NationStates Jolt Archive

Vulpe's ears flicked at the sound of laughter, a involuntary reaction response, but he made no comment on it, familiar enough with the voice to be able to tell who it was. Speaking of mysterious laughter from nowhere that somehow emitted from a being that was actually a piece of soul from another person, and that Vulpe was attracted to this being, was not a way to impress his hostess or guide. The only reason he even knew she was real was because that man on the station, at least, had acknowledged her presence and called her by name. But that was neither here nor there. He bowed to Pegasus as he left, too wrapped up in his own thoughts and questions to wonder too much about the human's urgent business. The Xiscapian entered the cafeteria slowly, looking around for whoever, as if he didn't know, was waiting to greet him.

The cafeteria was a fair sized one, capable of seeting at least a hundred people or more. There were the obvious food dispensers, the typical machines that would make whatever food you wanted appear before you on command. It wasn't crowded but wasn't empty, interesting though that Xarniosi could be seen eating here as if everything were normal. It was at a time like this that their differences seemed to fade just a little. They sat, ate, and talked with one another just like any other race. It didn't seem to matter how far their individual bodies had progressed in transforming, they were all family. Among the mass of Xarniosi, one figure stood out. It was Jade, as if her form could be lost among the rest of the beings in the room. She waved to Vulpe to get his attention, sitting alone at a table close to the door. As he approached, her armor would begin to withdraw from her face and would pull back to her neck. Her fur was a light gray, bordering on white and her eyes were a deep green. She smiled gently, "So, how was the tour?"

Likewise, Vulpe deactivated his helmet, allowing his head to be exposed. Eyes like sunbursts, which Jade had seen before, yet not, studied her as the kitsune sat. "Undeniably intriguing with a hint of danger," he answered with a smile, speaking of the tour as if it were a fine wine.

Jade gave a small laugh, "I suppose most places are like that in their own way. I hope you were able to find something interesting, you were gone for quite awhile. I know the desolate landscape of this world doesn't exactly give much variety. I guess for a race as isolationist in nature as the Xarniosi, this planet suits them perfectly."

Vulpe frowned as he sat. "It didn't seem like that long..." He shrugged. "Whatever the landscape looks like, I'm still amazed life can survive out there at all."

"Around six hours by my count. That's a good while, one way or the other. Diplomats must be some patient people to put up with that. As for the planet's life forms, life will exist anywhere if you give it a sliver of a chance. I take it you've enjoyed your visit so far?"

"Diplomats are required to be patient: You meet some real idiots, and outright arseholes, while working, and it pays to bite your tongue when you want to speak and keep with it when you want to leave. The XDC likes to think it has some of the finest diplomats in the galaxy; I don't know if that's true or not, but they certainly train us for a lot of situations. Despite the fact that I was half swallowed by a snake bigger than some starcruisers, I've found this world to be pleasant enough, though I can't say it's my favorite." He nodded in reflection. "Overall, though, this has all been very educational. My report will be hundreds of pages long by the time I'm though explaining it all to my superiors."

"Patience..." Jade repeated. You and I specialize in very different kinds of patience, she thought. "I see. Very interesting indeed. The travel must be quite a bonus, getting to see so many other worlds." I wonder how many races you've been given the responsibility of meeting and talking with. "So, what has been your favorite part of this little visit to our small corner of the Galaxy?"

"Hmm," Vulpe frowned while he thought. "So far, I'd have to say the marketplace on the Leorian homeworld, and the crashed colony ship on Greywatch Prime were my two favorite places and experiences. I'm sure I'll have one of my own here." Though I think meeting you might trump them all...

"Leanorian." Jade corrected him politely. "I've never seen the marketplace there in person." My travels take me to much less savory locations. "I have, however, seen the colony ship, though unlike my creator, I wasn't around when it first crashed." I must've been quite the spectacle. She looked at the door, "I wonder where your friend has gone off to." She shrugged, "I guess he'll tell you when he comes back. Tell me, have you noticed anything strange since your coming here? And when I say strange, I mean relvative to the already unusual stuff that happens in Greywatch on a regular basis."

