NationStates Jolt Archive

Laughing aloud Carlos replies "Well rather than let you catch a cold and be sued for medical ignorance....But a suggestion like that...hmm I'll have to think on that rather long and hard I believe." winking at devon Carlos shakes his head and takes another sip from the glass.

"But yes those bikes are so much fun, I never get enough of them and what else did you find good about this motley and dusty realm i call my own?"

"Well, if you must know, you've been quite the gracious host, all ah ... earlier unpleasantries aside. I've never felt so pampered."

"I can see you have your people well under control - and admirable task. Your facilities are stunning. And I was impressed with NADOHS as well. That's quite an accomplishment." she said with a smile.

Treznor chooses a reclining chair, adjusting his robe for modesty's sake. "My dear, for your sake I'd brave a nest of rattlesnakes. With the appropriate precautions, naturally."

He lifts his glass toward Carlos. "Well, for starters I'm rather in awe of the efficiency you've established in this city. Everything seems to run like clockwork, suggesting a level of control I can still only aspire to. Your scotch is guaranteed on my import list as soon as I get home, and your taste in home decor is beyond reproach. Your military complex is dazzling in its sophistication and range, and your troops are clearly among the world elite.

"Shall I go on, or shall I continue to list your boundless virtues?"

Chuckling easily Carlos tilts his glass in salute "I'm afraid you've both discovered my weakness, compliments will get you every where with me and you would not believe the tireless attention to detail we have had to go through to get things to run so smoothly.

For example the work forces I spoke of with the re-education camps we are planning a complete regimentation of those work forces a mini-military if you will of people set to produce many things including war material. NADOHS yes is an impressive attraction of that facility, both technoligical wise and control wise, I wont be modest and say that facilitiy was my Idea...but it wasnt my father had a hand in all that you saw there. My troops yes they are trained to great effiency even though most are demobalised now in respect for our infantry drones..." chuckling he leans back and stretches his neck "Do forgive me all that standing and saluting...my neck just doesnt enjoy it"

"I'll keep that in mind, Devon ... could prove interesting someday." she joked, watching him get settled with an amused grin.

To Carlos, she said, "Ah well now ... we all have our little vanities. I suppose, though some, obviously well founded."

She finished her drink, and suprisingly, asked Carlos for a refil, holding her glass out with a smile.

"I figure I'll risk it - you were right, the both of you ... excellent stuff, this."

Smiling Carlos pours Nathi another drink and pours himself another "Yes, Yes it's a lovely make this perfectly made and perfectly done." chuckling at her other comments he sits back and swirls his drink around and looks out the window once more.

"A quick formality, when do you both wish to head out to the station? as you know the time frame is rather short but we have a few days before leaving becomes critical" smiling again he takes a long drink from his glass.

Treznor nurses his scotch, savouring the smooth bite. "I'd say no time like the present. I'm eager to see the thing, myself. If we can leave tomorrow, I'm all for it."

He winks at Nathicana. "You would find that amusing, wouldn't you? I'll make sure I've got the equipment ready, just in case you find an opportunity."

She nods in agreement. "Tomorrow would be fabulous. I've been looking forward to this ever since our discussions."

In resposnse to Devon's quip, she smiles slyly at him, taking a slow sip and eyeing him over the top of her glass, the challenge back in her eyes somewhat.

"Aye, I would that." she admits, thinking how she'd like to rake him over the coals for the shower incident - of course, it was entirely his fault.

"Though I must say, I think your 'equipment' is more than up to the task ... should the opportunity arise."

That was low. No need to toy more with the man's emotions ... even if he does still make it all too easy. Still, she did get a certain satisfaction from it. As usual.

smiling into his glass Carlos listen to their suggestive sparring and chortles again and nods "Fine then, tomrrow it will be my personal transport is ready to go when ever it'll be a rather long flight since I'm no where near getting any sort of scientist to look into jump capabilities unfortunately and for that I do apologise but once we get there, we'll have a 3 day time frame to tour the place, examine some things and rest before having to fly back lest we get stucl on the thing for a full orbit rotation and THAT would not be fun for either of you..."

Chuckling again Carlos finishes his drink and pours another and smiles up at his companions.

Her eyes lit up at the mention of travel and jumps, and she weighed her options.

"I don't relish the thought of being tucked away for two years myself, though I can think of worse companions to have in such a case."

"Carlos ... what would you say to an alternative method of transport? Hours instead of days, though it will mean a short plane ride to the Dominion."

Yes, this will give something up, but they're bound to find out eventually. Besides ... it's a good opportunity to do some showing off myself. Carlos has been entirely too smug about his advances.

-Double Post-

Rocking back in his seat Carlos almost drops his glass to the floor in surprise "Hours? my god woman I'd put you up for the medal of Valor if you did that for us..." blushing at such an outburst Carlos looks down at his drink "I would of course be able to bring a security detail?" looking cheeky he winks "Unless of course your planning asassinate me for my uh...actions earlier on TV"

Taking a deep drink to calm himself he looks back up "But if it's fine with Devon I would be honoured to take this alternative option to get there, we'd have more time to run see everything." nodding quickly Carlos looks over to Devon "What do ya say? take a ride with the dread lady?"

"Don't be silly, Carlos." Suddenly she was all business.

"Let me tell you first, I've room for only four, possibly five people, so take that into consideration. Believe for this leg of the trip, I'll drop off Marik - he has work to do back home that I've been keeping him from."

She looks to Devon expectantly, eyes alight with the prospect of a little competition. It was too much of a habit not to with him.

nodding Carlos looks around conspiratorily, "Well I guess I'm going to have to trust you not to dump me out of any airlocks along the way so I'll come along with nothing but myself and maybe some clothes." winking mischeviously.

Treznor grins at the innuendo and shrugs it off without comment. You know damned well how my "equipment" works, and what I do with it. Vixen. I swear I'll spank you for that one.

He chuckles and shakes his head gently when Nathicana makes her offer. "I'm game. You can show off your new toy, Nath. I'm surprised you tried to keep it a secret this long. I'll just point out that if Yvonne doesn't get to sit behind me, she'll cut off my ears and feed them to me when I get back. I'm in enough trouble for the motorcycle stunt earlier today." He tosses back the rest of the scotch in his glass and reaches for the bottle.

"I'd tell you more, Carlos, but that would spoil the surprise. Nath loves surprises, at least when she's the one behind them."

chuckling Carlos looks between the pair and smiles "Do tell me about the rest of that, Before I called you I missed out on some parts due to talking with my advisors about the events earlier?" Sitting forward again Carlos looks at the both of them an eager glint in his eyes. "Oh yes Yvonne I do hope I get to spend some more time with such a charming...adorable lady" chuckling Carlos winks at Devon.

Nathicana laughs softly at Devon's comment and shakes her head. "Afraid this is a two-seater model, boys. Although there are more seats in the back, and some standing room on the bridge. Once we've cleared the atmosphere, I assure you, it's a quick trip. Gravitic jump capabilities, and all - it truly shan't be a long trip. You two and Yvonne will have to figure out who takes shot-gun."

She grins impishly at them both. As for Carlos' comment ...

"Why ... nothing at all, my dear." she takes a slow sip of her drink, rather pleased that thus far, she's suffering no ill effects whatsoever from it. She shoots Devon a sly grin, feeling herself become aroused all over again thinking back to the whole bike incident.

Treznor nods to Nathicana. "So long as there's room for her to tag along, she can deal with the back seat. She just objects being left behind to mind the kids."

He smirks at Carlos. "You have my official permission to pursue Yvonne. Just don't break her, please. She's too damned good a security commander to turn her into an emotional wreck. I can't imagine how you'd break through the ice without resorting to physical restraints, but you're welcome to try."

At the question of their earlier escapades, Treznor laughs at Nathicana's answer. "Oh come on, it wasn't all that bad. I got lost looking for the firing range, so I decided to play tag with some of your security people trying to herd me. The next thing I know, there's another Bandit coming up on me at damned-near relativistic speeds. We stopped, squared off and played chicken. I sort of...lost."

He directs his gaze at Nathicana. "You've clearly been practicing since I saw you ride last, you little cheat." He winks to clue in that the last was intended to be a joke.

Grinning at Devon's comments on Yvonne he smiles "Oh I'm sure my daring and rakish charm will open her right up, it's definately something I'll pursue...but for a bit fo the trip I call shotgun! and ooh quite interesting, I'll have to get a full report from the PSS upon my return home after our tour.

I saw the little game of chicken I threatened my advisors with an introduction to some of my favorite poison tipped swords if they didnt shut up and funnily enough they did." chuckling with glee he smiles at the both of them and refills his finished drink.

"for our trip to the dominion might I suggest one of my supersonic class presidential aircraft? I only use them for official government business but they make trips quite short." looking at the both of them he smiles gleefully.

"Sort of lost ... that's one way to put it." she said, grinning impishly. "And yes of course. Practicing," she said idly, giving him a sly wink.

"Devon, you're terrible. The things you say about that dear woman. Tsk ... I'm suprised she hasn't taken you to task for it yet."

She ponders for a moment, then answers Carlos. "Why not you both take turns, hmm? Devon here up, yourself back? Would work out well, I think ... and give you a bit of that time with Yvonne you seem to want." she said with a smile.

I think that woman is entirely capable of chewing him up and spitting him out with no problem whatsoever. I hope for his sake he watches himself. she thinks with an inner chuckle.

"I think your ride sounds great, Carlos - the quicker the better. And if I know you, it'll be in the lap of luxury."

Smiling brightly at that Idea Carlos nods "Works for me, I'll close the door so you two can have ah some...privacy" grinning impishly at the hidden suggestion there Carlos winks at them both. "Luxury oh yes quite luxurious, Tell me Nathi how long have you had this little toy your eager to show off?"

"Yes, I lost. I ended up on my ass leaving a trail of leather on the road behind me, and you stayed up like a rock. I still say you cheated; I just don't know how." He grins.

"Carlos, you can try all the daring and rakish charm you want. Just watch out for the knife in her left boot. She's a southpaw, and she fights really dirty. I don't know who taught her, but I want to hire him.

"As for shotgun, I'm easy. So long as I get a seat with a view at some point, I'm happy."

Chuckling Carlos takes a long drink of his scotch "Knives, oh my lord a fiesty and steel one, I will try my best to not leave any blood on the seats." grinning impishly Carlos once more stands up and looks out over the balcony "You know I've yet to really see the stars all this political manuevering and I'm yet to leave the atmosphere. I envy the people that do these things and handle trips into space frequently....." shaking his head Carlos looks intently at the skylines where fires still burn.

And I need to find more things out about the pair I've gotten tangled up in....

Treznor nods sympathetically as he fetches another drink. "I never really thought about them, before. I've got too much going on down dirtside to really want to see the stars, yet. The thing is, getting to the stars requires some really fantastic technology, and that sort of thing has all sorts of spinoffs for the ground. That's why I'm helping to fund Reploid Productions' space ventures. They get help into space and I get to take advantage of their research. Everybody wins."

Okay, I think I'm starting to ramble. I'm not used to getting drunk this fast. Damned good stuff, this scotch.

She gives Devon a curious look, but chuckles. "Cheat? Me? I'm wounded. When have you ever known me to cheat, boy?"

Nathicana actually blinks at the blood reference from Carlos however.

Gods, man.

However, she puts on a smile, and pats the couch.

"Come sit down, Carlos. Relax a bit ... take your mind off things. The night is young, the bottle still quite full, and we're all, dare I say, in excellent company."

Chuckling Carlos looks back at the two sitting down and moves to sit back down next to Nathicana "For me though, getting to the stars has been one of my most passionate adventures, that and finnaly ruling this empi..errr country it's something I've dreamed of since I was a little boy..." suddenly catching his ramblings Carlos looks up again "quite the scotch eh Devon? "

Nathi smiles, letting the slip go, and stands up to retrieve the bottle ... reminding herself to wobble slightly.

She refills each glass in turn, starting with Carlos, and ending with Devon, giving him a little smile.

I'd give a lot to be able to know what you're thinking right now, Dev ... I truly would.

Treznor makes a show of pondering thoughtfully. "Hmm...probably any time you thought it would give you an edge, Red." He grins and takes another drink. "One of the best things I learned from you: always look for the unexpected. It's even better if you're the one behind it."

He toasts Carlos cheerfully. "Here's to following your dreams. I'm gonna have a bitch of a headache in the morning, but it's worth it. Great stuff."

He watches Nathicana wobble and shakes his head slightly.

Poor girl. Always was a lightweight. Never had the guts to take advantage of it, though. I knew she'd skin me and hang me out for the crows. Things are different now, though. She's not the Minister, and I'm not one of her agents. Oh, Red. If only you knew.

smiling slightly Carlos toasts with Devon and takes a drink "Dreams are there for the taking and headaches too." winking at Devon he chuckles as he spies Nathi's slight wobble and chuckles "Scotch, ahh my dear you need to drink more of this, shall put hair on yer chest!" grinning impishly Carlos winks at nathi.

Not that anything should be allowed to ruin such a wonderful body as yours dear Nathicana. Oh I envy you Devon such a fiery one she is.

"All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers." she quotes, nodding thoughtfully. "Though you can keep your bloody headaches, thank you very much." she says grimmacing slightly.

"I'm going to pay for this tomorrow, I'm afraid. And hair? Gods, man, in that case, allow me to partake of the wine instead!" she retrieves that bottle as well, taking it back to her seat with an extra glass.

Just how much can I drink before ... she ponders quietly. Take it easy girl ... perhaps a switch to the wine wouldn't be amiss after all.

Laughing loudly, Carlos stands sways slightly and retrieves two more glasses for himself and Devon. "Wine, aah yes the wine here is quite good too though I'm more inclined to like the wine I had at your office Devon" grinning slightly Carlos sets the glasses down and finishes his scotch.

"Can't blame me for that one," Treznor says happily, squinting at the label of the wine bottle. "My soil can't grow a decent grape. Treznor wines are pure piss, bar none. You were drinking a Fomentini from the Dominion. I have a few suppliers in Nathicana's capital whom I make rich a couple of times a year."

"I'd like to think we rather have the best," she says proudly. "Your tastes haven't changed much over the years, Dev."

She gave him a look that left no doubt of the double meaning there, as she opened up the wine.

"May as well go for broke." she chuckles, pouring into the three glasses. "I'll trust you both to be ah ... gentlemanly?" she says, a truly wicked smile taking in the both of them. "I doubt very much I can keep up with you ... in this particular contest, at least." she nods at the bottles.

Chuckling Carlos grins "I promise we'll only tie your hands up my dear" winking he takes his glass with a nod of thanks and takes a sip and grimmaces "Hmmm, if you dont mind I'll stick to my scotch."

Treznor accepts the dark, blood-red wine and sips it gratefully. "It's certainly a shock after the scotch. More of a dessert wine, I think."

He winks slyly at Nathicana. "I've acquired new tastes, but you're right. Many of my old obsessions still drive me. Some have just become harder to get than others."

Dropping all pretense of drunkeness for a moment, her brow shoots up at Carlos' remark.

"I assure you, my dear, that if there is any tying up to be done, it shan't be me on the recieving end." Her eyes glitter dangerously for a moment. The recent reminders of her past with Devon don't help matters.

She takes a long drink from her wineglass, not blinking, draining a good half of it as she calms herself somewhat.

Oh for chrissake, he was joking. I think. Let it go.

At Devon's comment, she grows thoughtful again.

