Inciting Rebellion

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert had called the meeting. He couldn’t believe he was going to sit in a room with just him and Gertie Periwinkle and their secretaries. They were meeting in his office, of course; there was no need to meet anywhere else when it would just be four of them. The seconds and the heads of council wouldn’t be needed for this meeting since it would pretty much be informal. There just had to be a decision made. Robert had hardly slept since the Therians and the Avisailles disappeared and he was already sleep deprived as it was. He averaged five to six hours on any given night now, but the past week it had been more like three or four. The Therians and the Avisailles were in a concentration camp of sorts on the edge of the city, their existence exposed, and Robert saw it as nothing more than a declaration of war between the humans and the Guardians. Of course, the humans were too stupid to realize the repercussions of what they had done.

It wasn’t that Robert cared about the Therians and the Avisailles suddenly. He still believed they were below Gargoyles on the Guardian food chain. But they were still Guardians, whether they were inferior or not, and far better than humans. The fact that lowly humans believed they could imprison any Guardian was a joke and an insult. It burned him and every time he got to thinking about it he got worked up. They needed to get the Therians and Avisailles out of that prison and quickly. There wouldn’t be enough Guardians to do it on their own, though…they would have to ask sympathetic humans for help. How exactly could the humans serve in this fight? And how much of a fight would it be? Robert stewed on this for long hours before the meeting, noting ideas of how the word could be spread to people and how the situation should be handled. At last there came a knock at his door and Cadence walked into his office, causing him to lift his eyes.

“Sir, Mr. Periwinkle and Ms. McManus have arrived.” Robert nodded, standing as they came in. While normally he would be glaring at Periwinkle across a set of tables, today there was only a minor scowl. He despised the man, but they had grave and important matters to discuss, far beyond any dislike he might harbor for the Blurr. As always, the man was extremely nervous around Robert, and by contrast the little redhead he had seen with young Witt and whom he danced with at the masquerade seemed very calm and collected. She looked a little anxious, but otherwise showed no outward sign of fear. Robert decided he would much rather prefer to look at her throughout this meeting than Periwinkle’s anxious and irritating face.

“Please have a seat.” His instruction was as commanding as always, but not quite as harsh as he normally was. He looked up to his assistant and nodded for her to close the doors before she came to his side of the desk to take notes on the meeting. Both Blurrs sat in the two chairs situated across from him, and the young lady bent down to retrieve a notepad and pen from the bag she had brought with her. As both secretaries prepared, Robert looked to Periwinkle with a somber face. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? I propose a rebellion to break the Avisailles and the Therians free from the concentration camp. Your thoughts?” Robert’s piercing blue eyes observed Periwinkle’s every move and change in expression, waiting for his response.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

Robert had been on edge since the whole vaccine fiasco. He was tense and more rigid than usual, and even Cadence personally felt distraught by it all. They found out shortly after that half the city's Guardians were being held captive in a concentration camp like setting right outside the city in the secluded wood. It reminded her deeply of the 1940's when the Jews were detained in camps across Europe. Not many things affected Cadence, but this certainly hit a nerve, and she allowed Robert to use her as he pleased because in a sick way it helped her let out her own tension as well. All thoughts on bringing him down pushed aside for the moment, not caring as much for his demise when there were far more pressing needs to take care of, though it was always there in the back of her mind. She could use this situation against him somehow, she knew it, and she would silently, quietly wait for her opportunity, but it wasn't her focus these days.

This evening they would be discussing what to do next with the only other Guardian leader available; Gert Periwinkle. She was to wait for their guests to arrive, the office empty other than she and Robert. When Gert arrived with his red headed secretary, Cadence moved to her bosses door and knocked gently before opening it. “Sir, Mr. Periwinkle and Ms. McManus have arrived.” She said and when Robert nodded she led the pair in. She waited for them to be seated before sliding the door shut.

Cadence took her seat dutifully beside Robert on his side of the desk, lifting the notepad and pen set aside for her to take notes. Cadence noted the way Robert looked at the redhead and a spike of...was it jealousy? Ran through her. Why would she be upset if he looked at another? She hated Robert! Or so she conveniently told herself she did. She pushed it out of her mind

“Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? I propose a rebellion to break the Avisailles and the Therians free from the concentration camp. Your thoughts?”

Cadence scribbled away before her own cold green eyes moved to the man sitting across from herself and Robert. Would Gert chicken out of a rebellion as he had their reveal? Would he step up and be a leader? A man? A savior, perhaps? Cadence didn't exactly share her view on Gert with her boss. Yes, he was a pathetic excuse of a leader, but his cowardice came from a place that Robert did not have. He truly loved his people and wanted what was best, even if it mean running and hiding. It wasn't Roberts way, but it wasn't wrong either. Sure, she tended to side with Robert on this, but she still had some amount of respect for the other leader, if only a little.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

Life was such a funny thing. No, really, it really was. The morning after receiving his vaccine he had settled in at the breakfast nook with two slices of toast, his coffee and the paper. It was a wonderful morning. Well, except for the stormy sky and constant booming thunder. The fact that his son caught the counter on fire while cooking bacon had been a bit of an inconvenience. Then there were the phone calls of the frantic members of the Blurr community, frantic about their friends and loved ones who they couldn’t get in contact with in almost twenty-four hours. Come to find out the Avisailles and Therians had been captured and taken and were imprisoned just outside of town in the woods. He’d wondered what they had been building out there.

