Post by Admin on Aug 9, 2009 18:04:45 GMT -5
Ray:
Ray was waiting in the Sanctuary where he hoped at least a few people had gotten the word that he'd be having a meeting. It wasn't one that was manditory, but just one that he'd called because he wanted to put into play something he'd been wanting for awhile now. He'd also have to appoint his second in command at this meeting.
Looking around, Ray thought about how much he was liking this church more and more with each passing day. Right now he was having a meeting where he'd be standing in the pulpit and there'd be seats for people to sit there and listen to him or anyone else that had something they wanted to say. Somehow the Temple just seemed to have everything.
With Cassie's message that they'd be getting another member, Ray figured it was time to turn the big group into smaller groups. As he stood there awaiting the arrival of no one in particular, he thought about what he would say...
Drake:
Drake did not know how he always seemed to be early for gatherings like this, but it was becoming an involuntary habit of his. Ray said something about meeting in the sanctuary, so that is what he was doing. He had no idea what for, but he was not sure if it was because Ray had not told him, or because he could not remember.
"So what is this meeting for?" Drake asked as he took a front row seat. It was a bit odd sitting in the front of the church. It seemed as if the front seats were always the last to be filled whenever he had gone to church before the invasion started. Oh well, Drake thought. He stretched out and made himself comfortable on the bench seat.
Lizzie:
A non-mandatory meeting in the Sanctuary was being held today, and Lizzie was going to make sure she attended. She had to admit that she was kind of curious-- what was this meeting going to be about if it wasn't mandatory? What exactly did Ray have up his sleeve that he wanted to discuss? She didn't know the answers now, but hopefully she would after she got there.
She stepped into the large Sanctuary, the room almost empty except for Drake and Ray, the former sitting in the front row as the latter stood at the pulpit. She really hoped he wasn't going to give a sermon just because he looked all official standing in front of that thing-- she nearly had fallen asleep the last time she went to church with her family because the guy standing there was so dull. Though, Ray wasn't that type of person at all.
She sat in the front row alongside Drake, looking up at Ray. "So, what's this meeting about?" she asked.
Aida:
Aida stretched her arms over her head as she ambled into the Sanctuary, just having woken up from a nap. She never slept for more than 2 hours at a time, mostly due to Crayak, and the lovely little nightmares she still had from her encounter with him. Fortunately she no longer screamed in her sleep, maybe a soft cry here or there but for the most part silence. It helped that she chose a room far away from most other peoples, with the exception of one person.
Anyway, none of that mattered now, she was awake and caught wind of some type of meeting. By the time she entered the Sanctuary she had managed to comb her hands through her bed-head and rubbed most the sleep from her eyes. Flashing a small smile Drake and Ray's way she took a seat off to the side and crossed her legs neatly. Since everyone else seemed to be asking what was up she decided to stay silent and wait for an answer.
Fin:
Fin slipped into the Sanctuary and looked around. He had just come in from patrol around the church. Patrols in Dallas were much easier than patrols in Vancouver. For one his bat morph was not freezing constantly so that he had to demorph just to avoid frostbitten wingtips and for another they weren't surrounded by miles of forest where sneaky yeerks could be hiding.
Fin had been on his way to the kitchen but it looked like Ray was about to pass the word of God on to them. Drake, Lizzie and Aida were all sitting on the uncomfortable benches provided in churches so that you didn't fall asleep (though people did anyway) and were all looking attentively at Ray who was standing by the pulpit.
Fin went to dip his fingers in the stoup and cross himself only to find that there wasn't one there. Protestant churches didn't have the same tradition and Catholic ones and Fin frowned slightly at the lack of holy water. He crossed himself with dry fingers and walked up the aisle.
He wasn't particularly religious and certainly hadn't been raised in any sort of religious family but he enjoyed following small traditions like crossing yourself with holy water when entering churches or bowing when entering dojos. Such little tricks of culture had always interested him and didn't really take much effort.
He walked up the aisle quietly and sat down next to Aida and pulled an old hymn book from the slot set into the back of the bench in front of him. He looked at Aida worriedly as he began paging through the book. "Quick, what hymn are we on?" he asked in a stage whisper.
Suji:
Suji walked into the Sanctuary, and for a moment wondered if she was late. Ray had passed along some last minute info about a meeting--along with saying that it wasn't mandatory--but she wasn't about to miss it. She'd had... colorful experiences with her leaders in the past, and had worked under more of them than she thought most people had... and probably with more conflict, whether direct or not. And while she definitely wanted to give Ray a chance (he seemed to be active-minded and have the right set of goals), part of her was also wary that he'd have some secretly crippling personality trait that would pop up at the worst time.
Don't we all?
Well, that was true, but leaders had more of a responsibility to reign that in. And Ray didn't seem like a totally reigned-in guy. So Suji just had to hope that he really was as much 'what you see is what you get' as he portrayed himself.
Quietly she came in and sat down in the second row, diagonally behind Drake.
Brianna:
Brianna decided she would come to the meeting, curious as to how things ran. Since she was the only one there that hadn't been in a faction before, she didn't know about the goings-on around there. She found it kind of intriguing. Everyone else was in the room, so she slipped into the back.
Staying silent, Brianna watched the others interact with each other. She didn't know anyone well here, so she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. She wasn't the type to speak out if she could help it.
Aubrey:
Chalk! Aubrey's 'save' pile had contained--among the many assortment of early elementary school fun-stuffs--a few boxes of chalk. Some of the pieces had been broken up into a powdery mess at the bottom of the box, but for the most part Aubrey had chalk. Not many people knew it, but Aubrey knew how to draw and paint, and now she had something to work with.
While the others were busy doing whatever they were doing around the Temple today, Aubrey had started outlining a picture along one of the blank walls in her room. She probably didn't have enough chalk for all four walls--or even one--but she was going to try to getting a picture up on it. She had been working for a few hours now, and the various shapes and outlines were starting to look like something.
"Ow!" The piece of chalk slipped from her hand, and she rubbed her thumb against her palm. Her hand had cramped up from working so long, and the muscle of her hand was aching. She quickly bent down to pick the chalk up, then took a step back to look at her work.
Ahh, yes, it was good work as always--"Oh!" Something suddenly reminded her that there was a meeting or something today. She slapped the palms of her hands together, causing a cloud of chalk to puff into the air, then--without thinking--she wiped the rest of it off on her wetsuit. Turning on the balls of her feet, she hurried out of her room and down the hallway towards the Sanctuary.
Brianna was just disappearing into the room by the time she got to the door. Peeking in, she could see everybody already seated and waiting; Ray was standing like a preacher at the pulpit. Quietly she slipped in through the door, padding down the aisle in her bare feet. She hadn't noticed yet, but there was colored chalk dust in various hand prints all over the legs of her suit. There was even some chalk marks on her face.
Trying to be quiet, Aubrey took a seat in the front row, crossing her legs underneath the bench. It didn't seem like it had started yet, so Aubrey let her gaze wander while she waited for Ray. Her family had never been the church-going type back in Australia, and Aubrey didn't mind that. But she had always found some church architecture beautiful.
Ray:
"Alright." Ray began, hoping he wouldn't bore them to death, which was his greatest fear at the moment, oddly enough. He reached down and grabbed the clipboard from under a podium he was standing next to and looked down at the notes he'd prepared. We're going up against aliens and talking about saving the world and here I am with stage fright...
"I called this meeting to outline a plan for the Dallas faction that should bring us closer together and help us maintain the group we've created." Ray said, trying to sound serious without giving up the energy that held his crowd's attention. "With the addition of another animorph, whom shall arrive here in the near future, we'll have nine total members. I think that as a group, we could use some organization. It'd also be beneficial to have established heads of authority incase something happens to me."