"Well, nothing worth having comes easy, they say." she quips. The wine has settled in with a comfortable warm sensation that soon spreads.

I think I just reached the limits of my little helper ... dammit. Not good timing.

Chuckling quietly at Nathi's remark Carlos pours himself another glass of scotch and winks at Nathi "My dear I was kidding I would never dream of doing that I am much too the gentleman to even think of putting you in that position." Smiling slyly he takes a long drink of his scotch and sits back.

well, there's one way to push the buttons in the right order....

Treznor nods sharply. "Damned straight. I've been planning for years, and I'm still only partway where I want to be." Then he beams happily. "I'm seeing some recent progress, though. It's true, Carlos. Dreams can come true."

There we go ... he's loosening up. After what all he let slip earlier when sober ... She decides, against her better judgement, to play a bit of hardball with the man.

Before the wine has a chance to truly go to her head, she rises gracefully, albeit wobbling for effect, and walks over to Devon with a mischievous smile. Draping an arm around his neck, she settles down on his lap, wriggling her hips slightly to get comfortable.

"Only partway there? And progress, my dear? What longstanding project would this be, I wonder?" she says. "And I thought I had my operatives keeping a close eye on all your important efforts. You'll have to share more on these dreams of yours. Carlos has ... it's your turn."

She takes a sip of her wine, tilting her head expectantly as she looks at him.

Watching with half an eye Carlos shakes his head and pours himself another drink of scotch and sits back and chuckles "I dont think there's much a man can think of in that position..." winking at Devon Carlos sits back and smiles behind his glass

Treznor stares in shock as Nathicana climbs into his lap.

Oh my gods! What the hell is she doing? Is she going to jump me right here in the chair? Damn, it feels so good. He moans slightly, squirming in his seat.

I never had the nerve to take advantage of her this way. I never imagined she'd take advantage of me!

Then Carlos' observation hits him like a splash of cold water.

She's doing this deliberately! The bitch!

I'm drunk. A lot more drunk than I thought I was. She's cheating again. I never expected this.

He suddenly pulls her in close and plants a strong, hard kiss on her lips. "Now now, my little vixen. You don't get a little unless you give a little. I'm not that drunk. Yet."

But gods, I almost was. I almost told her.

She enjoys his reaction as she sits down, smiling even more.

The only warning she has is the slight change in his eyes before he kisses her. Her eyes fly open wide, and she lets out a little noise of suprise, resisting at first ... but returns the kiss, albeit more reservedly.

Nathi looks at him with an unreadable expression as she absentmindedly licks her lips.

Taking the glass from his hand, she brings it to his lips.

"Well then," she says softly, "That is something we shall have to remedy."

Clearing his throat Carlos speaks up "If you wish some privacy I can of course leave......" finishing his drink he stands to leave the room chuckling to himself.

Treznor grins, winks at Nathicana and places a feathery light kiss on her lips before lifting her up and out of his lap.

"No, Carlos. Stay. This is a conversation that's been waiting for several years; it can wait a few more days. It's not fair for us to settle old grudges with you caught in the middle."

Hearing Carlos, she gives a start, pulling back and nearly spilling both drinks.

She blushes furiously, accepting Devon's kiss and his subsequent removal without comment, though something in her eyes promises he would pay for taking the first move to withdraw, later.

"Please, I didn't mean to offend. As he said ... old scores."

She put no special emphasis on any of it, though her look spoke volumes. Walking slightly unsteadily over to Carlos, she puts an arm around his waist, leaning in and pressing against him a bit more than is proper, and smiles pleasantly. "Lets go back to the couch, shall we? I think the future would be a much more appropriate thing to discuss than the past."

Hearing their comments Carlos stops and looks down into his glass flinching when nathi puts her arm around his waist he looks up quickly and smiles to hide shock and the tensing of his back. "Certainly my dear the future is always something worth talking about" Stumbling slightly Carlos corrects himself and chuckles again "Whoops, seems the drinks are better than expected." sitting back down on the couch he looks up at nathi and over at Devon and shrugs innocently.

Easy boy, nobody is going to stab you in the back and a bit more of the act drink wise will ease them up a bit more

Treznor picks up his glass again as Nathicana pulls Carlos toward the couch and sips it reflectively.

What did she mean by that? She's not nearly as drunk as she'd like me to believe. That was too slick, too deliberate. So much for being a lightweight.

I thought I was seeing progress. Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. She could still try to kill me without warning.

Probably why I still want her so damned much.

Ignoring the throbbing in his body, he wrenches his mind back to the present and gallantly picks up the pieces of the conversation. "So, Carlos. What kind of quarters will we be assigned onboard?"

Very slick, Devon ... nice recovery, as always.

She sits down on the couch next to Carlos, a hand resting on his thigh in what seems to be an absentminded manner.

"Yes, do tell us some more about what to expect up there? I doubt the quarters will be anything to match the luxurious accomodations here, but then, truly, I don't need much in the way of creature comforts."

She pointedly avoided looking at Devon, instead, focusing all her attention on Carlos.

Patting Nathi's hand he smiles and looks between the pair of them "well your right accomodations will be a tad small and less...furnished than this but only because space is a thing we dont have excess of up there. Gravity well we disocered some ideas for rotating parts behind the walls of the station thus it's entirely circular shape gravity will be different per module but nothing severe we dont think.

There is a huge agriculture section, station command, research areas and the civillian and scientist living quarters the hanger is inthe center with lifts going to each section indepenantly and shuttle's in each section.

It should be an interesting time even if it's a tad cramped."

Taking a long drink of his scotch he chuckles and stares into his glass "I just wish my father was here to see it, the project started under him and finished under me......" sighing he looks up and smiles weakly.

"I'm sure it will be more than adequate, Carlos. I've been looking forward to this for a while now. Sounds fascinating." she says sincerely.

At the mention of his father, and his reaction, she turns over her hand to give his hand a squeeze.

"I'm sorry, Carlos. It must have been difficult for you. I heard it was not ... pleasant."

Her face shows concern, even as she prods gently for information.

Smiling slightly and squeezing Nathi's hand in reply to her actions he looks up and whispers quietly "A stroke, he had a stroke and died in hospital they did an autopsy on him and found traces of an unknown agent in his body someone poisoned him in our very house, and me the great military general the reason the invasion was halted...I couldnt even protect him...." sniffling slightly Carlos looks down as tears well in his eyes.

"I..I must apologise my father was everything to me, taught me as much about who I am as how to rule a nation and....I feel I failed him, but yes I hope you will be pleased with the station."

Staring at the floor Carlos drinks his scotch and shivers slightly.

Nathicana was unsure of how to proceed. She had no such emotions or experiences to draw on - she didn't remember much of her parents, nor had she cared that much about familial ties until recently. She could see from his reaction that she was correct on one point - such ties only served to complicate issues.

"I'm sure he would be proud of what you've accomplished." she said consolingly.

Oh of course he would be ... insane rhetoric, bookburnings, and mad public rantings aside. she couldn't help but think with some sarcasm. No wonder he's so imbalanced - whether Devon believes it or not.

Smiling slightly and patting her hand again Carlos looks up "Thank you, means alot to me to hear that said." reaching out he takes the wine bottle and offer to refill her glass as he fills his now empty glass.

I dont think she fully bought it, but hey aslong as they keep guessing I'm all for their sympathies. Stupid old fool, try and take from me what I wanted....

As if changing a channel Carlos' attitude switches back to some where between uphoric and mellow and continues to speak. "Tell me my dear Nathi, what other interesting achievments have you sprung up with recently? I am always eager to hear other's successes and advances."

Why that slick sonofa ... that was scripted, I'd stake my life on it. The thought became uncomfortable when she realizes getting in too deep, or putting a foot wrong could very well cause her to do just that.

She had to actually think for a moment before responding, and she tried to cover under the guise of going over a list, ticking off on her fingers as she looked away. A sure sign the alcohol was taking an effect.

Don't slip up any more than you already have here.

"Well, there's the breakthrough in our biology sector for a new more hardy and disease resistant wheat ... should increase yields by twenty percent, at least." she began, laying out her weakest card first.

"In addition, our scientists have been making headway in the genetics field. It is my understanding that they are close to successfully mapping some of the genes that cause certain birth defects. I'm hoping to hear positive news in the near future."

And I think we shan't discuss some of the more colorful paths that research has taken ... after all, I do believe in encouraging imaginitive thought.

"Of course, as you know, our admission into the Triumvirate of Yut was a large step for us, in addition to being our only official alliance treaty. I feel it was a good move for us." She couldn't help but feel pride in that ... and she was careful to put a slight emphasis on 'official', hoping to at least have them wondering on who she might be referring to.

Damn fine group of individuals there. Still wondering what they were thinking, welcoming me so with open arms.

"In addition, I recently got word that our space fleet is well under way, and should be completed in an incredibly short amount of time. The Angelans are extremely efficient. Thirty ships in all ... a rather impressive leap, I'd say," she said, intentionally decreasing the size of the fleet by more than half. No need to lay all her cards out, but if this was time for bragging rights, she damn well wanted to look good.

"Dominion civilians and military personnel have already arrived on the WorldDisc to take up residence and begin their training. My minister assures me it is all is going smoothly there."

She sipped her wine daintily in between the pauses, watching the both for reactions, though seemingly relaxed and unconcerned. The alcohol however, true to form, lessened the effect.

Covering shock and suprise by takinga long drink of his scotch Carlos nods as Nathi lists off developments. My god, if she keeps this up, she'll out number my fleet completely, I must get the shipyards back on order and begin deploying those ships already built.

Smiling at Nathi Carlos replies "well I must say that is quite the impressive list I would greatly love to take a peek at some of the things you've gotten and the Triumvirate not a bad achievment at all, quite the envious one at that...." letting his comment trail off Carlos finishes off yet another drink and slowly starts to feel the effects of the scotch Sigh it took much more than this to get me drunk oh so few years ago

Patting Nathi's hand again he looks over at Devon and smiles "What do you say my dear friend, she's clearly getting a name for herself."

Stretching langorously and looking quite pleased with herself, she swings her feet up onto the couch, snuggling back against Carlos somewhat with her back towards him.

She casts a sly look over her shoulder as she says, "Why thank you, dear. I'm quite pleased with our progress, having always been one for instant gratification, when possible." She works her neck in a slow circle, as if to hint that her muscles are stiff. "And speaking of instant gratification ... do be a dear and help me out? I'm afraid my stunt with the bikes this morning has thrown something out."

Smug bastard. she thinks, mentally casting darts at Devon. You're not the only man in the room after all, history notwithstanding. She knew damn well this was a game she and Devon used to play, and how it invariably ended. If I can't have an admission, I'll settle for a reaction.

It was the drink talking, and part of her knew this was foolish, at best, but the petty side of her wanted to see Devon's reaction. And the selfish side truly did want a back rub, but wasn't willing to ask him for it, especially not in front of their host, after he'd made her look like some high-school girl with a crush on her teacher who's just been told she'll have to wait til she's older to play like that. Damn the man!

Tensing slightly again Carlos forces himself to relax and chuckles silently "Of course my dear, I would be honoured to repay a problem caused by my own toys...." Finishing his drink Carlos sets the empty glass down and rests his hands on Nathi's neck and begins to slowly but firmly massage her neck and shoulders.

"I trust nothing else requires attention from those bikes? lest I begin writing a formal complain to miss Firefury at reploid productions for selling me such uncomfortable machines" Carlos says quietly as he ministers the massage.

Easy boy, keep your guard up you've had alot to drink more so than usual so watch yourself territory you havent been in for....too long now.

Looking quietly over at Devon for any sort of reaction Carlos keeps up the massage and smiles softly to himself.

She sighs contentedly, closing her eyes and enjoying the attention.

He's jumpier than I am. Then again, were I in his position, I probably would be too.

"Oh, no, no ... nothing whatsoever wrong with the bikes." she murmurs. "It was my own fault ... pushed myself a bit too hard today I think. That's quite a lot of power to have between one's legs, after all. It took some managing with the manoevers I put it through."

She felt smug at that, thinking once more back to days past when there had been no question just who was on top in any given situation ... metaphorically speaking, at least.

Nathi stetches slightly again, smiling for a number of reasons. "You've got rather talented hands there, Carlos." she says, giving Devon a sidelong glance as the massage continues. "Thank you. Now ... when do you all want to leave tomorrow?"

Blushing slightly Carlos continues to massage her neck and shoulders "Of course, it's sometimes a challenge to mount a beast bigger than expected but still the fun is always there." continuing the massage Carlos chuckles quietly.

"as for a time, whenever you pair are ready to leave is fine by me, I usualy wake up around 6am to do morning paperwork and visitations with selected citizens......I can leave anytime you wish my dear"

Continuing the massage Carlos smiles again and looks to Devon "What do you think good friend?"

Treznor sits in his chair watching Nathicana turn on the charm with Carlos. He notes the glances they give him, almost as if they expect him to fly into a jealous rage. This amuses him to no end, and he's not as effective at keeping the smug look off his face as he might think.

Hey, she's married but it isn't to me. You demonstrated a long time ago that you bestow your affections when and where you will, Red. If I hadn't learned that years ago, I wouldn't be here now. Besides, I know you think he's a raving lunatic, and he's been very effective at reinforcing that notion. Still, it's flattering of you to try to make me jealous. You wouldn't do that if you didn't care.

As Nathicana lists her most recent accomplishments, he nods with satisfaction as she confirms what his intelligence has already told him. At the news of the fleet, he freezes.

Dammit, at least thirty ships? What kind, with what capabilities? Could she slag me from orbit? I don't have anything capable of touching them. Gods, how in the world am I going to respond to that?

I have no presence in space. How can I get intel when I can't even lift myself off the planet? It looks like I'm going to have to shift my plans a bit after all. If she moves her interests offworld, I'll have no way to keep an eye on her.

He drains the wine, aware of the danger he's putting himself in and resolving to keep his mouth shut. When Carlos mentions the early start, he nods. "I can probably hire a forklift for that hour. So long as I can sleep on the way to the Dominion, that should be fine."

He glances at his watch. "At least I won't worry about flying with a hangover. At six, I should still be drunk."

That seemed to catch his attention at least. she thought, with no small amount of irritation, as his smug expression froze at the mention of her fleet. Cool as ever, boy ... cool as ever.

She reached up to pat Carlos on the hand, again thanking him as she stretched, and gingerly got to her feet. This time, the wobble came on its own. She pointedly put down her glass without taking another sip.

"Well, if it's to be an early start of it, I suggest we at least try and get some rest? I'd hate to flub the jump tomorrow." she says with a chuckle, then turns to Devon.

"If your head isn't up to a car ride ... I noticed several rooms here that look nearly as comfortable as this one. I'm certain Yvonne could be notified, and some of your things brought over, or we could stop by your place in the morning. Whatever works for you. Carlos - I realize this is your place and you can do what you will, but I'll make the offer all the same to you as well. We've got quite the trip ahead of us tomorrow - I'll be glad of the plane ride myself, I'll warrant."

Her tone, nor her expression seemed anything but friendly yet buisnesslike. Her eyes however, show some confusion ... not to mention being a bit glassy.

Does it matter? You know he wants you. And you know you enjoy the attention as much as you enjoy tormenting him. Damn, she hated these arguments with herself, especially lately. Neither side seemed to be winning many.

Treznor stands up quickly, almost falling over in the process. It's clear he knows he's drunk, but he hasn't a clue just how drunk he's become.

