NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: OOC thread located here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=412940). Please keep OOC comments brief or place them in the OOC thread. Questions should also go to the OOC thread, as should tags; I will link to this thread from the OOC thread. All are invited, scheming and revelry are encouraged, but please don't kill one another without asking all parties involved first.

IC:

Torokara - 7 June 2007 - 3:30 pm

The midafternoon sun glinted off the metallic surface of Torokara. The capital was looking more glorious than ever, since the completion of the Garden Project, which had brought in much-needed greenery to a silver and white city. The construction of the Observation Rings, one at 500 meters elevation, and other at 800, allowed not only for a place to bask in the summer sunlight, but also to get away from the chaos that a city of 200 million is liable to generate. And unlike the metal city, the rings were constructed of a translucent material; one could see the ocean below, the sky above, and the other ever-growing cities of Krioval in the distance.

Torokara bustled in the June heat. Even the thugs in the slums in level one were plotting something that day, though some were more worried than others. "Look guys, I wouldn't screw with that group over there," one said. "They've got the weird marks. 'Raijin's Army', I'd bet my life."

"Yeah, Jimmy, but would you bet your girlfriend's sweet, hot..."

"Yo." The sound descended like a hammer. One of the strangely tattooed boys walked toward them. "Hope you're not plannin' anything dangerous over here," he said ominously. "I'd hate you not bein' able to go to the big party." He smiled, but not to reassure the other group. "Play nice." With that, he motioned to the rest of his gang, as if to say "let's get going." They did, soundlessly.

"Damn! Those guys scare the shit outta me!"

"You're scared of your own shadow! All talk, those ones." Deep down, though, the gang leader knew better. Raijin's Army, the newest and most visible gang in Torokara, had made a name for themselves in less than two months. Rumors circulated that they were even under the direct leadership of Commander Dekker, and that they moved at his will. Whatever the case, the mere possibility of winding up in front of Raijin, and on his bad side, were typically enough to keep the more criminal element at bay. After all, the gang called the "Bloody Killers", which terrorized sector four, had been miraculously outed and arrested in the same day about two weeks earlier. The Festival was provoking a rise in security, and most street toughs were smart enough to keep on the side of the law for June.
-------------------
On the third level, Maria noted with some satisfaction the upswing in business that preceded the Festival of Fighters. Sales in sportswear had been slow over the winter, due to the excessive rainfall, and in the spring, people were more concerned with the prospect of war with Farmina. Maria sighed. "As if the first time wasn't enough. And I know there'll be a third time! Gods!" And so she had groused through the middle of May.

Then (thank the Gods!) the Torokara Slashers broke out of their six-year slump and actually started beating the other soccer teams out there. First came the minor victories, like over the Valak Avalanche, but then a few mid-ranked foreign teams handed the Slashers a victory here and there. To a city desperate for their home team to win even a couple games, the dam broke. Suddenly Torokarans were clamoring for anything with Johan Solhan or Tevak Salazar stamped on it. Her best friend Jenny, who lived across the street on level four from her, had even given into the speculation that Solhan and Salazar were going to be featured at the Festival for bringing life back into Kriovalian soccer. Maria didn't much care about those details, though, as the frenzied look on her customers' faces for "Johan and Tevak" were akin to the long-searched for secret of alchemists. The money was a torrent, and would likely last for the rest of the season.
----------------
Continuing up the levels of the great city, Parliament was oblivious to both the atmosphere of celebration and the gorgeous weather, instead focusing on the latest budget analyses for water regulation. Kara Tyvok, the Speaker and senior Senator, had struggled to remain conscious in the wake of an arduous speech by Representative Krodan, from Valak, who insisted that the regulations be worded "just so", threatening filibuster otherwise. Kara had gone from mildly bemused to indulgent to plain exhausted after three hours of continuous "debate". She resisted the temptation to throw her gavel at the loquacious Senator, though she finally gave into the temptation to ask the man exactly how long he intended to keep all Parliament on this issue, especially when the backlog was now almost four days in length. All Kara had to do was to insinuate that Parliament would be held during the Festival to cause near-total uproar, and ten minutes later, the regulations that Krodan had devised passed with unanimity. I just hope Raijin doesn't decide to veto this, she thought, though she mentally conceded that the man was far too busy to scrutinize water usage legislation.

The Representatives and Senators collectively looked forward, as if children in a classroom awaiting dismissal after a truly boring lesson. Kara, however, was not done, and she had noted it was barely four in the afternoon. "Sorry guys," she said. "We've still got the religious buildings fund to go through today. Better order dinner in." She offered a weak smile. It was going to be a long couple of weeks, organizing and delegating responsibilities for the first Festival of Fighters in almost thirty years.
------------------
Finally, at the pinnacle of Torokara, almost one kilometer above the ocean that surrounded the city, the Commander himself was preparing a statement to all nations, near and far. Ultimately satisfied, he sent out the following:

Greetings and best wishes to all nations. It has been quite a long time since Krioval has held an international festival, and I apologize for being remiss in restoring our ancient tradition. Thus, I welcome all, leaders and citizens alike, from all nations, to partake in Krioval's five-hundredth Festival of Fighters. Enclosed with this transmission are the highlights. If an official government delegation wishes to attend, please contact me as soon as possible. Otherwise, Krioval opens our hospitality to all citizens of the universe.

Lord Raijin Dekker Darklighter, the Light
Commander of Krioval
High Paladin of Solokaro

He watched with delight as the message dissolved from his viewscreen and was transmitted to the furthest reaches of both Earth and space. "This is going to be great!"

~A single transport starship swooped into the system as it made its way to the planet where the festival was being held. There were several hundred officers, crewmen/women, pilots, and soldiers that were given shore leave from the first battle with Cassiopeia Galaxy. Their spirits ranged from drowned, loosing friends and loved ones would have that effect, to inquisitive and excited, at meeting this new culture. Among their ranks were about a dozen of the Blue Guard, why the young nobles of the First House decided to leave their territory was beyond some of the commoners.~

"I have heard that night during the festival is, how should I put this... carefree."

~A female voice arouse from among the group, she brushed away several strands of hair from her eyes while looking at her reflection in a gold inlay mirror. She wore the decretive armored robes of the First House, similar to the man who sat next to her.~

"Indeed, but do not be so hasty to join in these aspects of this event. Your judgment might be clouded... sister."

~His tone always dropped when he acknowledged that they were related. Although he was the eldest and by right inherited the lordship when their father passed the torch, their father always favored his daughter over his son. His responsibilities restricted his freedom and he was jealous and resentful over his sister's lack of obligations.~

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/azureink/PCPortrait03_284_300.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/azureink/PCPortrait01_284_300.jpg

On Board the Valkerie, a scout ship.

"Computer, scan memory banks for anything interesting in local culture."
"But you have work to do."
"Bitch, bitch. Just do it, I have the time."
"Yes Sir," the computer replied sullenly, "Let's see, there a the water festival, a art exibit and something called a festival of fighters."
"Head there it sounds interesting."

"Krioval landing station, this is the pilot of the Valkerie, I request permission to land and attend the Festival of Fighters."

A female voice responded quickly. "Welcome, Valkerie. You are cleared to the Space Station Valiyos for docking and inspection. Transport to the surface will be arranged momentarily. Enjoy your stay in Krioval."

As the Valkerie, docked with the Space Station Valiyos, Jason flipped on the artificial gravity, so he would be re-oriented. As he got out of the craft he yelled up at the ship "Now behave yourself and don't do anything to get me shot, ya hear."

Torokara Central Command - 10 June 2007 - 10:30 am

"Looks like people are starting to show up for this. Guess we have to have it after all," Raijin laughed. "Wonder if I'm up to it, at my age."

"Yeah," Kiv said, elbowing the Commander lightly in the ribs. "Thirty-eight today, huh. Well, if I had to guess, I'd say you've still got enough...energy?"

In walked the Director of Security. "Yo, Raijin. Got you a little present." The gigantic grin on Darvek's face immediately put the Commander on his guard.

"What is it this time?" He unwrapped the package, and found himself staring at a doll. A Raijin-shaped doll. It had a pull string. Letting curiosity overwhelm trepidation, Raijin pulled on it.

The doll performed a martial arts move, and said, "Valiyos, be strong!" The inflection of the doll's voice matched the Commander's exactly.

"Darvek? Where'd you get this?! I mean...ya know?!"

The Director looked back at Raijin. "Try it again."

The Commander did so. "...ya know?"

Kiv Andros, the Director of all of Krioval's military, had been watching in a bemused state until the doll's second comment, which reduced him to a heap on the floor, overcome with laughter. "Gods!" he exclaimed, attempting to catch enough breath to complete a simple sentence. "That's hilarious!"

Raijin looked at the other two, and then noticed that Koro was also struggling to not collapse in hysterics. He sighed loudly. "You know that they're not going to stop with pull-string Raijins," he said with a small note of satisfaction.

"Yeah," Koro said, "but can they really match *this*?" He pulled the string a third time.

"There is chaos to fight!" the too-cheerful voice of the pullstring Raijin said, kicking empty space in front of it.

"Can't wait 'til I'm forty," Raijin said sarcastically. "Work time. Got a big party to plan, ya know."

He could hear, as he walked away, the sound of the string being pulled again. "...ya know."

Torokara

Akina Suzuki was early, passing Krioval's customs without too many problems (Being the unarmed civilian she was, there shouldn't have been any problems, but a few bits of shiny implants, hidden inside her body, or looking as if they were natural when they replaced skin, tended to bother the occasional, tight airport security) and only a little bit of mutual amusement at the small number of insignificant, yet odd missunderstandings.

Well, it was done and forgotten, and with her small service drone sitting on her right shoulder (By now, floaty drones were a possibility, but they were still kinda expensive, and while Akina had been able to pay for the flight, (Barely so, but she just had to get away from the mountains of corpses in out-sisgardian DA, and Sisgardian DA was not something she could enjoy, with the civil war still raging, taking far longer than initially expected), she couldn't really afford everything.

Summer. She wore a light sundress, not too revealing (It wasn't her style), but nonetheless nice-looking, blue, like the sky. Like the ocean. Like her, if she could get her hands on sufficient amounts of alcohol.

"Impressive." She said, to nobody in particular, paying no attention to the groups of (Apparently excited) passerby's, looking down towards the ocean, standing at the edge of the second observation ring.

"Hm?"

"Oh, nothing... The city, everything."

"Really?" The drone (Vaguely hawk-shaped, though lacking the potentially painful application of talons) answered, slightly surprised. "I wouldn't think so. Last I checked, our highest buildings reach three times the size of theirs, and given that the entirety of our islands is urbanised, the sheer size isn't too impressive, eit-"

"Oh, shut up, silly thing!" Akina laughed, annoyed. "You don't see the difference, do you?"

"Apart from our superiority, no."

Akina rolled her eyes, then went on, explaining her sentiments to the drone (Nicknamed 'Götz'). "You don't understand. Home is so... Dirty. So... Practical. Nobody would even think of a construction like this ring. And I mean, just... Just look at the ocean!"

"It's blue. And?"

Perhaps I should drown him... "Exactly! It looks... Beautiful! I mean, seriously. You know how the ocean looks like near Equator. Grey. Brown. Occasionally burning. Our cities... Equally dirty, for the most part. And here... It's so... Natural!"

"Yes, I noticed the distinct lack of background radiation. But ok, I see your point. Sort of."

"Oh... Just shut up. I guess you just can't see the beauty of it..." Akina sighed, her eyes dreamy, her mind expanding a little, not touching, but merely searching for the minds of the other people in Torokara (A good amount of them being psionics, too, as she knew, which she interpreted as being an option to use this part of her a little more freely). It was something she had missed since the cataclysm. In DA, nine out of ten people were dead, killed by a sudden, telepathic... Whatever it had been, and the subsequent chaos. Rebuilding it all was a slow, a painfully slow process, heck, even the war wasn't over, yet. And here... This... This shining city, so different, so... Seemingly perfect when compared to DA's 'Dirt Traps'. Two hundred million people. Two hundred million minds in whose presence she could revel, for the moment forgetting about the chaos, the pain, the misery she had suffered in DA.

Eventually, she turned her eyes from the ocean, her dress waving in the wind. Clumsily doing a few steps (I think I was standing there for too long... Damn legs. Stop sleeping, you!), she wandered around, occasionally starting a conversation or two with the other people out here, in the observation ring, Trying to get a feel for the local culture, trying to get to know this people.

Perhaps she would even find someone interesting to talk to. Not that she herself was an interesting person, quite to the contrary, but for once, she wanted to see, to hear, to feel something more than she herself was.

If only for a day.

Torokara - L4 Observation Ring - 4:30 pm

The Kriovalian woman practically ran from the heart of the city onto the ring. It had been a long day. At first glance, one would notice her long black hair and her bronze-tinted skin, and would thus conclude that she was native. In fact, that wasn't true. Christine Barro had moved from another part of the Pacific torn by civil war, which seemed to be an increasingly common state these days. She remembered stories from true native Kriovalians who told of the bloody civil war that made the ocean run red. That was just over eight years ago. Before Raijin Dekker seized the power denied him through his bloodline, instead relying on intellect and force. The intellect had deposed his father. The force had lead to the death of twenty million, native and foreign alike. She recalled the tales of the Commander literally ripping out another man's heart to demonstrate the totality of punishments he would deal to a traitor. And yet, Raijin's father served on the council, as did the dead man's brother. The spirit that brought Krioval forward was to be enshrined at the solstice.

While Christine's mind wandered, attempting to grasp how quickly technology had advanced since her arrival when she nearly ran into another woman, who appeared to have a robot on her shoulder. Looking up in a combination of surprise and relief at noticing, but not colliding with, the other, Christine looked at her. "Beautiful out here today, isn't it? Feels so good to be free! Just got out of *prison*." She watched the shocked reaction on the other woman's face. "Sorry. You must be from outside Krioval. I'm actually a Senator. We had a ten-hour session today. Felt like prison, though. Would you like a tour of the city?"

A hooded figure walked through the streets of the city, garbed in clothing of dark browns and black. Kolte Savren's shuttle had landed a few hours before and the Krioval customs check hadn't taken very long. The trip to Earth had taken awhile, though, and it felt good to stretch his legs. He wondered if he looked conspicuous in his current guise... oh well, it really didn't matter. He had heard about a fighting contest here on this planet and was here for one thing and one thing only...to win.

He continued to wander, aimlessly for about an hour then decided to head back to the apartment he had rented. The price was incredibly low for its living standards, must have something to do with the festivities. It was then that he came upon the beach. It reminded him of his home back on Tirol, and his mother, and his father...but he didn't want to think about that. It was then that he felt the prescence of someone, but he didn't know who. No, it wasn't just one person, it was several fighters. He began to look around, noticing only 2 women who were having a conversation near the ocean. He decided to watch them. After all, this was the competition.

As Jason caught the shuttle from the station, he observed the landscape. Once on the ground he began wandering the city, looking at the sites and anything interesting. As he wandered by the ocean he saw two ladies talking, one with a robot. Jason decided to wander by and see if he could hear anything interesting.

~The transport cleared the moon as it made its final leg toward the planet. The communications tower broadcasted their ID signature to the artificial satellite (i.e. space station) as the ship approached.~

IDC: E1592000
*BEGIN TRANSMISSION*
<This is Draconic Order Transport 004 requesting landing clearance...>
*END TRANSMISSION*

~The lighting inside the cargo hold switched from the traditional white/yellow lighting to a bluish color, signaling the ending of the journey.~

"Finally, I can't stand being in this tin can for much longer."

~She sighed happily, her older brother grunted his approval to the improving of their situation. They started to gather their things together, their handful of servants getting ready themselves.~

Valak - 12 June 2007 - 6:45 am

High Priest Andruik walked in the door of his family's home, one of the oldest remaining private residences in Valak, a single small bag in his possession. He knew it was only a matter of time before things would be over with for him, but he moved with fluid grace. The interior of the house was nearly bare, most possessions either sold or given away over the past month. As always, he had said nothing about what he saw fast approaching; being precognitive sometimes meant *not* telling others how their futures might go, lest the telling interfere with the natural progression. The cleric sat at an old writing desk that had been passed down through the generations of Dovas. He wrote two letters quickly and yet in elegant script, and he mused that the art of penmanship had deteriorated tremendously since the time of old King Sylvan. Commander Raijin's writing was particularly rough, but then, Andruik laughed inwardly, so was Commander Raijin.

When his task was complete, Lord Dova ambled to his commlink, one of his few concessions to modern technology, and called for a courier. These matters required personal attention. A price was quoted to the priest, and it was accepted. Andruik addressed the delivery girl politely but briskly upon her arrival, "this one goes to the Capital," he said, "and the other to Bralos City. Can they both be delivered today?" The girl nodded affirmatively, and she was sent on her way with a sizeable tip. She would recall, years later, that she was the last person to have any conversation with the High Priest.

Matters settled thus, Andruik walked up the wooden staircase to his bedroom and laid on the ornate bed there. Just a nap, he attempted to convince himself. Right. In an attempt to stave off thoughts on his fate, he turned his mind to times past. He remembered his father, one of the first Christian converts in Krioval, who was intent on evangelizing. While he had been moderate in his zeal, it paled in comparison to his eldest son, Branok. Idiot, Andruik thought. Anybody willing to kill indiscriminately in the name of a 'greater good' is ignorant. And so Branok had attempted to seize power, and for twenty-three years, a tenuous and unstable alliance had held Krioval under a veneer of Christian dominance. Then came Raijin and the storm that followed. We all know how that ended, the priest thought. The hero destroyed the villain. I watched Raijin rip my brother's heart from his chest. Andruik silently prayed that he and his brother might yet be reconciled beyond the grave. He looked at the clock. Three past eight. He took a deep breath and pushed a small red button near his bedside. The paramedics would arrive in about three minutes. It wouldn't matter. The vision was clear. Four past eight and it would be done. He exhaled and took another breath, letting this one leave him slowly. It was his last. As the second hand swept past twelve, Andruik Dova, the last of his family, died at the age of seventy-nine.

Bralos - 12 June - 10:30 am

Bishop Alexander Selekar read the letter for a third time, unconvinced that he was seeing the right words.

Dear Bishop Selekar,

I regret to inform Your Grace that I will be unable to make our usual afternoon meeting to discuss matters of theology today, or for that matter, for the foreseeable future. I assure you, it is not a reflection on your company that drives me to write this, but instead, a simple function of time. Mine has run out, and by the time you read this, I will have departed my mortal body and ascended to the Gods, who I pray will judge me in the context of my times. Goodbye for now, my friend.

~ Andruik

The Bishop scanned the lines yet again, comprehension finally dawning. He was a precognitive! He never told anyone, did he? His mind reeled from the implications of such a revelation. It was possible that Andruik knew when every pitfall to strike Krioval would occur beforehand, and he knew the outcomes as well, at least if he had looked. But why? Alexander was simply stunned. Rising from his seat in the cafe, he made his way to the door. I wonder if he knew when I was going to die? He tried to remember the conversation he had had with the High Priest several months ago, on predestination. It seemed a bit clearer what Andruik had been saying then. But what were his exact words? The Bishop was so deep in thought he wasn't bothering to pay attention to where he was going. A loose piece of flagstone caught the man's toe, and as he pitched forward, the words returned to his mind. Sometimes we can't know where we we're going until we're well on our way there. Then came darkness.

Torokara - 10:40 am

A letter arrived for the Commander of Krioval from the High Priest. Ordinarily this wouldn't have justified immediate action on his part, but Raijin considered Andruik one of his closest advisors and friends, though his abilities as Director of Culture and Faith had been suffering of late. He poured himself another glass of soda as he unsealed the envelope and withdrew the letter. Seconds later, Directors and guards alike came running into the Commander's office to investigate the sound of glass breaking. One look into Raijin's eyes told the entire story.

Dearest Raijin,

I am afraid I must resign my position as Director, effective at eight o'clock this morning. By the time you are reading this, I will be dead. I had thought to tell you earlier, but that would have caused needless worry and stress. I was not ill in any form, but the Gods had decided to let me know of my time in advance. I leave the house and grounds to the government of Krioval. Also, as you read this, Bishop Selekar will also be meeting his Fate as well. There was nothing that could have been done about that either. Time waits for none of us.

I would tell you to continue with plans for the Festival of Fighters, but I don't really have to. I already know the Festival will go on as scheduled. I would tell you who the new High Priest will be, but sometimes, telling the outcome beforehand changes the outcome. And don't mourn me. I lived my life as I wished to live it. Be strong, Blessed Fighter, be strong.

Lord Andruik Dova
High Priest of Krioval

"Well," the Commander said, steeling himself for an official announcement, "the Festival goes on as planned. The funeral arrangements will have to be made first. Koro, I'll need you to contact the ranking Catholic official in Bralos to confirm the Bishop's death and to set a date for Lord Selekar's burial. The Dominion of Priests will be notified by myself and a date for the conclave will be arranged as well. We will need a new High Priest before the Festival."

"They were both very good men," Kiv offered.

Even Darvek refrained from his usual quips, and nodded silently in assent. "Yeah. We'll miss 'em, that's for sure," he said.

Raijin closed his eyes tightly for a second and bade his mind to be clear for a moment. He opened them again and said, "They'll definitely be missed. And now, we've got two funerals and a gigantic party to arrange. Like Andruik said, time waits for none. Let's get on it."

At eleven o'clock, news broadcasts were pre-empted with stories about the two religious officials' deaths, and the bells, dormant since the terrorist bombing in Bralos over two years ago, began to sound. It would be quite a long week for all Krioval.

Greetings and best wishes to all nations. It has been quite a long time since Krioval has held an international festival, and I apologize for being remiss in restoring our ancient tradition. Thus, I welcome all, leaders and citizens alike, from all nations, to partake in Krioval's five-hundredth Festival of Fighters. Enclosed with this transmission are the highlights. If an official government delegation wishes to attend, please contact me as soon as possible. Otherwise, Krioval opens our hospitality to all citizens of the universe.

Lord Raijin Dekker Darklighter, the Light
Commander of Krioval
High Paladin of Solokaro


“Sounds interesting. Feel like a vacation dear?” Emperor Simon smiled at his wife, Lady Alta.

“Hmmm?” Lady Alta looked up from the report she was reading. “Not the best time for a vacation dear.” She frowned then shook her head. “Not the best time at all. You have several Guild meetings. And the Clan chief from Darjeeling will be arriving for the library dedication before the Solstice. You‘ll have to send a representative.”

“Not to mention Simon, that you’ll only get lost.” Said a cheerful voice followed by the burbling of a happy baby, “Isn’t that right Cam.”

