NationStates Jolt Archive

Patches of puffy sugar lazily strolled through a pristine Carolina sky, tufts of droplets forming shapes and images restricted only to the eye of the mind. Early in the summer season, the usual summer rains were likely still a month away, not to hit until the days of July passed to bring about the hydration of the thirsty land. June skies rolled as slow as the days did, the days where children were ejected from schools and hardworking civilians looked forward to vacations. The lazy days of summer rolled in to Amazonia as easy as a knife passed through a warm stick of butter.

Hundreds of swaying palm trees, towering a dozen meters or more into the sky upon trunks of granite wood, lined the thoroughfare of the Oceana Aquaway. The 18-lane freeway linked the main city and urban beauty of downtown Oceana to the sprawling island paradise of Nova Oceana, technically a "constituent urban zone" of the city but nearly more famous than the enormously-populated high-tech metropolis. Nova's beaches sparkled with diamond-clear waters, teeming with tropical fish in an array of bright colors - nature's light show for those willing to forget the pain of normal society and immerse oneself in the natural world.

The six-lane monorail track ran parallel to the Aquaway, not used by the dirty trains and subways of the twin capitals of Amazonia and Necropolis, but insteead testaments to the advance of technology in developing clean, yet efficient, mass transportation that serviced ten million citizens and vacationers every day. Oceana was a year-round city - the average high never dipped below 76 F - and the pure skies and smiling sun that shined upon the City of Dreams never succumbed, apart from the occassional (or daily, per the rainy season from July-early September) brief downpour. The city was ultimately a beach paradise - a tropical pinnacle to the world of the free spirit - but it was much more than that.

Oceana had given rise to the center of free thought in the Dominion, a country repressed from the Imperial capital in the hellish, towering city of Necropolis and the Legislative capital in the massive urban sprawl of Amazonia, the country's largest city - population wise and land wise. Pollution, police, and oppression dominated these cities - locales where vacationers rarely sought and business or political travelers preferred to avoid in exchange for some of the smaller cities - better to take a standard cosmopolitan atmosphere of 12 million to the 30 million nameless Amazonians that wandered Amazonia's canyon streets in an endless routine.

No, Oceana was different. The inner city itself was not the usual haven of police and special operations forces hidden from the sights of humanity yet omnipresent - and felt. It was not covered in the thunderstorm-prone skies of Necropolis, nor was it doused in the intense smog of 45 million cars of Amazonia that took to the crevasse-like streets regularly. Oceana, on the other hand, was a sparkling monument to what happened when thought and creativity was applied to planning - when humanity was applied to imagination, rather than simply logic being hurled around in a mass of dead efficiency. The logical coudl preach their effectiveness all they wanted - emotion made beauty.

Downtown Oceana housed the most elaborate, if not the largest, shopping sectors of the district. One mall in particular recorded over one thousand separate establishments in the capitalist-driven Dominin economy, completely furnished by the onlook of three five-star resorts and blessed with its own beach restricted to patrons. Maybe efficiency lacked at such institutions, but opulence prevailed. Similar scenes dotted the city - the University of Oceana itself afforded only the best for its population in terms of society, academics, athletics, and humanity. The Oceanview Apex - the towering skyscraper that point an exclamation mark on the gorgeous Oceana skyline - lacked the standard angled sides and spiked point of Amazonian towers, replacing such lack of imagination with curving rolls of architecture that merged segments of the building into a soft peak.

But Nova was where the vacationers primarily came to seek. The rows of beaches stretched for miles and miles on the crescent-shaped man-made breaker island, connected by several massive, yet artistically-engineered road bridges and curved monorail lines from the downtown city that led to, among other locales, the second of Oceana's twin international airport hubs and the Soul Palacio - a nine-story hotel and resort so elegant it had absolutely no competition from the myriad of other three- to five-star hotels and resorts that lined the everlasting line of beach ringing the entire crescent island. For a change of pace, numerous vibrant clubs - many internationally recognized - and luxurious fine dining establishments lined Meridian Avenue, the major street bordering the beach line of residence establishments.

The cruise terminal of Nova was another finishing touch on the atmosphere of the sparkling city. A smaller island situated at the midpoint of Oceana's mainland and Nova in the middle of Crystal Bay, the international cruise terminal recieved the bids of travel companies from wherever to bring in ships and load them with vacationers to travel the local tropical islands, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. To anyone with the cash reserves, anything from a week trip to a 2-month escape could be scheduled to put away life's miseries amongst the towering decks of cruise ships that docked among the island's five dozen port facilities.

In all, Nova - and Oceana, in the greater perspective - accepted each and every soul for who they were, rather than attempting to assimilate passersby into the modern Amazonian culture. Age didn't matter, race didn't matter, gender didn't matter - what mattered was the quest to open one's mind to the spread of culture that had come to isolate Oceana from Amazonia's routine megacities that populated the nation.

What mattered was that people would come. And people would recieve them.


OOC: Go ahead and progress with your character talking, arriving, exploring, etc. - go ahead and be creative.

Kanya and Saku got a big surprise a paid for cruise. "My bonus at work, plus our extra crops really paid off. She showed the brochure for the lavish cruise.

"A cruise, mama?" Kanya asked.

"Yep, just for you girls. I took my bonus and our tax-refund for the year plus a lot of saving to buy it for you."

"You're not coming?" Saku asked a tad timid.

"No, just for you two. You will have a wonderful time with out me. I really need to stay." She had to take up one extra summer job for this but she didn't want to burden her girls. "This is a reward for doing so well in school this year, and for being so kind to our guest we had."

"Well of course we would have been kind."

"I know, but it's my treat. You have a lot of fun, take pictures, send me cards okay?"

"All right. It won't be the same with out you mama."

They all hugged like the happy family they were. (Cheesy I know)

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

When Saku and Kanya arrived the day before the crusie was to set out they decided to explore a little before departing. Seeing some nice sites and taking in on the local culture was a great load of fun for them.

"Man, what a city!" Denver exclaimed, as he exited the taxi from the airport with his sister Cristina, holding a suitcase and a rolling travel bag full of clothes and other travel necessities. The view was truly breathtaking; the sun splashing down onto the pristine clear sea below, golden sand lining the flawless ocean's end.

Cristina pulled her luggage out of the taxi as well, and it sped away. "Well, we've got some time before we leave, what should we do first?"

"Well, let's settle down somewhere first... How about Soul Palacio?" Denver smiled.

---

"Good afternoon sir and madam," the man at the entrance said.

"Afternoon," Denver replied. He walked up to the desk, and was promptly served by a hotel employee.

"Good afternoon, sir, how may I be of service?" He asked.

"I'd like one room please, just for one day for now," Denver said. He took out his wallet, and slid the man a few hundred Oslean Coams.

"Excellent, sir. Enjoy your stay."

Nicholas Verespa stepped out into the bright sunlight and was rewarded with a view that could only have existed in an artists imagination. Such exquisite beauty did not exist in Dynamic Revolution and Nicholas' breath was taken from him.

The sights were backed by a full ensemble of the hustle and bustle of this sparkling metropolis, however it wasn't the sights, nor the sounds that Nicholas was most focused on. No, it was the smell! The smell that every explorer yearns for, that every young man dares to imagine, the smell of the sea.

Nicholas took a quick look at his watch noting the time. He had arrived far ahead of schedule, he wasn't to report on-board for some time.

Hoisting his rucksack further up on his shoulder he began traveling up-wind, every seadog worth his salt knows that during the day the sea breeze brings mother earths sweet breath inland, and by Nicholas' calculations he had just enough time for a good swim.

Tripp Heckersly, the 88 year old First Mate, stood out on one of the decks, looking over the city's skyline. "These prissy cities are getting to old..." he grumbled quietly, speaking no one out. "We need to get out to sea. If I wanted this city, I'd be somewhere in ViZion right now." he said before making his way back inside.

---

"Man this city reminds me of Vitalita! Remember when we went there?" Christian Feira said excitedly to his parents. "Yes, its a beautiful place, isn't it?" replied his mother, Megan. "Beautiful? I'm talking about the girls, jeeze!" he said with a laugh. His mom gave him a stern look, but his father, Larry, couldn't help but laugh. "Honey, relax. He's 15." he said, patting her on the shoulder as he wrapped his arm around her.

Charli Firewalker ~ Mira'ad (http://www.atddm.com/charlia2.jpg) brushed back a lock of long, dark auburn hair as she had gazed out the window of the Archon's private plane as it came in for landing. The city and surroundings were spectacular, she had to give them that, and the cruise would be fun...if she managed to keep from worrying about Wildfires LTD. - wild fire season was just ending in Tanaara where most of her current contracts originated but one never knew when fate might intervene. But one look over at her husband of two months and Charli could do nothing but smile. She knew that he’d pick up on her dithering and wheedle her out of it.
So to keep him from worrying more about her, she firmly put those thoughts aside and wondered what the cruise liner looked like. Her last gadding around on a ship of any size had been as a working passenger on a tramp freighter. She knew that the price of the cruise had to have been outrageous. But it had been a wedding present from the Archon, Robert Fortier~ Hexx of Tanaara, and he could well afford such ‘minor’ expenses.

The plane alit smoothly just before noon, its pilots the best available, and soon Charli and Solus were being driven to the award winning hotel that was also apart of the ‘whole enchilada’ as Rob had put it. She looked eagerly out the darkly tinted windows of the white stretched Hummer limo, entranced by the dazzling sunshine, the golden sand beaches and the bright azure waters. She was far more at home in the wild than in urban areas, but she could appreciate the vibrancy of the cityscape. “Though I think three weeks will sate me for luxuries for the next year or two.” She whispered to Solus as she cuddled up to him on the supple butter soft leather of the Hummer’s over the top interior. She’d had to bite her lip to keep from laughing at the sight of the vehicle their greeter had ensconced them in. Her fine emerald green eyes were twinkling devilishly as she had let Solus hand her in. She’d immediately noted that the champagne bucket was stocked with sparkling white grape juice instead of the traditional ‘bubbly’ "I think this is Mercy’s touch though” She commented as she displayed the non alcoholic drink for Solus’s approval, then poured them both a flute. Noting that the glasses were real crystal, she realized that there were no half measures allowed for their honeymoon. The basket of fresh baked snackwiches, mini croissants filled with cheeses and rare roast beef were delicious and she was glad that it was proteins rather than sweets. She might be eating for three but she was only six weeks along, she didn’t want to gain too much weight any too quickly. Though her normal level of activity should help with that, for she certainly didn’t intend to vegetate during the cruise.

The hotel, the Soul Palacio, was suitably elegant, and according to the checks Charli had done on the web, the finest hotel in the city, if not the entire nation. Their lavish three room suite was on the eighth floor and provided wonderful views, and none of the staff had looked, much less commented about the newly weds. The bell hop had brought their luggage up – no chance of any of it being lost on their flight and the floors concierge had stopped in briefly to introduce himself and let them know if they wanted seats to the numerous productions airing at the city’s many theatres he could still get good tickets, or recommend the best restaurants

In Tanaara and Catawaba, as well as across the vast majority of the Fatal Terrain region she had no qualms, but she had grown up out side such tolerance and knew well that there might be objections to a mixed race marriage. But so far they’d encountered none and she let some of her wariness relax.

“We don’t board until tomorrow, so what would you like to do tonight?” She was not the least bit tired, she had dozed most of the flight. Charli didn’t intend to do much unpacking, that would wait till they were ensconced in their suite aboard the cruise liner, Spirit of the Sea.

She'd spent a pretty penny for outfits that would tease and tempt and please her new husband - for though he claimed she'd look good in a gunny sack, she wanted to make him peacock proud of her. She too often felt she was an overly tall moose of a woman, but a good friend with not only the taste of fashionista but the education of trained designer as well had taken Charli under her wing.

Kiro looked out the window to see the beautiful beaches along the way. His plane had taken what felt like forever to get to the cruise. And now he had to drive for another hour. He had a small security detail of 3 men and 2 women, along with his female advisor.

"How long till we get there?" asked Kiro, anxious to arrive.

"About thirty minutes sir." replied his advisor.

"Good, very good. I need a break from my job. You know it's not nearly as easy as it looks, being a facist general."

"Yes sir, I'm sure it is."

Thirty Minutes Later

The white Cadillac pulled up to a large hotel where he'd be staying overnight. It was a large, 5 star hotel that was as good as Kiro's palace. His advisor checked in for him, and he was driven to the cruise ship so he could get a good look at it.

Rebecca Arazi stared idly out the window of her taxi. Everything was so bright here, even behind her sunglasses it stung her eyes.

The city was beautiful in its own way; a bold, brassy way. Personally she prefered the understated, the subtle. The beauty of the Orchards of witches isle or the gallic countryside of Outremere. She imagined this was probably a perfect tourist spot with predictably inflated prices, but it really wasn't her style.