"Strange?" Vulpe cocked his head. "We met a," he looked at the ceiling, trying to remember, "El Druai Tun in a cave while on the surface, I don't know why he was there. But other than that..." He thought for a few more seconds. "Nothing. Nothing that would qualify as odd by Greywatch standards."

"Heh, the council is keeping a leash on their curiosity, then. Last I heard, they were discussing how exactly to engage you and your kind." Jade grinned, "I'm probably confusing you a bit. You'll have to excuse me when I go off on those tangents. I have a head full of memories I'd probably be better off without. Its difficult knowing all the things I know. I was only awake for a short time, but it was a time of chaos." She looked directly into Vulpe's eyes, piercing into his very mind. The room around them seemed to fade. "Greywatch, it used to be so different," she muttered. The room had completely vanished and the two were now in a void of blackness. The blackness transformed after a minute and the Jade vanished. Vulpe found himself alone in what appeared to be a fortress of some sort, a fortress under seige. Flames engulfed many of the buildings as he looked around through the eyes of another. He was seeing through Jade's eyes, one of her ancient memories. She was hidden behind a pillar in a burning garden or courtyard, watching as a lone figure clad in black armor tore through a large group of Twilight Demons. Vulpe knew they were Twilight Demons only because his mind was linked with Jade's. The figure took its axe and with speed not expected of someone in so much armor, and made short work of everything around it, spraying blood in every direction. Jade stepped out from hiding and approached the armor clad figure, drawing a single kunai as she did so. "Who are you?" She called out to it. The helmet looked to her and for a moment her heart stopped. A powerful Cryptic force grasped her as the as the figure focused on her; its eyes piercing her very soul even while hidden behind a helmet. Her body froze and her eyes widened, the figure slowly approached, placing its axe on its back. It stopped right in front of her, standing eight feet tall, looking down at her. "I am Crimson Dragonborn, Greyknight." With that, the memory faded and Vulpe could find himself looking at Jade once more, the room had reappearing as the mental connection severed.

The kitsune blinked. "Okay, if I was confused before, I'm really confused now. What in all the Forgotten Realms was that?" And how do you know what the Council is considering?

"I apologize, since our minds are not capable of melding completely, you wouldn't make the connection. Lord Crimson Dragonborn, Son of Chaos, Guardian Phoenix Greyknight. Or as you and many others like to call him: Redemption." She smiled, "Tell me, how interested are you in Greywatch's past?" Believe me, the stories can go on and on...

"Well," Vulpe considered, "it is said that by knowing the past of something you can, in the present, predict it's future, so you can call me as very interested in the past of Greywatch."

"If you knew Crimson's full past, you'd know that statement is beyond false." Jade thought to herself for a moment. "I have nothing I can show you right now. I would have to collect my thoughts and find something worth while. Perhaps if you ever see another Greyknight, you can ask them. They typically have entire libraries worth of knowledge kept inside their minds." Jade's mask regrew, covering her face once more. "I have to go now, unfortunantly. I'll probably see you later. I suggest you get something to eat, don't wanna go to bed hungry now do you?" She nodded and was gone, no trace as to how she left. The door opened and Pegasus came in alone. He spotted Vulpe and sat down across from him, where Jade had been sitting, "So, your meeting is over as well I see."

A sigh. "Yes," Vulpe affirmed, "but I'm afraid it wasn't very informative; I have even more questions now." He shook his head, as if shaking the thoughts off. "What were you called away for?"

"Ah, I guess that means I was wrong. I figured some Xarniosi wanted to interview you so they could update the Archives about your race.." Pegasus gave a small smile, "Anyway, the reason I was called off was due to a discovery. Apparently, two days ago the FM detected something strange in a nearby system. A Greywatch Explorer was deployed to check out the disturbance and well.... we've discovered a new race." Pegasus paused for a moment, "A new race possessing Cryption."

"Cryption?" Vulpe's eyes widened and he leaned forward eagerly. "That is quite a discovery! What were they?"

