NationStates Jolt Archive

Elaborate, fancy invitiations find their way onto the desks of those National Leaders that are invited. Servants/Secretaries would know nothing of how they came to get there.

Opening the wax sealed envelope, pressed with the seal of Karmabaijan.

<<Message>>
Greetings. You have been personally invited by President-General Xeryu vonKarma to Ring Wilderness Zone 35-Alpha-3 for one of the President-General's trademark Safaris. This will be a primitive weapons hunt. Authorized weapons include edged weapons (mono-filiment is acceptable, but discouraged), bows, and throwing weapons (non-explosive). If you are interested in joining the Safari, please arrive at President-General vonKarma's personal compound at [coordinates] on Titan. Please arrive before [time, date] or you will miss the trip. We await your arrival.
<<End>>

"All right!" Razak punches the air with one fist. "The long-promised safari is here. Here ya go, Jon."

Hertzfeldt turns a mild shade of green. "Umm... great."

"Oh, c'mon." Razak pushes his fist into Hertzfeldt's shoulder and encounters much less resistance than expected. "Goin' out with a knife, jumpin' on one of them critters--the more dangerous, the better..."

"Ummmm..." Jon looks around nervously. "I'm a wee bit too... ah... vegetarian for that."

"Oh yeah." Razak shrugs. "Suit yourself. Permission to use your invitation and use some of that accrued leave?"

"Err... if vonKarma will let you, sure. Take Speaker along with you--he probably needs the vacation."

"Will do, Jon."

***

Hey vonKarma,

Hertzfeldt is too much the pussy to take you up on your offer. Mind if Speaker-to-Animals and I take his place?

--Julius Razak

Stahlstadt Region

A hand reaches for an envelope, and a nail slits it open. Coordinates, time. Not doable.

A polite letter, declining participation.

TCSF DN Anniversary II

A hand reaches for an envelope, and a nail slits it open. Coordinates, time. Doable.

A polite letter, confirming participation.

[OOC: Or maybe not. Leaving space to bring Marie into this on my returning if appropriate, and tagging thread.]

OOC:

*mournful tag*

Knive's looks up from the letter.
"Interesting," as he glances at a large knife displayed prominately on his wall.

He hits a comm. to respond.
"President Telcontar is out doing who knows what on his honeymoon, mind if I join?"

<<notch>>

(JUST OOC ENOUGH:

I'm totally going because it would not at all be suspicious for me to do so! LET'S LAY SOME WASTE!

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p1407.jpg
Mark Thomas Biddlebaum
Wait a second... HE'S THE WANTED MAN! GET 'IM!
The Free Community of SLAGLand Titan

;) )

At last, the safari has arrived. I am very much interested in sending an avatar along.

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p2814.jpg
Sakura
Acting Viceroy
The Free Community of SLAGLand Titan


Hey, whoa, whoa! If you're takin' my lil' sista along, I'm gonna be comin' t'look after her! Count me in!

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p2815.jpg
Solomon
Minister of EI Affairs
The Tourist Trapdom of The SLAGLands


Eh... what the hell. I'll come along, too... you know, as long as we're just having all of the damned EIs in The SLAGLands attending this thing...

http://invisionfree.com:54/40/9/upload/p3331.jpg
Ah-Flack
EI Counsel to the Viceroy
The Free Community of SLAGLand Ceres

"Don't tell me you're seriously considering going on this trip?"

"Of course not," replied Gregor Vetinari. "I am going. And that's final, Signy."

"How can you be so irresponsible? You're the emperor, you can't go harrowing off into the wilds without so much as a minimaser!" Her face growing a bright red, Lady Dame Signy Mallory looked like she was on the verge of having an appolexy. "You'll at least be using your augments at combat mode, won't you?"

"Its only a few animals, Signy! Its not like they can hurt me much!"

"That's what your great uncle said," retorted Signy. "You can't keep going off like this, Gregor. Those weddings were bad enough, especially with the intruders at both of them. This is completely insane. You haven't even married, let alone have an heir yet. Your mother waited until you were of age until she..." Signy broke off as Gregor paled, realizing what she was saying.

"You will be silent, Lady Mallory." Gregor sat quiet for a few moments, before saying. "Its not that much of a deal. The twins are competent, they can handle the job. And its not like I'll be defenseless. You know I'm never without Changeling. I doubt the we'll meet any animals that can withstand that kind of power."

Signy sighed in defeat. "Have you talked this over with him?"

"He's fine with it, as long as I come back with all my pieces."

"I'll bet. Well, go pack. We'll try to avoid starting any wars while you're gone."

=========

[Private YutLink Comms, m8 Security}
x Gregor Vetinari
o Xeryu von Karma

Expect me to be there.

OOC:

SLAG, sometimes you seriously freaking scare me.

OOC:

SLAG, sometimes you seriously freaking scare me.

(OOC: You're just jealous because your EI isn't a duck. ;) )

*stops hijacking Karma's thread*

The timing couldn't possibly be better. Thank you, Xeryu.

Nathicana reads back over the invitation, one of the few genuine smiles she's had in the past week slowly spreading across her face. She immediately begins making the arrangements, sending for several ministers, and for Marik. While she waits, she composes a brief response.

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

To my dearest flight instructor, greetings. I heartily thank you for the invite - how did you slip this in here, eh?

I'll be there, ready to go. Plan to arrive via the Tempest - for which I once again thank you. Thrill of flying still hasn't lost its appeal, boyo. Will see you then.

--Nathi

Siri smiled as the letter arrived. She fired off a polite confirmation response, cleared her schedule, delegated whatever meetings couldn't be rescheduled to one Prefect or noble or another, and then got busy packing.

~Siri

OOC: Note: All replies go unanswered. Its kindy a show up or don't thing.

"Odd... no response."

Razak shrugs. "It's Karma. He's odd like that. Let's just show up."

***

Using Titan's efficient internal transportation system, the two Scolopendrans arrive at vonKarma's compound at [coordinates] fifteen minutes before [time] on [date].

Nathicana arrives at the compound five minutes before [time] on the specified date. She lands the Tempest in a smooth, practiced manner. She sighs wistfully as she shuts down and jacks out, still quite taken with the whole experience of flying.

She tosses her duffle bag over her shoulder, slides on her dark shades, and steps out to walk down the ramp. Clad in nothing like her usual attire, she wears loose multi-pocketed khakis, a tight dark tank top under a loose long-sleeved drab olive shirt, tucked in and opened to the waist. Several knives are obvious, two sheaths strapped to her legs, a smaller one in a belt sheath on the back and one each tucked in her sturdy jungle boots. Her hair is worn in a long french braid down her back, a serviceable matching fatigue cap pulled down on her head.

Damn, this sort of brings back my old military days, she thinks with a smile, making her way over to the rest of the group. I can't remember the last time I really roughed it. Too damned soft ...