"I also think that as Animorphs, we have a duty to not only the rest of the human race, but to ourselves to be more disciplined. This means that we need to train and do it on a routine. We need to get things done around the Temple. And lastly, we need to be able to communicate and organize ourselves in an extremely efficient manner."
"Suji and Drake, could you please come up here with me?"
Drake:
Drake sat and listened contently to all that Ray was saying. Everything made sense to him, although it sounded as if it would take quite a bit of effort. His interest was captured even more so by the mention of another animorph coming to join them. However, Ray called him up to where he was before Drake could ask any questions.
Drake had been caught off guard. He was not expecting to be part of this meeting, other than a member of the crowd. What was Ray planning? Drake walked up to the front like he was asked and instantly felt everyone's eyes on him. It was intense, and he did not envy Ray's position as the meeting leader either.
Aida:
Aida's face lit up at Fin's entrance, and once he sat beside her and began talking about hymns she couldn't help but grin. He always seemed to be able to spark that within her, not a particularly easy feat either. She scooted next to him and rested her head lightly against his shoulder, a small sign of affection but not one that could be described as PDA, those were just completely unnecessary.
The room was still filling up, and so she reached out and grazed the book with her fingertips, flipping the pages lightly until she paused on one in particular. 'There is Power in the Blood' , the only one she recognized in the whole lot. Aida was never particularly religious, but singing was an old hobby of hers and she wasn't prejudiced against songs involving faith. She smiled, "That's a good one," she whispered, but grew quiet as the final members matriculated in.
Suji and Drake were called to the front, and she watched curiously, what was Ray up to? He was talking about organization, and training, what did that have to do with those two in particular? Aida waited silently to find out.
Suji:
Suji arched her eyebrows. Drake and her? Did this have something to do with Vegas? The three of them had come from there (her more indirectly after a trip to Mexico, and she hadn't ever really be a member of their faction--officially), and it was the only link that she could find between the three of them. She stood, not far behind Drake, and walked to the center aisle. From there she headed towards Ray.
She positioned herself next to Drake, and felt herself shifting her weight as she tried not to look out over the collection of faces in the pews. Suji wasn't a nervous person, and she wasn't exactly nervous now... but she did not like surprises. Even innocent ones (which she hoped this was) made her uncomfortable.
Ray:
Once Suji and Drake had joined him on stage, Ray proceeded with the meeting. "These are your team captains and co-seconds. They will be your group captains along with me. They have the final say, although they are not entitled to a dictatorship over you. If you find yourselves having trouble with your team captain, try first to fix it yourselves, but don't hesitate to come to me. Above all else, trust them."
Ray left a silence for everyone to take in what he'd just said. "On Suji's team will be Aubrey and Fin. Quite a capable team I must say. On Drake's team will be Aida and Bree. A very unique bunch that will carry a very strong bond I believe. On my team will be Lizzie and the new animorph."
"You will do manditory training with your teams, chores with your teams, and do patrol shifts as a team. Bond, become a family, watch each other's backs. Do this and you'll execute and do more as a single unit than you ever thought possible."
"Before proceeding are there any questions or comments?"
Drake:
All of Rays went into Drakes ears as a sort of verbal blur. Was he hearing this right? Was Drake being put in charge of people? Given responsibilities? Well, more responsibilities. Drake did not know exactly how to react to something like this. He had never had a real leadership position before.
"Before proceeding are there any questions or comments?"
Yeah, Drake had a few questions and comments. He just could not think of what they were. He could see why Ray had chosen Suji for the job, but Drake was a slacker and they both knew it. Drake had no idea that Ray though he was leadership material. His mind was baffled, so he just stood there dumbfounded and waited to see what others would have to say.
Suji:
Suji blinked, threw off her guard for a moment--her body had frozen. Was this how promotion was done? A surprise to everyone? Ray hadn't warned Suji about this, and after a quick glance (only her eyes moved) towards Drake, she got the feeling that he was probably even more surprised than she was. There was no question--Ray didn't ask them if they'd like to step up to the plate, didn't give them any way to back down.
Not that Suji would have. There was a vain part of her that wholly agreed that she was capable of effective leadership, and felt that it was about time that that was recognized. At the same time, that was only a small, distant part of her. And even if she wouldn't have looked for an out, didn't mind that one wasn't given to her... did Drake? Telling someone they were going to be a leader... she didn't know Drake incredibly well, and Ray probably knew him better than she did, which meant she might have been looking too much into it, but Suji could imagine feeling trapped.
How she'd felt when she realized Cassie had sent her to Chicago to help the faction there stabilize, without telling her about Raven's pregnancy (or pacifism which ran even stronger than Cassie's, it seemed). Like there was no way to back out of the situation. Like she'd just been played (which she had been). And Suji also knew full well how that had ended: not pleasantly.
But Drake wasn't her--she knew him well enough to know that. Maybe being thrust into a situation he didn't ask for wouldn't be as disastrous for him. Hell, maybe he'd enjoy being a leader.
Suji blinked rapidly, and focused back on Ray. She'd only half heard what he'd been saying about the teams. Too busy wondering about the effect this has on your co-second in order to distract from the fact that you're in the same boat, she scolded herself internally.
The tension inside of her chest snuck up on her--as prepared as part of her felt for this moment, she still felt awkward and uncomfortable, especially given the fact that there was no previous warning. It felt like being called to the front of the class so the teacher could praise you. If you knew it was coming, you could brace yourself. If you didn't, you kind of felt like an ass.
"So, uh, do we have team names?" It was a lame attempt at a joke, but she felt the incredible need to say something. Something that wasn't, 'Gee, could of told us ahead of time!'
Ray:
"Yeah, if you want to." Ray replied. Lowering his voice so that only they could hear he continued. "Do you guys want the positions? You don't have to accept this because I'm not forcing you into anything. The teams thing was planned to be a suprise, but you don't have to accept the leadership role. If you wish to decline my offer you can do so now or after the meeting."
Ray knew just about everyone there really well. He knew that these were his two best choices, but they didn't have to accept. In all reality he probably should have asked beforehand, but the twist of fate kind of thing added to the whole life experience of it all. In life you had to step up and take charge sometimes and it was forced, but he was giving them the option of saying no. If he didn't have these two, however, who did he have for leadership? He was conditioning them, he didn't expect leaders right out of the box, although he wouldn't be suprised if they were naturals. Life was unexpected. Expect the curveball. But also, in all fairness, one shouldn't be cast out into a leadership role without asking or accepting it which was why he was giving them the option to decline it.
Fin:
Fin smiled back at Aida and looked back down at the hymn book pretending to study it when the meeting was finally called to order.
When Suji and Drake were called forward Fin sat up straighter on his bench and looked at them with interest. He wondered what this was all about. As far as he could tell there was nothing to link the two together so what was up? And when it was announced they would the leaders Fin found out.
He stayed very still as they began having a little whispered conference up there. His pleasant expression hadn't changed much though if someone was looking closely (and knew him well) they might be able to detect a bit more tension in his whole posture than there had been a minute before.
So Suji and Drake were the co-captains uh? And what about me? The thought wouldn't go away. A part of him had absolutely no desire to be any sort of leader. He didn't exactly trust himself with other people's lives, especially after everything that had happened. But still, it would have been nice to be asked, nice to be considered even if he had declined.
How could Ray just pass him up like that? He felt a bit betrayed. He and Ray had been friends long before Ray had even met these new people. And Ray seemed to be forgetting that it had been he, Fin, not Ray, who had been the second in charge in Vancouver. So how could Ray not even consider him.
Ray became a faction leader and forgot who his friends are. Fine. Let them have it. Fuck this. I should just go back to being on my own. The thoughts were a bit unfair. He knew that even as he thought them but they wouldn't go away.
