All those empty storage spaces (open!)

[Cloud]

The elder eyed the young tom calculatingly. Of course she didn't want to join his Clan - if it even existed - but perhaps he could join theirs. Or more accurately, Spiderstripe's and Woodstripe's.

They would certainly be pleased if she came back with two new members. One was good, but two was better. They needed to be stronger. Especially if the cons attacked. She shuddered at the thought. And these toms looked like capable warriors. Well, the one who'd called out looked more like an apprentice, but nevermind.

"I am in a Clan attempt called the Experiment, young tom, and my name is Dottedfoot. This is Littlestorm, who is joining once we find the leader, Spiderstripe. You could join, too - we are numerous, strong, and once the Experiment is over and the leader and deputy have made their observations, there will be a real Clan. So, do you want to join us? We could use a strong young cat like you."

There was no flattery, it was the truth. She hoped he would agree.

"Also, what's your name?"

[Gosh]

Spiderstripe's attempts to get some of the members of the Experiment who had disappeared back together hadn't gone well. She hadn't been able to find Speckledclaw, Bat-tail, Orangestorm, and quite a few others. Most importantly, she hadn't seen Redstream, her deputy, in some time. She hoped nothing untoward had happened to her.

Oh well; she had tried. Idly wondering if Woodstripe's hunt was going well, Spiderstripe padded up to Dottedfoot, seeking the comfort in a familiar face. She heard the last part of what she was saying and turned to see who she was speaking to.

Dullpaw. She could hardly keep from growling - but she was the leader, she had to be civilized. So she limited herself to saying, "No.. I don't really think we could use him. He's -" Unable to find a civilized word to suit him, she just sighed.

[Cloud]

The old she-cat was shocked. Surely the leader wasn't refusing? Okay, maybe she'd had some bad history with him. But he was barely more than a kit; surely he couldn't have done anything that bad. And that's what being a Clan was about, anyway; second chances. She was getting one. Why not him?

"But Spiderstripe, we need as many cats as we can get! Trust me, I've listened to the cons. They're vicious and horrible - ready to wipe us out as soon as we start making a real Clan. We need warriors. Besides, everyone deserves a second chance."

She thought for a moment and then added, "And if you don't let him join, at least let Littlestorm here join. He's a good Clanner, and willing."

[Gosh]

ooc| Dullpaw's really an adult, if I remember correctly.

bic|

Spiderstripe hesitated. She could see what her harsh, haughty words had done to the elder, and she didn't want to lose Dottedfoot's respect. And, while she didn't believe that Dullpaw would reform -

Well, it wasn't like he had done something evil. It was just that he was so full of himself. She could allow him to join, just to show that she didn't hold grudges. Of course, whatever happened next would show Dottedfoot just how annoying Dullpaw was.

But. When he had last tried to join the Experiment, he had tried ruthlessly to be leader, and then deputy. No one had been sad to see him go. She really didn't want to bring him back again.

Perhaps... She turned her gaze to the tom Dottedfoot called Littlestorm. "It's nice to meet someone new," she meowed. "I'm Spiderstripe. Would you like to join the Experiment?"

Now, for the problem of Dullpaw. "Why, hello again, Dullpaw," she meowed, trying to keep her voice amiable. "The last time you and I saw each other, you were demanding to be leader or deputy. We have a leader and a deputy of our Experiment at the moment, but perhaps you would be satisfied with being a normal Clan warrior?" She expected him to refuse, to show his hot-headedness or demand to have a high position. And if he did, Dottedfoot would realize how annoying he was and that would be that.

'Wait,' she thought. 'No, it won't be. Because Dottedfoot is a better cat than I am. She believes in second chances and trusts that a stranger she's just met and doesn't know anything about is a good cat. That used to be me,' she realized sadly. 'My heart has hardened. When did that happen? A good leader is compassionate...'

Preoccupied with this train of thought, Spiderstripe completely ignored the first part of Dottedfoot's argument; that the cons were planning something...

[Rebecca]

Littlestorm followed Dottefoot closely, casting weary glances around him. It seemed that they were attracting multiple cats, cats whom he had never seen before in his life. Were these Clanners, cons, crazies...?
The unknown was something that scared him. However it seemed that Dottedfur trusted them enough not to be put on edge and not to unsheath her claws, so they were probably alright. But that didn't stop Littlestorm from thinking otherwise until he was proved wrong.
This Dullpaw only added to Littlestorm's concerns. Were there two Clans? Were they at war?Was Littlestorm joining the right one? Hopefully he was, and it sounded like he was from Dottedfoot's attempt to persuade Dullpaw to join them.

Then another cat came to them, however Dottedfoot received this cat with respect and warmth. She appeared to be someone Littlestorm could trust.
"Yes, it is indeed nice to meet someone new. I would be happy to join the Experiment if you'll have me."
He meowed politely, adding a smile to hopefully seal the deal.