To describe Gatto's ambition as a "plan" was, well, being very generous. Gatto had, after all, been wandering around old stomping grounds, being generally bored and itching for a fight like an under-stimulated zoo animal. (Which, frankly, was a good visual on what the Agate considered themself to be.)

... They were going to do their best to, er, avoid admitting that their "plan" had gotten as far as, "stay alive until you find some like-minded, capable guys to gang up with"... But, hey, check one and check two. They were well on their way in their plan, weren't they?

... would Garnet Five-Seven-Nine, maybe... The thought drifted through their mind, thinking about the other Champions. Many of them slipped past, but Garnet... Garnet had always reminded them of themself, two sides of the same coin.

Regardless, Archimedes's plan was much more structured, planned out and thorough. It was a plan of action, of society-forming. (And isn't that what Gatto wanted to see? A society, one that matched up with their worldview? One of freedom, and mutual respect.)

Moreover, this was a plan that Gatto could work with. Many could work with. There was the possible, well, 'morality' to consider, but Gatto hadn't survived this long without getting their talons dirty, and they had come to terms with that many, many iterations ago. As far as they were concerned, this was more than fair game.

It also didn't seem to involve backstabbing, excessive cruelty, and suffocating loneliness. A group that worked together to become invaluable.

"A brilliant idea, Archimedes. No notes!" Gatto chirped brightly. "It is the nature of animals to see to their own needs and wants. We could provide a genuine service, and control the costs. The more we benefit the caves, the more we benefit in return. It's simple, but brilliant."

Not to mention, it would give Gatto something to actually do with themselves.

"Who else has show interested? I may see if I can find some old contacts, though their loyalty might lay elsewhere... They would still make valuable allies."

@Archimedes

He tried not to cringe. It was nothing that Gatto said; it was, rather, the answer he'd have to give. Everything up until that final question had bolstered his hope, giving him the idea that perhaps this Champion would be exactly what he--what they--needed. But that question...

He'd have to admit the truth, there. But he tried to put a positive spin on it, at least. "I have only just started sounding others out," he began, "but thus far, a pair of cats--one quite large, one relatively small; and a bipedal predator creature." He wasn't quite sure how to describe Deli. But, either way, he hastened to turn the "ah, really nobody" around: "I imagine that if you have others you might contact, that would aid us greatly, and I will intensify my search, too. I admit I wasn't hoping to find someone so valuable so soon," he added, hoping that added touch of flattery might help to smooth things over and to explain. (If, even, the Champion cared that this wasn't already an enormous organization.)

"Do you know of the tunnel that leads between Cepheus--the palace cave--and the snowy mountain cave, Ursa? I was thinking it might be perfect for us. Not many travel through Ursa, and Cepheus offers a great deal in terms of amenities," he reasoned. But his tone was clear: he was open to suggestions.

"If that sounds viable to you, I was proposing to the others that we meet there in a few days' time. It would give us a place to gather, and a chance to get to know one another, and to plan our further steps from there. What do you think?"

@Agate Two-Three-Six

Gatto was surprised: not with the how small the group was, but how many numbers had already shown interest. Felines, and a bipedal creature. With Archimedes and themself, that made five strong. The rat may have faltered in his confidence, but Gatto had faced much, much worse odds and come out on top.

If they could prove loyal to their cause, that was a wonderful start. It might even be enough to sway some of the more uncertain to their side, if everyone had a strong enough conviction. The cockatrice nodded along as Archimedes continued, explaining the plan in further detail.

Gatto was, if anything, eager to be getting in on the ground floor. They could officially be one of the founding members... and perhaps, Archimedes's right-pawed-bird.

"I wonder if a more central location would benefit us further," Gatto stated, more thinking aloud than offering any actual critique. "Then again, we could always have meeting points and smaller locations spread out through the caves, for convenience-- especially in Polaris's connecting tunnels... If we did, then having a smaller, off-the-beaten path location would benefit us. It would give us the benefits of the Palace," (which Gatto had heard of in passing, but never been) "while also providing a safe haven for ourselves and our goods while we build a name for ourselves..."

