Cherubplay

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Karkat handed Gamzee what he'd need to write so he didn't have to get up. Now Tavros could just read what they were signing while Gamzee scratched it out; he hoped he could keep up. After writing down what had already been spoken of, he looked up at the pair again.

'Too seriously? Maybe for our preference, but we are trying to take down a government here, you know. Replace the damn thing. We're certainly not going to ask you to take down people at the palace right now, for the gods' sakes!'

Eridan went to look over Gamzee's shoulder to read as it was being written. Gamzee wrote a note to the side for him: 'bring a second board to write on and I can sign for you three'. He kept writing as the pair spoke, emphasizing that she was here for whatever they needed... so what was it they needed?

'Would having them steal more parliamentary documents be too risky, do you think?' Eridan wrote to Sollux, waiting for what his input.

2014-09-17 02:34:47
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Sollux glanced down at the writing, then took a quill and responded, 'Not particularly. The royals' main issue at the moment is keeping us contained, but not necessarily keeping their /secrets/ contained.'

Terezi let out a 'hmm' and pursed her lips, head cocked to the side as she signed, 'What is it that you want, then? Support? Manpower? You've got that, courtesy of Zodiac.What I think you all are lacking is a game plan when it comes to overthrowing this government. Honestly, I think you should take out any and all law-enforcing bodies. Guards, policetrolls, all of them. The knights are out for now, but if they return before any actions are done, they need to go, too.'

2014-09-17 22:47:00
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'And how do you propose to do that?! Mass murder isn't how we want to start things, I shouldn't think. These bastards have enough blood on their hands without us adding to it, and yes to the manpower...we will eventually need that to keep people in line and from too much revolting or whatever. Specifically keeping parliament in check when we lock them away so they can't communicate... or that's what we have for a plan so far,' Karkat signed, movements emphasized sharply.

Gamzee was quick to write all this down, then called attention to himself to put forth their suggestion with the documents, also posing that they could always do both planning/taking down of law enforcement while also sorting through papers. It wasn't like any of them were really up to the task of a violent take over, he added. Even if a couple of them could fight normally, they didn't have the right equipment to go up against the magically enforced armor.

2014-09-17 22:56:28
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She rolled her eyes, 'No, don't /kill/ them, you moron. Just relocate them. Literally /take them out/ of this equation altogether. After all, there are tens of hundreds of tunnels scurrying about below our feet. You would happen to know all about that, wouldn't you?'

Terezi continued after some consideration, 'And that is exactly why we should just move them someplace else. Some Zodiac members could hold their own, but definitely not all of us. There's a jail in Starnette, not like anyone really goes to it since they're all sitting pretty - we could house each Parliament member in a cell in solitary confinement. Cruel, yes, but it wouldn't be for an extended amount of time. Probably.'

2014-09-17 23:05:38
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Now Karkat was really annoyed. Gamzee kind of flinched too her barb to the mutant. 'And how exactly do you expect to get them anywhere? They aren't just going to fall for something, it would take a lot of people, and we can't leave without being harassed or shot at, apparently. And don't look to me to tell you a damn thing about the fucking tunnel systems!' For all he knew the small area he had was all there was. He didn't know a damn thing about any of the others. What, she thought they'd give him any freedom at all? 'Seriously, if you can move these people, fine, do it, but I don't know how you'll manage with out a ridiculous amount of struggle.'

2014-09-17 23:14:28
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'This whole thing is a ridiculous amount of struggle! If we're laying all our shit on the table here, I'm kind of disappointed with this whole mission here. I mean, where is your plan, your foundation? You're going to start with Parliament? And do what? Make them rewrite laws? And did we all magically forget that they are the shit-fucking masters of loopholes?'

Tavros, shifting a bit uncomfortably, raised his hand to garner some attention, "Uh. If I may?"

Terezi looked over at him and gave a nod of her head, sipping her tea as he took up another clipboard, "Go on, Alice."

