

RILEY: -why are Dirk and Jake so cute it's not fair-

JAKE: -And now Eridan is staring at him. Why.-

DIRK: (Ouch.)

JOHN: -keeps futzing with his collar and probably messing it up more. mmmm >8/-(edited)

DIRK: -looks at Eridan ogling the burrito- Are you hungry?

ERIDAN: yeah a little *mumbles- john wwasnt lettin me eat nothin but garbage

JOHN: -owlturns at Eridan. no burrites you destroy ur tum.-

DIRK: -looks back at John-

RILEY: -these nachos are endless and it's a miracle-

JOHN: oh come on, its not garbage its just stuff that's easy on your stomach.

BRO: - there is a mysterious BLUR and Riley will suddenly find a pink smuppet replacing her endless nachos. The smuppet has a ribbon that says HAPPY MOTHERS DAY on it-

JOHN: you could have pancakes-(edited)

JAKE: -CHOKES. THAT'S A PENIS.-

ERIDAN: -.....................-

DIRK: -DEREK!!!!! Jk he loves smuppets-

JAKE: -Wheeze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-

RILEY: ...these fucking puppets.

JOHN: -DIRK YOUR DAD IS SO WEIRD!-

BRO: -flash steps again to return the nachos-

RILEY: why did you have to- thanks.

BRO: -but he definitely ate some-

RILEY: better watch out because i will hunt you DOWN. -for these nachos-

BRO: -Rihanna winking in the bg-

ERIDAN: fuckin interuptin john blessin me wwith pancakes wwhat a goddamned jerk

DIRK: Yeah he is.

JOHN: pancakes! I'll go get em. -eager to get away from adult strider weirdness.-(edited)

JOHN: -also his shirt isn't tucked in all the way dangit.-

RILEY: -okay at least it's pink and not AS hideous as the other ones but it's still hideous-

JOHN: -trots off, still messing with it.-

JAKE: -doing his best not to oogle the smuppet. How inappropriate... He hopes his grandma never sees one.-

GRANDMA: -WALKS IN- :)

ERIDAN: -WATCHES JOHN GO before glancing over at grandma-

GRANDMA: hi everybody!

JAKE: -N O.-

JOHN: -comes back with pancakes and bananas because they're good for you dammit. there's grandma now where dad...-

RILEY: -oh. more people. and a good looking older lady. she quickly puts away this goddamn smuppet because this will NOT be part of the first impression she gives-

JAKE: -he could pass out from relief. thank you, Riley.-

JOHN: -places plate before eridan-

JOHN: -he sit-

JAKE: Hello grandma! -rising up to give her a BIG HUG, hopefully she saw NOTHING.-

ERIDAN: oh thanks -DELICIOUS PANCAKES- -time to dig in-

GRANDMA: -SQUEEZES him back- hi jake!! how is everybody doing today?

JAKE: Fantastic! Or at least i thought so anyway. -he looks guilty- I am very apologetic to say i had no idea today was mothers day. :(

JOHN: -aww-.

RILEY: okay but to be fair neither did i. until this guy. -points at dirk-

GRANDMA: huh?? it's mother's day??

GRANDMA: :o

GRANDMA: then you must be dirk's mom!

JOHN: -AWWWW.-

JOHN: -his friends and their families.... Its so cute.-

GRANDMA: -ur my family too... She smile at John-

JAKE: Hehe. -well if grandma forgot, then it's not so bad.- :)

RILEY: -there is something oddly affirming about being pointed out as dirk's mom without having to say so first. she nods proudly- yeah. he's mine. i'm riley.

JOHN: -8) -he also doesn't really remember how they're supposed to be related BUT STILL CUTE.-

GRANDMA: i'm jolene! it's so nice to finally meet you.

RILEY: oh yeah! -she recalls a conversation she had with derek and davenforth and this jungle lady AND OH THAT'S WHO SHE IS. her smile widens- nice to meet you too. i've heard nothing but good things.

JAKE: -hovering by Grandma E.-

GRANDMA: hehe aww... i could say the same! i just wish i'd heard more. -smiles up at Jake but then slides into a seat at the table-

JAKE: -pulls out chair for Grandma to sit in.-

DIRK: -pushes Eridan's plate around just a little bit to annoy him-

GRANDMA: thank you, jake!!

ERIDAN: -EYES DIRK- the hell are you doin

DIRK: Nothing.

ERIDAN: -sQUINT-

JOHN: -maybe shifts eridans plate a little too while dirk distracts him.-

DIRK: -;)-

JOHN: -INNOCENT POSE.-

ERIDAN: ...............................

JAKE: -fiddles with his hands. gosh he wished he had a gift to give Grandma...- Ah... JAKE: Grandma?