"I think," he says with slow deliberation, like a man trying very hard to make himself understood. "I shall err on the side of discretion and retire to my own bed. Carlos, you've been a wonderful host. Nath, you're beautiful as always. I hope you both sleep well and avoid the hangover I know I'm going to suffer in the morning."

He begins to walk toward the door, forgetting which way to the exit and wanders into a water closet. Never one to pass up a convenient opportunity, he takes the time to relieve himself in the toilet. After he washes up and makes sure he won't embarrass himself, he steps out of the door again.

"Okay, who moved the front door?"

She can't help but stifle a chuckle ... and a warm one at that.

Waiting patiently, she walks over to him when he steps out, adjusts his robe so that he's better covered, and puts an arm around him to help keep him steady.

"Boy, I don't think you're in any shape. I truly don't." she says softly. "Truce, at least for the night? I promise I'll behave." She pauses a moment, then continues.

"Besides ... it's not dignified to be seen going about in a borrowed bathrobe in public whilst on a state visit." she says with a smile. "But as always ... suit yourself."

chuckling to himself Carlos stands and sways on his feet, his eyes glinting distantly "The limo is outside, It can take you home Devon, I on the other hand feel like taking a walk look at some of the things my people are doing and see their reactions to some things....of course the moment i step out the door my security teams will be all over me" sighing with irritation Carlos walks slowly towards the door wobbling slightly on his feet.

"Be safe, Carlos ... I know they're an irritation, but ... all things considered, a neccessary one. I'm glad we were able to relax, away from that for at least a moment. And think - on board the Tempest, you can do so again. After all, there isn't the rush home now, is there?" she smiles at him.

Aye, be safe ... would simply not do to have something unfortunate happen to you while we're here.

chuckling Carlos pat's nathi on the back as he walks past, "Indeed it was good, I must thank you some time properly for such an enjoyable evening, but for now I bid you both a good night, The Limo will take you home Devon when ever...." smirking ruefully Carlos opens the door and walks out stumbling slightly on the steps as he goes.

Tomorrow a plane trip, a quick peek unofficialy into Dominion life styles then an attempt to find out more about this spaceship and gravitic jump systems...... smiling absently he turns towards a palace not far off and walks slowly enjoying the smells of his city and the silent caress of the night time skies.

Devon sways again and leans unsteadily. "I accept the truce, but I should still get back to the others. I'm still very drunk, and here there be dragons."

He waves happily to Carlos. "Enjoy your walk, my friend. We'll see you in the morning."

He pauses for a moment longer before patting Nathicana on the back. "I'm even more drunk than I thought. I totally forgot about my clothes. Where'd they go, again?"

She arches a brow at his comments, but leads him back to the bathroom. Without comment, she helps him back into his clothes, no teasing for a change.

After getting him put back together, she takes a look, nodding in approval.

"I think you're set. Let me help you out to the car."

She has a slight wobble to her balance, but nothing like his. "Gods, what a pair we make, eh Dev?" she chuckles softly.

"Thanks," Treznor mumbles, fighting to stay alert.

Don't let your guard down. Not now. You've barely survived the evening as it was. But gods, I've put her through hell. How can I apologise?

He stumbles down to the limo with Nathicana, not registering how easily she supports him in his weakness. He collapses against the side of the limousine and turns around to engulf her in a hug. "I'm sorry about tonight. I am. I didn't mean to do that to you. It wasn't fair. We really do need to talk, but this isn't the time or the place for it. I still think you might be in danger, and I couldn't bear it if..."

He trails off, muttering incoherently. The last thing that can be made out before he begins to snore is "If only you'd waited, Red."

Her face pales as the words come tumbling out of him, and she shakes her head slighlty in denial, doubting he'll even register it. That last glass of wine had hit him hard. Even so, she embraces him lightly, patting him on the back, not having the words to respond or make him stop.

She feels her stomach knot in a cold lump as she realizes what he's trying to tell her. By his last comment, her eyes are closed tightly, refusing to let out the tears that are threatening to fall.

Nathi stands there for a moment, holding him effortlessly.

"Oh jeezus, Dev ... "

She reaches up with her hand and scrubs at the tears. Waving off the chaufer, she opens up the door and gently lays him down on one of the seats. She climbs in as well, sitting at the far end of the same seat, and drawing his head and shoulders up onto her lap. She fusses, making certain he's as comfortable as possible, then signals the driver to take them to his palace.

Nathi rode along in silence, her left arm draped over him protectively, and her right propped on the armrest, her fingertips idly running through his meticulously cut hair.

There were no easy answers to the dilema. And she was suprised at the emotions he'd managed to bring to the surface. And angry. And felt a slew of other feelings, half of which she wasn't certain how to classify.

She felt a rush of relief as they pulled up to the palace where he was staying, and the driver came around and opened the door.

Slipping carefully out from under him, she climbed out, gently pulled him to where his legs were hanging out. Leaning in, she scooped him up, careful not to knock his head on the doorframe, then shrugged him up over her shoulder, as gently as could be managed. She wobbled slightly, cursing having drunk too much, and made her way usteadily to the door, casting warning glances at the security detail that was eyeing her closely.

The Treznor security officers glance at each other nervously, unsure of how to proceed. On the one hand they had strict orders from the Emperor himself to keep away when it came to Nathicana. On the other hand, she had their Emperor casually draped over her shoulder as she approached the door. Faced with conflicting duty, they hesitated for a moment before stepping up and addressing her politely.

"May we help you, Lady?"

Their consternation is not helped when she shoulders them aside, kicks open the door without pausing and marches inside.

The shorter officer looks at his companion and shrugs.

"I guess not."

Figuring the layout of the palace must be similar, she makes her increasingly unsteady way, towards his bedroom.

Seeing a rather strking woman wearing a crisp Treznor uniform suddenly appear in her path, she scowls at her, moving to brush past without a word as she had the others.

"Yes, Yvonne, he's fine," she growls, reaching for the doorknob.

Leaving the Palace far behind Carlos wanders aimlessly through the streets watching the stars and ignoring his security guards, stumbling slightly he spies a group of Citizens outside an all night cafe talking and laughing.

Walking up to them they look over and suddenly jump to their feet and bow respectfully smirking Carlos walks over "Easy good people, i'm not in official uniform I'm just a man walking the streets sit sit please" sitting down at the table Carlos looks up at the people as they slowly take their seats.

"Tell me what did you think of the performances earlier?" smiling Carlos orders a strong coffee and listens intently as the citizens describe the pride they felt and honour at seeing such a wonderous occasion play out in their own country let alone city laughing at the right points Carlos enjoys the interaction immensly sitting back listening to them talk he contemplates deeply. This is why I do this, my people they fear me, they love me they worship me all in one scared to express their opinions but willing to give them anyway aaah if only Devon and Nathi could see what such activities bring these people they wouldnt be so quick to be angry. Eyes glinting dangerously Carlos runs his fingertips up and down the arm of a rather attractive young lady and smiles.

"You all seem so...bursting with delight this fine night why wate it sitting at this place? you could be out enjoying the people of the city, enjoying companionship of fine suitors...." smiling at the young lady who blushes Carlos leans forward and whipsers "If for once you gave up the belief that I was better than everyone, I would show you how much pleasure comes from being with me my dear..." getting up Carlos nods to them all and walks off stumbling slightly and thinking of what it would be like to lay in that woman's arms and prove to her how glorious his attention could be.....

Walking a few more blocks the palace targetted for his sleep in sight Carlos stops and sits down looking straight up he spies a star moving slowly through the night. "Look lieutenant! a satellite! one of ours perhaps? such glorious nights we get out here...." falling over Carlos laughs loudly as his guards attempt to help him stand up.

Finnaly getting back to his feet Carlos walks along and spies a man walking quickly in the opposite direction passing a light Carlos snaps his fingers and two guards move off silently to catch this man as Carlos saunters along he hears the sounds of violence a man being beaten into submission chortling silently he picks up his pace and rounds the corner to see the spectacular site of a man kneeling before his two guards trying to ward off blows. "You why are you running from me?" walking around the front he spies the reason the man is wearing the identifying patch of an Um Lizaa citizen "You run because your not a native? foolish of you little man? what is in your pockets eh? stolen some poor person's things? stealing from the enlightened to further your vermin cause?" spitting on the man Carlos kicks him in the stomach and proceeds to beat him harshly out of contempt for the man "Foolish little vermin you should know better! A curfew will be in place on your people for this! your lucky I dont kill you and your family for dirtying my streets with your criminal ways!" kicking the man into unconciousness Carlos is restrained by his guards.

"My Führer leave him, he is but a theif the PSS will arrest him look we have called them already, come let us go home you need rest...." soothing Carlos down the guard pulls him along to the Palace where they enter silently and allow Carlos to get changed and climb into bed as he drifts off he hears the words of his people chanting earlier that night. "Hail The Führer Long live the Empire!"

Yvonne stared at the sight of Nathicana holding her Emperor casually over one shoulder with a mixture of fear, concern and anger.

What happened to him? Is he all right? How dare he let this happen while I wasn't there!

"Yes, Yvonne, he's fine," Nathicana growls as she reaches for a doorknob.

Yvonne jumps slightly. Am I that obvious? Too stunned to speak, she follows Nathicana in the room. As they approach the palatial bed, she finds her voice. "Here, let me. It's my job."

Nathi begins to turn back with a scathng reply ... but then has a thought. She turns back to the bed, holding Devon steady with one hand while turning back the bedsheets with the other. She gently lays him down on the bed, then nods to Yvonne.

"Here," she says much more gently than she had planned, tugging at Devon's boots. "It's nothing more than a late evening with fellow diplomats, and too much scotch." she assures the woman.

"You know, it wouldn't kill you to be a little less cold around the man. He doesn't bite ... much."

Her intel on the woman showed how devoted she was to him. Perhaps now would be a good time to see just how devoted.

Yvonne stops in her tracks once again, shocked into immobility.

Did she just say...how dare she! What does she know about me? She has no right!

Her face flushes angrily and he opens her mouth for a retort, but remembering her orders she closes it again without comment. Instead, she steps forward and wrestles off the remaining boot on her Emperor's feet as if she were trying to subdue a crocodile.

Treznor kicks in his sleep, mumbles something and rolls over without waking up.

"Gods, girl ... have a care!" she says, laying a hand firmly on Yvonne's arm.

"If you're going to be mad at someone, be mad at me. It's a good deal my fault he's in this state." she grumbles, gently removing his shirt. "Man's been through it tonight. Cut him some slack."

Yvonne steps back, takes a deep breath and nods sharply. "I apologise, Lady. It's just that he's my responsibility, and his life has been put in danger once before, so..."

She trails off, unsure if she's said to much already. Instead she focuses on pulling the socks off his feet a bit more gently than before.

"Only once? My dear, I could tell you stories to put your hair on end about how many times this man's life has been in danger ... a good deal of those from me." she chuckles, tugging at his belt buckle.

"But go on ... tell me about this one." she prompts.

Yvonne shakes her head sharply and removes the other sock. She starts to reach for Treznor's belt, then stops and begins to prep a blanket to cover him.

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. It's not my place."

"As you wish." she says, dismissing it, and skillfully tugging Devon's pants off him, taking care not to disturb him overmuch.

Changing topics abruptly, she begins folding the clothes into neat packets, as is her habit. "You care for him, don't you? And don't give me the line about your job."

She stacks them on a waiting chair, and tilting her head over at the sleeping man. "It's alright, dear. He's not going to remember a thing. And I very much doubt he'll be asking me tomorrow about it either."

Yvonne shrugs noncommittally. "He's my Emperor. Before he came along, we were in chaos. Backward. Starving. To call us 'third-world' would have been a kindness. Our leaders were so filled with corruption and vice it wasn't possible to walk the streets safely without armed escort. My father...disappeared during that time. We think he was hurt, but the kids at school said he just ran off with another woman.

"Emperor Treznor changed all that. He appeared from nowhere, stepped in and imposed order. He executed those who were oppressing us. He gave us industry and new technologies to make people take notice of us. He gave us pride as a people for the first time in living memory. We became more than just another collection of individuals squabbling for a piece of the pie, we became a nation."

She pauses and looks fondly at the sleeping form. "We took his name in his honour. He isn't one of us by birth, but his blood is now ours. He represents everything that makes us proud, and we'll follow him anywhere. That's why I joined the service, and why I accepted a place in the Guard. I never dreamed I would be picked to lead his personal security, but by the gods I will not make him regret it!"

She looks up at Nathicana with a hard look. "Not for any reason."

"You've got backbone, I'll give you that." she replies, obviously dismissing the look. "I don't know what he told you about me, but you're the only one who doesn't seem to fall over themselves trying to make sure they don't offend."

Tilting her head to the side, Nathi smiles. "I like that."

She walks over to the bed again, pulling the covers up over Devon. Her brow furrows for a moment as she watches him sleeping there.

"He looks so innocent, doesn't he?" she muses aloud. "So peaceful laying there." She leans down and kisses his cheek, then steps back to look at Yvonne, a considering look on her face.

"I think he's rather fond of you as well." she says. "Can't think of anyone else he'd let get away with some of the things you do. And he's made comments ..." she trails off, then shakes her head as if deciding not to go on.

"Regardless, he's not the sort to take what isn't freely offered. Damn shame, girl ... I think he could use some comforting after tonight."

Yvonne ignores the comment about backbone, and watches Nathicana protectively as she hovers over Treznor's body.

Unbidden, she feels a flush of pride creep over her face as Nathicana describes Treznor's respect of her.

Does she really mean that? What did he say about me? The way she treats him now, is that what this has been about? Are they lovers? She pushes down the knot of tension that begins to rise in her throat. Is that why the Emperor always warned us about her?

She frowns suspiciously. "Why? What happened tonight?"

Nathicana gives Devon a sympathetic look, then turns her head back to Yvonne.

"Well, I ... " she seems to hesitate, as if unsure of how to proceed. "He's an old friend. We had an altercation, long before he came to power here, and as a result, grew apart over the years. It's been good to talk about old times while on this trip - to catch up, discuss what we hope for our futures ... " She paused again, looking over the other woman.

"Perhaps it isn't really my place to say this ..." she bit her lower lip, looking over to Devon, then back to Yvonne.

Seeming to make a decision, she nods her head slightly. "He's alone, Yvonne. What he wants seems to be out of his reach. You can see for yourself the result." She nods her head in the direction of the bed, emphasising his drunken state. "He's not a man who likes to admit his feelings. I think it took a lot out of him to do so."

She walked over to the woman, albeit a touch unsteadily, and gently laid an hand on her shoulder, pausing as she prepared to pass her.

"I need to go. We've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow. But, at least think about what I said. For his sake, at least."

Nathi cast one last sympathetic look in Devon's direction, patted Yvonne on the shoulder, and left, quietly shutting the door behind her.

You manipulative bitch. she thought to herself, walking as briskly as she could manage out of there and to the waiting limo. She didn't like the thought of what tomorrows conversation might bring if things progressed as she hoped they would, but she reasons, it is for his own good. And hers, unless she totally misread the girl.

The ride back was uneventful. She made her way back to her bedroom, stripped down, and slid between the sheets, settling in for a restless night plagued by dreams of past, present, and future.

The morning came all too soon.

Yvonne watches Nathicana go, then turns and stares at Treznor.

How is it that woman can make me speechless so easily? And she didn't tell me what he actually said! Oh, Devon, what do you want?

She wraps her arms around herself as she allows herself to use the name she'd forbidden herself, then pulls up a chair to the bed and sits in silence, keeping vigil over his sleeping form.