Fin sat back finally, seemingly relaxing against the back of the bench. His expression was calm....cool...collected. In short very un-Fin. But nobody else would know that. His eyes were locked on Ray and they were the only clue to what was running around his head.
Lizzie:
Teams and co-leaders, eh? This faction was definitely run different than Los Angeles. Though, she had to say that she liked the idea of teams. It would probably help things run more efficiently. Lizzie had to say she wasn't surprised that Ray chose Suji as a leader. She seemed like the person that could get things done, and that was that. Though, she didn't know Drake that well, so she couldn't say on his part.
"This should be really interesting," she thought to herself. She was going to be on Ray's team with this new Animorph that was coming. None of them knew who he or she was, or what they were like or anything. She would do all she could to make them feel welcome. She looked to the rest of the team to see what they were thinking. Drake and Suji initially looked surprised by the decision, while Fin was staring at Ray.
"I wonder what that's about..." she thought, staying quiet as she smiled slightly.
Drake:
Drake was still stuck about what he should think. On one hand, he did not see himself as a leader, but on the other hand, Ray obviously at least saw some potential in him... somewhere. Drake was torn.
Finally, he made up his mind. "I will try my best." Drake trusted Ray's judgement. Even if he could not see it in himself, he would trust Ray's judgement just the same. That was why he was a faction leader in the first place, right?
Aubrey:
Ray began speaking and Aubrey's attention shifted back to him. She leaned back as she listened to him speak, propping her arm over the side of the bench. Sitting still wasn't a strong point with Aubrey, but she didn't want to appear impatient to Ray. Back in L.A., they'd never really had meetings like this. Missions were planned, yes, but most of the time things had been pretty relaxed--unless they stumbled upon some sort of trouble with the Yeerks, something which always seemed to plague Aubrey.
Training? Captains? Teams? Ray sounded so formal and serious as he spoke. It made her feel more organized just listening to him. It was definitely a different flavor from her old faction leader, but she didn't mind it.
Aubrey's expression was quiet as she watched Drake and Suji head up to the stage. When Ray announced their co-leadership status, her first thought was relief. Aubrey was not leadership material, and she knew that. She didn't like leading, she didn't like making decisions that could lead people into danger or death.
Her own decisions back in Los Angeles had shown her--more than once--that her judgment was off. Both times that she had tried planning something--the rescue of her mother--had ended up with disaster. She could have gotten the entire L.A. faction killed or infested. And she had ended up doing something she regretted. But that's why I'm here. They don't know that. I don't have to keep feeling ashamed for what's happened back there.
Her gaze settled on the two standing up there, on both Suji and Drake's surprised expressions. It wasn't any sort of surprise to Aubrey that Suji was picked. She had always given off this sort of 'in-charge' vibe the few times they had gone out and gotten in trouble. Then Ray announced the teams, and Aubrey found herself with Suji and Fin. She spared a glance behind to catch Fin's reaction. He just seemed distracted, staring off at Ray. She didn't know him very well, but he seemed like he was a fun guy. And Aubrey had no qualms with listening to Suji as a leader.
"Before proceeding are there any questions or comments?"
"Cool."
Suji:
Suji felt the uncomfortable pinch of tension lessen once Ray offered them an out. Though she wasn't so sure how the whispered comments made everyone else feel that was watching, it reassured her that he realized the necessity of choice in this sort of matter. The teams idea and the call for organization had certainly pleased her; they seemed like a good start for a new faction, and a new leader... and now that it was less like they were being strong-armed into this, whatever worry had arose with the surprise-seconds thing began to dissipate.
Drake did not seem upset, and he agreed to the position. Suji had been waiting for him to speak; she'd have known her answer long before Ray asked her up here, but she didn't want Drake to feel at all pressured into accepting if she did immediately. After Drake assented, Suji smirked, looking from him to Ray. "I'm in too."
It didn't feel like slipping on a heavy jacket of burden, or like she'd have to start altering the way she behaved--she'd long since accepted responsibility for her actions. Though she doubted anyone in the room knew her exceptionally well (there was maybe one or two people on the planet with that luxury--who were alive to say so), she had the feeling that she'd come off as an 'understandable' pick for a leadership position. At least, she hoped she had.
Drake might have been a less obvious choice, but Suji had been working that over in her mind since Ray had announced the both of them as co-seconds. And she'd accepted Ray's decision as well. Faith was not a thing that Suji had in large supply, but as far as she'd known Drake, he'd been incredibly imaginative, and he had never come across as threatening. He did not seem like the type of guy it would be easy to have problems with. Suji, on the other hand, knew that she was less approachable (at least to most well-adjusted people), and an easier target for locking horns. They weren't the same person, and Ray hadn't picked them to fill the same functions as seconds: the idea of sharing power with Drake didn't spark any bit of rivalry in her, and for that she was even more sure of Ray's judgment.
Suji shifted her weight, looking out over the 'audience', her eyes locking momentarily with Aubrey's at first (Suji felt herself smile at the 'Cool' comment). When her gaze passed to Fin, she was thrown off for a second--it seemed like he was staring at her, but then she realized he was looking past her towards Ray. Hard to tell what he was thinking because she didn't know him well enough yet, but if he was going to be in her 'team', she supposed that would have to change soon enough. Vaguely she wondered if he was jealous (hadn't he mentioned, when they first met in Suji's room, knowing Ray in Vancouver long ago?), but it was too big of an assumption to make without knowing more.
Suji looked back to Ray.
Ray:
"Find me after the meeting." Ray muttered to Suji before turning back to the crowd of six. Everyone there seemed to be in, at the very least a state of suprise. Others looked a little more than that. Clearly he had shaken his faction up, but he was certain they'd survive.
The meeting was nearing an end as his main points were out of the way, but he still had a thing or two to point out before concluding. "The essential chores, if you will, of the faction will be divided up amongst the teams. Routine maintenance to the Temple and gathering and preperation of food will be jobs for your team. While two teams work, one will have a rest week and the jobs will change at the end of the week."
After a pause and some thought, Ray figured the rest of what could be said, he could put on the bulletin board. "That's the end of the meeting I guess. If anyone has any questions or needs to speak to me I'll be in the small library outside these doors and to the left." Ray said pointing.
"Thanks for attending."
He gave his co-seconds a nod and stepped down off the stage, if anyone wanted to speak to him he told them where to meet him. He was sure he'd probably see a majority of the faction before the night was over...
Aida:
Drake and Suji were their new captains, or whatever Ray had called them, okay. Aida accepted it, if Ray their Faction Leader wanted to do so then that was cool in her book. She, not unlike Aubrey, did not like leading either, the only time she'd stepped up was when someone was close to dying, and if that wasn't the case then she slipped into the shadows. Death scared her, scared her to no end, and she never wanted to be face to face with it, whenever she was it brought out this strong person in her that she felt uncomfortable being.
She glanced over at Fin who had stiffened a bit--her head had rested against him lightly so she'd felt it. Aida's eyes found his face, and it seemed absolutely calm, it seemed a strange reaction to this type of thing, wouldn't he find it somewhat...well cool, or at least angry if he disagreed with it? Fin was often pretty cheery, something she felt he forced sometimes, but right now she didn't know what she was looking at. Her gaze followed his, he was looking at Ray...they were friends in Vancouver... her mind went down that path before stopping as Fin relaxed once again against the seat.
Not even cracking a joke about it? Aida had half expected one when Ray asked for any extra comments, but nothing. This worried her a bit, her brows tugging together as she looked from Fin to Ray, and then back at Fin. She knew the two were friends in Vancouver, she'd witnessed them first hand, she knew they were pretty friendly actually, maybe he was angry that Ray hadn't told him about this entire thing? Or maybe he wanted to be chosen as leader...though being leader didn't seem very Fin-like. Aida didn't know but she remained quiet at his side.