"Avians from what I read in the reports. I have no idea what kind of Cryption they use or the level, that wasn't included in the report. But it has been confirmed that they indeed possess it. Depending on how the situation develops over the next few days, we may be allowed to stop in for a few moments to say hello." Pegasus was excited, but did his best to hide most of it. Keeping his cool was important, no matter the situation. "I'm sure the Leanorians and the... 'Elden' will be quite pleased to hear that others like them have been found."

"Possibly." Vulpe wondered how many races there could be in the galaxy who had Cryptonic abilities. "I take it the report wasn't very informative as to these people and their culture? Or did the Explorer not make formal contact?"

"The Explorer and the teams made contact. But unlike the Leanorians, this race doesn't have any Elden living with them. Due to this, they cannot understand Basic, and communication between the us has been difficult and we haven't been able to learn very much. What I received was nothing more than an initial report making me aware of the discovery. Hopefully, more reports will come in and expand on the current situation. Until then, all we can do is wait..."

Vulpe nodded in understanding. "Still, this is exciting! It seems not a day goes by that a new race or people aren't discovered, but this is quite a feat. No doubt the Kitsune Empire will be watching as well."

"Yes, I agree that this is quite a find. To find another Cryptic race so soon after meeting the Leanorians... it's amazing." Pegasus's typically cool and calm voice had the hint of excitement in it, an excitement that was growing. "I always figured that Cryption was unique to the Elden, Leanorians, and humans... and that any other race with Cryption would have Elden living with them or near them. But this notion was incorrect it seems. I'll be sure to keep you updated on any further developments."

"Thank you," Vulpe nodded. "Has the name of this race been found out yet? What they call themselves?"

"If it has, the report certainly didn't make any mention of it. But I assume more information will come through as time goes on. Hopefully I'll get something more tomorrow but for now we just have to wait. Anyway, since we don't have anything else schedualed for today I figure I'd eat, do some work, and get ready for whatever awaits us tomorrow." Pegasus got up and went to a food dispenser, coming back with a tray and a single packet of... something. It was a unmarked, white, cardboard box. "Eh, I should've guessed. Nutrition packs, providing all the nurients and vitamins one needs." He opened the packet and found a bag containing a few tablets, a packet of mineral water, a packet of juice, and a tube of 'blueberry flavored vitamin paste.' "Guess I'll just have to make the best of it." He looked over a small pamphlet that was included with the meal, descibing how exactly to eat the 'food.' Tablets were placed in the mouth with the water packet, one would bit down on the water packet to release contents and then swallow everything, packet included. The paste would be consumed by removing the lid, placing the opening in one's mouth, and then squeezing out the past inside. The juice would help to wash everything down and would be consumed the same way as the water. "Lovely..." Pegasus muttered before starting on the meal.

The kitsune watched his guide eat with an air of bemusement. "Don't the Xarniosi have Replicators?" He inquired. "I mean, I can understand such ration packets for soldiers or others far from regular food sources who need a nutritious meal that can be consumed quickly, but..." He shrugged. "I'm sure a Replicated meal would be much more satisfying."

Pegasus looked up, starting on the tablets, "This is from the replicator. Maybe you'll have better luck with what you get, but this was the only option I got. I guess the Xarniosi don't care to much for fine dining."

"Hmmm..." Vulpe lifted one eyebrow and stood. "I'll go check that out myself." He walked casually over to the replicator machines and, activating one of them, requested a meal.

The replicator activated as Vulpe approached it, green lights activating all over it. It projected a hologram that displayed a menu screen. The screen allowed one to customize their meal to their liking, Xarniosi style. A choice of what kind of tablets, what kind of juice, and what flavor paste were the options available; to add to that, it was all in a the Xarniosi's language instead of basic.

Frowning at the screen, Vulpe keyed in a random meal set and pressed enter. He supposed pure, sterile matter was scarce here for Replicator use, or more likely the Xarniosi simply didn't get many visitors, or at least not many who were ignorant of their language.

Vulpe recieved an identical box on an identical tray. When Vulpe opened the box, he'd find that the contents were pretty much the same as those given to Pegasus except the tablets had some extra zinc and vitamin C, it was a different kind of juice, and the paste was banana flavor.