Treznor rolls over and mumbles once in his sleep, but she can't make out what it was.

It seems like an eternity before the night ends and the new day begins. Yvonne stays awake the entire time, wrestling with her thoughts.

Nathicana grumbled as she stepped out of the limo and onto the tarmac. She had her dark glasses firmly in place and winced slightly as the car door was shut behind her.

Not enough bloody sleep by half.

She looked over to where Devon and Yvonne were exiting their limo as well, and wondered idly what her efforts had yielded.

The jet was a fine looking piece of machinery, and she looked forward to taking a rest during the flight.

Waking up Carlos winces as his legs refuse to work coherantly, looking into a window he frowns "My gods what happened lastnight" climbing out of bed Carlos looks down to see himself still dressed in the clothes he wore and blood streaked over his hands.

Uh oh newspaper need to get one of them and a shower too something interesting happened lastnight....

Stumbling to the shower being cautious of windows and bright light he undresses and steps into the shower. Outside he hears the movements of Palace staff and security officers as he soaks in the warm consoling waters of the shower the pool of water on the floor streaked red from the blood on his hands a worry to him more than normal.

finishing up his shower Carlos steps out and into a steam filled bathroom drying off he dons a robe and walks into the hallway staring off distantly he walks on autopilot to the dining room and sits down to a light breakfast.

"Lieutenant you were in my security detail lastnight, what happened? I woke up with blood on my hands and legs that ache for some reason...." getting a curt response about an um lizaaian citizen attacking him Carlos nods slightly "That explains it have the police detained him?" a sharp not satisfies Carlos as he continues to eat his breakfast.

finishing that he limps back to the bedroom and dons the clothes he war the night before and walks to a waiting limo "Driver take me home...the real one please" a curt nod the limo pulls out and drives Carlos back to his main palace where he lays out fresh clothes and mentally prepares himself for his morning visits.

Fast forward a bit

Completing the last visit with his citizens Carlos hops back into the limo and orders it to the air port where he will meet up withNathicana and Devon and wanting to ensure the presidential jet was ready for take off as soon as they arrive and board.

It's going to be an interesting few days I feel....

Stepping out once the limo arrives he dons his sunglasses and grumbles before putting on his smiley face and waves to Devon, Yvonne and Nathicana walking with a slight limp towards them.

Treznor waits for Yvonne to precede him out of the limousine before stepping out and shielding his eyes from the bright sun. In spite of the dark shades protecting him, he still feels like the light is boring a hole into his head.

Oh gods, that's obnoxious. There oughta be a law against sunny mornings like this.

He casts a glance at Yvonne, who studiously avoids looking at him, and sighs deeply.

I have no idea what happened last night, but I have a feeling it wasn't all good. Damn that scotch. I'll have to double the order.

He musters his courage and makes the trek across the pitching, swaying tarmac to meet the others at the plane.

"What a bright, sunny day you've managed to order up for us, Carlos. Do you think you could turn it down a notch? My head is about to explode."

"Pleasant sleep, Devon?" she says, walking up to join the group. "Carlos?"

She puts on a chipper expression, determined to look as though suffering no ill effects.

She nods to Yvonne and smiles in a friendly manner.

"Well folks, lets get this party started." she says, and promptly boards the jet.

Any more of this 'heigh-ho' bouncy sh** and MY head's gonna explode.

Chuckling Carlos smiles ruefully at Devon "I wish my boy I wish but think yourself lucky, light sensative eyes plus hangover is not a good combo I feel sorry for you, but hey atleast you can actually see properly" grinning he nods to Nathi as she boards the plane and allows Devon and Yvonne to preceed him.

Something weird happened when I left they both seem....unnaturally happy...

Treznor pats Carlos gingerly on the back, trying to avoid sudden movements that would cause a rush of blood to his head. "Well, at least one of us seems to have survived the night more or less intact."

As they board, he observes the older man thoughtfully. "Hmm...did something happen to your leg? I hope it wasn't anything I did last night. I have a hazy memory of wrestling with someone."

She nearly looses her footing stepping over the gap between ramp and doorway.

Wrestling? Good god, did she really? No wonder she's looking guilty, the minx.

Making her way in further, she chooses a comfortable window seat, propping her booted feet up on the table in front of her. She reaches into the nearby fridge and takes out a bottled water, draining a good quarter of it before pausing for breath.

Chuckling Carlos looks around and smiles "Well to be honest it was my own doing, seems someone mistook me for a random citizen and decided to mug me....Little did they realise I packed more punch than a drunk man.... I swear sometimes um lizaa citizens just throw reasons at me to deport them from my empire" grumbling slightly Carlos rests his hand on Yvonne's back "so my dear I trust you are not out of sorts for us kidnapping your beloved emperor all night? and the light as garish and hard on our eyes is does wonders for your complextion." winking at Yvonne Carlos limps forward and sits down in a seat.

"I hope your doing fine my dear dread lady, all things done and said we are a poor looking lot today..." smirking gleefully he looks indirectly at yvonne watching her every move.

Taking note of both discussion, and actions by the rest of the group, she nods, taking another long pull at her drink.

"Couldn't be better Carlos - your massage did wonders last night."

Couldn't hurt to through that in, for both him and Yvonne, I think. Besides ... he was quite good. She smiles pleasantly.

"A motley crew indeed, though I can't help but think, fitting."

She looks to Yvonne, then to Marik who boards shortly after they do. "Marik, Yvonne. Security." she says simply.

He looks to her, nods curtly, and says "Pleasure," before retreating to the back of the jet where he watches the group impassively.

Treznor takes his seat gratefully, immediately pulling the shade to prevent any more sunshine from offending his tender eyes. Then he observes with interest that his security chief is most distinctly out of character.

Yvonne giggles as Carlos compliments her skin, and touches a hand to her cheek. "You're far too kind, President General." She opens her mouth as if to say something else, then closes it and abruptly takes her seat. Although she struggles to maintain her composure, her skin is flushed and her chest heaves a little quicker.

What the hell? Treznor thinks to himself. The timing on this is superb, but I didn't say anything to her yet. Did I? Did I even have to? Dear gods, what the hell happened last night? Or don't I want to know?

smiling at Nathi Carlos nods his head in salute "Remember my dear dread lady if at anytime you require that sort of assistance again...feel free to call" chuckling he looks to yvonne as she reacts quite positively to his comment and grins "Please please, Carlos to you all, formalities are for those whom have not had such great fun together!"

Smirking at Marik carlos nods "And what of you good man? your ever so quiet and detached...what's your story?" feeling quite pleased with himself and attempting to ignore the raging fire of a headache he looks pointedly to marik.

Marik shrugs, still unruffled as ever. "Just doing my job." he says nonchalantly.

Nathicana notes the change in Yvonne as well, and when she isn't looking, shoots Devon a sly grin. Although, she does shut the window shade next to her seat as she sees him shut his.

I'll be his head feels five times as bad as mine.

"My, my," she says very quietly to him. "Pleasant night, I hope?"

To Carlos, she merely winks and raises her bottle of water in a mock toast.

Yvonne smiles brightly at Carlos. "Why, thank you Carlos. Naturally, continue to call me Yvonne. I'm certain I don't need to worry as much about the Emperor's security among friends."

She nods politely to Marik. "Hello, again. We had the opportunity to compare notes briefly while we waited for our charges to arrive yesterday."

Treznor looks at Nathicana with wide eyes and shrugs. "I don't know. Honest. I wish I knew."

chuckling lightly he lowers the shades on his side and removes his glasses to reveal bleary eyes and a somewhat visible bruise over his left eye and cheekbone "I must say you all seem rather chirpy even those of us with sore heads" chuckling and winking at Yvonne he continues "Of course we are friends my dear, all of us kindred in ways some of us more odd than others" shrugging innocently he winks playfully over at nathi's salute to him and attempts to get comfortable in his seat.

"And a job well done I must say Marik, your Dread Lady quite the comfortable person to be around, do ensure her saftey continues because I would feel oh so mournful to lose such a fun and invigorating person as her!"

Yvonne smiles at Carlos and rubs her temple. "Well, I didn't have anything to drink last night, unlike some. Too bad I didn't get a wink of sleep. But that's okay; I'm good for another twelve hours at least. Then I can let my relief staff take over."

Grinning mischeviously Carlos replies "Well my dear you could relax now if you wish, the only people aware of this flight are myself, nathi devon and all the flight people on board which amounts to around 6 people....I would be honoured to give you a massage of proprotions to if not better than nathi's

Looking innocent he just smiles slyly

Carlos, you dog you. She watches the ongoing play with amusement, though her eyes slide back to Devon, guaging his reaction to things, and pondering his comments. He'd sounded damnably honest there.

"You talk in your sleep, boy." she says softly to Devon, taking another drink, her mood turning more serious for a moment.

Yvonne looks slightly nervous for a moment, then smiles and shakes her head gently. "No sir, I mean, Carlos. The offer sounds wonderful, but I'm still on duty. Perhaps, um...after?" She offers a hopeful smile, but doesn't look at him.

Treznor frowns at Nathicana's comment. "I...what? What's that got to do with anything? You knew that years ago."

Then the implication finally hits him, and he stiffens. "Just what did I say, anyway? There's a lot I don't remember from last night."

"I'm certain there is, boy." she says quietly, her eyes unreadable behind her dark glasses.

"Don't you think perhaps you could help rescue your Security officer there? She seems to be floundering."

She takes another sip of her water.

Chuckling loudly Carlos winks at Yvonne "I think I'll remember that my dear." chortling silently he reaches out and takes a bottle of water from a fridge near by and opens it relishing in the cool liquid running down his throat.

Yvonne smiles sweetly at Carlos and when an opportunity presents itself, steals a sip from his water. "Thank you, I was parched."

Treznor raises an eyebrow curiously at Nathicana. "What's that supposed to mean?" he whispers, almost forgetting to keep his voice down. "And Yvonne is fine. She's a big girl, and can handle herself. I warned Carlos about that boot knife for a good reason."

"Honestly Devon, after all that led up to it, what do you think happened last night?" she says, a slight hint of a smile turning up the corners of her mouth.

"And I know she's a big girl, but all the same ... the man is a wolf, Dev."

Treznor frowns. "My head hurts too much to play our usual games today, Red. If you're not going to answer me, then fine. I refuse to be held responsible for anything I did under the influence, particularly if you won't tell me what I did or didn't do.

"Carlos isn't a wolf," he says, lowering his voice even more. "He's a bully. She wouldn't be chief of my security if I didn't know for sure she could handle a bully."

"Sorry, boy. Force of habit." she says, stretching her legs a bit, and looking at her watch. Flight had been damnably smooth so far. Impressive.

"Truth of the matter is, so far as I know, you passed out, were escorted back to your palace, and tucked in for the night."

She reaches into the fridge, taking out another water and hands it to him.

"Now ... I'm going to get some shut-eye while I can. I'd hate to bugger the jump later."

Nathi reclines her seat, and naps for the remainder of the flight.

Watching nathi recline back and closer her eyes Carlos chuckles and raises his eyebrows as Yvonne takes a sip from his water, and shakes his head "Oh you are a charmer my dear Yvonne." Standing up he looks down at Yvonne and grins ruefully "Care for a tour of this lovely jet? we'll let these two fuzzy heads get some sleep, after all and I'm sure we could find a way to make you relax even on duty" smiling innocently he holds his arm out.

Treznor frowns, even as he accepts the water from Nathicana.

Okay, so she's not going to tell me. Dammit, what happened last night? What did I let slip? It couldn't have been nothing, or she wouldn't have brought it up. Unless she's just trying to make me sweat. Either way, I'm sweating.

Yvonne glances sharply at Carlos, then looks back at Treznor who is both alert and frowning. He glances back at her, then looks away to sulk in his seat.

It's working! she thinks with glee.

"Why, thank you Carlos," she replies as she takes his arm. "I'd love a quick tour. But just a quick one, mind you." She winks at him. "I'm still on duty."

Chuckling politely Carlos pats Yvonne's hand gently and smiles "On duty, my dear we'r flying relax kick back and enjoy my hospitality" grinning innocently he leads Yvonne towards the back of the plane and opens the door leading her into another area some what identical to the one they were just in only this one contains a sattelite TV and a larger fridge.

"Can I offer you a drink? wine, scotch vodka even? but I'll have to decline from drinking anything but water for atleast another few hours"

Yvonne shakes her head slightly and steps away to look at the room. "No, thank you. I know it'll be a long flight, but I still have my duty. I shouldn't be here with you now, but I think it'll be all right if I'm away for just a few moments." She turns and smiles at him before getting a closer look at the television.

"Aaah my dear dear Yvonne, Devon is fine I assure you nobody is going to be hurt I'm quite sure he wont mind you relaxing for a while" watching Yvonne closely Carlos leans against the bar and smiles

"after all we all are on holiday dont forget, I dislike seeing such a stunning visage as you be so.....serious all the time" grinning ruefully he walks over and rests his hands on Yvonne's shoulders and gently squeezes her shoulders before switching the TV on.

Yvonne shivers slightly as Carlos touches her and begins to massage her.

Too fast! He's moving too fast! I don't want to have to hurt him!

She slips away from quickly and holds up her hands. "Please, Carlos. Not now. I know there's no danger to the Emperor at the moment, but I am on duty and I take that very seriously. It's a very large part of who I am. Emperor Treznor is on vacation, but I'm not. I can't willingly be away for too long if I can help it.

"But, perhaps," she says with a slight smile. "If you could wait a little while, I could arrange for my relief to take over early. You could help me work out the tension in my back after I've finished my duty. It won't be that long, please."

Chuckling softly he smiles and nods "Of course my dear, what ever you wish....but I do wish people would trust me to take care of security precautions but I suppose if you did that you wouldnt be doing your job very well." smirking internally he offers her a seat and takes a sip from his bottle of water.

Yvonne whispers, "Thank you," and returns to watching over her charge.

It was all too fast. And yet...it wasn't so bad. It was just too quick. I made him that promise; will I be able to then?

Smiling softly but not as obvious as before he walks back into the other room as over the plane's internal comm systems the pilot announces their beginning to land as he sits back down, he gently shakes Nathicana "Wake up dear nathi, we are about to land" throwing a brief glance at Yvonne he smiles again and begins to strap in.

With a slight jolt through the entire plane the craft sets down on the tarmac and begins the rapid deacceleration known only to planes as it slowly turns to park itself the pilot speaks up again "We have landed and for the humour of the entire trip we would like to thank you all for flying Presidential Airlines and hope you enjoyed the trip, your frequent flyer cards have been given 500 free points and an offer for a free planetrip home for any customers requireing transportaion from the dominion."

Shaking his head Carlos mutters "Everyone on this damned plane is a joker sometimes....."

She gives a start, her boosted reactions heightening the movement. She just catches herself from doing anything foolish.

Blinking, she puts her seat up, and straps in for the landing, not reacting to the pilot as she looks around trying to get her bearings. She had, after all, been in a very deep sleep.

As the wheels touch down, she opens her window to look out at her homeland, a wistful smile on her face.

"Well folks ... Welcome to the Dominion," she says to the others.

Treznor stares out the window thoughtfully. His eyes ache as he hasn't been able to sleep at all, but his headache has subsided.

The Dominion. I haven't been back here in years. I never thought I'd be able to do so and keep my head attached.

He looks at Nathicana and grins. Welcome, indeed. You're the reason I fled in the first place. But it ended up with me conquering my own nation and playing tag with world leaders, so I can't hold a grudge about it.