So instead she let the taxi take her to her to her hotel. Some ludicrously expensive affair that she had forked out on for reasons that excaped her at the moment. She tipped the driver, realising it was probably excessive even as she did so. It didn't matter, it probably had a family to look after, whereas she just had herself and her interests.

Idly she wondered if any of the other passengers for the cruise might have opted to stay here. It would make sense, it was close to the terminal and of about the price bracket one might expect. Towards the evening she figured she might investigate the bar, but for now she felt she might head straight to her room for a quick nap...

The Drani family may have been considered to be wealthy but they were really just like any other ordinary family that was close linked and which stuck together a la Swiss Family Robinson style because that had been what they had learned as children, that is, that to keep the family afloat and strong was proper and virtuous. Stepping out of the taxi first was Ptolemy Drani, the owner of a uranium mining company who had taken the liberty of dressing stylishly in what looked like a tuxedo. His hair was combed back for extra style and he helped his wife Julia out of the taxi while his daughter pulled out the black case which held her lyre along with the other luggage she deemed it necessary to bring with her on the cruise. Julia and Iphigenia both wore some stylish but rather simplistic dresses; Iphigenia could not guess that Julia may not have much time wearing one with all the tender kisses she and her father were doing before they walked into the hotel to claim their suites. Apparently, it seemed that Iphigenia had recieved her own suite which made her very happy since she could be alone without having to deal with those pesky parents. She didn't dislike them but had loved, sometimes, the quietness of being alone with one's self rather than being with others who you would force to be quiet. She took out her lyre and placed it somewhere where she would remember it before checking out Amazonian television while her parents were busy doing whatever they were doing; and some of what they were doing wasn't good for Iphigenia's ears. Eventually, everyone got settled down.

Later on, Ptolemy visited his daughter's suite to tell her about the plans for the night or rather what they would do until they had to get aboard the Spirit of the Sea. It was easy to tell that Ptolemy hastily dressed and that he had just come out of some pretty intense "business" as he called it with his wife. Business. That's what Iphigenia was always told. A meeting to discuss some personal affairs translated into a chance to get away from her and satisfy each other's needs. Ptolemy seemed to have been graced by Aphrodite Herself since he always had the luck in that department. "....Iphigenia, I want to tell you what we will be doing tonight. If we are able to, we'll have dinner here in this hotel. I'm trying to check up on how the ship is faring for the cruise. We would not want to get stranded here with worthless tickets."

Iphigenia nodded with her hands at her side and no emotion upon her face. She didn't seem to mind much with talking to the man whose attention she cherished even when she wasn't fond of having it. Ptolemy was her father and she cherished him. To insult her parents was like insulting her because the three were all so interconnected in a web of sorts. ".....Just try to have fun on this cruise, Iphigenia. Your mother and I have already had some good old fashion fun."

".....More business?"

Ptolemy sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He knew that Iphigenia would soon learn about the pleasures and pains that came with human sexuality but until then she had to think it was more business meetings lest she go about and shame the family with affairs. Ptolemy did not want a slut to inherit the company, after all. That was anathema in his mind and definately in the mind of his associates who wanted a virtuous person to lead the flock rather than someone who spends their time doing unprofessional things. It just wasn't proper business.

It did not take long for Ptolemy to explain his plan to his child before he went back to his suite which he shared with the woman he loved. Before he could enter the room where a half naked wife was waiting, however, his daughter cried out to him. That irritated him only a bit. That bit of him wanted to get some more action but he always put his child first before that. A proper father does this. "....Can we go explore, dad? Please? I really would like to see more of the land before we head out!"

Ptolemy sighed but conceded defeat once he heard his wife tell him that they should explore and thus he quickly closed the door of his suite before rushing to take care of his child. God knows that she'd constantly ask him questions if he had left it open. Eventually, everyone was ready to go exploring. Since they could have this one day before the cruise would begin, they saw every single inch of land that the city had and saw every single landmark of importance with many pictures being taken and a few shouts of affectionate Latin from Julia when Ptolemy was struggling to take a good picture of the woman he loved while Iphigenia just giggled her heart out. Ptolemy was one of those people who had felt the need for good pictures and that photography was an art he did exceptionally well. Eventually they went back home to the hotel in preparation for what they hoped would be dining on some authentic Amazonian cuisine.

OOC: I hope this post is good enough. I spiced it up with some family affection, if you get my drift, because I wanted to have this family look like a typical family that deals with all the issues RL families deal with....well, most of them.

A moose? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Moose_in_Grand_Teton_NP_near_Leigh_Lake-750px.JPG)

It was good that Solus was not telepathic. He’d heard that to his utter surprise and bafflement from his wife. It had prompted him to make his declaration that she could make a gunny sack the most attractive and becoming of garments.

Honestly, how could this woman (http://www.atddm.com/charlia2.jpg) be described as a moose (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bigbullmoose.jpg)?

Solus shook that stray thought aside. So many things, so many wonderful things had been rushing over him the last two months. His marriage to Miss Charli Firewalker had been private and quick. According to Taung tradition, they exchanged their vows. With four mere lines, they bound themselves together and promised themselves to each other’s future. They needed no minister, no captain, or officer of the peace, or even to witnesses to proclaim themselves as a couple for evermore. They made their agreement and notified the government at a later date to make it official.

Even if their marriage was a private affair, his allit, his clan, had rejoiced and celebrated. His biological siblings, fellow vornskrari, and his adopted brother the Alpha Miraade Errant Mira’ad with the help of spouses and friends had thrown a feast that had gone on and on, even though Solus and Charli slipped away for more private time. This cruise, a remarkable gift and honeymoon from the Archon and ruler of Tanaara, was just the first part of collective wedding presents.

Errant, as a part of his gift, had passed an edict to allow newly married Catawaban service members a period of leave so they might enjoy a honeymoon and get their new lives in order before returning to duty. That period of time, just happened to be generously long enough for their cruise and a little extra time on each end of the vacation. Errant and the allit would pool their resources together and use the couple’s time out of the country to purchase some land and build the couple a home in the rural mountain slopes they loved.

Solus sighed contently as he placed his arms around Charli’s waist and looked over her head out the wide windows to the sparkling vista below. “I don’t know, love.”

He looked down over the busy streets and shops below in the commercial district. To be honest, Solus was out of sorts. Amongst his siblings, he was the calm, quiet one. Save for his sister Gold, he was supposed to the most responsible and serious. But with his Jare'tracyn, his wildfire, he could be open and different.

He was out of sorts because he was purely excited. He looked forward to the cruise ship. He’d been aboard boats and ships before, several times, but they’d been patrol vessels and landing ships and frigates. The images of the luxury liner were so much the antithesis of every craft he’d ever set paw on and glorious all in same quick gasp of awe. And now that he looked down onto the metropolis before him, he knew what he wanted to do. “Let’s go for a walk down there, see the shops and sights.”

It was simple wish, but he’d never seen this sort of city before. Graceland, the capital of Catawaba, was developing but would not be to this majesty for some time. Solus has seen the ruins of a once great city while on missions in the Skull Kingdom but only the fluttering draps and remains of looted stores. He hadn’t seen the breathing, living city with scores of bright shops clad in unbroken glass. He grinned as he looked down on the sight.

Nicholas toweled off and return to his belongings on the beach. With a towel he had packed he wiped away the moisture from his body. He had more than an hour before he was to report to the Spirit of the Sea but he decided that he should arrive early.

Looking easterly Nicholas could see the vessel docked on a pier. With a smile he made his way to the vessel.

He walked up the gangplank 15 minutes later. Showing his employment papers to the men standing guard. With a salute and a smile he asked them,

"Uhh, I'm sorry, but where am I to report to? All I have are these papers but they don't say where I should go."

"Exploring afoot sounds wonderful love" Charli lingered though at the window, content for the moment to just to be wrapped in her husband's arms, leaning back against his broad well muscled chest. She could feel the quiver of his wonderfully limber tail as it wrapped about her waist, and knew that he was as excited as if on a hunt. Her lips curled up in a little cat smile. Given the Vornskrari facial structure emotions didn't play out there as they did on humans. But she was, as one might expect from her past, incredibly observant and alert - she'd quickly learned the very subtle and emotive body language they used. The couple was quickly developing one unique to them. As she rested in his arms she lightly stroked the burnished gold Taung wedding band that encircled her wrist.

Eventually she turned in his embrace to face Solus, and stretched up on her tiptoes to plant a light kiss on the tip of his nose – he stood fully seven inches taller than her and she adored that – for though she might never tell him, he made her feel so very feminine, almost delicate. "Let me change to more comfortable shoes and we'll be off."

It was but the work of minutes, for Charli to change in to bronzy hued Sketcher walkers then stop and wrap her Uncle Mike's GunRunner Fanny Pack Holster with it’s Hexx EXE Diablo pistol in 9mm – as a Tanaaran Citizen she was required to carry at all times – about her still flat waist. A limited amount of cash, her Tanaaran I.D., her Catawaban I.D. and passport as well as a few other small things filled the front, pouch and that was it for true necessities …Save for one more … Then she quickly checked to make sure that her favorite pocket camera – a handy and very respectable Canon A640- was in its place and ready for a picture taking spree. The formidable, professional quality set up that had its own insurance, her Ds Mark III, would be reserved for ‘Canonizing’ the cruise. Like Cathy Ryan, she preferred Canon, and her serious photography had not only appeared in print, National Geographic no less, but had won awards.

Moments later a elevator was whisking the couple street ward. Once out in the bright sunshine, Charli looked about eagerly. "Which way Solus?"

"You know, Erin. This cruise wasn't so bad after all," confessed Ryan Le. He sat down and had a sip of Guinness beer that had become his favorite after he visited his family in Ireland. "How are the kids doing?"

"Michael's playing SimCity 4 on his laptop and Stephanie's in her journal writing up stories. Maybe the two could bring their interests together," Erin Schmidt wondered.

"That's exactly what I did when I was a teenager. It really gave me something to work on before I joined ExOps. In fact, this trip reminds me on things I used to do when I was a merc. Did you show them the paperwork before we brought our guns in?"

"Yes, I did." Erin passed Ryan his Desert Eagle XIX he'd had ever since he joined the Army. Erin kept her own .45 ACP Mk23 Covert Ops pistol she'd some to favor since the job in Germany. As Ryan looked out into the city, Erin called to her children.

"Michael! Stephanie! Holten Sie Ihre eigenen Zahnbürsten an Bord?"

Michael replied, "Yes, mom! And can you please speak to me in English? Chinese is my language. Stephanie's the one who is supposed to know."

Erin argued, "You're the one with the German middle name, my son."

Ryan told him, "Listen to your mother, Mike."

"Yes, Dad."

Ryan looked out into the horizon. The blue skies lit up by the sun and white puffy clouds provided a perfect backdrop for the city. Oceana was just beautiful, with its beaches and luxury hotel. Lovely, just like Erin, he thought. No. What's up with him? He always thinks that when he goes somewhere enchanting with such splendor and glory and beauty.

---

OOC: Is there a pool on board? Just wondering.

OOC: *bump* for survival

OOC: When does the cruise begin? I need to make sure.

The changes and preparations Solus needed to make were remarkably few. He didn't wear shoes generally. His footpads were thick enough and tough enough that unless he came to a field of broken glass or horribly rough terrain he was generally okay. Being male, if he carried anything, it was already in the pockets of his casual khakis pants. These had been a first edition from Quigley Sisters Clothiers, who'd taken up the challenge of created whole lines of clothes tailored to caninoid physiology as well as their title and position as the Miraade's Own Clothiers.

The most involved preparation he'd had to make was to get his Thunderwear concealed carry holster out of his bag. It did require his to drop his pants, a sight he made sure his wife could enjoy. He strapped the Thunderwear around his pelvis. The holster, commonly called the sporran, lay directly over his groin. He tooked the front of his polo shirt under the sporran, but left the tail of his shirt out. He pulled his pants back up, closed and belted it loosely, and tucked the tail of his shirt in. With his .357 SIG Bard Arms Police Operations Pistol, groaningly called a 'POP gun,' and an extra magazine in the Thunderwear holster, it gave no real outward sign of a gun. To all appearances he was more endowed that he really was.

Properly armed and a bit more ego in his appearance, Solus allowed Charli to drag him out the door and down onto the street. At her question he glanced left and right on the street, swivled his ears and took big whiffs of air. He looked again and pointed right. "That way."

There was no special reason to that choice. It didn't sound better or smell better or look better. Both directions were equally as good. When in doubt, Solus went right.