So maybe it hadn’t been such a wonderful morning after all.

It didn’t take long though for Gert and Robert to decide it was necessary to set up a meeting. Gert was dreading the very idea of being in the same room as Robert. The man was a tyrant in Gert’s eyes, who believed that the Gargoyles were the supreme beings, something that Gert would never see eye to eye with. Not just because he was a Blurr but because he didn’t believe that they should be treated any different than everybody else. He didn’t believe that the Blurrs were better than the humans. They were who they were but just like every other race they had their good and their bad. They had their strong and their weak. The only difference was they could keep out of sight if they needed to.

He chose to bring along Maxine not because she was his secretary, he figured they could settle things without secretaries, but because she was a calming presence. She had a knack for keeping Gert calm and he knew it wasn’t only her likable personality, but because he’d known her since she was a child. She grew up around his nephew and his very own son. She’d been invited to his house for dinner more times than he could count, and over the many years he’d thought of her as family. Like the daughter he never had.

When the pair of them arrived at City Hall they followed the path through the building all the way to Robert’s office where his own secretary was waiting to greet and escort them into the office. ”Please have a seat.” Even the sound of Robert’s voice got under Gert’s skin and he wanted to just turn and high tail it outta there! But for the sake of the other Guardians he couldn’t. They’d have to put their differences aside and come up with a plan. He’d dressed a little more business-like for the meeting, not in his usual polo and khakis but instead a suit with a mustard yellow tie. It was the only darn tie his careless son hadn’t stolen and for what purpose Gus had for his ties Gert would never know.

Once he took his seat he noticed Robert was watching Maxine almost as if he was familiar with her. She attended meetings with him but he’d never noticed her catching Robert’s eye. It confused him and he made a note to ask her about it later before pushing it to the back of his mind. Gert was going to attempt and offer a few nice words, maybe ask how Robert was coping with the Gargoyles and their situation. He knew they weren’t turning to stone. But just as he opened his mouth to say something Robert was looking at him and started talking. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? I propose a rebellion to break the Avisailles and the Therians free from the concentration camp. Your thoughts?”

Naturally Robert would resort to defiance first. Rebellions were never a good idea. Riots were started and that was how people got hurt. That was how they winded up dead. Then again who was to say they weren’t killing the Guardians, plucking them one by one in their camps? Gert didn’t think that was the case though, because why would they spend the time and effort to building that mass out there if they were just going to exterminate them? “I can’t say I disagree wholeheartedly.. but maybe there’s a way we can do it without turning to violence. You see this-this is why I said it was a bad idea to be exposed.” He shook his head after he spoke in his soft voice. Now to see what Robert was going to do. He had a feeling that no matter what he said Robert would do what he wanted anyway.

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

When Gertie asked Maxi to accompany him to the meeting with Robert Snow, she gladly accepted. When she found out what had happened to the Therians and the Avisailles, she had gotten teary-eyed and very upset. They were people too, and yet they were locked away in a concentration camp simply for being different. Didn’t the humans know their purpose for being in the city? It scared Maxi too, knowing if their existence came out, they would be met with the same hostility. She was glad to have an opportunity to be part of the proceedings to help her fellow Guardians, even if it was just in a secretarial capacity. Of course this time she made sure to tell August that she was going to be part of this meeting. She wasn’t going to risk making him angry again by not telling him. He seemed a little peeved, but not angry with her for receiving the invite. After a little sweet talk, she’d managed to soothe him and felt good about going to the meeting.

Gertie was always anxious, but for some reason he seemed to calm a little around her. He was practically her second dad and she’d always felt like family around him, especially since Gus and Jamie were her best friends, so he probably just felt more comfortable with a friendly face around. Unlike a lot of people, she looked up to Gertie. Yes he was anxious and nervous and he didn’t like conflict, but he genuinely cared about the people he led and had a good way of showing it. He was super smart, just clumsy at showing it, and unfailingly kind. There was a lot to admire in Gertie and she tried to emulate those good qualities in him as much as she could. Since all of the changes in Scriptor Bay began, she’d also found that they worked very well together, though that could have been due to their long history with each other. She knew how he liked things done and she didn’t hesitate to ask questions about what he asked her to work on.