GRANDMA: yes, jake? :o

JAKE: -This is embarrassing! And Jake isn't really one to draw attention to himself this way but. It's a special occasion! He squares up his shoulders, ulimately deciding to bite the bullet. Everyone witness him.- JAKE: Its no gift suitable for mothers day or anything such but! JAKE: I think you should know that dirk sollux and i... are committing to one another. We are engaged! -lets that sink in for a second, standing there sweatily.- JAKE: ... -Oh yeah. He shows her the gold banded, three colored ring on his hand.-

JOHN: -big eyes OMG!-

ERIDAN: -chokes on pancake-

JOHN: -VIBRATES AND WHIRLS AROUND AT ERIDIRK LIKE :D-

DIRK: -OH SHIT THAT JUST HAPPENED. He looks very flustered, but mostly because that announcement was directed at granny...- GRANDMA: -stares at Jake with wide eyes before looking at the ringed hand offered in her direction. She takes his hand, a big smile spreading across her face.- oh wow...! jake, that's so wonderful i...! -sniffle- i'm so happy for you!! :') GRANDMA: -looks at Dirk- and you too! congratulations!! -more sniffs while she squeezes Jake's hand.-

JAKE: -How adorable! He just squeezes her hands back, getting a little sniffly hiimself.- 8'O

GRANDMA: -admires the ring a little more before she pulls Jake into a hug-

JOHN: -AHH they're all so good...good family... he loves them. he also slaps dirk on the back and squeezes his shoulder- congratumolations, buddy!

DIRK: -tiny wheeze- Thanks.

ERIDAN: -COUGH COUGH CHOKE-

DIRK: ...

JOHN: -is he really choking-

DIRK: Eridan??

JOHN: -OWLTURNS-

ERIDAN: -COUGH COUGH COUGH HACK pancake piece gets coughed up-

JAKE: ...Holy smokes.

JOHN: -rubs his back- jesus!

DIRK: Uh... You ok?

ERIDAN: -squints- yes

ERIDAN: -...... quietly nibbles pancake now-

JOHN: -keeps patting him restlessly. PLEASE BE CAREFUL FRIENDS.-

DIRK: ... Ok.

DIRK: -anxiously playing with his own ring now. His new favorite thing to play with when he's feeling nervous.-

JOHN: -waits patiently for eridan to congratulate dirksoljake....???-

JAKE: -just keeping eyes on grandma, all big smiles and hand squeezes.-

ERIDAN: -keeps just BUSYING himself with these pancakes, not saying a word-

ERIDAN: - did JAKE SAY SOMETHING, HE DIDN'T HEAR ANYTHING-

JOHN: -HMM. this is awkward. and poor Dirk is twitching.-

GRANDMA: hehe... seeing you so happy really is the best gift i could even ask for. -starry eyed up at him- DIRK: -deflating the longer Eridan goes without saying anything-

JAKE: Golly what else can i say? -bashful laughing- We sure dont know what the future holds so why the blazes not the three of us?? -Glances hopefully towards Dirk like :D? Is he doing a good thing?-

DIRK: -snorts a little at that goofy smile, but he still seems pretty bummed-

JOHN: -smushed between these best friends like 8(-(edited)

JOHN: -but outwardly he's 8)-

GRANDMA: -why Dirk look like that- that's a great philosophy!

ERIDAN: -fins are starting to DROOP. he's done with his pancakes and is ready to leave-

JAKE: -leaning down to smooch grandma right on the head and envelope her in a big hug. He sniffles, having no idea whats going on with the others.-

GRANDMA: ! -doh Jake is SO CUTE- hehehe!

DIRK: Hey, I'm gonna... Brb? -gets up and ABSCONDS-

JAKE: -gesturing for Dirk??? Get in on this hu- Oh.-

JAKE: -standing there like...- Uh.

GRANDMA: ...

JOHN: -:-

ERIDAN: -WHEELS OFF-

JOHN: -he sees you, wheeling off.-

JAKE: ........... -shuffling his hands. Um. Okay. Kind of looks at John like help what happened??-

JOHN: uh! -WELL...WHAT...DO...-

JOHN: -stands up and gives Jake a firm hug- i'm really happy for you, dude. of course I already knew but ...shhh

JAKE: Oh ah. Sure. -Thank goodness for John. He was about to panic.-

JOHN: -rapid back patting- :D

JAKE: -big old watery eyes on him. Thank...-

JOHN: -as he finishes his pats he moves over to sit by Jake since everyone split.-

JAKE: -Guh, well. Since it's quiet all of a sudden, he's gonna focus on eating the rest of his cold burrito.-

JAKE: :(

JOHN: -just keeps him company and waits for his dad :-

GRANDMA: -PROBABLY BABBLING ABOUT SOMETHING-

DIRK: -sneaks back in and hovers over Jake and grandma- Hey.

JAKE: Mrrphph. -he's eating.-

RILEY: -she was absent for a second but now she has returned!!!!-

RILEY: -at least Dirk is still here and mostly everyone it looks like-

JAKE: -gently stress eating-

RILEY: what did i miss?

JAKE: Nothing!

JAKE: I am almost done with my lunch here.

DIRK: -drapes arms around them and gives them both a squeeze- DIRK: Oh. DIRK: Jake just declared our engagement to everyone.

JAKE: -Mrrrrrgh. Is squeezed.-

RILEY: !!!! -eyes widen- so it's official?

JAKE: More or less! Ahem. -stands up and gathers up his garbage.-

DIRK: ...

