Forgiveness and Plans

"You really need to learn better bed time stories, Jack." - Raina

The next day, Raina's irritation at having been left out of all the latest planning and new information has not lessened. She takes off on her own to do some of her own training. The workout helps calm her nerves and enable her to sort out her emotions and feelings to bring herself back under control. It is enough that when Jack contacts her later about some new developments, she feels somewhat ready to face the others again. She heads back to base and walks into the meeting.

Raina continues to hide her hurt behind cool indifference as she listens to them talk. Sensing that Raina's anger is centered around the fact that she loathes being "behind the times" in information (a true sense of failure for a werecat), Jack brings it to the forefront in stating that they have been leaving Raina out of the loop and should try not to do so in the future. The group apologizes and Grim offers hugs to make up for it.

Talk then turns to developing plans against John's planned attack the next day. Rusty mentions that they should gather other SGs to aide them, an idea that is liked by everyone else. Jack and Raina state that they will go to Galaxy to scout the area and try to figure out how John will most likely attack it. Then another pressing matter is brought up.

Earlier that day, Project White Melody had approached Grim, stating her desire to join them. Given the bad history she has with most of the group, emotions are divided over the idea. Raina herself is aware that they likely need all the help they can get, but she is not willing to forgive Melody over being collared. The matter is put to vote and its a near deadlock, 4 no, 3 yes. Jack regales them with a tale about a woman and a snake, ending with the snake biting and killing the woman, who should have known better than to pick it up. Eventually, it is decided for Jack and Shadow to "interview" her thoroughly and vote again.

That decided, the group splits up to prepare for the next day. Raina and Jack head to Galaxy to scout. They find, disturbingly, that the giant statue of Galaxy Girl could likely be toppled over onto the Freedom Corps' building. However, there is a ray of hope in that the building itself is surrounded by large open areas and steep climbs. They will likely be able to see any attack coming. Ashley voices a concern over the comms about John possibly using the sewers. Jack responds that the traverseable sewers do not extend this far, but Raina says she'll check them tomorrow.

As they finish scouting, Raina overhears a broadcast of a supergroup recruiting "those who would stand against evil". Seizing the opportunity, Raina wastes no time in opening a comm frequency with the man, Master Thorn (memory might be failing me, I'll have to double check this), and strikes up a conversation. She apologizes for the short notice, but tells him of the planned attack on city hall. He responds that while his group is small and busy, they might be able to spare a fighter or two, "My second will most likely take the job." Raina leaves him with her comm frequency as she and Jack decide to head back to base.

On the way back, Jack questions Raina on her childhood, saying that he was curious and had never asked. Raina saddens, but answers, telling Jack about the trials and pains of growing up as a "royal" werecat of her Pride. He is shocked and horrified when she reveals that her own sister, Raisa, killed their youngest siblings when they failed to learn to control their cats. Raina goes on to tell him the werecat "way" of forever seeking perfection and strength. Jack expresses his sorrow that she had to suffer so much as a child, but says he understands now why Raina is so tough.

When asked if those beliefs were still her own, Raina responds with, "I left didn't I?" He then asks her if she wants to have children. Raina affirms that she does desire to have children of her own, but states that they are not a necessity. She goes further to say that she cannot afford to get pregnant with John hunting for them as he does, "I don't think we can afford to lose me as a fighter.. and you know John would use it against us." Jack is saddened, but agrees that they should wait until after these threats are gone. Reaffirming their love, the two head to bed to get ready for the next day's trials.

"So will you sing for our children?"
"I will." -Jack and Raina