Brianna:
Brianna listened intently as Ray explained what was going on. Fine with me. I couldn't lead even if I wanted to. Bree knew she freezes up if in charge; it happened at almost every game that she played. Yes, she knew fighting the war was different, but she would still react the same.
Brianna knew in the first place Ray wouldn't pick her, since she was new to the group; the only one who wasn't in a faction. She'd probably freak out if Ray did pick her, being caught totally off guard, but he chose Drake and Suji. She understood that. Though something seemed to be happening with Fin, she didn't say anything. She just kept on observing.
Fin:
Fin watched Ray walk away and his eyes were shooting knives into his back, after all it would have only been paying him back for what he'd done. His expression was calm and so was his tone as he turned to Aida who he had seen looking between the two out of the corner of his eye. "Looks like we've got our marching orders from our great and fearless tyrant," he said quietly the joke was no joke at all and he knew it. He reigned in his jealousy. It was an ugly emotion and he didn't want Aida to see it.
"I gotta go," he said getting up and heading back into the main section of the church. He wasn't sure if he was going to confront Ray or not but he no longer wanted to be in the eyes of his faction mates in case his control slipped.
Suji:
Ray said something about chores and Suji nodded. He'd also told her to meet him sometime after the meeting, and that had thrown her more of a loop than being called up there. He hadn't said why... was she in trouble all ready? She hadn't even done anything! Or maybe some kind of warning? Suji wandered if he'd gotten some kind of phone call from Cassie or something. The idea that the events from Chicago could come back to haunt her here (in her 'professional' life) made her blood begin to boil.
You don't know that yet, she tried to reassure herself. But she was already feeling the tang of irritation in the back of her throat. Obviously if Ray had made her a second he'd trusted her judgment and her abilities, but she was going to be massively displeased if she had to explain Chicago. Then again, probably better he hear her side of it, if that's what that was about.
After he was gone, Suji looked to Drake with a small smile. "So uh, surprised?"
Drake:
"Like you wouldn't believe," Drake said in reply to Suji's question. A sudden and unexpected wave of stress suddenly left Drake's body. Apparently the simple act of sharing that bit of information with someone else had been exactly what he needed. Interesting, Drake observed.
"How about you?" Drake did not imagine that Ray had given her any more warning ahead of time. But still, Suji was more of the leader type in Drake's eye, so he was not sure if she would actually be surprised or not. Drake was also wondering why Ray would want to talk with Suji after the meeting, but he did not inquire about that. Either it was none of his business, or he would find out later. Possibly both.
Suji:
Drake seemed to relax and Suji felt a similar reaction in her own body--which surprised her more than any other moment of the day. For a brief moment she felt her age, felt normal: jittery, young, happy to be out of a tense situation. She let out a breath of air that she hadn't realized she was holding.
Suji let go of the worry that had been building over what Ray had wanted. That would be what it would be, and there was nothing she could do to change it. She didn't even really know what it was about. Why assume the worst, if all the bracing in the world wouldn't make it any different? Drake asked her if she was surprised, and Suji looked at her feet for a moment, smiling and shaking her head. "Yeah, actually. I'm sure plenty of people will think I planned on it, but it was still a bit of a jolt."
She shrugged as she looked back up at him, and then looked away, as if realizing how personal and close to home the last comment came. She wasn't stupid. She knew how she came across. Even if she agreed that she was an obvious choice, she didn't want to look like she was boasting about it or anything. Or that she'd schemed to get there or anything. "So, my team is totally going to out-Animorph yours," she said with a light grin.
Drake:
"We will just have to wait and see about that," Drake said with a wink. "Either way, we just got to make sure we both out-animorph Ray's team. I wonder who that new animorph is that he was talking about..." Drake just shrugged then started heading towards the exit.
He nodded to his assigned teammates as he walked past them. As a sort of sign of recognition, nothing more. He was headed back to his room to relax a little bit. There were a few things that he had to try to wrap his head around, and here was not the place to do it.
Ray:
Walking into the library-type room, Ray grabbed a table and drug it into the center of the room lining up the chairs, hoping he'd get it done before anyone walked in. Why had he not prepared for this before? Looking around for anything to make the desk look even slightly more professional, all Ray found was a little bobblehead figure which he placed to what would be his right side during meetings he'd be holding.
Walking over toward where the door was, Ray shoved junk aside with his foot clearing a pathway which, sadly enough, was how he used to clean his room. He'd need his pacing space so he'd just take his foot and shove aside anything laying in his walking space. Of course this didn't do much to the room's appearance, but the practicality of the walking space worked for him. He was sure the others would empathize.
When it was all said and done, he stepped back and looked at the room and cringed a bit with his self conscious nature. How are they going to respect you if you don't even keep your work environment looking professional?
Pushing the snide comment to himself aside, Ray sat down at the chair facing the door and rested his arms on the table. Within a few moments he was idly playing with the bobblehead.
Suji:
Suji smirked and nodded in agreement. Why compete with each other when they could focus their collected efforts at besting the faction leader? That was a thinking she could appreciate, on the playful level. Of course there would be no real competition; competition would inspire heroics or daring stunts, and neither of those had a habit of ending well in their line of work.
Drake walked off without gathering any of his team members, and she supposed he was going to go think it over. At least it sure didn't look like he was planning on celebrating, or anything like that. Suji, however, was supposed to meet with Ray. And she might as well do it now, and get it out of the way. Especially if it meant rehashing the past.
Walking down the aisle, Suji offered a smile to both Fin and Aubrey, then gestured towards the exit with a nod. "I got a meeting with the Boss. Glad to have you both on my team." With that, she head off towards where Ray said he'd be, bracing herself (and telling herself how useless bracing herself was) all the way.
Ray:
The door opened and Suji appeared. Ray quit nudging the bobblehead and pushed it aside. "Hey Suji." Ray said calmly. He figured he'd see at least a few people who had questions or comments. He figured the first person in would be Drake, but it was Suji whom he'd requested.
Moving them into groups spontaneously would alter the way everyone interacted. Hopefully they'd recouperate in a timely manner. He knew it'd only be a matter of time until they did what he'd hoped for, but how much? Hopefully not too much.
Suji:
Suji took a quick survey around the room, and walked down the cleared path to Ray's desk. The bobblehead on it was still bobbling lightly, and she might have been amused about this, if she wasn't busy prepping for the incoming conversation. After standing in front of the desk a moment, and shifting her weight, she focused on Ray.
"You, uh, wanted to see me?" Suji tried not to be defensive. If he was going to ask about the situation with Raven and Chicago, she would have to try not to get offended easily.
Ray:
"Yeah," Ray began, wondering why he hadn't though of a pre made speech "I was just wanting to congradulate you on being a second in command. My previous faction leader gave me this necklace with the symbol of the crow to wear as a gift for receiving such an honor."
For a moment he held up the crow symbol for her to view.
"I'm not very good with anything art-wise" Ray admitted. "But, that doesn't mean I can't still give you something. I think the usefulness of it will work out better since you seem to be a pretty practical person."
Ray reached into his pocket and pulled out the vial of cobra blood he'd held and set it on the desk in front of her. She seemed to be too straightforward for things of symbolic nature and Ray had thought that practicality could be the best gift he could give. He still had to find something for Drake...
Suji:
It took a moment for Suji to realize that Ray wasn't demanding that she explain her past. In fact, he was offering her a gift. A gift of blood, apparently, but Suji knew what came in those little vials. Weapons more valuable that dracon canons or submachine guns. For a moment she looked down at the vial, and then gently plucked it up.
"What is it? What morph?" Suji watched Ray carefully. A morph wasn't a bad gift, but all blood looked the same on the outside. He said it was useful... but lots of creatures could be classified under that heading.