Simon couldn’t help but smile at his oldest friend and brother in-law, Lord Constantine. Who was currently stretched out on the rug making faces at the royal heir Cam.

“Daddy would just get himself and everyone else lost,” Cam burbled happily as he watched a bubble of water float overhead towards his uncle. “Then your uncle would have to rescue everyo..ACK!” The water bubble broke directly over Constantine’s, drenching his blond hair. Feminine laughter came from the corner.

“Like you need a reason to play hero.” Rin leaned back in her chair, grinning at the dripping man. “Saving the fair damsel in distress or some other kind of grand heroics.”

Constantine grinned back at the red-head, “Ah, but child, if only the damsel was you.”

Rin bristled, “I’m not a child and you’re..”

“Married.” Constantine’s grin faded, “Thanks for reminding me.”

“Always willing to help Oh wet one.”

“Enough you two.” Lady Alta handed her brother a towel and picked up Cam, “Now back to the discussion, Simon?”

“Ah…” Simon rubbed the back of his neck, “Who should we send to the festival?”

“We’ll go.” A large, dark shape next to Rin shifted, opened it’s eyes and looked at Simon.

“Huh?” Simon blinked at the creature, “We?”

“Rin and I.”

“Well, that would make sense.” Alta sat down in a rocking chair, “Rin can represent the humans and Panzer can represent the non-humans.”

“No.” Panzer stood up on his four feet, stretching like a cat, “Rin and I will speak for the non-humans.” He yawned, showing a mouth full of large teeth. “Constantine will speak for you.”

“WHAT!” Constantine and Rin shouted at the same time.

Simon started to laugh, this was too perfect. “I’ll get started on the letter.”

Alta spoke softly to her sleepy son, “Poor Lord Raijin. I hope he’s ready for those two.” She slowly rocked in the chair as Cam fell asleep.

“I wonder if they have chickens in Krioval?”

Akina looked up in surprise (She had been daydreaming while walking, carelessly, and her drone hadn't bothered to warn her, following a 'She will survive' logic), backing off a little in order to prevent the (Luckily not inevitable) collision.

"Errr... Yes, yes." She was still a little surprised (And lost, seeing as she had just been taken out of her (Already forgotten) daydream), but listened, her face clearing up, a little. "Yes... Prison? I guess you're not too fond of the sessions, then?" She giggled. "It must have been about some world-changing topic like the wages of third-level public servants, with some labouresque senators trying to get a profile, I take it?" Another giggle followed. Of course she wasn't entirely serious with this, but being used to the rather odd political system in DA, she was equally used to the chaos such minor issues could cause. "Oh, and yes... Fro Der Angst. Visiting for the first time. I have to say... I'm fairly impressed by your city, so far. So... Different from home." She hesitated, unsure as of how to continue, before eventually going 'What the heck'. "Well... You're a Senator, so I don't know if you have the time... And I guess a ten hour session can be quite exhausting, no? But if you have the time, certainly. Can't be wrong to have a guide who actually knows her way around. And as there is so much to see... I don't know where to begin. Well, apart from the observation ring here." And such an intriguing guide, too. A senator. Must be my lucky day. Assuming she doesn't- No, she doesn't. I think. Bah, can't get my mind to work quite the way it is supposed to work. Frustrating, this.

"Especially as Akina here has certain troubles finding her way around. I always have to help h-" Akina rolled her eyes while keeping the drone's beak shut, its feathered wings flapping more or less helplessly. "And that's my Service Drone, Götz. A little too talkative."

Hrm. There was something I'm miss- Ah, yes.

"Oh, and before I forget it... Akina's my name. I'm quite intrigued, Senator...?"

"Fond of the sessions? This week we spent half our time discussing water regulations. I mean, we have desalinization plants going nonstop and we're surrounded by ocean." The Kriovalian woman smiled. "I'm glad you like the city. It was rebuilt from the ground up seven years ago. We used to even have paved roads and height restrictions before that. Thank goodness for rapid transport."

The Senator thought for a moment. "I'm done for the day, and my Jevo is unfortunately busy with some foreign committee or something, so I don't have much else to do. Basic overview - Torokara has six levels, and those are divided further into 'sectors'. My advice is to stay out of level one unless you've got business there, though crime's down considerably since the reforms were passed by the Commander. Level two's mostly residential, so not too much interesting. Three's just below us, and is the commercial district, with parts of level four. Rest of four's the diplomatic district and some of the best hotels in Krioval. This ring attaches to level four. The fifth level is pretty much upscale residential and commercial development, and government offices. The Commander and Directors, plus their families, live on level six, and Central Command is up there as well."

She paused, realizing that she had gone nonstop for almost a minute. "Sorry about that. I'm Christine. Are you visiting for the Festival of Fighters? I'm told it's going to be a huge thing this year."

Jason, in his wandering of the city managed to find his way to level one, seeing it somewhat more seedy than the rest of the city, decided it would be interesting to explore this part of the city.

Lord Raijin

The Holy Empire of Snarkieness would like to attend your festival. We will be sending two delegates: Lord Constantine will represent the royal house and the Lady Rin to represent the Non-human population of the Empire. Given fair weather and a good wind their ship should arrive at your port in three days after you receive this letter.

We wish you great luck.

Emperor Simon
Of The Holy Empire of Snarkieness

“Well Cam, does that sound official enough?” Cam wiggled in his father’s lap and then started chewing on the letter. “CAM!” Simon pulled the paper away, part of the lower corner was chewed. “Dear Gods. Are you my son or a gerbil?” Cam clapped his hands and laughed.

Simon quickly folded the paper, hiding the chewed part, and sent the letter off with a courier. He leaned back in the chair, feeling a little bit of tension drain away. The letter should arrive around June 13th, leaving more than enough time for the ship to set sail towards Torokara.

“A few days without those two bickering will be a blessing.” Simon spoke to his son, pulling a wet pencil away from Cam. “I love your Uncle Constantine and cousin Rin, but some days I think they should be on opposite sides of the country.”

Cam smiled at his father, then frowned and grunted. A very odd odor filled the room. Simon looked at his son’s satisfied expression. “Er.. Time to find your mother I think.”

Jason, in his wandering of the city managed to find his way to level one, seeing it somewhat more seedy than the rest of the city, decided it would be interesting to explore this part of the city.

"Hey guys, check out that one over there!"

"Looks like an easy target," a second voice whispered.

"You think?" came the question of a third.

"Could knock him over in about two seconds flat," the second voice responded.

"Right. On my signal, then." The three gang members waited for their quarry to continue his meandering.

Jason stopped to look at an odd looking window before continueing throught the city.

Lord Raijin

The Holy Empire of Snarkieness would like to attend your festival. We will be sending two delegates: Lord Constantine will represent the royal house and the Lady Rin to represent the Non-human population of the Empire. Given fair weather and a good wind their ship should arrive at your port in three days after you receive this letter.

We wish you great luck.

Emperor Simon
Of The Holy Empire of Snarkieness

Dear Lord Emperor,

I apologize for Lord Raijin's inability to write directly, but he is sadly occupied in the funeral arrangements for Krioval's High Priest and Bishop, who both died this morning. Please feel free to come in any mode of conveyance you feel best suits you. The main festivities will begin on the twentieth of this month. Upon reaching Krioval, please let the officials at the port of arrival know of your identity, and if there are any complications, please do not hesitate to produce this letter and request direct intervention by the Kriovalian government. Travel safely and well.

Director Koro Vartek
Diplomacy and Trade
Armed Republic of Krioval

Torokara - 13 June - 12:00 noon

The Commander's speech pre-empted all midday programming, much to the shock of Krioval's citizenry. The news of the deaths of both Dova and Selekar had been duly reported and disseminated. Thus the surprise.

Citizens of Krivoal, as you no doubt by now know, our nation has lost two voices of faith and benevolence. Yesterday, in Valak and Bralos, respectively, the Lords Andruik Dova and Alexander Selekar died within hours of one another. I have decided to declare two days of mourning for the High Priest and Bishop, to begin with the setting sun this evening and remaining in force until sunrise on the sixteenth of this month. I also would like to assure the population that, despite the intense sadness that grips us today, Andruik specifically requested that the Festival of Fighters go on as scheduled. While I am reluctant to hold it, perhaps his reasoning is sound, and the festivities will recharge and rejuvenate us even in the throes of grief. I have spoken with the Catholic leadership in Bralos, and while I do not speak for them directly, they have indicated a likelihood of electing a new Bishop as soon as possible. Likewise, the Priests and Paladins of the Gods will be convening the morning of the sixteenth to begin deliberations on who will be decided as High Priest or Priestess.

Be strong, Krioval.

Jason stopped to look at an odd looking window before continueing throught the city.

"One...two...three! Go!" The three boys jumped out of their hiding place, forming a triangle around the foreigner. "Don't do anything stupid," the ringleader said in a menacing voice. Meanwhile, a couple floors above, a tattooed girl watched the unfolding incident with interest.

"Should we intervene?" a similarly tattooed boy asked her.

"Not yet. This one looks to be able to handle himself. But be on guard. Slasher will be most upset if we let a foreigner be harmed in this city."

"Oh are you people tour guides, if not I really must compline to the tourism department, as there are no signs." Jason replied, completely at ease.

A large Taledonian Battle Cruiser jumped into the system, and immeadiatly 3 transports escorted by 15 TF-20 fighters left the cruiser and headed for the city. As the ships arrived in the capitol, they headed towards the city center and landed. First the 2 transports on the flanks of the middle one emptied, 30 Preatorian Guards poured out into formation as the 3 transport emptied, and Imperator Kellerman, leader of Taledonia and the current Imperator of the Republic, walked out. They walked up to the city hall and entered the building, expecting to be greeted. The Imperator would be staying in the fanciest hotel in the city, the penthouse of course, and 5 of his Preatorians would be staying with him, but the rest would go back to the cruiser.

(OOC: Sorry for the late post, I just signed up)

"Oh are you people tour guides, if not I really must compline to the tourism department, as there are no signs." Jason replied, completely at ease.

The second of the three rushed at the man, intent on getting the job over with. Of course, his impulsiveness was likely his undoing.

"What's going on?" the boy in the building asked.

"Shhhh. They're about to get their asses kicked!" the girl responded. "Won't have to show ourselves if this works. But Slasher has to know about this, one way or another. It's *his* city, after all."

A large Taledonian Battle Cruiser jumped into the system, and immeadiatly 3 transports escorted by 15 TF-20 fighters left the cruiser and headed for the city. As the ships arrived in the capitol, they headed towards the city center and landed. First the 2 transports on the flanks of the middle one emptied, 30 Preatorian Guards poured out into formation as the 3 transport emptied, and Imperator Kellerman, leader of Taledonia and the current Imperator of the Republic, walked out. They walked up to the city hall and entered the building, expecting to be greeted. The Imperator would be staying in the fanciest hotel in the city, the penthouse of course, and 5 of his Preatorians would be staying with him, but the rest would go back to the cruiser.

"Lord Raijin! There are three spacecraft entering Kriovalian space!" The soldier looked to the Commander for an order.

"Identity?"

"Scanning. Taledonian."

"Let 'em through, but keep a lock on 'em. Darvek, Koro, go meet our guests. Explain the situation to them as well, please."

"Situation?" Koro asked. "Oh. That." The two Directors made their way outdoors, where the Taledonian delegation waited. "Hello. I'm Director Koro Vartek. Welcome to the Armed Republic of Krioval. This," he gestured to Darvek, "is Director Darvek Tyvok, of Kriovalian Security."

Race made sure that the study's doors were firmly closed and that security was being baffeled by one of his mother's minor pieces of equipment before turning the holo recorders settings to remote. Quickly he slid into the luxurious chair behind his mother's desk and ran a nervous hand over his hair. The he triggered the remote and when the recording light came on, he began to speak. He was totally unaware of how earnest and pensive he looked, all of eleven years old and determined to appear far older.

"Unto Lord Raijin Dekker Darklighter, the Light, Commander of Krioval, High Paladin of Solokaro. Please be advised that my most homored mother will be attending your upcoming Festival of the Fighter. I would ask that you keep an eye on her as she is attending incognito with only two body guards. I am most concerned that some incident might occur to interupt her most needed vacation. I know that this request is a serious imposition, but she would not allow this to be considered a state visitation.

Thank you sir for your most kind attentions in this matter"

Race sighed and hit the transmit button, sending the hologram to the official address of Lord Raijin of Krioval. He was glad that his tutors hadn't asked why he was needing that address, though he had had an explaination ready. Now he could stop worrying about his mom's vacation. The last one had stopped a war, but she'd come home tireder than when she'd left so it was no vacation at all.

Richard Albert Cromwell III, know to his friends as Race, never stopped to think that he should have mentioned his mother name, or that fact that she was the new Empress of the Tanaran Empire. Michiko Jones, as duly elected Chief Executive of the Republic of Tanara had done everything she could to keep from being the first Empress of the newly created Empire - which she had also tried to keep from becoming an Empire. But the people had spoken. With nearly 100% voter turn out, and an unprecedented 94% for the change from Republic to Imperium, she surrendered with as much grace as possible. If she had realized exactly how much trouble it was going to be, she might have resigned, but Michiko Jones had never run from a fight, or a hard decission in her life.

Jason sidestepped the 2nd dudes rush from the back left, and stuck his foot out causing the guy to trip and go flying into the leader of the group.
"I guess you arn't part of the tourism department, and for thugs, your not that good, my granny could cream you with both hands behind her back." He said in a scornful tone.

"Greatings!" Kellerman said cheerfully, extending his hand to shake the others hands, "We sent a preceeding transmission, I trust you recieved it? We wish to participate in the tournaments. I would like the name of the best hotel in town if you will, I would like to check in, then possible take a strole around town. O and don't worry about my guards, most of them will depart back to our cruiser, only 5 will remain and will stay with me. The senate will not allow me to be without them."

Jason sidestepped the 2nd dudes rush from the back left, and stuck his foot out causing the guy to trip and go flying into the leader of the group.
"I guess you arn't part of the tourism department, and for thugs, your not that good, my granny could cream you with both hands behind her back." He said in a scornful tone.

With that, all three charged. The taunt had enraged them, and as minor players in a minor gang, they were among the most impassioned of street thugs in Torokara. While they flailed at the foreign man, nobody noticed a girl walking down the stairs and toward the entrance of the building, from inside. Let's see what happens, she thought.

"Greatings!" Kellerman said cheerfully, extending his hand to shake the others hands, "We sent a preceeding transmission, I trust you recieved it? We wish to participate in the tournaments. I would like the name of the best hotel in town if you will, I would like to check in, then possible take a strole around town. O and don't worry about my guards, most of them will depart back to our cruiser, only 5 will remain and will stay with me. The senate will not allow me to be without them."

"Transmission?" Darvek asked, then gave Koro a mock-glare. "Diplomats didn't receive it?"

"Why would we have it? Anyway, it seems to have gone unnoticed, or it was delayed in being reported. The best hotel? Well, we're on the sixth and highest level of Torokara right now. The nice hotels are one level down. I could show you, if you'd like." As ranking diplomat, Koro knew the importance of protocols in situations like these, unlike the hulking Darvek, who was best suited to police matters.

Jason caught the first attacker and flipped him into one of the other toughs. He blocked the punch from the only guy presently on his feet and then grabbed the arm of his attacker and put him in a frogmarch lock* and began giving the guy a noogie, while saying "Who's your daddy?"

ooc: the one where the arm is forced up the back

"Unto Lord Raijin Dekker Darklighter, the Light, Commander of Krioval, High Paladin of Solokaro. Please be advised that my most homored mother will be attending your upcoming Festival of the Fighter. I would ask that you keep an eye on her as she is attending incognito with only two body guards. I am most concerned that some incident might occur to interupt her most needed vacation. I know that this request is a serious imposition, but she would not allow this to be considered a state visitation.

Thank you sir for your most kind attentions in this matter"

Dear sir,

I must ask a question. Who is your mother that I should look specifically for her in a sea of half a billion people who will be in Torokara in the coming week? I cannot assume that this is merely the request of a dutiful son, but that the Lady in question is rather important to Tenara. While I don't require all the details, the barest of information is necessary to secure any visitor to Krioval during such a chaotic event. I apologize for being so direct, but I would rather risk offense with such a letter than risk tragedy later. In any case, your mother is welcome to visit my nation at her convenience, and if she should have special requirements, she should let the officials know at her port of entry. Thank you.

Commander Raijin Dekker
Armed Republic of Krioval

Space. The endless frontier. Soon, Tarlachia shall step forth into the future, and become another star in the boundless reaches of space.

A steward came walking in quietly, and placed the platter with the tea cup next to Sigrun Greenwood. As silently as the steward appeared, she disappeared, closing the door behind her. Sigrun did not move as he cast his eyes past the windows into the deep void beyond. His hand reached down and lifted the cup, as he studied the stars. Taking a sip, he lowered it slightly to speak to no one in particular.

"Hans, Kaylinde...I owe Tarlachia's future to your love."

He raised the teacup up as if to toast them, before finishing the tea. With deliberate slow movements, he strode quietly past the dining area, the personal gym, his bedroom fully fitted for royalty, and his personal library that sat next to his office, where a beeping noise could be heard.

He pressed the button and looked at the hologram that stood before him.

"Empress Michiko." he greeted the Tanaran empress, bowing slightly. "What brings you to contact me?"

Torokara - Level One

The girl walked silently and purposefully toward the melee. Jason had easily defused the situation, yet she felt compelled to make sure that was the case. Looking at the leader, still immobilized, she said, "Jimmy, you know that Slasher won't be pleased by this. We have allowed your little group to claim this subsector under the agreement that you weren't to harass random strangers, especially foreign visitors. Consider this territory to be claimed by the Army." She grinned as Jimmy's face fell. "You can always ask to speak to Slasher about this if you disagree. Of course," she paused for dramatic effect, "he did say he'd 'rip the Gods-be-dammed arms off' the next one to cause a major incident. Now go home."

She looked at the foreign man, her facial markings glinting in the sunlight. "Greetings. I am Jenai."

One of the other thugs said, sarcastically, "Yeah, that's a good name. Purity. Pure evil, maybe."

Jenai walked over to the boy gracefully, and in a way that maximized the amount of cleavage displayed. Disarming him thus, she placed both hands on his shoulders. As he looked her in the eyes, silently wondering what was to happen next, Jenai snapped her leg upward, knee connecting to groin. "Get the fuck outta here or I'll take you straight to him. He'll cut 'em off."

Without missing a beat, she looked at Jason again. "Sorry 'bout that. Heh. Boys." She gestured toward the window. "Come on out, Mikhail."

"I take it your the representative of the local ruler of the underworld? Anyways see ya later." Jason replied as he resumed his wandering down the street.

The dark haired beauty mock frowned at the elf who had become a friend, despite a near fatal first meeting.

"Oh please not you too Sigrun! Just Michiko. I'm getting ready to leave. Peri and the Grendel are escorting me down in the ShadowDancer, We'll be less noticable that way"

She looked over to where the Grendel stood next to the tall Nietzschean woman. It was currently in human guise, seemingly a powerfully built male. A small shiver ran up and down her spine. She was not entirely comfortable with the alien shapeshifter, but it had come highly recommended by the Lady of Cats Keep. Looking back she smiled conspiratorily at Sigrun.

"Otherwise I might not get to have any fun... and I want to thank you for allowing yourself and the Final Solution to be used as cover for my 'escape' so to speak"

Sigrun watched as the hologram turned to look at something out of his sight. When she returned her look back to him, he replied,

"You are most welcome, Michiko. I shall be there shortly."

The two signed off, the holograms on both ends shrinking back into the projector displays. Sigrun strode to his bedroom, and slid a panel aside in the wall. There his weapons hung. He glanced at the bow, admiring its unique construct. He browsed his eyes on the pistols and the rifle of Tarlachian design. Below these were Tanaran models, more future tech. He rested his eyes upon his favorite weapon, the weapon of choice for him. Lanta the elven blade that was reknown to be the bane of demons and their offspring.

Frankly, the weapon was deadly to anyone, especially in his hands. He adjusted the weapon to his backside and closed the panel. He had another form of weaponry that the Tanarans would never have. Even if they had wished, the arcane was something that was not in their blood.

He departed his suite and strode along the corridors, soon arriving at the main hangar. The crew was called to attention, but quickly dismissed with a wave of his hand. He approached the Empress, taking a glance out a window at the planet that lay off to the portside. Shadowdancer sat in the hangar, awaiting its passengers.

"Ready to go?" he asked with a slight bow and smile. He nodded to Peregrine, a smile crossing his face. She too had been deeply involved in the conflict several years ago.

"Was coming in a DLE Transport the wisest thing we have ever done?"

Gelt rolled his eyes and gave the same blase look to Alesha Naina bin Kyda he had been giving all week. "Perhaps not, but the alternative would be... difficult at best."

He hoped the conversation would not go the way it had repeated itself…

“Perhaps we should do something.”

He rubbed at his eyes. “Such as what? Attempt to fly this ship? The AI is faster and smarter then you are, and it – not you – knows where we are going. Perhaps you would like to bother our other passenger again?” Oh, yes, that went so well last time.

“But…”

“If you two are quite finished,” The ships AI had the same grasp of protocol most rabid gophers had – which was to say, not much. ”I have Krioval in sight, and we are cleared for landing.”

Gelt nodded and looked at his counterpart. “Flip you for who tells chuckles and the children we’re here.”

Gelt, to his chagrin, lost.

The vast, heavily armed and armored capitol ship, the Final Solution, a Tanaran built gift to the nation of Tarlachia hangs in an geosyn orbit over Tarlachia. Once Sigrun, Michiko and her two legally mandated body guards are aboard the ShadowDancer, the hangers environmental shields are made permiable and the small ship rises on silent antigravs and streaks from the hold. Then the Final Solution departs orbit for the first hands on training of her new crew.

Aboard the ShadowDancer, ShaDo, the ships A.I. makes contact with Krioval Control requesting permission for entry into national airspace and landing permission at Torokara's main starport. She made sure that the main view screen in the lounge was giving her passsengers a good view of the spectacular city

****************** Back at the Imperial Palace, Tanara***

Race, slapped his forehead as he read Commander Raijin Dekker's reply. He knew he had forgotten something important. Quickly he dashed into his mothers office, happy to see that the secretary was away. He reset the holotransmitter and ...