He began writing, asking softly for Gamzee to translate into the sign language what he was scribbling, 'Would it be too much trouble to ask for the princess's help? Or. Um. While you two were talking, I was considering a kind of grandiose idea. Farfetched as it is, do you think an entire overthrowing all at once would be successful? Something gradual may take too much time to the point that we are all failures before it has completed. But if we kill the Queen, Aradia, who supports us, will be the only successor and have the sole ruling. The killing of the Queen, if done correctly, could be quick and seamless; from what I have read in some older history, usually the passing of the monarch, even if it is gruesome, is a private matter before beheld to the public. We could be in power relatively soon without the common citizens even knowing how the Queen died. This is all speculation, honestly, but I think it is something we should consider if it comes down to it.'

2014-09-17 23:21:50
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Gamzee signed as Tavros wrote. It seemed like a good idea to him, as then Aradia could tell them everything that was planned while still maintaining the illusion of being aligned with the current government. One of the best things would be that the parliament and other officials would probably think they could control her because of how sheltered she had been. But she had a strong spirit and urge to do right, and through her information leak, they would be undone.

Karkat listened to the brownblood's idea. It was the best they had, and he saw how it could work to their advantage. He nodded in agreement, hands silent for now. It was getting a little challenging to not get overly frustrated. While certainly they didn't have much in the way of a solid plan, nothing she was posing seemed feasible to him. But if they could kill the Queen as Tavros suggested... it was only one person to worry about on the immediate and then things would follow from their, instead of trying to meddle with whole bodies of officials without any real knowledge of how much they knew or had planned in case of such an attempt.

2014-09-17 23:32:40
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Terezi suddenly grinned, finding the idea splendid in all points, and she laughed heartily, "Alice, you are a genius, a thinkpan anomaly! Why we hadn't whipped that up earlier is a mystery unto me but I fancy that plan most definitely. We can work all the kinks out soon enough, aye? I'll rummage up the goons," She signed that her slang meant to get members of Zodiac together, "And lay down the law, alright? Don't fret any, boys, we'll be in touch." She stood, stretched her arms over her head, then placed a hand on her hip, "Is that all? Or is there more we need to discuss outside the realm of laundry?"

"Um," Tavros looked concerned, "When do you think the trains will be up and running again?"

She shrugged, "It's only the conductors out in Undlegire that have been shot down, so probably just another couple of days. But with the general chaos, I'd speculate a week. P'haps more."

"A /week?/" Sollux growled, "An entire week of damn near anarchy in Undlegire, unbelievable."

2014-09-17 23:42:02
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"They should be in touch, though, Vriska said she'd call tomorrow," Eridan said. "You can talk to Kanaya at least, even if it isn't much consolation." Shit, what the hell were they gonna do with Sollux? He was stressed out enough already without Kanaya, and it had only been about a day. An entire week without her might become unbearable. He was pretty okay with Vriska being gone. Sure he didn't like it but he knew from experience that she could take care of herself. And Kanaya knew the area and was smart as anything so really they should be fine. Possibly better than they were.

They seemed to be done so Gamzee put the quill down, holding Tavros again. Pleasant aromas of cooking were starting to float around, so he'd have to get up soon, he knew, but why waste a moment when he was already comfortable here?

Karkat signed to her again. 'Should we come up with a new code for next time we get in contact or are you just going to use the same one?'

2014-09-17 23:53:34
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'Let's use a different one, just in case someone's watching. A favorite of old Rial: 'What's cooking by the fire?', accompanied by two knocks.' She smiled, 'Easy enough, right?'

Sollux would have been fine without Kanaya if it was just her leaving for Undlegire under normal circumstances. That was how their relationships just was; he was alone during the week, and from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, they spent nearly every waking moment together. He was alright when /she/ was alright, and he was a mess when he thought that she may be in danger.

All the stress and heavy responsibility was starting to weigh down on Tavros, and he sighed, curled up against Gamzee once again. He didn't want to think that he was the cause of someone's death, but he had suggested it and it made his stomach turn. No matter how much he had hated the caste system back in Alternia, he had never wished death upon anyone. But his assassin had already been killed, and the plans for the Queen's murder (with a spying device amidst them, no less) were a very startling possibility. As Terezi left with promises to return when the entire crew was present, as she hadn't any idea how many to the 'Alice mission' there actually were, Tavros nodded some to the kitchen, "We, uh. May as well get some food in."