Today, there weren’t any questions to be asked. It was very clear that she was there to take notes on the meeting and possibly draft some communication for the other Blurrs afterward. She had to admit, she was nervous to be going to Snow’s office with just her and Gertie and Snow’s secretary, but she didn’t show it. If she did, she felt she would make Gertie more nervous, and that would only make him more self-conscious. When they walked into the reception area of Snow’s office, there was a pretty young woman waiting for them, who turned out to be his secretary. She smiled when the woman greeted them, but she didn’t expect a smile back; Gargoyles were a hard breed, and this woman was no different. She had to be if she was Snow’s assistant. The blonde led them to the door of Snow’s office and when she opened the large, heavy wood door, Maxi peeked in curiously to see Snow sitting at a large mahogany desk.

“Sir, Mr. Periwinkle and Ms. McManus have arrived.” It was weird to be introduced in such a way, but she didn’t shy behind Gertie like she wanted to. Snow nodded them in and stood behind his desk, as imposing as ever. Maxi was anxious, but kept a calm disposition, meeting Robert’s gaze when it fell on her. He obviously hadn’t forgotten who she was and she felt her stomach squirm with that realization. She didn’t want to remember that night and the fight he had caused between her and August, and she also didn’t feel like defending her relationship today. With his gaze came the stares of the other two people in the room and Maxi felt her face growing hot with all the eyes on her. Snow’s assistant’s stare was chilly while Gertie’s was more confused. Well, it looked like she would have to explain why Snow recognized her once they left. She bent to retrieve her notepad and pen, doing her best to ignore all of them and present herself professionally.

Once settled, Maxi looked to Gertie, seeing that he was about to say something, but immediately looked to Snow as the Gargoyle cut in. “Let’s cut to the chase, shall we? I propose a rebellion to break the Avisailles and the Therians free from the concentration camp. Your thoughts?” Maxi had predicted that proposal. She made a note, keeping her sapphire eyes on the yellow paper of her pad while Gertie considered his response. “I can’t say I disagree wholeheartedly…but maybe there’s a way we can do it without turning to violence. You see this—this is why I said it was a bad idea to be exposed.” Maxi was taking notes but she peeked up at Gertie and then Snow at her mentor’s last comment. Snow looked irritated and Maxi braced herself to see Gertie berated. She hated listening to others do that to Gertie, but if the Gargoyle leader stepped out of line, she wouldn’t hesitate to call him out on it. Well…she might hesitate, but she would say something afterward. There was no need for this to get nasty. She hoped Snow would be less ornery this time around.

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert waited somewhat impatiently for Periwinkle to consider his proposal. Honestly, what other choice did they have? Rebellion was the only way they would get their fellow Guardians out of that camp. No amount of negotiation with the government would help them with this task. Periwinkle thought on it for a long moment before he answered. “I can’t say I disagree wholeheartedly…but maybe there’s a way we can do it without turning to violence. You see this—this is why I said it was a bad idea to be exposed.” The way Periwinkle shook his head always irritated Robert and it irritated him more that he had been right about this revelation. But this revelation hadn’t gone the way it was supposed to! If it had gone according to plan, none of this would have happened. Robert’s brow lowered over his eyes, showing his annoyance. “To be fair, the exposure wasn’t supposed to happen this way. This darkness caught us all off guard.” He sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of his nose briefly. He needed more patience.

“As for a peaceful rebellion, I was going to suggest the same for the first approach. If enough people peacefully protest the Avisailles’ and Therians’ incarceration, then the city will be forced to consider letting them go. Unfortunately, I don’t think peaceful protests will be enough. Any protest will be met with violence by the government, in which case I think we need to be prepared to escalate our own strategies.” Robert glanced to Cadence taking her notes and then to Maxine, who had paused to give him a worried look. It appeared her and Periwinkle were of the same mind when it came to a peaceful rebellion. “I don’t like the idea of people losing their lives or being hurt over this; I honestly don’t. I think we should try to keep this as peaceful as possible, but we just have to be prepared for anything.” The clarification was necessary. Robert didn’t necessarily care if people died or not over this, but he knew it wouldn’t help their cause. People of all species valued their lives, and the threat of losing their own would turn them away from the cause. Even Gargoyles would turn away if it became too dangerous to be a part of the protest.

“I also think there needs to be an underground faction as well. It’ll be good to have protestors on the streets and outside the camp asserting Avisaille and Therian rights, but we also need to devise a plan to get into the camp itself. The sooner the other Guardians are free, the better their chances of survival. We can’t only rely on the city to release them. There must be people within the camp itself who would be willing to work as double agents and give us information on how to get in. With enough of a force, we can easily overtake the security in the camp. It will take time to come up with a plan, but I think it’s necessary. Your people’s ability to become invisible would have been invaluable in this plan, yet I know you’ve lost your abilities since the darkness fell. I have plenty of Gargoyles who are trained in combat and would be more than happy to use that training if you are unwilling to have a direct hand in a plan to take over the camp. But the biggest question then becomes, do we reveal our existence, or keep it a secret until after the Avisailles and Therians are free? Which would be more to our advantage?” Robert had thought about this plan long and hard, but that was the one question he couldn’t answer on his own. It was strange to find that he was relying on Gert Periwinkle to break the tie in his mind, but he needed another leader’s opinion. Revealing themselves could make the humans and the government more sympathetic to their argument as they could make some heart-wrenching speech about the Guardians protecting Scriptor Bay and the imprisonment of Guardians was a disgrace, blah blah blah. But revealing themselves could also incite the violence from the government and put themselves at risk for capture. He couldn’t decide what was a better option.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

Of course Periwinkle wanted to do this non violently. Did he think they should ask for the other guardians freedom? Knock on the door and kindly ask for their people back? She knew that wasn't what he meant but she couldn't help feeling that way only a little. Besides, this wouldn't have happened if they had exposed themselves properly. It wouldn't be such a scary surprise to the pitiful humans.

