@clarke.griffin

[strove]

I think it's best to get this out here as soon as I can. Last month before I disappeared, four of us held a meeting with a mysterious man named Ball. He was able to serve us coffee and good baked goods, and he told us a little about ourselves. He believes that we've either been touched by gods, or that gods are why we're here. That likely sounds ridiculous. But he said there's a way to test it. To prove it to ourselves.

The way to do that? Gates. I don't entirely know how, but I was given one of four locations to seek out. Mine is in New Oslo, and I'd like to be headed there soon. Markus, Loki, and Ojiro have the other three. I haven't been back long enough to find out what those are.

But here's a few things to think about before you dismiss this out of hand. It may be tempting to do so. If I hadn't been here for a while, I would have done so.

First, when many of us dreamed? We changed things. We changed reality. I covered some of those changes here, and Johnny asked for some more here. I'm willing to go over that later. We can't deny that reality isn't what it was before, and that we're the only ones who remember it. And think about it. I just went home and came back six years older.

Second, as Rey and Loki pointed out here, there are people making art of us. I know that some of those people think of us as proof of god. That may be ridiculous, but look back at the reality bending. Think about it.

So that brings me to my main point. As much as I've personally fought against it, we've been put into a position where we have a unique power and ability to enact change on this world. Right now, we're in a position where we're trying to hide. I think—no matter who you back, no matter what you believe—we're being foolish if we don't use that to our advantage.

This world is dying. Cassius made that obvious to all of us, though I think he also made it worse. But what we've learned is that we can do something about that. I can't even begin to suggest how we tap into that power, but it's possible that someone in this world will know how.

This is my plan, then, in no specific order:

1. We need to seek out those gates. It might tell us more about ourselves.
2. We need to find a way to separate ourselves from Morningstar and protect the people who are making art about us. We need to protect the structure of Morningstar because what it means to this world, and we need to protect these people. Not just because they have answers about us.
3. We find a way to harness our powers to help this world. To keep it from dying. Some people don't want to leave. And I'll add this: I want to bring my people here. I have a feeling that I'm not the only one. I know that's selfish, but I have my reasons for it. You can ask.

I don't know how to execute on every part of this. If you want me to come up with a plan, I will. But I'd prefer if we worked together. I know Damian has a plan on a different level, but perhaps this can dovetail with what he's doing. Maybe we can work in tandem with Morningstar while not endangering them. We'll have to see.

Obviously, we start with New Oslo, unless one of the other three locations is more ideal. I think that's the logical place to begin.

Comments

[resleeves]

i don't much appreciate being collateral fucking damage to him making a point.

[ so yeah, it doesn't help. ]

[strove]

Assuming damage is done.

[Clarke is keeping an open mind.]

[resleeves]

there's always some kind of damage.

[ #pessimist. ]

[strove]

If this works out, what do you think the damage will be? I'm truly curious.

[Aside from Sniper's narrow-minded panic over association with a god. Aside from Markus insisting that he never wanted this. It wasn't as if any of them had a choice. Going off what Gen says, gods and choice don't tend to go hand in hand with one another.]

[resleeves]

wouldn't be surprised if someone decides to kill us all and start over.

i don't want that to happen but i wouldn't be surprised.

[strove]

Why? Based on what? And how would they replicate us if what we've learned is true? And if it isn't true, why haven't they done it already? It's obvious that someone with power knows about us and seems to be fine with Morningstar scooping us up.

[resleeves]

based on my fucking hunch. people have died for nothing before here. why wouldn't it happen again?

[ again, he'd rather it not happen but he can't help but wonder if it will. ]

i've just been involved in people with power and money using those underneath them like pawns and when they've gotten all they can out of them, they toss them out. maybe we're making progress for them and we're not done yet.

[strove]

You need something more solid than that.

In my experience, it's easy to assume that someone will betray you. The hard part is assuming that they won't.

[Six years ago, Clarke would've been on his side. Funny how "Do better" is so universal to her thinking these days.]

[resleeves]

i assume the worst of everyone.

no one's given me reason not to. not yet.

[strove]

Harsh.

[We're friends, Kovacs!]

[resleeves]

nothing personal.

a few months isn't enough to erase two hundred plus years.

i'm working on it.

[strove]

Fair enough.

I didn't mention it, but I was in cryostasis for 125 years. I don't remember it, but I like to think it shaved off some of the time for me.

[resleeves]

not bad.

how old does that technically make you now?

[strove]

149.

Maybe closer to 150 with my time here?

[resleeves]

i'm still older.

got you beat.

[strove]

And you lived all of those years, too, so I'd still easily be counted out.

[resleeves]

i actually didn't.

there are a few things i haven't told you.

[strove]

I assume that this isn't the place to pry about that, but know that I am one to pry. Typically.

[resleeves]

i'd prefer to do this in person.

it's not an easy thing to tell.

[ because it means telling her about stronghold and if there's one thing that can get to him, it's that. ]

[strove]

[Which means he isn't saying no.]

Tell me where.

And when, if that's not right now.

[Curious and probing. Clarke can't help it.]

[resleeves]

nowhere public.

and whenever.

it's not like i'm that busy.

[strove]

Tell me where you live and I'll bring over some wine.

People here tend to like wine.

[Or is that just Bobbi-Katelin? Well, whatever.]

[resleeves]

i like booze.

doesn't matter what kind.

[ but he sends over his address as requested. ]

[strove]

I'll grab whatever's easiest along the way. I'll let you know when I'm close.

[That's precisely what Clarke does soon after, just as she's approaching his building. She has a tote bag in hand. At least she knows that Kovacs will probably like whatever it is, if he's really not that picky.]

[resleeves]

[ kovacs, being a lazy ass that he is, leaves the door open for her so he won't have to get up and open it. when she pushes her way in, she'll find him on the couch, legs stretched out in front of him and head propped up by a pillow. ]

I'd give you the tour but you have two legs.

[ he smiles over at her, trying to push down how what he's about to tell her makes him feel. ]