There was an airplane, it was black, it was wide and it seemed to have no separation between body and wings. Inside it, four rows of seats were lined, with more than enough space between them. It was a so-called silent aircraft, standard issue of most airline cooperatives, a classless passenger airplane, where everyone sat in the same area, had the same comfort and paid the same price. Such "everyone" being a bunch of citizens of the Confederacy looking for a different spot to visit. Most comprised of young people, with no old man around, and with some teenagers clearly traveling without their parents, the airplane was more of a party by its own. Some wore earphones plugged directly to it, and shuffled their musics. Others were playing multiplayer games among themselves, and a few were getting themselves drunk like no tomorrow, just like expected from a typical Third Spanish States airliner, other than the sex and drugs, which were a bit inconvenient to happen during such specific travel, as their destination could make tricky the arrival of people with their pockets loaded of marijuana and their hands grabbing whimsically cans of Cocaine-Cola.

Among them someone stood quieter, a more mature individual, with a highly stoic posture and expression, seemingly busy with something in her own notebook, although her voice could still be heard from the headset she spoke through. The woman was simply typing a something over her computer and speaking to someone, looking into the screen as words were added. Her voice was very clear, even if not loud, as she said in a language the passengers were likely completely unable to understand, her native Norwegian:

"Of course not. There will be no problem with lawyers-vampires, are you joking me? The Disclaimer would be so obvious about this tourist attraction, and a real deathmatch would be a more entertaining way for someone with suicidal tendencies to end a life... All right pal, talk to you later about the Tour of War idea. We can't just let it die, it would be too great... All right, farewell."

She then finished the VoIP call by pressing two keys, and look at the window, observing the overhead of the sea. It was time to focus over the text. It was her chance to improve the proposal she was crafting in her now seemingly limitless time as a somewhat early retirement was given to her in recognition of all she went through for the cause. With a certain psyche that only the experiences she had gives, a typical vacation would be incredibly dull, and her frustrating stay on a certain beach house has been a very strong barrier for her to try such travel, and were it not the way such woman was used to travel over and under the sea in the past, she would likely not accept it. There was just something, from making so many trips through sea to serve a cause and sacrifice her own lifetime, that doing the same for her own sake seemed the least she deserved.

There was still a couple of minutes for the arrival, and waiting was no problem for her. She simply continued to type the proposal, hoping the plane would not arrive before she finished it. People liked blood... and filth would certainly be attracted. It was all part of the plan, for to push such filth to die would just require some effort of persuasion, and then, it would be a major source of funding for the real war effort of her organization. Of course it was easier said than done to convince them to adopt such bold concept, and she was working very hard to see her unusual view of a "perfect vacation" becoming a reality. Time became nearly imperceivable as she typed the finer details of her idea. An entire beachhead, where "tourists" could have the experience of an amphibious assault, with live ammunition and cheap drones, old military bases converted into arenas for volunteer suicidal and madmen to fight to death, and several other brutal concepts from her quirky mind.

"Attention, currently landing. Get ready for departure." spoke the pre-recorded voice in the aircraft as she felt the sensation of going down. It was time to let the unfolding of her personal project for later, and to enjoy the vacations, provided they would not end in the morass that have been her last one. Perhaps the sea would provide some potential, or perhaps not. It was better to be prepared, and she always had provisions for a quick departure should it again not please her. The people began to stop drinking their cans of beer, and were packing up some of the stuff. It was a good thing she would be the first to leave the plane, as she would have no delay because of the drunkards and the likely trouble they would make in Customs.

Already standing on her feet as the airplane touched the tarmac, she began to balance herself to the exit to avoid losing the advantage of being the first passenger to leave, when a man whose face was even red from the amount of booze and beer he had, right behind her in the line that was slowly forming towards the exit began to stare at her buttocks. Sighing silently, she simply ignored it, which seemed to be the best thing to do. Another recorded message then came:

"Although medical services are available for anyone, we do not take any legal responsibility for injuries inflicted by lack of adherence to basic principles of respect, nor we shall restrain any individual from securing his or her vision of honor through use of nonlethal violence."

Smiling, she simply looked behind, and crackled her knuckles to the tipsy man, staring at him daringly, and forgetting that drunk people were very prone to do stupid things, or that such man likely had a family... somewhere else. Everything went fast as the drunk got really disrespectful by pinching her butt. She did not hesitate, and before she could even think, the man was fallen on the ground, screaming with a bloody mouth held by his hand, and a couple of teeth were on the floor. She simply smiled and left the airplane. There was still one day before the cruise would depart, and perhaps it was a good time to have some more intense and engaging fun, but first, a place to rest was necessary.

The routine had little interest in her. Heading to customs, taking a taxi and looking for the first five stars hotel around, called Soul Palacio, straight to the presidential suite, under the pretext that she deserved it. After all, most presidents did nothing close to what she has done. Pride was one thing that even in the direst situations was never lost, and that would continue to shape her decisions. The receptionist looked at her at first, and said:

"Miss, the presidential suite is busy, and I think that you would rather our econ..." then he became silent as she dropped a bag filled with hundred bucks of the paper-money she has just exchanged mutualist credits for over the balcony.

"Seems like whenever I leave my land, the act of judging people by their looks becomes commonplace. I want the presidential suite, just for a day, and last I checked, it wasn't busy. So how much would it be? Don't even tell me, just subtract it from these bucks." she said, letting it go all the way over her head for a change. Perhaps it would be a good lesson for the clerk to not judge people by appearance, and which, depending on the type of person to arrive, could let them lose a customer.

The clerk simply took the money and counted it. She smiled as she realized he did not attempt to cheat, and tipped five hundred bucks to him, saying to the clerk in a much more polite manner than her previous:

"Sign me up as Marie Nansen, and here is a tip for your honesty."

"Thank you miss. If you need anything, just call the reception, we'll carry your luggage." the clerk then replied.

"I am going for a tour around now, coming back later." Marie said, and looking back at the exit door, she walked off. Her tour spots however, were quite different from the mainstay, and somewhat dangerous as well. The clerk waved, and she waved back as she went on her way to take a taxi and leave.

"Have a good day miss Nansen"

Marie was pretty straight with the taxi driver, really as straight as the gun that was tucked in her belt, regarding the sort of tourism she was looking for, and hoping for this single afternoon before the cruise:

"I need a ride to the Red Light District."

And thus her vacations began.

Rebecca had found it hard to sleep. So instead she decided to get dressed again, pulling on a pair of dark jeans and a pale blouse decorated with a series of vertical pink and white stripes. The room was relatively dark, the blinds pulled shut, which suited her just fine.

She knew all about this kind of cruise of course. With a click of her tongue she reached into her bag, removing the brochure she had picked up when she had first been told about this. She imagined it would be populated by lots of big nobs with oodles of cash to throw around. Nobility, the elderly, that kind of traveller. Executives probably wouldn't have the time, most others wouldn't have the money. Or at least that was what she figured, she could be totally wrong...

The Dyellian pursed her lips, staring at her reflection seated on the edge of the bed. One part of her wanted to sleep until evening, but a growing part was telling her that would be a horrid waste of her time in this city which she would probably never visit again. It was worth taking a peak if nothing else.

With a click of her tongue she stood up, picking up her sunglasses from the night stand before slipping on a pair of trainers. Finally she grabbed her bag and slipped out of the room. There was exploring to be done.

Oh yes Charli had enjoyed the sight of her husband arming up though the name of his currently preferred carry piece still put her in stitches - Catawaba and Tanaara were in seemingly close competition for the oddity of names they dubbed both items, job titles, places and even people with.

"That way."

Charli slid her hand in his, loving the way his broad digipaws hid hers so completely, and the memory of them sliding over her body made her break out in a light sweat. Then his limber whip like tail slid about her waist, pulling her close to his side and she ran her free hand along it, loving the feel of his smooth flat pelt. She had worried deeply during his time in Skull Kingdom. It got very cold there especially at the higher elevations where the mountains wore snow year round. His skin and coat were so fine, perfectly suited for the tropics of Catawaba, that she had been justifiably concerned for his health. Fortunately he had the constitutional hardiness his creators had bred into him. She never knew whether to curse or thank the Togovians, but for the moment she was not going to think of that and just enjoy the blessing of being with her husband on such a glorious day and in such an interesting place. The shops all held such allure, but she knew that was more the excitement of a strange place. She’d never put much stock in material possessions – not luxuries any way, she had just paid out, cash, triple digit millions for Wildfire Ltd.’s second Boeing 747- 200 supertanker – a beast capable of carrying over 20,500 gallons of water. Now that was a necessity!

Then her eyes took in a storefront done in deep scarlet hued stone with hearts and lips in shades of metallic gold, pink, rose and silver scattered across it Smoochies the store sign pronounced "Everything for those in love"
And the display of edible unmentionables, lingerie, toys, massage oils and more was truly eye catching. Not letting go of his hand she headed them in the door.

She wanted to sere if they had a properly done merry widow. She’d been told what to look for but hadn’t been able to find one in Catawaba. And she wanted one very badly, as well as something new in the way of swim wear.

Charli also wanted to see if Solus would blush…He seemed to take every thing in sure stride, but she had hopes…

Ptolemy Drani sat at the desk that had been put in his suite while he overlooked a local magazine while his wife was quietly napping on what appeared to be a couch in front of the television in the hotel and while Iphigenia was busying herself with the gentle practicing of the lyre. It had been a fun day for the entire family, he noted, as he silently read the magazine with occassional commentary about something that caught his interest. He was one of those people who always wanted to know everything about a place they visited so that they wouldn't end up unwittingly offending someone or making a mistake in where they were supposed to be during the visit and he knew much about the city here which he felt was quite lovely in terms of how it was laid out before him and nothing was more pleasing than to be here with the people he cared about the most. Eventually, he had heard his wife awaken and he smiled at her whilst throwing the magazine away from his hands so that he could embrace her as she rose from her position to give him a tender but light peck. Affection had always been around them and many of their friends always said that Ptolemy and Julia were masters in the art of matrimony with a nearly fanatical and mutual love for one another being well maintained. Ptolemy wasn't going to let such a reputation be destroyed on this cruise although, to be honest, he did expect to see some pretty women during it. Likewise, he thought, Julia would see handsome men. Yet, despite these things, none of them would so willingly break the ties they cemented for decades. "......This was an excellent idea to go on this cruise, Ptolemy, and it really lets Iphigenia see more of the world."

Julia's voice sounded as soft as an angel as she stood in front of her husband with her hands on the hips covered by a cardigan sweater with a fanciful zig-zag line going through the middle like the equator would go through the middle of the world and Ptolemy would, at times, see those long legs of hers accented with those denim jeans she wore. As for himself, he stuck to a suit of black that made him look ever-so-stylish and handsome while his only child wore a frilly little dress of green. Ptolemy took Julia's hand and kissed it softly like a gentleman which made her flirtatiously giggle. He knew how to make her do that ever since they first met at that community gathering over 30 years ago when they were both in transition between childhood and adulthood as their parents would call that period. They were inseparable ever since with both of them madly writing letters whenever they had the chance to do that. To Ptolemy, she was Aphrodite in the flesh while Julia thought of him as the illustrious Prince Charming who would defend her from threats. Iphigenia, to them, became the crown jewel of their lives and so she was protected with an overzealous fanaticism. ".....You really look gorgeous, Julia. You must be working out or you must be graced by Aphrodite.....but, then again.....I wouldn't be surprised if you were Aphrodite."

Ptolemy grinned while his wife giggled and as his daughter played the lyre almost mechanically oblivious to the sensual conversation of her parents since she never really was privy to the innermost thoughts of love that they cherished. It was later on that Ptolemy called Iphigenia to the room and asked her to play a little song for them. The proud Iphigenia, always happy to hear that her parents wanted to listen to her play, did nothing more than simply get into an old song that she made herself; a song that expressed the deepest desires of a fictional princess seeking the return of her lover from the wars that culminated in the founding of the old Kingdom of Aresium. If you were an Aresian then you knew all about those conflicts and how the Kingdom was still a cherished period in the Platonic Republic. In the end of the playing, Iphigenia was given ecstatic cheers. She rushed to her suite and spent time watching television soon afterwards which left Ptolemy and Julia all alone to carnally enjoy themselves for a while before checking up on when the cruise ship would set sail. Love and expressing it were important, yes, but so was not being late to get aboard a cruise ship! As Ptolemy looked over the papers, Julia held onto him and nuzzled him ever so softly like she usually did and all she could do was thank Providence for all she had. A loving husband, a prodigal daughter, and a good life.

Solus didn't mind his wife boosting his ego when she thought him to be hardiest of males. All of the Catawabans that had the misfortune to be detailed to operations in the snow-capped mountains bounding the Skull Kingdom had frozen with comradery and solidarity. They were all cold-blooded birds of paradise that whinied, bitched, and moaned when it went under fifty degrees farenheit. So fine-furred Solus hadn't been any different or embarrassed to add his complaints about the ice, snow, and chill.