“To be fair, the exposure wasn’t supposed to happen this way. This darkness caught us all off guard.” Robert took the words from her mind and she jotted quick note before looking back at the men, her eyes panning between them, listening to Robert speak and Gertie's reactions. Robert looked so worn out and tired. She knew he hadn't been sleeping well. She knew far more than she should about her boss.

“...Unfortunately, I don’t think peaceful protests will be enough. Any protest will be met with violence by the government, in which case I think we need to be prepared to escalate our own strategies.” Peacefully protesting sounded so civil rights, so...Ghandi. Not something she expected from Robert Snow, but she often underestimated him. He had a way of surprising her constantly, which was probably why she was sticking around despite everything that had happened between them.

He was still preaching peace and though her face was stoic, her eyes showed the skepticism she felt at his words. He wasn't naive enough to believe it would work, which she was glad for. He had clearly done a great deal of thinking on this. “I also think there needs to be an underground faction as well. It’ll be good to have protestors on the streets and outside the camp asserting Avisaille and Therian rights, but we also need to devise a plan to get into the camp itself." Now that was something she hadn't thought of. How would they get someone inside? "There must be people within the camp itself who would be willing to work as double agents and give us information on how to get in. With enough of a force, we can easily overtake the security in the camp. It will take time to come up with a plan, but I think it’s necessary."

Cadence was writing everything, her mind buzzing. How would they find workers? "But the biggest question then becomes, do we reveal our existence, or keep it a secret until after the Avisailles and Therians are free? Which would be more to our advantage?” Cadence looked at Robert, studying his face. She didn't like the idea of revealing themselves anymore. The thought of anyone trying to detain her angered her to no end, but she could see why it might be good to have them know there were others out there, watching over each other. She turned to Periwinkle waiting for the verbal diarrhea to pour from his mouth to anger Robert.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

"To be fair, the exposure wasn't supposed to happen this way. This darkness caught us all off guard." Gertie already knew this. The exposure was supposed to happen over an extended length of time, taking years and gaining the trust of the humans before they came into the light - so to speak. But this was exactly what he had been worried about when Mordecai had brought up the topic before his death. One slip up and all that time they would have spent, all those years of gaining trust could have landed them in the exact same position they were in now.

"As for a peaceful rebellion, I was going to suggest the same for the first approach. If enough people peacefully protest the Avisailles' and Therians' incarceration, then the city will be forced to consider letting them go. Unfortunately, I don't think peaceful protests will be enough. Any protest will be met with violence by the government, in which case I think we need to be prepared to escalate our own strategies." The American government were known for their violence. Sticking their nose in wars where they didn't belong. Fear made men turn to violence. However, if it had to come down to violence he was glad to have the Gargoyles on his side. They were faster and they were stronger than humans, even now that they weren't turning to stone during the day they still had more strength than a human man. They had Gargoyles who were trained for battle if it ever occurred, so very unlike the Blurrs. "I don't like the idea of people losing their lives or being hurt over this; I honestly don't. I think we should try to keep this as peaceful as possible, but we just have to be prepared for anything."

Gert was surprised to hear Robert explain how he wanted a peaceful protest, not something that Gert ever would have seen coming and his surprise was obvious. Robert continued to speak, explaining how they ought to have an underground faction and have men on the inside. He wasn't sure how to get men on the inside. There was so much that they didn't know about the camps, so much that they had to find out somehow. If they could obtain blue prints it might give them a better idea of what they were dealing with. It was unfortunate that the two species that could help them find out more were the ones that were on the inside. Avisailles could fly up above while small Therians could shift into animals and sneak their ways inside. Of course if the Blurrs could turn invisible they could sneak in just as easily.

"But the biggest question then becomes, do we reveal our existence, or keep it a secret until after the Avisailles and Therians are free? Which would be more to our advantage?" That was the real question, wasn't it? Because it was no longer a discussion of whether they would let themselves be known or not, it was when they would reveal their existence. "W-well.." His brows raised and he tilted his head to the side, his hands coming together and resting on his left knee. "That is a very tough decision, Robert. Because if we let ourselves known too early they'll likely stick us in there as well. Or worse. I-I think it would be best if we hold off, get them to like us without labels first. I believe we can do this peacefully."