The kitsune blinked, and then chuckled, picking the tray up. "Guess you're right," he told Pegasus as he sat back down at their table, following the instructions to eat the nutrient-rich meal. "Do you know what stage the Xarniosi stop needing to eat at?"

"It would depend on the rate of transformation so there's no amount of years I could really state... but I imagine the Xarniosi continue to eat until very late in their lives." Pegasus looked around at the other Xarniosi in the dining hall, a few of them were eating, a few weren't. Of those who were eating, many of them seemed to be using a different form of nutrition. An odd, cylindrical device that looked somewhat like an advanced syringe. Pegasus watched as an Xarniosi took the syringe-like device and injected itself in the chest with it. "I suppose the Xarniosi have other ways of getting nutrients at older ages..." Another group of abour twelve people entered the hall, seven of them were obviously not Xarniosi. Those seven were dressed in black robes with silvery designs on them. They moved as a group and got their meals before sitting at a table on the other side of the room, six of them anyway. One of them approached Pegasus and Vulpe, holding its meal, and sat down next to them. The figure was wearing a hood at first but removed it after seating itself. It was a girl who looked no older than 17. "Sup, Pegs," she said in a bubbly, friendly tone. Pegasus raised an eyebrow as he looked over her, busy squeezing the contents out of the nutrition tube; slightly tan skin, light blond hair with a few white accents, blue eyes, very friendly expression. He removed the tube from his mouth and muttered, "I feel I should know you...". She fake pouted for a few seconds before nearly taking Pegasus off the seat with a glomp. "You're so cruel! It's me, Alexia!" Her yelling didn't attract the attention of anyone else in the area, apparently they were all used to it. "Get off, get off, get off!" Pegasus begged, "I'm sorry I didn't remember you at first!" The girl smiled, pleased with the reaction she got out of him. She quietly moved back to her seat as if nothing had actually happened, "So, you're going to introduce me to your friend here, right?" Pegasus cleared his throat, "Right... Vulpe, this is Ale-" Alexia cut him off, "Alexia, expert mechanic at your service! Pleased to meet you." She offered her hand out to Vulpe with a large smile.

Vulpe watched the antics of the two humans, if that was indeed what Alexia was, with a slight smile of amusement. "A pleasure, Mrs. Alexia," he said formally, standing and bowing to her before taking to proffered hand in a strong grip, shaking it. "I am Ambassador Vulpe, envoy to the Xarniosi and Greywatch as a whole from the Kitsune Empire of Xiscapia. How do you do?"

Alexia's smile was unchanging, formalities didn't mean much to her but it was always interesting watching people perform them anyway. Her own grip was strong as well, an unsuprising fact seeing as she introduced herself as a mechanic and chances were she did a lot of heavy lifting. "Well, well. We finally got discovered. Never thought I'd see the day. No, wait, yes I did!" She giggled slightly, "Well I'm doing fine, Vulpe. Thanks for asking!" She opened her meal and quickly devoured her tablets. "So, Vulpe. You must have some stories. What's your home like? What're your people like? How much do you travle? How long have ya been here? Staying any longer? Liking everything? Learning anything new and exciting? Huh, huh? You must see so much interesting stuff! C'mon, tell me!" Alexia spoke at a machine gun pace with little space between each word. Pegasus, meanwhile, was on his guard in case she pounced on him again.

With each consecutive question Vulpe's eyebrows rose a little higher, to the point where they were in danger of disappearing into his bangs. "Uh..." He shifted slightly, trying to slow the barrage of questions. "I've enjoyed my stay thus far, there's been a few surprises and conflicts, but they haven't detracted in the slightest from the overall experience. I believe I'll be staying here for several more days yet before we continue our journey, touring Greywatch, as it were. Of all the places I've traveled to, I have to say I like Greywatch the best, the people are different, but not bad...I prefer strange with good intentions to familiar holding bad ones. What about you?" He leaned forward slightly, against the table. "What kind of mechanic work do you do?"

