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Post by Moxie on Aug 2, 2015 1:27:34 GMT
Genesee's Quarters
As the camp has expanded, it has become necessary to separate the camp leader into his own cave to hold private meetings and to speak privately with camp members about Primary roles, problems, and proposed ideas. Used as the leader’s bed chambers as well as receiving office, this cave often sees big decisions made for the future of camp life, goals, and it's members.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 11, 2015 4:10:10 GMT
[Enter Genesee from the Medical Grotto]
Genesee trotted only a few steps before Forte as they strolled down the hall that would take them into his guarded chambers.
As they walked through the narrowing cave tunnels, Genesee used the time to try to get caught up with his most senior instructor. "How have classes been going? Any new lessons you've developed? Any students impressing you?" He gave Forte a grin as he knew the stallion wasn't easily impressed unless true talent emerged.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 11, 2015 6:29:40 GMT
[Enter Forte from Medical Grotto]
"A few have shown promise in ranged combat, and a few have shown an aptitude for stealth. But that's not what I'm here to talk to you about." Forte said. He wouldn't let Genesees genial nature and calm voice catch him off guard. "Permission to speak freely, sir?" He asked, an old habit from his military days rekindled by the militaristic lifestyle of the last few years.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 12, 2015 22:06:18 GMT
Thrown a bit by Forte's shortness and abrupt hurry, Genesee paused for a moment before glancing to the guards outside his quarters and back to Forte. His ears were perked with curiosity, but his gaze was cautious and measured. "Permission granted... but let's get inside first."
He led the way into the chamber without another word. Once they were well inside, the cavern opened into a large cave where a hoofmade desk was positioned in the center with chairs facing it, a large meeting table off to the side, and what looked to be a sleeping area tucked away in a corner. Overall the room looked quite scarce, a bit large for one pony but reasonable enough as a leader's main conference room. However, Genesee disliked it when it wasn't filled with ponies, never enjoying having such an immense space to his own.
Genesee slolwy trotted behind his desk and motioned to Forte to have a seat. "Alright Forte, what's on your mind, son?"
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 14, 2015 0:05:37 GMT
Forte thought for a moment on how he wanted to begin. He had run various scenarios in his head, but since no plan survived contact with the enemy, he decided on his usual blunt, direct approach.
"Sir, it has come to my attention that you have taken something very dear to your daughter without her consent, and blatantly wasted and hoarded a valuable and limited resource for the camp and its inhabitants. I am here do demand that you release it."
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 15, 2015 4:21:34 GMT
Genesee sat silent for a few moments, his face stoic and showing little more then casual thought as he considered what Forte had said.
After some time, Genesee leaned forward and put his forehooves together, exhaling quietly as he thought of how best to start. "Forte, it isnt as easy as that. And you know very well that I would never withhold valuable resources from the ponies under me if I didn't feel it was for a very good reason." Genesee gave him a pointed stare, this was a fact that he would not respect being challenged on, he had proved he always thought of others before himself countless times before.
He went on, keeping a steady lock on Forte's gaze to make sure he listened well to what he was saying. This topic went further than just Forte and his relationship, it was a topic that threatened to tear his daughter away from him if he did not proceed with caution, as well as put lives in danger if he caved. "I can assure you, the paint that was used was not wasted in any sense. It very well served its purpose that it could offer ponykind now." Genesee's eyes flicked over Forte, measuring his body language as he waited for Forte's first reaction.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 15, 2015 9:02:25 GMT
Forte simply stared back. Despite Genesees sincerity, it felt as if Forte was simply being brushed aside. He took a step forward and raised his voice as his emotions started to get the better of him. "The injuries you have healed with Moxies paint could have easily been fixed by normal methods. And we should be figuring out how we can use her offensive paint, instead of hiding it, afraid of what some pony might do with it!"
Then, another thought popped up. It was the reason this issue had prompted Forte to action. Moxie.
"And besides, there is a more important reason you need to return the paints. They. Are. Hers. And they are special to her! They are all that she has left to remind her of a better time, a time before this!" Forte said, gesturing to the caves and the world outside them. He slammed his hoof down. "You took away the one thing that she could look at and remember!" Forte was yelling at this point, his breaths deep and angry.