"My deepest appologies Commander Dekker. I am Richard Albert Cromwell and my mother is Lady Michiko Jones, Empress. I doubt sir, that she will make any special mention to your customs officers, as she is not wishing any special treatment, much though she deserves it"

The last came out in a rush, for Race loved his mother dearly and felt she seldom got enough time to herself. 'Maybe mom will find someone special there and not be lonely any more' He thought as he sent the reply. He didn't consider the many events his mother had to attend as Emperess as any way for her to find a husband. From his point of view they were little more than punishment to be endured, and he was certain she felt that way too. He had thought that maybe their new friend Mr. Greenwood might like her but mom had explained that he already had a special lady in his life. And while Tanarans happily dealt with many forms of relationships, not every other culture did. It was all too confusing he thought as he returned to his suite and his studies.

Akina laughed. "Well, I guess I was close enough, then. The greatness of politics. Anyway..." She hesitated a little, wondering just who... A stalker? But eventually, she went on. "Yes, the old times... Odd times... I can relate. But I guess Kraiklyn... No... Raijin? Changed this a little, over the course of the more recent past. Much to the better, I would say, despite the charme of the old."

"Indeed." The drone murmured, quickly shutting up as a not-so-friendly thought of Akina reached it.

I should sell it to the nearest junkyard. Bah.

You know you love me.

Oh... SHUT IT! She didn't wait for the drone's (Doubtlessly cheeky) reply and continued her exchange with Christine in an attempt to evade yet another argument with the semi-sentient entity on her shoulder. "Well, if you're done for the day, I guess it's perfect." For a moment, she pondered level one, but scrapped the idea as soon as she recalled suffering from the likes of this kind of area for a couple of weeks, back at home. Nothing new, nothing exciting, and most importantly, nothing enjoyable, down there.

"Well, I would say that the commercial district sounds most interesting. Although I will need some money. I might have to try and 'get' me some from home... She muttered a little, inaudibly, before continuing. "Although the fifth level might be intriguing, too. We'll put this down as number two on the list, apart from any special sights you might know and want to show me. I'm sure there are plenty." She hesitated, looking over her shoulders while trying to smile at Christine. Creepy Guy. I hope he doesn't try something. "I'm yours, then, Christine. Which direction to take?"

She hadn't even finished her last sentence when Götz suddenly opened his wings, flying a little bit, straight towards Christine, eventually landing on her right shoulder. Akina threw him a dark, thought partly relieved, look.

"What? Even I need a change, once in a while. As attractive as your shoulders are..." And turning towards Christine, "I hope you don't mind, do you, Ma'am?"

His feathers were fairly fluffy.

My deepest appologies Commander Dekker. I am Richard Albert Cromwell and my mother is Lady Michiko Jones, Empress. I doubt sir, that she will make any special mention to your customs officers, as she is not wishing any special treatment, much though she deserves it

"It would have to be an empress," the Commander grumbled. "Well, there's going to have to be some level of security. Let's make it covert. No need for her to know that we recognize her, though there's the distinct possibility we won't."

"Even with our security?" Darvek asked, taken aback.

"Darvek, you know the crap my own mother's pulled in her time. Don't tell me she hasn't found creative ways to bypass certain security features. Empresses, queens, it doesn't really matter. For some reason, they're unusually good at this sort of thing. Watch carefully."

"Well, I would say that the commercial district sounds most interesting. Although I will need some money. I might have to try and 'get' me some from home... She muttered a little, inaudibly, before continuing. "Although the fifth level might be intriguing, too. We'll put this down as number two on the list, apart from any special sights you might know and want to show me. I'm sure there are plenty." She hesitated, looking over her shoulders while trying to smile at Christine. Creepy Guy. I hope he doesn't try something. "I'm yours, then, Christine. Which direction to take?"

"Excellent. It'll just take a moment then." Christine started to punch in a code on her armband.

She hadn't even finished her last sentence when Götz suddenly opened his wings, flying a little bit, straight towards Christine, eventually landing on her right shoulder. Akina threw him a dark, thought partly relieved, look.

"What? Even I need a change, once in a while. As attractive as your shoulders are..." And turning towards Christine, "I hope you don't mind, do you, Ma'am?"

The senator laughed. "Comfortable? In any case, don't move." She keyed in the final sequence. The observation ring dissolved from view, and the two women arrived on a platform in a modestly upscale fashion store on the third level. "Teleport complete. This is Kalira's store. She's a good friend of mine from way back. Sells great clothes, too, and at prices that don't break the bank. Speaking of which, do you need to exchange currency? The Bank of Krioval is right across the way."

Sigrun watched as ShadowDancer's door slid aside allowing Sigrun, the Empress and the bodyguards to exit. They took their first steps on the foreign planet, and looked about at the buildings. Sigrun marveled at the ability to build great structures that rose as high as the eye could see. Back home, in Tarlachia, even the lone spaceport was small in comparision to this. He briefly flitted his thoughts over the three new spaceports, and the two shipyards that were being built, with instruction from the Tanarans. Tarlachia would soon be producing its own ships with its own designs that would make their own reputations in space.

He dismissed the thoughts and spoke, "Well...let's have some fun." he said with a light attitude. He glanced about, looking at the faces of those who worked in the spaceport, and were currently studying the newcomers. He began walking, the demeanor about him was like watching an ancient warrior step forth from the past, his eyes alight with the challenge of battle. And yet, one could see in his eyes, an infinite wisdom, wisdom gained through experience.

Whola.
I want to inform you that extremally beautiful women from my country will visit yours during this festival. My government advertised the freelove politics and non biding sex. Since that time women in my country became so charming that almoust anyone can refused them. BUt there are also some sinister men who want to abuse them! That's why my governmennt give a free plane tickt to your country during the festival. My women are awere of their stunning apearance and now the want to learn self defence to feel safe in my country. I hope yuor's government will take care ower my women. In return for this I invite you for free holidays in my country, in which you can find certainly most amusing women in the world. Best wishes, whola. Peace.
Yours sincirelly Queen Blindedbythelight I

Kolte grew tired of observing the two women and continued on his way. On the way to his apartment he observed many who did not seem to be native, apparantly the impending gala was of a grander scale than he had anticipated. No matter, it was immaterial. When he arrived at his rented apartment, he changed into a more casual robe and seated himself in a meditation. He contemplated the events to come, and sensed a curious unrest developing somewhere, its source he knew not. He reached out with the Force to dig deeper, but then thought otherwise. He may need to suppress his powers, it would not be fair to use them if he were facing normal fighters, and that remained yet to be seen. His skill in martial arts made him dangerous nonetheless. The Flower of Life had long been extinguished from the surface of the Earth, so his Protoculture powers would do him little good here.

Jason, as he wandered happened to wander by a sports complex, he turned and went in*. He sat down and watched the game.

ooc: * buying a ticket if needed

"Transmission?" Darvek asked, then gave Koro a mock-glare. "Diplomats didn't receive it?"

"Why would we have it? Anyway, it seems to have gone unnoticed, or it was delayed in being reported. The best hotel? Well, we're on the sixth and highest level of Torokara right now. The nice hotels are one level down. I could show you, if you'd like." As ranking diplomat, Koro knew the importance of protocols in situations like these, unlike the hulking Darvek, who was best suited to police matters.

"That would do just fine, thank you." Kellerman said as he gestured for Koro to lead the way.

Landing took only minutes - the AI simply would not allow itself anything less then a perfect landing.

Bloody egotists... Gelt carried his helmet under his arm, all his garb the simple black armor he always wore. And Therassi wore nothing but leather armor - I wonder if he sleeps in that? - belted and set for combat.

It took Alesha longest to get ready; even the Trade Delegates were impatient by the time she finished buckling and strapping.

"Done?"
"Just about... not quite... ok, done."
"Done is good."

Locking the shuttle, the party - such as it was for the moment - made its way towards customs and reception.

Alesha chose that moment to walk backwards and address the Delegates. "When this is over, we leave. If you aren't on the shuttle, we leave you here. Is this clear?"

Fifteen heads bobbed, which meant they were likely to lose one or two. Or all fifteen if they were lucky.

Alesha smiled into the nearest official, placing a thick packet of official documentation on the counter. "Ab-shalom and greetings. We're from Vastiva - I believe we're expected?"

~The transport received its conformation notice and began its descent to an open landing platform outside the capital limits. It came in low over the terrain before settling down. The stabilizers of the landing gear rocked the ship slightly, those inside understood that they had finally landed. The cargo bay opened, flooding the streets around them with eager tourists. Kaiana and Dracuran stepped out after the flood, their guards and servants following with their baggage. Kaia stretched, her body bending in a sensual arc.~

"The air is a little smoggy for my taste."

~She said as her nose crinkled slightly, her brother rolled his eyes.~

"It's not home, therefore the air is the least of your worries."

Perigrine and the Grendel let Sigrun go first, they wanted one last look about before they allowed their 'body' out into spacestation Valiyos. Perigrine keyed a sequence into her right bracer, the jewels that graced the wrought gold actually keys to the various functions. She checked the communications link with ShadowDancer's A.I., then looked somewhat sourly at a new gem, a matrix crystal set about with runes.

"I still don't trust this thing." She sotto voced to herself but Michiko over heard and grinned

"At least you aren't wearing quasi living armor attuned to your cortical patterns"

"And I'm glad that you are! It does have the benefit of being all but invisible. Unless you get shot at or some one attempts to knife you or some such, no one will ever know."

While Perigrine wouldn't wear the PALADIN nano matrix crystal hybrid mesh armor herself she had put her foot down on the Empress doing so.

"Our papers are in order, and I have reservations for a large suite at a most highly recommended hotel. It's very small, and very exclusive." Michiko commented happily as they departed the starcraft and ShadowDancer raised the ramp behind them, and armed her security features.

The Empress looked about eagerly as they headed to the formality of customs. They joined Sigrun in the brief line. M. Sirocco Jones, CEO of Omega II, and aides passed relatively unnoticed in to the growing population of tourists come to enjoy the Festival. Looking about she did not spy a teleportal near by and turned back to the customs agent

"Do you have a holomap of the station? I'd like to locate the nearest teleportal"

"That would do just fine, thank you." Kellerman said as he gestured for Koro to lead the way.

The Director nodded and motioned the group to a platform. "Please do not move." Then, appearing to speak to the air, Koro said, "Taralia." The Command Center disappeared, an was quickly replaced by the lobby of the opulent hotel. "Teleport complete. This is the Taralia Hotel, the finest in Krioval. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

-------------------------

Alesha smiled into the nearest official, placing a thick packet of official documentation on the counter. "Ab-shalom and greetings. We're from Vastiva - I believe we're expected?"

"Of course, it will be just one minute." The woman punched in a few commands into her console. "Oh, yes. Here it is. A trade delegation from Vastiva, plus several...fighters for Vastiva? The translator didn't deal with that very well. Let me see." She pushed another button. "Ah. 'Champions' was the word. For some reason, Kriovalian to English tends to be a problem sometimes. Anyway, Lord Raijin himself has left a message.

Dear honored guests, please make yourselves comfortable in the Taralia Hotel or sightsee in Torokara at your leisure. I am afraid I have been exceedingly busy with the funerals of Lords Dova and Selekar of late, but I will be able to meet you tomorrow. Please indicate the time at which you would prefer such a meeting. I can come to where you are, or if you would rather speak to a Director, that can also be arranged.

Commander Raijin Dekker

The customs official completed her scan of the visitors' luggage rather surreptitiously while they read the message. Turning back to them, she said, "To go to the hotel, you'll need this." She handed three passes to who she guessed were the leaders of the Vastivan pack, and instructed them further. "These passes grant access to level two teleporters. What you'll want to do is go through the concourse, choose a platform, and indicate the city - Torokara - and the destination itself - Taralia. Let me write that down for you." She quickly dashed off the names on a small card. "As long as you have those passes and know where you want to go, just about any teleport platform should work for you. Maps are available in the terminal and near any teleport hub. Enjoy your stay in Krioval."

Alesha nods. "Dank u voor uw gastvrijheid. Als u ooit in Vastiva bent die wij zal pogen om de gunst terug te keren." She gives a smile and a headbow to the official.

"Se tutti lo seguirete, ho i sensi ed i passaggi." She shakes her finger at the delegation members "Non faccia appena gli sciocchi di voi tuttavia o vi renderò il rammarico esso! Achtung! March!"

Making their way to the teleporters was easy - stuffing 15 people into one and convincing them that 'remaining where you are once you leave the tube on the other side' was a good thing was difficult.

That all fifteen had vanished into the crowds when the champions emerged was... not unexpected.



OOC: "Thank you for your hospitality. If you are ever in Vastiva, we shall endeavor to return the courtesy"/"Follow me, I have the directions and passes"/"Don't make fools of yourselves just yet or I will make you regret it"

As the game finished, Jason still had no idea what it was, with the guys in red winning, he decided to head back toward shuttleport/teleporters to check in on his ship.

As he wandered in the direction, he ran into a odd man, knocking him down. "Are you alright?" Jason asked as he made to help the guy up.

As the game finished, Jason still had no idea what it was, with the guys in red winning, he decided to head back toward shuttleport/teleporters to check in on his ship.

As he wandered in the direction, he ran into a odd man, knocking him down. "Are you alright?" Jason asked as he made to help the guy up.

Ilifat na-Omair ibn Lut ibn Mytayyib bowed quickly, hands working through his burnooses many pockets - but still finding his VCL card intact. "Many apologies, kind one, for my clumsiness in being where you wished to walk. Would you be kind enough to... ah, a fighter? Are you registered for any duels or competitions? Are you good? Would you care for a drink...somewhere. I seem to have misplaced my everything..."

"It was my fault entirely for knocking you down, so there's no need to apologise. As to the competitions, I thought they were for natives only, if they're open I will most likely sign up for some. As for am I any good, I came out 1st in my graduating class at the academy. And as to the drink, sure, but I have no idea where to find a good drink, shall we find a good tavern together?" Jason said as he helped the guy up.

The man smiles broadly as he rises, giving another bow. "Ilifat na-Omair ibn Lut ibn Mytayyib, of the Vastivan IT Cartel." He touches forehead, lips, and heart, then spreads his hand wide as he bows. "And most certainly I would accept a drink with you, as there may be... " - his voice becomes a stage whisper - "thieves about!"

"Yes there are thieves, but if the ones I ran into earlier are any indication then, you have nothing to fear. By the way, my name is Jason Valdor. Do you if I just call you Ilifat?" Jason asked as they began looking for a decent tavern.

"Oh, most certainly, that shall work nicely, as long as I can call you Jason."
He peered about, looking for a suitable place - and taking in the neighborhood at the same time.



OOC: Krioval! A suitable place?

"That would be perfectly acceptable, as most people I know call by my first name, except my mother, she always seems to insist on calling me by my full name." Jason replied

"And that would be? Purely for purposes of placing a small wager, you understand."

"If/when I register for the competition it will be under Jason Valdor more than likely, but if they insist on full name as shown on passport, then it will be Jason Francis Michel Vladmir Yokosumi Valdor." Jason replied

Torokara - 16 June - sunrise

The mourning period had ended, and pilgrims from all over Krioval, including planets like Crysalia, had flocked to see the bodies of the two most influential religious leaders in Krioval's history. The decision had been to place them in the rotunda of the Parliament building and suspend sessions for two days to allow for unrestricted viewing without having to worry about a nutcase trying to kill a senator. The viewing went with only minor glitches, twenty-four hours a day. Over seven million people personally visited, while many others opted for viewing holographic simulacra elsewhere.

The doors to Parliament closed as the sun broke the surface of the ocean. The bodies, held in airtight glass containers, were loaded onto a teleport platform. From there, Andruik went upward to the sixth level of the metal city while Bralos received the Bishop, who would receive a Catholic rite and burial. The High Priest, on the other hand, would be "released" through telekinetic dissociation, one of the highest honors, especially considering that the High Paladin Raijin would be performing the technique.

Holoscreens flicked to life as Kriovalians anxiously watched the ritual's preamble - Raijin, dressed entirely in white made his way to the glass box, alone, though the site was ringed by Kriovalian priests, as well as the Directors and several prominent delegates to Parliament. Many were openly weeping, and even Raijin was not entirely disaffected. He drew a breath slowly and began intoning the prayers. "Servant of the Gods. Your time here is done. Return home and be free." A brief motion of his right hand and the lid of the box was removed and the body of the High Priest rose in to the air and began to glow with an otherworldly light. "Good bye, old friend," Raijin whispered as he brought his hands together, preparing for the final phase. "There is no beginning without ending. Yet the cycle will repeat again. Andruik Dova, you will be remembered, and as such, you will live eternally." His arms flung upward as if of their own force, and Raijin lifted ever so slightly from the ground and radiated a brilliant aura in the morning sunlight. Almost as quickly, he returned to normal, and Andruik's body was gone. In its place, a fading image of the High Priest gazed upon the people of Krioval for one last time. And then it was over.

Raijin sunk to the ground, but waved off attempts of assistance, eventually rising on his own. He dismissed the congregants, reminding the priests to convene on the next day to begin selection of a new High Priest, and returned to his home. Once inside, he said simply, "be released". Then, the suppressed grief struck with full fury, and the Commander of Krioval spent the remainder of the day alternately sobbing and howling in rage. As the sun set that day, the storm within Raijin quieted, and nobody save for his closest friends and relatives would know that it had ever manifest in the first place.

Krioval. As psionics had increased in number and power, the ability to suppress base emotions had become ever more critical. Yet the scientists had eventually learned that the emotion would eventually come to surface. Hence the Festival of Fighters, the single day where civilization was suspended while aggression and promiscuity were almost actively encouraged. One day where the seal would "be released".

Sigrun and the others had taken the appropriate methods of transportation to arrive within the capital, where they beheld a number of people seemingly in mourning of the passing of two famous members of their society. Respectfully, Sigrun whispered a word of good passing in his native tongue, before making his way toward an officer standing off to the side, watching the crowds. "Excuse me. I would like to know if they are holding official tournaments or the likes for the Festival of Fighters. Would you know of anything pertaining to this?"

Sigrun and the others had taken the appropriate methods of transportation to arrive within the capital, where they beheld a number of people seemingly in mourning of the passing of two famous members of their society. Respectfully, Sigrun whispered a word of good passing in his native tongue, before making his way toward an officer standing off to the side, watching the crowds. "Excuse me. I would like to know if they are holding official tournaments or the likes for the Festival of Fighters. Would you know of anything pertaining to this?"

"The Festival?" the woman asked. "Absolutely. It's going to be held in five days. I don't know so much about the tournament, but I believe it will be held during the Festival itself." She punched in a few commands on her armband. "Huh. Looks like registration opens tomorrow morning in Central Square, on level three. Do you know your way around the city?"

((OOC: Is it too late to join this?

And if it isn't, what's the maximum size of combatants that we can enter?))

"The Festival?" the woman asked. "Absolutely. It's going to be held in five days. I don't know so much about the tournament, but I believe it will be held during the Festival itself." She punched in a few commands on her armband. "Huh. Looks like registration opens tomorrow morning in Central Square, on level three. Do you know your way around the city?"

Sigrun shook his head negatively, "I'm afraid not. I am terribly out of place here. My home lies several lightyears from here. If you would be so kind?"

He offered a warm smile, which tended to disarm many, even if they were considering him hostile. He was an elf after all, such good natured behavior was a skill they possessed and utilized all too well.

Akina waited, slightly surprised, before the world seemed to vanish, for a moment. Needless to say, Götz was equally surprised. Of course, neither one actually showed it (Of course they were vaguely aware of the existence of this technology, but seeing as they had never had any actual contact with it (And in DA, such was rather clearly not the state of the art), both had sort of forgotten about it).

"Yes, very. And I see, flying wasn't even necessary. Exceptionally comfortable indeed." Götz muttered in its high-pitched, but still vaguely masculine voice while rubbing his feathers a little on Christine's neck.

"Heh. Anyway... No, I exchanged it earlier, although..." I do wonder if the networks are functioning. Hrm. Akina wasn't in too dire a need for money, alas, it wasn't perfect, either, and being a chemical engineer with a supposedly high wage didn't really help her, given her current status: Unemployed.

Ought to call home.

Thought, done, and her thoughts were relayed through earth orbit and back to Equator, waiting for a 'friend' to reply.

Yes?

Well, I need more money than I expected. I think.

... You don't have any. I'm surprised we're not suffering from hyperinflation, anyway.

Yes, yes, but I still need it! Come on, I thought you can deal with such things. IT Economics, wasn't it?

*Shrugs* Well, yes. Ok, you need?

The sum Akina mentioned surprised him (Without actually slowing down his process of creating vastly larger amounts of inflated, actually un-extant money for some more or less illegal transactions in Santa Barbara, but then, work is work, and private is private, and for private purposes, Akina's wish was still rather extraordinary).

Pretty big favour. Ok, it will boost our, as well as Krioval's inflation rate by, uh... Some very tiny percentage, possibly in the nanopercent. Gotta love making money out of thin air.

*Hugs* Great! You're the best!

Yes, yes... Remember, I'm in for a big favour from you.

Yes, you will get it. Some flowers, perhaps?

Oh... Just take it. I transfer...

The connection closed, quickly, the conversation taking no more than perhaps half a minute, all over which both had continued their actual conversations and/ or work. Akina chuckled, her friend having amused her a little.

"... Where were we? Ah, yes, money... No, I've suitable amounts available, in your currency, that is. If we need more, that can always be arranged, no? Anyway, thanks." Akina smiled, cheerily. People like her were the reason (Or at the very least, a reason) for DA's appaling inflation rate of roughly 10%, but it was something the people could cope with. They had to, anyway. "Well, I guess it's time to see what kind of fashion is popular in Krioval, then." She laughed quietly, enjoying her generally good mood, and fell into pace with Christine. "Ought to get something more spectacular for the upcoming event, anyway, I think."

"Indeed. A bit more cleavage would be supporta-"

"Shut it." And, directed at Christine (Without actually changing the direction she looked at, courtesy of Götz' choice of 'location' being Christine's shoulders), she continued: "I wonder what kind for what location... You know any particularily intriguing, ah, locations to enjoy the festival at?" She hesitated, smiling weakly, slightly embarrassed. "I have this tourist guide, but I suppose that you might be a bit more knowledgeable than it."

With that, the two women went inside, Akina being glad that the odd and vaguely threatening person that had stalked the two women (Or at least Akina believed he had stalked them), Kolte Savren, was gone.

As Kolte meditated in his room, he began to comtemplate about the two women he had seen. One seemed to be a dignitary of some sort. The other, who was she? He could not help but hope to see her again...but why? Why was he experiencing these feelings? There was just something about her...he felt something. No, he had decided not to feel something. He had sworn to himself never again, not since she was killed...

Sigrun shook his head negatively, "I'm afraid not. I am terribly out of place here. My home lies several lightyears from here. If you would be so kind?"