There were so many things to consider like how to form an alliance and get the humans involved. "I almost wonder how many humans really know what's going on here. They'll notice their coworkers and friends have gone missing, but do they know what has happened?" Maybe they should have a rally, go door to door and spread the word. "What about the witches? They are human but they're also like us. We should get them on our side."

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi looked up from her notes with raised eyebrows when Robert Snow mentioned he was going to suggest a peaceful rebellion as well. Even if it was, “as a first approach,” it was still shocking to her that the Gargoyle leader would even suggest something peaceful. She hoped it could stay a peaceful protest, but had to agree with Snow that the government would likely meet their protest with violence. Though she was young at the time, Maxi remembered how the protestors of Vietnam were treated. While she didn’t like the idea of their movement becoming violent, she couldn’t deny how likely it was that it would become so. At least the city would hear their arguments and know that the people of Scriptor Bay were dissatisfied with this treatment of its citizens, different or not. It was a little exciting to think she would be getting involved in a rebellion, however; she was even at the meeting drafting the rebellion! Okay, it was more than a little exciting. She was scrawling notes frantically, listening to everything Snow said, but her mind was buzzing as she did so.

"I don't like the idea of people losing their lives or being hurt over this; I honestly don't. I think we should try to keep this as peaceful as possible, but we just have to be prepared for anything." Again Maxi’s eyes lifted in surprise and perhaps even a little skepticism. He was concerned about people being hurt? That didn’t seem like Robert Snow…then again, they had all changed a little with this darkness. He looked tired, weary, and maybe that was his motivation. She looked away again quickly as she began scrawling notes on Snow’s ideas to have an underground faction, people who could get on the inside. How would they do that? Snow had to have some idea, otherwise he wouldn’t have suggested it. Her hand was moving just as quickly as Snow’s assistant’s, and both women were intent on what they were doing. Infiltrating a camp…if only she could blur herself. Then she could offer to be part of the team that went in…August probably wouldn’t let her even if she could blur. And yes, she had to ask him for permission; breaking into a concentration camp and going against men with guns without telling him what she was doing would go over worse than attending a leaders’ meeting without telling him.

"But the biggest question then becomes, do we reveal our existence, or keep it a secret until after the Avisailles and Therians are free? Which would be more to our advantage?" Her brow furrowed even though she was looking down at her notes, her hand writing as fast as it could. They were still considering a revelation? At least Snow sounded hesitant this time, and she had to admit that there might have been a slight advantage in doing so. Still, the advantage of revealing their existence was significantly less than the advantage of keeping themselves a secret until after this was over. That was another troubling thought—they no longer had a choice of whether they came out or not, just of when. “W-well…That is a very tough decision, Robert. Because if we let ourselves known too early they’ll likely stick us in there as well. Or worse. I-I think it would be best if we hold off, get them to like us without labels first.” Maxi liked that plan and Snow didn’t seem to mind it either, giving a small but appreciative nod. She didn’t want to be put in those camps and separated from August. Plus, if they were put in those camps, then how would they get the others out? No, it would be good to keep quiet for now and wait to reveal what they were.

“I almost wonder how many humans really know what’s going on here. They’ll notice their co-workers and friends have gone missing, but do they know what has happened?” Maxi almost said she knew of at least one human who knew what was going on—if Becky knew what was going on, then there had to be others. The more they could recruit the better. “What about the witches? They are human, but they’re also like us. We should get them on our side.” That was an excellent idea. She perked up a bit and stopped writing, looking at Gertie. “I know a witch!” she piped quietly. All eyes were on her now, the Gargoyles’ not nearly as friendly as Gertie’s. She gave a nervous smile and looked between all of them. “I mean, she’s a pretty well-connected witch. She’s an apothecary of sorts, so she has a lot of connections who are witches. I could talk to her and see if she can reach out to the witch community for recruits.” Her voice faded away slightly at the end under Snow’s scrutinizing eye, her cheeks flushing as she felt like she did something wrong. When she looked back at Gertie, he didn’t seem nearly as irritated by the interruption as the other two did, and she gave a little bit of a wider smile.

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert cringed at the way Periwinkle stumbled over his words. It was one of his biggest pet peeves and with how much he already disliked Periwinkle, it didn’t help his case. He tried his best to ignore it and focus on his words. “W-well…That is a very tough decision, Robert. Because if we let ourselves known too early they’ll likely stick us in there as well. Or worse. I-I think it would be best if we hold off, get them to like us without labels first.” That had essentially been his argument against their revelation as well, and Robert hated to admit that he had been right. Even so, there wasn’t enough space in those camps for them, but that wouldn’t stop the government from going after them. He nodded his agreement, deciding that this was indeed the best scenario. They would keep quiet and simply take this on for “equal rights” instead of for the freedom of their fellow guardians. Even thinking it, though, he couldn’t imagine being the face of a peaceful movement. The brains, perhaps, but not the face; perhaps Periwinkle would be willing to take that on or the pretty little lady beside him. Anyone but him—he was much too stern for a peaceful protest and must too militant as well. It gave him an idea before Periwinkle spoke again. “I almost wonder how many humans really know what’s going on here. They’ll notice their co-workers and friends have gone missing, but do they know what has happened?” Robert considered. “I doubt there’s any way for us to know how many humans are aware of what’s going on. My suggestion would be to discuss this rebellion with only those humans you are certain are aware of the secret.” Personally, Robert didn’t know any humans, but he knew there were Gargoyles who did. As much as he loathed it, he would encourage them to recruit among their friends who know what they are.