He waits for the jet to taxi to a full stop before releasing his straps and standing up to stretch comfortably. "A remarkable plane, Carlos. Your people are truly talented."

Looking out the window Carlos smiles in appreciation, "a lovely place indeed." smiling at Devon he replies "Yes they are dedicated to their work and I am quite proud of them, and judging by the wistful smile on dear Nathi's face she's enjoying being back in her own lands"

chuckling Carlos stands up and heads to the door as a clunk is heard outside and a staircase is attached, before opening the door he dons his glasses like usual and then opens the door smiling gleefully he allows everyone to preceed him.

She watches Devon's reaction quietly, not intruding on his thoughts. As he grins at her, she responds with a thoughtful smile.

Getting up, she makes her way to the door, wating for the crew to open it. Marik appears from the back, carrying their belongings.

"I've taken the liberty to provide a light brunch." she says, gesturing to a recently erected pavillion where a large table has been set, full of fruits, cheeses, cold cuts, olives, and other finger foods. A large basket holds various thick breads, all pre-sliced, and a selection of wines, juices, and of course, a large container of icewater. Behind and of to the side, sits the Tempest - her shuttle, sharing the same name as her sailing boat.

She leads the way over.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/selene.jpg

Looking about him Carlos takes in the pavilion and table of food and chuckles "You people, make my hospitality look so....bad" smirking he looks around and spots the ship "And that I take is the ship we will be using m'dear?" patting nathi gently on the back he walks down onto the tarmac and looks about with respect clearly riding on his face.

She laughs, smiling at Carlos though keeping the smugness she felt over her shuttle tucked tightly away.

"What, this? This is a trifle. A simple courtesy." She dismissed the food and such with a wave. "For true Dominion hospitality, I'd need at least a week to plan, and a damn sight more food than this. Ask Devon ... I'm sure he remembers, though it has been a while."

She settles herself in, realizing she's famished after her late night, she sets to the food with one hand, pouring a large glass of ice water with the other.

"Please, help yourselves." She nods to Marik and Yvonne as well. "You too - we've plenty for all. Carlos - could your crew use some refreshment?" As she waited for an answer, she took a slice of the still-warm bread and dipped it into a small shallow dish of spiced oil before munching it contentedly.

Chuckling Carlos raises an eyebrow "Well then, I'll have to place a request to have the full blown treatment of your dominion one day my dear" grinning slyly Carlos picks up a bottle of water and opens it and snags a piece of fruit. "as for my people well, I'll just wave them down," chuckling Carlos turns around and waves to the pilots in the cockpit motioning in a detailed signal which basically reads "Get the rest, come down food"

turning back Carlos pats nati's arm gently and grins ruefully "You have in one swift motion my dear out shined anything I offered back in Iraqstan" mocking a sigh and a sniffle he grins and wanders off to inspect bits and pieces of the surrounding area.

She murmurs words of thanks in between bites, and watches him wander off. Her security had already assured that no sensitive materials were around - it truly was, for all intents and purposes, simply a private section of the airport.

Unstable ... dangerous and unstable. She finally notes the limp, and the bump he's taken to his head, and arches a brow, pondering. He had said something to Devon earlier, she could swear. But her head was still a bit fuzzy.

No more drinking games for you, she told herself firmly, watching Devon from behind her glasses as she samples the chilled grapes, stuffs olives with feta cheese, wraps meats and cheeses together, munching it all contentedly in turn, and of course, sips at her water.

It was suprising enough to find he was still alive, but to actually see him back here, in the Dominion, and completely at my mercy, nonetheless. The thought still suprised her, as well as the fact that she hadn't given killing him a second thought in some time now.

That was quite the stunt you pulled, boy. Couldn't have done it better myself. And just before I had you, too. she pondered, thinking back all those years ago to when he'd faked his own death to get away clean. She hadn't realized her mistake til years later, and by then, he'd been out of her reach. Until recently, it hadn't mattered that much, but now ... now everything was different. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Treznor avails himself of the meal set out, eating slowly and remaining uncharacteristically quiet. He does smirk as Nathicana describes the setup as a "simple courtesy." He remembers formal dinners less lavish than this, in detail if not in scale.

You're boasting, Red. And Carlos is, if anything, a man of his word. He'll really want to see the full blown treatment, and then what are you going to do? Maybe I can buy a frozen Dire Bear carcass from the Grendels for you.

In truth, Treznor is a little more nervous than he thought he'd be.

I'm a head of state in my own right, and violence against me would constitute an act of war, one that would probably get all our allies involved. I'd hate to consider the consequences, and unless she's slipped I think Nath is aware of them. I'm in no danger here. So why am I so nervous?

He picks at some fruit, barely tasting what he puts in his mouth. His mind is wandering back eight years or so when it became apparent to him that Minister Nathicana was losing interest in him. Oh, their nights together were as fiery and energetic as ever, but they were fewer and farther in-between than before. More than that, she was hiding things from him. He couldn't find out what they were; she was too good for that, but he knew there was something going on that he was not invited to. Treznor had seen that pattern before, and every time it ended up with trumped-up charges of some sort and the former lover disappearing forever. He had no intention of following that course, so he set up to leave before they dragged him away.

She almost got me, he reflects soberly. I found out at the last minute that she was moving her time table up. I had to set off my bomb early, killing some good people who didn't deserve it. But better them than me. A week later, Nath pulled off her coup and didn't have time to worry about investigating my death. She was too busy cementing her hold over the Dominion. You know, come to think of it, I don't think any Dominion ruler since del Locha has maintained power for more than half a decade. As always, Nath is the exception to the rule.

He stretches, sweeping his eyes around out of habit. Nathicana was watching him smugly, comfortable on home ground. Carlos was off puttering around, and his people were gorging themselves on the food. Marik was nowhere to be seen, and Yvonne was seated near him looking nervous.

What is her problem, anyway? Whatever it is, it'll have to wait until we get up to the station. I know for a fact that Nath hasn't let the Dominion's surveillance policies slip.

Wandering a short distance off Carlos stops and looks around taking in the surroundings and the people behind him I havent been out for a while now....it's good

Watching Devon and yvonne with half an eye he spies Devon in close contemplation and Yvonne looking less composed than usual and shakes his head ruefully She's cooking something up but what.... taking the last bite of his fruit he sighs and drains the last of his water "Damn good fruit if I ever tasted it..." he mutters before turning around and heading back towards the group trying unsuccesfully to hide his limp.

Once everyone seems to have had their fill, Nathi stands up, stretches, and gestures to the shuttle.

"If everyone has finished, I suggest we board. No time like the present, yes?" She maintains her cheerful front, though its obvious that she's tired. "I believe those going are myself, Carlos, Devon, and Yvonne?" she pauses for acknowledgement.

Carlos walks back and hears Nathi say that and nods "I'm ready unless of course you'd like to rest? I know we all had a rough night lastnight....." smiling softly he looks at his people who nod "My people will prep the plane to head home if you like.

Shrugging softly he stands near Devon and Yvonne and waits patiently.

"However you would like to handle it, Carlos. If you prefer your own ride home, I have rooms that can be prepared for them to await your arrival. Barring that, and with permission to enter your airspace, I can take us wherever we need to go directly aboard the Tempest."

Nodding to Devon, she lets him know the same applies to him, though he's no crew there to worry about.

She makes her way over to the shuttle, strides up the ramp, and awaits her guests at the open hatch.

Chuckling Carlos follows her to the ship and smiles appreciativly "We should get immediate clearance from ground control if I speak to them on the way home, I dont want to put a strain on you by keeping my people here, after all they were unannounced and I'd feel guilty having you extend hospitality to them." smiling like an ever kind and sincere man Carlos waits beside Nathi. "This truly is an impressive ship my dear, honestly" he whispers before stepping back and to the side.

Treznor nods solemnly. "By all means. The sooner we board, the sooner we can marvel at the station, no less than the transport used to get there."

[OOC: Sorry 'bout the sudden silence. Was unexpectedly out of town overnight.)

She walks in, and shows Carlos and Yvonne to the small but comfortable cabin, with a more than suitable view.

"As I mentioned before, I'm afraid I've only two seats on deck. Private shuttle, you know - I don't usually have guests. Even so, VonKarma had the forethought to provide comfort space in lieu of cargo. If you'll make yourselves comfortable there, I'll get us to where we're going. Of course, you'll need to provide me with coordinates ..." she trailed off, looking to Carlos with an arched brow.

Perhaps he didn't think this through entirely, being so excited about the quick trip. All the same, once the agreement is signed, my forces will have those coordinates anyway.

She makes no issue about having Devon ride shotgun for the first jump, and waits quietly to hear her companions' reactions to her seating arranging.

ooc: glad to hear that's all it was - hope everything is well. we worried.

Looking about the cabin he nods and mutters "Cozy" before turning to face Nathi and Devon once more, upon request of the co-ordinates Carlos grins ruefully "Your in luck m'dear I planned for this ahead of time and..." trailing off Carlos reaches into his pocket and produces an information card labeled Top Secret "The usual run of the mill security things nobody here saw this card and what not" snickering to himself he hands the card to Nathi and sits down.

"Take your time getting us there, this is a quite comfortable cabin" getting comfortable he kicks back and relaxes once more.

OOC: yah good to see I dont have to hunt you down and kidnap ya trezo :P

Yvonne shows a brief moment of panic on her face when the seating arrangements are shown, but she immediately quells it and schools her face to impassivity.

Treznor nods and wanders around, inspecting the ship like a man who hasn't a clue what he's looking at, but fascinated by it nonetheless.

Content that for now, Carlos is taken care of, and that matters are in hand, she brushes past Devon, and enters the deck. Taking her seat, she reaches down and takes a circular device that consists of a semi-circle band, a contoured oval shape with a rubberized hole, and a flip-down visor, and fits it over her head, settling it on.

Gods, I hope he buys this ... she worries, attempting to keep her datajack from him for now.

She waits until he's settled in comfortably, then jacks in, fitting the connection through the otherwise useless hole in the equally useless headset. Relishing the familiar feeling of oneness with the ship, she lets out a soft contented sigh, going through the pre-flight checks.

All her lessons with VonKarma, and since, her practice have been paying off, and she's pleased with the takeoff, and subsequent break from the atmosphere. Pausing in an orbital position, she looks out the wide viewport, and smiles.

"I never get tired of seeing that." she says softly, giving Devon time to appreciate the view.

Treznor seats himself barely in time and searches for a seatbelt. They're in the air before he can figure it out.

Reckless in the air and on the ground, he observes wryly as he hangs onto the arms of his chair. Awfully smooth, though. Either she learned how to fly this thing very quickly, or the technology is so advanced it's foolproof.

The view is as spectacular as Nathicana had promised, and he spends several moments admiring it.

My first ride into space, courtesy of the Dominion. Funny that; I would have expected to have hitched a ride with the Grendels on one of their rockets.

After a moment, he looks back at Nathicana and observes her relaxed state of contentment.

"How does the helmet work?" he asks. "I've never seen a flight system that didn't involve at least a control board. May I try it?"

Sitting down Carlos looks out the window as the shuttle leaves earth behind, sighing contently he looks over at Yvonne and smiles "Breath taking isnt it? I've been out here twice now and still it takes my breath away..." turning back to the viewport he takes in the serene view and smiles inwardly.

First time out here I was flying one of the old beat up scrap heaps in the empire, now I'm in a ship that surpasses anything I've managed to get built......

She obviuosly didn't expect that request.

Blinking, she turns her head to look at him.

"You want to ... try? Well, I ... it takes a good bit of training. Not something you can just sit down and do." she attempts to explain.

Yvonne nods quickly, her eyes filled with the vista of her home world floating in the darkness below her. She finds herself thrilled and curious, her mind casting back to her days in University where the pursuit of knowledge was all she cared about. She'd lost that, at some point, and having regained it she feels as though she's woken up again.

She looks over at her traveling companion and takes in the calm, collected demeanor along with the bruising. Somehow, at this moment, he doesn't seem quite so threatening.

I suppose I promised him, and he is attractive.

Shyly, hesitantly, she reaches out and touches his hand with her fingertips.

Staring wistfully out into space Carlos jumps slightly as Yvonne touches his hand and looks over at her smiling softly he watches her intently "What do you think of the view my dear? stunning no less eh?" chuckling he gently strokes her hand and smiles.

I wonder who said what to her and when, she's mightily fun now

Treznor frowns suspiciously at Nathicana. "It doesn't look that way to me. From the smoothness of the ride, I'd say you've either been training since before your meeting with SHODAN, or this ship practically flies itself. Guess which one I'm betting on."

He grins.

Yvonne nods again. "As you said. But you mentioned something about a backrub?"

Her heart pounds as she thinks about what she's doing, but she releases her hair from its braid to fall loose.

It's been so long since I relaxed. Devon...he's had other women in his bed. Can't I play, too?

She betrays nothing beyond a slight tightening of the eyes.

Payback for last night, girl ... no more delays. Need to get to the station, and get them off-ship.

"Thank you, boy ... I have been practicing quite a lot. Once you understand the controls and interface, it does tend to take care of things rather smoothly for you."

She looked forward again, casting one more sidelong glance at him as she accessed the gravitic jump system.

"You set? We can make the jump at any time - s' damn smooth if I do say so myself."

chuckling softly Carlos nods and watches Yvonne intently "Indeed I did, Just make yourself comfortable m'dear and I'll gladly help in anyway."

Reaching up Carlos gently runs his fingers through Yvonne's hair "Such lovely hair on a security op I must get the recipe for such things from you one day" grinning ruefully Carlos rests his hand back on his seat and waits patiently.

Yvonne unbuttons her uniform coat and sets it aside. Slightly chilled in her tunic, she experiments with her chair and discovers it reclines fully. She pushes it back and lies down on her stomach with her hair covering her face.

"You may begin when ready, Carlos."

Treznor shrugs and leans back. "You're the Captain, my dear. Do you know how this 'jump' system works?"

Still competing with me, I see. Except at this point I see no way to catch up; I don't think even the Reploids have this kind of technology. He settles back and ponders his options on how to bring the balance back into parity.

Covering mild surprise Carlos moves closer to Yvonne and chuckles softly to himself as he reaches out and begins to firmly massage out the knots from Yvonnes back and neck. "Well my my, when was the last time you actually relaxed my dear? Your more tense than some of my People when they do something wrong..."

smirking Carlos' eyes roam her body unhindered and smiles Devon sure has taste she's really an eye piece of great proportions

Yvonne moans slightly as old knots are worked out of her back. "It's been a while, I guess. There's been so much happening over the past few years. No one has really had time to relax, least of all the Emperor."

"Of course," she says dismissively.

Yup ... I call up the overlay, input coordinates, 'reach' out, and flip the switch. Oh aye, every detail, you smug bastard. He's not buying it. And I'm not sure I want to trust him just yet. Then again ... perhaps he'd help keep Carlos from making unfortunate guesses ...

"But I'm afraid it's a trade secret," she chuckles, giving him a familiar teasing grin. "I'd tell you, but then I'd have to kill you."

Realizing that was probably not the right thing to say, all things considering, she stops and looks over at him with all seriousness.

"Dev ... I'm sorry." She puts her hand lightly on his knee in an unthreatening manner. "I just ... oh hell, this game playing has my head throbbing."

She looks away and rubs her right temple tiredly, careful not to jog the headset.

Damned scotch ...

Chuckling Carlos continues his work and smiles "I can understand that, perhaps one day I could invite you both back for a relaxing holiday rather than the constant on the move experiance you have had in my country.