He offered a warm smile, which tended to disarm many, even if they were considering him hostile. He was an elf after all, such good natured behavior was a skill they possessed and utilized all too well.

"Certainly," she said, again returning to her armband for a moment. "Mateo, get up here. Level four. I've got a guest to show around." Turning back to Sigrun, she continued, "We don't get many of your kind here in Krioval. In fact, you're the first I've met. Anyway, this is the fourth level of Torokara. The Central Square," she motioned for him to follow, "is down one level. Do you follow soccer?"

"... Where were we? Ah, yes, money... No, I've suitable amounts available, in your currency, that is. If we need more, that can always be arranged, no? Anyway, thanks." Akina smiled, cheerily. People like her were the reason (Or at the very least, a reason) for DA's appaling inflation rate of roughly 10%, but it was something the people could cope with. They had to, anyway. "Well, I guess it's time to see what kind of fashion is popular in Krioval, then." She laughed quietly, enjoying her generally good mood, and fell into pace with Christine. "Ought to get something more spectacular for the upcoming event, anyway, I think."

"I think just about anything in here you'd like would be good. There hasn't been a proper Festival of Fighters since before my time, and almost before Raijin's."

"Indeed. A bit more cleavage would be supporta-"

Christine laughed and turned to the being on her shoulder. "There'll be plenty of that to go around," she said. "Restraint isn't exactly something that abounds during things like the Festival of Fighters."

"I wonder what kind for what location... You know any particularily intriguing, ah, locations to enjoy the festival at?" She hesitated, smiling weakly, slightly embarrassed. "I have this tourist guide, but I suppose that you might be a bit more knowledgeable than it."

"Observe? Huh. Do you mean the contest, the scientific exposition, or the *other* parts?"

As his heart and mind continued to wage the battle that they had fought for many years, now, Kolte was suddenly ripped back into reality. He did not understand what had happened. He felt something warm on his face, slowly inching its way down to his mouth. The salt taste startled him.

"Why is this still happening..." he thought aloud. "I am beyond this pain."

He pushed his emotions and his heart back into the spiritual hole he had hidden and suppressed them in as Jedi were trained to do. Deciding he needed something to keep him busy, he accessed a nearby computer terminal. Flashing across it were advertisements for the home soccer team. Soccer? Don't see much of that back in Megas, perhaps it will be refreshing to attend the next game. He checked the schedule and saw that the next game was that very day, and was starting soon. He brought up a map of the city and downloaded it to his datapad, turned off the terminal and left the apartment.

On the way to the soccer stadium, he noticed for the first time how joyous the people here were, how different they were from him. Being one that was taught from an early age not to express emotion, he had taken it seriously, until she came. Julina was everything to him, beatiful, smart, funny, but it was forbidden. The Council warned him only once and when he defied the teachings, he was ejected from the Order. That was fine with him. Now there was nothing between them, he could see her and never think twice about it. Then it happened. They were supposed to meet each other at a park Julina loved to go to when she was a child. But when he arrived, she wasn't there-

Kolte leaped into the air and back-flipped, amidst his musings on the past he had unintentionally wandered into the street, and was nearly struck by a vehicle. His reflexes were able to overcome his absent-mindedness, however, and when he landed he cursed himself for letting his emotions get distract him once again. Why was this happening now? He had kept them locked away for so long, why now had they decided to resurface? Did it have something to do with the women he saw on the beach earlier? Now that he thought about it, she did remind him of Julina...

"Stop!" he inadvertantly yelled. He grasped his forhead in his palms and cleared his mind. His scream had surprised several bystanders, who now looked at him wiht extremely puzzled expressions. This he didn't mind. Never before had he cared what people thought about him, and he wasn't about to start now. He stood straight and continued to make his way to the soccer game, convinced that the friendly competition would help him return to normal...

After Jason's encounter with the Trade delegate, he decided to head for and see about sign-up for the tournaments. He asked a passing citizen who directed him to the third level, central square.
Jason went to the registration booths.
"I'd like to sign up for the tournaments, could you tell me the rules and types of competitions, so I know which to sign up for?" Jason asked the man at the booth.

"Certainly," she said, again returning to her armband for a moment. "Mateo, get up here. Level four. I've got a guest to show around." Turning back to Sigrun, she continued, "We don't get many of your kind here in Krioval. In fact, you're the first I've met. Anyway, this is the fourth level of Torokara. The Central Square," she motioned for him to follow, "is down one level. Do you follow soccer?"

Sigrun shook his head negatively. "Soccer is not one of our sports back home in Tarlachia. However, we do have a few sports of our own. One of our most popular is Surge, a combat of arcanic powers, kept nonlethal. Contestants are judged upon their skill level, the grace in their attacks and defenses, and their behavior. Although Surge is limited to those of us who are capable in the arcanic arts, it is a competition that is watched with almost as much feverish anticipation as any other sport."

Sigrun gestured to the Empress and the other two following her. "I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine, Michiko." He was mindful to keep her profile low-key, like himself.

Before the customs agent had had a chance to reply Sigrun had caught Michiko's attention and waved toward a sign that she had over looked. It gave directions to the nearest teleportal and in just minutes they were in the city of Torokara. They noticed the mourners dispersing, and over heard of the great loss Krioval had just suffered. Michiko made note to offer officail condolences when she returned to Tanara. She listened with half an ear to Sigrun discussing signing up for the combat tourneys, most of her thoughts on making her way to the exclusive and little known ( they wanted that way) Hotel D' Or where she had managed to reserve a spacious suite for her group.

When Sigrun introduced her to the officer, Michiko smiled and held out her hand for a friendly clasp of greeting.

"I'm pleased to meet you, Sirroco Jones, CEO Omega II, visiting from Midgard" Michiko's warm soprano voice delifitely held off world accents

"I am so sorry to hear of the passing of two held so dear. My deepest condolences towards your people" Her sympathy and graciousness were genuine. She knew just how deep such a loss could cut.

Both Perigrine and the Grendel watched the encounter closely without seeming to, keeping most of their attention on the crowds about them. They had used their sheer weight of presence to create a generally unnoticed, but subconsciously avoided clear space about their personage. Both were very very good at their job.

After Jason's encounter with the Trade delegate, he decided to head for and see about sign-up for the tournaments. He asked a passing citizen who directed him to the third level, central square.
Jason went to the registration booths.
"I'd like to sign up for the tournaments, could you tell me the rules and types of competitions, so I know which to sign up for?" Jason asked the man at the booth.

Heading towards the soccer stadium, Kolte halted. He had heard someone asking about registration for the fighting tournaments. That was what he was here for. Not the emotional field trip he had taken earlier. Nothing clears the mind like physical combat.

He listened intently and soon narrowed it down to a man who was requesting the rules and regulations of the tournament. Yes, the man was a fighter, a strong one. Kolte approached the booth where the man stood and spoke to the person behind the counter in his general, monotone voice.

"I also wish to participate in the tournament, and will need that information as well."

While he waited for a response, he turned to the man next to him.

"You do not seem to be from this land. A foreigner, as am I."

"Yes I am, my names Jason, and your'se is?" Jason asked

The Director nodded and motioned the group to a platform. "Please do not move." Then, appearing to speak to the air, Koro said, "Taralia." The Command Center disappeared, an was quickly replaced by the lobby of the opulent hotel. "Teleport complete. This is the Taralia Hotel, the finest in Krioval. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"Thank, you, that should be all. I think I'll go for a strole in a bit. Good Day to you sir."

After checking into the penthouse suite of the Taralia, Kellerman and his guards went up to see their new lodgings. When they arrived in the room, the guards ordered the bag boy to put everything away quickly as the Imperator went and looked out the window at the city. After everything was put away, the guards paid the servant and dismissed him.

"You men are dismissed as well." Kellerman said.

"Yes sir." the guard said as they all went to their own rooms of the suite.

Kellerman went over to his closet to change out of his formal suit, and changed into simple, but expensive, clothes. He then put on some bracers that had a small control panel on each. After he was more properly dressed for walking the streets and not drawing too much attention to himself, he left the hotel. He immeadiatly went to level 1, thinking it would be the roughest neigbourhood which would give him an idea of how these people fight.

"Yes I am, my names Jason, and your'se is?" Jason asked
"Kolte, Kolte Savren, of the Megan Empire, though I represent it in no way. Where, might I ask, do you come from?" he extended his hand as if in friendship, yet his face expressed no emotion. "Perhaps it is some place I have not been?"

"I come from Theao." Jason replied as he shaked Kolte's hand.

"I must visit this place sometime. This is obviously not the first competition you have been in. I can sense greatness within you. Tell me, what exactly are you capable of?" Kolte asked Jason, hoping to possibly pick a fight before the tournament. Maybe this would reveal to him whether or need there was a need to suppress his powers...

"This will only actually be the second 'tournament' I have been in, as a great deal of my fighting experiance comes from combat training. As to what I am capable of, I'm not exacly sure as I've never been pushed to my absolute limits." Jason replied

"Stop!" he inadvertantly yelled. He grasped his forhead in his palms and cleared his mind. His scream had surprised several bystanders, who now looked at him wiht extremely puzzled expressions. This he didn't mind. Never before had he cared what people thought about him, and he wasn't about to start now. He stood straight and continued to make his way to the soccer game, convinced that the friendly competition would help him return to normal...

A rather large Pacific Islander made his way to Kolte following the outburst. "You O.K.? I mean, lots of people like the game, but they usually don't yell outside the arena." He laughed deeply. "I'm Krodan. You come out here for the Festival or just to see our Slashers play?" Krodan backed off slightly when Jason arrived. This particular Kriovalian was not in the military, but could recognize those who had formal training. He watched their conversation with interest, but made sure he had an exit as well; he was only there for the soccer match, after all.

------------------

"I'd like to sign up for the tournaments, could you tell me the rules and types of competitions, so I know which to sign up for?" Jason asked the man at the booth.

"Certainly. There are three types. Unarmed, hand-to-hand, and universal. No special technology or abilities allowed in the first two, and the third allows everything - ranged weapons, psionics, tech enhancers, you name it."

------------------

Sigrun shook his head negatively. "Soccer is not one of our sports back home in Tarlachia. However, we do have a few sports of our own. One of our most popular is Surge, a combat of arcanic powers, kept nonlethal. Contestants are judged upon their skill level, the grace in their attacks and defenses, and their behavior. Although Surge is limited to those of us who are capable in the arcanic arts, it is a competition that is watched with almost as much feverish anticipation as any other sport."

Sigrun gestured to the Empress and the other two following her. "I'd like you to meet a good friend of mine, Michiko." He was mindful to keep her profile low-key, like himself.

"Sounds fun. It's interesting, because so many in Krioval have psionic talents these days, but it's pretty much restricted on the field itself." At the introduction, the Kriovalian soldier realized her manners. "I'm sorry for not asking earlier. Michiko? I'm Miranda Valero, fourth-ranked Fighter in the Army of Krioval. I am honored to meet you. Thank you for kind words. The High Priest and Bishop both will be missed."

------------------

"Thank, you, that should be all. I think I'll go for a strole in a bit. Good Day to you sir."

Koro nodded in recognition of the other man's words. "Sounds like a plan. Feel free to contact my office if you are in need of my assistance." He grinned as his form dissolved from the hotel lobby. I could do worse, he thought.

"Are the fights intended to be lethal or non-lethal?" Jason asked

"Sigrun, I'm going to let you go find the arena. I'll see to checking us into the HotelD'Or, and then I'm going shopping."

She waggled an eyebrow at the stoic looks on Perigrines and the Grendels faces, grinning wickedly at Sigrun. Neither of the personal protection agents particularly cared for shopping. However Michiko intended to ferret out the most exclusive of shops.

"Certainly. There are three types. Unarmed, hand-to-hand, and universal. No special technology or abilities allowed in the first two, and the third allows everything - ranged weapons, psionics, tech enhancers, you name it."


All three Vastivans Champions signed up for the second type - with Therassi and Alesha signing up for the first as well.

En masse, they ignored the third.

"Any word about the delegates?"
"Has anything blown up?"
"No."
"Riots?"
"No."
"Hear klaxxons?"
"No."
"They're fine."

Having heard of the combat types Jason signed up for each of them. As he finished he heard the Vastivans talking of the trade delegates. He went over to the one who appeared to lead the group, "I couldn't help but overhear you are looking for a trade delegate, would one of thier names happen to be Ilifat na-Omair ibn Lut ibn Mytayyib?"

Alesha cringed, bringing out her VCL card. "How much do we owe you, and what was destroyed?"

"I think just about anything in here you'd like would be good. There hasn't been a proper Festival of Fighters since before my time, and almost before Raijin's.""I see. Hrm." She hesitated. "A very special occasion, then. I might try..." She peered at the drone. "I might, so don't even dare."

Christine laughed and turned to the being on her shoulder. "There'll be plenty of that to go around," she said. "Restraint isn't exactly something that abounds during things like the Festival of Fighters."Götz just chuckled, sort-of curling up on Christine's shoulder, before replying to her. "I guessed so. But tell that to her. She tends to be a little... Cagy."

"Oh, for the love of..."

"Well, look at yourself, that's pretty, well, inhibiting." The drone chuckled, one wing pointing at a few pieces nearby. "Above the waistline, anyway. Now, that-" It indicated the general direction of a rather revealing, red dress. "Would fit you."

Akina sighed, but following a mildly encouraging nod by Christine, she went towards this particular piece, looking at it and a variety of others. "Too much... Too much..."

"Just enough, you mean."

She ignored Götz, turning towards Christine, again. "Well... The contest might be mildly interesting... Although frankly, men fighting because their hormones demand it tend to amuse me, rather than to impress me." She hesitated, chuckling. "So, mostly for the scientific exposition and the 'other' part, yes." Another chuckle escaped her. "Especially the other part." It was possibly sounding odd, Akina being nervous about being too revealing and interested in this kind of thing at the same time. It was her, though, namely, it was the difference between her being sober and her being drunk, a difference she knew all to well.

She worked further through the available clothes/ dresses, quietly noticing that the upcoming event seemed to have had a major impact on the designs, especially with regards to the amount of skin they would reveal. Unsure as she was, she sighed, trying not to listen to Götz' encouragement with regards to try 'A belt. And nothing else.'

"Hrm. Anyway... I'm unsure. You have some sort of... Ah... Recommendation?" She pointed at the variety of overly revealing clothes with a ludicrously large cost/ squarecentimetre ratio (For a moment, she wondered if the price was based on the amount of skin the dresses were not covering) available. "Seeing as you are more used to the festival, I think it would only be appropriate to follow your recommendations." Another shy smile, a suppressed giggle she didn't actually know where it came from, and a last, short thought about the hooded creep from earlier, wondering if she had actually attracted him, a thought that scared and fascinated her at the same time. After all, he had looked decidedly... Odd, as if not from this world, but engulfed in a different one, a world existing only in his mind, to flee into...

It freaked her out.

She just hoped that she wouldn't see him again. Of course, in a city of 200 million people, such seemed to be a rather unlikely event, anyway.

Or so she thought.

"Sigrun, I'm going to let you go find the arena. I'll see to checking us into the HotelD'Or, and then I'm going shopping."

She waggled an eyebrow at the stoic looks on Perigrines and the Grendels faces, grinning wickedly at Sigrun. Neither of the personal protection agents particularly cared for shopping. However Michiko intended to ferret out the most exclusive of shops.


Sigrun nodded and gave a sly grin and wink to the two bodyguards. He was well familiar with the thirst for battle, as was clearly evident in their eyes. His wink told him his sympathies for their situation.

"I'll catch up with you later, Michiko." he replied and strode off into the city, slowly learning what each of the levels had. If he wasn't mistaken, the officer had stated that the tournament sign-up would be on this level. He walked, following the signs, and his instincts.

Michiko looked at Miranda with a sympathetic grin on her face as Sigrun strode off on his own.

"He's not being rude, Sigrun's just used to doing things on his own and seldom stands on ceremony. I could use your help though, if you don't mind. I've been too busy to really indulge in shopping in over three years and my budget is unlimited. Could you give me the names of some of the best designer's private salons?"

The understated elegance and finest craftmanship of her cothes, simple and comfortable as they were attested to the fact that she obvioulsy had taste and the budget she spoke of.

Back in the Empire the finest came to her but that was expected and Imperial Security would allow nothing less, though they would have prefred to not allow it at all and confine shopping to conversations and viewings over holocalls. Michiko had put her foot very firmly down on that. Michiko suspected that if they could have found a way for her hair stylist to work by vetted remote control they would have. She was of the string opinion that Imperial Security took their job far too paranoidly at times...then remembered her days 'in the game' and knew they weren't, just overly eager at times.

"Nothing, on both acounts. I just happened to meet him earlier and while he did seem over melodramatic, he didn't see like he would be destructive." Jason replied

Terran Space....

Somewhere near Martian orbit....

Energies swell for moments, as a wormhole opens in space, and stabalizes... For a few moments it hangs there, its mouth gaping wide in space/time.... Exotic energies swirling around its apature...

A vessel emerges... 3060 meters long, 1200 meters across its beam, a full 650 meters in height... Just over 2 billion metric tons in mass... As it drifts from the wormhole, energy readings are off the scale... After clearing the wormhole, energies die and the massive vortex behind it slams shut, ceasing to exist....

The vessel bears a name across its bow... "TRSS Hyperion BSG-47".

In normal space, it puts its drives on full, and blasts towards Terra...

After several minutes of transit, it slows and slips into a gracefull orbit over the planet... After several minutes, a single heavy shuttle dis-embarks from one of its two "pod" like hangar bays hanging from the port and starboard sides of the vessel, along with two sleekish fighter craft running along either side of the shuttle.

The shuttle slips through the atmosphere... After entry it makes a turn and heads towards the Torokara, with fighters in escort... Just prior to entry into Kriovalian airspace, it sends a out a message...


**** Transmission ****
Krioval Air Control, This is 'Eagle One', Lieutenant Commander Heurter commanding... Outbound Tekanian Republic Stellar Ship Hyperion, BETTA SIGMA GAMMA FOUR SEVEN. Carrying President Eric D. Williamson, UN Delegate/Rear Admiral Fletcher, and CSO/Fleet Admiral Warner as representatives of the Republic for attendence to the festivals... Permission to enter airspace is requested with escort.... EPSILON ALPHA GAMMA LIMA EPSILON ONE, out....
**** END ****

Kellerman first stopped at the registration to sign up for the tournament. He signed up for universal of course. He paid the fees and continued on his way towards level 1.

"Hrm. Anyway... I'm unsure. You have some sort of... Ah... Recommendation?" She pointed at the variety of overly revealing clothes with a ludicrously large cost/ squarecentimetre ratio (For a moment, she wondered if the price was based on the amount of skin the dresses were not covering) available. "Seeing as you are more used to the festival, I think it would only be appropriate to follow your recommendations."

"Well, that all depends on what you're looking for. If you're just looking to sightsee, then this might work." Christine pointed to a modest outfit. "If you're looking to get laid," she whispered conspiratorally, "try *this*!" The senator walked over to a rack and withdrew a revealing red shirt and matching microskirt. What was interesting was while there was plenty of fabric comprising the outfit, very little of it was located in "essential" areas. "Just remember, at the Festival of Fighters, anyone is allowed to ask anyone else for sex. At the same time, a simple declination is sufficient if the advances are unwanted. Goes for anyone, regardless of sex or orientation."

"He's not being rude, Sigrun's just used to doing things on his own and seldom stands on ceremony. I could use your help though, if you don't mind. I've been too busy to really indulge in shopping in over three years and my budget is unlimited. Could you give me the names of some of the best designer's private salons?"

"Unlimited, huh?" Miranda's eyebrows rose. "You'd want fifth level Torokara. That's the most exclusive part of this city, and probably in all Krioval! We can teleport up there if you'd like."

"Nothing, on both acounts. I just happened to meet him earlier and while he did seem over melodramatic, he didn't see like he would be destructive." Jason replied

They didn't know yet... that was good. She broadened into a smile. "Well then, at least he's alright. Your pardon, I am Alesha Naina bin Kyda, and that is Guard-Captain Therassi, and... Gelt." Each nodded a bow in turn, Therassi stiffly formal, Gelt all but mocking Therassi's as he did. "Are you entered in these contests?"

"Actually I'm registered in all three competitions." Jason replied

**** Transmission ****
Krioval Air Control, This is 'Eagle One', Lieutenant Commander Heurter commanding... Outbound Tekanian Republic Stellar Ship Hyperion, BETTA SIGMA GAMMA FOUR SEVEN. Carrying President Eric D. Williamson, UN Delegate/Rear Admiral Fletcher, and CSO/Fleet Admiral Warner as representatives of the Republic for attendence to the festivals... Permission to enter airspace is requested with escort.... EPSILON ALPHA GAMMA LIMA EPSILON ONE, out....
**** END ****

"This is Krioval Air and Space Command. Please alter course to the city of Telekar. You are cleared to land at Telekar International Airport, runway seven. Be ready to produce documentation upon arrival. Welcome to Krioval."

"Actually I'm registered in all three competitions." Jason replied

"Then perhaps we shall meet at least twice," growled Therassi, still assessing Jason's capabilities.

"And perhaps after that, again for a late supper and some clubbing?" Gelt gave a sudden broad grin after a glance at Therassi, swinging his attention to Jason before the larger man could glare back. "I'm told the night life here can be somewhat... rowdy, particularly if one is in the mood to "rowd"."

"Something like that." Jason replied, "So your from out of country as well I take it."

Therassi growls.

"Actually," Gelt steps between them, "by point of coincidence, we three are all from the Sultanate of Vastiva, visiting for reasons both personal and professional. Where do you hail from?"

"I'm from Theao, and the reason I was in the general spatial area was buisness but the reason I'm here is I needed a vacation. Spending mulitple years in space with only an annoying rulebound A.I. tends to wear on your nerves." Jason replied as he gave Therassi a odd look.

After walking around level 1 for awhile, Kellerman returned to his hotel and awaited the tournament to start. He was anxious to show the galaxy that Taledonians are the best fighters.

~Kaia was excited to see all the strong fighters around as the Blue Guard followed the two heirs. She saw the signup booth and quickly dashed toward it when Drac wasn't looking.~

"Is their one catagory for melee weapons?"

~She asked in a sing song voice before Drac found her.~

"You are not allowed."

~He said bluntly. Kaia unsheathed her vibroblade and pointed it at Drac, jeweled inlaid hilt and scabbard, diamond edge, a perfectly balanced and expensive gift from their father.~

"You are not going to stop me Dracuran of the First House."