DIRK: -more or less????-

RILEY: -she's confused. looks at Dirk-

DIRK: ... Uh. Well... -shows her the ring on his hand-

JAKE: -He could be here for that, at least. Jake is just not feeling so well.-

RILEY: OH! -she's back to looking excited- congratulations! again. but officially, congratulations!

DIRK: -manages a smile- Thanks.

JAKE: -just hovering awkwardly. Don't look at him, Grandma.-

RILEY: to both of you! ...both of you or...?

JAKE: The three of us i believe! But oh jeez. JAKE: Would you look at the time?? I entirely forgot i was in the middle of something beforehand! JAKE: Shall we continue the discussion later? -he is scooting...- Yes? Okay. JAKE: Toodles everyone! -HE ESCAPED-

RILEY: -that was really fucking weird- okay?

JOHN: -GROANS LOUDLY.-

JOHN: ....sorry. -clears throat and drinks milk.-

GRANDMA: -hmm...- oh, it's fine, i'm sure! he's always all over the place haha. DIRK: -frowning tho-

RILEY: oh, okay! as long as he's good. -son why are you frowning-

DIRK: -HES NOT OOOOKAAAAAY- Hey mom, do you wanna go for a walk?

RILEY: -looks up and over at him- yeah, sure. i ate too many nachos anyway.

DIRK: Let's walk it out then. -looks at grandma and John- We'll catch you all later, alright? GRANDMA: take care, dirk! and it was nice meeting you, riley. :)

JOHN: -nods and sits there chinhandsing.-

RILEY: -stands up with Dirk- nice meeting you too! see you all later, i'm sure.

DIRK: -scrambles off with the mom-

GRANDMA: -looks at John. SMILES.-

JOHN: -waves at her. hello jake's grandma-

GRANDMA: -waves back- hi john! how are things?

JOHN: -WELL BESIDES THE OBVIOUS AWKWARD BULLSHIT THAT JUST HAPPENED.-

JOHN: i have no complaints! how are you?

GRANDMA: -shhh...- GRANDMA: oh, about the same...! i've been focusing on my skaianet plans since we've been grounded.

JOHN: huh. has it just been you working on 'em?

JOHN: -feels kind of embarassed because he almost forgot about skaianet. DUHHHH.-

DAD: -at the mention of Skaianet, here is James. With a tray of chocolate covered strawberries for Auntie Jolene.- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, AUNT JOLENE.

JOHN: -perks up! hey this is somethng!-

GRANDMA: !! GRANDMA: aw, james! -smiles up at him- you shouldn't have. -she's gonna PARTAKE anyway...-

DAD: -removes his hat and also produces a dozen bright blue flowers for her.-

GRANDMA: oh my gosh!! -now she's laughing. always full of surprises, this one- you are just too sweet.

JOHN: :) -this is definitley cheering him up.-

DAD: -He is most pleased with the reaction and has ONE MORE TRICK up his sleeve. With a quick flip of his hat, it appears to turn inside out and becomes a white sun hat, complete with bow and everything. He places it delicately on her head.- THANK YOU, DEAR AUNT.

DAD: YOU LOOK RAVISHING AS ALWAYS.

JOHN: eheheh! -claps and whistles-

DAD: -from his shirt pocket, he produces a tiny framed picture of Nanna. He puts it on the table.-

DAD: JOHN AND I WERE ABOUT TO ENGAGE IN A MOTHER'S DAY DINNER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN US.

GRANDMA: -starry eyed over her beautiful new hat, and then notices the photo. Oh... Gosh. She's getting so emotional today. More sniffs.- i'd love to.

DAD: -puts a matching blue flower in John's shirt pocket. You look spiffy today son.-

JOHN: -this is kind of weird to witness. no one's ever had mother day's dinner with them except for dead grandma photo. but it's good weird! def. good weird.-

JOHN: -straightens flower proudly- yeah? i did my best to put in some extra spiff!

DAD: EXCELLENT WORK. NANNA WOULD BE PROUD OF YOU, SON.

JOHN: -HE HAS PLEASED DEAD GRANDMA PHOTO AGAIN ON THIS DAY. dad gets a thumbs up.-

DAD: -soon, he produces a macaroni cheese casserole for the three of them to partake in. It is beautiful.-

JOHN: -heck yes it is.-

DAD: -But also green beans because vegetables are good for you.-

JOHN: -ignores grean beans for now.- wow, you made a lot of this. can i save some for ruleus, aradia and feferi?

JOHN: and ananya.

JOHN: wow, a lot.

JOHN: actually maybe i shoudl just make my own.

JOHN: ehehhehe.

DAD: YOU MAY TAKE LEFTOVERS REGARDLESS.

JOHN: -singsong voice- ss-core...!

GRANDMA: -giggles at these nerds. Gosh... She's feeling so nostalgic...- everything looks delicious, james. :)

DAD: THANK YOU, AUNT JOLENE. DAD: THE DESSERT SLATED FOR THE EVENING IS CHOCOLATE MOUSSE PIE.

JOHN: ! -HE MADE A PIE INSTEAD OF A CAKE!-

DAD: -It's the only way John would eat it.-

JOHN: -raises fork- huzzah!

JOHN: -then stabs macaroni wedge.-