Ray was waiting in the Sanctuary where he hoped at least a few people had gotten the word that he'd be having a meeting. It wasn't one that was manditory, but just one that he'd called because he wanted to put into play something he'd been wanting for awhile now. He'd also have to appoint his second in command at this meeting.
Looking around, Ray thought about how much he was liking this church more and more with each passing day. Right now he was having a meeting where he'd be standing in the pulpit and there'd be seats for people to sit there and listen to him or anyone else that had something they wanted to say. Somehow the Temple just seemed to have everything.
With Cassie's message that they'd be getting another member, Ray figured it was time to turn the big group into smaller groups. As he stood there awaiting the arrival of no one in particular, he thought about what he would say...
Drake:
Drake did not know how he always seemed to be early for gatherings like this, but it was becoming an involuntary habit of his. Ray said something about meeting in the sanctuary, so that is what he was doing. He had no idea what for, but he was not sure if it was because Ray had not told him, or because he could not remember.
"So what is this meeting for?" Drake asked as he took a front row seat. It was a bit odd sitting in the front of the church. It seemed as if the front seats were always the last to be filled whenever he had gone to church before the invasion started. Oh well, Drake thought. He stretched out and made himself comfortable on the bench seat.
Lizzie:
A non-mandatory meeting in the Sanctuary was being held today, and Lizzie was going to make sure she attended. She had to admit that she was kind of curious-- what was this meeting going to be about if it wasn't mandatory? What exactly did Ray have up his sleeve that he wanted to discuss? She didn't know the answers now, but hopefully she would after she got there.
She stepped into the large Sanctuary, the room almost empty except for Drake and Ray, the former sitting in the front row as the latter stood at the pulpit. She really hoped he wasn't going to give a sermon just because he looked all official standing in front of that thing-- she nearly had fallen asleep the last time she went to church with her family because the guy standing there was so dull. Though, Ray wasn't that type of person at all.
She sat in the front row alongside Drake, looking up at Ray. "So, what's this meeting about?" she asked.
Aida:
Aida stretched her arms over her head as she ambled into the Sanctuary, just having woken up from a nap. She never slept for more than 2 hours at a time, mostly due to Crayak, and the lovely little nightmares she still had from her encounter with him. Fortunately she no longer screamed in her sleep, maybe a soft cry here or there but for the most part silence. It helped that she chose a room far away from most other peoples, with the exception of one person.
Anyway, none of that mattered now, she was awake and caught wind of some type of meeting. By the time she entered the Sanctuary she had managed to comb her hands through her bed-head and rubbed most the sleep from her eyes. Flashing a small smile Drake and Ray's way she took a seat off to the side and crossed her legs neatly. Since everyone else seemed to be asking what was up she decided to stay silent and wait for an answer.
Fin:
Fin slipped into the Sanctuary and looked around. He had just come in from patrol around the church. Patrols in Dallas were much easier than patrols in Vancouver. For one his bat morph was not freezing constantly so that he had to demorph just to avoid frostbitten wingtips and for another they weren't surrounded by miles of forest where sneaky yeerks could be hiding.
Fin had been on his way to the kitchen but it looked like Ray was about to pass the word of God on to them. Drake, Lizzie and Aida were all sitting on the uncomfortable benches provided in churches so that you didn't fall asleep (though people did anyway) and were all looking attentively at Ray who was standing by the pulpit.
Fin went to dip his fingers in the stoup and cross himself only to find that there wasn't one there. Protestant churches didn't have the same tradition and Catholic ones and Fin frowned slightly at the lack of holy water. He crossed himself with dry fingers and walked up the aisle.
He wasn't particularly religious and certainly hadn't been raised in any sort of religious family but he enjoyed following small traditions like crossing yourself with holy water when entering churches or bowing when entering dojos. Such little tricks of culture had always interested him and didn't really take much effort.
He walked up the aisle quietly and sat down next to Aida and pulled an old hymn book from the slot set into the back of the bench in front of him. He looked at Aida worriedly as he began paging through the book. "Quick, what hymn are we on?" he asked in a stage whisper.
Suji:
Suji walked into the Sanctuary, and for a moment wondered if she was late. Ray had passed along some last minute info about a meeting--along with saying that it wasn't mandatory--but she wasn't about to miss it. She'd had... colorful experiences with her leaders in the past, and had worked under more of them than she thought most people had... and probably with more conflict, whether direct or not. And while she definitely wanted to give Ray a chance (he seemed to be active-minded and have the right set of goals), part of her was also wary that he'd have some secretly crippling personality trait that would pop up at the worst time.
Don't we all?
Well, that was true, but leaders had more of a responsibility to reign that in. And Ray didn't seem like a totally reigned-in guy. So Suji just had to hope that he really was as much 'what you see is what you get' as he portrayed himself.
Quietly she came in and sat down in the second row, diagonally behind Drake.
Brianna:
Brianna decided she would come to the meeting, curious as to how things ran. Since she was the only one there that hadn't been in a faction before, she didn't know about the goings-on around there. She found it kind of intriguing. Everyone else was in the room, so she slipped into the back.
Staying silent, Brianna watched the others interact with each other. She didn't know anyone well here, so she crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. She wasn't the type to speak out if she could help it.
Aubrey:
Chalk! Aubrey's 'save' pile had contained--among the many assortment of early elementary school fun-stuffs--a few boxes of chalk. Some of the pieces had been broken up into a powdery mess at the bottom of the box, but for the most part Aubrey had chalk. Not many people knew it, but Aubrey knew how to draw and paint, and now she had something to work with.
While the others were busy doing whatever they were doing around the Temple today, Aubrey had started outlining a picture along one of the blank walls in her room. She probably didn't have enough chalk for all four walls--or even one--but she was going to try to getting a picture up on it. She had been working for a few hours now, and the various shapes and outlines were starting to look like something.
"Ow!" The piece of chalk slipped from her hand, and she rubbed her thumb against her palm. Her hand had cramped up from working so long, and the muscle of her hand was aching. She quickly bent down to pick the chalk up, then took a step back to look at her work.
Ahh, yes, it was good work as always--"Oh!" Something suddenly reminded her that there was a meeting or something today. She slapped the palms of her hands together, causing a cloud of chalk to puff into the air, then--without thinking--she wiped the rest of it off on her wetsuit. Turning on the balls of her feet, she hurried out of her room and down the hallway towards the Sanctuary.
Brianna was just disappearing into the room by the time she got to the door. Peeking in, she could see everybody already seated and waiting; Ray was standing like a preacher at the pulpit. Quietly she slipped in through the door, padding down the aisle in her bare feet. She hadn't noticed yet, but there was colored chalk dust in various hand prints all over the legs of her suit. There was even some chalk marks on her face.
Trying to be quiet, Aubrey took a seat in the front row, crossing her legs underneath the bench. It didn't seem like it had started yet, so Aubrey let her gaze wander while she waited for Ray. Her family had never been the church-going type back in Australia, and Aubrey didn't mind that. But she had always found some church architecture beautiful.
Ray:
"Alright." Ray began, hoping he wouldn't bore them to death, which was his greatest fear at the moment, oddly enough. He reached down and grabbed the clipboard from under a podium he was standing next to and looked down at the notes he'd prepared. We're going up against aliens and talking about saving the world and here I am with stage fright...
"I called this meeting to outline a plan for the Dallas faction that should bring us closer together and help us maintain the group we've created." Ray said, trying to sound serious without giving up the energy that held his crowd's attention. "With the addition of another animorph, whom shall arrive here in the near future, we'll have nine total members. I think that as a group, we could use some organization. It'd also be beneficial to have established heads of authority incase something happens to me."