~She said determined, using his titled name, her voice with a hint of playing. Drac sighed, he was tired of fighting with her. When he had taken his place as the head of the First House, he could order her to stop her foolishness. He walked away from the booth waving the guards with him.~

"We'll watch from the stands."

The shuttle and two fighters slip into Kriovalian airspace... heading towards the airport...

As they approach the runway, landing struts lower... All three craft setting down upon the runway... The two pilots hop from their craft, and take up station next to the side-hatch of the Mule class shuttle... It slides open, and two marine guards exit with three men, two in uniform, of high rank, the third in a finely pressed suit...

They make their way towards the terminal... and dispense papers....

The first steps forward and holds out a packet...



Passport

NAME: Williamson, Eric D.
AGE: 54
TITLE: President and Chief Executive; Tekania, Constitutional Republic of
SN: 1155-332-0103

Birthplace: Yorktown, Federal District of; Tekania Prime

~
~

ADDENDUM:
Diplomatic Status requested.

The above person is executive for this Republic and has been authorized by this republic for representation abroad.

As per Federal Statute of the Constitutional Republic, the person is to be applicable to all local laws while in attendence. And has agreed to waiver.

Signed:(Signature) Eric D. Williamson, President, Constitutional Republic of Tekania
Co-Signed:(Signature) Silas P. Henderson, Secretary of State, Constitutional Republic of Tekania



The second presents his....



Passport

NAME: Fletcher, Herbert G.
AGE: 48
TITLE: Ambassadore, UN; Rear Admiral(TSF/TSN)[act]
SN: 1201-404-1121

Birthplace: Roanoke, Old Dominion, Tekania Prime.
~
~

ADDENDUM:
Diplomatic Status requested.

The above person is executive for this Republic and has been authorized by this republic for representation abroad.

As per Federal Statute of the Constitutional Republic, the person is to be applicable to all local laws while in attendence. And has agreed to waiver.

Signed:(Signature) Herbert G. Fletcher, Ambassadore/RADM
Co-Signed:(Signature) Silas P. Henderson, Secretary of State, Constitutional Republic of Tekania



And the third....



Passport

NAME: Warner, Lawrence M.
AGE: 59
TITLE: Fleet Admiral/Chief Of Stellar Operations(TSN/TSF)[act]
SN: 1155-332-0103

Birthplace: Ashland, Thompsonia, Dominion of, Tekania.
~
~

ADDENDUM:
Diplomatic Status requested.

The above person is executive for this Republic and has been authorized by this republic for representation abroad.

As per Federal Statute of the Constitutional Republic, the person is to be applicable to all local laws while in attendence. And has agreed to waiver.

Signed:(Signature) Lawrence M. Warner, FADM
Co-Signed:(Signature) Silas P. Henderson, Secretary of State, Constitutional Republic of Tekania

I must excuse myself from this RP. Regretfully, there are more pressing matters that require my attention. I hope this will not effect the diplomatic stance of our nations.

A rather large Pacific Islander made his way to Kolte following the outburst. "You O.K.? I mean, lots of people like the game, but they usually don't yell outside the arena." He laughed deeply. "I'm Krodan. You come out here for the Festival or just to see our Slashers play?" Krodan backed off slightly when Jason arrived. This particular Kriovalian was not in the military, but could recognize those who had formal training. He watched their conversation with interest, but made sure he had an exit as well; he was only there for the soccer match, after all.


Kolte stared at the huge man.

"I'm fine, thank you." He turned back to Jason. "Now, if you'll excuse me...uh...Jason, I must register for the the three competitions."

As Kolte completed the registrations, he couldn't help but wonder if she would be competing...I must be going mad... he thought.

"Alright, I hope you have fun." Jason replied as he decided to lounge in the square, watching to see who would be competiting in the tournaments.

"Alright, I hope you have fun." Jason replied as he decided to lounge in the square, watching to see who would be competiting in the tournaments.
"Yes, and you as well..." Kolte said as he returned the registrations to the booth personel and continued on his way to the stadium. Fun, he thought, yes, I think it's time I had fun...

Andretara Monastery - 18 June - 7:30 am

The priests sat in the "elections room" for the second straight day. Only Raijin, by virtue of being a paladin, rather than a priest, was allowed to come and go, though most were sympathetic to allowing the Commander to do his job. Seven rounds of ballots and they were still nowhere near deciding who would replace Andruik as High Priest. Deliberations were still going on when Raijin entered the room. "We close to a decision?" he asked nobody in particular.

"No, I'm afraid not," Elena Tikal said, shaking her head sadly. "I would consider myself for the position," she intoned, "but the Gods do not call me to it. Besides, we need someone younger than my sixty-four years - someone who will energize the population to true belief, not the outward conformity we see today. I want the temples to be a place of power once again."

"Well, I may have a solution to the problem, though it's a bit...unorthodox." Raijin tossed a dossier on the table. "He's young, but he has the proper training.

"We could teleport up there if you like" Miranda replied

Michiko thought for nearly a minute, accessing the data base built into the mico implant embedded just behind her ear. The particular law she was looking for was poorly written she realized as she consulted it. She would be in the presence of a duly authorized officer of the law...the law neglected to specify which nation this was meant cover, and extraordinary circumstances...and shopping certainly was...so it meant one was allowed instead of the minimum of two...She grinned wickedly and turned to Perigrine and the Grendel.

"You two take off, I know that you want to register for the tourney, so off with you. I'll be with Miranda here so that covers the legalities"

Perigrine started to object but Michiko's stern look stopped her. She too activated her implant and consulted...The Empress certainly did have the authority to establish the circumstances, and the law did imply... several seconds later she gave Michiko a speaking look and nodded in very reluctant acceptance, if not agreement. However certain equipment, such as now rested in her right bracer meant that - if it worked right- she was never more than a thought way from her charge. The Grendel had it's own thoughts and abilities. It too assented reluctantly

"I'll see you two at the Hotel D'Or at say, 6 this evening."

Michiko turned to Miranda with a conspiratorial smile.

"I think teleporting to the fifthe level would be just the thing. I feel the very feminine need to go spend money"

Kolte arrived at the stadium to see that the game had already started. He purchased a ticket and made his way to a mid-level seat were he began to watch. The Slashers had some very talented players, he observed. He recognized 2 immediately from the advertisement for the festival, though he couldn't recall their names. He relaxed in his seat and was comfortable watching the game, even while everyone around him occasionally rose to their feat and cheered. Soccer must be a popular sport around here. Much like the vehicle racing back home, he thought.

As Jason watched the people signing up he noticed two that seemed less like fighters and more like bodyguards, they seemed to move as if they were use to something being under thier guard. He got up and went over to them, "Hello, here for the tournament?"

Sigrun was off to the side, having already registered for the tournament. He had signed up only for the universal third of the Tournament. Although he could have easily dealt with all three of the challenges, he was only here for fun. Therefore, for fun, he would combine the fighting of all three parts of the Tournament into his chosen field. He kept his sword hidden underneath the cloak that hung across his shoulders, and his hands crossed as he studied the location where the person had stated the tournament would be located.

[OOC: A little description of what he's looking at?]

Sigrun strolled around to different vantage points, studying the field, noting anything that might be useful to know. As he studied the field, he was reminded of the Coliseum built in Tarlachia, specifically for the Star Trials. The Star Trials, trials that taxed his physical, spiritual and arcanic abilities like never before. And yet, he had excelled, defeating a multitude of combatants from wombats, to Tarlachia's most notorious mercenary gang, to vampires, to dragons, to demons and a demon lord. He had fought them nonstop from one opponent to the next. He frowned slightly as he remembered the surprise assassination attempt that had nearly killed him just after the Star Trials.

I find myself looking for battle, even after having more than a lions share of it...

OOC: Wombats? LOL ( sorry couldn't help myself )

Hey, Theao - what does Jason look like? can't find a description of him any where ..
*****************************************

Perigrine turned from studying the board and the others signing up as an youn human male approached her and inquired..

"Hello, here for the tournament?"

"Perhaps we are but I'm not certain which catagories yet."

The tall Nietzschean woman replied as she studied him with the same close scrutiny she gave everything about her. No Nietzschean worth their genes would pay less than proper attention to their surroundings. To do other wise was generally fatal.

The Grendel was happy to let Perigrine do the interaction with others. He moved slightly to cover her back, not concerned about his. Nothing much could hurt him, and besides he was interested in Perigrine. 'Though I wonder how she will react when she finds out' he mused to himself. The alien shapeshifter didn't normally go in for such tournaments, but he had decided he needed a thorough work out as no one opponent could generally provide such. Though Perigrine Omega, the sole representative of her species, Homo Spaiens Invictus, certainly came close.

"Well, that all depends on what you're looking for. If you're just looking to sightsee, then this might work." Christine pointed to a modest outfit. "If you're looking to get laid," she whispered conspiratorally, "try *this*!" The senator walked over to a rack and withdrew a revealing red shirt and matching microskirt. What was interesting was while there was plenty of fabric comprising the outfit, very little of it was located in "essential" areas. "Just remember, at the Festival of Fighters, anyone is allowed to ask anyone else for sex. At the same time, a simple declination is sufficient if the advances are unwanted. Goes for anyone, regardless of sex or orientation."

Akina blushed slightly. 'Get laid'. Of course, it was one of the reasons (Well, perhaps even the reason) for her to be present, but then, right now, she wasn't drunk, and as such, she had some basic level of modesty/ decency remaining. And running around in such a piece... "Well, I guess..." She hesitated. If she was honest with herself... "I think this one will be better, for the exposition." With that, she took the more modest outfit, at the same time glad and frustrated by her choice/ lack of courage, a courage a good portion of Angstians would have had. However, she didn't. "Quite suitable, I guess."

Götz chuckled, listening, nodding his head in Akina's general direction as she went past him and Christine. Once she was past them, he was holding a credit card (Akina's credit card) in his beak.

She will want the... Less modest one when she gets a little tipsy. He thought, clear enough for Christine to register his thoughts in her brain. Having his beak occupied, he had choosen to use this (Admittedly slightly invasive) way of communication. We should buy her the second one, I'm sure she will be glad. He then kept the credit card hidden in his beak, as he noticed Akina looking back.

"You're coming? I'm sure the other events will start, soon. And I'm sure you can be late, even when teleporting. Not to mention that I will have to change before." She was already about to pay, in cash.

Sooner or later, things would get seriously interesting. Especially with the 'Replacement dress'.

"Ah, I happen to be signed up for all three competitions." Jason replied

ooc: check the ooc for description, will be adding soon.

Elsewhere, unfortunately....

"Yes, and we'll take one of those, and ten of these, and - oh, you have more? I shall have them. And these, and these, and - yes, that shelf there. Oh, and I must have that. Do you have it in green?"

"Do I have a cash register in green?"

"Yes, you see, in this gray it will not go with anything. No matter. How much for your shirt?"
"My uniform?"
"Yes, that thing you are wearing."
"Uh, fifteen..."
"Feh! Pick yourself out something better, it is old, worn, and shabby."

People had gathered to watch this particular sin be worked over; two delegates - one from the Oil cartel, the other a representative of Vastiva's vast Publishing empire - had simply been walking down one avenue and up another, entering shops apparently at random - and all but buying them completely out. Already two department stores, a church, and a lunchroom had closed for the day - "Out of Stock" ran one sign, "Excessive Profits" declared another - had been purchased within an inch of their lives, and then some. A fleet of delivery trucks were working nearly constantly to move the huge piles of - well, "junk" in most cases - to the Vastivan shuttle.

"And do not break anything! I have bought the insurance!"
"Right, yes sir..."

"I think teleporting to the fifthe level would be just the thing. I feel the very feminine need to go spend money"

Miranda looked at Michiko. "Certainly. Just this way," she said, leading the empress to a teleporter. "Level five, center." The third level dissolved, replaced by the opulent and lush park at the middle of the fifth level of Torokara. The entire area, as far as the eye could see, practically screamed 'expensive'. That was, of course, the point. If one felt out of place here, they likely were. "Level five," the officer said, looking and Michiko with a conspiratorial smile. "If you want to spend money in Krioval, this is where it can be done with highest efficiency. Now, you mentioned a salon. I'd recommend any that you see. Same goes for the boutiques and restaurants. You definitely get what you pay for."

'Blue hair'...'so? cute in an earnest sort of way'...'Human'...'get used to it- you are the only one of your kind in this universe. If you don't want to spend most of your time over the rest of your ever so long life killing things every time 'the time' comes around'...'pheromones aren't right'...'what is the saying ..stretch yawn, bitch, moan...wait a few hours and I bet you change your tune' Perigrine argued with herself of a few seconds and then introduced herself formally with a slight bow.

"Perigrine Omega, out of Tomoe by Hannibal, Kerasu"

Thirty plus years of habit added the last, though she knew full well that no one here had ever heard of Nietzscheans much less the Kerasi Pride. Her hand, gloved in the thinest and supplest of leather came out for an exchange of a warrior's wrist clasp, her bone blades kept carefully close to her forearm.

The Grendel growled under his breath, not likeing the interest that Perigrine was showing in the human, but outwardly he showed nothing. He could afford to be patient, and he would be.

Jason, being able to tell from voice and stance it was a 'formal/semi-formal' response, replied with the same type of bow and arm extension, while replying "Jason Francis Michel Vladmir Yokosumi Valdor, of the lines Michel and Valdor."

As her hand clasped gently but firmly about his wrist, she smiled behind her veil, and for once it did reach her eyes.

"I am honoured to meet you Jason Francis Michel Vladmir Yokosumi Valdor, of the lines Michel and Valdor"

She slid her hand along his wrist and her unseen smile warmed as he 'caught' the meaning and responded properly. 'He catches on faster than most' she thought.

"I am curious...among my people 'unarmed' and 'hand to hand' mean essentially the same thing. How is it different here?"

Valak - 19 June - 10:00 am

Koro had slipped away from the capital for a few hours to visit the rest of the Varteks. Despite his status as a "second Raijin", the Diplomatic Director still had spent the majority of his life among the family of scientists and explorers. It was this emphasis that had driven him to join the first space expeditions; that had put him in position to be first responder to the Bralos disaster, and that had propelled him to the Directorship. Fate is strange, he mused.

"Koro?!" a female voice called out, not quite believing that he'd come in the middle of such a busy month. "Is that really you?"

"Hey! Alice! It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Oh, thank Gods," she said. "If you were Raijin, I would have spit! That man causes me nothing but problems, I swear."

"Now, now," Koro said, trying to calm the older woman. "It's not his fault he couldn't...well...ya know."

"Anyway, how are you doing these days?"

"Good. Busy as all hells, but that's to be expected." He considered what to say next, and went for it. "Darvek's good too. You going to the Festival?"

Alice thought for a moment. "It's not really my thing," she said. "Fighting and promiscuity. The exposition should be something to see, though."

"If I can drag myself out of bed for it," Koro laughed. He and Alice had butted heads on subjects like these for years, though the intensity had abated. Being raised in the same household had done a number on Alice's personality, especially after the collapse of Raijin and Alice's not-quite-relationship. "How are mom and dad doing?"

"Good. I think they're watching the news. Let's go look." They entered the large house on Vartek Street, named after the king who had founded the city and created the entire family line through his second daughter. The house was one of the few remaining signs of the former nobility, which had abruptly ended at the death of the last king, Sylvan Kriov.

Koro's parents looked up as he entered the room. "Koro. We were wondering if we'd even get to see you this month," his mother said, beaming. "My son, the third highest-ranking person in all Krioval!"

"Technically," Koro corrected, "I'm fourth."

"I wouldn't be so sure," his father said, pointing to the holoscreen.

Paladin Media Service, 19 June 2007

"Good morning. This is Johan Kelos, of the Paladin Media Service. In economic news today, strangely robed visitors from Vastiva have been on a spending spree the likes of which the Kriovalian economy has never seen before. Retail profits for June are already more than twice that of the rest of the year combined, and are expected to continue to rise precipitously. The markets are reacting strongly to this, with most retail shares up between five and ten percent. The coming Festival of Fighters is also implicated in the economic upturn, which should help close out strongly an otherwise anemic fiscal quarter. Most credit the progressive policies of the Commander and Director Koro Vartek, who recently reversed several restrictions on corporate growth.

"In other news..."

"Guys, I'm thrilled to be mentioned," Koro started, "but I hardly think that an economic boom is the same as a promotion."

"Maria," Koro's father said, "that boy's the most impatient creature I've ever met."

"Now, Philip, Koro's a Director. It's his job to be impatient." Maria Vartek smiled indulgently at the boy, earning a look of mild disdain from Alice. Koro had always been the favorite of their mother. "Watch the rest, Koro."

"In other news, the convention of priests in Andretara has ended this morning after several hours of deadlock. Surprisingly, the candidate selected has never held an ecclesiastical office, though he has had a religious training sufficient for nomination to the post of High Priest. An hour ago, High Paladin Raijin Dekker officially unsealed the result, indicating that the new High Priest is Director Koro Vartek! Koro is originally from Valak City..."

"What was he thinking?!" Koro exploded. "Gods! Raijin! No! No, no, no, no!" He ran from the room, looking for a secure communications console. "Get me Raijin, now!"

The response could be heard in the holoscreen room. "At once, Your Excellency."

"Gah!"

"He's taking this awfully well," Alice said with a huge smile. "Years ago, he'd have been breaking things by now."

"Too true," Philip said. "That boy cost me a fortune growing up. And now he's the High Priest of Krioval. Go figure."

---------------
Andretara - 10:30 am

"This is Raijin," the Commander said.

"RAIJIN! What in the seventy-five hells were you thinking?!"

"Ah, Your Excellency," Raijin said, suppressing a giggle. "Congratulations on your ascension."

"Oh cram the 'Your Excellency' bit! Why, Raijin?!"

"It's not as if I was the only person voting, Koro."

"Good Gods, though. I don't know the first thing about ceremony and doctrine! I'm a scientist and diplomat!"

"I'm glad you agree. Anyway, give me a second." The line cut as Raijin walked to a teleporter. "Three-five-seven Vartek Street, Valak City." He materialized in the entryway to the Vartek home. "Good morning, all."

"RAIJIN!" This time the voice was feminine.

The Commander scratched his head reflexively. "Oh, hey Alice. Been a while."

Alice looked at Raijin before storming up the stairs. "I can't escape him!" she wailed.

"Nice quiet retirement, Maria. All I wanted. But noooooooo. No, our kids had to be great scientists, Directors, and now High Priests. Not a moment's peace for me."

"Dear, the problem is that you have no fucking perspective," Maria said sweetly. Turning toward Raijin, she said, "Hello, Commander. I think that Koro's in the other room. Between you and me, I think he'll get used to the idea. Never really been one for power though. Give him some time."

Back in Andretara

"I can't believe that kid got elected!"

"Now, now, someone had to be by the Festival. It could have been worse."

"Not much."

"True. But such a young man can make quite the martyr, if done correctly."

"You're gonna kill 'im?"

"No, but the Festival's such a dangerous place to be, I'm told. Accidents are bound to happen."

"The way I understand it, unarmed means that you fight with nothing other than your own body, while hand-to-hand is where you fight with hand weapons as well as the body." Jason replied

"Well, I guess..." She hesitated. If she was honest with herself... "I think this one will be better, for the exposition." With that, she took the more modest outfit, at the same time glad and frustrated by her choice/ lack of courage, a courage a good portion of Angstians would have had. However, she didn't. "Quite suitable, I guess."

"It's very nice - for the exposition," Christine said, simultaneously demonstrating approval and nudging the other woman toward something suitable for the rest of the holiday.

She will want the... Less modest one when she gets a little tipsy. He thought, clear enough for Christine to register his thoughts in her brain. Having his beak occupied, he had choosen to use this (Admittedly slightly invasive) way of communication. We should buy her the second one, I'm sure she will be glad. He then kept the credit card hidden in his beak, as he noticed Akina looking back.

"You're coming? I'm sure the other events will start, soon. And I'm sure you can be late, even when teleporting. Not to mention that I will have to change before." She was already about to pay, in cash.

Sooner or later, things would get seriously interesting. Especially with the 'Replacement dress'.

I should think so as well. The senator was not flustered by the telepathic communication, having lived among telepaths for most of her life. The red one, then? she 'said', finishing with the telepathic equivalent of a naughty giggle.

Michiko looked about, admiring the luxurious decor of the fifth level. She'd only seen glimpses of it while checking into the Hotel D' Or

"I hadn't looked around earlier...So Miranda, care to help me spend some money?"

Her eys were twinkling, she hadn't realized how much she was starved for just plain company!

"Maybe help me find something that will attract just the right man...You wouldn't believe how hard it is...you can't have a lover inside the company...or it's favoritism, can't with some one in another company, or it's sleeping with the enemy, if they're governmental, its 'favors for influence', and military the same thing"

Her voice was wistful for a second then brightened as she looked at Miranda hopefully.

"So? Spend money and hope, right?"

"I hadn't looked around earlier...So Miranda, care to help me spend some money?"

"Sure thing. I've got to admit, this place is a little challenging at first. Best way for the first time up here's just to pick a place at random, though Serena's is a pretty nice place to see. Best spa in Krioval."

"Maybe help me find something that will attract just the right man...You wouldn't believe how hard it is...you can't have a lover inside the company...or it's favoritism, can't with some one in another company, or it's sleeping with the enemy, if they're governmental, its 'favors for influence', and military the same thing"

"Yeah? That's not so much a problem in this country. Here we tend to have problems finding a man who's both available and straight!" She laughed. "My husband, Varken, was one of the few in his command group. They're there, and with any luck, there'll be a few looking at the Festival!"

"So? Spend money and hope, right?"

"Hope? All you need is the right dress and style, and you'll be the one making all the choices. So, what would you like to do first?"

"Five, center". Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al watched everything change again. Wonderful machines these teleporters...

He glanced around, looking for...well, whatever caught his fancy first. Maybe some jellybabies...

"Oh definitely clothes first. I don't wear much jewelry, never got into the habit of it. I started out in special ops and wearing jewelry there was not only futile but dangerous"

Michiko looked about and spied a discrete store front.

"Oh wait...one should have the proper foundations first!"

The sign very discretely advertised custom lingerie

Paladin Media Service Broadcast - 19 June 2007

Outside "Pan Krioval", Level 3 Torokara

Surprising even the most optimistic sources, the recently debuted line of pullstring dolls fashioned after various Kriovalian officials have been selling almost as quickly as they can be stocked. With the election of High Priest Koro, his dolls have been outselling even Commander Raijin's. In third place come Darvek Tyvok dolls, followed closely by Kiv Andros replicas. There is apparently even strong demand for female versions, with Adele Kriov and Vakia Pasko variants selling well.