Aside from the heat the place is really quite comfortable what it lacks of countryside it makes up for in artfully designed buildings and people"

Looking towards the cockpit Carlos see's nothing but a closed door and chuckles "Besides I think Devon is relaxing quite well...atleast he was when I left lastnight"

Treznor peers at Nathicana curiously.

What the hell happened last night? Everybody is moody and shifting like a sailing boat caught in a cyclone. I haven't seen Nath act like this since...I've never seen her act like this. Am I playing this too hard? Is her armour cracking, or is it her nerve?

"Don't worry about it, Red," he says quietly. "It's your toy, and your secrets. I don't expect you to give away anything without getting something hellaciously expensive in return. If our positions were reversed, I expect we'd still be having the same conversation from opposite ends."

Yvonne stiffens abruptly and lifts her head to regard Carlos seriously. "Why? What was he doing last night? Was he with...her?"

Raising an eyebrow Carlos regards Yvonne with curiosity "Why such a response my dear? If I have offended...I'm truly sorry..." Carlos stops massaging and takes a step back looking confused and worried

Yvonne shakes her head and settles back down on the chair. "It's just that she carried him home last night, tossed over her shoulder like a sack of meat. Said something about him being lonely..."

Her voice trails off and her hands clench into fists. "I just don't trust her, is all. She knows too much about him. She could use him up and spit him out without feeling anything, but he keeps trying to buy into her good graces anyway. It's like she's got some kind of spell on him."

She looks at him quietly for a moment as if weighing things carefully, making no move to hide it.

Putting the ship on auto, she unplugs the jack, and removes the headpiece.

"You did give me something last night, boy. And whether or not you remember it, I do, so in a sense I suppose, you have paid a price."

Nathi turned in her seat, and looked over at him, weighing and measuring once more before going on.

Carlos nods slightly and rests his hands on Yvonne's clenched hands "Well, from what I saw lastnight it might be true....I interrupted something when I arrived and the entire night from what I saw it looks like..to be honest it looks like they are using each other" shrugging softly Carlos resumes rubbing Yvonne's back and shoulders

God, I hope that works....

Treznor frowns again and folds his arms impatiently. "I don't understand anything you just said. Last night is just this big, hazy blur to me, but something happened because you keep teasing me about it. I'm sorry, Nath, but it's starting to get old. What are you talking about? Either spill it or leave it alone; I'm not going to put up with any more cryptic clues."

Yvonne stiffens again.

So he...and she...after that lovely speech she gave me...that bitch! How dare he do this! Then she sends him home and gives me this sob story about him being lonely? I'll show them lonely!

She swings upright suddenly with a dangerous look in her eye. She stares at Carlos for a moment as if weighing something, then reaches out to him, grabs him by the back of the head and kisses him soundly.

The cabin is filled with silence for a moment as the shock of the moment penetrates their brains. Eventually, Yvonne breaks the contact and watches him, breathing heavily. A look of uncertainty washes across her face, and is then replaced with fierce determination. Before Carlos can say anything to her, her mouth is locked to his again and she pulls him down to the chair.

The rest is said without words.

Her eyes reflect back something he hasn't seen before ... hurt.

"I'm not trying to tease you, Dev. I just don't know where to begin."

She drops her eyes for a moment, clearly uncomfortable, then looks back to him. "I ... appreciate you being so worried about me last night ... Carlos and all ... the ..." she looked over at the door, but didn't finish the thought, certain he'd know she was referring to the disk.

"I assured you I was safe, but wouldn't say why. Well, I may need you to cover for me, boy ... and that doesn't give me any choice but to trust you a bit. It may not seem like much, but it's nothing I've allowed be common knowledge. If he even suspects I have the capability ... " she trails off again, then her face hardens somewhat.

"To hell with it. Here."

She takes up the jack and slides it into her left temple, watching for his reaction. "This is how I fly, and why you can't, and how I got into his systems, and why he can't know about it. And damn you, just on principle, and for coming back into my life, and ..." She closed her mouth with a click, scowled, then looked at him archly.

"So there you have it. My big secret. Now, can we finish the trip in peace, and stop baiting one another? I tire of it as well."

Treznor wears a decidedly confused look until Nathicana jacks in. Then his jaw drops and his tongue rolls about in his mouth in an effort to form words that won't come. His mind flashes back to intelligence reports, suggestions of body modifications that he'd dismissed as impossible. He thinks about the way she handled the Bandit, and how her skin felt under his hands in the shower. It adds up to things he can't accept, but her admission won't allow him to deny them any more.

Finally, he gathers up his jaw and takes a deep breath. "So, it's true?" he whispers. "It's all true?"

Her brow arches up, though she still looks irritated.

"What do you mean, 'all'?" she asks more sharply than she'd intended.

Treznor gropes for words, his hands circling in the air with indecision and confusion. "The surgery, the bike, your head...SHODAN did this to you? Turned you into a cyborg? I saw the reports but I didn't believe them. I thought it wasn't possible. How much was done to you? Can you bend steel with your hands?"

In any other situation, she'd be relishing his confusion ... but not now.

"I don't know what you heard, or what you're talking about, boy." she says, trying to sound incredulous. "A cyborg? Honestly ... It's just a damned datajack. You'd be suprised how simple it is to install, with the right person doing it. Means to an end, that's all." She did, however, look away.

"Bend steel with my hands indeed." she snorted. "Pick your jaw up off the ground and quit gawking. This isn't some sideshow after all."

No of course I can't bend steel ... I can crush rock AND bend steel. I could reach out and snap your neck without breaking a sweat, and before you'd even registered I'd moved, most likely. Bastard ...

Of course it was his fault. It always was.

"Now ... can I trust you, boy? And can we continue on with this little jaunt?" Her ears perked up, the augs picking up faint sounds from the back. "Although I don't think they'll mind if we take it a little slowly ..."

Well .. that worked out rather well. I'm suprised. Two in less than 24? And here I thought she was just after Devon? I'm impressed yet again. Girl's voracious.

Treznor shakes his head angrily. "Don't bullshit me, Red. It all adds up. SHODAN rebuilt vonKarma after his accident. You go visit her and spend several weeks unavailable. I get reports with all sorts of misinformation, including one far-fetched one that you've reached a deal for body enhancement. The next time I see you, you're riding that Bandit like a toy and hacking into computer systems. You feel human but you act...more.

"Look, I'm not upset. I'm surprised, yes. Shocked even. But I'm not upset. And hell yes, I'll help you keep your secret from Carlos as long as I can. All I ask is that you tell me he truth. I can't operate in the dark any more than you can, and if you want my help you need to level with me. If it makes you feel better, we'll make it a trade: information for information."

He glances at the back at her mention of taking things slowly, but as he doesn't understand what she's saying he lets it pass for now.

She nods, looking back at him steadily.

"You always were too smart and too good at picking out details for your own good, Dev ... s'why I'd planned to take you out," she admitted. One of the reasons, at any rate.

"Very well then." She takes a deep breath, oddly relieved at having it out. "I had myomer muscle replacement, as well as my reflexes boosted significantly."

She reaches into her boot, whips out her knife, twirls it around in a flourish, and puts it back in the blink of an eye, for emphasis.

"Got to watch most of it being done, too. Damned interesting experience seeing yourself peeled down layer by layer, boy ... parts replaced, bits added - I recommend it. Enlightening." she grinned at him wryly.

And I think that's enough. No need to know about the hearing amp and dampening, and certainly not about the annelid. No idea how he'd react to that. And besides ... Old habits died hard.

"Now ... what, pray tell, do you have that you feel matches the info given? Quid pro quo, Dev."

What the hell does he think he has?

Treznor stares, watching the display and assimilating the new information as quickly as he can. A small corner of his mind is amused to recognise the knife she used for her demonstration.

She was always dangerous in the past, but now...she could kill me with that knife or her bare hands and I wouldn't have a chance to react before it was all over.

He leans back to marshall his thoughts. "On that scale? Nothing, truly. Instead of enhancements, I had a bomb planted in the back of my head by some would-be criminal mastermind. Stupidest thing I ever saw, and I fell for it like a rank amateur. That's what's got Yvonne so paranoid these days; it happened on her shift.

"That's why I know about SHODAN and vonKarma; I've been looking for someone capable of taking the bomb out of my spine without killing me.

"Much of this you may already know. I've been collaborating with Reploid Productions as well as Iraqstan. Through Iraqstan I have fusion power, and I'm reaping the benefits of technology spinoffs from the Reploid race toward a space presence. Thanks to them we managed to beat the lightning rod effect from my stealth technology. Independent of either of them, my people are attempting to produce a miniature fusion generator, something that could power a vehicle or even a hand-held unit. We're down to a 1/100th scale version but the range I'm hoping for is still years away, if it's at all possible.

"I've also been trading with Raui of the Caterpillars, and been buying shipments of their electricity grenades. I had my people test the effects of a stealth chip connected to one of their low-powered grenades; the effect was that when the lensing effect isn't reversed, the power release from the grenade acts as expected, amplifying the electrical output through the chip. So I've got my own little electrical bomb suitable for knocking out any electrical system or cooking off the fuel and artillery in any vehicle it can hit. All we have to do is perfect the delivery system. Right now it's only really useful as a mine."

He spreads his hands wide. "And that's pretty much it, on my end. Nothing nearly as sexy as what you've revealed to me, I'm afraid. I guess I owe you."

Nathi assimilated the information as it poured out, her brows arched. Even as she registered all the casual comments on technology advances, trade agreements, and other things she'd been trying to get intel on, one thing stuck in her mind and made her burst out in a most undignified manner.

"You stupid sonofabitch. You've been walking around for how long with a bomb in your damned head, and you never ... I could have ... sitting there calm and cool as ever and ... " Her eyes narrowed dangerously suddenly, her all too paranoid mind taking another turn of thought, going from intense concern and worry to hurt, to cool anger.

"Is that what all this has been about, boy? Knowing I had some sort of information, or contact at least with someone who could help you out? All that last night ... all the games ... just to get that thing out of your head?"

Played like a damn violin. And I actually thought that ...

"Smug bastard." she growled softly. "So you think I've gone soft as well? Thought you'd have a go finding out if the Dread Lady now has a few heartstrings to pull?"

The fact that he'd let so much else out escaped her at the moment. The shock of his revelations last night had still had her emotions in a jumble, and all this didn't help one whit.

"That was damned slick last night, Devon. You really had me going with all that talk of caring and concern ... of wishing I'd waited ... You played it out very well, from the first time I laid eyes on you with the bikes."

You're doing it again. Think first, talk later. What was that ... fusion? Miniature? And the ah ... Catterpillars tech ... and space ... Focus! She was as angry with herself as she was with him right then, and it showed.

It was obvious she was gathering herself again, sitting there and looking at him with an increasing coldness replacing the hurt look in her eyes, putting back up the defenses.

"I ought to kill you right now for putting me through that." she said quietly, making no move to do so, simply sitting back in her chair, her chin tilted up in the haughty manner he was familiar with.

Kill me? She's still curious. If she were really going to kill me she wouldn't say it, she'd just do it. So what set her off?

Treznor frowns in confusion, then brightens as he understands. His subsequent laughter is genuine. "You think that I'm after you for your connections with SHODAN? By the elder gods, woman, I can make my own deals with the devil! I never would have mentioned it if we hadn't come to a head like this. It's a very small bomb, and the terrorists either can't follow through on their threats or can't interest anyone in raising the money to buy the button that'll kill me. I have it on good authority that the bomb is there, and can't be removed without better medical technology than I have access to. I'm planning to see what SHODAN is willing to give me in exchange for my stealth chip.

"Now what are you so defensive about? Because I dragged you into the shower with me? Because I offered to cover for you while you ducked Carlos? Why would I go to all this trouble to pursue relations with the Dominion and attempt to earn your trust -- or at least disarm your distrust -- if I wanted you dead?

"You tried to kill me eight years ago. You almost succeeded. The only reason you didn't is because I was a little quicker and smarter than your other lovers. If you hadn't tried, I'd probably be a minor flunkie lost in some forgotten Dominion office. Because I was forced to flee I had to fight to survive, and because of that I am now Emperor Devon to your Dread Lady Nathicana. An arrangement I find much more equitable."

Except, perhaps, for being Consort Devon. But it's a little late for that. Besides, I think I know you well enough to know you'd get bored with it soon enough.

"I'm not holding any grudges against you, and I'm not using you to get to SHODAN. If you don't believe me, just wait to see what I do. Obviously, you have nothing to fear from me physically."

He settles back and watches her with a grin. In the back of his mind, something nags at him. He missed something, and he suspects it was vitally important. Unfortunately, he doesn't know what it was so he carries on until he can figure it out.

"Want me dead? Don't make me laugh, Dev. You couldn't do it then, and you sure as hell can't do it now. That's not what I meant, and you kn..." she broke off abruptly.

He really doesn't remember, does he? Or is he still playing? What's this 'watch what I do' ... do I need to warn Shodey about him? He obviously doesn't share my views on the EI's ... dammit.

"Then why have you gone to all this trouble? To show me you've made it on your own in the world? To prove you're as capable as I? No more games. You stop your damned smug grinning, and lets talk plain, for once in our lives. We keep on like this and one of us is going to either go mad, or loose our tempers and really do something rash. The consequences for that now are far worse than back in the day, and we both know it."

She fixes him with a steady look, then speaks quietly.

"Why did you appologize for everything last night? What is it you wanted to talk about, but didn't think it the time or place? Why are you so worried about my safety when you know I've always danced on the razor's edge with things?" Pausing, she lets it all sink in, and braces herself for the answers as she gives him her last question.

"And why, Dev, after all I've put you through, would you say you couldn't bear if something bad happened to me, and you wished I'd have waited?"

Suddenly, Treznor discovers what had been nagging him in the back of his brain the whole time.

He opens his mouth, closes it, opens it again and closes it a second time. Finally, all he can say weakly is "I said that? That scotch really snuck up on me."

Nathi watches him a moment more, her face undreadable.

Turning away, she unplugs, puts the headset back on, jacks in again, and settles back, resuming control of the ship.

"Of course."

Calling up the overlay, she went through her proceedures, keeping her view straight ahead, locking in the coordinates Carlos had given her.

Destination confirmed. Course plotted and locked in.

She 'reached out' to trip the switch for the jump.

Switch flipped - gravitic drive engaged.

To anyone viewing, the ship seemed to stretch out unimaginably. She watches impassively, monitoring their velocity, time to destination, and other operational messages with cool efficiency.

Refusing to look over, she allows herself to sink deeper into the feeling of the ship, allowing its strength and coldness overlay the emotions that are still raging through her.

"We should be there shortly," she says. "I recommend knocking before you retrieve Yvonne."

Treznor lifts his head and stares at the back of Nathicana's head. His mouth opens to say something, but he closes it again without a word.

Come on, you fool! Say something! Don't leave it like this!

Unfortunately, he can't bring himself to do it.

She's married. And she still doesn't trust me. She'd accuse me of trying to cause problems for her, because whether or not it's true it would. Now isn't the time. I need to wait.

He settles back in his seat and folds his arms, ignoring his first viewing of a ship in gravitic jump. He's too wrapped up in his own self-pity to notice.

Why the hell did I let that slip, last night? I can't believe I said those things! No wonder she's been so hot and cold today; she thinks I'm trying to play her emotions.

He lifts his eyes to regard her thoughtfully.

Although, from the looks of it, it seems I'm succeeding brilliantly. I just hope it doesn't get me killed.