"I also think that as Animorphs, we have a duty to not only the rest of the human race, but to ourselves to be more disciplined. This means that we need to train and do it on a routine. We need to get things done around the Temple. And lastly, we need to be able to communicate and organize ourselves in an extremely efficient manner."
"Suji and Drake, could you please come up here with me?"
Drake:
Drake sat and listened contently to all that Ray was saying. Everything made sense to him, although it sounded as if it would take quite a bit of effort. His interest was captured even more so by the mention of another animorph coming to join them. However, Ray called him up to where he was before Drake could ask any questions.
Drake had been caught off guard. He was not expecting to be part of this meeting, other than a member of the crowd. What was Ray planning? Drake walked up to the front like he was asked and instantly felt everyone's eyes on him. It was intense, and he did not envy Ray's position as the meeting leader either.
Aida:
Aida's face lit up at Fin's entrance, and once he sat beside her and began talking about hymns she couldn't help but grin. He always seemed to be able to spark that within her, not a particularly easy feat either. She scooted next to him and rested her head lightly against his shoulder, a small sign of affection but not one that could be described as PDA, those were just completely unnecessary.
The room was still filling up, and so she reached out and grazed the book with her fingertips, flipping the pages lightly until she paused on one in particular. 'There is Power in the Blood' , the only one she recognized in the whole lot. Aida was never particularly religious, but singing was an old hobby of hers and she wasn't prejudiced against songs involving faith. She smiled, "That's a good one," she whispered, but grew quiet as the final members matriculated in.
Suji and Drake were called to the front, and she watched curiously, what was Ray up to? He was talking about organization, and training, what did that have to do with those two in particular? Aida waited silently to find out.
Suji:
Suji arched her eyebrows. Drake and her? Did this have something to do with Vegas? The three of them had come from there (her more indirectly after a trip to Mexico, and she hadn't ever really be a member of their faction--officially), and it was the only link that she could find between the three of them. She stood, not far behind Drake, and walked to the center aisle. From there she headed towards Ray.
She positioned herself next to Drake, and felt herself shifting her weight as she tried not to look out over the collection of faces in the pews. Suji wasn't a nervous person, and she wasn't exactly nervous now... but she did not like surprises. Even innocent ones (which she hoped this was) made her uncomfortable.
Ray:
Once Suji and Drake had joined him on stage, Ray proceeded with the meeting. "These are your team captains and co-seconds. They will be your group captains along with me. They have the final say, although they are not entitled to a dictatorship over you. If you find yourselves having trouble with your team captain, try first to fix it yourselves, but don't hesitate to come to me. Above all else, trust them."
Ray left a silence for everyone to take in what he'd just said. "On Suji's team will be Aubrey and Fin. Quite a capable team I must say. On Drake's team will be Aida and Bree. A very unique bunch that will carry a very strong bond I believe. On my team will be Lizzie and the new animorph."
"You will do manditory training with your teams, chores with your teams, and do patrol shifts as a team. Bond, become a family, watch each other's backs. Do this and you'll execute and do more as a single unit than you ever thought possible."
"Before proceeding are there any questions or comments?"
Drake:
All of Rays went into Drakes ears as a sort of verbal blur. Was he hearing this right? Was Drake being put in charge of people? Given responsibilities? Well, more responsibilities. Drake did not know exactly how to react to something like this. He had never had a real leadership position before.
"Before proceeding are there any questions or comments?"
Yeah, Drake had a few questions and comments. He just could not think of what they were. He could see why Ray had chosen Suji for the job, but Drake was a slacker and they both knew it. Drake had no idea that Ray though he was leadership material. His mind was baffled, so he just stood there dumbfounded and waited to see what others would have to say.
Suji:
Suji blinked, threw off her guard for a moment--her body had frozen. Was this how promotion was done? A surprise to everyone? Ray hadn't warned Suji about this, and after a quick glance (only her eyes moved) towards Drake, she got the feeling that he was probably even more surprised than she was. There was no question--Ray didn't ask them if they'd like to step up to the plate, didn't give them any way to back down.
Not that Suji would have. There was a vain part of her that wholly agreed that she was capable of effective leadership, and felt that it was about time that that was recognized. At the same time, that was only a small, distant part of her. And even if she wouldn't have looked for an out, didn't mind that one wasn't given to her... did Drake? Telling someone they were going to be a leader... she didn't know Drake incredibly well, and Ray probably knew him better than she did, which meant she might have been looking too much into it, but Suji could imagine feeling trapped.
How she'd felt when she realized Cassie had sent her to Chicago to help the faction there stabilize, without telling her about Raven's pregnancy (or pacifism which ran even stronger than Cassie's, it seemed). Like there was no way to back out of the situation. Like she'd just been played (which she had been). And Suji also knew full well how that had ended: not pleasantly.
But Drake wasn't her--she knew him well enough to know that. Maybe being thrust into a situation he didn't ask for wouldn't be as disastrous for him. Hell, maybe he'd enjoy being a leader.
Suji blinked rapidly, and focused back on Ray. She'd only half heard what he'd been saying about the teams. Too busy wondering about the effect this has on your co-second in order to distract from the fact that you're in the same boat, she scolded herself internally.
The tension inside of her chest snuck up on her--as prepared as part of her felt for this moment, she still felt awkward and uncomfortable, especially given the fact that there was no previous warning. It felt like being called to the front of the class so the teacher could praise you. If you knew it was coming, you could brace yourself. If you didn't, you kind of felt like an ass.
"So, uh, do we have team names?" It was a lame attempt at a joke, but she felt the incredible need to say something. Something that wasn't, 'Gee, could of told us ahead of time!'
Ray:
"Yeah, if you want to." Ray replied. Lowering his voice so that only they could hear he continued. "Do you guys want the positions? You don't have to accept this because I'm not forcing you into anything. The teams thing was planned to be a suprise, but you don't have to accept the leadership role. If you wish to decline my offer you can do so now or after the meeting."
Ray knew just about everyone there really well. He knew that these were his two best choices, but they didn't have to accept. In all reality he probably should have asked beforehand, but the twist of fate kind of thing added to the whole life experience of it all. In life you had to step up and take charge sometimes and it was forced, but he was giving them the option of saying no. If he didn't have these two, however, who did he have for leadership? He was conditioning them, he didn't expect leaders right out of the box, although he wouldn't be suprised if they were naturals. Life was unexpected. Expect the curveball. But also, in all fairness, one shouldn't be cast out into a leadership role without asking or accepting it which was why he was giving them the option to decline it.
Fin:
Fin smiled back at Aida and looked back down at the hymn book pretending to study it when the meeting was finally called to order.
When Suji and Drake were called forward Fin sat up straighter on his bench and looked at them with interest. He wondered what this was all about. As far as he could tell there was nothing to link the two together so what was up? And when it was announced they would the leaders Fin found out.
He stayed very still as they began having a little whispered conference up there. His pleasant expression hadn't changed much though if someone was looking closely (and knew him well) they might be able to detect a bit more tension in his whole posture than there had been a minute before.
So Suji and Drake were the co-captains uh? And what about me? The thought wouldn't go away. A part of him had absolutely no desire to be any sort of leader. He didn't exactly trust himself with other people's lives, especially after everything that had happened. But still, it would have been nice to be asked, nice to be considered even if he had declined.
How could Ray just pass him up like that? He felt a bit betrayed. He and Ray had been friends long before Ray had even met these new people. And Ray seemed to be forgetting that it had been he, Fin, not Ray, who had been the second in charge in Vancouver. So how could Ray not even consider him.
Ray became a faction leader and forgot who his friends are. Fine. Let them have it. Fuck this. I should just go back to being on my own. The thoughts were a bit unfair. He knew that even as he thought them but they wouldn't go away.
