Stanford "Ford" Filbrick Pines (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
cryptograms) wrote2020-09-06 03:13 pm
cryptograms) wrote2020-09-06 03:13 pm
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[ Oh, it's a pogo stick. That makes sense.
.........
No, not even Ford can pretend that doesn't raise more questions than it answers. ]
It's a pogo stick? I didn't think that would be the sort of dual-function built into a Remnant weapon.
[ He's actually not sure he totally buys that but maybe-- ]
.........
No, not even Ford can pretend that doesn't raise more questions than it answers. ]
It's a pogo stick? I didn't think that would be the sort of dual-function built into a Remnant weapon.
[ He's actually not sure he totally buys that but maybe-- ]
[ Wait a second. ]
Hold on, James likes pogo sticks?
[ He seemed so serious, though! Did Ford totally misread him? ]
Hold on, James likes pogo sticks?
[ He seemed so serious, though! Did Ford totally misread him? ]
[Ruby just kind of stares for a second.]
Dude, we have baseball bat rocket launchers, Trumpets and fishing rods for weapons. I don't think it's that far fetched. It could be part of his landing strategy.
[Okay. Now they're getting onto the important facts.]
I know, right? It caught me by surprise too. We have to get our hands on it before he wrecks it for everyone!
Dude, we have baseball bat rocket launchers, Trumpets and fishing rods for weapons. I don't think it's that far fetched. It could be part of his landing strategy.
[Okay. Now they're getting onto the important facts.]
I know, right? It caught me by surprise too. We have to get our hands on it before he wrecks it for everyone!
Yeah, that'd be great. I've been meaning to check on Nessie anyway, so this is great timing!
See you soon.
[Oscar would arrive quickly, wrapped up in his winter clothes and clunky boots to fend off the late season chill, with his handy bag slung over his shoulder. Cheeks and nose darkened with the cold, Oscar grinned regardless and waved when he spotted Ford.]
Hey!
[He said, running over. His gait remained uneven from the events in October, but the strides were strong enough as he made his way through the icy pathways.]
Thanks for coming out on short notice. I hope I didn't pull you from anything?
See you soon.
[Oscar would arrive quickly, wrapped up in his winter clothes and clunky boots to fend off the late season chill, with his handy bag slung over his shoulder. Cheeks and nose darkened with the cold, Oscar grinned regardless and waved when he spotted Ford.]
Hey!
[He said, running over. His gait remained uneven from the events in October, but the strides were strong enough as he made his way through the icy pathways.]
Thanks for coming out on short notice. I hope I didn't pull you from anything?
Yes, but transforming from a cane to a pogo stick isn't as dramatic as switching from a scythe to rifle.
[ He means dramatic in a sense of scale, but it really applies to having a flair for drama as well. ]
I don't think James is likely to break it in any case. Ozpin uses it as a weapon, and he seems too careful with it to risk damaging it outside of combat.
[ He means dramatic in a sense of scale, but it really applies to having a flair for drama as well. ]
I don't think James is likely to break it in any case. Ozpin uses it as a weapon, and he seems too careful with it to risk damaging it outside of combat.
(3/07) text. cw: mentions of transformation/body horror, religious trauma
clocktowers
2021-03-05 12:45 am (UTC)(link)
[ It is fine. Everything is fine, and Oz is fine, and he is coping perfectly well. He has been a Faunus before. He has had antlers before.
But he had been very young, then. He'd been a different man altogether. He'd still had faith; he had thought the game winnable and the war justified. He had still believed that He wanted him to save the world, and cared deeply enough to make it not only possible, but likely. A divine mission. A fated destiny.
It had been the thing to draw him up out of a low period. He'd been growing tired— he'd thought he knew what tired was, then— and it had been a blessing, to become an image of his faith. He had spread the Tale of Two Brothers. He'd told their gospel gladly.
It had been before Jinn. It had been before the Circle. It had been not long after her, and he'd thought, in his most desperate private moments, that perhaps this was his reward for turning away from her. Perhaps it was a sign. Recognition of what he'd lost, and gentle guidance toward what he was meant to be.
He does not feel that way anymore.