# We have recieved notification of the Safari's commencement.
> Excellent. I was wondering when that was going to start. I think I will go this
> time. Blu has her hands full, I believe.
# Acceptable. Your combat avatar (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/combatxanone.jpg) has been prepared.
> I hope that Xeryu will not have a problem with it...

[Communication={vonKarma}][i] We have very much been looking forward to this, ever since the Wedding. I shall be arriving shortly.

Xanone

~*~


A few hours later, a heavily modified Vishnai-class (http://www.silentrequiem.net/angelus/vishnai.html) long-range fighter slips easily into the atmosphere above the ring. Bright retrojets flaring, Xanone's Annoyance easily lands near the coordinates recieved, and the dark-red form of Xanone's new avatar floats regally out.

His long spear seems to be the only thing he is carrying with him, and his massive wings carry him easily over to the group, and he lands softly on hooved feet near Nathicana.

He grins slightly, revealing long sharp teeth, and he crouches down, his elbows on his knees, his spear/trident held loosely in his right hand, and his leathery wings folded neatly behind him. His long, pointed tail swishes in the dust behind him, and he stretches his head from side to side to loosen the kinks from the long flight.

Well, this is most certaintly well-timed... His voice is deep and resonant, the multiple-voice even more pronounced in the modulated tones of his vocal range.

Nathi looks over to him with a grin, taking in the new form with an oddly appreciative look.

"You're looking ... well, Xanone. Rather a change from when last we met."

And good gods, why -is- it so appealing? I need this trip more than I thought, truly. She firmly pushed aside that certain line of thinking for now, truly not wishing to occupy her mind with the various implications and such at present. The hunt. That is what she was here for. And damned if she was going to let things distract her from that, or her other purpose ... clearing her mind, and coming to some decisions.

Nathi looks over to him with a grin, taking in the new form with an oddly appreciative look.

"You're looking ... well, Xanone. Rather a change from when last we met."

Xanone grins at her, a slight curling of the lips that looks positively demonic. Why thank you, My Lady. You are looking rather relaxed... Good to see that you let yourself loose sometimes. His grin almost looks predatory. Perhaps we shall see how loose?

She arches a brow at both his comment, and manerisms, struck by the fact that the changes are truly more than skin deep. Her chin tilts up in a challenging manner, yet she offers him a sly grin, even as her cheeks flush slightly.

"I think, Xanone, that you would be suprised at the levels of complexity my nature reaches on occasion. We all have many faces, my dear. Some are just less obvious than others."

Chuckling, she teasingly strikes a more feminine pose, her expression still one of challenge.

"Or would you have preferred I show up in one of my standard ensembles? Adorned in silk, showing more leg showing than is proper?" She relaxes back to a casual stance, hip cocked jauntily. "Even roses have their thorns my friend ... however delicate they may seem in apperance."

She quietly pats the knife at her thigh and gives him a sly wink. "I believe this trip is just what the doctor ordered."

Xanone laughs softly. I really should get out more often. I swear Blu has been keeping all the fun to herself!

He gives her another sly grin, and he pulls a small disk-shaped object out of a small pocket. As for your coming dressed in silk... He thumbs the side of the disk, and a small hologram of the Lady Nathicana completely in the nude springs to life above the disk.

He holds the hololocket up for just a moment, then thumbs it off before anyone but she can see it. I keep my momentos. He gives her a wink, and his tail swishes harshly in the dust behind them. This trip is indeed going to provide some fun...

She merely grins unashamedly at him.

"Nice likeness," she says with a return wink. "I'm pleased it's brought a smile to your face, boy."

Nodding to the others, "Fun indeed, however, lets not be spoilsports and keep all the fun to ourselves, shall we?" She continues her walk towards the others gathered there but a short distance away, a decided sway to her hips obviously for his benefit.

How did he ... where did ... ah bloody hell, it's not as though it really matters, I suppose ... but I -do- rather like pulling that stunt myself, rather than having it sprung on me, she ponders, grinning wryly. That slick bastard.

[Internal] Hmmm... Very tasty.

A soft purr sounds deep within his throat, and his long tongue flickers out to lick across his lips. Interesting... He shrugs slightly and his powerful wings extend and beat down in one fluid motion, rocketing him upwards into the air. He reaches the pinnacle of his jump about 17 feet in the air, and he casually floats back down to join the others.

Just outside of vonKarma's estate, an old grey Ribbot Reprensitur squeals to a halt, techno blaring from its system, subwoofers filling the entire block with the sounds of thumping bass. The car's driver side door opens as the music comes to a sudden halt, and out steps Solomon. The burly avatar is clad fully in a green camoflauge jumpsuit--complete with matching fedora. As he pops open the drunk, the passenger side doors fling open. From the front seat appears Sakura, her blue-green avatar clad in a camoflauge cape-and-cowl combination. From the seat behind her, a small duck emerges, sunglasses over his eyes and a camoflauge doo-rag on his head. The group slams the doors shut as Solomon emerges from behind the car, a rather large backpack on his back. Solomon waves to the group on the lawn as the trio of EIs approaches.

"G'mornin', all!" he shouts in his warm basso profundo, smiling upon his approach. "Everybody ready t'get this safari underway? I know I've been hanke..."

"Ummm... excuse me..." the duck suddenly blurts out, his voice surprisingly... human. "I don't believe you've introduced me to your friends here, Brother Solomon." Solomon snaps his fingers.

"Well, shoot..." he chuckles, motioning toward the duck. "Everyone, this is my lil' brother Ah-Flack, EI Counsel to Viceroy Jonathon Fisk of SLAGLand Ceres." The duck waddles up to Nathi and Xanone, extending a wing.

"A pleasure to finally meet you all, I'm sure," he says.

Xanone squats and peers at Ah-Flack for good little bit before extending a clawed hand. Good morning, Ah-Flack. I am Automata-Designate X1, of the Dominion of Angelus. You may simply refer to me as Xanone.

Nathicana smiles warmly, though she does look a touch confused at the duck.

"Sakura, Solomon, and ah ... Ah-Flak, is it? A pleasure. So, you've come to join this little expedition?"

She looks them over, nods, and adjusts the bag on her shoulder a bit.

"From what I hear, it's a fairly rough go ..."

Gods, I hope Solomon can keep those two out of trouble ... especially the duck. Duck. What was that man thinking?

Coming in from the air, through a particularly mountainous region of Titan, the visitors have an opportunity to view vonKarma's compound. It is isolated by several thousand acres. A large monolithic dome is the only visible building, however, the property includes a largish airstrip, and what appears to be a long range firing range. As the safari goers land, vonKarma can be seen on the firing range, shooting at a target over a mile away. Several younger Karmabaijanians are also on the line. He puts down the weapon and stands up.

"OK, sorry guys, but we have to cut it short today. Have some state business to attend too. Good practice, see you in 2 weeks."

The kids collect their equipment and make their way to the shuttle that promptly takes off and heads off over the mountains.