"She has already lost so much." He began again after a moment. "Her mother, her home, her friends, her pet. Why should she lose anything else? She doesn't deserve that! Nopony does, but especially not her! And you, her own father, not only failed to see that, but you were the one who ripped away the last link to a happier time that she had!" Forte took a step towards Genesees desk, his eyes aflame with passion. "So I say again. I demand that you return what you have taken."
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 18, 2015 22:04:03 GMT
"Forte, I appreciate your concern for my daughter's feelings, but you know very little about this matter. I think you are letting your feelings for her cloud your mind..." Genesee gave Forte a look that reminded him that he was speaking to his commander, the leader of camp, and should do so with respect and care. He understood that the stallion was emotional about the topic, but he would only allow such outbursts for so long. Slamming his hoof down on his desk did little more then tell Genesee that he was allowing himself to get far too worked up about this.
"Her spring paint was needed, we are incredibly short staffed when it comes to medical experience, even the doctor we have is not truly a doctor. And you know full well how severe even a scratch can be out here with the risk of infection. Moxie would not want to be in a position where she was constantly being asked to portion out her paint, how do you think that would make her feel? If she said no, dont you think it would crush her to turn a pony away? Better that I'm the bad guy then making her feel like the bad pony herself, and at least this way I can regulate it better to make it last.
Her fall paint is an entirely different matter. No pony is allowed into camp with weapons more than appropriate self defense items. Poisonous items are turned away or confiscated from any pony. My daughter is no exception. Her fall paint's results are no different then a toxic poison, and whats worse is that it happens without even having to be consumed. There is no way I would allow such a thing to be in camp. And if other ponies knew of what her fall paint could do, what's to stop ponies with ill intent from taking it from her or worse? No, I can't allow her to take on that weighted responsibility, if it fell into the wrong hooves she would never forgive herself and neither would I if she was hurt in order to obtain it. It is stored away for her protection as well as our own."
Genesee hardened his gaze at Forte, his tone turning to that of a leader. "This isn't open for discussion. I have my reasons and I have told you them out of respect to you as a senior member of camp and as our coveted battle instructor. I advise you to avoid reminding Moxie of her sacrifice and instead show her happier things. She needs her friends, and to know that a stallion like you cares." He gave a kurt nod to him, and waited for his reply with a steady gaze.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 19, 2015 1:15:46 GMT
Forte stood defiant, silent. He knew he was right. He knew that taking these paints away from Moxie was wrong. But he couldn't argue any of Genesee's points. They were all airtight arguments. After a tense moment, Forte stood down. He let out a breath and relaxed his muscles, still maintaining a respectful attention.
"Yes sir. Understood." He said simply, sounding defeated. He had his gaze cast down, not meeting his elders eyes.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 21, 2015 21:19:54 GMT
Genesee watched the defeated looking stallion for a few moments, giving him time to speak up if he had anything further to add. After a considerate amount of time, he said in a gentle voice. "I'm glad we were able to clear this up. Will that be all?"
He kept his gaze steady and resorted to the formalities he knew Forte was accustomed to. Inside however, the old leader secretly felt wretched. It seemed like the the tensions between him and his daughter had only gotten worse over the years, and he had truly believed time would heal things. It had come to the point where he felt the need to come to terms that he had to stand by his choice and accept what it meant for his relationship with her. He knew in his heart he was doing what was best for her in the end....right?
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 23, 2015 2:20:00 GMT
Forte appreciated the formalities. They allowed him to take a graceful exit from a less-than-graceful situation. He chided himself silently. He knew better than to let his emotions best him like that...