2014-09-18 00:28:29
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After showing the Zodiac agent out, Karkat locked the door tightly. "I second that motion. Best goddamn thing I've heard in hours." He set the table with dishes and utensils, wondering what Gamzee had cooked up for them tonight. He was sure as ever that it would be delicious though. Hopefully none of them would bother talking about all this business over dinner, he thought. Though he had to begrudgingly admit they were pressed for time.

Eridan, looking for something to do, got drinks for all of them to personal specifications. It wasn't hard to remember what everyone preferred.

Whining a little at having to get up from snuggling Tavros, Gamzee got up and headed to the kitchen after giving his matesprit a peck and leading him to the table. "Leftovers pot pie, tonight." He took the hearty dish out, the top a lovely golden brown with a simple design of pinpricks across the top. He cut a piece for each of them to start, but it was an easy thing to eat and could probably be finished off after their meal between the five of them if they were hungry. Carrots, peas, potatoes, and chicken steamed with just a bit of gravy between the two layers of crust; rustic and mouthwatering. He was quite proud of it, honestly.

2014-09-18 00:43:30
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Even though the food was almost ridiculously delicious and he was surrounded by the people he trusted the most, Tavros could not find it in himself to eat enthusiastically. He picked at his food and sipped his drink, only managing to eat about half of his slice of pie before he realized just how far into thought he was.

Sollux actually ate everything on his plate, though it was mostly because Kanaya had told most everyone that he didn't eat much to begin with so his slice was rather small.

The brownblood peeked over at Gamzee, one of his hands reaching out for his underneath the table, searching blindly and tapping lightly at his outer thigh and hip before finding his hand. He gave it a soft squeeze, speaking to everyone at the table, "What do you all think HUED's goal is? I mean, pardon if I am wrong, but I have been under the impression that groups such as that have, uh, an end result that they are trying to reach, something specific."

2014-09-18 01:01:36
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Gamzee was really starting to worry about Tavros. He saw he was barely eating his food, and really distracted. Of course the reason was revealed soon enough, when he asked his question. He squeezed his matesprit's hand tenderly, running fingertips over his knuckles in what he hoped were soothing patterns.

Karkat, who had been eating as voraciously as usual, looked up at the talk. Of course they couldn't spend one measly hour without chatter of the depressing sort. It might have been annoyance at that but definitely some remaining aggravation from their visitor that made him answer with brutal honesty. "Probably spectric cleansing. No one names there organization something as pretentious and openly elitist as 'Highbloods Uniformally Eradicating Danger' or whatever the fuck without being an absolute bunch of assholes." Maybe knowing how horrible their opponents were would help give the kind brown blood some resolve to not feel quite so guilty about having to have the queen, someone supporting these people and making life difficult for everyone low on the totem pole anyways, killed.

"It certainly wouldn't be hard to imagine that's what it is in reality even if that's not what they tell anyone," Eridan sneered. "Just look at what they did historically. You think there aren't people who were unsatisfied with what they saw as 'mercy' by leaving some of our people alive? 'Eradicating Danger', more like, 'Eradicating the Different'."

2014-09-18 01:22:47
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Really, it just made him feel worse. Tavros picked at his food, uncomfortable that there was so much death attributed to his quest. HUED had been around long before he had arrived in Wonderland, but they only became prominent /now./ He furrowed his brows some, mouth a tight line before he looked to Karkat as if he was going to question something, then the inquiry faded from his lips and he quietly excused himself from the table.

Sollux wished he had Kanaya's guidance; she would have known exactly what to say to Tavros to reconcile him. From what the yellowblood could tell, the brownblood didn't seem to be the type to tell what was bothering him. He heard the guest room close, and he sipped his plain tea, glancing at the hallway briefly, "Perhaps a little bit of down time for us all would be helpful."