“What about the witches? They are human, but they’re also like us. We should get them on our side.” The Gargoyle leader hadn’t excluded them from his plans. Witches were practically hippies with magical powers and would most likely be more interested in a peaceful option, but he was certain there would be at least a handful interested in aiding a reconnaissance mission as well. “I know a witch!” Maxine’s voice caught his attention suddenly and his brow furrowed as he looked at her. She was a secretary; her input wasn’t needed and he was peeved that she thought it was. “I mean, she’s a pretty well-connected witch. She’s an apothecary of sorts, so she has a lot of connections who are witches. I could talk to her and see if she can reach out to the witch community for recruits.” While he was still irritated with the interruption, he had to admit that sounded like a good idea. Maxine was more connected that he would have guessed…His eyes bore into her for a long minute after she’d finished talking, noticing the blush in her cheeks before she looked back to Gertie. Apparently, the Blurr leader didn’t see anything wrong with this interruption; naturally. Robert gave a sigh and nodded. “That would be very useful for the cause.” What would be even more useful is if secretaries didn’t interrupt.

His eyes turned to Periwinkle across from him and he sat forward slightly in his chair. “I think it might be best if we split our duties in this rebellion. You can head up the peaceful protests and I will be in charge of the underground faction. I’ll also provide a sort of bodyguard to handle the protests if and when it gets violent. Would that be an acceptable plan for you?” He didn’t like giving so much responsibility to Gertie Periwinkle, but honestly, he might be able to handle and arrange a peaceful protest much better than Robert could. Besides, by some miracle, Periwinkle was a leader, and that gave him a certain set of responsibilities. He waited to see if Periwinkle would accept this plan or not.

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

“W-well…That is a very tough decision, Robert. Because if we let ourselves known too early they’ll likely stick us in there as well. Or worse. I-I think it would be best if we hold off, get them to like us without labels first.” Cadence didn't need to look at Robert to know how annoyed he probably was. Robert didn't like Periwinkle, especially when he stuttered which naturally was the case now. She could almost feel the anger rippling off of him. That's how in tune she was with her boss. She stayed quiet, scribbling down the other mans thoughts obediently. No sense irritating Robert more than he already probably was.

How many humans were aware? How would they find them? Cadence couldn't recall a single human who knew of the secret of the Guardians, though she was certain they existed. With so many strange species running around, it would be almost impossible to keep that sort of secret for everyone. She was fully aware of interspecies relations, something Robert severely frowned upon, and she would imagine the human mates of Guardians would need to know the secret. How else do you explain wings on your back or disappearing the night of the full moon, only to be replaced by some strange, exotic animal that didn't belong on this continent let alone Scriptor Bay.

“What about the witches?" Cadence perked up, looking at Periwinkle. What about the witches? They would surely be on their side. “I know a witch!” Cadence's eyes widened a little as she looked at the red headed secretary in shock. Had she honestly opened her mouth and blurted something out in the middle of this meeting? Did she not know her place? Cadence reminded herself that Gertie Periwinkle was not Robert Snow. Periwinkle likely allowed this sort of behavior, and Ms. McManus certainly didn't need to consider her bosses cruel hand when the meeting was done so naturally she had no problem speaking out of place. Then again, Cadence didn't care all that much about it either. She kept her mouth shut out of respect, not fear. True, she didn't exactly respect Robert, but she didn't care to disrespect him, either. He was a good leader, all things considering, and she had to play the role of perfect secretary to a T in order to continue to convince him that she was as loyal as he thought her to be.

Cadence chanced a look at Robert, watching him scowl at the other woman as she spoke and then her eyes moved to the girl, clearly distressed by the look Robert was offering. Sheep. “That would be very useful for the cause.” Robert said and Cadence, surprised, hesitated for a moment before her hand moved across the sheet with her pen.

She listened carefully to to proposition scribbling it all down in her neat, loopy handwriting. "Would that be an acceptable plan for you?” Jade eyes looked to the Blurr leader, waiting his answer with anxious fingers. She was eager for this meeting to end.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

”I know a witch!” Under normal circumstances, Gert would have been fine with Maxine speaking her mind. In fact he encouraged his Blurrs to voice their opinions when they had important matters to discuss. But in front of Robert Snow, Gert wished that she would have just waited until they were alone before saying anything. Though his expression didn’t show his dread he tensed a bit and looked over to the young woman as she explained that she knew an apothecary. He forced a little smile and nodded. The witches had their own politics of sorts and Gertie was familiar with a few members of their community. When he turned back and looked at Snow again he could see the look of disapproval on his face. This wasn’t going to gain him any respect from Snow that was for sure.

