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( there'd been a while — right after learning about the existence of vector ghosts all the way through hearing about peoples actual encounters with them — that clarke had wondered if they were their ticket out of here. if they could be weaponized, if they could be released and set loose on the captain specifically. it wouldn't have been a pretty end, but it would have stopped all of this right?

but she's willing to accept that was a horrible plan. and would have spared a moment to sigh, relieved she hadn't ever made headway there. expect somehow it's still happening. )

So how do we kill it?

[Valdis too had wondered about weaponizing the ghosts. Either by devouring their souls to make herself stronger or finding a way to release them. Friday had very quickly changed her mind.]

If I knew the answer to that, Clarke, I would tell you. But I wouldn't let you try until after the other side had their turn.

( on her end, clarke rolls her eyes so hard they almost fall out of her skull. and maybe that wouldn't be so bad a thing, as the beginnings of a tension headache kick up and press against her optic nerves. )

Reality's actively breaking all around us. Do you really think we have the time to be taking turns?

( ugh okay let her try to rephrase the frustration. )

Can't reunite it, don't know how to kill it yet. So the only option that leaves us with is trying to seal it away a second time, but if that fails we need to at least be prepared. Has anyone even been able to find it again?

[Of course not, Clarke, but it might be distracted enough for them to catch it off guard if Ava and Skulduggery cannot get through to it.]

I would be a fool to think that Ava and Skulduggery aren't out looking for it at this very moment. Ava doesn't fully trust me yet, I'm sure that is due to Skulduggery's extreme dislike. I would be inclined to believe that if it is so corrupted, Revelations may still be able to destroy it. Or purify it. But I'd have to get close enough and actually land a fatal blow, two things that are very unlikely.

[She also doesn't want to hurt the actual Captain, because she still thinks he deserves a second chance.]

Ava and Skulduggery have had their hands in the thick of this since we got here. And I'm sure they like you more than they like me. You should work on that relationship.

( she gets bossy when she's mad, whoops. )

Sparkles might be powerful, but it's part of the Captain and the Captain is also an overbored idiot. So, what about a trap? We lock it in place, then we bury it, or you can take a swing.

I honestly do not think he would let me get anywhere near him with Revelations. The Captain is afraid, but I wouldn't call him a coward or an idiot, even if he isn't as clever as you. In any case, that particular discussion may have been private from the Captain, but who knows if this Sparkles was listening or not. And I have been working on it, but unlike you I actually value Ava as a friend and I generally do not betray my friends. I am, however, fairly invested in the survival of everyone here. So take that however you like.

Edited 2023-04-14 18:59 (UTC)

( that little unlike you and betray hits all the wrong notes with clarke. whether valdis was speaking specifically on ava starr, or friends in general, her feathers ruffle and must be forcibly smoothed out in the name of cooperation.

clipped and proper: )

Do you have any immediately actionable ideas? I do want to help.

The fewer people in the dark, the better. Tell everyone, emphasize that Sparkles is worse than the Captain. We have to stick together no matter what happens next. If it were me, I would try to separate everyone.

[Well, actually she would just steal their souls while they slept, but considering what Friday told her, and what the ship is fueled by, well, she assumes Sparkles wants to create as much suffering as possible.

To her, that is having to feel everyone suffer and die. To others it is watching their loved ones die and knowing they likely suffered.]

You must remember that the pro-capatian faction is far smaller than yours. Most of us remain neutral. But none of us are enemies.

( clarke's been almost entirely alone during two events that felt like the end of the world. one was the literal actual end of earth as she knew it, and the other was the halloween party on the ship: when two friends were possessed, two were brainwashed, and one was left sleeping in an attempt to spare him. she hates being alone; separated isn't an option that can even be considered right now. )

You are right. And I will talk to people.

( this is stiffly typed, and absolutely does not promise clarke'll talk about things in the same light as valdis. but she will at least talk.

and after a brief pause — )

I appreciate this, Valdis.

[She can't expect Clarke to ever paint the Captain in a good light, but at least the girl seems to understand that there is a bigger enemy here. For now, she can probably count on Clarke as an ally. Still, she's not sure what to think of Clarke's appreciation. However, it can only be a good thing. it may be useful later.

I will let you know if I learn anything else.

I'll hold you to that. But, me too.

Take care, Clarke.

You too, Valdis. At least stay alive.

I'll do my best. Please do the same.

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