A KSPA security agent is suddenly noticed behind the group.

"The President-General will see you on the firing range, if you please."

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/sarge.gif
President-General Xeruyu VonKarma
Ordinance Enabled Karmic Hegemony of Karmabaijan
Triumvirate of Yut
Titan

Xanone stretches as he stands, and his wings once more unfurl as he floats up and over the rest of the group. He grips his spear close and soars over to settle into his squat near vonKarma.

Good morning, President-General. Good to see you again. He looks around for emphasis. Nice place you have, I regret not visiting it sooner...

Knives looks about.
"Nice view Sir."
Other than that he remains rather silent, keeping to himself.

Making her way with the others, she looks anxiously to where von Karma is standing. She smiles broadly, and with little hesitation walks up and gives him a big but brief hug, slapping him comradely on the shoulder as she steps back.

"You're looking great, Xeruyu. Been looking forward to this trip since we discussed it at the wedding."

"Greetings Knives, Xanone, and Nathi. I hope that your trips here were uneventful. Nathi, how goes the flying?"

-vK

"Could not possibly be better. Still nothing like it in the world. Use it every excuse I get ... and then some." Thinking privately of the more 'racey' trips that she's taken in her shuttle, she grins just that much more broadly.

"Can't thank you enough, boyo ... still indebted," she adds more softly, the appreciation clear in her eyes.

Speaker and Razak scratch the backs of their necks concurrently. "Hey, Speaker, get the feeling we're marginalized by all these young'uns?"

Shrugging his massive shoulders, Speaker smirks. "Xanone is far older than even your fossilized carcass, Julie."

Razak laughs. "Sure as hell doesn't look it. Should learn to act his age."

The two follow the group, taking drag. "You know, Julie, you are just jealous."

"Well, she's not hard on the eyes, admittedly," Razak smirks, "but even I am not such a scamp to start associatin' in such a way with a foreign head of state. I have to be, what, almost twice her age?"

Speaker chortles. "Hmm... my dossier says she's thirty-three... you're sixty-seven... yes."

"Damn." Razak shakes his head. "You know how to make a guy feel young again, y'know that, Speaker? Ye ain't a spring chicken yerself."

Speaker runs a hand through his deep orange fur, lightly graying on the tips. "True. The oldest Kzin alive."

Razak frowns. "I'd forgotten, old buddy." He looks off to the side for a moment. "Sorry 'bout that."

Speaker shrugs with a slight frown. "Not your fault--and as CSEA doesn't seem to exist anymore, I consider myself avenged." He shifts to the snarling, growling Hero's Tongue. "As long as the new generations keep the language..."

"It is a... difficult one." Razak responds in kind, and then coughs. "The schools teach it, I think."

"They do, and we are thankful for that... but enough of such things."

"There is one disadvantage to being old..."

"Hrm?"

"Too much to forget to remember." Razak grumbles in a language not designed for the human palate.

"True," Speaker growls and spits, "all too true."

Gregor comes striding up to join the rest of the group. He is clad in a tan long-sleaved shirt shirt covered with a vest and pants. The vest and the pants are obviously made of some kind of animal hide, but nothing like anything the others have seen before. On his back is a large hiking backpack, full of outdoors equipment and a built-in quiver full of arrows. There is a shortsword and several knives on his belt, with at least on more sword attached to the pack.

When he reaches the group, he bows slightly to Nathicana. "Good [morning/afternoon/evening], my lady. A pleasure to see you again." He goes on to greet everyone else.

"Good to see you, Gregor," she replies, smiling. Catching sight of Speaker and Razak, she walks over, letting her bag drop along the way, and rotating her shoulder slightly, shaking her arm out.

"International Relations Advisor Speaker-to-Animals," she says, inclining her head politely. "I've not seen you since the wedding. Happy to see you've come along for this little adventure."

Nathi turns then to Razak, and extends her hand, gripping his firmly and shaking in a no-nonsense manner.

"Julius M Razak, Colonel in the Mobile Infantry, Scolopendran Military Services (retired); aged sixty-seven; served with distinction in the Southern Incursion, Crimean Extraction Campaign, Balkans Police Action, and the Tibetan Extraction Campaign. Made first contact with the Kzin, commanded their extraction, and led the retaliation against Confederate SouthEast Asia. Retired with honors. Current Advisor, Scolopendran Foot-to-Ass ..." She trails off with a grin.

"A pleasure to finally meet you, Sir." Nathi gives him a brief nod of respect, then looks to them both. "I look forward to learning from you both on this trip."

Speaker accepts the hand with a short bow. "It has been too long, Dread Lady. This trip will give me the chance to sharpen my claws." He extends them slightly while still smiling broadly, enough to give her a feel of their points. They seem sharp enough.

Razak blinks at his introduction and forgets to turn off the Hero's Tongue. He growls and hisses something that sounds like a deadly threat but translates to "At your service" before smirking, shaking his head once, and repeating it in English. "I see someone's been doing their homework--I only wish I could reciprocate." He bows shortly, pseudosunlight glinting slightly on his silver hair. "The end result of a long and not entirely proud history, ma'am."

Speaker blinks slightly at the mention of Colonel Razak as the commander of the Tibetan Extraction Campaign. He snarls quietly--in Kzin--"Not something you advertise. How would she know?"

Razak smirks and mutters under his breath, in English: "It's all in the history books, Speaker."

Sakura looks up and notices the others walking away. She taps Solomon on the shoulder, and her big brother leans back with a smile.

"I think we should join them," she says softly. "It looks like Speaker-To-Animals and Julius Razak of Scolopendra have arrived as well. Perhaps we should..."

"...perhaps we should join them!" Ah-Flack shouts, already a few dozen feet ahead of the group. "Well, no kidding we should join them! What, are we just gonna stand here staring at our vents while the rest of 'em go off to have fun in the jungle? Lousy lazy..." The duck trails off as he approaches the group, Solomon and Sakura following behind him. He offers a salute with his right wing. "Ah-Flack, EI Counsel to Viceroy Jonathon Fisk of SLAGLand Ceres. A pleasure to finally meet you all!"

Solomon chuckles as he and Sakura approaches. He nods toward the duck, a grin on his face.

"You'll have t'forgive THAT one," he says. "Not the most tactful son-of-a-toaster in the multiverse..." Ah-Flack emits an irritated quack as Solomon takes off the backpack and begins shuffling through it.

She subconsciously lightly rubs her hands where Speaker's claws touched, reasessing what little she knows of him.

Excellent. I hope at least from these two I'll see some killer instinct. Xanone as well, admittedly, so long as we can keep his mind on the proper hunt ... I needn't even question von Karma.

"We all have things in our past, Sir ... proud or no, they are but parts of the sum of what we are today. I would say from my admitedly limited knowledge, and overall impressions, that your experiences have served you well."