Alexia was like a child hearing a bedtime story, she seemed so fascinated with everything Vulpe said one would think she'd never left habitat, or even met an alien race before. Pegasus was relieved to hear Vulpe was enjoying his stay, despite all the ups and downs... and outright oddball stuff that seemed to happen. "That's all good to hear," she responded to Vulpe's description of his stay, her grin as wide as ever. "Well, since you asked... I deal with almost anything having to do with machinery, doesn't matter what. From civilian vehicles to droids to powerstations to the Worldstarters, I've done 'em all. It requires a lot of schematic memorization and the work can be really hard but its all so rewarding. Watching something come to life as you get the last bolt into place. Knowing that your work is well appreciated... never gets old. If its broken, I'll fix it. If it's not broken, I'll make it better."

Vulpe's ears twitched in a gesture of amusement, and he smiled. "Self-taught, are you? I'd imagine you'd have a lot of work around here..." He nodded. "How do you and Pegasus know each other?"

"Ha! I'd like to say I was completely self taught. I've had a few good teachers... the Xarniosi don't let you touch their equipment unless yhou know how to use it and they don't let you work on their projects unless they know you'll be useful. But you were wondering about me and Pegs, right?" Pegasus was busy descretely sliding away from her, trying to activate some kind of defense system. Alexia didn't seem to notice Pegasus's uncomfort, that or she just found it so funny that she didn't care. "Well, I met Pegs about five years ago, it was only once so I'm not too suprised he doesn't remember me." Pegasus sighed, "Then why did you just put me through all of that?" She rolled her eyes, "Because you didn't see it coming. I like mixing things up, seeing how people react to the unexpected. It's funny. C'mon Pegs, loosen up." Pegasus thought for a moment, "Right.... you're Kira's friend. Now I remember... kind of."

"I see," Vulpe interjected. "But I asked how you met, not when."

"Like he said, I'm Kira's friend. She introduced us." Alexia said. "One of those unplanned, random meetings."

"Ah. Kira the Leanorian? What was she doing here?" Vulpe asked. He had previously speculated that this place didn't get many visitors, but maybe he was wrong.

Alexia gave Vulpe a confused look, "Uhh, no. Last I checked Kira had blue hair and no fur. She's one of the Elden, more specifically an Eldenorn." Pegasus cut in, "We saw the hologram of her back in the cave, remember? You might be thinking of Kayla, from our tour." Alexia went on, "Anyways... it wasn't here, it was back in Greywatch Prime. Seyma Square, lovely place, has soooo many shopping centers. Me and the K had been doing some shopping that day and we were getting some lunch. Pegs here was being his typical creeper self-"
"Hey!"
"What? I still don't get how you know where Kira is when she's on lunch break."
"Y'know, we are friends and co-workers, so she does tell me where she's going in case I need to contact here. And you'd never met me! Nor did you see me after that day until now! How could say 'typical?' In fact, how can you even label me as a creeper?"
"Fine, fine... anywho, me and Kira were having lunch and Pegasus came out of nowhere; I'm guessing he just happened to be passing through or something. Not being suspicous at all when he handed some folder of classified documents to Kira."
"Those were for diplomats only... it's called a mission brief."
"Yeah, yeah. Moving on, when he was there while we were eating. Kira introduced us. I gave him the customary hug-"
"Tackle," Pegasus muttered.
"-big hug. And then of course I started asking who he was and why he was there, like I normally do. Then he started hitting on me."
"What?!"
"Well you were asking me about my interests and such..."
"I was making some conversation. You did the same to me."
"Well whatever, anyway. So after about twenty or so minutes of conversing Pegs went on his way and me Kira continued on ours. It was only a few years ago Pegs..."
"Things change after a few years... and I'd only met you once."
"Yet I remembered you."
"My memory obviously isn't on the same level as yours."
"Damn straight, but I love you anyway."
That's a statement I can't take literally... Pegasus sighed, "Very well, Alexia..."

"Interesting." Vulpe said dryly. "You two go back...sort of. Are you freelance," he addressed Alexia, "or employed by the government or an organization?"

"I do stuff here and there... what? Need something fixed? Bring to my workshop, section 39, room 191. I got into being a mechanic after spending some 100 years or so in Greywatch's military. The gov's got nothin' on me and no corperates have hired me yet. I mainly work my ass off 'cause it's fun and I have to pay back the Xarniosi for putting up with me somehow."