Who's buying these? Again the results are unusual in that adults are purchasing more than children, though that may be owing to the unorthodox marketing campaign slogan, which goes "Sleep with..." followed by the various officials' names. Due to the Festival of Fighters, most of the figures replicated by the toys were unable to interview with Paladin, but the comments received were reasonably encouraging. Said Adele Kriov, "If some soldier wants to 'sleep with' a copy of a sixty-one year old woman, let 'em." Vakia Pasko added, "I love the moves that some of them have programmed. The ruler in the 'Vakia' doll that moves to 'slap' a student's hand for not paying attention is hilarious!" Darvek was a bit less enthusiastic, offering, "It's bad enough that I have to be the subject of a book dealing with my alleged love life, but now this?"

The dolls, which are programmed to move and speak a set phrase when a drawstring is pulled, will be featured at the Festival of Fighters.

"Oh definitely clothes first. I don't wear much jewelry, never got into the habit of it. I started out in special ops and wearing jewelry there was not only futile but dangerous"

Michiko looked about and spied a discrete store front.

"Oh wait...one should have the proper foundations first!"

The sign very discretely advertised custom lingerie

"Yeah. This is a pretty nice place. But be careful. Sometimes the word 'custom' translates directly to 'expensive', and you could probably do equally well with the normal stuff," Miranda said. "Fifth level and all, not many people bother worrying about that, but sometimes it's the principle of the thing."

"Expensive I'm truly not worried about, sometimes you pay for atmosphere, and if it's too much, I have no problem going elsewhere."

Michiko smiled as a doorman held the heavy door for the ladies.Once they stepped inside the muted hush was broken only by faint music that enhanced the decor perfectly. The interior was opulent but not in any way gaudy, and almost instantly a well dressed 'consultant was at thier side, bowing pleasantly

"Good afternoon, might I be of service?" The consultant inquired in a softly modulated voice

"Yes please we are here to...Oh! Now why does he deserve his own doll?"

Michiko noticed a discretely displayed doll bearing a hand calligraphed label 'Darvek Tyvok'

"He is handsome enough to be a super model, but with a pull string?"

Michiko examined the doll closely and requested that the consultant set one aside for her. Then she aske to see some of the seasons fashions modeled for her. Once the ladies measurements were taken, models in their size would display the apparel, allowing them to see how they fit and moved when worn.

*****************************************

Perigrine nodded, deciding to sit out the tournament and just enjoy watching the vast assortment of styles that would be seen.

"Thank you Jason. I think that I will just enjoy watching the fighting. There will be quite a number of new styles for me to evaluate. You seem to have been around this area for a time, could you recommend a good restraunt?"

The Grendel's eyes flared but he said nothing beyond a muttered comment that he would meet her at the Hotel at six and moved off to register for the Tournament.

Perigrine nodded after him and turned her attention back to Jason

"What kind of food do you like? Depending on what type of food will decide the resturant." Jason replied

Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al walked out with five of each design ordered and reserved - "to be shipped, at no charge".

His next stop - "lingerie, I should think. There is most probably no better place to find a good woman then in a lingerie shop. At least I know she will be well dressed."

"He is handsome enough to be a super model, but with a pull string?"

"Oh," the saleswoman said, practically gushing, "you have to see this." She pulled the string."

'Darvek' sprang to life. "Ladies, one at a time, please," it spoke, its voice almost an exact copy of its progenitor's. The string was pulled again. "Hey, Koro's not watchin' me, is he?" the doll spoke again, head swiveling slightly as he 'looked' to ensure that Koro, in fact, was absent.

Michiko examined the doll closely and requested that the consultant set one aside for her. Then she aske to see some of the seasons fashions modeled for her. Once the ladies measurements were taken, models in their size would display the apparel, allowing them to see how they fit and moved when worn.

A dizzying array of Kriovalian summer fashions were presented, with the unifying theme being brilliant color, almost chaotically arranged to give the impression of wild abandon. After all, that was the spirit of the Festival of Fighters, and the warm months of July and August were known for inducing restlessness in all but the most grounded citizen of Krioval.

"Hot and spicey is one of my favorite, old earth Thai cuisine with those deadly African Bird Peppers paired with peanut sauce or tofu."

Perigrine was certain that a hot weather country like Krioval would have quite a number of retraunts dedicated to the hotter cuisines.

********************************************

Michiko sat back in the plushly cushioned gilt chair and watched the models with pleasure, noting what appealed to her and what didnt.

Unlesss the offerings were truly tasteless she would probably spend a large sum here. The service so far had been impeccable, and the tea they had offered her and Miranda was excellent. She took a sip as the curtain parted and a model in a peacock blue and bronze bustier and tap pants set glided through.

From the back of the room comes "How much for all of them?"

Followed by "How about with complete wardrobes for each?"

"I went to a good spicey food resturant a few days ago, now which one was it," He thinks for a moment, "I can't remember," as he said this he pulled a small metal gizmet out of his pocket.
"Hey tin can." A faint voice come out of the gizmet, "What now," "Where was that spicey food store." "On the corner of third and shell." "Thanks metal mouth." So saying he puts the gizmet away, looks at a sign post and says "Follow me, I'll take you to it."

Michiko turned to Miranda with raised eyebrows, completely forgetting the fashion show.

"Did I just hear what I thought I heard?"

She wasn't sure but it certainly sounded as if some one was buying the establishments staff

'Is that legal here?"

Michiko found herself standing and heading towards the door that lead to the back room

Michiko turned to Miranda with raised eyebrows, completely forgetting the fashion show.

"Did I just hear what I thought I heard?"

She wasn't sure but it certainly sounded as if some one was buying the establishments staff

'Is that legal here?"

Michiko found herself standing and heading towards the door that lead to the back room

"How much for that one? She's cute."
"Sir, she's a customer."
~pause~ "Is this an attempt to haggle?"

As if out of nowhere, an imperious woman of about forty years shows up on the scene. "Sir," she said, addressing the Vastivan trade delegate, "you appear to be lost. There are no places where such activities are tolerated either in this establishment or on the fifth level of Torokara." Her voice, while professional, is the literary equivalent of a killing freeze in the middle of the summer. In fact, the frigidity of her tone was probably sufficient to make a Vastivan think of home. "This establishment sells clothing only. If your interests lie elsewhere," she continued, her facial expression obviously showing her thoughts on prostitution in general, "I suggest trying either the first or third level of the city, depending on your tastes. Now, is there something here with which I can help you?"

As if out of nowhere, an imperious woman of about forty years shows up on the scene. "Sir," she said, addressing the Vastivan trade delegate, "you appear to be lost. There are no places where such activities are tolerated either in this establishment or on the fifth level of Torokara." Her voice, while professional, is the literary equivalent of a killing freeze in the middle of the summer. In fact, the frigidity of her tone was probably sufficient to make a Vastivan think of home. "This establishment sells clothing only. If your interests lie elsewhere," she continued, her facial expression obviously showing her thoughts on prostitution in general, "I suggest trying either the first or third level of the city, depending on your tastes. Now, is there something here with which I can help you?"

The tone has all the effect of a bubble on cement.

"That depends, are you selling something?" He looks her up and down. "You appear to be something of a salesperson, so I will assume so. Though this fashion you wear, completely inappropriate."

He lifts his cane and waves it in the general direction of the models. "Those. I suppose the designs are fit to sizes, so I shall need a full assortment. Along with acoutrements for each. Though if they are modelling, I shall have to see each in its turn."

The woman silently punched in a command on her armband. A scan of the man before her raced through the Kriovalian network and hit a match. Vastivan trade delegate Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al, the device returned. She entered a few additional commands, eyes never quite abandoning the odd man in her store. The names of the Vastivan champions came up as well. Pressing a series of buttons, the manager prayed that at least one of them had some form of personal communication. The message sent read:

Honored Guests from Vastiva:

One of your number, a trade delegate, is causing a bit of a scene. In deference to your status as visitors, we would prefer to defuse the situation without having to summon law enforcement. Coordinates are enclosed for direct teleport. Thank you for understanding.

~ Lucinda S., proprietor of Lucinda's Fashions

Turning back to the Vastivan, she attempted, once again. "Sir, the customers are not for sale. Such practices are illegal in Krioval."

The woman silently punched in a command on her armband. A scan of the man before her raced through the Kriovalian network and hit a match. Vastivan trade delegate Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al, the device returned. She entered a few additional commands, eyes never quite abandoning the odd man in her store. The names of the Vastivan champions came up as well. Pressing a series of buttons, the manager prayed that at least one of them had some form of personal communication. The message sent read:

Turning back to the Vastivan, she attempted, once again. "Sir, the customers are not for sale. Such practices are illegal in Krioval."

"I am not interested in buying customers, I am interested in buying clothing." He peers closely at her. "Are you certain you are a saleswoman? It does occur, if one is interested in selling something, one should certainly sell to one who is buying. Perhaps you have someone more experienced here, someone who has sold something in their lives? Or am I to take it you do not sell to people who are not from here, here?"

Far distant, three figures play a quick game of rock-scissors-paper.

Gelt groans and heads for a teleport booth.

"I am not interested in buying customers, I am interested in buying clothing." He peers closely at her. "Are you certain you are a saleswoman? It does occur, if one is interested in selling something, one should certainly sell to one who is buying. Perhaps you have someone more experienced here, someone who has sold something in their lives? Or am I to take it you do not sell to people who are not from here, here?"


"Ah." Lucinda's mind reels as she attempts damage control. "Perhaps I misunderstood. What, precisely, did you have in mind?" Dear Gods, I pray someone gets here soon. Oh please, please, please! Don't let my business be completely obliterated by this. I won't be able to afford that third vacation home otherwise!

Michiko could not but grin at the mans oblivious cheekiness, and shake her head in not so mock dismay. He reminded her far to forcibaly of some of her dimmer members of the Upper and Lower.

"I certain am not up for sale."

She chided, then let her smile show

"But it is kind of you to call me cute. Here why don't you sit and watch the fashions being modeled. I am sure your wife would appreciate a gift, these fasions are surely worthy of her."

"What did I have in mind?!? My dear woman, I had in mind the purchase of various forms of clothing - that is what you sell here? And one would assume that which you put on display is usually for sale otherwise you would not display it! Here!"

He stomps to a model and points with the tip of his cane... unfortunately, considering the two-piece ensemble she is wearing...

"I am looking to buy this and this in various sizes. Could I be clearer? Where are the real salespeople here, do you keep them in the back in bottles?"

Sigrun walked down the way, browsing the restaurants that lined both sides. They catered to many different tastes, all for his money. He finally walked into a laid-back restaurant that had an interesting way to allow the customers satisfaction. No, it wasn't anything to do with nude dancers (OOC: Get your head outta the gutter, lol!), but rather it had lounge chairs that sprawled out around tables, with platters of food soon appearing and set upon the tabletops.

Sigrun took his seat, relaxing into the very comfortable chair. Already he was liking this place as he activated gentle massage motors in the chair. Soon, his food arrived, and he casually ate...

Michiko could not but grin at the mans oblivious cheekiness, and shake her head in not so mock dismay. He reminded her far to forcibaly of some of her dimmer members of the Upper and Lower.

"I certain am not up for sale."

She chided, then let her smile show

"But it is kind of you to call me cute. Here why don't you sit and watch the fashions being modeled. I am sure your wife would appreciate a gift, these fasions are surely worthy of her."

Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al puts on his glasses and looks at Michiko. "Yes, you are cute, but I cannot wear you. Unless you are arm candy in which case we can discuss contracts later. And a wife? Why a wife? Who would want a wife?" The glasses vanish as he turns his ire back on Lucinda. "Do you see what she is wearing? I want thirty of them. And soon. And find me a decent salesperson who understands that in selling things you need to sell them to people who want to buy them!"

He stabs his cane into the floor with finality, looking much like a stretched Yoda with a much worse taste in clothing and facial hair.

The manager was beside herself with rage at the man's umbrage, yet her facade revealed none of it. That was how she became the owner of this shop, after all. The other reason was soon to be apparent. "Annela! Customer!" she said with false cheer. As the younger woman arrived, Lucinda turned and whispered to her, "Good luck," and practically dissolved into the crowd, making her way to her office to await the Vastivan fighter.

Perigrine raised an eyebrow. Jason's conversation sounded much like some she had had with Sha'Do her Avatar partner, absent this trip. Maybe it was indemic to the species.

"Lead the way then Jason, it will be my 'treat' I think is the term"

*******************************************

"Arm Candy? No...but why do you need so many of the same outfit?"

Michiko asked with honest curiosity as she settled back into her chair and nodded for the models to begin again.

Perigrine raised an eyebrow. Jason's conversation sounded much like some she had had with Sha'Do her Avatar partner, absent this trip. Maybe it was indemic to the species.

"Lead the way then Jason, it will be my 'treat' I thik is the term"

*******************************************

"Arm Candy? No...but why do you need so many of the same outfit?"

Michiko asked with honest curiosity as she settled back into her chair and nodded for the models to begin again.

"How else would you know what you want then to have it modeled in many ways?" He watches, occasionally pointing with the cane. "That one. Two. Do you have it in blue?"
"That is blue, sir."
"Ah. Then do you have it in something darker blue?"


The manager was beside herself with rage at the man's umbrage, yet her facade revealed none of it. That was how she became the owner of this shop, after all. The other reason was soon to be apparent. "Annela! Customer!" she said with false cheer. As the younger woman arrived, Lucinda turned and whispered to her, "Good luck," and practically dissolved into the crowd, making her way to her office to await the Vastivan fighter.


Gelt arrives minutes later, his normal soft grin still on his face. "Hello, you rang?" He looks around, checking the structure of the building. "He hasn't been here long?"

Gelt arrives minutes later, his normal soft grin still on his face. "Hello, you rang?" He looks around, checking the structure of the building. "He hasn't been here long?"

Lucinda jumped backward slightly as Gelt appeared. "Welcome to my office, and please accept my apologies on my summons. I do not wish to insult your nation by interfering unduly in your delegates' activities." Wow. Some of the Vastivans are damn good looking,[i] she thought, trying to keep her mind on business at hand. "What are you doing the evening of the Festival?" [i]Did I actually ask that?! "Uh...I mean..."

Lucinda jumped backward slightly as Gelt appeared. "Welcome to my office, and please accept my apologies on my summons. I do not wish to insult your nation by interfering unduly in your delegates' activities." Wow. Some of the Vastivans are damn good looking, she thought, trying to keep her mind on business at hand. "What are you doing the evening of the Festival?" Did I actually ask that?! "Uh...I mean..."

"I had made few plans after the tournaments." He gives another smile. "So, where did you plan on us bumping into each other? I'm sure, if our delegate has caused any problems... things can be fixed?"

"I had made few plans after the tournaments." He gives another smile. "So, where did you plan on us bumping into each other? I'm sure, if our delegate has caused any problems... things can be fixed?"

She rose from her chair and walked to the Vastivan. "Lucinda Salazar. I really feel bad about all of this, but the gentleman in question was bothering some of my customers, and his dialect was confusing to me. I thought he was actually trying to buy the customers!" She looked at him appraisingly. "I'll be closing early tomorrow for the tournament. Perhaps I should come and watch, maybe place a wager or two?" She gave him a sly look. "Anybody in particular look favored to win?"

"Therassi," he says without thinking. "Oh, sorry. Gelt Tharzine, of Vastiva, at your service."

He looks around for the trade delegate.

"He hasn't... done anything else, has he?"

"Are you unsure of your own name, or are you merely unconvinced of your chances at victory?" Lucinda asked, tittering. She leaned in slightly, as if to inspect the man's armor, thus allowing her cleavage to be even more visible than earlier. "It's too bad I don't sell more things like this," she remarked, "or I'd learn to appreciate my job even more." Returning to her normal position, she added, "Is it normal for your delegates to do more than simply bother a few customers?"

I should think so as well. The senator was not flustered by the telepathic communication, having lived among telepaths for most of her life. The red one, then? she 'said', finishing with the telepathic equivalent of a naughty giggle.

Quite so, yes. This ought to be amusing. Heh. I hope you have a camera with you, when she starts the action. Such moments have to be preserved! If only to give me a chance to tease her. Götz almost cackled, checking back. Akina was already outside, waiting or... Whatever she was doing. It's safe, now, I guess.

Paying wasn't a problem, hiding should be possible. After all, not everything had to be for Akina... Not right now, anyway. Of course, the approaching evening was supposed to change this.

Meeting up with Akina, outside, she was holding some doll... A Darvek Tyvok doll, to be correct. "Well... Souvenirs." She blushed slightly, although her grin clearly expressed the amusement she got from the doll, triggering it every once and then, giggling at the '"One at a time, ladies, please."' comment.

"Indeed." Götz nodded, once he had quietly redeployed the credit card in Akina's handbag. "Next stop?"

"Well... I guess wandering around, we will happen to see a little more of Krioval, and possibly other foreigners enjoying a trip, I guess, no?" Akina looked questioningly at Christine. "Of course, perhaps a drink or two could be suitable as well, sooner or later... Except of course that Christine has some more intriguing places in her repertoire."

"There's the old habit, again."

"Oh... I'm not an addict, Götz."

"Never claimed the opposite. Just implied."

Michiko chuckled as she watched Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al watch the models. Some of his choices were definitely not to her likes, but many were ones she would have chosen. At one point there was a pause and she caught his attention

"What I meant was, earlier you ordered thirty of one outfit. Why so many?"

She wasn't sure she could phrase the question any plainer

"Well... I guess wandering around, we will happen to see a little more of Krioval, and possibly other foreigners enjoying a trip, I guess, no?" Akina looked questioningly at Christine. "Of course, perhaps a drink or two could be suitable as well, sooner or later... Except of course that Christine has some more intriguing places in her repertoire."

"There's the old habit, again."

"Oh... I'm not an addict, Götz."

"Never claimed the opposite. Just implied."

"A drink? Sure. After the day I've had, that sounds like just the thing!" Christine said. "Of course, I can't have too much. I'm something of a lightweight. And you?" she said, looking at Götz. "You up for one?"

Kolte soon grew tired of the game and decided to leave. He stood and turned to Krodan.
"You seem to have been following me since I left the registration booth. Perhaps you could be useful to me. I am hungry, do you know of any place that specializes in local cuisine?"

Kolte soon grew tired of the game and decided to leave. He stood and turned to Krodan.
"You seem to have been following me since I left the registration booth. Perhaps you could be useful to me. I am hungry, do you know of any place that specializes in local cuisine?"

"Hey, it's not like that!" the big man half-laughed before going on, "Yeah, there's a pretty good place a bit away from the Square, this level. It's where some of the government types go to hide from, well, government stuff. Quiet and out of the way, and it's got good food too. A little too good, maybe, 'cause it's hard to keep away sometimes!"

Jason headed to the resturant and as they walked asked, "So what have you found interesting here?"

Perigrine strode soundlessly at Jason's side with the grace and power of a hunting leopard. She shook her head slightly

"I have been here only a few hours. This is a working visit for me....everything is therefore 'intersting' in one fashion or another."

Keen eyes swept their surroundings as they moved through thickening crowds

"And you? You are not a local."

~Drac watched as Kaia went through the warm up exercises that their instructor showed them. Her golden-blonde hair twirled around her as she moved around the inside of the dirt ring, staying in the boundaries as her sword sliced through the air. The sword sang its sweet song as she deftly handled the exotic weapon. Switching it from hand to hand, sometimes with slight tosses. Kaia fought her invisible opponent, weaving and lashing out when she got a good footing or opening. She ended the mock training session by throwing the blade into the air, landing skillfully in her back sheath.~

"Technically I'm working, but for all intents and purposes I'm on vacation." Jason replied as he walked, watching the crowds as well as Perigrine.

"Between the permanant population and all the visitors, this place is going to be pretty unpleasant later. The pick pockets are already out in force, I'd hazard to guess."

Perigrine was sure she had just seen a well coordinated group just make a hand off, the pickpocket handing the lifted goods over to an accomplice that had been, of course no where near the victim...but then again it could be just something very innocent. Jason moved much like herself ans seemsed just as warily observant. She wondered if he had seen it.

"If not the pickpockets at least the thugs, as I know they're out and about." Jason replied as he notice the pickpocket, but lost interest before the hand-off.

"Hey, it's not like that!" the big man half-laughed before going on, "Yeah, there's a pretty good place a bit away from the Square, this level. It's where some of the government types go to hide from, well, government stuff. Quiet and out of the way, and it's got good food too. A little too good, maybe, 'cause it's hard to keep away sometimes!"
"We'll head there at once, then. That is, you are going to show me the way, aren't you?"

Kolte gave the man a serious look and waited for his answer.

The restaurant's door opened quietly, offering an exit to the elf that strode out. Sigrun cast his gaze both ways, before turning to the left and strolling down the street. He passed a number of people, old and young alike, who rather found his appearance strange, exotic, and yet entirely calming.

He nodded respectfully to each of them, knowing they would never know that he was a deadly warrior. His outward sense of calm and solitude covered that inner beast so easily, so perfectly. Looking up, he saw the next several levels higher up. He noted that one of the levels held a number of shops and stores, obviously catering to the very rich.

Without breaking his stride, he stepped upward, his feet leaving the ground as he ascended as if walking on stairs. Passerby's stopped to stare and wonder at the skill of such a creature. Most obvious in their minds was the wonder of whether or not they would see this one in the tournaments. They continued watching until he finally stepped onto the platform of his desired level. He kept his pace uninterrupted, as if he hadn't changed levels. Finally, he strode into one of the shops and browsed the items for sale. Money was not an issue for him, as he had a nearly unlimited budget to draw from. He however exercised moderation when he shopped, preferring to keep his life simplified as much as possible.

"We'll head there at once, then. That is, you are going to show me the way, aren't you?"

Kolte gave the man a serious look and waited for his answer.

"Uh...yeah! Right this way!" Krodan lurched forward suddenly, his body more accustomed to the buildup and release of nervous energy brought on by years of watching 'his' Slashers than to, say, normal motion. "It's called Tevanori Sun. You've got to try the, well, everything!" Another burst of energy seizing the big man, the Kriovalian accelerated and rounded a corner, his excitement serving as a stark contrast to that of the fighters in the Square.

Jason looks around, sees a sign, "Ah, we're here." As he said that he goes up and opens the door for Perigrine.