He snapped off a crisp salute. "Yes sir. Thank you sir." With that, he pulled an about-face and walked out of the office. He didn't go far, however. He wasn't done with this fight. He knew he was right. And he wasn't going to get what he wanted through diplomacy. So, after leaving, he went a ways down the cavern and flew up to the dark roof, perching himself among the stalactites, watching and waiting for Genesee to leave his quarters.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 24, 2015 17:39:37 GMT
Genesee watched Forte leave from his quarters and sighed. He had a feeling Forte wasn't done with this topic, but tried to push the thought away. He would deal with it again if it came up, just like he dealt with any problems in the camp. One at a time, day by day. For now, he focused his attention on continuing his stroll through the caverns to check in on all of his campers.
Getting up and moving away from his desk, Genesee trotted out of his quarters and headed to his next destination in mind.
[Exit Genesee to Common Quarters]
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 24, 2015 21:16:22 GMT
Forte waited just outside, unseen, wings flapping silently as he watched Genesee leave. Once he was sure that the leader of the camp wasn't coming back, he slowly descended and entered Genesee's office once more. He went over to the desk and began quickly skimming through the various papers and books, searching. "There must be something here about where he's keeping those paints..." He whispered.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 24, 2015 23:04:34 GMT
Inside the drawers Forte found little of anything. There were a few small books, a notebook, quills, ink, and some tattered pictures... and what looked to be a small weathered locked box that couldn't hold more than a few small items at most.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 28, 2015 20:44:48 GMT
Forte eyed the lockbox, his curiosity piqued. What could be so special to require its own box? He considered picking the lock. It was simple, and would be pretty easy. "No... I can't." He said, pushing the thought out of his mind. "I can't do that to Genesee..." He squelched his curiosity and began going through all the other books and papers, scanning their pages for any mention of Moxie's paints.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Sept 30, 2015 15:52:37 GMT
The books Forte hooved through were mostly just old stories. One in particular seemed even remotely relevant. It was about the Smoky Mountain's lore. Just glancing through it, Forte would see here and there tales of the titan dragon that was thought to be hiding within its core, the fabled source of the smoke seen shrouding the mountains.
Flipping through his notebook, Forte would see an assortment of notes on individual campers. Many were notes on their personalities, known backgrounds and possible triggers for some who had seen the worst of the war. It also listed advised roles Genesee must have proposed to them after assessing where they would fit best to his knowledge. After this, each camper seemed to have a list of items written out with what they entered camp with, as well as if it was in their possession still or not. Many items had tags if and where the items taken into custody had been stored. Keepsake Cavern.... Armory.... Personnel, Personnel... Keepsake..... Food Reserve.... Armory... each item seemed to be tracked.
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Post by Moonlight Scroll on Sept 30, 2015 18:47:11 GMT
[Enter Moon from Common Quarters and Gathering Nook]
Suddenly and almost without warning, the camp (so to speak) doctor would enter the cave that belonged to the camp leader, stressed but at least with a purpose now. "Right, now all I need is the-" He stopped himself, both in his speech and in his movement as his eyes fell onto the pegasus currently involved with searching through the leaders things. Moon was... confused. Why was Forte looking through Genesee's things? And at a time like this?
After a few moments of silence, where he stood still, watching with his mouth slightly agape, he finally aired his thoughts at the pegasus. "F...Forte? What are you doing?"
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Post by Forte Fermata on Sept 30, 2015 19:21:54 GMT
Forte jumped, the paper that was in his hooves flying. "Gah!" He jumped to his hooves and took a defensive stance before realizing who it was. "Moon! What are you doing here?" He asked, ignoring Moon's question.
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Post by Moonlight Scroll on Oct 1, 2015 15:23:28 GMT
The unicorn huffed a but response, but almost instinctively (a habit that he had caught from his time as a librarian) caught the notebook that went flying, feeling a bit defensive himself at the accusation thrown his way. Not to mention the fact that Forte hadn't answered... though, this could be because he was surprised... Maybe. All in all, Moon was cautious with the pegasus from now on.
"What am I doing here? I am here to get Genesee's notebook. Archiemedes is acting... peculiar, so I need to see it. So you wouldn't have seen-" He paused however as he noticed what book it was that he had caught, quickly turning to look at Forte again, confusion and some slight accusation in his eyes as he realizes that this is what Forte had been holding. "...What were you doing with this?" He asks carefully, his pose tensing up a bit.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Oct 2, 2015 4:34:41 GMT
Forte tensed up, but then relaxed. Moon had only been in camp for a year, but various training accidents meant that Forte paid him plenty of visits, and Forte felt he could trust the medical pony. "I'm trying to find where Genesee is hiding Moxie's paints. I'm trying to get them back for her." He said plainly, hoping that that was enough.