Now, he is merely tired. He has plans with Stanford this evening; he shall have to cancel them. That is unfortunate, given that this thing between them is still fumbling and fragile and new. But his antlers are itching like the velvet is about to shed, and he needs to simply lock himself away in his room and endure it until the whole affair passes. ]
Stanford, I'm afraid something has come up. It may be best to reschedule our plans for tonight.
But he had been very young, then. He'd been a different man altogether. He'd still had faith; he had thought the game winnable and the war justified. He had still believed that He wanted him to save the world, and cared deeply enough to make it not only possible, but likely. A divine mission. A fated destiny.
It had been the thing to draw him up out of a low period. He'd been growing tired— he'd thought he knew what tired was, then— and it had been a blessing, to become an image of his faith. He had spread the Tale of Two Brothers. He'd told their gospel gladly.
It had been before Jinn. It had been before the Circle. It had been not long after her, and he'd thought, in his most desperate private moments, that perhaps this was his reward for turning away from her. Perhaps it was a sign. Recognition of what he'd lost, and gentle guidance toward what he was meant to be.
He does not feel that way anymore.
Now, he is merely tired. He has plans with Stanford this evening; he shall have to cancel them. That is unfortunate, given that this thing between them is still fumbling and fragile and new. But his antlers are itching like the velvet is about to shed, and he needs to simply lock himself away in his room and endure it until the whole affair passes. ]
Stanford, I'm afraid something has come up. It may be best to reschedule our plans for tonight.
[ If there's a more disappointing message to receive right now, Ford doesn't know what it would be.
The last date had been... not bad. It had been stilted and awkward in places, marred by too-long silences and some very clumsy gestures, but still not bad. Certainly better than their first date had gone, and while that might be a low bar to clear they had still cleared it. He'd been looking forward to a third, hopefully even less awkward date. To have it canceled is... well, disappointing.
At least this doesn't seem personal. Something has come up could mean nearly anything in Deerington and few of them good. ]
That's alright. We can reschedule.
Is it something I can help with?
[ It may not be a date, but Ford's knowledge of Deerington might come in handy. ]
The last date had been... not bad. It had been stilted and awkward in places, marred by too-long silences and some very clumsy gestures, but still not bad. Certainly better than their first date had gone, and while that might be a low bar to clear they had still cleared it. He'd been looking forward to a third, hopefully even less awkward date. To have it canceled is... well, disappointing.
At least this doesn't seem personal. Something has come up could mean nearly anything in Deerington and few of them good. ]
That's alright. We can reschedule.
Is it something I can help with?
[ It may not be a date, but Ford's knowledge of Deerington might come in handy. ]
[ Ozpin's fingers hover over a reflexive No. But he considers.
Stanford is their local expert, and this is not the first time Ozpin has found himself betrayed by tea, or cocoa, or candy. Deerington seems to favor puzzles that have solutions. If there is actually a way to resolve this more neatly than by waiting it out, Stanford may know what it is, and that would be useful knowledge to gain. ]
Possibly, though I find it unlikely. Something I drank seems to have had a sudden and unusual effect.
It's not unlike the effect you witnessed at the hotel ball.
[ His body had been quite abruptly changed then, too, in just as thorough and categorical a way. He had genuinely been less ruffled by that shift than this one. Perhaps he'd be able to take this one in stride, too, if his antlers weren't such a particular shape and didn't itch so feverishly. ]
That situation resolved within a day, and I suspect this will be similar. If there is another way to dispel the magic, I'm unaware of such a cure.
Stanford is their local expert, and this is not the first time Ozpin has found himself betrayed by tea, or cocoa, or candy. Deerington seems to favor puzzles that have solutions. If there is actually a way to resolve this more neatly than by waiting it out, Stanford may know what it is, and that would be useful knowledge to gain. ]
Possibly, though I find it unlikely. Something I drank seems to have had a sudden and unusual effect.
It's not unlike the effect you witnessed at the hotel ball.
[ His body had been quite abruptly changed then, too, in just as thorough and categorical a way. He had genuinely been less ruffled by that shift than this one. Perhaps he'd be able to take this one in stride, too, if his antlers weren't such a particular shape and didn't itch so feverishly. ]
That situation resolved within a day, and I suspect this will be similar. If there is another way to dispel the magic, I'm unaware of such a cure.