And to be honest, he'd been bundled up to the nth degree. The Miraaderic Guard had spared no offense to ensure they were all geared to the climate. Every night he could, his pack siblings slept curled around each other for warmth, especially those with thick and bushy fur.

Solus's eyes travelled the bright lights of the street, while his nostril's flared as he took in the scents of the city. He had a canine's fascination with smells and enjoyed smelling new and exotic smells as much as he did the same in sights. He felt a burst of interest, then mischief, and then wicked desire rise from his wife. He snapped his head around to the display window she was looking in.

Now, a vornskrari can't blush. Well, not expressively, you might feel warmed cheeks, but the fur hides the real evident signals. However, the canine body is more expressive. Solus's crimson eyes widened, his ears flopped back against his head, and his tail unwrapped from Charli's waist and slipped between his legs. It had a deer in the headlights quality to the entire expression. His jaw even hung open a bit.

In truth, there was not much of a market for 'adult novelties' in Catawaba. As ironic as it was, for all the debauchery of the Togovian Viceroy and his nobility, Catawabans, European descended Catawabans, were rather prudish. The Taung, on the other hand, were already rather open about sexuality, so they thought it was an amusing waste of money and an amusing commentary on how messed up Europeans really were.

Solus had heard about some of the things in the window from bawdy jokes and descriptions from his fellow Guards and other soldiers he'd served with, but the sudden face to....to....he didn't want to describe or try to visual anatomy on some those items. He let Charli lead him into the store. His eyes latched on various items before tearing themselves away when his painfully, clever mind figured out what the hell they were used for. Some were, well, arousing. Others were disturbing. His eyes strayed to the chains and handcuffs. He knew she wasn't here for that. She knew better. She knew he couldn't stand being restrained not after how the Togovians kept him for twenty years.

He wondered what his wife had come in her for.

Two weeks ago...

It had probably scared the hell out of Solus…

They’d only been married a month when Charli had had to leave to handle the last wild fire of the season – her under managers were worn out from fires earlier in the season and this was a relatively modest blaze. The crews were experienced and the equipment in good shape – most of it all but brand new, barely broken in.

They’d parted reluctantly, but Charli had been able to call him in less than a day and let him know that she didn’t think that she’d be gone more than three weeks over all. And most of that would be the close down at seasons end. For you see wildfires had seasons just as hurricanes, snow storms, monsoons and a majority of other natural events.

“I’ll call you every day love.” Charli had promised, as well as letting him know that if it could be arranged she have him flown to Tanaara to see how one fought woodland fires first hand. Unfortunately that hadn’t been able to fall into place. They were ten time zones apart and her calls had come at least once a day, more often twice, but they were irregular.

Then two weeks into fighting the fire - when they had it contained and would be able to in the next day or two start sending most of the crews home - Solus was called into the Miraade’s office. There had been a pair of strangers there. One Solus semi recognized from Charli’s description of him - Toliver “Tall” Dane, Wildfire Ltd’s senior operations manager, her second in command. Whip thin and even taller than Solus, his skin was Nordic pale, taunt over currently anxious features.

The other was a complete unknown but he was an extremely large, slightly heavyset man in casual clothes but with the rank badges of a Cat's Keepian Psionic Adept clearly visible on the sleeve of his polo.

Toliver stepped forward as Errant introduced him to the Vornskrari Sergeant. “Sergeant Mira’ad I’m sorry to meet you like this but Charli’s been injured. Aden here is our psi liaison and ah.. Stepped “ He fumbled slightly over the unfamiliar term “me here to come get you. No..No, she’s mostly okay “ He hurried to try to reassure Solus “…I just thought maybe you’d be able to keep her in bed as the doc wants. No one has ever been much good at that. She's stubborn.”

Before Solus could even really begin to panic the psionic spoke up “ I'm Aden Waycross, as Tall mentioned, and I am a certified adept." His voice was deep and as rich as the darkest of chocolates as was his skin with kind raison dark eyes over high cheekbones - he irresistibly reminded one of a young James Earl Jones “I can get us to the hospital in the blink of an eye if you will agree.”

Solus hadn’t even thought of not agreeing and in but a minute found himself in a waiting room in a completely unfamiliar building ten thousand miles away. Just a few more minutes after that he found himself in Charli’s room where she lay in the middle of a impossibly high-tech looking bed that floated on it’s own at a preset height off of the floor. The feel was very much futuristic, but also much more comfortable than any Star Trek medical bay had ever been. Charli was asleep under a light blanket, the room semi dark. Various medical equipment chirred softly to itself and an I.V. ran to one forearm, dripping steadily.

Obviously they had not cleaned her up yet, her hair needed shampooing and her usually flawless skin had a layer of grim ground into it. Solus knew that hot showers, as well as the time and energy for such – none of that was in great abundance even in the relative civilization of a base camp – and out in the field, the actual zone of the wildfire, it just didn’t exist.

Silently he moved to the side of the bed, his keenly sensitive nose sniffing strongly and his other senses reaching out as well. Somehow she knew he was there, though their strong but still forming mating bond perhaps, and her eyes fluttered open.

“Oh damn I told them not to worry you” She husked dryly, as she looked about for water, then saw the glass and pitcher on the side table. Charli tried to sit up a bit and half yelped. Willingly going flat as Solus used one hand to gently push her down and the other to snatch up the glass already sporting a bendy straw. Gently he held her head up wile she took a long sip.

She nuzzled his hand letting her eyes fall back closed for just a moment. “I got smacked by a bouncing tree that’s all” She fumed as she tried to twist on to her side and had to suppress another yelp of pain. “Kennon got his left thigh broken, and Dottie has fractures to both the radius and the ulna of her left arm. I’m just bruised. The MRI doesn’t show any thing broken, promise…but” and her eyes went a little wary, a little…joyfully disbelieving as did the tone of her voice, the two mingling oddly… “Ah…Solus, the MRI found something unexpected though”

“I’m pregnant, about a month along.”

Now two weeks later the terrible bruising that ran diagonally across her lower abdomen, from just below the right side of her waist to the junction of hip and thigh on the left, fully a hands span wide – and one of Solus’s hands at that- was mostly faded. Though the bruising had extended deep into internal organs, and the doctors had been justifiably wary of a miscarriage.

And she had just a day ago been cleared…

Inwardly she smiled at his reaction, and then her hand went comfortingly to his when he saw the hand cuffs. No, she had definitely had not come here for those. She wanted to please him in a most tantalizing manner and she made sure his eyes took in the displays of saucy wearables.

There was a private alcove for those waiting while others shopped, with chairs and tea service. Her eyes twinkled devilishly as she led her husband there and sat him down.

“I’ll be right out” For she had spied several racks of corsets, with matching g strings. There was also a display of silk stockings. With the help of an attentive sales lady she was pleased to find that their selection fit every criteria she had been given. She chose only five though and soon was sashaying in matching heel and silk stocking back out front to see how Solus liked the first luscious outfit. For despite the yellowed bruising still evident she hoped she looked delectable.

Ryan went out into the hallway, with the Desert Eagle in his pocket. Hope I don't have to shoot anyone with this, he thought. All of a sudden, hs iPhone 3G rang. He answered, "Hello?"

"RJ! How's your vacation?" It was his old friend KC, a CIA Agent he had worked with in previous years. They went to school together.

"What do you want, Kevin?"

"Nothin' just wanted to say hello to my old friend. How's the kids doin'?"

"They're fine. Yours?"

"One wants to take up soccer and one wants to take up baseball and neither me nor my wife can decide which one."

"The joy of having twins, Kevin. You do know my twins have been doing sports since the 2nd grade, right?"

"2nd grade? The closest thing to sports my kids have done is... Uh... See? I don't know!"

"You've had a bad memory since middle school, Kevin Chang. That's what you get for drinking alcohol in the 8th grade."

"Hey, I only drink once a week now. I've improved. (bottle cap opens, glug)"

"You lying bastard, Kevin! Your wife doesn't know, doesn't she?"

"You kidding me? She drinks too!"

"And your kids?"

"They're too busy doing their homework. They've been academics since kindergarten. Make 'em do piano and all."

"Now I know why they want to do sports! You make them study too much."

"You can never study too much, Ryan. You went to Cal and where did I go to? MIT you lowlife!"

"And yet I still make more money than you each year."

"Oh, yeah. Never mind that, then... So talk to you later!"

"K'. Seeya."

Solus sat in the ackwardly normal waiting room...viewing room, should it be called? After Charli's cheeky little grin and promise to be right out, the vornskrari sat back as the attentive and...he supposed...attractive sales lady poured him a cup of tea. He didn't have eyes for any other female but Charli. He mated with one female and one only for his entire life. He'd promised that to Charli, he thought as he rubbed a hand over the golden band around his wrist that symbolized the riduurok, the love bond between them.

He thanked the sales lady and smiled up at her, an expression that really just revealed more of his sharp teeth. She smiled as well, and Solus looked away, feigning to contemplated how he'd fit his paws' large digits around the tiny tea cup. In actuality, he was a bit uncomfortable with the feelings he felt from the sales lady. Most people were deterred when they saw a mouth full of teeth that were often exaggerated to steak knives by old prey instincts. The sales lady was that small percentage that was not frightened but compelled by the sight of a predator.

Oh, boy, Mird and Jurii would love this gal.

He politely ignored her as he picked up the dainty tea cup in his decidedly undainty paws. A mug would have been better. Tea? The owners of this establishment were fooling themselves....or had they forgotten that were not Frederick's of Hollywood? No, Frederick's usually avoided things 'edible unmentionables.'

However all of those thoughts were shoved aside as well was the tea when Charli emerged from the dressing room. Solus abandoned his uncomfortable stoop, sitting straight up. His ears even perked up. His wife smiled coyly as she spun about for his indulgence. His eyes traveled over the shining silver corset and panties she wore. It accentuated her already evident curves.

"Wow..." he woofed quietly.

A moose...and she called her self a moose?

OOC: Sorry for the delay y'all, my week was...less than perfect? Glad to have some avaliable time to say the least.

If anyone is needing a reply for their next post please indicate so and I'll get on to it - little out still from early voting (bleh, that was a joy...) and other stuff.

IC:

The Azure Quest was a mere 2 years young, a towering achievement to human engineering in the department of transportation. With dozens of decks, enough lifeboats for more than full capacity and luxury amenities galore, the vessel was well-rounded for completion of journies, passenger comfort and enjoyment, and most of all - maximizing revenue. Able to hold a tantalizing 4400 amidst its massive body, the Quest was a sheer leviathan on the seas - albeit, a leviathan equipped with the largest pearls of the deep.

It all started with the Grand Plaza. Less a "plaza" and more a giant cave of shopping, entertainment, and excitement, the Plaza was home to its own quadruple-story shopping mall, dance club, casino, sports center, entertainment nexus, and resteraunt hub, the Plaza really had it all for those inclined to glorifying their experience. It was a five-star experience packed into the core of the ship, slightly edged to the stern to reduce the feeling of the ship's motion as it cruised across the tropical seas of the local islands. One could easily spend weeks simply exploring the Plaza alone, to ignore the numerous programs - such as scuba diving, deep sea fishing off of the several larger attached boats, and other island adventures.

Above the decks lay even more to enjoy the bountiful weather of the season. Three swimming pools - one giant one to the fore and two slightly smaller ones aft - allowed swimming and enjoying the sun for those who shirked engaging with salt water. A wave pool allowed for simulated surfing and other similar activities. Four double tennis courts - eight in all - split amongst the fore and aft. Two beach volleyball pits equipped with fine white sand stood next to the primary superstructure of the top deck, while viewing railings, sunbathing open decks, and relative enjoyment could be enjoyed by all looking for some sun or some relaxation out in the welcoming open nature.\

At the head of all this was Charles Spencer, a 65-year old grizzled but friendly veteran of the seas for 40 years. Originally starting with trade ships and cargo, Spencer had in his later years fallen back to cruise ships for the ease of the assignment and the benefits of the job - no one could complain about cavorting with passengers in 88-degree weather beneath the south tropical sun for weeks on end. Directing the daily ship duties was virtually menial compared to the duties of cargo shipping, and Spencer was used to such things - he had an easy job that paid well.

Spencer was a bit of an antithesis to his first mate - who outgained him in age by 23 years - in being an open man who really took life as it threw him its curveballs. Despite this, Spencer felt comfortable with the man at his right shoulder - he wouldn't trust the job to anyone else as much. The ship was in good hands, no doubt, with the combo - and the crew was adept at what they did. Azure Quest was one of the best - and the most opulent - in the fleet, a luxury whale that simply hadn't even faced an evil. In its 2 years of sailing, the Quest had been host to numerous dignitaries and VIPs, every time performing its job 110%. It had never let down.