Made a damn fool idiot of myself with that, I did. What do I care what he thinks - I'm married, to a man who loves me. she thought, waiting quietly for arrival. Even if he does vex me to no end - nearly as much as Devon, if in other ways. Funny ... I've threatened to kill them both, and they both know it. And still ...

She ran a diagnostics scan to keep herself occupied. And the thoughts continued.

He wouldn't have said those things if he didn't mean them. Not in that state. He wasn't faking being drunk, or he'd be talking now. Dammit, Dev, say something!

Noting that they were coming up on their destination, she waited for it, then disengaged the drive. With a gentle bump forward they came out clear, facing the station from a distance. Looking out at the stars, and the Zelgado station hovering there in the blackness she waited a moment before initiating contact with docking control.

And if he won't say something, why won't I? Certainly was cold enough with him. How was he supposed to react to that?

::: initiate message, Zelgado Control :::
Nathicana D'Aquisto aboard The Tempest, request permission to dock.
::: end message :::

I could offer to take him to Zero-One, if Shodey agreed to it ... she thought idly, waiting for a response. She quickly brushed away the notion, her irritation at his earlier smugness and refusal to admit he'd said anything of import resurfacing. Bah ... bastard. He can bloody well ask if he wants it. 'Wait and see' indeed.

Her irriation only increased as she realized she'd been just as bad as he ... she hardly let herself acknowledge what she felt for him, and always had in a strange sort of way, let alone tell him.

I've got what I want. I don't need him or his games. Even in her head, the words rang hollow.

The incoming message from the station caught her by suprise, and the engines flared briefly. Acknowledging the message, and recieving clearance, she proceeded with docking proceedures, bringing the shuttle in for a crisp, albeit a touch fast, landing.

She shut down the systems, initiated security protocols, and jacked out, tossing the useless headpiece down on the seat as she stood, and stretched briefly. Gathering her emotions back in, she turned and smiled at Devon as pleasantly as she could manage.

"Hope you had a pleasant flight. I think they ought to realize we've docked by now, but in the interest of propriety, I think I won't knock. Lets wait for them on the dock."

And with that, she moved to brush past him and exit the shuttle.

Treznor stands slowly, throwing off the weight of his thoughts and gathering himself for the next challenge. After throwing a quick grin at Nathicana, he walks to the rear hatch and bangs sharply on the door. "Best get dressed, folks. We're there."

On the other side Yvonne looks up from where she kneels, then down at Carlos.

"Stop now and I'll strangle you."

Rolling her eyes, and cringing at his incredible lack of tact, she makes a vexed sound as she grabs a bag full of her travel items, and purposefully strides down the ramp.

"I think they'll be a minute, boy." she grumbles.

At least some of us are enjoying this trip to its fullest, she can't help but gripe, in spite of the connotations.

The fun with Yvonne finnaly over each dressed they meet the others down in the docking bay Carlos looking somewhat sheepish and smiles widely.

"My dear friends and companions welcome to Zelgado Station, first stop will be uh...rooms so we can freshen up and then we can begin preparing for dinner and take a quick tour of the command stations? Oh yes gravity on this thing is a bit....erratic due to the system we use so please take careful note of the signs at the start of each section and you should do ok."

Looking at Devon and Nathi in turn then flicking a quick glance to Yvonne Carlos smiles all round and motions to the door leading out of the docking bay where a group of people were rushing to greet them.

"Seems our welcoming party is slow on the uptake...." smirking Carlos waves them over.

A man dressed in standard Iraqstani Official uniform walks forward and salutes Carlos sharply and bows to the rest of the group. "Führer Quil'raya, Emperor Treznor and Dread Lady Nathicana, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Zelgado station. We have rooms set up for you to change or take a quick rest before dinner and the tour.

Just take the shuttle to the dining section at your earliest conveniance and dinner will begin." Motioning for them to Follow the man walks back towards the door as it slides open and into a some what bustleing moving walk way of people

Once the pair finally emerge from the shuttle, Nathi straightens up from against the wall she's been leaning up against.

You sly dog. She watched Carlos, then shifted her eyes to Yvonne, trying to read the emotions there. What an interesting turn of events.

"Thank you, Carlos. I hope you enjoyed the ride? Infintely better than a three-day drag, I'm sure," she said, smiling pleasantly enough, but looking a bit drawn. "Yvonne? I hope the flight agreed with you?"

Not waiting overly long for a response, she nods as the officer steps up and greets them. Once the directions to her room have been given, she thanks Carlos again for his hospitality, locks up the Tempest, and heads for her quarters, scooping up her bag of belongings smoothly along the way.

Once there, she does indeed freshen up a bit, as well as puts on a more militaristic looking set of clothing that fits her like a glove - black Dominion jacket with brass buttons and red piping, crisp white leggings, high polished boots that click on the floor, and all. Pulling her hair back and twisting it into a long braid that hangs down past her waist, she examines the effect in the mirror. Satisfied that she's achieved what she wants, she exits her room and takes the shuttle to the dining area.

Food ... food will be good. We'll take the tour, hopefully sign the agreement, then I can be back home and way from all these ... distractions.

She firmly pushes thoughts of the past day's events aside as they crop up, not wanting to think too deeply about it. She most definitely puts from her mind what she felt while cradling Devon in her arms the night before.

Treznor regards his chief of security with bemusement. Between Carlos' self-satisfaction, Nathicana's wry comment and Treznor's expression, Yvonne's colour is high and her back stiff, positive that all eyes are watching her constantly. As they're led to their individual quarters, Treznor still says nothing, which infuriates her.

She takes a quick shower, noting the stringent water restrictions required aboard a long-term space station and dresses in a fresh uniform to wait outside Treznor's hatch. When he finally emerges in his traditional black and silver, she glares at him.

He pauses. "What?"

Yvonne's face turns a curious shade of purple. Finally, she says, "Don't you care?"

He looks genuinely confused. "About what?"

"Men!" She stamps her foot and storms off. He follows behind her, looking slightly less bemused and very much confused again.

I think I'll never understand women.

Carlos deposits himself to his room and changes into his standard out of iraqstan clothing, green military shirt with long green pants and the star of president generalship on his left breast pocket.

donning all this after a quick warm and cleansing shower Carlos steps out and makes his way to the dining room Mental Note, speak with Yvonne some time soon

Catching the eye of a station officer he arranges for the tour to begin after dinner and enters the dining room.

Nathicana walks in with a very business-like gait, boots clicking sharply on the floor. Taking her seat, she nods to Carlos.

"So. The agenda, Carlos? I'm anxious to take a look around. So far, it seems very solidly built. You've done a fine job here."

Nodding to Nathi Carlos smiles slightly "I thought perhaps a little dinner, and discussion of this little treaty we are planning to sign and then a tour of the place. after that I will leave it up to you and devon as to what we do, stay a while or head home."

Smiling Carlos casually looks around the room seeming to be searching for someone.

She nods. "Yes, about that treaty ... no other modifications from the last draft I saw?"

Her eyes were sharp, and she was fully into her 'negotiations' mode.

Noting his actions, she chuckles. "Enjoy yourself with Yvonne, dear?"

A door to the dining hall slams open, and Yvonne storms into the room followed by Treznor at a more sedate pace. She stomps up to Carlos, sits down abruptly in his lap and kisses him soundly. After a moment she breaks away and looks pointedly at Treznor.

"Oh," he says, looking uncomfortable. "That?" He shrugs helplessly. "Sure. But that's between the two of you. What's it got to do with me?"

Yvonne screams incoherently and storms out of the room again, leaving Treznor looking befuddled. He opens his mouth and closes it several times, then turns to his peers and smiles sheepishly.

"So, folks. What's for dinner?"

Blushing furiously Carlos throws Nathi a mock glare and chuckles "Yes I did, surprising to say the least but...." Getting cut off by Yvonne storming in and kissing him he blinks and looks up curiously as she storms off and then looks at Devon "What in the world......?" blinking in confusion he shakes his head.

"Dinner? uh I think it might be lobster they shipped out alot of good foods when the station opened for some reason they thought there would be alot of high end visitors and obviously they were right....The documents havent changed since the final draft Nathi."

Staring at the door Carlos frowns and stands up "If you'll excuse me, time to find out why someone isnt enjoying their time here on my station"

Treznor nods as he takes his seat. "Good luck. If you manage to get a straight answer, would you mind letting me know? I'm rather curious about it, myself."

He turns to Nathicana. "I seem to recall a few pleasant lobster dinners in our sordid past."

Blinking at the display, Nathicana watches quietly until the show is over, and Carlos leaves after Yvonne.

"Well now." she says, still looking at the door they left out of. "I ah ... well, I didn't exactly expect that reaction from the girl."

Turning back to Devon, she shakes her head and chuckles, cracking the first real smile he's seen from her in a while. "Boy, you really are clueless sometimes, you know that? And here I thought the two of you had ..." she glanced over at the door, then back to his befuddled face.

"Straight answer? The girl loves you. Adores you. Bloody well worships the ground you walk on, unless I miss my guess entirely."

Her tone grows more serious though, from the talk, and from the reminder of their past.

Yes, I remember well enough ... bastard. Just have to keep baiting me, don't you?

"Damned awkward spots we put ourselves in on occasion." She nods to the door, unwilling to admit the reference to themselves.

Nodding to Devon Carlos leaves and catches sight of a Yvonne storming off, jogging after her he calls out "Yvonne...." frowning as thoughts run through his head constantly.

Nathi seemed a bit out of sorts, Devon confused Yvonne obviously angry.....I think I might of ruined something here.... still jogging after yvonne he tries to think what the heck happened in the space of a few hours.

Treznor frowns and leans his hands against the table. "Well, of course she loves me. I'm her Emperor."

He pauses for a moment. This conversation seems familiar to him somehow. Then he lowers his head to the table.

"I'm an idiot, aren't I?"

She resists her initial urge to reach out with her hand, though it twitches towards him once. She watches him with a furrowed brow, sitting in silence for a moment before speaking.

"Well ... yes, you are." she says without malice.

And maybe you aren't the only one.

Yvonne looks back at Carlos, startled. Her eyes are red, and there are tears at the edges. She suddenly darts down a corridor, heedless in her flight. Unused to the simulated gravity, she bounces off the walls several times but doesn't slow down.

Frowning Carlos runs after her and calls out "Yvonne stop damnit before you hurt yourself" muttering under his breath about emotions and people he takes the corridor a bit more carefully than yvonne and starts after her once more

Treznor sighs deeply and raises his head. "Ah well. If only I'd had a clue, but...no matter. When we get back to the ground I'll do...something. I don't know what, maybe I'll just have to shoot her. We'll see."

He shakes his head sadly. "I still don't remember anything from last night, so you'll just have to forgive me for what I said, or didn't. I don't know. Whatever happened, I promise to sit down with you and talk it out someday. Not today. Not for a little while. I don't know about you, but I'm kind of swamped with disasters coming out of the woodwork. But I promise we will talk, and soon. Okay? Truce?"

Yvonne lets out a soft cry and increases her speed, frantic with the need to get away. She collides with several technicians, spills a tray and keeps going headlong down the hall.

Then she dodges to the left and finds herself at a dead end. Sobbing, her knees fold under her and she sinks to the ground with her back against the curved wall. She buries her face in her hands and remains there, wracked with sorrow.

"You'd have had a clue if you'd just paid closer atten ..." she made a vexed noise and quickly moved on. "And you will not shoot the girl." She fixed him with a steady look.

"We both said some things last night ... yours unintentionally, and mine ... " She actually looked a touch regretful. "Afraid I may have, well ... goaded her on a bit, shall we say?"

She nodded at the rest, finally getting some closure. "Agreed. We do have quite a lot to discuss."

Reaching out, she placed her hand over his, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "Truce."

Clearing her throat softly, she looks away. "Now ... about that lobster ... "

Treznor raises an eyebrow and gestures for a servant to approach. He orders dinner for the both of them, confident that he remembers what Nathicana likes.

His mind is elsewhere, though.

I will not shoot her, eh? Now that's ironic, coming from the woman who was going to shoot me for being her lover. You have gone soft, Red.

He settles back and smiles at her pleasantly. "So, while he's otherwise occupied, just what sort of concessions are you hoping to wrangle out of the old boy, here?"

How can I use this to my advantage?

Nathi smiles wryly, allowing him to order, and showing her approval with a nod.

Hasn't forgotten a thing, has he?

"Concessions? Why, the usual. All the help and assistance I can garner with minimal cost and effort to myself, while maintaining as much autonomy as I can manage and tying his hands against actions towards the Dominion. What else, of course?" she chuckled lightly. "And from what I've seen, Carlos seems to have the same idea. It'll be interesting having him to spar with."

Frowning with trouble Carlos walks after Yvonne and winces as she runs into the technicians he snaps orders to them to clean the mess up and he jogs round the corner to find Yvonne back to a wall sobbing to herself.

Walking slowly towards her Carlos frowns and stops a few feet away from her "Yvonne....what is wrong? what did Devon do or say to upset you so much? and what the heck was that performance in the dining room?"

Moving slightly forward Carlos crouches infront of her and watches her intently confused by this display of emotions.

Yvonne bites her knuckle, trying to keep from crying too loudly. Eventually she whispers as though talking to herself. It's difficult to make out what she's saying, as the words keep running together.

"He doesn't care. She lied to me. All this time I've watched over him and kept him safe, and he doesn't see me. I thought, maybe, after last night, perhaps there was a chance. Maybe he'd see me as a woman instead of just a guard, but he doesn't! He knows what we did on the way here, he saw me kiss you, but he just doesn't care! He's not lonely. Not the way I am. She lied to me. That bitch lied to me!"

Frowning Carlos reaches out and rests his hands on Yvonne's shoulders unsure what to say he looks over the top of her head for a moment gathering his thoughts.

Carlos what the heck is wrong with you....she' is just a guard, she isnt even of Iraqstani birth.....tell her to buck up and do her job....

shaking the thoughts away Carlos looks down at Yvonne sympathy resting uncomfortably on his face "I know a bit about being invisible and caring for someone whom doesnt acknowledge you. Words cant mend a broken heart so I wont waste your time with the lines that we both know dont help anyone at all....." pulling her into a hug that for him seems uncomfortable he looks with distress at the wall unable to continue not knowing what the heck he's doing.

Snap out of it Carlos, this is foolish a sign of tenderness to a mere security chief? definately a weakness right there. Sure you enjoyed the trip but that was just to pass the time you saw how Nathi and Devon reacted to you. you dont have the ability to be kind...quit being such a fool. These sorts of emotions are for leaders not honoured or as enlightened as you snap out of it you fool! think of all you have!

Speaking in his head he gently holds Yvonne allowing her to cry her anquish out on his shoulder as he searches for words to say......

Yvonne stiffens at first, then melts against Carlos. She drenches his jacket with tears. "Oh, Carlos, I'm so sorry! I used you so terribly, and you've been nothing but kind to me! Please, please forgive me! I thought it would be a bit of harmless fun, but he didn't care, didn't look at me and now I've gone and made a mess of everything!"

She continues on like this for some time.

Holding her to him Carlos whispers "You have nothing to forgive, nothing to be sorry for" resting his head atop hers he holds her close ignoring the messy state his jacket is now in.

Damn you Carlos, Damn you Yvonne and most of all Damn you Devon focing me to reveal a weakness that could be exploited by all parties present if they find out.....

