Just Another Night at the Lab [Closed]

[Kari Muffin]

Rocky was surprised. Well, surprised was a bit of an understatement. However, he couldn't disagree with Ataxia's plan. Even if it was risky and could... start some pretty awful things. When had there ever been a powerful Queen of Clubs willing to change things? Never... not that he knew of, but Rocky wasn't the best at history.

He could honestly hug Ataxia right now, but he thought better of it. "You can do it. I think if anyone can, you most certainly can. And frankly, if I can help you in anyway I will." He smiled down at her, that was all he could do, well. Not really. "If you want a hug, it might make you feel a bit better."

That sounded a lot weirder out loud. The raccoon didn't look away though. Ataxia was too nice to look away from. It was nice to meet a person who... thought of others and was honest. Not many people seemed to do that anymore. And changing the world after something like that for all the others most unfortunate? Well. How could Rocky disagree with that.

[danishweasel]

You can do it. She had never heard those words before, not in connection with her future plans. Then again, the only other people she had mentioned these plans to were her parents, and their reaction was...less than great. They had told her that she would be lucky if she was only exiled. But they also thought the grandiose plans were one of Ataxia's whims and didn't press the matter further. Even if she tried, she wouldn't make it past the preparatory steps.

Not only did Rocky tell her she could do it, but he was willing to risk his skin, his life, his dreams to help her. It was too much. Tears started to well up in her eyes again, but she didn't bother to wipe them away. She tried to speak, wanting to express how much his words meant to her and how she would try and help him reach for his dreams too, but her voice had left her. All she could do was nod and accept the hug.

[Kari Muffin]

He hugged her without another word. He wasn't sure what to do besides that. Crying wasn't something Rocky was used to handling. He smiled as he hugged her. If this would make things better, at least he could try to act happy rather than confused.

He had a half a mind to ask her if she was okay. Had he done something wrong? Or was she crying because she was happy? He really couldn't say anything though. He was terrified he would make things worse if he spoke. So all he did was hug her. He wouldn't stop unless she asked him to.

Still. If anyone could change the silliness with ranking and importance Ataxia could. He wouldn't be much of a help... all he really knew was things about chemicals and flight. Curing society of all its ills was above his head, he wasn't smart enough to do that. He could try and help though, right?

[danishweasel]

She rested her head against Rocky's shoulder. It was so silly, she thought, how this evening has turned out. Letting out all my secrets, crying on his shoulder, all to a person I had not known even a day. Still, with all that they had experienced in their separate lives, it felt like upon meeting, friendship was inevitable.

"Geez, look at me...I'm getting your fur wet...Sorry..."

Ataxia did her best to nuzzle it dry with the dry part of her muzzle. As she did so, she did her best to dry her eyes. What kind of queen would she be if she ended up crying like that?

"It's just...I've never got encouragement for my plans before, and you going so far as to being willing to help...Thank you. And you can bet that I'll be there to help you too. We'll prove 'em all wrong, won't we? We'll both make it to where we want to be."

[Kari Muffin]

"It's no problem, getting my fur wet that is. It's not like you're pour acid on me or anything," He snorted at the very thought. Oh that was probably a bad thing to joke about when you were in Corvistowne. Someone was probably bound to do it because you said it.

"Your plans are amazing. I couldn't just sit back and not offer to help. I mean... changing society? That's an amazing goal. I could only wish my goals were that amazing. Offering you help in the least I can do." He sighed. It was amazing what had just happened. All he wanted was a few supplies, and now? Well, this was just a completely new and different experience for the raccoon.

"I have to thank you. I mean. I'm happy I got to meet you. Not many people would let a complete stranger into their house and give them supplies and all that."

[danishweasel]

"My plans, they're big, yeah. And it won't be any cake walk, I know that. But it's no more amazing than you learning how to fly. I don't think so. I've just got a debt to pay to an old friend. That and I don't want any more Aceys suffering the way she did. No more tears."