Catching his comment through her amplified hearing, she smiles softly, but lets it go, idly toying with her ring, now worn on a serviceable chain around her neck - the only piece of jewelry she's wearing.

I suppose we all have our private daemons

Eadwacer, King of the Boardlands receives the invitation and hitches a ride to the group.

"I trust that there won't be an issue with an ancient man such as myself joining this group of youngsters?"

By his side you can see a truly old and beautiful sword and a large, but simple, wooden crossbow. Over his shoulders is a long bow and there is a quiver at his back.

"I felt that I would be traditional this time. My ancestors wouldn't forgive me otherwise."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/eadwacer/eadwacer.jpg
Eadwacer, Mearclanda Þeoden

Edit: Added longbow and quiver

Razak shrugs. "Well enough, I'd guess. Still... when one can read about ones' past exploits in history textbooks it makes the one feel quite ancient. A long way from Poland, all things considered."

At Eadwacer's entrance, Razak chuckles. "Why, of course, sir."

Speaker-to-Animals turns around at the loud duckspeaking voice... and doesn't see anyone other than Solomon and Sakura, too far away to account. Does not sound like them either. Speaker, from years of living amongst shorter people, instinctively looks down.

And blinks. A duck. Other than a few Monty Python references, he can't think of much in response. Names, places, all blank until Ah-Flack fills them. He does manage to wave back, though. "International Relations Advisor Speaker-to-Animals, Scolopendra." He looks back up at Solomon and (mostly) Sakura questioningly.

vonKarma remains semi-quiet as everyone makes small talk. He appears to study the group as a whole, cataloging visible equipment.

They don't have a clue what they are getting into...well, they will learn quickly.

Clearing his throat, vK addresses the group. "It appears that everyone is here. If you will all follow me please."

vonKarma walks begins walking toward the house, but stops about 50 yards from it. He waits for everyone to catch up and assemble near him. He looks towards the edges of the group, seemingly checking something. As the group walks over the ground near vK, a slight clanking can be heard under the bootsteps. Suddenly, the ground seems to drop out, the party sinking directly into the ground, with no visible distortion of said ground. A bright flash is seen as ones eyes pace through the holoprojection, and the party finds themselves in a 10m diameter elevator shaft, the nice, normal appearance of the house and grounds above replaced with a very utilitarian metal/pipe/duct walls. It seems to fall about 100 meters, at least, and finally slows to a halt.

"Here we are. Follow me please."

vonKarma walks towards a random section of solid looking wall and disappears through it. His voice comes from the other side of the wall.

"Watch yourselves, the opening is only the size of a normal doorway."

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/sarge.gif
President-General Xeruyu VonKarma
Ordinance Enabled Karmic Hegemony of Karmabaijan
Triumvirate of Yut
Titan

She nods thoughtfully to Razak, then her reveries are cut short by a familiar voice. Nathi smiles warmly as the Cyng makes his entrance. As she moves to greet him, von Karma speaks, directing them over.

She settles for giving him a brief squeeze 'round the shoulders - not very dignified perhaps, but then, this is far from a diplomatic state dinner or such. She grabs up her duffle bag, tosses it back over her shoulder, and goes with the rest.

Tensing as they drop down, her mind quickly wraps around just what's going on once she thinks for a moment. Still, the image of Xeruyu walking through the wall gives her a start. Not wishing to look foolish or hesitant, she moves forward confidently - the act somewhat spoiled as she jerks her hand up in front of her at the last moment, the corners of her eyes tightening as she pushes through.

"Fancy," says Gregor. As he steps towards the wall, he looks down at Ah-Flack and says, "Careful, wouldn't want to bump you head."

(OOC: Since I didn't mention it earlier.)

Razak wears a set of fatigues made out of a storm-cloud patterned fabric that gently changes color to match the surroundings--poor man's chameleon camoflauge. As usual, his fatigues are covered in pockets which appear to be filled with various things. He is clearly labeled 'Razak' over one pocket; and he wears a very large and a very mean-looking combat "knife" in a sheath off his utility belt (imagine the Crocodile Dundee "now this is a knife" except double-bladed with a serrated edge). A set of smoke-cloud camouflaged combat boots round out his clothing.

Speaker wears similar fatigues with the sleeves and hems of the legs rolled up; he refrains from boots--they'd just get in the way.

(OOC: Back to the situation)

Razak and Speaker just look at each other. They'd visited before. Razak follows Nathi with no special caution; Speaker scrunches to fit through the door.

Eadwacer strides through (he isn't very large). His cloak is reversable with a generally forest colored pattern on one side, and a generally winter coloration on the other. He is continually looking back and forth, obviously checking to make sure that there are no threats around.

Xanone looks at the doorway for a moment, his eyes shifting through several spectrums before the outline of the door is clearly seen. Hmmm. He sighs softly, and leans forward onto all fours to scuttle through the door, his wings brushing the top of the doorframe as he moves through. [Internal] Damnable short doors. Humans need to grow a foot or two more on average, methinks.

He passes through, and as he does so, he straightens only slightly, settling back onto his hooves and looking around, his nostrils flairing as he scents the area around him. A predatory look crosses his features, and a low rumble sounds deep in his chest.

"Hey, Xanone, sir," Razak smiles good-naturedly with a sparkle of mischief, "kinda like the roguish new look. Just one thing--red isn't quite your color. Overplayed, in my opinion."

Speaker frowns and sniffs slightly, wiping away an imagined tear.

"Aww, buddy," Razak slaps the Kzin comradely on the shoulder, reaching somewhat to do so, "you're orange. It's in this year, especially with the white highlights and black natural camouflage."

Before the group stands an extremely dense looking vault-type door. As he approaches, visible lasers can be seen measuring vK. He approaches the door and places a hand on a sensor plate, and an eye to a retinal scanner. With a loud *CLUNK* the locking mechanism retracts, and the door swings silently open. Inside, row upon row of equipment, supplies, weapons, gear, and enough consumables (ammo, rations, whathaveyou) to last a /very/ long time.

"Welcome to the Armory."

vK leads the way to a side room, outfitted with a large conference table and briefing system.

"If you would all have a seat, we can begin the brief."

vK cracks his first smile since everyone arrived.

"You're all in for a helluva' week."


http://okcac.freeyellow.com/sarge.gif
President-General Xeruyu VonKarma
Ordinance Enabled Karmic Hegemony of Karmabaijan
Triumvirate of Yut
Titan

Razak and Speaker, being (arguably) the lowest-ranking people in the room, take the seats furthest from vonKarma and wait for everyone else to sit down first before taking their own... out of sheer habit.

As the guests take their seats, the door at the other end of the room opens and Sky Marshal Bluesummers walks in. He is wiping his hands on a red stained rag, which he promptly tosses into an incinerator chute.

"Please excuse my tardiness, I had some....business to attend too. I am glad you were all able to make it. This week will be...most enlightening."