Shivering slightly at the thought of people finding a weakness in his shield he looks down at Yvonne and smiles slightly

Yvonne eventually settles down, although she clings to Carlos desperately. A few moments later, she lifts her head and wipes away her tears. "I look a mess, don't I?"

Then she laughs. "Women always say that, don't we? We're always so concerned that someone might see us when we're not so beautiful. Well, I'm going to be a woman right now. I'm going back to my room and wash my face. Please, don't tell them about this. They don't need to know. They haven't earned the right."

She sets her jaw stubbornly.

Chuckling Carlos strokes her cheek "Well, I'm going to be a right suck up and say your beautiful no matter what." smirking slightly he stands up and offers Yvonne his hand "If you dont mind I might wait for you to freshen up and then we can make an entrance better than your last one. and as you wish I will not tell them about this uh...encounter"

chuckling he waits for her to stand up

Yvonne nods quietly and stands up, leaning against Carlos and giving him a quick hug before straightening her uniform and setting off at a determined pace. Then she stops and looks around.

"Um...I think I'm lost."

Chuckling Carlos takes Yvonne's arm and leads her back towards the living areas they were assigned. "They can be quite tricky to find and are you ok? your trip in the corridor was rather worrying." running a critical eye over her he frowns. "As was running into those technicians" snickering he pats her hand.

Yvonne gasps in dismay and holds her hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I didn't even think about what I was doing, I just...panicked. I'm not used to that. What can I do to apologise?"

Carlos feigns considering and chuckles "I'll have to think on that unless you can think of something yourself." shrugging slightly he looks at her out of the corner of his eyes. "Now which room were you assigned?"

OOC: forwarded Yvonne and Carlos to the dining room and discussion on the treaty with Nathi. Trez feel free to jump in the thing :P

Treznor cracks open a portion of his lobster and picks the meat out with his fork. "So, Carlos. How much of this station is classified? Are the verboten areas clearly marked?"

Nathicana eats her meal delicately, savoring the flavor of each bite as is her habit. She smiles pleasantly at the others as Carlos and Yvonne rejoin them.

"Yes - I'd hate to mistakenly break any treaty before we'd even signed." she said with a chuckle.

Chuckling he sits down and smiles at everyone "Well, yes they are marked but it's usualy only the civillians that cant access said areas. Station control is off-limits to all but the people that run everything and there's a panel of them elected from each group of people here.

The research areas are open to all scientists, engineers and what not but again civillians are restricted for their own saftey. I trust that's acceptable for you both?"

Treznor nods and swallows. "I don't anticipate creating any problems, I just didn't want to wander somewhere I shouldn't be, like a clean room. If things are marked as you say, there won't be a problem."

He picks up a glass and sips at it. "So, Nath has been hinting at tantalising bits of a treaty. In case you weren't aware, she always makes it a habit of negotiating business at the dinner table. So please, don't let me stop you two. I'm curious to hear what this treaty is about."

"I don't forsee a problem with that, given the outline I saw earlier, Carlos." she said, referring to the treaty they'd blocked out.

You bastard ... She glances at Devon, but lets the comment slide. Done was done.

Taking a slow sip, she continued. "Do you happen to have a copy of the treaty with you? I wouldn't mind having anoher look at it."

Chuckling Carlos nods and motions an aide over and whispers "From the government database retrieve the treaty and bring a print out please. ask the tech in charge to do all that. then bring the copy back here."

Getting a muttered yes sir and a salute the aide rushes off. A few minutes later he returns with a document in hand and gives it to Carlos who sits enjoying his rather sparsely populated plate of food.

"Sigh I rarely eat much now days, and here my dear nathi the treaty you wished to look at again." Handing the treaty to her Carlos smiles and pushes his plate away.

She nods, scanning over the document with a trained eye, her lips moving as she nearly reads aloud certain segments. She pauses only to take brief sips of her wine, and nibble daintily at her meal, her face serious and gratefully, completely distracted by buisness from the earlier happenings of the day.

Finally, nodding in satisfaction, she passes the copy back to Carlos.

"Indeed. I think this will be a pleasant arrangement for us both."

Smiling as he takes the copy back Carlos reads over it again to refresh his memory and nods "Indeed it shall, I look forward to working with you on projects." smiling slightly Carlos drinks some wine "I trust everyone is enjoying or enjoyed their meals?" being the polite host once more he chuckles and looks to each person for a moment.

"Carlos, as always, your hospitality is impeccable, along with your taste in food and wines." she said, lifting her glass to her lips appreciatively.

chuckling Carlos raises his own glass in salute and takes a small drink. "Thank you, I must say you still outshine me hospitality wise but compliment are always welcome." chuckling he winks at yvonne discreetly and sits back happily.

OOC: bit of corrective surgery.

Sipping his wine Carlos regards Nathicana with a business look and smile and speaks "My dear, perhaps we should get the rest of this business and diplomatic ordeal out of the way so that we can enjoy the rest of the trip fully without the lingering thoughts of work to do? I can get the original copy delivered to us right here if you wish?"

Leaning forward slightly he smiles and takes another sip of his wine.

Returning his smile with a sly one of her own, she nods in agreement.

"Please do, my dear. As Devon here was so kind to point out, it's ever so much more pleasant to conduct these things over a good meal and fine wine."

Nodding to an aide who rushes off to retrieve the documents Carlos looks at everyone "Have you all had enough to eat? I can get the cooks to make up more food for you"

A few minutes pass and the aide comes back with a document held gently in his hands walking quickly to Carlos he places the document in his hands and collects the empty dishes and waits for orders for more food or not.

Opening the document Carlos slides his chair to sit closer to nathicana and places the document between them.

"As mere formality I have to ask you to read the charter and then sign your acceptance at the bottom" grinning slyly he continues "Even though we both know the charter I must apologise for the formality."

"No, no ... nothing more for me thanks, except perhaps a nice after dinner coffee? Do bring sugar and cream," she says to the aide, pushing aside her plate.

At Carlos' comment, she laughs richly. "Ah, Carlos - as much as I trust you to keep your end of the bargain, I assure you, I never sign anything without reading it first."

She then reverts to her serious demeanor, carefully peruses the document, assuring herself it matches word for word what she had just read, and the draft she had in her things. Satisfied that all was as it should be, she takes a pen from inside her jacket. It is an elaborate thing, with a case of turned green stone capped in gold. Fountain styled, she sets the nib to her signatory line, and signs in a firm, bold hand.

Blowing softly on the ink first, she passes the document and pen to Carlos, still all business.

Smiling and nodding his thanks Carlos takes the pen and document and reads it through for the sake of appearence and once finishing reading he takes the exquisite pen and signs his name below Nathicana's and looks up.

"My dear Nathicana I do believe we are the proud owners of a science treaty....." smiling softly he returns the pen to Nathi he keeps speaking "If you wish I can have this copied immediately so you have one to take home with you."

As he speaks an aide returns with Nathi's drink order and Carlos motions him to remain as he waits for Nathi's response.

"Please, keep the pen, as a reminder of our little transaction today."

She raises her glass to him, and smiles broadly. "To science, friendship, and a lucrative future."

Done, and done. Carlos my boy, this should prove to be a very, very interesting arrangement.

smiling his thanks he tucks the pen away in his jacket and raises his glass in a toast and smiles at nathicana "To science, friendship and a lucrative future indeed. Might I say it is a great honour to have such a friendship and future with you. Iraqstan is made all the more proud." winking slyly he takes a sip of the wine and sits back looking pleased with himself.

Not only do I get a stronger science division but...I might be able to get a line on them gravitic jump systems, R&D section is stuck with trying to find a system....jump gates and slipstreaming gah I hate science!

"Excellent! Now then, if we're all settled here ... shall we proceed with the tour? I'd love to see more of what I just got a piece of," she said, shooting Carlos a friendly wink.

Chuckling Carlos nods and stands holding his hand out to Nathicana. "Of course and for some piece of this prized thing perhaps we start in the bed area?" grinning slyly he moves as if to block a hit or..something.

"But in all seriousness we will start in the command section and work our way down I have someone I'd like to introduce to you all, more so to Nathicana as her people will be communicating with her frequently with spacestation based issues and traffict."

Nathi laughs out loud at his first comment, gently putting her hand on his arm as her eyes glitter with mirth.

"Why Carlos, you never told me that was your tradition for sealing a deal! You could have at least warned me before I signed," she says in a teasing tone.

"But yes, lets do continue on. I'm aware we're on a limited timeframe here, though you never have mentioned the why of that, Carlos. I'd be most interested in an explanation."

Rising from the table she smiled at the group and held out an arm in graceful expectation to neither man in particular.

Chuckling Carlos winks at her and looks to Devon and Yvonne before explaining. "Well given the station's positioning it's orbit is rather tricky, rather than the standard orbit the station orbits the sun's poles so to speak and thus it has a twice as along orbital path and can only be accessed manually the way we do at the moment once every two years....annoying yes but the ultimate in home defense"

Smirking with apparent glee Carlos steps to the door and holds it open for everyone to walk out.

So it's that way is it? she thought, as Carlos dismissed her. Don't want to upset your latest conquest, my dear? Damn. Devon, don't leave me hanging now, or so help me, I'll kill you, she thought, not daring giving him a glance to indicate her plight. Don't embarrass me by not taking up my silent request for an escort ...

"Two years, you say? But with gravitic jump capabilities ... wouldn't that become a thing of the past?" she asked inquisitively.

An edge? I'm certainly in no position to share such with him, but he needn't know that.

Red, you got your treaty. Why are you still posturing?

Finally bestirring himself, Treznor stands and takes Nathicana's proffered elbow, escorting her out of the room. He watches Yvonne sadly as she angrily walks up to Carlos and takes his arm in turn.

She's been a pain in the ass, but a top rate security chief for all that. I'll hate to lose her.

Nathicana settles herself on Devon's arm as they leave the room. When she's certain they're out of earshot, she whispers a very quiet and brief Thank you, smiling pleasantly as she looks around the facility, patiently waiting Carlo's answer. After all, if her forces were the only ones able to approach the station while in extended orbit ... the possibility for supplies shipments, medical emergency services, and basically, control were endless.

Looking at Yvonne carefully as she takes his arm Carlos looks over his shoulder and begins his rather reply hoping to not reveal too much.

"A gravitic jump system would remove that problem effectively yes as well as give the station a more readily accessable process. Currently we have on permenant station 9 of our destroyer grade warships and a housing of 150 fighters in the military hanger.

Your people of course are welcome to add to the defense forces when ever you wish and in a few minutes you'll be meeting a woman who would of rivaled me for power when I was but just a general in the Iraqstani military." patting Yvonne's hand he guides the group along moving sideways to the center of the station then takes a lift down into the literal heart of the station and into a torrent of people.

Standing in the center looking at a camera screen of the space surrounding the station is a tall lightly tanned woman wearing the military colours of Iraqstan. She hears the doors open and turns around quickly evaluating the visitors and snapping to attention saluting with precise military motions. Her features are stunning with deep violet eyes and shoulder length brown hair, her body gives off the appearence of an atlhetic build and developed. Her hands as they move seem to gliter in the light and her fingernails most of all have a dull metallic shine to them.

smiling in what she feels to be a friendly yet professional matter she walks towards the group and stops within speaking range and begins to speak. "Führer Quil'Raya, Emporer and Dread Lady I am General Fifth star Ceria Nu'Kol of Iraqstani Space Defense Supreme commander of Iraqstani Space Defense and Second in Command of Iraqstani Defense Forces. I must say it brings this station much honour to have you here on the station." nodding at Yvonne with a glint in her eyes that suggest annoyance at someone touching her leader she remains at attention waiting for the group to speak.

Treznor smiles genially and nods to Nu'Kol. "Thank you, General. It's a pleasure to be aboard. Please allow me to congratulate you on running such a tight ship. This station is a credit to Iraqstan."

Smiling Ceria nods her head in thanks to Devon and motions for them to follow her. "If you'll follow me I'll give you a quick tour of the control center then the research areas and the military hangers."

Stepping to the side she walks towards the main area of the control room and waits for the group to catch up

Nodding respectfully, Nathicana simply greeted her with a brief "General," letting Devon be the more flowery one of them.

Following her lead, she walks with the others to the main area, looking around with great interest.

Leading the group through the command center Ceria points out bits and pieces of the room sensor stations, defensive turret controls life support gravity support and military positions throughout the station's space sector.

"The entire facility runs independant of NADOHS until we can set up high speed communication systems which are slotted for installment some time in the next 3 months once that is done alot of positions will become automated and the room will be less crowded." speaking with obvious pride at the way she commands the station she looks on at the people with a grin of satisfaction.

"Impressive, General. As Devon said, you've done an admirable job here. You should be commended. Carlos, you must be very proud," she says in all sincerity.

I wonder ... given the similarities between our countries on some levels ... would she be ... tractable?

Smiling Ceria nods to Nathicana "I like to think I've done a good job with my work." looking slightly at Carlos she blinks slowly and turns to look at a console.

Carlos frowns at Ceria's attitude and shrugs slightly "Proud? yes I'm proud of the achievements this place has given Iraqstan. Once the research sections become fully operational I feel that both our nations will prosper from it."

Of course I still intend to sneak a tech or two into your ships nathi what better way to get gravitic jump engines than by stealing the tech of someone elses.....

Was that a ... look of annoyance there? Hrm ... perhaps I do have an 'in' there after all. Need intel.

"I think we're off to an excellent start, Carlos." She smiles, rather pleased all in all with how things are going, though still wary.

Smiling at Nathi Carlos nods happily "I do believe you are correct in your perception my dear." looking around slightly Carlos watches his people work. "They act just like drones...neither acknowledging nor perceiving our presence....amusing isnt it?"

She nods, and smiles pleasantly, still pondering the odd reaction Ceria had to Carlos and wondering what she can make of it.

"As you've shown with your other places, Carlos, very efficient. Shall we continue on? I'm anxious to see more."

Ceria's eyes flash at Carlos' comment on the drone like attitudes of her people and she frowns muttering under her breath close to where Devon and Nathi stand "You stupid man, if it wasnt for me this entire place would be just another biological lab, my entire military career has been advising your father we needed a space presence and he listened and rewarded me, you wanted this spot as well not being able to get it you shipped me out here and forgot about us....."

Glaring at the back of Carlos' head she forces her annoyance down resumes her blank facial expressions as Nathicana asks to continue.

Stepping foward Ceria speaks "Of course If you will follow me all of you we will begin with the science department and finish at the food areas. I can of course arrange for a visit to the military hangers if you wish to see them" striding forward with a bounce in her step she opens the door and allows everyone to preceed her.

Well well ... what an interesting bit of information that was. she thought with satisfaction. Once I have her, this place will be as good as mine, and treaty be damned.

She followed along, still smiling as pleasantly as ever. But those who knew her well would see the telltale gleam in her eyes that could only mean trouble for someone else ... and something gained for herself.

Walking ahead of the group Carlos looks around with pride in his space station and stops outside the airlock to the Science Section, looking over his shoulder he nods to Ceria who walks forward eyeing him oddly.

What is her problem, she still cant be miffed at her reassignment.....

Nodding to her again he touches his hand to the touch pad at the same time she does and the door slides open revealing a brightly lit hallway with lines of windows along each side.

"My friends....welcome to the third heart of Iraqstan Research and Development..." Carlos breathlessly says as he walks carefully into the section."

"As you probably noticed it requires two people to access this door all scientists that work inside here have the proper access levels and such it limits the traffic of unauthorised people through here and thus lowers the risk of contaminating experiments and what not." smiling slightly Carlos motions for them all into the module.