[ Enchanted foodstuff, huh? Ozpin is correct that it's not likely that Ford has a solution, but he does have some ideas. And the transformation at the hotel had been a not even slightly unpleasant thing to deal with. This one is obviously a bit more disruptive than that if Ozpin is going so far as to cancel the date, but memories of that pleasant evening spent talking and dancing leave Ford feeling confident that even if he can't fix the problem, he can handle whatever it is. ]
I can't promise any solutions, but I know a few things that might help.
If you're willing to try I can still come over.
[ It's not like he had anything else planned, and it's not like Ozpin isn't a good conversation partner. ]
I can't promise any solutions, but I know a few things that might help.
If you're willing to try I can still come over.
[ It's not like he had anything else planned, and it's not like Ozpin isn't a good conversation partner. ]
[ In the end, he doesn't have to consider it for long. This might be uncomfortable only insofar as Ozpin is uncomfortable with it, for reasons he is not eager to go into.
Then again, Deerington would give him antlers and have him shed velvet on the same day. But a brief visit from Stanford doesn't need to coincide with that; he can continue rubbing away the itch only gently and biting his lip through it. He'd hated this thousands of years ago and he hates it again now. ]
All right.
Come over anytime.
Then again, Deerington would give him antlers and have him shed velvet on the same day. But a brief visit from Stanford doesn't need to coincide with that; he can continue rubbing away the itch only gently and biting his lip through it. He'd hated this thousands of years ago and he hates it again now. ]
All right.
Come over anytime.
[ Well if Ozpin is still agreeing to meeting with him, it's probably not actually debilitating or embarrassing. It's likely just inconvenient, in that case. ]
I'll be over when we originally planned, then. Is there anything I should bring besides my supplies?
I'll be over when we originally planned, then. Is there anything I should bring besides my supplies?
No need. Thank you, Stanford.
[ In the meantime, he will rub at the constant itch, avoid mirrors, and endure it. ]
[ In the meantime, he will rub at the constant itch, avoid mirrors, and endure it. ]
I agree completely. But there's a logical explanation for that.
He's old so you can't expect him to have the coolest, freshest weapon around like my Crescent Rose. That's just not how it works. That's why I have a sniper rifle scythe and he has a pogo stick cane.
[Ruby's logic here is pretty darn sound.] </small. That makes sense, but like, Ironwood's metal body is like super heavy and while Oz is careful, the general isn't really known for that. So like-I just hope Oz is smarter than to let him touch it.
He's old so you can't expect him to have the coolest, freshest weapon around like my Crescent Rose. That's just not how it works. That's why I have a sniper rifle scythe and he has a pogo stick cane.
[Ruby's logic here is pretty darn sound.] </small. That makes sense, but like, Ironwood's metal body is like super heavy and while Oz is careful, the general isn't really known for that. So like-I just hope Oz is smarter than to let him touch it.
[ At Oscar's thanks and follow up question, Ford waves a dismissive hand. ]
No need to worry. If I was in the middle of something important I wouldn't have even answered the phone.
[ He says it cheerfully, like that's not kind of a weird thing to admit to. ]
Now, what was this information you came across?
No need to worry. If I was in the middle of something important I wouldn't have even answered the phone.
[ He says it cheerfully, like that's not kind of a weird thing to admit to. ]
Now, what was this information you came across?
[Ford wasn't one to waste words-- and suddenly, Oscar understood part of why Ozpin liked the man so much. There was no reason to waste breath on unnecessary small talk when something more substantial was to be gained.]
It's something that weird guy, Bill, said to me the other day.
[Oscar said firmly, setting his bag down on the nearby bench and already busying himself with it's contents. He didn't like sitting still if he could avoid it.]
I made sure it was all text so I could share the logs with someone. He says a lot that makes no sense.... but some of it kinda does.
[Pulling out his Fluid, he pulled up the conversation if Ford wanted a look. No one could accuse him of being a naive farmboy after this-- not when he made sure that there was a metaphorical paper trail.]
It's something that weird guy, Bill, said to me the other day.
[Oscar said firmly, setting his bag down on the nearby bench and already busying himself with it's contents. He didn't like sitting still if he could avoid it.]