”That would be very useful for the cause.” He could tell that Snow didn’t approve of the outburst and he heaved a quiet sigh, looking around the room instead of looking at the Gargoyle leader. Snow’s secretary didn’t look too amused either and looked as if she had better things to do than to be there with them in that meeting. There was no respect for the Blurrs in that room and even though Gert knew it he didn’t do a thing about it. It was better to just let Snow and the gargoyles say what they wanted about the Blurrs. They didn’t need acceptance from the other races, they knew they were incredible all on their own.

”I think it might be best if we split our duties in this rebellion. You can head up the peaceful protests and I will be in charge of the underground faction. I’ll also provide a sort of bodyguard to handle the protests if and when it gets violent. Would that be an acceptable plan for you?”

In Gertie’s mind peaceful protesting was the best route to go. He still believed that rallying would be the best option to get the word out. The city already knew that Therians existed since they were having trouble with their shifting before they were taken, then again the last thing that Gert wanted was a bunch of people rioting. “Yes.” He raised his brows like he had more to say and stuck out a finger as if to let Snow know that he wasn’t done speaking. “We will get in touch with the witch community. We’ll get together as many humans as we can and we’ll start protesting. Just as long as you can guarantee you won’t use unnecessary violence. That is my one request. No unnecessary bloodshed, I think we’ve lost enough.”

[MAXINE MCMANUS]

Maxi felt stupid for her comment as it was, but seeing the look on Snow’s and his secretary’s faces made her swallow hard. She felt bad because she knew she’d just made Gertie look like he couldn’t keep his people in line; not that they really needed to be kept in line. Snow’s hand was too heavy and she agreed with Gertie’s idea that everyone should have a voice. Even so, she felt like Gertie’s downfall at the moment. “That would be very useful for the cause.” Well, at least he wasn’t berating her like she thought he would. There was a start. Out from beneath his gaze, Maxi began frantically taking notes again, her eyes glued to her notepad. She was going to stay nice and quiet from here on out unless directly spoken to. Perhaps Gertie would comment on it later, but she didn’t think so. For now she was in the clear and she was going to stay that way if she could help it.

“I think it might be best if we split our duties in this rebellion. You can head up the peaceful protests and I will in charge of the underground faction. I’ll also provide a sort of bodyguard to handle the protests if and when it gets violent. Would that be an acceptable plan for you?” Maxi made her notes in her neat, tall handwriting, liking the sound of this plan. It meant she was more likely going to be involved in the peaceful protests and they would have control over what happened there; it was the ideal plan in Maxi’s mind. “Yes.” Gertie’s movements caught Maxi’s eye and when she looked up, Gertie was pointing at Snow. Well that probably wasn’t the best gesture he could make. She watched nervously for Snow’s reaction. “We will get in touch with the witch community. We’ll get together as many humans as we can and we’ll start protesting. Just as long as you can guarantee you won’t use unnecessary violence. That is my one request. No unnecessary bloodshed, I think we’ve lost enough.” Maxi agreed with him, naturally, but would Snow?

She made her notes, glancing up occasionally to observe Snow’s tight, cruel face. He was seriously considering what Gertie said, but what was there to be hesitant about? Maxi didn’t see the point and her pen stopped as she waited to hear Snow’s answer.

[ROBERT SNOW]

“Yes.” Robert was about to nod, but the way Periwinkle raised his brows caught Robert’s attention and he frowned deeply at him pointing a finger. Part of him wanted to reach out and snap that finger off for pointing it at him. Instead he remained silent and glaring from across the desk. “We will get in touch with the witch community. We’ll get together as many humans as we can and we’ll start protesting. Just as long as you can guarantee you won’t use unnecessary violence. That is my one request. No unnecessary bloodshed, I think we’ve lost enough.” There were many names he could call Periwinkle in that moment that he kept screaming in his head: coward, wimp, pussy…Robert remained stoic, if not disapproving with the way his jaw was set as he gazed at the other leader. That was joke; Periwinkle was far from a leader. Leaders couldn’t be so concerned with sparing blood. All change came at a price and freeing Guardians from a concentration camp was no different. Of course there would be violence, and unnecessary was such a broad term. But was it worth arguing over? In Robert’s opinion, it wasn’t, not when he was so exhausted.

With a sigh, he brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose for a moment. When he lowered his hand, his eyes like two chips of ice came back to Periwinkle’s overly kind and anxious face. “Fine. No unnecessary bloodshed. You will have your security detail for the protests and I will expect your approval for an underground faction. If any of your Blurrs would be interested in infiltrating the camp, or any of the witches for that matter, please inform me. I think that will mostly be headed up by Gargoyles, however; we have the most trained people for an operation like that. For my plan I would like to keep the humans out of it as much as possible. It’s nothing against them, but I don’t need the media playing up how many human lives were lost as compared to Guardian lives. And if my infiltration plan is successful, please note that we will be shot at, and I will not hesitate to order those under me to return fire. It’s not unnecessary bloodshed if it will save lives in the end.” His eyes were focused and determined on Periwinkle’s. What he did with his group was up to him, but Robert wouldn’t shy away from violence like the Blurr. They had very different views on how this battle could be won.