"One hundred years." Vulpe was no longer surprised by the age, it appeared almost no one was what they seemed here in Greywatch. "Are you human?"

Alexia smiled, "Born and bred." The statement was short and sweet, no need to go delving into the specifics of something like a short one hundred years. "That's a first. I figured you'd have to be one of the 'Elden'..." Alexia shrugged, "As fun as it is for people to think that, that excuse for old age age an overused one. No, I am a human. Perhaps a slightly mutated human, but a human nonetheless."

"Seems like everyone here in Greywatch is so old," Vulpe said almost to himself. "What is this mutation that has allowed for you such an increased lifespan?"

"Hell if I know. But I wouldn't classify my lifespan as 'increased,' I'm still quite young compared to other beings. Considering that we humans evolved from the Elden, is it really all that suprising this would happen? I don't think so. In fact, I don't see myself as really being all that old. I see everyone as being really young." She finished the rest of her meal before continuing, "But unfortunantly, I have to leave you both now. I have a matter to attend to. Be sure to stop by my workshop before you leave, you know the address so you don't have an excuse. See ya both later." With that Alexia left, taking her tray over to a conveyer belt and setting it down before exitting the dining hall altogether. Pegasus finished his meal and stood up, "I figure I might as well go and get some rest as well, chances are tomorrow's going to be busy. Goodnight." Pegasus walked over the conveyer belt, set his tray down and then left the dining hall as well. Some of the other Xarniosi did the same though the other robed figures didn't seem to be leaving anytime soon.

Vulpe pondered Alexia's words as he slowly finished his meal, slurping absent-mindedly, lost in thought. Humans evolved from Elden? How did that make any sense? Evolution was supposed to make a race better, or at least more adaptive to it's environment. What possible advantage could an average human have over an Elden? Sure, they could reproduce, but it didn't seem to the Xiscapian that Nature would ever create anything that couldn't naturally reproduce or assist something else in reproducing. That was the whole point, wasn't it?

After a time he too deposited his tray on the belt and began to walk the station, not content to retire to his room just yet.
OOC: TG.

Wandering the halls of the Xarniosi habitat was not something one would find interesting. Every passageway looked nearly identical to the last, save for a few cavernous areas; most rooms were locked, which restricted one's ability to act on their curiousity; and for the most part the place seemed deserted. The only moments when Vulpe might be greeted with the sight of another being was the occassional Xarniosi walking by, no doubt on the way to work on some important project, or when the occassional Drone walked by, typically following a Xarniosi or a black robed figure.

Those black-robed figures were strange, he supposed he should have asked Alexia about them but somehow he just hadn't done so. Growing bored and weary, Vulpe finally went back to his quarters, deactivating his suit once inside. Of course there were no baths here, if the Xarniosi didn't provide regular food they certainly wouldn't hold stock with such luxurious as tubs, so Vulpe made do with the shower. Afterward he went to bed again, settling in for what he hoped would be a longer and more restful sleep than the last.

The night would be uneventful, the room was completely silent, there was no Cryptic communication made, nothing. Just Vulpe, the bed, and eight hours of not being disturbed by anything. Of course, once that eight hours was up, it was back to business as usual. An alarm would wake both Vulpe and Pegasus, alerting them to the fact that they had about two hours to prepare for their continued tour.

Eight hours of oblivion was bliss to the kitsune, and he rolled over somewhat grumpy when the alarm went off, trying to slap the thing silent before gathering his wits about him and waking up fully. Putting his suit back on, Vulpe stepped out into the hallway, wondering why they had to get up two hours early. Unless of course they were going to make him ride in that snake-thing again, in which case two hours of preparation might not be enough.

Pegasus took a longer span of time to exit his room, having used his suit as a form of sound-proof barrier in order to get a few extra minutes of sleep. When he finally did exit his room, it was after a bit of 'experimentation.' From the waist down, Pegasus's suit looked the same as usual; from the waist up is where the differences had taken place. He appeared to be wearing a black, sleeveless shirt with white shoulderguards as well as what appeared to be some kind of collar. Silvery strands of nanomachines ran down his arms, apparently coming from his shoulderguards, to his hands which were covered by fingerless gauntlets. He looked over himself as he exitted his room and then to Vulpe, "Well... we got plenty of time so first things first: breakfast?"