2014-09-18 23:20:24
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The mutant troll sighed. "Maybe I was a bit harsh, but there wasn't really any other way to say it. After all if they were after real dangers they'd be shooting themselves and not people who just want to fix the damn place... fuck, goddamnit, I'm no good at this social interaction; I'm too good at offending people!" He was stressed out and angry, and felt bad for making Tavros feel bad. Burying his head in his hands for a moment, he assented to Sollux's proposition, much quieter. "Yea, that's probably for the best."

Gamzee finished quickly, thinking maybe Tavros wouldn't be too fond of just being followed right away. But soon enough he downed his water and headed back to the guest room. Politely, he knocked on the door, "Tav? Can I come in?"

2014-09-18 23:34:02
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The architect sat in his seat for a while, thinking of just what he should say before he stood up a bit stiffly, offering somewhat awkwardly, "You and he are just...different. It's good that you are honest with Tavros; it'll help him face the reality of things as they are, no skirting around the truth here. But you should probably try to understand that he's of the sensitive sort, yeah? Anyway," He hoped that he was Kanaya-esque enough in that regard to soothe his friend some, then he began taking up dishes to wash them, "Let's get this shit cleaned up. The mindless work may be good."

Tavros was sitting on the bed, his arms circled around his knees that were pulled up to his chest, his chin on them. His stockings were off, and he was wearing the usual sweater, his lower lip being rolled between his teeth. Gamzee's knock and his voice was somewhat expected, and he called an affirmative, tilting his head some to look at the door.

2014-09-18 23:45:42
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Karkat looked up at Sollux, really a bit tired. "Yea, you're right. And mindless word sounds pretty amazing, actually." The cherry-eyed troll was more than ready for a task that did not require thought. He picked up more plates, and followed Sollux into the kitchen. Eridan helped move the dishes, but as there were only really two with the washing and drying operation, he went back to the little there was left among the books.

The tall troll came in quietly, shutting the door softly behind him. Quickly he shed his own sweater, feeling the need to be closer to Tavros than that really allowed, and sat beside him on the bed. He felt a little unsure of himself, not wanting to crowd his matesprit if he needed space, so instead of pulling him in for a hug instead put an arm around his shoulders to rub his back some. "You wanna talk about it?"

2014-09-19 02:09:34
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"Uh. Well." He found that he was running into the same difficulty Gamzee felt when he tried to explain why he didn't want Tavros to treat him in a condescending manner. He wrinkled his nose in annoyance at himself, each sentence faltering in his mouth as he struggled to explain himself fully. "When I learned about the mass killings, of colder castes, I knew that death was a huge factor in this journey as a whole. But...I do not know, it makes me uncomfortable that there are more recent deaths, too. It feels stupid to feel guilty that my /assassin/ was killed, but I feel horrid. I feel bad that, uh, those conductors were just slaughtered; and it is all because of this huge mission that I have roped everyone into." He frowned, hands balled up into tight fists around his knees, "And what of the Queen? I know she is basically the embodiment of evil next to HUED, but, I mean. I never, in a million sweeps, would want to wish death upon someone, that is just so cruel!" He sighed, leaning into Gamzee's side and rubbing his cheek against the junction of his shoulder and chest, "Taking someone's life, for any reason, seems malicious to me. Our intentions are good to /us/, but what makes us, any more justified than some extremist? They think what they are doing is 'right' too. "

2014-09-19 11:09:13
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As he listened to Tavros, Gamzee found himself carding his fingers through the copper's hair. Now that he'd moved in to him he held the smaller troll comfortably to his side. He thought about how to respond for a while, quietly contemplating his own feelings on the matter. "I think I feel the same, somewhat. 'M not one for killin' nobody, either. But I don't think you should be feelin' so many guilty vibes about what these HUED motherfuckers are doin' to folk; that's their decisions, and they're pretty shitty ones," he spoke levelly. He continued on, measuring his words. "And as for how we're different than those extremists, well, I'd think that was pretty obvious. Those bastards are all out for themselves, slaughtering people who aren't even involved, takin' whatever lives they see fit 'cause they got their thinkin' that the ends justify the means. And their goal is only for themselves, 'cause they're scared and greedy. But we're all up and bothered by all that killin' and wanna help people get away from all that, so we plan careful and take only what's needed away. And we wanna free people from the system what's gotten to killin' and tearin' 'em down, you see."