And so, Gatto had convinced themself that Archimedes's idea was sound, while offering up a potential solution to the drawback they found.

"At any rate, it will work for our meet-and-greet," the cockatrice squawked, though it would mean quite the adventure. How fun! "You can count on me to be there. I'll see if I can garner any interest, in the meanwhile."

@Archimedes

Archimedes listened. Part of him was disappointed, admittedly; he'd rather settled on the tunnel, and for the very reason that it was out of the way. But if many of them wanted something somewhere more central, well-...

He nodded, acquiesing to the demands of questionable democracy.

"Bring any specific ideas you may have--for a different location, or otherwise--for this first meeting. We can always discuss that. You have a point," he added.

"And I think your judgment aligns enough with mine that your decisions on whom to bring will be good. Normally I'd suggest to ensure it's someone who will stay loyal, but..." Archimedes gave an amused little shrug. Gatto struck him, indeed, as someone whose values were relatively well aligned to what he needed.

He studied them, for a moment, and then nodded. "I am glad that we have met; it's been... fortuitous. Until we meet again--travel safely, Gatto."

It seemed a normal enough time to depart--as short as the conversation may have been--so Archimedes turned the Charger, preparing to depart. "Unless you've anything else to ask, or say?"

@Agate Two-Three-Six

Gatto looked forward to this meeting, taking a deep breath that fluffed up their chest plumage with satisfaction. They would have to ruminate on their ideas, but they were eager to hear what other plans would come from this gathering of like-minded individuals...

At the mention of loyalty, a cantankerous laughter erupted from the cockatrice, taking pride in Archimedes's cautious good nature. They would take it as a compliment, gulping air before reassuring their new friend, "You don't survive Hydra's trials without knowing who to lend your trust to." Gatto cooed, their tail swaying behind them as they reflected on foggy, half-memories from the distant past.

"You as well," they nodded, head bobbing as they took an indecisive half-step, moving in an aimless direction for a heartbeat before they gave one last look toward Archimedes.

Gatto raised a wing high toward the cavern roof, sweeping forward in a low bow. A thought had occurred to them, and a confidence blazed through their tone-- faltering only briefly as they stumbled through their farewell: "Allow me to bid you adieu, until next time we meet, Archimedes the... Ah, the Keen." It was a title that fit the small, clever rat-- one who's sharp eyes and razor wit had brought them together.

At least, that was what Gatto thought. Hopefully, their new ally would take it in stride. If not, well, the thought was what counted, wasn't it?

@Archimedes

Archimedes peered, for a moment. ...The Keen?

"Thank you," he answered smoothly, after a moment. "I doubt I can call you much that would surpass Champion." -Flattery? "And when we meet again, you shall have to tell me about that... if you are willing, of course. It sounds fascinating. But--until then, indeed--adieu."

Archimedes had no fucking idea what adieu meant. He had some vague inkling that it must have meant goodbye, but it sounded nice and sophisticated and so he immediately adopted it into his personal lexicon.

He then turned the Charger fully away, and--perched atop its head--rode it in slithering curves off into Orion's dim light.

exit Archimedes
@Agate Two Three Six

Gatto watched their newfound friend leave with their chin raised, dignity held in check until they were alone once more. The bachelor life had never quite suited them, and it was with a ping of sadness that they would have to wait to see the little rat again.

Waiting, as it turned out, was not something Gatto was bred for. They instead turned toward the backstage, figuring the best thing to do before they began their journey for the distant tunnel would be to collect some good snacks.

They did the complicated gesture to enter, the sound of strange music buzzing in their ears. It wouldn't be particularly easy to carry too much food with them, but they did find a container of popcorn that it could clutch in their beak. Satisfied with that, they ate several more corndogs to stock up for the journey.

If they could find some old friends in the meanwhile, that would be good too...

exit gatto <3