"Sure," Vulpe was looking curiously at Pegasus's new dress. "Is all that," he indicated the top, shoulders and gauntlets, "part of the suit?"

"Yeah... this is what I got for messing around with the suit's 'Appearance' functions. I'll try to set it back after breakfast, this isn't my style." Pegasus began walking in the direction of the dining hall, "I want to know what else I can do with this... perhaps there's a way to find out what Harmony intends to do with us today so there aren't any unpleasant suprises."

"Interesting, you seemed like an old hand with the suit. I didn't even know there were such customizable options available." Vulpe commented as they began walking towards the cafeteria. "How did you manage to get yourself like that? Was it thought activated?"

"I didn't even know there were such customizable options available."
"Probably because the scientists on the station didn't think it worth their time to tell us no doubt..." Pegasus looked down at his hands, fingerless gauntlets, how odd. For something produced by Greywatch, the technology behind the suit seemed quite alien to him. "Anyway, I was actually looking through the different options accessable by only via the wristband when I came accross some customizing options. Probably wouldn't of found it if I had actually been looking. When we get back from breakfast I'll see if I can bring it up again."

Vulpe nodded silently, looking at his own suit in a new light. If it could morph into different shades and styles of clothing, what else was it capable of?

When Pegasus and Vulpe entered the dining hall they'd find it was a little more crowded than it was last night. Mostly Xarniosi, but there were a few more of the black robed figures. Pegasus walked over to a replicator and got his meal before sitting down at a partly empty table, figuring he might as well mingle a bit with the locals.

After getting his breakfast Vulpe sat down across from his guide. "Who are all those people with the robes?" He asked the human, wondering if he would know. The Xiscapian didn't really want to ask one of them directly, generally fully-robed forms didn't like to be asked why they chose to dress in such a manner.

Pegasus had actually been wondering the same thing since last night and, on his way back to his room, had asked one of the Xarniosi about those very same people. After finishing his tablets, he gave Vulpe the same answer he'd recieved, "The Protectorate of Secrets, a branch of the Forbidden Ministry."

"And black is the color of secrets," Vulpe looked sidelong at one of the figures. "Seems like a lot of 'em showed up pretty recently. That or they all just came out of hiding."

"Well, Harmony said the Xarniosi and the FM work together quite a bit. I suppose it really shouldn't be all that suprising that they'd be everywhere on this world." Pegasus looked around the dining hall, seeing plenty of the black clad figures around him, "Almost feels like their trying to tell us we're in their territory now." Pegasus started on the paste. "Makes me curious... how large is this organization?"

Vulpe shrugged. "At least as large as Greywatch, I suspect." His tone was low, though if any of others in the room wanted to eavesdrop he knew they probably could. "Seems to me like they're almost a small nation in themselves: They have their own private military, communications network, security, ships, soldiers..."

"Nothing the typical mercenary organization wouldn't have... though I doubt they're anywhere near the size of Greywatch. Too much of the evidence seen so far would say otherwise, espscially what Harmony has told us." Pegasus thought for a moment before continuing, "Though it wouldn't suprise me if the Forbidden Ministry got things past even the Xarniosi. However, I'm curious about you mentioning their ships. I suppose them having their own ships is all too possible, but I certainly haven't heard any reports suggesting they have any, at least nothing big."

"The FM hardly seems like the typical mercenary organization to me..." said Vulpe dryly. "More like a secret branch of your military that got so powerful it broke off and became it's own organization. When I said they're the size of Greywatch, I didn't mean physically, or in terms of manpower: I was referring to their spread of influence. However," here Vulpe endeavored to answer Pegasus's question, "the Forbidden Ministry would have to possess spacecraft of it's own, no? If not they would be entirely confined to Greywatch, or be forced to use military or commercial means of transport, and that simply doesn't seem to be their style. If they really want to protect Greywatch, they would be watching other nations as well, and for that you have to have ships, or at least probes. While I've never seen one myself, there are rumors within the Kitsune Empire that FM ships have been seen within our space, though I've never heard anything official addressing the matter."