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/bluesummers1.jpg
Sky Marshal Bluesummers
First Titan Combined Fleet
Ordinance Enabled Karmic Hegemony of Karmabaijan
Triumvirate of Yut
Titan

Nathicana looks around, letting out a long, low whistle. "Damn, boy ... you do know how to stock your place."

She takes a seat somewhere she can see everyone, at least as best as can be managed.

At Bluesummers' entrance, she arches a brow, but tactfully says nothing concerning what it was that might have ... kept him.

"A pleasure," she says, smiling quietly.

Knives nods to the familiar Bluesummers.
"Skymarshal, A pleasure to see one of Titan's finest."
He looks back down, thumbing the the clasp on on sheath on and off.

The three EIs express a rather dull bemusement with the workings of vonKarma's estate. All three are rather silent, save the annoyed quackings of Ah-Flack at every single damned snide comment. Solomon and Sakura take their seats in the Armory, and Ah-Flack hops into Sakura's lap and squats down as best he can. They nod quietly to Sky Marshall Bluesummers as he enters, and Solomon lets out a slight "g'day."

Razak and Speaker basically wave and say "hi" to Legato's... interesting entrace. The guy's a kook, sure, but they're used to him by now. To pass the time, they idly chat in the Hero's Tongue. It sounds like they're having the most jovial exchange of lethal insults ever recorded in human history.

"So, a... duck?" Razak growls and hisses.

"That it is." Speaker snarls back. "An avatar of an intelligence."

"Odd. What is it doing on a hunt?"

"No idea."

"As long as it fends for itself, all will be well. Looking forward to this?"

Speaker chuckles, a soft huffing sound. "Of course. Warrior's blood runs in my veins, and it has been so long. Following the spoor of the trail, the rush of the pounce, the satisfaction of teeth and claws entering flesh and snapping bone..." Speaker smiles and chuckles again, waving a paw dismissively. "Hunting is a very... satisfying experience for the Kzin-tosh."

Razak laughs. "If I had your set of knives," he rumbles back, scrunching his hands for emphasis, "I would love it too. Unfortunately, I only have this knife." He pulls out his blade, which, as mentioned earlier, resembles a small machete in its curvature. The bleeding edge is completely sharpened down to, if not a monomolecular edge, at least an edge as sharp as a bored M.I. can make it; the flat edge of the micromachete is serrated. The leading edge is also sharpened down to maybe half the length of the weapon, with two blood-gutters per flat side. The thing is massive, maybe half to three-quarters of a centimeter thick, designed to make wounds that aren't going to close again easily. The handle is long and curved, thickening towards the end, and how Razak holds it tends to indicate that despite its size and mass it is delicately balanced.

"True," Speaker laughs, sounding like a mixture of a stuttering roar and someone coughing up a lung, "but that is a knife."

Razak reverts to English, smiling broadly. "It is, isn't it?"

vonKarma stands at the head of the table. A holoprojector in the center of the table whirrs to life as a holo of Saturn and the Ring comes into view.

"I'd like to welcome you all again. My goal here is to leave the politics at the door," he gestures, "that you all just walked in through. I want you to know, that this is not going to be an easy week. It will be fun for sure, but you will work. Speaking of that, let me show you what we have in store."

The rotating holo, begins to shift, the imaginary camera flying towards the ring, and comes to a stop over a particularly wild looking section. The camera reorients itself, providing a 3d overhead view of the landscape.

"As you can see, the terrain is quite varied, but our initial obstacle is the mountains. We prohibit any aircraft from entering the wilderness zones, so we will have to put down pretty much in the middle of this mountain range. Our first day will be mostly hiking. Once we clear the mountains, we will enter a decidious forest where a good portion of the game should be found. We will make a dicision there as to our next move, as there is steppe, jungle, and more mountanous regions available. Primary game is the Titan Tygar, Deyr, Lyhon, Khape Buffalo, Ellahfont, Rynoseris, Wyld Borh and a variety of smaller, faster, more dangerous Titan predators. I have secured clearance for a small, silent running KSPA shuttle to be available to remove kills, anything we cant pack out of course."

vK pauses as the displays plot the parties primary course through the mountain zone, from their landing site.

"We will be leaving today, and spend tonight at the LZ, and get an early start tomorrow on the hike. Any questions?"

-vK

Razak raises a hand with an impish smile, making sure not to grin while Speaker is around. "Sorry, sir, can't resist--is this going to be a stand-up fight or just another bug-hunt?"

Xanone casts a casual glance around the room, taking stock of the plethora of weapons lining the walls. Hmmm. Nice stock. He shrugs and leans his trident-spear against the table and climbs into a crouch atop one of the chairs, his long wings draping down the back of his chair.

He turns and gives Razak a wink. Red is kind of passé, don't you think? He shrugs and his tail flicks back and forth as he relaxes.

vK shoots Razak..........an impish grin.

"Harharhar Julie. What a comedian. Sheesh"

-vK

Ye gods, this is going to be a switch. Taking orders instead of giving them ... and the outdoors in this capacity? I've not done anything remotely like since basic, save a few of the less pleasant missions we had. Not like this at all.

Her expression went from thoughtful to determined, her jaw setting. Make or break. I refuse to be a weak link here.

"Just let me know what's expected of me, Xeruyu," she says firmly, then relaxes a bit and gives a soft laugh. "Though I seriously hope you don't expect me to cook much ... we'll all be going home early on account of indigestion."

"Hmm, perhaps I should go for slightly upgraded weaponry. It sounds like many of these quarry are significantly more dangerous than those I am used to. I trust that I will beable to refit my self from the armory before we begin?"

Knives raises his hand.
"Xeruyu, what is the weather forecast for our hunt?"

Razak raises an eyebrow at Nathi's statement. "Cook, ma'am? Heh, that's my job."

"True," Speaker quips, "Julie is the master of partially burning perfectly good raw meat."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy."

"Of course. You may outfit yourselves with whatever you feel necessary for your trip from the armory. However, please remember that this is a non-energy non-chemical reaction based hunt. Please limit yourselves to the edged and string powered weapons. Sky Marshal Knives, the weather is expected to be fine. The weather engineers have assured me of it."

Knives chuckles softly.
"Bah, weather engineers. Very well, won't have to worry about keeping dry so much."

Nathi gives Razak a wink, then says, "Excellent. If I could then, procure a crossbow of sorts?" She looks over to Eadwacer and nods. "You've a fine looking one there yourself. I regret I hadn't brought mine, though in truth, it was more designed for target than the hunt."

Knives looks about, curious to see just what everyone has at their disposal.
"If no one minds telling, just what all are you using? I myself have these two weapons."

He procures the blade from his hip sheath, presenting a small short sword, made entirely of simple geometric shapes, lines and sharp angles, not a single curve, except for the weight at the end of the hilt, which is a simple dull cylinder.
He also presents a smaller weapon, about half the length of the short sword, resembling a rather mean looking dagger, the "blade" consisting of rather thick and spike with a cross '+' cross-section. Each edge has an equally mean pair of barbs on it, located about one to two thirds down the length of the dagger. The hilt terminates in a substantial eyelet, trough which a suprisingly thin rope has been tied, the rest of the rope coiled nearby.