As Spencer stood against the railing, the midmorning sun to his back and his arms crossed over the gold boundary, he expected nothing less on this 3-week run. The ship was performing as good as ever, with a cast coming aboard no less glamorous as every time before. It was a typical run for him, and Spencer was all eyes and ears - his usual seafaring sense humming at a youthful vigor that he had utilized his entire seafaring life. This was what God had put him on this Earth to do, to roam the seas that covered more than 70% of the planet. This was perfection to Spencer.

The ship wouldn't get underway for another 8 hours at 6PM - still awaiting the majority of its passengers as the few early birds started to come aboard - but Spencer was already feeling the usual power beneath him start to churn. The power of the sea flowed through his veins, sparking that lifeblood once more that cast him across and through the waves.

OOC: IC post coming tomorrow; I'll be posting my characters getting on the ship then.

ooc my two are on it all readly

Ptolemy and his family had already packed their items back into their bags in around the early morning so they could easily get to the cruise ship without having to rush when there would only be a bit of time left before they had to be aboard the vessel and Ptolemy hated the notion of rushing to get aboard a vessel like that. He took his family to where the ship was being held and smiled when he saw the massive vessel right in front of his eyes as it made him remember the tales he heard about such vessels of old sailing the seven seas in search of wealth and power over the weak or those simply unfortunate to get their asses kicked by the sailors at hand. Julia was ecstatic and Iphigenia was just giggling and being happy as she usually had been. Ptolemy counted his newest blessing among the many he had as they all walked onto to the vessel with their tickets showing so the security guards wouldn't suspect them of trying to sneak on without them. Although they were early birds, it didn't seem to be much a problem. Eventually, Ptolemy found one of the workers, smiled, and questioned him.

"....Where can we find our suites?"

Ptolemy and his family had already packed their items back into their bags in around the early morning so they could easily get to the cruise ship without having to rush when there would only be a bit of time left before they had to be aboard the vessel and Ptolemy hated the notion of rushing to get aboard a vessel like that. He took his family to where the ship was being held and smiled when he saw the massive vessel right in front of his eyes as it made him remember the tales he heard about such vessels of old sailing the seven seas in search of wealth and power over the weak or those simply unfortunate to get their asses kicked by the sailors at hand. Julia was ecstatic and Iphigenia was just giggling and being happy as she usually had been. Ptolemy counted his newest blessing among the many he had as they all walked onto to the vessel with their tickets showing so the security guards wouldn't suspect them of trying to sneak on without them. Although they were early birds, it didn't seem to be much a problem. Eventually, Ptolemy found one of the workers, smiled, and questioned him.

"....Where can we find our suites?"

Several of the seahands were simply standing around to take it in before the launch - along with all the usual attendents - and one of the sailors took the question in stride. He knew enough about the ship.

"Go to one of the electronic information kiosks standing around the outer deck," the sailor replied with a bright inflection, "and use the touchscreen to bring up the ship database and search engine. Go to 'passenger information,' touch 'boarding' and enter your name that you purchased your tickets under along with the password that is on your ticket. From there it will display your suite and its deck, along with the basic information you've already entered."

Ryan thought he should explore the ship and probably meet someone new. No, Ryan. Stick with your family. After all, you chose to come with them, right? But then what about living a life of adventure? That's why you joined the Army and became a merc. He sighed. He then went upstairs into his room and opened the mini refrigerator, taking out a bottle of beer. You don't want to be like Kevin, do you? He put it back in and listened to his iPod, and "Alwayz Into Somethin'" by N.W.A. played. Of course, he couldn't let the kids listen to gangsta rap until they were teenagers, but who was he to care? He was 26! College was fun, so was high school. Why not his adult life?

Solus's quiet but intense reaction... no she'd never call herself a moose again -for his were the only eyes she cared to see herself within. In his eyes she knew without doubt or hesitation she was every thing he desired and that was definitely not a moose.

And while he might be a warrior, a predator, hunter and killer, she had never been the least bit uncomfortable around him...for he was every thing she desired - for more than anything he was her best friend, her perfect partner, and valued her not for what she could do, but who she was.

She scarcely spared a glance for the sales lady, she was too busy laughing happily inside at Solus's repeat reaction to all five. She figured she'd never get him to decide on just one so she bought all five and the assorted accessories, and discretely picked out a handful of men’s sexy unmentionables. She definitely did not mention them to Solus, she guessed she's have enough trouble convincing him to wear them in the privacy of their bedroom.

It took a couple of hours but eventually the couple departed with several large bags in heavy weight paper that matched the front of the store, and a huge smile on Charli’s lips. Solus seemed pleased too, but she figured that part of that was purely due to their departure from the boutique.

Charli smiled broadly, and Solus could feel the swell of confidence and happiness as she saw his warm and positive reaction. “Don’t get up. There’s more, dear heart.”

Solus didn’t know what to say and settled back in his chair. A couple of minutes later, she returned in a corset that was much the twin of the first she’d tried on but was a brilliant green that matched her verdant eyes and contrasted well with her auburn hair. Her pride glowed from her. Another teasing smile and she disappeared into the changing room.

He tried to return to his tea and remind himself he could not have her here and now. He had just the time to take a sip from his cup when Charli merged in a black and blue set. If Solus’s eyes could have bulged from his skull, this ensemble would have done it. While it pushed up and supported all of Charli’s assets, it left much uncovered and revealed.

Souls tried to rise, in a couple of way, but Charli kept him in his seat as she leaned forward and pushed him back down with a single, firm hand. They stayed there, staring, barely breathing, inches apart. “A bit much?” She asked.

She looked down between them to where Solu’s other rise was restrained by his concealed holster. “Maybe just right.” She smirked. She looked back up and kissed her husband on the nose. She stood back up and sashayed back into the dressing room.

Shortly she came back in a lacey number. Compared to the other corsets and merry widows, it was almost ubiquitous, yet Charli still made it unique and attractive. While Solus was not as affected by this outfit as the others he detected no disappointment in her. She was, in fact, deeply excited, almost giddy.

She went back into the changing room. Solus glanced away and towards the sales lady who was perched in the doorway. He could feel her anticipation, though he realized she was hatching him rather than the door to the dressing room. She locked eyes with him and smiled conspiratorially.

Charli cleared her throat to announce her presence. Souls flashed his eyes over to the door and felt the breath rush into his lungs in a quick gasp. Charli leaned back against the doorjamb, elbows up and back against the wood. In this staged pose, Charli looked lusciously divine. The outfit…it was nearly sheer but still supportive and accentuating.

Angelic was the image that came to him.

Solus rose from his chair, no force could stop him, not that he was sure he’d be conscious of anything save his seraphim. He stalked towards his wife. His tongue lolled out, idly licking at his chops. He stepped up and towered over her, pressing her against the doorjamb. He purposely gripped the wood to either side of her head and locked his arms to keep him off her and to keep himself from ripping the glorious garment off her.

“Go change.” He ordered, his voice thick with lust. “Or I cannot guarantee we will be able to enjoy it intact.”

Her smile could not be more triumphant. She tilted her head up. Solus lowered his muzzle to her. She parted her lips flicked her tongue out at his canines. That was all it took for a passionate embrace and gentle dueling of tongues to overcome them. It was minutes, an eternity before Solus could separate himself from her.

“Go. Get changed.” He backed away from her to reign himself in. Her smile remained as she turned and drifted back into the changing room as if on a cloud.

Ryan left to see whoever was in charge of cruise operations. This cruise really needs livening up. What does it need? It's got a pool already (that's where I made my children back in my senior year) and luxury suites. What it probably needs is some block party with loud music like the ones I always went to as a teenager. But will the guests be offended if I blast gangsta rap in some stereos? I wonder.

OOC: This is kinda irrelevant but I just want to reveal my character's intentions.

Floating back out of the dressing room, Charli barely noticed the sales ladies reaction - she was drifting in a haze of delight at Solus's ever more intense reaction to the modeling. She knew that he desired her, he’d never hidden that but this was a final confirmation, one that drove all doubts from her mind and battered self confidence.

His reaction prompted her to buy the three he liked the best – they had all felt comfortable and made her feel very feminine, but those three, oh they were the perfect ones. “But I won’t be able to wear these for long will I?” She softly stroked her belly talking to the new life she carried within. Her face was radiant, for many reasons.

When he wasn't watching she discretely picked out a handful of men’s sexy unmentionables. She definitely did not mention them to Solus, she guessed she'd have enough trouble convincing him to wear them in the privacy of their bedroom...or maybe not...

Her fingers rested lightly on the handcrafted gold of her marriage band once again, and Charli’s smile was brilliant as she and Solus strode arm in arm out of the boutique, a pair of large shopping bags over her arm. Tonight would be one to remember.

As they were fiddling around inside their hotel room with various pieces of merchandise that had recently bought, Denver and Cristina received a notification informing them that the cruise ship they had come for was ready to be boarded.

"Pack your bags, sis," Denver told Cristina. "We're going cruising!"

--

The outer deck was swarming with tourists as the pair of siblings attempted to make their way to the ship. The two dragged their wheeled luggage along, trying to find an open entrance into a ship. All of them seemed to be clogged with people attempting to board.

"My God," Cristina marveled, "I've never seen anything like it..."

"Me neither..." Denver replied. The Azure Quest was a beauty of a ship, standing tall and proud in the rays of the sun.

The two had an idea where their seating was. Knowing this already, they lined up in one of the huge queues heading into the ship. Boarding the ship half an hour later, the sheer size of the behemoth of a cruise vessel dazed the two as they wondered where to go first.

"Go to one of the electronic information kiosks standing around the outer deck," the sailor replied with a bright inflection, "and use the touchscreen to bring up the ship database and search engine. Go to 'passenger information,' touch 'boarding' and enter your name that you purchased your tickets under along with the password that is on your ticket. From there it will display your suite and its deck, along with the basic information you've already entered."

Retaining information was always a skill that Ptolemy Drani could rely upon when he had to memorize something of importance such as the data from business reports or the data he had recieved from the doctors who performed routine check ups on Iphigenia when she was much younger and all the more adorable to family and friends. It was only natural that Ptolemy would be able to memorize the information provided to him by the sailor as he immediately went to work in claiming the suite he had purchased for himself and his wife and, as well, the one he had purchased for his only child. Everything checked out as he went through the system with the tickets and soon everyone had their suites claimed. While he and his wife went to unpack in their own suite, Iphigenia was becoming overjoyed that she had her own suite on the Azure Quest and hopefully she wouldn't have to lose it or share it with anyone, she noted, as she unpacked everything she had including her journal and her lyre which she swiftly began to play upon with a smile but she only got five minutes in before she heard her parents at the door who were asking her to come out so they could all explore the Azure Quest. She nodded to them as she opened the door and within another five minutes could the Drani family be seen exploring the Azure Quest.

OOC: I'm perfectly willing to have people interact with my characters; any ideas can be submitted to me via telegram. Thank you.

Neither of them had slept much last night, both were too eager to be aboard the sleek cruise liner that would be their home for the next three weeks - but more so they were enjoying the liberation of libation - their favorite pastime as newlyweds that had been so curtailed by Charli's accident. Of course knowing that she was carrying their children had Solus treating her as spun glass from time to time.. Despite Peregrine Omega's reassurance that Charli's pregnancy would be easy, she was the first human Vornskrari 'test bed' so to speak - and that she carried unexpected twins made for more worry in some minds.

Finally sleeping they awoke at the terribly late hour of 9 A.M. and ate a leisurely breakfast. While Charli had evinced no symptoms of morning sickness, this - at some six weeks along- was where they usually began to manifest. But the fluffy steak and cheese omelet and rasher of bacon brought her no queasiness, and she was careful to take the regime of vitamins and micro minerals the geneticist had prescribed.

Once she’d showered and decided on the days clothing – a lightweight, flattering outfit to suite the expected heat of the day mingled with the breeze created by a ship on the move. White linen slacks, a royal blue form hugging silk tee, and a flowing ‘big shirt’ also of silk - block printed with the Mira’ad alit pattern in blue and gold with accents of white. The black leather of her Uncle Mikes disappeared under the drape of the big shirt and she was set to go. They had sent their luggage aboard through the hotels concierge service when their breakfast had been carried away.

Just after noon they were at the port and heading for the Azure Quest

As 'platinum' patrons they were met at the Azure Quest's end of the gang way by one of the cruise ship's many pursers, and guided to their suite with every deference. Charli gave Solus a wide eyed, bright eyed glance as she took it all in. The attentive staff, fresh flowers, baskets of fruit, the bar stocked to their prelisted preferences, complimentary goodies morning, noon, and night....She half wondered if they'd hand feed her if she so demanded - that brought giggles and she had to whisper to Solus the image that had brought them about. She preferred things simple but definitely didn't mind luxury such as this now and again.