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Post by Moonlight Scroll on Oct 2, 2015 21:30:30 GMT
The unicorn frowned more at hearing the source for Forte's slightly questionable behaviour. He had heard about this "magical paint" that had been used before he had arrived at the camp, owned by Moxie and... "confiscated" by Genesee. "And the source of their relationship turning sour nowadays..." He mentally noted with a sigh and slight shake of his head. And now Forte was going to "get them back" for her. "Forte I..." He started, feeling conflicted about how to handle this. "You... do realize that this is a really bad idea, right? I mean... This isn't going to solve anything. You know that right?"
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Post by Forte Fermata on Oct 3, 2015 4:28:52 GMT
"No!" Forte burst out, stomping a hoof. He quickly calmed, though. 'Come on Forte, you've already embarrassed yourself today...'
"Look... You've only been here for what, a year? You haven't hit this point yet, but down here, where everything is shared and rationed, a pony needs something that is solely theirs. Something that they can hold on to, and remember how things used to be... Without something like that, a pony starts to break down. It eats at them. You didn't see her earlier..." Forte looked at the ground, frowning as he remembered Moxies reaction when she explained that her paints were taken from her. "She needs these paints back. They're all she has!" He said, losing his calm demeanor as he went, getting more and more passionate.
"I know it's wrong. I know that It's a bad idea. But I've seen what can happen when ponies are forced to share everything. And I can't let that happen to Moxie." He took a step towards Moon. "I am going to get these paints for her. At least some... I may only take a vial, I don't know yet. But I'm going to do it." Forte held out a hoof towards Moon. "I need that book. Only for a moment. I need to see where they are. Then you can take it, and we can forget this happened." His faces softened. "Please. If not for me, than for her."
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Post by Moonlight Scroll on Oct 3, 2015 16:32:38 GMT
Moon was conflicted by this. On one hoof, what Forte said, about Moxie and ponies needing something to remind them of how things were and so on, it made sense. He wasn't being completely unreasonable here, even though he might be getting a slight bit too over-passionate about it. And Moon had seen how it was between Moxie and Genesee too, as soon as just a little while ago... He wanted to help Moxie, there was no mistake about it. But on the other hoof, he wanted to help Genesee too. While the older pony might be much better at hiding it than his daughter, Moon knew that their strain was tearing at him as well. And besides that, the leader had trusted him to go into his room and get his notebook to help Archiemedes... could he really betray his trust like that and give it to Forte so easily?
Moon looked at Forte's outstretched hoof uneasily, his inner conflict rather apparent. He sighed rather audibly, wishing things were easier... which of course did little to help him. "I..." He started, talking rather slowly as he attempted to make sense of what he was thinking. "...I... know, this must seem like the best course of action for you but..." He paused again, looking about the cave as he tried to find the right words. "...But have you really thought this through? I mean, won't this cause more problems than it will fix? What if Genesee finds out, right? What then? And... will this really fix the problem? I'm not too sure that just returning the paint to Moxie will solve everything... I... think... that there is more to it than that."
He sighed and shook his head, cursing himself slightly for not being more eloquent than this. "Look, I want to help Moxie, really, I do, but I can't just go behind Genesee's back to do that. It doesn't feel... right. We have to think this through." He frowned as he also suddenly recalled what had brought him into the office in the first place. "And this really isn't the right time for this. I need this right now. I... I have already too too long..." He says, and looks back towards the entrance worriedly, partially because of what he had just mentioned, but also partially because he was worried if he was making the right decision.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Oct 3, 2015 17:23:46 GMT
"Moon, this is my decision. Not yours. I've already made it." Forte said sternly. "Just give me the book for a second. I'll look up what I need, and you can take it on your way." Forte sighed. "I know this isn't the best decision, but it is the right one. If I only take a vial, instead of all of it, will that ease your conscience?"