Nathicana looks over, and nods in approval. "Very nice," she says, her eyes wandering over the blades in an appreciative manner.

"I've only brought a few simple blades myself." She gestures to the two Black Company issue survival knives strapped to her thighs, the two shorter black-handled throwing blades tucked in her boots, and takes out a long butterfly knife with worn ivory inlay in its grip from her belt sheath.
She twirls it a bit in a practised manner, then slips it back behind her, putting it away.

"For backup."

Looking to von Karma, she tilts her head inquisitively. "All things considered, and other than a crossbow perhaps, will that be sufficient?"

"Depends on how up close and personal you want to get, Nathi. I also hope that you brought more along than just knives....they don't do a very good job of keeping you warm at night."

-vK

She laughs, and kicks her large duffle bag with her boot. "Of course, of course. It's been a long time, boy ... but not that long. I hadn't thought my warmth was dependant on my companions, after all - unless there were details I missed in that invite?"

Nathi grins impishly, cocking a brow.

Razak shrugs and puts his massive knife back into its sheath. "I think we've seen enough of mine... although I have some throwing knives and a set of knuckledusters stashed about on my person."

Speaker remains silent, simply extending the claws on his hands and feet. Bony talons maybe three to three-and-a-half centimeters long and razor sharp. After leaving them out for a few moments, he retracts them back in.

Eadwacer looks over the knives and picks out several smaller combat knives. He checks his own pouches for extra strings, a whet stone, steel and flint. He does replace his collection of wooden bolts and arrows with metal ones.

"You mentioned that it may grow cold at night? Will my cloak be sufficient for warmth? It is a middle weight felted wool cloak."

Xanone taps his spear with the cruel-looking claws on his right hand and flashes Xeryu a full-toothed grin. I brought my spear-Trident along if I need it, but like Speaker, I come well-equipped for the hunt. He shrugs, causing his wings to rustle about him. I can throw my spear if need be, but... He shrugs again and smiles.

As for warmth and cooking, you know I need neither, but I am interested in Kzin-style cuisine.

Speaker flaps his bat-wing ears slightly at Xanone's grin... but recognizes that it is neither a challenge nor a threat to his friend. He does half-smile at the electronic awareness' comment on cooking. "One cannot argue with your tastes, sir."

The three EIs speak quietly to each other so as to not disturb the room. Solomon, meanwhile, pulls off his backpack and begins double-checking the group's provisions. Ah-Flack, meanwhile, raises his wing as Solomon produces a long crossbow and hands it to Sakura.

"Uh, yeah... question regarding the game," Ah-Flack says, cocking his head. "Well, I'm certain some of you have considered this already, but my form very strongly resembles what others may consider to be wildlife. Are there any creatures in this area that resemble me? If so... they don't talk or make sounds similar to talking, do they? You know, because I don't really feel like taking a sword to the head or anything... this is a fairly expensive and well-crafted avatar, after all, and although I don't mind putting it at risk for the sake of exploration, I am concerned about friendly fire... plus it hurts like hell to lose an avatar... I'm not sure if any of you..."

He trails off as Solomon chuckles.

"I doubt we will be hunting fowl." Speaker looks slightly... disgusted, maybe insulted, at the idea. "You should not have a problem."

"Heh heh heh..." Razak chortles. "Leave the birds for the kittens, right pal?"

"Quite."

"Perhaps, Ah-Flak, sticking close to Solomon would be a good idea, in any case? Meaning of course no disrespect, but he is the larger more visible of the two of you, and would himself command a better view of the surrounding area I imagine."

She keeps her tone serious, schooling all humor from her expression at the thought of a duck, EI or not, out on safari.

Gods, and I worry about myself?

"Sakura," she says looking over with a light of concern in her eyes. "I'm aware that as EI's you all are gifted with talents beyond our means, but ..." She pauses, pondering for a brief moment before going on.

"Do you have everything you need? Solomon, I see, seems to be the one carrying gear."

Sure ... just how does one ask politely 'are you up to this', especially knowing what she's been through? I doubt she knows that I'm aware, unless Shodey told her. Perhaps she's using this trip as well for something more than recreation.

"Um...not to be rude, Ah-Flack, but...well, how exactly do you intend to help hunt? You're sort of lacking opposable thumbs," Gregor comments, fumbling for a way to be polite.

Ah-Flack nods at the responses of the others; however, as Gregor speaks up, his neck snaps to the side, and he glares directly at the Cetagandan delegate. He glances up at Sakura.

"'scuse me, Sis."

Sakura nods and places Ah-Flack back on the ground, and the duck waddles over to Gregor, emitting an annoyed quack along the way. He makes a deft leap into Gregor's lap, then onto his shoulder, running his wing across his face. The feathers on the tip of the wing are unusually wide and solid and seem to form something strongly resembling a human hand... thumb and all.

"Do you feel that, you moron?" he shouts. "Did you think that I would come along to hunt animals if I didn't have the capability to operate a weapon? Geez... I swear to the Great Camofrog, I have just about had it with you people and your snide comments... 'I don't have any thumbs... I can't operate a weapon... I can't shoot animals because I'm a goddamned duck!' Did it ever occur to you that I am a COMPUTER? That I THINK about such matters?" Solomon scuttles over to the duck and picks him up. Ah-Flack flails his wings at Gregor threateningly. "Put me down! I'm not finished! I still have to... mmmff!" Ah-Flack struggles in vain as Solomon holds Ah-Flack's beak shut with his powerful hand, then returns to his seat. Solomon looks over at Gregor.

"He'll get along fine," he says. "Ingenius design, this one... but a bit cranky..."

Gregor only blinks at the sight of the enraged duck. "Interesting. Tell me, does the modified feathers interfere with flight? For that matter, can you fly at all? I'm hardly an expert on avian flight, but wouldn't you be too heavy to fly?" Hoping to forstall another outburst, he adds, "Please, don't take offense. I've simply never encountered an EI with such an unusual avatar and am a bit curious about it."

"I consider myself a good, if relatively simple, cook and will be able to help if need be."

Though duck is becoming more and more tempting.

"Also, should someone discover themselves to be chilly I'm sure that I can assist . . . I am very skilled at skilled at skinning and am sure that I can quickly create them a luxurious cloak."

Speaker fluffs out his fur a bit and smiles. "Covered."

Razak points to the fuzzy smoke-cloud patterned blanket rolled up on top of his backpack. "Covered. Still, a cloak would be much appreciated, sir."

Xanone casts a the duck a withering glance. The childlike EI's antics were irritating to say the least, and they noted a complete lack of common sense and possibly an underdeveloped central cortex. He sighs softly to himself and decides to ignore the annoyance as much as possible during the duration of the trip.