Official Kriovalian Statement - 19 June

Security Protocols

"Good afternoon, citizens and guests of Krioval. Before the Festival of Fighters is underway, I would like to make a few statements about the state of order that I expect during the festivities. First, I will be invoking emergency powers under the Kriovalian Constitution effective six o'clock tomorrow morning. As a direct result of these powers being used, Parliament is considered in recess from then until six o'clock in the morning on the twenty-third of June, when the powers will be lifted. Further, all police and military forces will be placed under the direct control of myself, with all Directors deputized to detain suspected criminals at will. Citizens' arrest is also authorized, but any person detained under such an event must be transferred into the custody of a law enforcement officer on duty within ten minutes of the arrest. Failure to comply with this will result in strict punishment.

"All roadways within and leading into Torokara will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at six o'clock tomorrow morning and continuing for three days' time. To compensate for this, all level one teleport access will be raised to level two for the duration of the traffic ban.

"Lest anybody think that the revelry expected on especially on the evening of the twenty-first grant license to commit a 'minor' crime, understand that all crimes committed during the time between six o'clock tomorrow morning until the same time on the twenty-third will be punished under the emergency code, which contains penalties up to twenty times more severe than normal. Also, felonies normally carrying at least a ten-year prison term will be classified as treasonous during this time, and violators of those criminal codes will be potentially subject to the death penalty. Security will be heightened relative to normal, so do not be alarmed by an apparent lack of uniformed officers in the vicinity; many plainclothes officers will be present in all venues in Krioval. Remember, the invocation of emergency power does not apply solely to the city of Torokara, but instead covers all territory belonging to Krioval on Earth, in space, and on other planets. In short, if you and a friend have been planning the 'ultimate prank', during the Festival of Fighters is most decidedly not the time to pull it. We must all do our part to ensure a vibrant yet peaceful celebration these next several days. Be strong."

~ Commander Raijin Dekker

Perigrin stepped past Jason, and into the dimmer light of the restraunt. Moving aside so he could enter she proceeded to give the establishment a thorough once over. She noted that the scents were redolent of spices and tastily prepared foods. There was no undercurrent of sourness or uncleanliness either. The decor was modest but well done and a hostess smiled welcomingly at the couple as Jason stepped through

"I think the food is going to be good here"

A smile was audible in her voice as she turned to look at him, as the hostes came around with menus in her hands and inquireing where they wished to sit.

"Jason, do you mind if we avoid the bar? Too much stink of alcohol and inebriated people"

"Not at all, and unless quality has taken a major nosedive in the last few days the food should be excellent." Jason replied

"Are you unsure of your own name, or are you merely unconvinced of your chances at victory?" Lucinda asked, tittering. She leaned in slightly, as if to inspect the man's armor, thus allowing her cleavage to be even more visible than earlier. "It's too bad I don't sell more things like this," she remarked, "or I'd learn to appreciate my job even more." Returning to her normal position, she added, "Is it normal for your delegates to do more than simply bother a few customers?"

"I'm convinced Therassi will go through competition like a man possessed, because, simply, he is. The whole trip, that was the topic of conversation..."

*blinks*

"But obviously, there are far better things to... look into then which of those that came... are... uhm... hmmm?" Nice hands. Nice view. Niiiiiccceee.... a bit lower...

It took him a moment to recover. "Well, if there's not abject property damage, no riot, and no general mayhem usually bringing in the local law enforcement, I'd say things are rather sedate. And, to be sure, it isn't usually them who does the actual breaking... but you would be amazed what people will do for money. Or in the presence of money."

"What people do for money? Have you a lot of experience in such matters?" Lucinda ever so subtly batted her eyelashes. "Gelt," she said, resisting the impulse to drag the simple name across multiple syllables, "I really didn't mean to drag you away from whatever it was you were doing for something as minor as this. Perhaps I could make it up to you with a private tour of my gardens? I mean, I understand that you may have better things to do before the contest, but after you've won?" She favored the Vastivan with a slight smile.

Michiko, caught Miranda's eyes, and signaled that leaving would probably be best. She gave a list of the items she wanted to the consultant and arranged to have the sent to her suite at the Hotel D'Or. Giving the Vastivan gentleman a half wave good bye she slipped out of the viewing alcove and left the salon

As she exited she noticed a familiar figure entering a shop across the way

"Look Miranda, that is Sigrun. I want to tell him about the man we just met. Poor man has more money that sense I think, I hope some one doesn't play him for a fool. Would be a poor memory to come away from the Festival with."

With brisk strides she headed for the shop that her friend had entered. It would be a shop filled with expensive crystal she noted with a rueful grin, the one thing she always seemed to get as a gift, and so had an over abundance of. Shaking her head she opend the door anyway and made her way to his side.

"Well Sigrun did you get sighed up for the tournament?"

"So, Perigrin what are you getting?" Jason asked, "As I'm getting the Beef Tandoori."

Michiko, caught Miranda's eyes, and signaled that leaving would probably be best. She gave a list of the items she wanted to the consultant and arranged to have the sent to her suite at the Hotel D'Or. Giving the Vastivan gentleman a half wave good bye she slipped out of the viewing alcove and left the salon

As she exited she noticed a familiar figure entering a shop across the way

"Look Miranda, that is Sigrun. I want to tell him about the man we just met. Poor man has more money that sense I think, I hope some one doesn't play him for a fool. Would be a poor memory to come away from the Festival with."

With brisk strides she headed for the shop that her friend had entered. It would be a shop filled with expensive crystal she noted with a rueful grin, the one thing she always seemed to get as a gift, and so had an over abundance of. Shaking her head she opend the door anyway and made her way to his side.

"Well Sigrun did you get signed up for the tournament?"

Sigrun turned and smiled as Michiko greeted him. He nodded positively to her question.

"Yes. I have. It should prove to be an interesting tournament. The field reminds me of the Coliseum outside the Aria Forest back home."

He turned and selected a single small crystal piece, depicting one of the nation's monuments. He beckoned for Michiko to follow as he walked to the counter and placed it down. He spoke to the attendant,

"What can you tell me about this monument?"

He turned to Michiko, "Have you been enjoying your shopping?"

Far above the crowds, a figure stood atop a gleaming spire of the fifth level of Torokara. He was dressed head to toe in immaculate white robes, and a white mask covered his face except for his eyes. His hair appeared to give off an ethereal white light, or it would have, if one were to notice the figure. He strode purposefully from one building to the next, surveying the people below. His sword was strapped to his back, as he knew it was likely unnecessary. "This 'contest' will be most interesting." He turned, leaped across several rooftops, and disappeared mid-jump, returning to wherever it was he had come from. The Festival was soon upon Krioval, and Slasher intended that Krioval's honor be protected.

Sigrun turned and smiled as Michiko greeted him. He nodded positively to her question.

"Yes. I have. It should prove to be an interesting tournament. The field reminds me of the Coliseum outside the Aria Forest back home."

He turned and selected a single small crystal piece, depicting one of the nation's monuments. He beckoned for Michiko to follow as he walked to the counter and placed it down. He spoke to the attendant,

"What can you tell me about this monument?"

He turned to Michiko, "Have you been enjoying your shopping?"

Officer Valero followed the incognito empress to Sigrun's location. She held back from intruding in their conversation until the crysal replica was placed down. "Interesting choice," she said. "The Freedom Pillar. Dedicated in 2001, on the five hundredth anniversary of Krioval's founding and on the first day of the official new government. It's interesting, but the real thing's far moreso. Would you like to see it?" Miranda hoped her diversion would work, though she was correct. The Freedom Pillar was one of the most replicated works, though few people went out of their way to see it these days. Democracy was now taken for granted in Krioval, much to the chagrin of those who had fought in the brutal civil wars only a few years earlier.

Miranda attempted to lock eyes with Michiko, as if to silently communicate, I'm trying to get him away from the crysal! "Would you like to see it, Michiko?"

Sigrun nodded, "I would be honored to personally visit your Freedom Pillar. I'm sure there is an excellent story behind its presence." He caught the tone in the officer's eyes and voice, "One I feel not many appreciate around here..."

He paid for the crystal and watched as the item was wrapped with care and placed into a bag. He turned to the others, "Shall we?"

"What people do for money? Have you a lot of experience in such matters?" Lucinda ever so subtly batted her eyelashes. "Gelt," she said, resisting the impulse to drag the simple name across multiple syllables, "I really didn't mean to drag you away from whatever it was you were doing for something as minor as this. Perhaps I could make it up to you with a private tour of my gardens? I mean, I understand that you may have better things to do before the contest, but after you've won?" She favored the Vastivan with a slight smile.

"Well...actually I don't have any plans until the contest... and none afterwards..." He shakes his head, waking himself up from the stupor her presence is causing him - somewhat. "Experience in having money? Much, I'm afraid. What ruins our delegates can leave behind... unfortunately, yes, as well."

"Well...actually I don't have any plans until the contest... and none afterwards..." He shakes his head, waking himself up from the stupor her presence is causing him - somewhat. "Experience in having money? Much, I'm afraid. What ruins our delegates can leave behind... unfortunately, yes, as well."

"Really? Ruins? How interesting your society must be! Give me one moment please." Lucinda tapped a button on her desk. "Annela? I'm going home early today. Can you take care of the closing?" Grumbling could be heard on the other end of the commlink, along with various demands from the trade delegate. She listened patiently, and then said, "there's five thousand in it for you if you do." The other end of the line went silent, save for the trade delegate. "Wonderful!"

Turning back to Gelt, the elegant woman said, "Dear me, it looks like I've nothing to do the rest of the day! Perhaps we could discuss Vastivan culture and I can show my modest gardens to you now?"

The manager was beside herself with rage at the man's umbrage, yet her facade revealed none of it. That was how she became the owner of this shop, after all. The other reason was soon to be apparent. "Annela! Customer!" she said with false cheer. As the younger woman arrived, Lucinda turned and whispered to her, "Good luck," and practically dissolved into the crowd, making her way to her office to await the Vastivan fighter.

If the shop worked on commission, Lucinda would be out one salesgirl for quite some time to come - Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al had bought out most of a wall, part of the stockroom, and two display cases which were being cleaned ("They shall look lovely in my den, I think. And such craftsmanship!"). True, he had done so on the condition Annela model a few pieces - but then again, he had also paid all the models to sit and comment on the designs he had chosen "as relates to someone of more... casual body type, if you would?"

And hadn't laid a finger on a single one - though several had found it convenient to whisper addresses to him.

"Yes, but, so many scarfs? Very well, if you insist - all of them. And deliver them to my room, not to the shuttle, thank you very much. You do take VCU Visa? Good - charge it all, and add something for yourself and your time. No, no, I quite insist... My dear, that is far too little, allow me... yes, those are zeros, if you like, let me make them ones... There, will that do?"

Sigrun nodded, "I would be honored to personally visit your Freedom Pillar. I'm sure there is an excellent story behind its presence." He caught the tone in the officer's eyes and voice, "One I feel not many appreciate around here..."

He paid for the crystal and watched as the item was wrapped with care and placed into a bag. He turned to the others, "Shall we?"

Miranda led the two away from the center of the fifth level toward the south. They arrived at their destination, the Parliament building, whose glass facade looked out of place among all the metal buildings covering most of Torokara. "This is where all the laws are debated," the officer said, "and then they go up to level six, where Raijin vetoes them." She laughed. "Well, maybe not all of them. Anyway, come inside. The rotunda is open to the public, and the gallery is just off to the right." The other anomaly was that the interior of the building was mostly of marble construction, with ornate statues depicting various scenes from Kriovalian legends. Before the entrance to the Parliament chambers themselves stood a statue that could only be Raijin Dekker, pointing a sword upward and staring into the heavens. That work in particular had been painstaking for its creator, who had fashioned every single spike in the Commander's hair to properly 'give perspective' to the work. Whatever that meant.

"Really? Ruins? How interesting your society must be! Give me one moment please." Lucinda tapped a button on her desk. "Annela? I'm going home early today. Can you take care of the closing?" Grumbling could be heard on the other end of the commlink, along with various demands from the trade delegate. She listened patiently, and then said, "there's five thousand in it for you if you do." The other end of the line went silent, save for the trade delegate. "Wonderful!"

Turning back to Gelt, the elegant woman said, "Dear me, it looks like I've nothing to do the rest of the day! Perhaps we could discuss Vastivan culture and I can show my modest gardens to you now?"

Culture... cleavage... gardens... Gelt gave an involuntary shivver. "Yes, that sounds quite pleasant indeed."

Michiko had been happy to accompany her dear freind and Miranda as she showed them the governmental buildings. 'At least they aren't My buildings' she thought, then her eyes lit on the statue of Raijin.

"Oh my at least my...the Empress's statue isn't so....imposing"

She stammered to a stop after nearly revealing herself

Then grinned evilly

"It's nearly as big as your's Sigrun. You know the one outside where the Star Trials were held"

Michiko had been happy to accompany her dear freind and Miranda as she showed them the governmental buildings. 'At least they aren't My buildings' she thought, then her eyes lit on the statue of Raijin.

"Oh my at least my...the Empress's statue isn't so....imposing"

She stammered to a stop after nearly revealing herself

Then grinned evilly

"It's nearly as big as your's Sigrun. You know the one outside where the Star Trials were held"

If she had caught the comment, Miranda made no outward indication of it. "You should have seen the look on his face when they did the unveiling. I believe his exact words were 'When the hell have I ever looked like that?' which would have been bad enough save for Lord Kiv's interjection, 'Last Tuesday'. And that at the dedication itself!" She started laughing lightly yet again. "The man's simply incapable of having a good photo-op."

"It's nearly as big as your's Sigrun. You know the one outside where the Star Trials were held"

Sigrun turned to her with an aghast look upon his face, "I most certainly did not request, demand, or otherwise have any statue of myself erected at the coliseum! The people wished to put it up, and despite my urgings otherwise, they kept persisting."

He grinned back at her, "Seems that my people love me more than the Emperess's own do. At least, that's what I've gathered in my observations. Tell me, does your Empress go out and talk to her people? Not the government people, but the farmers, the laborers, the children?"

He kept his grin upon his face, knowing that he was making it more difficult for her. He was rather intrigued to see how she got out of this one. In any case, if he truly wished, he held one trump card on her, no matter her response. This knowledge served to only broaden his grin even more so.

He turned to gaze and study the statues of the Kriovalan figures. He enjoyed studying the culture. Culture was, after all, the lifeblood of any society. It defined them for every other parameter of existence.

"A drink? Sure. After the day I've had, that sounds like just the thing!" Christine said. "Of course, I can't have too much. I'm something of a lightweight. And you?" she said, looking at Götz. "You up for one?"

Akina chuckled, triggering the doll once more before she bothered with replying. "Ahem. Yes. Well..." She hesitated, lowering her voice a little, in an almost conspiratorial way. "I'm sure it will work out." Another giggle followed, with Akina contemplating the possible result of a Krioval Senator being drunk under the table.

Come to think of it, I'm not entirely heterosexual... She shaked her head, quickly. Impossible. Just... Impossible.

While Akina was contemplating such things, Götz shaked his head after rubbing his beak with one of his wings. "I, errr... Don't require such things, nor am I equipped for their consumation and digestion. See, I am a drone, and while some not-so-legal stimulants for drones exist..."

"And are used by a certain bird..."

"Well, yes, but anyway. My internal power supply, a microfission reactor, will be sufficient for the festival. Except of course that some Kriovalian companies actually import aforementioned... Stimulants... In which case I would naturally be grateful. But I don't think they do, do they?"

The group was already on its way to... Wherever Christine was going to take them as the discussion continued, with the occasional bit of laughter or vaguely non-serious, snide remarks thrown in.

Elsewhere, two men were on their way to approximately the same place the girls (And a not-so-vaguely indecent dress) were heading for.

The three Tekanian officials are looking around the sites of Krioval pending the fights.... A young tekanian marine runs up behind the men....

"Mister President..." he says panting.... holding a message in his hand....

[i]President Williamson takes the message and looks at it... his eyes go wide, and his face ashen.... he then hands it to Fleet Admiral Warner...."

"How old is this message, Corporal..." asks the President...

"A few days, sir...." the corporal says back... worried....

"Get back and tell the pilots to prepare to leave... And contact the Hyperion and tell them the same..." commands President Williamson... "We'll be there shortly...."

Kolte followed the huge man, taking in the scenery with extremely observant eyes. He noticed pickpockets at large, people becoming overly intoxicated and propositioning others, it was one, large melting pot of emotions.

He noticed the sign with the name that Krodan had mentioned earlier and followed him inside. They sat at a relatively dimly lit table in a far corner. He turned to Krodan.

"What would you recommend I start with?"

Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al wandered back out onto the street, a virtual entourage of packages moving behind him.

He walked slowly, muttering to himself about scarves for a while, looking at the pile of "notes" which had been put in his pockets.

Eventually - oblivious to the crowd which occasionally followed him - he found his way hither and yon, reaching...

"Museum. Yes, I think I shall."

"What would you recommend I start with?"

"Try a firecracker! Three shots of tequila, some other stuff, and I don't know how they do it, but they light it on fire and it burns red for about ten seconds. When it goes out, you chug it! Gods, those are good! 'Course, I can only take about four of 'em before I've got to stop." Krodan looked at Kolte encouragingly. "Gonna try one?"

Akina chuckled, triggering the doll once more before she bothered with replying. "Ahem. Yes. Well..." She hesitated, lowering her voice a little, in an almost conspiratorial way. "I'm sure it will work out." Another giggle followed, with Akina contemplating the possible result of a Krioval Senator being drunk under the table.

Come to think of it, I'm not entirely heterosexual... She shaked her head, quickly. Impossible. Just... Impossible.

Christine had exaggerated her intolerance for alcohol slightly, but that was more to be able to stop politely after two drinks, rather than going on a wild bender right before the Festival even started. Then there was 'that look'. Christine knew the look quite well from Kriovalian women. It was the look of sexual exasperation that so often reflected the total unavailability of men. The senator struggled not to blush as she followed the thought to its logical conclusion - even she had not been immune from going to bed with another woman, though the experience left much to be desired in her view.

"Well, yes, but anyway. My internal power supply, a microfission reactor, will be sufficient for the festival. Except of course that some Kriovalian companies actually import aforementioned... Stimulants... In which case I would naturally be grateful. But I don't think they do, do they?"

"It would depend on which 'stimulant' you are looking for. Many drugs are legal in Krioval provided they are only used in one's home or private establishments designed to control the potential negative effects." Christine suddenly realized they had passed their destination. "Hey, I think we just walked right by it. Over there," she pointed in the direction from which they had just come. "Some of the 'hottest' drinks in Krioval."

[i]The Tekanian delegation arrives back at the airport..... they begin boarding the shuttle.... The fighter pilots warming their own engines....

The three craft take off vertically, and putting on speed exit the atmosphere, heading for the Hyperion.... as soon as they board, the TRSS Hyperion turns, and power emisions going off the scale, opens up a wormhole.... slipping into it...

Off the coast of Torokara a small air ship careened wildly through the air. At one point the ship dove towards the water only to suddenly pull up, veering wildly to the left before straitening out.

“Mayday, Mayday. Can anyone hear me?” A terrified voice shouted in to a com unit, “Oh Gods….” From the open com channel came the muffled sounds of people shouting, rending wood and what sounded like gale winds. “Oh Gods, oh gods, oh gods.” A young man wrapped his arms around a support beam as the air ship lurched again. “Oh gods we‘re gonna crash.” A hand reached out, pulling the com unit away, “Hell fires man, give me that thing.” The transmission cut off only to turn back on, a slightly calmer voice taking over.

“Mayday, Mayday. If anyone on Torokara can hear me, this is Lord Constantine. Our air ship is out of control and the pilot is down. We’re need to land as soon as possible. Do you read me?” In the back ground another voice shouted “Look out!” There was the sound of crashing and the com unit clicked off.

Constantine held on as the air ship shuddered then gained momentum, the coast line of Torokara rabidly approaching. “Hells! There goes the balloon.” He looked up to see the balloon straining against the ropes, snapping some of them. Damn! “Torokara, Torokara, ready or not we are landing.” There was a crackle of energy and then the com channel was silent.

“What is she doing?” Rin stood in the middle of the ship, arms out stretched. Behind her Panzer stood, claws digging into the decking, holding them both steady against the lurching ship. The air crackled as glowing bands of magical energy swirled around the air ship.

Rin grabbed the energy, forming it into a shield around the ship. The shield snapped closed just as the balloon tore free, rocketing off into the sky. The ship plummeted, hitting the ocean, then bounced like a skipped stone towards the beach. Losing momentum, the ship plowed into the sand, scaring seagulls, before coming to a stop against a sand dune. The shield vanished and the ship settled to the ground with a tired sigh. Then all was silent except for the cries of seagulls.

OOC: whoops, thought Akina and Christine were already in the bar, edited my last post...

IC:

"I was thinking more along the lines of food, but, very well, I shall try this...'firecracker'."

When the server approached, he ordered two of them, he wasn't about to try anything unless Krodan didn't...

Xander Voltare's shuttle had landed roughly 3 hours ago, and he had been wandering the streets ever since. The city had a joyous atmosphere to it, and it brought a smile to his lined face. He was dressed in the unmistakable robes of the Jedi, with his cloak drawn around himself and his hood drawn over his head concealing his salt and pepper hair. Only his thick beard, also salt and pepper, was visible. He paused on the sidewalk, leaning against a nearby wall. Closing his eyes, he reached out with the Force, trying to locate the one called Kolte Savren. Could it be, he thought to himself with some apprehension. Yes, that's him. He's closer now, only a few blocks away. He had hoped to find the young former Jedi here, and now he had only to pinpoint him. Smiling gently to himself, he opened his eyes and continued on his way. He needed to find him, and soon...

"I was thinking more along the lines of food, but, very well, I shall try this...'firecracker'."

"Heh. I'll get a couple myself. What kind of food you like, anyway?"

Constantine held on as the air ship shuddered then gained momentum, the coast line of Torokara rabidly approaching. “Hells! There goes the balloon.” He looked up to see the balloon straining against the ropes, snapping some of them. Damn! “Torokara, Torokara, ready or not we are landing.” There was a crackle of energy and then the com channel was silent.

"All hands, battlestations. Identify trajectory and raise shields against likely flight path. DO NOT arm weapons at this time."

Rin grabbed the energy, forming it into a shield around the ship. The shield snapped closed just as the balloon tore free, rocketing off into the sky. The ship plummeted, hitting the ocean, then bounced like a skipped stone towards the beach. Losing momentum, the ship plowed into the sand, scaring seagulls, before coming to a stop against a sand dune. The shield vanished and the ship settled to the ground with a tired sigh. Then all was silent except for the cries of seagulls.