Fin sat back finally, seemingly relaxing against the back of the bench. His expression was calm....cool...collected. In short very un-Fin. But nobody else would know that. His eyes were locked on Ray and they were the only clue to what was running around his head.
Lizzie:
Teams and co-leaders, eh? This faction was definitely run different than Los Angeles. Though, she had to say that she liked the idea of teams. It would probably help things run more efficiently. Lizzie had to say she wasn't surprised that Ray chose Suji as a leader. She seemed like the person that could get things done, and that was that. Though, she didn't know Drake that well, so she couldn't say on his part.
"This should be really interesting," she thought to herself. She was going to be on Ray's team with this new Animorph that was coming. None of them knew who he or she was, or what they were like or anything. She would do all she could to make them feel welcome. She looked to the rest of the team to see what they were thinking. Drake and Suji initially looked surprised by the decision, while Fin was staring at Ray.
"I wonder what that's about..." she thought, staying quiet as she smiled slightly.
Drake:
Drake was still stuck about what he should think. On one hand, he did not see himself as a leader, but on the other hand, Ray obviously at least saw some potential in him... somewhere. Drake was torn.
Finally, he made up his mind. "I will try my best." Drake trusted Ray's judgement. Even if he could not see it in himself, he would trust Ray's judgement just the same. That was why he was a faction leader in the first place, right?
Aubrey:
Ray began speaking and Aubrey's attention shifted back to him. She leaned back as she listened to him speak, propping her arm over the side of the bench. Sitting still wasn't a strong point with Aubrey, but she didn't want to appear impatient to Ray. Back in L.A., they'd never really had meetings like this. Missions were planned, yes, but most of the time things had been pretty relaxed--unless they stumbled upon some sort of trouble with the Yeerks, something which always seemed to plague Aubrey.
Training? Captains? Teams? Ray sounded so formal and serious as he spoke. It made her feel more organized just listening to him. It was definitely a different flavor from her old faction leader, but she didn't mind it.
Aubrey's expression was quiet as she watched Drake and Suji head up to the stage. When Ray announced their co-leadership status, her first thought was relief. Aubrey was not leadership material, and she knew that. She didn't like leading, she didn't like making decisions that could lead people into danger or death.
Her own decisions back in Los Angeles had shown her--more than once--that her judgment was off. Both times that she had tried planning something--the rescue of her mother--had ended up with disaster. She could have gotten the entire L.A. faction killed or infested. And she had ended up doing something she regretted. But that's why I'm here. They don't know that. I don't have to keep feeling ashamed for what's happened back there.
Her gaze settled on the two standing up there, on both Suji and Drake's surprised expressions. It wasn't any sort of surprise to Aubrey that Suji was picked. She had always given off this sort of 'in-charge' vibe the few times they had gone out and gotten in trouble. Then Ray announced the teams, and Aubrey found herself with Suji and Fin. She spared a glance behind to catch Fin's reaction. He just seemed distracted, staring off at Ray. She didn't know him very well, but he seemed like he was a fun guy. And Aubrey had no qualms with listening to Suji as a leader.
"Before proceeding are there any questions or comments?"
"Cool."
Suji:
Suji felt the uncomfortable pinch of tension lessen once Ray offered them an out. Though she wasn't so sure how the whispered comments made everyone else feel that was watching, it reassured her that he realized the necessity of choice in this sort of matter. The teams idea and the call for organization had certainly pleased her; they seemed like a good start for a new faction, and a new leader... and now that it was less like they were being strong-armed into this, whatever worry had arose with the surprise-seconds thing began to dissipate.
Drake did not seem upset, and he agreed to the position. Suji had been waiting for him to speak; she'd have known her answer long before Ray asked her up here, but she didn't want Drake to feel at all pressured into accepting if she did immediately. After Drake assented, Suji smirked, looking from him to Ray. "I'm in too."
It didn't feel like slipping on a heavy jacket of burden, or like she'd have to start altering the way she behaved--she'd long since accepted responsibility for her actions. Though she doubted anyone in the room knew her exceptionally well (there was maybe one or two people on the planet with that luxury--who were alive to say so), she had the feeling that she'd come off as an 'understandable' pick for a leadership position. At least, she hoped she had.
Drake might have been a less obvious choice, but Suji had been working that over in her mind since Ray had announced the both of them as co-seconds. And she'd accepted Ray's decision as well. Faith was not a thing that Suji had in large supply, but as far as she'd known Drake, he'd been incredibly imaginative, and he had never come across as threatening. He did not seem like the type of guy it would be easy to have problems with. Suji, on the other hand, knew that she was less approachable (at least to most well-adjusted people), and an easier target for locking horns. They weren't the same person, and Ray hadn't picked them to fill the same functions as seconds: the idea of sharing power with Drake didn't spark any bit of rivalry in her, and for that she was even more sure of Ray's judgment.
Suji shifted her weight, looking out over the 'audience', her eyes locking momentarily with Aubrey's at first (Suji felt herself smile at the 'Cool' comment). When her gaze passed to Fin, she was thrown off for a second--it seemed like he was staring at her, but then she realized he was looking past her towards Ray. Hard to tell what he was thinking because she didn't know him well enough yet, but if he was going to be in her 'team', she supposed that would have to change soon enough. Vaguely she wondered if he was jealous (hadn't he mentioned, when they first met in Suji's room, knowing Ray in Vancouver long ago?), but it was too big of an assumption to make without knowing more.
Suji looked back to Ray.
Ray:
"Find me after the meeting." Ray muttered to Suji before turning back to the crowd of six. Everyone there seemed to be in, at the very least a state of suprise. Others looked a little more than that. Clearly he had shaken his faction up, but he was certain they'd survive.
The meeting was nearing an end as his main points were out of the way, but he still had a thing or two to point out before concluding. "The essential chores, if you will, of the faction will be divided up amongst the teams. Routine maintenance to the Temple and gathering and preperation of food will be jobs for your team. While two teams work, one will have a rest week and the jobs will change at the end of the week."
After a pause and some thought, Ray figured the rest of what could be said, he could put on the bulletin board. "That's the end of the meeting I guess. If anyone has any questions or needs to speak to me I'll be in the small library outside these doors and to the left." Ray said pointing.
"Thanks for attending."
He gave his co-seconds a nod and stepped down off the stage, if anyone wanted to speak to him he told them where to meet him. He was sure he'd probably see a majority of the faction before the night was over...
Aida:
Drake and Suji were their new captains, or whatever Ray had called them, okay. Aida accepted it, if Ray their Faction Leader wanted to do so then that was cool in her book. She, not unlike Aubrey, did not like leading either, the only time she'd stepped up was when someone was close to dying, and if that wasn't the case then she slipped into the shadows. Death scared her, scared her to no end, and she never wanted to be face to face with it, whenever she was it brought out this strong person in her that she felt uncomfortable being.
She glanced over at Fin who had stiffened a bit--her head had rested against him lightly so she'd felt it. Aida's eyes found his face, and it seemed absolutely calm, it seemed a strange reaction to this type of thing, wouldn't he find it somewhat...well cool, or at least angry if he disagreed with it? Fin was often pretty cheery, something she felt he forced sometimes, but right now she didn't know what she was looking at. Her gaze followed his, he was looking at Ray...they were friends in Vancouver... her mind went down that path before stopping as Fin relaxed once again against the seat.
Not even cracking a joke about it? Aida had half expected one when Ray asked for any extra comments, but nothing. This worried her a bit, her brows tugging together as she looked from Fin to Ray, and then back at Fin. She knew the two were friends in Vancouver, she'd witnessed them first hand, she knew they were pretty friendly actually, maybe he was angry that Ray hadn't told him about this entire thing? Or maybe he wanted to be chosen as leader...though being leader didn't seem very Fin-like. Aida didn't know but she remained quiet at his side.