I made sure it was all text so I could share the logs with someone. He says a lot that makes no sense.... but some of it kinda does.
[Pulling out his Fluid, he pulled up the conversation if Ford wanted a look. No one could accuse him of being a naive farmboy after this-- not when he made sure that there was a metaphorical paper trail.]
[ At the mention of Bill, Ford's expression slips into something somber, wary, and almost resigned. He takes Oscar's phone, scrolls through the conversation, and then passes it back a moment later. ]
He's already spoken to me about most of this, and I can put together the things he hasn't based on other information.
Was there a particular part you were wondering about?
[ Even Ford, with his preexisting knowledge of the multiverse, had found parts of what Bill has been talking about hard to keep up with. He won't be surprised if Oscar's answer is 'all of it'. ]
He's already spoken to me about most of this, and I can put together the things he hasn't based on other information.
Was there a particular part you were wondering about?
[ Even Ford, with his preexisting knowledge of the multiverse, had found parts of what Bill has been talking about hard to keep up with. He won't be surprised if Oscar's answer is 'all of it'. ]
I get what he's talking about with us 'unionizing'.
[Oscar said carefully, pocketing the Fluid as he would his Scroll and shifting uncomfortably on his feet. Everything about the Triangle was confusing and unnerving. He fully understood why Dipper disliked Bill Cipher as much as he did.]
I'm just not getting where he gets the idea that Sodder is the one who wants to kill us. And, a lot of other things too-- but that bothered me.
[He took a deep, steadying breath...]
She's as stuck as all of us are, right? It's not like she's got a choice in all this.
[Oscar said carefully, pocketing the Fluid as he would his Scroll and shifting uncomfortably on his feet. Everything about the Triangle was confusing and unnerving. He fully understood why Dipper disliked Bill Cipher as much as he did.]
I'm just not getting where he gets the idea that Sodder is the one who wants to kill us. And, a lot of other things too-- but that bothered me.
[He took a deep, steadying breath...]
She's as stuck as all of us are, right? It's not like she's got a choice in all this.
[Ford will find a cake at his doorstep along with a hand written note.]
Dear Ford,
I just wanted to thank you for your making my new eye.
Prosthetic.
Thing.
It's working great so far.
10/10 craftsmanship, would recommend to a friend.
Please enjoy this cake.
Your Pal,
R.R.
[The cake is disgusting. The two girls who made it have no right to be in a kitchen of any sort. Ford will likely find gummy worms, aged chocolate chips, M&M's and $3.50 in change baked into the cake.]
Dear Ford,
I just wanted to thank you for your making my new eye.
Prosthetic.
Thing.
It's working great so far.
10/10 craftsmanship, would recommend to a friend.
Please enjoy this cake.
Your Pal,
R.R.
[The cake is disgusting. The two girls who made it have no right to be in a kitchen of any sort. Ford will likely find gummy worms, aged chocolate chips, M&M's and $3.50 in change baked into the cake.]
[Upon dipping into his jellybean stash, Ford will find his precious candy missing and naught but a single note left behind.]
Edited 2021-03-14 21:54 (UTC)
[ The question gets a long pause out of Ford, careful and considering. It's not that Oscar is wrong, exactly, but that feels like too simple a way of looking at it. ]
It's possible, but there are different degrees of being 'trapped'. Sodder certainly controls Deerington to a degree none of us could hope to compete with. But if Bill is right--
[ Ford's tone suggests that he doesn't think it's likely Bill is wrong. ]
--then it's true that those higher powers he mentioned - I've been thinking of them as Agents, like publicity agents - are also trapping Sodder.
The problem is that all of us being prisoners doesn't necessarily mean she has any degree of concern or care for us.
It's possible, but there are different degrees of being 'trapped'. Sodder certainly controls Deerington to a degree none of us could hope to compete with. But if Bill is right--
[ Ford's tone suggests that he doesn't think it's likely Bill is wrong. ]
--then it's true that those higher powers he mentioned - I've been thinking of them as Agents, like publicity agents - are also trapping Sodder.
The problem is that all of us being prisoners doesn't necessarily mean she has any degree of concern or care for us.