"I never said they were a mercenary organization at all, I simply said their tools are that of the typical mercenary organization. An HQ , weapons, comms, and the men to hold everything together; and yes, I am aware that they take everything to the next level, but the basics appear to still be there." There was an uncharacteristic, very subtle harshness to his tone. Not an outright angry tone, not even an annoyed tone, but if one was listening closely it almost sounded like there was a secondary voice, one much quieter but at the same time far more aggressive. To anyone that did hear it, it was like hearing Pegasus's spoken voice and his inner voice speaking at the same time. A few of the robed figures in the room gave a slight turn of their heads, indicating they'd noticed something, or at least thought they had. Pegasus, however, was oblivious to this odd change and continued on, "As to your point about them needing ships: you weren't there when Anderson presented himself to me. The man appeared out of thin air before explaining to me that the FM was capable of some special version of Greywatch blinking technology called 'displacement.' While I certainly understand your point about how they would need ships, I personally find that, in the recent days I've become more aware of them, when I apply real-world logic to the organization that is the Forbidden Ministry, I typically end up with a face-full of 'don't forget who you're talking about.'" Pegasus leaned back, a smile on his face as he looked up at the ceiling, apparently enjoying his bland meal. "I guess we've got no choice, eh?" The subtle, undertone was still there but it now was out of place and completely contradictory to Pegasus's obviously relaxed and easy speech, "I guess we'll have to hope that our little meeting with them answers our questions," he chuckled, "instead of simply presenting more of them." He looked over to one of the hooded figures before turning his gaze back to Vulpe, "This rumor though, it's piqued my curiousity. Even though I doubt they'd be wandering around in your neck of the woods, I'll do my part and make a report to the Council warning them of possible, increased FM activity."

Vulpe elected not to comment on the slight change in Pegasus's voice, unsure if he heard it or if it was only his imagination. This 'displacement' didn't sound especially impressive to him, some kind of beefed-up beaming technology was probably what it was, though how it was different from the 'blinking' they'd been using wasn't clear.
"Our little meeting?" The Xiscapian Ambassador asked. "Is that one of our activities today?"

"Not sure, actually. But I assume Harmony will fill us in on our schedual after breakfast. I figure we're gonna be seeing them either today or tomorrow, but that's just me." Pegasus looked to wrist and resisted the urge to begin exploring more of the suit's capabilities, reminding himself that was not something to do in public.

"They have quite a presence here," Vulpe said, "but how do we concern them? I am but a diplomat, and they certainly didn't want to talk to me when I first landed on Leanoria."

"Harmony said that the Xarniosi and the FM have been working togather for some time, so their presence doesn't suprise me. As to their willingness to speak to us, I truly doubt anything's changed. Harmony said she'd schedual the meeting, but the way she spoke she never gave me the impression she cared what their feelings on the matter would be." Pegasus finished his meal and disposed of his tray before returning to the table. "I'm sorry if I seem all too eager to go along with this, but I have some questions that need answering."

"Well, no," Vulpe looked up at Pegasus, "but are you saying the meeting is being set up by the Xarniosi and you, and not the FM? And they would send a representative anyway?"

Pegasus laughed, "Me getting the chance to set up a time to meet with the FM? I probably have a better chance of winning the lotto. No, Harmony's taking care of that, or at least I imagine she is. As for them sending a rep, I'm sure the Xarniosi are working all of that out. They've made their presence on this world brutally obviou that I could swear they almost want to talk with me. But that could always be wishful thinking. Whatever it is, I will deal with it when it comes... and that time should be in about an hour and 45 minutes, when I get the chance to question Harmony on the subject."

An hour and forty-five minutes. "What until then?"

"Well, we could get lost inside the habitat... or we could just talk to random people and learn about the Xarniosi. I'd also like to explore the suit functions a little more and possibly return mine to its normal state. Anything you'd like to see or do?"

Vulpe shrugged noncommittally. "I am intrigued by our suits, now, but don't you think it would be more beneficial to go to someone who actually knows how to make the various functions operate as intended?"