2014-09-19 11:27:58
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The copper nodded slowly, but he did not feel as though he had communicated what he thought thoroughly enough. He supposed it didn't matter - they were too far now to just give up because Tavros was having some doubt. "I just do not want to end up like that, like what you described. I do not want our group to become blind to the overall picture and become focused on the goal itself to the point that we endanger other people. I just thought..." He trailed off, shaking his head a little in disbelief at himself, "All this violence just makes me nauseous. I'm a pacifist, I do not want to hurt anyone or have anyone, regardless of their affiliations, to be hurt because of me. I guess I am starting to feel lost again."

2014-09-19 11:35:00
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Gamzee nodded. "That's alright I think. Good to reanalyze shit sometimes, right? And I think your worries are pretty fuckin' legitimate. I don't think none of us seven want anyone killed just 'cause, but... I ain't too sure about those Zodiacs... they don't seem to be bothered that much. Which I think is why Karkat was gettin so pissed off when we were talkin' to that lady. She was pretty straight and brutal about the whole thing, and it kinda pissed him off that it was like she wasn't all that bothered about takin' people out... she was also kinda rude," he made a face. "So I think maybe you or all of us might have to make it pretty clear that we're not cool with bein' like HUED but with better intentions; that we wanna be separate from their way of doing things as well as their goals. But...well, I dunno." He had some more he could say, but thought it might be too much.

2014-09-19 11:46:07
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He could see where Gamzee was coming from. Even though Zodiac was supportive of their mission, Tavros was not sure if he was alright with their tendency to go into violence, but it seemed both sides had resorted to that anyway. He glanced at Gamzee for a moment, then kissed his cheek and curled up in his lap, "When she returns, I will tell her exactly what our principles are. I do not want to kill anyone, necessarily, but the Queen's death is inevitable, I think, whether it be by us or another enemy of hers. ...sorry about dinner, by the way," Tavros tacked on apologetically, "I probably should have kept my mouth shut about, uh, the concerns at hand, but it is difficult not to be weighed down by them."

2014-09-20 04:38:32
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Purring and snuggling his matesprit, Gamzee just sat and enjoyed the closeness for a while. He nuzzled Tavros's hair as they sat cuddling before piping up again. "That's a good idea. And dinner's alright, I think, but you really should take a break from thinking about all this stuff. I know it's hella important, but you're gonna stress yourself out way too much, Tav. ...And we can always get you something to eat later on if you're hungrier since you didn't eat all that much.... maybe a midnight cake run?" he suggested with a smile. "We gotta finish that one so I can try out my idea for a second! It's got /chocolate/ after all."

2014-09-20 05:23:09
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Covering his face with his hands, he nodded, sighing as he rubbed at his eyes and dropped his hands from his face, "I know I ought to spend a little time not consumed by the state of the government and the worries of the caste system, but it is so hard. I feel like if I let my guard down for a second, something will happen." He always told himself that they couldn't afford mistakes, that one little slip up could mean a doomed timeline, could mean that everything was over for them. That may not have been true, but Tavros wanted to avoid any mess ups if at all possible. The mention of chocolate brought him back to the conversation again, and Tavros grinned, gently pushing Gamzee down so he could lay atop him, "We can make a little date out of it, if you want. We can, uh, find some candles, maybe, and sit in here, maybe in front of the fire like we have before."

2014-09-20 12:07:36
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Reluctantly he let the previous subject drop. He thought it probably didn't matter what Tavros thought about when they were just relaxing like this anyways, or when they couldn't really act or translate anything anymore. All the extra worry furthermore might just pile up to make some slip up happen if he burned himself out with the burden of all that stress.

Instead he sank down as Tavros pushed, leaning his head up so he could look at Tavros better, eventually just shoving a bunched up pillow under his head so he wouldn't have to crane his neck while he held his matesprit. "That sounds miraculous, Tav... maybe I can all up and chill you out with magic cuddles and such too? Gotta be relaxin from all this stress a little, at least your muscles if not your thinkpan." As he finished talking he leaned up and pecked Tavros on the nose.

2014-09-20 15:48:39