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Post by Moonlight Scroll on Oct 4, 2015 18:16:09 GMT
Moon couldn't help but frown and feel a bit defensive at the sternness in Forte's claim, and surely this couldn't be his decision only? It was Moon that held the book after all, and the decision for what to do with it would be his then, right? He contemplates for a few moments, wishing there was more time to really think this through but ultimately decided to hold through with his decision for now, hoping to Celestia that it was the right one.
"Forte, no, you don't get it, I... I can't just let you have it now. I would betray Genesee by doing that... Dammit, I should be telling him about all of this!" He said, gesturing vaguely at Forte. "But... But I wont. For your and... Moxie's sake. What you are doing now is... too rash. So I will be taking this." At that, he turned his body around towards the exit, slowly starting to leave while still looking at Forte. "But... hm... seek me out later. We will... we will figure something out. Something that will leave everypony happy without having to go behind some pony's back." He says, giving Forte a hopeful, almost begging look.
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Post by Forte Fermata on Oct 5, 2015 0:01:19 GMT
Forte took a step forward, like he was going to say something. He considered taking the book. He probably could have easily. He had surprise and a superior physical build on his side. He took the step back. He couldn't do that, that would be too far. Instead, Forte sighed.
"Okay... I... Thank you. For not ratting me out." He was silent for a moment. "I guess I'll see you around?" He said, sounding defeated.
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Post by Moonlight Scroll on Oct 5, 2015 21:31:53 GMT
Moon was relieved to see and hear that Forte finally saw his point, glad that this was "over" for now at least. Upon seeing the defeated look of the pegasus, he felt a little guilty about but managed to muster up a careful and hopefully supportive smile for him either way. "We will do just that Forte. And no problem."
He then startled a little as he remembered the reason for coming here (again) and with notebook floating beside him he turned and headed for the exit. "Ah, right. Sorry, I got to go now. Been taking too long already." He said, giving Forte one last glance before exiting the cave.
[Exit Moon to Common Quarters and Gathering Nook]
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Post by Forte Fermata on Oct 10, 2015 1:37:50 GMT
Forte plopped down on his rump, defeated. "Dammit..." He said to himself. He looked back at the desk and considered satisfying his curiosity with the lock box, but his encounter with Moon dampened that impulse. Instead, he he quietly put everything back the way it was, decided he should go search for Moxie, then left.
[exit Forte]
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Post by Genesee Rover on Oct 20, 2015 2:00:14 GMT
[Enter Genesee from the Commons]
Genesee sighed as he entered his chambers, almost slightly surprised not to see somepony waiting for him inside. It had ended up being quite a busy morning and was already passing sunhigh outside. He trotted by his desk and moved towards the farthest end of his cave where his bed and more personal items were situated. With a groan, he lowered his achy body onto the soft feather and straw bed and allowed himself a moment to close his eyes and think. His body was aging, but he was still very strong. Using his strength against the saber from earlier had surely taken a toll on him today, and he chalked up the muscle soreness to that instead. Age was a state of mind, not a death sentence. He assured himself, he still had plenty of time left. Plenty of time to see to it that these ponies get a life they deserve, and to try to find the happiness his daughter had lost somehow again for her. Somehow.
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Post by Genesee Rover on Nov 27, 2015 19:58:05 GMT
It didnt take long for Genesee's deep thoughts to change into dreams. The old stallion slept for some time, a much needed recharge for the day. Eventually, his eyes blinked open and he sat up, a bit worried he had slept too long. Moving off the comfort of his bed, Genesee trotted into the main receiving area of his quarters. It was time he documented Trixie's arrival. Moving to his desk, Genesee opened the top drawer and searched for the small book that documented every newcomer.
When his hoof found nothing, his mind clicked back to earlier. Moon must still have it from the troubles with Archie. Nodding to himself, he sighed and headed out of his chambers to go retrieve it from Moon and with any luck, grab a bite to eat.
[Exit Genesee to the Medical Grotto]
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