The Azure Quest's 'Le Grande Suite' very similar to P & O's Penthouse suite. It was a two level 'loft suite'. A sleeping loft which had its own overlook to the living room below, as well a private exterior balcony was the size of most cabins. The loft held a king sized bed, built in his and her dressers, a bar with mini fridge, walk in closet and a spacious luxury bathroom complete both garden tub and an over size shower.

Below the living room had both a private dining alcove which seated six, as well as a library nook. It's veranda came complete with a six person Jacuzzi, wetbar, and mini fridge. The library nook, where the control panel for the suites entertainment system was located, had a tidy selection of popular literature, the latest newspapers, magazines and the current crop of movies and more could be ordered. The 62” wide screen plasma tv was hidden behind a sliding decorative panel, and could be swiveled to be seen from both the library nook or the main section of the living room. A curving 'free floating' stairway connected the upper and lower sections of the penthouse.

Charli wasn’t sure what she’d make of the butler that came with the suite, but suspected she could be tempted to indulge in being waited on. She’d already reserved times for both her and Solus – though she hadn’t mentioned it to him yet – for all the differnt types of massages that the Azure Quest offered – including the adventure listed as a ‘romantic, candle lit, champagne filled’ couple’s massage that was supposed to last a full two hours. She figured two hours of being blissfully limp would be the perfect end of a night of dinner, dancing, playing a little in the casino, then catching the midnight show, couples massage, and …more…

OOC:How do I RP getting on the boat?

After there time of exploring the city they decided to board. Kanaya leading the way through the boat deck halls. "205 B." She uttered. "Here we go." They opened the door to their econo class cabin. (I'm assuming this ship has them). Small but cozy, they were used to it, they shared a single bed back home. "It's so nice, we even have a TV."

"Drinks."

"No, Saku, that's a mini bar, it costs money. I'm sure the ship has innexpensive drinks here."

They were given money for food and gifts of course but they had to be careful.

Saku yawned. "Do you want to take a nap?"

"I am rather sleepy from walking around all day. I'm okay...." Saku instantly fell asleep. Kanya put a blanket over her. "Sweet dreams Saku." She decided to explore just a little bit before they set off.

Looking at the bright side of it, Marie reminded herself always that she just nullified all risks involved with the bold action she was going to perform, which were respectively the risk of getting a STD and the risk of spending vacations on jail. Equally, it was good to know that it was not hers the responsibility for the damages provoked, or to have come out in one piece from it. It was just a typical car crash that she had the misfortune, or perhaps fortune, of being one of the victims of. The driver got wounded, but was all right, and he actually respected traffic laws, the wrong side has been the driver of the pile of heap that came in the red rather than waiting for the green, and then came all the way against the taxi she got. There was no way in hell that Marie would wait much and let an annoying lawyer to call her for an audience in a country she has no serious business with, and even though the probability of a foreign tourist being called to a court was minimal, if any, she preferred to just prevent it and headed back to the hotel, on foot. It was a small walk, and she managed to navigate quite well through a city she has barely seen, like a professional. There was little time for her to wait, because her stomach was emptier than her never used credit card, and most Hotels did not extended lunch time permanently.

Back at the reception, she asked for, and had what she wanted. The lunch has been truly outstanding, even as she wondered about the fairness of what she was doing. Other than for the complete lack of the snob behavior of the usual bunch of rich types, there was no way that at this moment, someone would ever imagine such woman was a socialist from an extremely prosperous classless society. It was no matter to her, and as she knew none of the people around her, Marie simply ignored them to mind her own businesses, and think again, and again, that she deserved such comforts for all she has given of her life for the cause of socialist anarchism. It was funny however, the way she frowned as she took a bit of the lobster. It tasted really bad for her, and luckily she did not pay for separate dishes but for an entire package, or otherwise a significant amount of cash would go through the drain. Many of the more "classy" dishes were particularly tasteless for her, like if, used for so much time to field rations and whatever could be found, her taste has developed to automatically ignore the naive seeking of eating as a pleasure rather than necessity.

Strangely, she eventually got herself satisfied as she made a dish of rice, beans, bacon and jerked meat, mixing everything into her plate before eating it. Some looked funnily at her because of her rejection, something that for arrogant pricks would be the ultimate proof of her... "peasantry", as they were completely unaware of cultural differences which were radical enough to generate many conflicts and argues over certain things. Of course, as always, she ignored everything and just moved on, now fed, to ask where she could find a resort with large swimming pools, places to climb, a Paintball arena and hundreds of meters tall trampolines, something that she difficultly would find inside the cruise ship. But first, she took a visit to her suite to exchange her clothes for something more appropriate for the weather. The first thing she noticed was the bed, with enough space for two people. It was then that she smiled, thinking to herself that no man would ever conquer the rational, tough lady there, who saw in love a weakness to be exploited, who was trained and taught to exploit such weakness. Perhaps, from pretending to love people she didn't so many times, Marie has forgotten or simply realized love was an illusion, a falsity that only serves to preserve humanity as a species.

There was not much wait, and as a practical woman she quickly made her choice. Just a white t-shirt, a green shorts and green flip-flops, no brand names or anything to call attention or envy, except for her quite fit body for someone of her age, although she had a certain lack in the "features" some man were drawn to, something Marie actually was glad about, as they were just plain below average. An average figure of average height was enoughly discrete to come anywhere without the flirting of a jackass. And as she got her new clothes, she began to fill a smaller bag with her swimming wear and with a suntan cream.

Back at the lobby, she was recommended to have her entertainment a Extreme sports club by the receptionist, who could easily escort her all the way towards it since the tip she has given him, and then, with no wait, she decided to get through it, taking yet another taxi, and hoping that this time, it wouldn't get into another crash in the middle of the traffic because of an irresponsible driver. Fortunately it didn't, and as the cityscape passed through, the vehicle began to get into the outskirts, and into the less populous areas where vast open fields could be seen, getting through a highway. Eventually, after five kilometers of road, it took an intersection towards the club, and Marie looked at the massive area around it, and at the towering trampolines that could be seen from afar. It was certainly an interesting place to spend the entire afternoon in. And thus, after some resistance regarding its admission price, she came in with a small bag in her hand.

A paintball match would only happen in an hour and half, according to what the clerk explained her, while the pools were never, ever closed, and as this was real rather than a questionable virtual hotel, nobody would ever close such pool. A deep pool, that not even the tallest man in the world would manage to touch the bottom with his feet without diving, according to what she was told. Marie just had to exchange her clothes again, putting her plain white bikini with an wide coverage in contrast to what was mainstream in such days, as expected from an ascetic individual like her, and then looked at the towering, tallest trampoline, which seemed vacant, likely because most were too afraid to climb two hundred meters, and because of the term of responsibility that the customer had to sign to be allowed to climb it up.

Stepping towards it, Marie had no doubts, and immediately asked the clerk to handle her the paperwork for getting up there. Her passport was expectedly request, which she promptly gave in. Her signature came into the paper, a signature she has recently recreated by simply exchanging an a to an e among the letters. Then the clerk looked funnily at her, noticing how she seemed to be an athlete of sorts, and tried to pull a smile without success, ending only with a well-intentioned wish of good luck, as after all, if something went wrong, that employee would have a serious headache to deal with. When the green light was given, Marie began to cautiously climb the ladder, leaving her flip-flops on the ground. There were many steps, and it seemed truly long, an experience that those afraid of height would shudder to. Her feet were even becoming slightly sore from the long ascension, specially her right foot. It was unlikely anyone would spot the exact reason why it was more affected by the marathon of climbing than her other one, and she was very resolute to go through the end there. Dying there would be simply ridiculous for someone with her luggage of experience, and after nearly a minute getting to the top of it, she finally stood at the edge of the trampoline, looking at the distant, deep pool below, with a few, calm and cold winds reaching her belly, as she prepared for the leap of faith through two hundred meters of free fall. Any mistake would mean at least a broken leg, although that would not be a first experience either. Focused, she began to propel herself, and soon leaped towards the pool, standing on feet with her legs extremely close to each other and firmly held.

A strong splash, almost like if a bomb has fallen into the water, came as she impacted with its surface. She felt a very strong and quick push against her legs, but by the time she realized it, her feet were already touching the floor of the pool in decelerated speed. Marie simply began to swim back to surface, getting from the twelve meters depths and their pressure and holding her breath. Outside, the lifesaver was already on alert, as they always became worried whenever a "crazy tourist" signed the disclaimer. Opening her eyes still submerged, she felt a quick pain over them as the water reached them, but she simply refused to close them again, and looking at the bright rays of light shining its surface, she swam all the way towards them, and returned, looking at the other visitors to the place.

A woman was less than three meters from her in the pool, and as she approached Marie, she immediately asked if she was an Olympic athlete. Marie simply smiled to the woman, and said:

"Back when I was twelve I was in a gymnastics team, but then I stopped because of personal issues. I still did not lose some of what I have practiced much to learn well though. I am not really an Olympic Athlete miss. In fact, I believe you could even beat me in a straight run to one end of the pool to the other"

The woman laughed, mentioning how she could barely cross the entire length of the pool without getting exhausted, but Marie simply insisted for them to go through, and eventually she gave in. A sort of informal swimming competition then formed among some of the tourists, who gathered to challenge her. Men, women and youngsters, and many of the challengers did not manage to beat her, although any chance of boasting pride was broken by a very lively twelve years old girl who managed to get first than her to the other edge of the pool.

It has been fun nonetheless, and Marie was becoming somewhat acquainted with many of the tourists. People she would meet briefly in her life, but who still, she managed to entertain quite well. It was a joyful moment, enough to erase for some time all her memories of war, although the hours were passing with her no longer becoming aware of them, until one of the clerks, proving the attention of their personell, shouted for her name to tell her the paintball match was about to begin. Marie then did bid farewell to Liana, the woman she first challenged, and climbed from the pool, and grabbed her flip-flops to put together with her clothes in one of the lockers of the place.

She simply headed to the place, a vast field with real sandbags, plenty of places to get cover and ropes intended to simulate barbed wire. There was a dressing room for her to get proper clothes, a set of spare boots and an uniform that they have found as the closest for her body, and she wore them over her bikini. It was a bit loose, but it worked. However, there seemed to be some quite prideful individuals out there, convinced they were the best.

From the five minutes of the first match, everyone was astonished at how Marie nearly won it alone, and some were complaining that it was not a fun game, and that they should not allow military types to play with civilians because it would be unfair. Amidst the argue of unsatisfied customers, Marie was quick to suggest, holding her paintball gun:

"What about everybody against me then? I think this would balance up the next rounds of this match, and I really want to get a challenge like this in this game."

And thus, another match begun. More of a hide and seek game, the players got smarter in tactics and attempted to get Marie off surprise. She performed quite well however, but their numbers eventually got her off guard, as they won the match against her. She did not feel ashamed for it, after all, they were eleven, and she managed to get through more than half of them. Still, the egocentric were satisfied, and everybody managed to get some fun out of it. The match then ended, as Marie was invited to a climbing of a nearby hill through bare hands. And she did not hesitate.

It has been a long, tiresome but fun afternoon, and as she returned to the hotel, she was greeted again by the receptionist on her way to the suite. There, she headed immediately to the bathroom, preparing a spare set of similar clothes before and leaving her flip-flops on the floor. With the bathtub filled, Marie finally could relax, and think. Her mind had one primary thought, that her briefer experience in that Extreme club could become the best part of such vacations, for she would not be able to jump from two hundred meters tall heights, practice paintball or climb hills with her bare hands inside such cruise ship. In fact, she even pondered if getting into a cruiser rather than into a cruise could have been more interested, although a certain barrier existed for further experiences of such sort.

Hopefully, the cruise ship would not prove to be another boring beach house where getting drunk or laid and playing dull mainstream sports were the primary activities to be done. She held high hopes for the next day. And perhaps some interesting colleagues and friends could be made among the people around her. With no family, and as her old friends did not show interest in the travel, it would be the primary mean for her to avoid being a loner among the crowd. She felt asleep in a matter of seconds once she finally laid down on her bed, forgetting even to have a dinner.

Arazi was one of the first on-board, quickly getting her luggage moved into her room before the crush of tourists arrived an hour or so before the ship sailed. It was far less stressful to be early and she had a book.

While she would never, ever call herself a Dyellian, Rebecca had nonetheless acquired a distinctly Dyellian sense of taste and style. She went for a modest room, something that wasn't showing off wealth, after all it was only the nouveau riche who needed to ostentatiously display their wealth. When she dressed it was with a sense of simple pride, well cut clothing but without ostentatious designer labels that in her opinion cheapened the look.