"This is Krioval border control. We have sealed off your location. Please remain where you are. We are sending a crash response and medical team, along with customs officials." A dropship in orbit began a rapid descent, skimming the ocean on its final approach. It landed near the downed airship, and two uniformed guards emerged.

"Hello and welcome to Krioval. You have been expected. Is everybody aboard the craft all right?"

Perigrin consulted the menu, and found what she was looking for, and grinned wickedly behind her veil

"A double order of Szechwan Orange beef with vegetables. Extra peppers please"

She ordered as she handed the waiter the menu. Once he had left she dropped her veil. She had the privacy to do so, seeing as she had specifically asked for a remote table with no one else seated near. Furthermore her back was to the rest of the restraunt. She had decided that Jason would make note if trouble started 'behind her back' so to speak.

"Interesting order," Jason said with a grin, "If you don't mind me asking what is the meaning behind the veil?"

ooc: She had decided that Jason would make not if trouble started 'behind her back' so to speak. Clarify please

"Heh. I'll get a couple myself. What kind of food you like, anyway?"
"I have no particular likes or dislikes when it comes to food. Living most of your life on dehydrated rations does that to you. I've learned that everything has an 'interesting' flavor, neither good nor bad. In Megas, we eat a great variety of meats, but not so many fruits or vegetables. Anyway, what is a popular local dish?"

"I have no particular likes or dislikes when it comes to food. Living most of your life on dehydrated rations does that to you. I've learned that everything has an 'interesting' flavor, neither good nor bad. In Megas, we eat a great variety of meats, but not so many fruits or vegetables. Anyway, what is a popular local dish?"

"Try that one," Krodan said, pointing to an entry marked 'spicy fish with mango'. "Those are about the only two things that Krioval had growing 'round here before all the foreign types came over."

OOC: It means I took a very powerful pain medication earlier and now cannot type...I can'tt spell in the first place, its just now been made worse...thank you for noteing that correction has been edited in...just fyi Perigrine (http://atddm.com/Peri.jpg)

********************************************

Perigrine twitched an eyebrow

"Habit mainly. If one is veiled, then later it becomes very hard for some one to decide if they have seen you before, when they are looking at some one in civilian clothes and no veil....and within Karasu it was a sure delineation of what we were"

There might have been a wisp of sorrow behind that last, but then again there might not. With a slight shrug, Perigine busied herself by removing a small cannister from a belt pouch and setting it on the table.

*******************************************

Michiko glared at him and replied huffily

"Not two months ago when the dam burst at Helfinton, she was there as quick as the newsnatters were. I should know, my company Omega II was there too, providing security. She was there for the eight days it took for clean up, lived in a tent right next to the undersecretary of the interior, and dug out more mud than he did."

And every word was true but his grin absolutely infuritated her. She didn't know where the impuse came from...but the next thing she knew she had very firmly kissed him. 'Oh, Skadi is going to kill me!' was her next coherent thought as she backed away blushing furiously.

"oh..oh Oh Sigrun, my apologies... my blood sugar must be dreadfully low. I think I'd better return to the Hotel, get some rest.. Please excuse me both of you. I see a teleportal right over there"

Michiko headed off rather blindly, certain she ahd seen one just a block or so back

"Try that one," Krodan said, pointing to an entry marked 'spicy fish with mango'. "Those are about the only two things that Krioval had growing 'round here before all the foreign types came over."
"Spicy...mango...sure to have an 'interesting' flavor..." Kolte thought aloud. "All right I think I will. Waiter!" he called and waited for the server to return. "I'd like the 'spicy fish with mango' please. And what will you have, Krodan?"

"Ah, in my homeworld veils are usually only worn for religious, cerimonial or cultural reasons." Jason replied "What is that canister?" he asked as he raised the his glass and took a drink.

Sigrun couldn't help but laugh softly as Michiko stalked off. He had cornered her, and she had reacted exactly as he figured she would. He turned to the officer.

"Do you know anything about the rules of the tournament? They didn't quite specify when I signed up for the Universal combat."

He kept thinking back to the kiss she had surprised him with. He had to admit, even as swift as it had been, it had been passionate to a sense. It might have even rivaled the exotic icy kisses of Skadi.

She's going to kill me if she finds out... he thought to himself, However, I didn't start the kiss...

Sigrun couldn't help but laugh softly as Michiko stalked off. He had cornered her, and she had reacted exactly as he figured she would. He turned to the officer.

"Do you know anything about the rules of the tournament? They didn't quite specify when I signed up for the Universal combat."

Miranda watched silently. When the conversation finally turned to her, she responded, "Universal? Sounds like anything goes. Here, that'd mean any talents one has, including telekinesis or illusion, I suppose. I really wouldn't know - competitive fighting's not really my thing." She shrugged. "Maybe I could find someone who does know, if you'd like."

"Spicy...mango...sure to have an 'interesting' flavor..." Kolte thought aloud. "All right I think I will. Waiter!" he called and waited for the server to return. "I'd like the 'spicy fish with mango' please. And what will you have, Krodan?"

"I'll go with 'the usual'," the big man said, grinning. "They know me pretty good over here."

The waitress fixed a mock glare at Krodan. "That's because you spend a quarter of your waking time in here."

"Yeah, so what? It's close to the Slashers!"

"Oh it was certainly cultural. Reminder that one should never cross an Omegan, or cross with one"

For the space of those words the well of bitterness was open and unbearable deep. Then it vanished as if it had never been and she lightly touched the canister.

"Spices from my home world...I'd offer you some but they are highly toxic to those not of my species."

*****************************************

Michiko hurried down the street, her heart pounding wildly. The last thing she needed to do was to fall for a man who was as unavailable as Krioval's legendary Commander.

She wandered for a bit, scarcely seeing where she was going. The smell of fresh coffee brought her to a sidewalk cafe and she found an empty table and sat down to think

"Ah, what does the spice taste like?" Jason asked as the waiter brought the food. As the food was set down he thought "I wonder if my digestive system could deal with whatever toxins are in that spice."

Miranda watched silently. When the conversation finally turned to her, she responded, "Universal? Sounds like anything goes. Here, that'd mean any talents one has, including telekinesis or illusion, I suppose. I really wouldn't know - competitive fighting's not really my thing." She shrugged. "Maybe I could find someone who does know, if you'd like."

Sigrun nodded, "That would be wonderful." He pulled out a small bag in which held some of the local currency, obtained shortly after arriving on the planet. He handed the officer some of it, smiling, "Thanks for your help, take this as part of my gratitude."

He turned his head to see where Michiko had gone. She was out of sight for now. He chuckled slightly to himself again over her look on her face. He would confront her about the unsolicted kiss though. Not now, but later, when they were alone...

Sigrun nodded, "That would be wonderful." He pulled out a small bag in which held some of the local currency, obtained shortly after arriving on the planet. He handed the officer some of it, smiling, "Thanks for your help, take this as part of my gratitude."

She politely refused the money. "I won't take that," she said, pausing, "though I would be happy enough to grab a drink on the way back to wherever it is you're staying." Her tone was friendly, but decidedly professional. There was no way in hell Miranda Valero was even going to begin to show interest in Sigrun at this point. Too bad, she laughed inwardly. He looks fun.

Sigrun nodded, "All right, but I'm buying."

He gave Miranda a small smile.

"Once again, you know this city better than I. Let's go somewhere you've been wanting to go, but never have."

Perigrine considered Jason's question for a moment.

"It's hard to describe. It was a plant native to Izzanami when my people arrived there some three hundred years ago. What is used for the spice is a large deep indigo flower, and it's stamen. We...we blew Izzanami up to keep our home from falling into the hands of the Oni, so this is some of the last there is."

She watched him closely without seeming to, interested in how he'd take that bit of information. It was rather uncommon for a people to use that most final of options. Her inner smile turned savage...she'd returned the favor weeks later when the Oni's home system sun had gone nova. Revenge could be a most tasty dish.

The first bite of her entree had her nodding appreciatively. The food was excellently prepared, a tasty dish indeed

Sigrun nodded, "All right, but I'm buying."

He gave Miranda a small smile.

"Once again, you know this city better than I. Let's go somewhere you've been wanting to go, but never have."

"Around the corner, then. There's a new bar that just opened. Yuri Sokolev owns it, I'm told." When the name didn't register, Miranda hastened to add, "He's the son of General Leo Sokolev, who's third in command of the military of all Krioval."

Sigrun whistled slightly, "High profiler eh? Very well then, off we go!"

They soon made their way through the front entrance of the bar. Sigrun looked about the establishment, already noting that the place was getting a sizable number of patrons.

They moved to the bar where they sat on stools. He browsed the drinks menu and asked Miranda, "Why don't you order for both of us? I'd like to see what your people have to offer, drink-wise?"

"Ah, I'm sure you miss your homeworld then. Even thought I'm away from mine for many years at a time, I know it is still there to return to ... of course there is subjective for it." Jason replied "May I ask why your people had to destroy thier homeworld?"

Shu'aa na-Daanish Mash'al had made the mountain come to the museum.

It was quite unintentional, really. All he had done was enter, pay the fee, pick up a guidebook, and begin to wander about in a semi-daze, taking in the sights.

Then he had found a picture he liked. "Pardon me," he gently accosted a bystander, "but is there any more information on this?"
"Probably."
"Where?"
"Gift shop, maybe, or the library."
"Would you get it, please?"
"Pardon me?"
A sapphire fell out of Shu'aa's pocket as he reached for his wallet, and rolled some distance away."Many apologies, I am...infirm. If it would not be too much trouble, a book or such would be nice? Would you fetch please?"

A fistfull of Kerotars changed hands - literally - and with that, Shu'aa performed his first a magic trick.

Where there had been someone, there was a *pop* and empty air.

He sat, still viewing the - sculpture or painting, he really could not determine which.

"Pardon, sir, would you care for something to..."
"Drink? Yes, thank you. Something light and fizzy."
"Uh, well, no sir, that..."
More money was waved in general direction, Shu'aa unable or unwilling to stop looking.
"...won't be any trouble at all, sir, I'll be just a moment..."
"Yes, yes..."

"My race...my people weren't well loved, and mostly we deserved it...but the Oni, they were the worst of the worst and every evil believed of the Nietzscehans. What they would have done to Izzanami, and those unable to escape...death was cleaner."

Her eyes were dark as she remembered watching the death of her home and so many of her people. Carefully she sprinkled a pinch of the deep indigo purple crystals over her dish.

"So Jason, tell me about you and your homeworld that you are away from for years at a time"

"Our homeworld could actually be considered in two places. There is the world we evolved on, and the world we live on. The world we evolved on was suppose to be a beautiful world. My people never left the system such was the beauty of it, that is until the sun went nova. As our people had never developed interstellar travel and to stay would be to die, they constructed massive ships which they launched into space. They knew the chances for survival were slim but they had to do so. Our ship landed on metal rich planet which was highly dangeous. We then built from a massive moon and the metals our present world. It travels the stars searching for others who survived and resources to maintain it. In all the years we have yet to find another world like it or any other survivors." Jason replied, "As to why I am away from it for so many years is that I am a member of the CADRE. We serve as explorers, diplomats, scientists, warrior and practically any other role you can think of."

The Vastivan had no sooner entered the museum then the head curator jumped up from his desk. He raced down the corridors, stopping only to instruct workers he encountered to begin taking holoimages of the art, where legal and where it wouldn't damage the works. They were then to replicate them in whatever resolution they could and cart them toward the gift shop on the off chance that the trade delegate would be interested in purchasing them. Even if the Vastivan wasn't, the curator thought, it was a remarkably efficient way to get that damn catalog finally updated.

"That sounds like a most interesting life Jason, most interesting indeed"

Perigrine cocked her head and offered him the vial

"If you have high levels of heavy metals in your genetic background, you are welcome to try a pinch, but I take no responsibility for what may happen"

*******************************************

Eventually Michiko finished off the coffee and pastry that she had ordered. She and Sigrun were friends, and she was happy with that. There were few enough of those these days that she valued every one greatly and would not dream of causeing any stress in the friendship. 'An empty heart is not the worst thing to bear, and some where there is some one' she told herself firmly as she paid her tab and left the cafe.

She wandered the fifth level, going in a shop here or there that caught her fancy, looking for just the right dress. A few compliments and discrete wolf whistles later would do her some good...'if Perigrine and the Grendel let any one get close enough to get a good look' she joked to herself, covering a sudden nervousness that she might not be getting a second glance or two.

"It would depend on which 'stimulant' you are looking for. Many drugs are legal in Krioval provided they are only used in one's home or private establishments designed to control the potential negative effects." Christine suddenly realized they had passed their destination. "Hey, I think we just walked right by it. Over there," she pointed in the direction from which they had just come. "Some of the 'hottest' drinks in Krioval.""Well, my interior isn't exactly humanesque... Not for the most part, anyway. And I don't think there's a huge market for Drone-specific stimulants in Krioval, is there?" Götz kept being pessimistic, muttering a little about Akina being able to have all the stimulants she wanted (Physical ones, at least. He wasn't quite certain regarding Krioval's capacity to produce pleasure algorythms for the mind, something fairly popular throughout most of DA).

Akina nodded as Christine pointed the way, following her, seemingly happy, for no reason in particular. She just was, the weather being a possible explanation.

Entering the local in question (Something with 'T', Akina didn't really bother looking any closer), she whistled, appreciating the ambience (Although she wasn't quite sure what kind of ambience it was, as it seemed to be a little... Mixture, but perhaps that was just her first impression).

"Well, a good seat. Hrm."

Of course, she didn't notice Kolte nor Krodan, who where effectively hiding in a corner of the local, invisible to her, at least so long as she didn't specifically search for them. Instead, she heard Götz' voice, close to herself.

"Well, in the open or are we going for a more private table...?"

Akina shrugged, looking at Christine. "Well... I'm unfamiliar with the surroundings..."

Xander lowered his hood as he entered the bar, a sign of respect that had been ingrained since his early childhood as a Jedi Youngling. His rather stringy hair hung limply to his shoulders, and his brown eyes narrowed as he surveyed the patrons. After a few seconds, he spotted a fairly large man sitting at the bar who just happened to be sitting next to a smaller man in Jedi garb. Yes, he thought to himself. Crossing his arms so that they were concealed by the sleeves of his shirt, making him look very much like the Jedi Master he had once been, he cautiously approached the bar. As he came within hailing distance, he called, "Hello, Kolte Savren of Tirol. It has been such a very long time, and we have a lot of catching up to do..."

tag

"Well, in the open or are we going for a more private table...?"

Akina shrugged, looking at Christine. "Well... I'm unfamiliar with the surroundings..."

Christine walked to the counter. "Marcus in today?" she asked. A few minutes later, a tall, yet very thin man emerged.

"Christine Barro! My Lady Senator, it's been too long!" he gushed.

"Hey, Marcus. Come on, now, three weeks isn't 'too long' unless you suddenly got to debate water regulations in Parliament. Can I get my regular table," she gave him a coquettish look, "that is, if you haven't given it away?"

"Actually, I've enshrined it in anticipation of reading on your horrible death, considering that could have been the only possible reason you were gone for the better part of a month." He leaned in conspiratorally. "So, who resurrected you, and what's the afterlife like?"

The senator rapped the restauranteur on the shoulder. "Marcus, you're such a pain," she laughed. "By the way, this is Akina. And Götz. We're starving."

They were shown to a table that had an ocean view, though that was far more common than in most locations, given Torokara's geography. It also overlooked the soccer stadium well enough that the game could barely be made out. "You and your Slashers," Marcus remarked, setting down menus. "I'm impressed at your dedication." A sly wink and the man disappeared.

In the Central Square, a sign had been placed at the registration table that all entries would be considered final at 4:00 pm. An announcement had been made throughout the city as well. The showing thus far was quite impressive, but the organizers had secretly hoped for a few more entrants to keep things interesting. "Do you think he will show up?"

"Can't say, but he wouldn't bother with something like registration."

Jason pulled another gizmet from his belt and held it over the vial. The gizmet began beeping, and a number of lines of text and numbers scrolled down the screen. Jason looks at the numbers/text, "While it doesn't register as dangerous it does seem to contain a number of hallucinigenic agents or at least hallucinigencs to my system, so I must pass for the being."

Xander lowered his hood as he entered the bar, a sign of respect that had been ingrained since his early childhood as a Jedi Youngling. His rather stringy hair hung limply to his shoulders, and his brown eyes narrowed as he surveyed the patrons. After a few seconds, he spotted a fairly large man sitting at the bar who just happened to be sitting next to a smaller man in Jedi garb. Yes, he thought to himself. Crossing his arms so that they were concealed by the sleeves of his shirt, making him look very much like the Jedi Master he had once been, he cautiously approached the bar. As he came within hailing distance, he called, "Hello, Kolte Savren of Tirol. It has been such a very long time, and we have a lot of catching up to do..."
Kolte was about to speak to Krodan when he saw Xander.

"Master!" he stood, smiling, and offered the his elder a seat next to himself. "What are you doing in Krioval?"

He thought for a moment and then realized he had left something out.

"Forgive me. Krodan, this is my former Master Xander Voltare. Master, this is Krodan, a local with a huge soccer addiction."

Smiling politely, Xander inclined his head toward Krodan, and to Kolte he replied as he took a seat,

"I heard that you intended to be an entrant in this wonderful tourney, and thought that it would be a nice little reunion of sorts..."

Xander's voice had a raspy quality to it that told of many years of hard drinking, and it trailed off because he didn't like to remind himself that they had been seperated the way they had.

"You look like life hasn't exactly been friendly to you, (he laughed almost bitterly here) and I'm sure that I look no better old friend. Rest assured that I'm not here to compete, though, I'm getting too old for that sort of thing..."

"Hallucinigenic agents?...No that is interesting. No one has ever reported that effect before. I will have to remember that.."

Perigrine scattered a careful pinch more on before firmly recapping the small cannister and returning it to one of her many pouches.

"Thank you for recommending this restraunt. The food is delicious"

Perigrine chased down the last pepper, savoring the bloom of heat that clooded her mouth wen she bit down on it

Krodan's eyes lit up at the mention of the word 'soccer', but he stayed silent during Kolte and Xander's reunion. Finally, he settled for, "welcome to Krioval! What *does* bring you here, if not the Festival?"

Krodan's eyes lit up at the mention of the word 'soccer', but he stayed silent during Kolte and Xander's reunion. Finally, he settled for, "welcome to Krioval! What *does* bring you here, if not the Festival?"
"Yes, Master, why are you here? It's not like you to visit such places as this. I would think you would find a bit too...joyous?"

Kolte looked up to see the server bringing the first round of drinks.

"Alright Krodan, show me how this is done..."

"Your welcome. Most likely the reason it registers as a hallucinagen because of the gen-work done and the AD-implant would turn any poisons or harmful agents to a non-lethal hallucinagen." Jason replied

"AD implant?"

Perigrines ears perked up, ( figuratively at least ) and she catalogued away the fact that he ws geneteched. She wondered idly just how much he had been altered


**********************************************

Suddenly depressed Michiko headed back for the suite she had taken. Shopping seemed like a poor way to be spending her afternoon. She could send Race a message, telling him all that she had seen today. She'd have to bring him here some day, this city so different than the ones of the Empire.

"Antidote/detoxification implant, it helps my body deal with toxic substances and poisons. It also greatly increases my tolerance to alcohol and narcotics. One of the reasons I don't drink to get drunk or tipsy." Jason replied

"Yes, Master, why are you here? It's not like you to visit such places as this. I would think you would find a bit too...joyous?"

Kolte looked up to see the server bringing the first round of drinks.

"Alright Krodan, show me how this is done..."

Krodan looked at the strange drink, and focused his gaze on the interphase between some blue liquid and clear liquid. Somewhere in there was the alcohol, as well. The big Kriovalian laughed deeply. "Watch carefully." He grabbed a stir rod and in a well-practiced motion, plunged it into the drink and stirred, disrupting the barrier between the two sections. Almost as quickly, he removed the stirrer, flicking it slightly to remove as much of the drink from the rod as possible, and placed it on a glass tray. The reaction began almost instantly, and when the combined mixture hit the air, small red flames danced on the surface. A few seconds later, the fire extinguished, and Krodan immediately downed the entire contents of the firecracker. A satisfied smile on his face, he turned to the others. "That's the best way, but some people wait a little longer."

Xander watched as the server brought Kolte and Krodan's drinks, and contemplated their question. He had to come up with something believible, for he couldn't tell them his true reason for his presense here, not yet at least. He folded his hands, rested his head upon them, and replied,

"The truth is, Kolte, I have been following you for some time. You probably don't know this, but shortly after your...expulsion, I renounced my commision with the Order. You were always like a son to me Kolte, and I couldn't handle the way you were treated, even if you had broken the codes. You were not the first Jedi to ever form an emotional attachment, and you will not have been the last. I took to drinking heavily, and spiraled down into an abyss of depression. After I sobered up a year ago, I decided to try to track you down. You made it very difficult for me, young one. I narrowly missed you several times. Finally, I heard that this Festival was to take place and, what's the phrase? Ah, got the jump on you. And so here we are. I was hoping that we could salvage our relation from the wreakage of our past. Of course, it all boils down to your feelings. I hate to sound cruel, but after she died...I wouldn't blame you for declining..."

We use nanites for such. I have sets from both my sire and dam, as well as those tailored specifically for my DNA and RNA patterns. In fact this spice provides mine with some very trace minerals I need."

Perigrine took a long sip of the iced tea she had ordered, enjoying the contrast of the hot pepper that still tingled her mouth and the chill of the beverage.

"Which part of your many parted job do you enjoy the most?"

"Probably meeting new people and cultures." Jason replied "The AD implant has nannites in it who process the toxins and poisons. Wouldn't that mean that when your spice ran out you nannites would begin to die/malfunction?"

Suddenly depressed Michiko headed back for the suite she had taken. Shopping seemed like a poor way to be spending her afternoon. She could send Race a message, telling him all that she had seen today. She'd have to bring him here some day, this city so different than the ones of the Empire.

The white robed figure landed about five meters away from Michiko, and locked his eyes with hers. While armed, his sword was still sheathed at his back. In a tone low enough for those nearby to be unable to hear, he said, "Michiko Sirocco Jones, Empress of Tanara. What brings you to my city?"

"Your city? I think Commander Raijin might have some small dispute with that"

She kept her voice as low as his, but light with amused skepticism. Michiko had gone on full alarm inwardly, but gave nothing away with face or eyes. Five meters was well with in iajutsu range of that sword across his back.

"And I'd quote a very old song,but..."

She stopped and considered for a split second...and good defense was a good offense 'lets see how easy he scares' and grinned wickedly.

"Well, girls just want to have fun...are you up for some?"