Besides, he thinks as he gazes across the table at Nathicana's shapely neck and shoulders. I have much more attractive prey in mind...

Speaker and Razak note Xanone's... interest in Nathi. Looking at each other warily, they speak volumes with their eyes. This could be... odd. Keep an eye on those two.

Lady Siri, at last, rushes onto the estate, having only just arrived, thanks to an unforeseen but - as it turned out - necessary stop at Ceres, when it was discovered there was an engine problem on the Gilthoniel's shuttle, that there was not time to fix. So she'd had to get a new shuttle.She wanders around for a while... finding nobody.

"Hello? Anyone home?" :( "Damn... they can't have left... the ship's still outside..."

She carries a duffel bag, and a longsword, and there is an elvish longbow strung across her back, along with a quiver full of arrows. Her hair is in a simple braid, so as to not get in the way, and she's dressed in a simple sort of robe (for B5 fans, think the one Delenn wears when she's commanding a White Star, but add a hood and an elfy brooch of some sort) in a strange sort of grayish color that seems to shift to match its background - one can follow her movements easily enough, but one gets the impression she'd be pretty hard to spot if she didn't want to be found.

~Siri

"Excellent, Eadwacer," she says, smiling at him warmly. "I believe that is part of the point, yes? Trophies. I know I intend to take some."

She shivers slightly, the spot between her shoulderblades getting that familiar itch of being watched. Turning slightly, she glimpses Xanone watching her from the corner of her eye, her expression ... briefly concerned, though she masks it quickly.

Oh gods ... surely he was merely jesting outside? Wasn't he?

[Communication]
Something ... on your mind, Xan? If I didn't know any better, I'd say your thoughts were drifting from the task at hand.

<don't mind me just passing through marking a thread of good rp for future reference....>

[Communication]
Something ... on your mind, Xan? If I didn't know any better, I'd say your thoughts were drifting from the task at hand.

[Communication={Nathicana}] Hello, Nathicana.

Even with the tentative brush of communication, Nathi should be able to sense the raw power of Xanone's will. The pure force of his sentience seems to be riveted on her for just an instant, and the aweful presence of the protoArchailect brushes her comparably fragile mind.

My thoughts can drift and change as the tide, but it will not affect nor compromise my purpose here. Worry not, dear Nathicana, I would not errantly put any of these people in danger, nor would I bring harm to any present... Except for a certain unnamed chicken...

vonKarma notices a small light flashing on his control console. He punches a few keys and a surveillance holo appears where the breifing display was. It shows Siri wandering through the house, obviously looking for someone.

"If you will excuse me, it seems the last of our guests have arrived."

vonKarma gets up from the table and walks to a small side door. He enters and a whooshing sound is heard. Up in the house, the noise is heard coming from a "closet" door and vK appears behind Lady Siri.

"Greetings Lady Sirithil, glad you could join us. I trust you had a pleasant journey to Titan."

-vK

Siri turns; she heard the closet door opening, and is not surprised to see him there when she turns. "Yes... though there was a slight delay. Damaged shuttlecraft."

She blinks a moment. "Forgive me for asking, but... were you just in the closet?"

~Siri

"If you will follow me, the 'closet' only goes one way."

He leads the way to another holo-camoflauged elevator outside that connects to the corrider and vault door below ground. He opens the vault and conducts siri to the assemblage.

"Lady, gents, and EI, may I present Lady Sirithil."

-vK

Nathicana turns at the response, looking Xanone with a cool, imperious gaze. The corners of her eyes tighten briefly, and the hand that has been resting lightly on the table visibly tightens, her jaw sets, and her lips compress in reaction.

Still, despite her cold exterior, he might be suprised at the fiery temper and fierce will that suddenly flares up in ... challenge? Her gaze meets his, unblinking, and she gives him an almost imperceptible nod.

[Communication={Xanone}] Of course, boy. Though I trust you have the wisdom to refrain from some of your more ... base urges?

Chickens, and all, of course.

At Siri's entrance, she turns and smiles pleasantly enough.

"Well met, Sirithil," she says, nodding briefly in greeting.

So there she is ... the woman Carlos laid himself open for. Perhaps I can gather information to work for me on this trip in that direction. Goddess? Pfah ... true, she's a beauty, and she has power, but it takes more than that to reach the divine, if such a thing is even possible.

Siri smiles brightly to the assembled group, and gives a little wave.

"Hi."

~Siri

Speaker closely watches the unspoken conversation between Nathi and Xanone. Cathing Razak's eyes, the two secretly agree to speak of it later and ready themselves for action now... just in case.

When Siri enters, Speaker nods his head. "Welcome, ma'am." Razak smiles and waves.

Eadwacer turns to notice Siri, and then pointed turns away from her, back to caring for and preparing his weaponry.

[Communication={Xanone}] Of course, boy. Though I trust you have the wisdom to refrain from some of your more ... base urges?

Chickens, and all, of course.

[Communication={Nathicana}] *His laughter echoes through her mind, but it lacks the poignant sting of the Mainframe's briefest of touches.* Base urges do not become me, My Lady. I am machine, not human. Regardless, the hunt should prove interesting, my lady, for I have no desire to force you to do anything. *He chuckles again, almost comrade-like, and it fades softly away*

He turns in his chair and smiles slightly at Sirithil. My Lady.

Nathicana stretches, relaxing back in her chair, giving both Speaker and Razak a brief close-lipped smile and a sly wink. Hopefully this conveys that all is well.

I've no doubts where they stand. I only hope should the time ever come, I can have the grace to play the appreciative damsel to their 'rescuing knight'. Not something I'm used to. Damn, I've got to watch myself better, or I'll have everyone jumpy on account of my moodiness.

She doesn't face him, but the message goes through, a clear overtone of amusement to it.

[Communication={Xanone}] My goodness, boy ... whatever do you mean? And here I thought we spoke of barnyard fowl? As for base urges ... Pity. I find them most entertaining on occasion.

Ah-Flack looks back at Gregor, feathers still ruffled; however, he forces a sigh and calms himself down. Solomon releases his beak.

"Sorry about that..." he mutters. "I tend to fly off the handle when people treat me like I haven't thought things through..." He shakes his head. "In answer to your question, no, I can't fly... not that it matters at all. My avatar is based on Ah-Flack, an ancient SLAGLandic god who once took the form of a duck to infiltrate the lair of a demoness. Ah-Flack the god had his wings plucked while trying to escape; Ah-Flack the electronic sentience does not use his wings for flight."

"Pity. It would have been useful to have someone who could fly to scout around." Gregor smiles, and continues, "I can see how the duck jokes could get a bit tiresome. Maybe if you tried a 200 ft giant duck and went on Nippones-style rampage it might inspire more respect. Or at least work out some of that anger. But in any case, did you bring any weapons of your own or would you like borrow some?"