With a sigh, Robert got to his feet, pushing himself up from his desk. “I believe that will conclude this meeting. We should set up a weekly appointment to brief each other on what is happening within our groups. There’s no need for you to come into the office each week, however, so we can set up a simple phone call. Please have Ms. McManus get in touch with Ms. Higgins in regards to this meeting.” His eyes turned to his assistant, catching her green gaze. “Cadence, please provide Ms. McManus with your card before she leaves.” When she indicated she would do so, Robert turned back and extended his hand once more to Periwinkle. “I believe this meeting was very productive. Thank you for coming by.”

[CADENCE HIGGINS]

Of course Periwinkle didn't want bloodshed or violence. Didn't he know there would be some? They were infiltrating a camp by force to free innocent lives. Did he think no violence would occur? Then again that wouldn't be unnecessary bloodshed. It would be very, very necessary indeed.

“Fine. No unnecessary bloodshed." Her eyes darted to her leader, her lips becoming a small, tight line. Was he serious? He was caving? She supposed it was better than arguing and if she knew Robert, she knew he wasn't promising no bloodshed, or even unnecessary bloodshed. He was promising to try, but the innocent lives were more important that the human ones. Guardians were above the sheepish humans. They would inevitably triumph.

"...And if my infiltration plan is successful, please note that we will be shot at, and I will not hesitate to order those under me to return fire. It’s not unnecessary bloodshed if it will save lives in the end.” There. She was pleased with the rest of his words and looked back at Periwinkle for a moment before scribbling away in her notes.

She was relieved that Robert was wrapping up the meeting, though. She wanted to get on with her day, type these notes and move on. "Please have Ms. McManus get in touch with Ms. Higgins in regards to this meeting.” Cadence looked up at her boss, feeling his eyes on her. “Cadence, please provide Ms. McManus with your card before she leaves.” She nodded, uttering a soft "Yes, sir." in response, as an obedient secretary ought to. “I believe this meeting was very productive. Thank you for coming by.”

As Robert finished and stood, Cadence pulled a card from the front of her organizer, shutting her notes in the process. She handed it over to the redhead and stood, placing her things down on Roberts desk and moving to the door. She would be expected to escort them out and then return to Robert for details. She waited patiently for the farewells.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

Often times Gert felt like he was misunderstood by his peers. Other leaders often times berated what he proposed or ignored it completely. This wasn’t going to be one of those times. Right now there were two leaders along with all of their kind locked up because of what they were. That meant there were only two leaders on the outside and Gert had the misfortune of having to work with Robert Snow in order to come up with a plan. He would have preferred Tabitha to Snow any day of the week. But he wasn’t going to let his voice get stifled into silence by Snow and his tyrannical ways. Snow thought that Gert was a pushover but Gert was going to stand his ground with no unnecessary bloodshed.

”Fine. No unnecessary bloodshed. You will have your security detail for the protests and I will expect your approval for an underground faction. If any of your Blurrs would be interested in infiltrating the camp, or any of the witches for that matter, please inform me. I think that will mostly be headed up by Gargoyles, however; we have the most trained people for an operation like that. For my plan I would like to keep the humans out of it as much as possible. It’s nothing against them, but I don’t need the media playing up how many human lives were lost as compared to Guardian lives. And if my infiltration plan is successful, please not that we will be shot at, and I will not hesitate to order those under me to return fire. It’s not unnecessary bloodshed if it will save lives in the end.”

Gert met Snow’s unwavering gaze and slowly began to nod his head. Gert wasn’t a fool, he knew that there was going to be violence. There was going to be bloodshed whether he liked it or not. But it wasn’t that he wanted Snow to promise that there would be no bloodshed.. he just wanted Snow to assure him that he wouldn’t make the first strike. That would only make things worse for them in the long run. They’d be portrayed as vicious and only wanting war. Then again they wouldn’t be wrong. Gargoyles were like that.

”I believe that will conclude this meeting. We should set up a weekly appointment to brief each other on what is happening within our groups. There’s no need for you to come into the office each week, however, so we can set up a simple phone call. Please have Ms. McManus get in touch with Ms. Higgins in regards to this meeting.” Gert’s eyes turned to the gargoyle secretary and then nodded to Maxine. The poor girl probably wanted to get out of that office just as much as Gertie did. He got up to his feet and took Snow’s hand, giving it a quick shake before retracting it back and sticking it into his pocket. Truth be told he was nervous and anxious. He wanted to get out of that office. “We’ll stay in touch.” Was the last thing that he told Robert Snow before he ushered Maxi out of the office, following close behind her while checking over his shoulder to be sure that neither of the gargoyles planned on doing anything sneaky now that their backs were turned, but they made it out of there in one piece.