She took a few moments to sit around and get a look at the room, then made her way back to the gangway, leaning back against the railing of the ship to watch the people (and of course any non-humans) arrive. She was open to talking to people, but right now she really wanted to just get a look at people, to get a glimpse of who she was sharing this trip with.

As always, Rebecca wore dark shades, and on this occasion a cap. It looked somewhat military, but worked well with the sleeveless white blouse and khaki linen pants she had opted to wear. Nobody in their right mind would mistake her for military though, certainly nobody who was military. The sunglasses were a bonus for surveillance. It allowed her to watch people without people knowing for sure she was looking at them, and allowing her to avoid eye contact with anyone she didn't want to make eye contact with; young males who fancied themselves as playboys, old men who thought waving a thick wad of cash would attract a younger woman and of course people who were looking for a confrontation.

Solus leaned his elbows on the railing of their private balcony. He closed his crimson eyes and took a couple of deep whiffs of the port’s scents. He could smell dead fish, which wasn’t that disturbing a smell and sort of made his stomach rumble, diesel fuel, oil and other odors of maritime industry wafting from across the harbor where giant cranes stood and slightly rusting but still sound merchants and trawlers were moored. The salt of the sea overrode everything else and set the vornskrari’s long whipish tail off like a content, down tempo metronome.

He’d never gotten much time to spend around the Port of the Graceland, though he’d always enjoyed the salt air that made its way miles inland to the Miraade’s Mansion on the sea breezes. What boating he’d done had been either on the small sailboat the Miraade liked to take out from the navy base in Graceland or he’d been flown out to a ship already as sea. He’d never been on a big ship leaving port. It would be nice to be aboard a big ship that didn’t have any open railing spaced with pintel mounts.

He turned away from the sea and leaned back against the railing. He enjoyed how the breeze fluttered his red Aloha shirt, decorated in white with large tropical flowers, and tickled through the short, velveteen fur of his legs, exposed by his khaki Bermuda shorts. There was an odd tickle at the back of his mind. He was still getting used to human fashion. He’d worn a uniform or nothing his entire twenty-two years. He liked this set of clothing. It was comfortable, loose enough to conceal his POP gun, blended in with a tropical vacation, and well, he thought it looked good too.

His crimson eyes glittered happily, his ears were up and alert, and his mouth open, lips pealed back in a seemingly fearsome display of teeth except for the tongue lolling out lightly and the wagging tail to defuse it down to happy canine. “So what should we do first? They have crammed so much onto this ship.”

“So what should we do first? They have crammed so much onto this ship.”

Charli sauntered out, a tall glass of iced lemonade in one hand and a thick pile of glossy paper trifolds in the other. Offering him the lemonade, she was once again struck by what a commanding figure he made, even in a bright Hawaiian shirt and shorts.

"Well Holland andf Holland has a shop for those who went and left their Purdy's at home and 'must make do' since there is Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays off of the fantail offered every day once we're at sea from ten a.m. to four p.m." She handed him that brochure.

"They have five different wall climbing set ups, including one that is supposedly 'black diamond' rated. Water skiing, Marlin fishing, watch watching, swimming with dolphins, and for those who like a tad more danger, swiming with sharks,..."She fanned out more of the glossy, colorful trifolds.

"However most of them don't become available until after we've cleared port. Though you know what I'd like to do now? I'd like to explore the ship a bit. Seeing the deck plans is nice but taking the time now to figure out the layout first hand."

Their eyes met and and they both nodded.

OOC: IC post(s) coming soon.

OOC: How do I RP starting a party?

Solus accepted the lemonade and, since they were in private, didn’t worry about appearance or decorum. He lapped at his drink as he skimmed over the Clay Shooting brochure with a grin. He flicked his eyes up towards her. “I know we can’t do this now…but do you think we should? Might be fun to show off.” He looked at the notation that Holland and Holland was willing to rent shotguns for those to use.

Personally he might be interested in buying. He allit had a lot of guns, but they were utilitarian military arms issued to them. They hadn’t fired a piece of sporting artwork like one of the pieces sold by Holland and Holland. He would love to own one of them, and in the nature of sharing he and his siblings lived, it be like a gift to the entire clan.

"I know we can’t do this now…but do you think we should? Might be fun to show off.”

Charli smiled as she finished her own lemonade, pleased that it had been made from fresh squeesed lemons, and was so incredibly tart.

"I'd think it would be fun. I've never tried clay shooting, just shooting for the pot. And a good set of nice shotguns would be somthing to help round out the family armory. She knew such peices would only grow in value, and be family herilooms as well. She and her mother had lived so isolated, both by the vastness of the Alaskan bush, and the need from secrecy - the Shop had hunted them aussidiously and had at times been murderously brutal in their tactis in trying to obtain the two. So it had not been safe for them to have many friends. The Mira'ad Alit was the family she had not had, and she loved the closeness and sharing that was completely natural to the Vornskrari.

"Lets go see if the store is open now, while we explore the ship. Get that done before every one else is wandering about."

Family armory...heh...the family had possession of all the weapons they were issued as military personnel with a few personal possessions thrown in. Assault rifles, submachine guns, grenade launchers, combat shotguns, a couple squad support weapons, precision rifles, sniper rifles, anti-material rifles, and, of course, a large pool of handguns and sidearms. However the overwhelming majority of them were 'workaday' guns, things to be carried in the line of duty, not works of art to be admired and used with pride and care. A couple of fowling masterpieces with engraved metal and exquiste finished wood would give an air of dignity to the otherwise stack of mass produced plastic and steel.

"I've fired the MORS attachment in training. I qualified with it, even against pigeons." Which was no easy task, the MORS is an underslung attachment to an assault rifle. To wield it effectively at distance you have to get used to firing it by instinct. However, the MORS is generally used as an universal door opener and for close quarters combat when all you need to is point and shoot and let the six inch barreled shotgun do the rest.

"Never used a shotgun in anger though. I don't cheat on my wife or my sweet MOR-Precision rifle." He said off hand as looked at the Holland and Holland trifold. "It would be nice to have the real thing."

"I'm just a wife, cyar'ika, and the MORP is sweet? I think I'm insulted" Charli teased gently before cuddling up to him, her head resting against his broad chest.

"This isn't mission impossible
It's just so logical
This love's unstoppable
Now there's no end inside
'cos what you've got is untakeable
It's unmistakeable
This love's unstoppable
Rock me all through the night"

She sang softly to him.

Impossible mp3 (http://audiofile.org.ua/download-72411.html)

Solus nuzzled the top of her head, enjoying the feeling of her singing against his chest. He flicked his fingers and flung the trifold back into the room and wrapped his arm around his wife. "My MORP and I have spent more nights together than you and I have..but we can work on that and if you notice I left her back at home." He voice was light and mischievious.

"My MORP and I have spent more nights together than you and I have. but we can work on that and if you notice I left her back at home"

Charli grinned against his broad chest, and her voice was still understandable despite being muffled – as light and teasing as his was "Yeah you didn't want to have to break in a new one when I melted the old one cause it had more of your attention than I did. Besides who wanted to wait eighteen long months? That’s not my fault"

She stopped grinning and laid a kiss at the base of his throat where his shirt collar veed. "I'll just have to ask Errant not to let you be deployed until I'm equal."

Though part of her never wanted to see him go off again, just as she guessed part of him carried the same fear over her nearly as equally dangerous work. But her abilities were as much an intrinsic part of her as his were of him. She tightened her arms about him and set those thoughts aside.

“So lets go see if they are open and spend some of this wedding present mad money.”

“Let’s go then. That money’s burning a hole in the bank account anyways.” Solus pushed Charli up off him gently. He held her at arm’s reach and looked proudly down at her, his wife, that still had a sort of rush to think about. He leaned in gave her a quick lick on the cheek, little more than pressing his tongue to her skin, but it was the closest he could approximate to a kiss.

He let her go and picked up his lemonade. He finished it off and carried it to the kitchenette and placed it next to the sink. He wandered towards his bag and got his doggles, sunglasses-like goggles made for canines, regular glasses just weren’t constructed for his skull structure. He twirled them around a finger. “Did you ever hear where the allit got all the money they’ve given us access to?”

She pressed her fingertips to where Solus had kissed her and her smile was soft, her eyes dreamy.

“Did you ever hear where the allit got all the money they’ve given us access to?”

Charlene Antonia Stephanie Firewalker -Mira'ad wouldn't lie to her husband, but she would use a little misdirection and omission when she felt it was her wifely duty...

She knew where some had come from. One fifth of the profits - her share - from the CMG mine in Alaska went in to it. She wasn't mentioning that to anyone, though she figured Errant had figured it out. He handled the family finances. The Allit was her family, and family shared. And now that Wildfire LTD was making enough of a profit that she could not only pay herself a salary but indulge the corporation in buying a specially configured tanker outright, she didn't need the monies from the mine. She just didn't want any one making a big deal of it.

"Maybe Gold and Mird shared some of their reward from the rescue mission." She'd done that too, put half of it in the allit jioint account. The other half had gone to Mercy to help buy the land the new clan needed.

She made sure her wallet was snug in her belt pouch along with their suite's key cards.

Hand in hand they strolled from the spacious cabin and headed down towards the vast mall area.

Solus'yc Firewalker Mira'ad did know anything about the CMG mine just yet. He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumbpad as they walked. "Oh, Gold and Mird put most of their reward into the allit's account. They took a bit to enjoy themselves. Gold got JK his wedding band with hers. Mird went out with Jurii and Jag painted the town red."

"However the most of it, as I understand, comes from more of Errant's youthful adventures." He smirked. "I don't know how much play it got outside Catawaba, but back after Prudii, Richard, Dean, and Andy caught up with and captured that chakkar, the head of the Liberalists, Derrick Holmes. Well, Err goes in there and beats the snot out of him because he made a move against Rea and had planned stuff against Mercy if she ever came back to Catawaba. Did ya hear about it all?"

Charli looked at him wide eyes. She knew of the liberalists, their self proclaimed leader, and their multitude of assassination attempts against Errant, and the promise of violence against Mercy - while she wasn't officially one of the wolf pack, she had been an outrider and thus kept fairly in the loop.

But Derrik Holmes had been by all lights someone she was glad that he had been executed. He was a real terrorist, as power not the 'good of his fellows' was his motivation - that had come out loud and clear.

But Errant beating the snot out of him...no that she hadn't heard. Sher voice carried a wave of delight "He did? Tell me more, this I want to know."

Solus snorted. "I didn't figure that got much play. I heard that an Imitoran paper picked up something with the title 'Banana Republic Generalissimo Fined for Torturing Opposition Leader.'" The vornskrari made a rude noise that was still very much a growl. "It was personal between them. Holmes and Errant had gone through the Rebellion together. The fat bastard had headed up the urban resistance cells while Errant handed the rural communities and the Rebellion's real military arm."

Solus stopped them in front of an elevator and keyed for the car. "Errant never really liked Holmes. They were two very different people. Errant was an opressed orphan to overlord story, struggling every bit of the way. Holmes was a successful business man more upset at Togo policies than Togovia's oppression of the Taung, halfcaste, and everyone that wasn't upper class. While he may have not liked Holmes, Errant needed his support and, I think, even trusted him as a Catawaban patriot."

Solus held the elevator door open for Charli when it arrived and entered after her. "Ended up Errant was wrong. Holmes was a personal patriot. Patriot to his own ideals which culiminated in power for himself and his beaucracy rather than what the people wanted." He pressed the button for their desired floor. "And when Mercy encouraged Errant to see if the people of Catawaba really wanted a Liberalist Constitution and they turned it down..." Solus shook his head. "Holmes has that...girl...walk up to Errant in a crowd and shoot him point black. Errant got off that brilliant shot from the hip before her rounds hit his vest and knocked him to the ground."

"He gets nothing better than bruises, but he's still got to go to the hospital, right? Holmes, the retard, 'jacks the Fairness Network's coverage and claims to the nation that he's 'struck down the tyrannical oppressor'...blah blah..." Solus makes a rolling gesture to indicate so on and so forth. "Only Errant isn't dead but really pissed. It was stuff like that. Errant knew for damned certain who had tried to have him killed, that made him kill that half-assed assassin. Then the stuff against Mercy, the attempt on Rea, and the two other assaults on his life, including the one where Gold, Mird, Beskar, and Kad got to reveal to everyone our existence by wiping out that Liberalist ambush point."

Solus was looking at the doors but staring through them at memories. "It all just built in Errant. So when my vode get Holmes and drag him back, Errant goes to see him. I think he told himself he was just going to ask why Holmes betrayed him and Catawaba. But Errant went in wound up, and when Holmes struck a nerve by insulting Mercy..well, Errant went a couple of rounds on Holmes and then stabbed him in the leg."