Edited 2021-03-17 22:06 (UTC)
Publicity agents...
[It was an uncomfortable thought that called back to the more bizarre elements of his conversation with Bill-- namely that they were all trapped for someone's entertainment. Oscar unconsciously wrapped his arms around his person, uncertainty emanating from his very demeanor.]
...This is all really sad to think about. I was hoping that she might at least have a little say in her playmates and how they're treated.
[Meaning the Dreamers. Oscar had carried a brief discussion on this matter with the Doctor recently as well.]
How do we 'unionize' and not do what they want us to do if we don't even know what they're holding us for?
[It was an uncomfortable thought that called back to the more bizarre elements of his conversation with Bill-- namely that they were all trapped for someone's entertainment. Oscar unconsciously wrapped his arms around his person, uncertainty emanating from his very demeanor.]
...This is all really sad to think about. I was hoping that she might at least have a little say in her playmates and how they're treated.
[Meaning the Dreamers. Oscar had carried a brief discussion on this matter with the Doctor recently as well.]
How do we 'unionize' and not do what they want us to do if we don't even know what they're holding us for?
cw: just assume there's lots more fourth wall stuff from here on
cryptograms
2021-03-19 04:10 pm (UTC)(link)
That's part of the issue. I think she does have a say in how we're treated - but she either can't or chooses not to control her powers. Worse, she might share Mother Superior's belief that we're just figments of her imagination.
[ And hey, maybe they are! Ford doesn't think it's that simple, but it's a possibility that's never far from his mind.
Oscar's last question, though... Ford has an answer, but it's not a comfortable one. ]
Unfortunately, that's something we may need to rely on Bill for. It's going to require a great deal of coordination and knowledge of the multiverse that most people simply don't have.
[ And hey, maybe they are! Ford doesn't think it's that simple, but it's a possibility that's never far from his mind.
Oscar's last question, though... Ford has an answer, but it's not a comfortable one. ]
Unfortunately, that's something we may need to rely on Bill for. It's going to require a great deal of coordination and knowledge of the multiverse that most people simply don't have.
[Oscar sighed, resigned to the truth of the matter-- although he had hoped that it wouldn't be so.]
...Dipper explained a little about your family's association with Bill.
[He ventured, holding his hands up in a pacifying gesture.]
Not any details. Just that it's Bad.
....there's not another option, is there?
...Dipper explained a little about your family's association with Bill.
[He ventured, holding his hands up in a pacifying gesture.]
Not any details. Just that it's Bad.
....there's not another option, is there?
[ Everything has gone wrong. She is here; she is active; her thing is upon them.
He is out of time. Someone must face her, for whatever good it will do. Ruby is already missing; that Qrow hasn't followed in the name of revenge only means he has yet to find her. Ozpin alone has Stanford's compass, the needle pointing neatly across town. He knows she is out there, waiting for him.
The battle will come, and he does not truly expect to walk away from it. So: Ozpin makes a call, and his tone comes grave and low. ]
Stanford. Are you and your family safe?
He is out of time. Someone must face her, for whatever good it will do. Ruby is already missing; that Qrow hasn't followed in the name of revenge only means he has yet to find her. Ozpin alone has Stanford's compass, the needle pointing neatly across town. He knows she is out there, waiting for him.
The battle will come, and he does not truly expect to walk away from it. So: Ozpin makes a call, and his tone comes grave and low. ]
Stanford. Are you and your family safe?
[ Ford is usually the one contacting Ozpin with bad news and warnings about dangerous situations. To have Ozpin open up with not even a warning but instead an immediate inquiry into his family's safety is...
Well. There's a startled silence from Ford, then a faint rustling as he sets aside his current project and digs out his compass. He takes a moment to check it, confirming that all four arrows are pointing where they should, before he finally responds. ]
We are.
[ And then, because he knows Oz isn't asking this out of nowhere: ]
Are you alright?
Well. There's a startled silence from Ford, then a faint rustling as he sets aside his current project and digs out his compass. He takes a moment to check it, confirming that all four arrows are pointing where they should, before he finally responds. ]
We are.
[ And then, because he knows Oz isn't asking this out of nowhere: ]
Are you alright?
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