@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

[strove]

Yeah, actually I do. As long as it's a battle worth losing.

[And if it's not? Well, that's a different question altogether.]

[resleeves]

Hm.

[ stop being logical, clarke. ]

Never been a battle I fought. But, guess there's no harm in trying.

[strove]

Yes, I suppose it's not much of a battle if you're in denial the entire time.

[That's how she's chosen to read his response.]

[resleeves]

Fuck you.

[ but there's no heat behind it. ]

I'm not in denial. I'm in repression.

[ there's a difference! ]

[strove]

I don't think you're using that word properly.

[At least, when applied to a human being—]

[resleeves]

[ you're damn lucky that kovacs isn't immature because he would have stuck his tongue out at her right then and there. ]

But you get the point, don't you?

[ he knows you do. ]

[strove]

I do get the point, Mr. Repressing. Repressing is merely subconscious denial, by the way. Some part of you knows the truth, you're just ignoring it.

[Pedantry 101. Clarke's having fun with this, and it shows: she lights up a bit, showing a warmer smile than usual.]

[resleeves]

You're doing this on purpose.

[ it's a mock accusation and he adds in a flip of his finger towards her but there's no anger, no heat, nothing but amusement behind it. ]

What if I was just really good at repressing and forgot it completely?

[strove]

I am. [What's the point in denying it when she's having fun? Even when she's sad, Clarke sometimes relies on pedantry to be able to get through a problem.

The issue with a precocious child turned adult, all in one tidy package.]

Unfortunately, you're not describing repression. You're describing forgetfulness. Also technically different.

[resleeves]

Or I'm describing a brain injury.

[ time to fight fire with fire, right? ]

See, you're not completely right.

[strove]

Repression doesn't describe a brain injury.

[Clarke doubts the veracity of this fire!]

[resleeves]

This really the hill you're gonna fucking die on?

[ why is he not surprised? ]

[strove]

I'm a medical practitioner. I can go all night when it comes to this.

[So, likely not surprising in the least.]

[resleeves]

If we're going to do that, let me drink about fifteen more bottles so I can keep up.

[ or pass out. ]

[strove]

You and I both know that you take far less than fifteen bottles.

[It's how he properly ended up on her radar.]

[resleeves]

Not if those bottles are full of beer.

[ he could down fifteen bottles of beer without any issue. ]

So little faith in me though. My liver could take it.

[strove]

Yes, because they clone organs here and you wouldn't have any trouble getting a new one.

[This banter has to remain oppositional.]

[resleeves]

You're a terrible person.

[ did you know that, clarke? you are. he shakes his head and snickers. ]

My liver could take it even without being transplanted.

[strove]

Am I? I think it's one of those cases where you understand where mad scientists come from.

[Which ... sadly, Clarke could be one. Easily.]

I do think we should spend the rest of tonight drinking, liver damage and all.

[resleeves]

Music to my ears.

[ he gestures towards the bartender and smirks. ]

I'll buy the next round.

[ to get them started. ]