"Insulting Mercy ws stupid, given how much they are so very obviously madly in love they are..almost as much as we are" She chuckled but sobered quickly.

"And let me guess. Errant fessed up." Charli added sagely. Her brother-in-law was more than a little of a white knight. And to any one who knew him, it shown through. She'd gotten to know him pretty well when she had volunteered to help out in the remains of Skull Kingdom. It had been a way of being close to Solus during the time he'd wanted her to sit back and decide. Eighteen months of near unendurable loneliness, that she felt she had survived only by working herself to almost total collapse. She still hadn't gained back all the weight she had lost during that time, and that was one of the few things that worried her doctor about her pregnancy.

But she pushed that aside - Solus was watching over her as if she was spun crystal.

Charli waited eagerly for her husband to continue.

Solus nodded. "Got it in one, cyar'ika. She already knew, of course, from that wonderful little tracker bug she gave him." He snorted again, this time with a little amusement in it. "He totally forgot he was wearing it before he went into beat up Holmes. He thought covering it up...until she saw Mercy's face and knew she knew. She was so let down from what I hear, worried for him among others things. If you ask me? That was worse than if she'd yelled at him. He was so ashamed he went and fessed up publicly and took his licking."

The door opened, and he again held it open as she exited before him. He took her hand in the crook of his elbow just like he'd seen on those costume dramas that were on television. He thought it looked romantic. "Well, the court ended up taking a rank from Errant, put him on probation pending his future service as Miraade, and they fined everything he had, all his assets. While that hurt no doubt, Errant was kinda glad to see it go. He had a couple million he'd gotten from weapons sales when he was funneling Togovian weapons from Togo depots to the Rebellion."

"This was before he joined the Rebellion but after he'd been shuffled off to the corners of the service because his dar'buir," there was a particular snarl on this word. It meant 'not parentor 'no longer parent,' and it was a vicious slur. It meant that the person was no fit to be a parent. Among the strongly family and clan oriented Taung, which the vornskrari considered themselves a sect of, that was a heinous thing to be considered, "wanted to keep anyone from knowing he had a bastard, a bastard who was rising up in the ranks."

Solus shook his head. "Errant'll be the first to declare he's a poor criminal. Even back when he was a tough for the gang out of his orphanage, he was never was good at it. He managed to make a few millions profiteering off the Rebels until he had to join them when a deal went bad and the Togos came for his hide."

"The fine took all of that money to the relief of Errant's conscience. BUT..." The vornskrari smiled. "That was were it got interesting. When government accounts were digging all through to discern all of his assets, they came onto a pot of waadas that Errant didn't even remember." The waada is Catawaba's monetary unit. "Back when Errant did first join the Rebellion, he didn't do it for the ideals. Raul Enchante offered to pay Errant to train the Rebellion and offered him bounties any material he captured or otherwise brought to the Rebellion. It was small change early on, but soon Errant did get involved for the ideals."

"Enchante had that effect on people, I'm told. He was diplomatic, charming, and forward thinking. He put the Revolution together, fused the rural rebels and urban dissidents into one movement. He could light the fire of freedom and liberty in anyone...Errant got drawn up in it and totally forgot all about the money."

Solus smiled broadly. "Not only is he a bad criminal, he is a bad mercenary."

Her hand tucked daintily into the crook of Solus's arm - it made her feel like a fairy tale princess being escorted by her personal, perfect Prince Charming-Charli listened to the tale with a twinkle in her eye.

She thought that while Errant may have made a poor criminal, and and even worse mercinary, he made a very good leader. She liked him alot, and had a great deal of respect for him. She only ran a company, he juggled a nation. He got to sleep under unsleedping electric eyes, all in the name of 'protection. She got to sleep safe in the arms of her magnificant husband.

And that had her wondering how Errant and Mercy managed to have any fun. Knowing you were being watched...ewwwwwww...

Then she frowned 'They took all of that cause he stabbed the ass, in the leg? Thats harsh punishment. Some places it wouldn't even have been a felony." Charli shook her head "Sounds to me like some one found a way to get revenge on him. To hurt him in a legal manner."

Then suddenly they were in a floating palace of a mall, with shops from every exclusive name out there...from Parisian jewelers Boucheron to Steinway Lyngdorf; from Christofles the famous and exclusive silvermsiths to the Italian designer Emilio Pucci...clothes, jewelry, sporting good, watches, wines, high end consumer technology, to the unto the minute "The Spy's the Limit' bastion of everything Bond wished he had but couldn't get a reference for... to not much more than mass marketing of Nordstrom's, Harrods, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman...

And their goal, Holland and Holland. The front display was drool worth and yet it was 'only' their middling stock...

Solus's eyes lingered long on the display at 'Spy's the Limit.' He knew that Boothroyd Spysenheimer, one of the Eggheads back home who specialized in, for the lack of a better term, Q-gadgets, would either drool at the display or be insulted by their lack of imagination. It was hard to predict which considering Spysenhimer was certifiably mad. He was currently on a focused tangent of concealing guided munitions in statuaries. He's so far come up with a cherub water fountain that could launch itself into the air and then act as a top down anti-tank missile. There was also the Lawn Gnome Anti Air Missile System and the Flamingo Anti Personnel Device.

Charli tugged him on towards Holland and Holland, and Solus returned to his story. "Hm? Oh, no, it wasn't legal revenge. Another reason Errant is a bad criminal is that forgets the laws he signs into law. Catawaban legal codes adds sentencing modifiers to address extenuating or aggravating circumstances. In Errant's case, yes, it was merely a felony...but tack on the aggravating modifier that he was the Alpha Miraade and assualted a prisoner and abused his authority...that's where you get the severity of his punishment."

He stopped to lean forward and look at the window display at Holland and Holland. The widnow display was beautifully arranged, and the pieces were exquiste. Solus admired them for a moment before Charli pulled him inside and back into his story. "Where was I? Oh yeah, after the Viceroy and his chakkare, Catawabans were really weary of abuse of power and they sought to make sure misuse of power was VERY discouraged."

"Anyways, the accountants took that first pile of Waadas and found another. They went to the judge, a good man with a great voice...might be the guy they got to do the CNN voiceover. He decided that Errant trully didn't know he had this second amount of money, so he wasn't withholding, and then the judge decided that his ruling had only stipulated the exact amount known at time of trial."

Solus's crimson eyes glittered. "You should have seen Errant's jaw drop when they showed him the amount. Remember it was based on bounties of material he captured OR other wise brought to the Rebellion, convincing the operators of that material to defect and bring it to the Rebellion qualified." He started counting on the fingers of his free hand and looking to ceiling as he counted. "Let's see...Errant was generous and only counted things that made it through the Rebellion to the Miraadery itself...after the Night of Angels...he got fifty-six F-16 Vipers to defect...that's like a billion right there...five Type-R Aegis destroyers...that's like five billion...and that's all the math I want to do right now. So yeah, he's got it all back in spades."

The vornskrari looked down from the ceiling, a wide grin on his face. "They say Raul Enchante was a renassaince man, forward thinking, visionary, almost psychic some thought...I don't know if he expected the young Marine he'd recruited to do that well when he made the bounty contract."

Charlie all but doubled over laughing at the total then pulled herself together and grinned beatifically. Her paltry amount, just over five million annually, would go unnoticed then in all likelyhood.

"Thats perfectly logical for the judge to have decided. And yes he did, get it all back...and dumped it on his family."

Then she stopped and looked about
What met their eyes was a dream for confirmed gun enthusiasts…

Exquisitely made shotguns from the most famous maker of such on the planet. And a pair in particular held pride of place. (http://www.mcdonaldsgunshop.com/Current%20stock/holland3.htm)

Also offered was a magnificent, sidelock “Royal Ejector” double rifle in .375 H&H (http://www.sitemason.com/files/bvc3fy/Holland%20.375%20DR%2035674%20b.JPG) flanged magnum, that had been completed in 1995. It weighted 9 lbs. 2oz. Stock with 14 ½” LOP and with superb 24” chopper lump steel barrels with mint bores that had a quarter rib and ramp front sight. The rifle had a single 100 yd. fixed rear sight with a single folding leaf for 200 yds. Ramp front sight with flip-up twilight bead. The barrels also had factory original mounts installed for the Schmidt and Bender 1.5-6x42 scope which was engraved and numbered to the gun. Heavy reinforced action body with typical long tang extending back over the comb of the stock. Third fastener, ejectors, bushed firing pins, automatic safety, and double triggers with articulated front trigger. The rifle was absolutely stunning with full coverage deep relief engraving and gold inlays that had been flawlessly executed by the incomparable Philippe Grifnee. Exhibition grade walnut butt stock with leather-covered Silver’s recoil pad and matching splinter forend. Add to this the polished oak and black ostrich leather case complete with all buffalo-horn handled accoutrements including the matching canvas and leather outer cover and you have one of the most breathtakingly beautiful firearms ever crafted by any maker of any century. An absolute work of art and of museum quality in every sense of the word, being mint condition throughout

And a Holland & Holland, a rare “Royal Hammerless Ejector” double rifle in .577 (http://www.sitemason.com/files/hiU5zO/Holland%20Royal%20.577%2030336%20b.JPG), that had been made in 1921. It weighted 13 ½ lbs with 26” 'chopper lump' steel barrels, that were proofed for 90gr. cordite and 750gr. bullets. It had a single fixed rear sight with ivory inlay and two folding leaves. The ramp front sight with flip-up ivory twilight bead. Action body with double underlugs and ahidden third fastener with the typical Holland hand detachable sidelocks and extended top tang. Bushed firing pins, ejectors, and articulated front trigger. Highly figured pistol grip stock and splinter forend with Anson button release.

All of that was on the small tastefully done card for the display, and then came a note on it's provenince, in elegant old fashions script. It read"

"This magnificent rifle had seen little use when it was completely refurbished by Holland & Holland several years ago and done to absolute perfection with all sharp edges retained and engraving crisp as if cut yesterday. Stock and forend beautifully refinished with no proud metal whatever. Bores are excellent and this rifle is extremely accurate. This fine rifle belonged to a dear friend of mine who used it to devastating effect on elephant and buffalo shortly after being redone. Comes in a relined and refitted proper period case with Holland trade label and a compliment of accessories. Overall a beautiful example of one of the rarest of rare early big game rifles."

Solus chuckled at the card for double .557. The British always had the best sort of class and turn of phrase. He, however, passed the rifles by. He was probably his upbringing, but he couldn't see the point in break open rifles. He'd used too many semi-automatic and automatic rifles to get worked up over the break open variety. It was silly, but he almost felt as if it was horribly wrong to even wield one.

The pair of shotguns attracted his interest and held them. He leaned forward towards the case and peered amazing engravings. His tail wagged slowly at its tip as he marvelled at them. He craned his neck this way and that to get a look at the angles.

"You remember high school, and that job in Monaco where I bought the mansion?"

"Of course. That was when we had that huge party where you and KC had a rap-off. That was fun just seeing you trying to show him up in front of everyone else."

"Yeah..." Ryan's mind drifted off into one summer, when he was on assignment in Monaco. At his chateau, many of his friends came to visit, and there they had a party. He remembered rapping against Kevin, West Coast v. East Coast. His favorite song from the party, "Alwayz Into Somethin" By N.W.A.

OOC: Can I put lyrics here?

Charli too found herself fascinated by the pair of luxurious old shotguns. They had had been perfectly refurbished, as one would exprect from such a fine gunsmithing company as Holland and Holland. They were 12 guage and the write up on them did list the tiny flaws one might expect to find after a century of use.

The card read

"Royal Sidelock Hammerless Ejector"
Two and a half inch game guns, serial nmbers 25100 & 25101
completed in 1907".
This pair of guns are rounded body actions with magnificent special order game scene engraving. This, combined with the rare side safety make these the best pair of game guns in Australia.

Built for driven game, both barrels are twenty eight inches choked imp cyl to both barrels, boh barrels are in proof at .736.

The 25100 set has excellent bores except for a small ripple six inchs from muzzle on the right-hand barrel which was very minor. And the 25101 barrel set is in nintey percentcondition. Some very minor pits near the muzzle, the barrel also has some very slight movement on the front hinge pin. Taking into consideration the age of these two guns, these very minor blemishes are insignificant in regards to the overall condition of both guns.
The sales man, being British had far too much aplomb to give his first patrons of the cruise so much as a sideways look and with his hands in thin cotton gloves - as was standard when one was handling prices of art worth more than some homes - gently removed the guns from their case, setting them in felt padded frames so the couple could see them even more clearly. He then offered Solus ,and then Charli, their own pairs of the soft disposable cotton gloves from a box he pulled from under the counter.