Brianna:
Brianna listened intently as Ray explained what was going on. Fine with me. I couldn't lead even if I wanted to. Bree knew she freezes up if in charge; it happened at almost every game that she played. Yes, she knew fighting the war was different, but she would still react the same.
Brianna knew in the first place Ray wouldn't pick her, since she was new to the group; the only one who wasn't in a faction. She'd probably freak out if Ray did pick her, being caught totally off guard, but he chose Drake and Suji. She understood that. Though something seemed to be happening with Fin, she didn't say anything. She just kept on observing.
Fin:
Fin watched Ray walk away and his eyes were shooting knives into his back, after all it would have only been paying him back for what he'd done. His expression was calm and so was his tone as he turned to Aida who he had seen looking between the two out of the corner of his eye. "Looks like we've got our marching orders from our great and fearless tyrant," he said quietly the joke was no joke at all and he knew it. He reigned in his jealousy. It was an ugly emotion and he didn't want Aida to see it.
"I gotta go," he said getting up and heading back into the main section of the church. He wasn't sure if he was going to confront Ray or not but he no longer wanted to be in the eyes of his faction mates in case his control slipped.
Suji:
Ray said something about chores and Suji nodded. He'd also told her to meet him sometime after the meeting, and that had thrown her more of a loop than being called up there. He hadn't said why... was she in trouble all ready? She hadn't even done anything! Or maybe some kind of warning? Suji wandered if he'd gotten some kind of phone call from Cassie or something. The idea that the events from Chicago could come back to haunt her here (in her 'professional' life) made her blood begin to boil.
You don't know that yet, she tried to reassure herself. But she was already feeling the tang of irritation in the back of her throat. Obviously if Ray had made her a second he'd trusted her judgment and her abilities, but she was going to be massively displeased if she had to explain Chicago. Then again, probably better he hear her side of it, if that's what that was about.
After he was gone, Suji looked to Drake with a small smile. "So uh, surprised?"
Drake:
"Like you wouldn't believe," Drake said in reply to Suji's question. A sudden and unexpected wave of stress suddenly left Drake's body. Apparently the simple act of sharing that bit of information with someone else had been exactly what he needed. Interesting, Drake observed.
"How about you?" Drake did not imagine that Ray had given her any more warning ahead of time. But still, Suji was more of the leader type in Drake's eye, so he was not sure if she would actually be surprised or not. Drake was also wondering why Ray would want to talk with Suji after the meeting, but he did not inquire about that. Either it was none of his business, or he would find out later. Possibly both.
Suji:
Drake seemed to relax and Suji felt a similar reaction in her own body--which surprised her more than any other moment of the day. For a brief moment she felt her age, felt normal: jittery, young, happy to be out of a tense situation. She let out a breath of air that she hadn't realized she was holding.
Suji let go of the worry that had been building over what Ray had wanted. That would be what it would be, and there was nothing she could do to change it. She didn't even really know what it was about. Why assume the worst, if all the bracing in the world wouldn't make it any different? Drake asked her if she was surprised, and Suji looked at her feet for a moment, smiling and shaking her head. "Yeah, actually. I'm sure plenty of people will think I planned on it, but it was still a bit of a jolt."
She shrugged as she looked back up at him, and then looked away, as if realizing how personal and close to home the last comment came. She wasn't stupid. She knew how she came across. Even if she agreed that she was an obvious choice, she didn't want to look like she was boasting about it or anything. Or that she'd schemed to get there or anything. "So, my team is totally going to out-Animorph yours," she said with a light grin.
Drake:
"We will just have to wait and see about that," Drake said with a wink. "Either way, we just got to make sure we both out-animorph Ray's team. I wonder who that new animorph is that he was talking about..." Drake just shrugged then started heading towards the exit.
He nodded to his assigned teammates as he walked past them. As a sort of sign of recognition, nothing more. He was headed back to his room to relax a little bit. There were a few things that he had to try to wrap his head around, and here was not the place to do it.
Ray:
Walking into the library-type room, Ray grabbed a table and drug it into the center of the room lining up the chairs, hoping he'd get it done before anyone walked in. Why had he not prepared for this before? Looking around for anything to make the desk look even slightly more professional, all Ray found was a little bobblehead figure which he placed to what would be his right side during meetings he'd be holding.
Walking over toward where the door was, Ray shoved junk aside with his foot clearing a pathway which, sadly enough, was how he used to clean his room. He'd need his pacing space so he'd just take his foot and shove aside anything laying in his walking space. Of course this didn't do much to the room's appearance, but the practicality of the walking space worked for him. He was sure the others would empathize.
When it was all said and done, he stepped back and looked at the room and cringed a bit with his self conscious nature. How are they going to respect you if you don't even keep your work environment looking professional?
Pushing the snide comment to himself aside, Ray sat down at the chair facing the door and rested his arms on the table. Within a few moments he was idly playing with the bobblehead.
Suji:
Suji smirked and nodded in agreement. Why compete with each other when they could focus their collected efforts at besting the faction leader? That was a thinking she could appreciate, on the playful level. Of course there would be no real competition; competition would inspire heroics or daring stunts, and neither of those had a habit of ending well in their line of work.
Drake walked off without gathering any of his team members, and she supposed he was going to go think it over. At least it sure didn't look like he was planning on celebrating, or anything like that. Suji, however, was supposed to meet with Ray. And she might as well do it now, and get it out of the way. Especially if it meant rehashing the past.
Walking down the aisle, Suji offered a smile to both Fin and Aubrey, then gestured towards the exit with a nod. "I got a meeting with the Boss. Glad to have you both on my team." With that, she head off towards where Ray said he'd be, bracing herself (and telling herself how useless bracing herself was) all the way.
Ray:
The door opened and Suji appeared. Ray quit nudging the bobblehead and pushed it aside. "Hey Suji." Ray said calmly. He figured he'd see at least a few people who had questions or comments. He figured the first person in would be Drake, but it was Suji whom he'd requested.
Moving them into groups spontaneously would alter the way everyone interacted. Hopefully they'd recouperate in a timely manner. He knew it'd only be a matter of time until they did what he'd hoped for, but how much? Hopefully not too much.
Suji:
Suji took a quick survey around the room, and walked down the cleared path to Ray's desk. The bobblehead on it was still bobbling lightly, and she might have been amused about this, if she wasn't busy prepping for the incoming conversation. After standing in front of the desk a moment, and shifting her weight, she focused on Ray.
"You, uh, wanted to see me?" Suji tried not to be defensive. If he was going to ask about the situation with Raven and Chicago, she would have to try not to get offended easily.
Ray:
"Yeah," Ray began, wondering why he hadn't though of a pre made speech "I was just wanting to congradulate you on being a second in command. My previous faction leader gave me this necklace with the symbol of the crow to wear as a gift for receiving such an honor."
For a moment he held up the crow symbol for her to view.
"I'm not very good with anything art-wise" Ray admitted. "But, that doesn't mean I can't still give you something. I think the usefulness of it will work out better since you seem to be a pretty practical person."
Ray reached into his pocket and pulled out the vial of cobra blood he'd held and set it on the desk in front of her. She seemed to be too straightforward for things of symbolic nature and Ray had thought that practicality could be the best gift he could give. He still had to find something for Drake...
Suji:
It took a moment for Suji to realize that Ray wasn't demanding that she explain her past. In fact, he was offering her a gift. A gift of blood, apparently, but Suji knew what came in those little vials. Weapons more valuable that dracon canons or submachine guns. For a moment she looked down at the vial, and then gently plucked it up.
"What is it? What morph?" Suji watched Ray carefully. A morph wasn't a bad gift, but all blood looked the same on the outside. He said it was useful... but lots of creatures could be classified under that heading.