She pulled away just enough to look Rocky in the eyes without breaking out of the hug.

"But I've gotta tell you. It's not going to be pretty on the way up. The way I'm going, I'll probably be making more enemies than friends. I don't want to drag you anywhere you might get hurt without warning. Either way, I'm glad I've been able to meet you too."

Ataxia smiled as she settled herself back into the hug.

"And hey, there's nothing wrong with strangers. Strangers are just friends you haven't met yet, in my opinion."

[Kari Muffin]

"Making enemies, huh? That's kind of like Theofilus I guess. Though, I honestly have no idea how such a nice guy managed to get Queenhood. I can only speculated what he did. I mean, if you don't leave any proof then... they can't blame you right?" It was an odd way of looking at it. Rocky respected the sparrow, but as kind as he was he obviously wasn't perfect.

For all Rocky knew Theofilus could be part of some crime syndicate. "I wonder if some of the higher ups who came from lower ranks think the same about Aces. You might actually be able to get some support when you're up there." It wasn't a matter of if anymore. Rocky was pretty sure it was just a matter of time. Ataxia could do it. And if she had faith in him flying? Well. All the more reason she should become The Queen of Clubs. If a person can have faith in someone who was "hopeless" then... why shouldn't they be Queen?

[danishweasel]

It shocked her that Rocky knew a Queen on a first name basis. While she didn't believe higher ranks meant that the person was any better than anyone else, their power was an unmistakable fact. Either this Queen came from the lower numbers or had an open mind. Either option was wonderful.

"Theofilus? Isn't he...Queen of Diamonds?"

She really needed to brush up on her knowledge of nobility if she was even going to think of going to the Courts for Jackhood...Though that concern went right out the window with Rocky's comment about leaving proof. She couldn't help but laugh.

"That's my hope, keeping a clean enough image to keep people from guessing where my loyalties lie. Though having some possible supporters already in the Courts would be a huge help. Hey, what about Theofilus? Does anything in his background make him look like a possible candidate?"

She listened for Rocky's answer with bated breath and wagging tail. If there was another noble of another suit that followed the beat of her drum, that might make her mission all the more easier.

[Kari Muffin]

"Well. I met Theofilus back when he was a Ten and working for a shipping firm rather than owning it. I recently helped one of his children out and he said it was okay to call him by his first name. I just went with it, I'm not one to argue." Rocky's tail swished in thought when she mentioned something about the sparrow's past.

"I snooped a little and I heard a horrible rumor, but you really can't tell anyone about it. I wouldn't want to make Theofilus upset. I can't imagine what he or his family would do to me. I don't even think his family knows about it actually..." Rocky was quite embarrassed that he had snooped around, and it was only by chance that he found out about Theofilus' family life. Apparently he liked to keep it under wraps. "Supposedly, I don't know if it's true, but he had an Ace for a brother. They say he drowned by accident, but the mother denies his brother ever existed, and the father just keeps his mouth shut. That's what Theofilus seems to do, he leaves no proof. Theofilus doesn't seem like the person to hate, though."

That was the most Rocky had ever spoken in an given amount of time. He blinked rapidly for a moment. What had he just told Ataxia.

[danishweasel]

From the sounds of it, Theofilus could be either way. A death of a brother is sure to be a heartbreaker, but whether that was the reason it was kept under wraps or the fact that his brother was an Ace...not enough known about him to be able to chance a guess. Still, the possibility was there, and that was enough to keep that name on a mental note.

"Huh, I might have to talk with him once I get up there with the Courts. Oh, and don't you worry. That bit about Theofilus's brother is not leaving my lips. But such a tragedy...but do you think...Do you think it was really an accidental drowning? Not that I'd blame Theofilus or anything, but it sounds way too convenient..."

She hated to think that any family member, or anyone, could have the heartlessness to kill someone. But she knew it was possible. She had seen it happen before and she certainly wasn't going to put it past anyone to do it again.