"Now that we all know the plan or operations, I think it would be prudent to move out to the equipment room and double check all of our equipment."

vK leads the way to a packing room with large metal tables, connected to the main equipment/weapons room.

OOC:This be where the lists of all the gear you are taking go.

INVENTORY LISTING, SCOLOPENDRAN PARTY

Julius Razak
Utility Belt
1 Really Big Knife in sheath
3 Magnesium flare / incendiary capsules
1 Standard-issue canteen
1 multitool

Fatigues, Jacket
--Upper Left Pocket
3 small throwing knives in protective sheathes.

--Upper Right Pocket
3 packs of chewing gum
3 tubes of hard candy

--Lower Left Pocket
1 Camouflaged leather work glove, left hand

--Lower Right Pocket
1 Camouflaged leather work glove, right hand

Fatigues, Pants
--Left Pocket
1 pair of small armored field glasses (50X magnification)
1 flint-actuated chemical lighter

--Right Pocket
1 set of knuckledusters, currently in protective plastic sheath

--Left Back Pocket
Empty

--Right Back Pocket
Empty

--Left Cargo Pocket
1 Emergency medkit containing:
---Suture kit (ten meters) with needle and clippers
---Bandages (three meters) with scissors
---4 doses of emergency coagulant (individual hypos)
---4 doses of emergency stimulants (individual hypos)
---Cyanoacrylate (superglue) laceration closer (in small spray applicator)
---Iodine / hydrogen peroxide antiseptic (in small spray applicator)
---Antiseptic hard-foam (in small spray applicator, approx 2 doses)

--Right Cargo Pocket
4 Y-Rations (concentrated brick of nutrition, spinach-flavored)

Backpack
1 standard-issue camouflaged blanket
1 standard-issue camouflaged thinsulation sleeping bag
2 square meters of camouflage netting (in canister)
1 standard-issue cooking kit
40 meters of high-strength rope (always gotta have the fuggin' rope!)
Some random bits of oil-soaked paper (for tinder)

Boots
1 Boot knife (per boot)

Speaker-to-Animals
Natural weapons (teeth and claws)

Utility Belt
1 Canteen
1 Multitool

Fatigues, Jacket
--Upper Left Pocket
1 pair of small armored field glasses (50X magnification)

--Upper Right Pocket
2 flint-actuated chemical lighters

--Lower Left Pocket
2 Kzin Y-Rations (higher calorie/nutrient count, liver-flavored)

--Lower Right Pocket
2 Kzin Y-Rations (higher calorie/nutrient count, liver-flavored)

Fatigues, Pants
--Left Pocket

--Right Pocket
Empty

--Left Back Pocket
Empty

--Right Back Pocket
Empty

--Left Cargo Pocket
2 Emergency medkits containing:
---Suture kit (ten meters) with needle and clippers
---Bandages (three meters) with scissors
---4 doses of emergency coagulant (individual hypos)
---4 doses of emergency stimulants (individual hypos)
---Cyanoacrylate (superglue) laceration closer (in small spray applicator)
---Iodine / hydrogen peroxide antiseptic (in small spray applicator)
---Antiseptic hard-foam (in small spray applicator, approx 2 doses)

--Right Cargo Pocket
60 meters of monofilament (i.e. fishing line)
1 roll of ABDM duct tape
1 small roll of masking tape

Backpack
2 3m by 3m tarpaulins
1 standard-issue tent kit (i.e. rods to hold up the tarpaulins)
12 square meters of camouflage netting

[edit: Canteens and multitools. Dang you, Nathi!]

"Pity. It would have been useful to have someone who could fly to scout around."

Xanone's ears perk up, and he swings his head over to glance at Gregor. Ahem. He clears his throat and semi-spreads his wings.

Knives Inventory

Fatigues, Jacket
Material: Level 1 adaptive camo, simply changes color and pattern to suit terrain, very basic

Upper Left Pocket
3 Medi Stim-Sticks
1 pocket lighter

Upper Right Pocket
3 sticks Beyf-jerky in non-scent pouches.

Lower Right Pocket
Pair of camo work gloves

Belt
1Custom Built GP30 Iodine short sword from Malice Corp.
1 Cross-Dagger Anchor from Malice Corp.

Fatigues, Pants
Material: Same as jacket

Left Cargo Pocket
1 Scolopendrean Emergency medkit containing:

Right Cargo Pocket
4 Y-Rations (oriental-flavored)

Backpack
camouflaged blanket
camouflaged thinsulation sleeping bag
camouflage netting (in canister)
standard-issue cooking kit
60 meters of carbon-nanotube rope
1 right eye monocal vision assist device. (100x mag, ranging, etc)
Roll of "100 mph" tape

Boots

Nathi hefts her large duffle bag up onto a table, and systematically lays out her equipment.

Collapsable backpack, Black Company issue
Camelbak canteen
First aid kit, with all the neccessary bits
Two changes of clothing, layerable, one for cold
Sturdy leather gloves, extended wrist guard
Rain poncho, camo
Sunblock, scent-free
Flashlight, spare batteries
Four flares
Leatherman tool
Lighter & matches
30 ft lightweight, high strength rope
Personal care items (soap, brushes, etc)
Small tent, olive drab
Highly compressed sleeping bag, rated to protect at 15° F
Dominion Military grade light wool blanket
Emergency blanket
7 carefully measured bags of trailmix
1 package of Jolly Ranchers hard candy
14 individual size packets powdered Gatorade drink mix
Small can instant coffee, powdered creamer, sugar
Compact mess kit
1 weeks worth MRE's
1 roll black duct tape
Several drawstring garbage bags

Each item is either carefully contained in its own watertight/proof package, or grouped with other items of like purpose. In both of her larger knives' handles is tucked extra emergency survival items, a small compass capping them off.

The backpack has several pockets and pouches, all quite capable of holding the items she has. A place for everything, and everything in its place - nice, neat, and orderly as she likes things.

Xanone unslings the small back that hangs from his shoulders between his wings and sets it on the table. He unties the strings holding the top together and pulls out the few items held within.

[code:1:09dab47ae3]A small multiuse gravtool, designed for grabbing, crushing, or cutting.
An equally as small laserknife &
a 50' coil of moderately thin cabling[/code:1:09dab47ae3]

He looks up and shrugs sheepishly. I do not really need much...

Looks like you all come well prepared. Do you require anything from my stocks?

Eadwacer lays out his equipment:


1 heavy wool cloak
1 light wool cloak
Leather gloves
1 sword
2 hunting knives
1 medium crossbow
1 long bow
50 bolts
50 arrows
Flint, steel, and dry tinder
2 canteens
rope
heavy thread
Heavy needles (for both thread and leather work)
5 belt pouches
2 pounds of Deor jerkey
1 pouch of medicinal herbs (Laxitives, anti-diarrhials, analgesics, antiseptics, etc.)
1 wooden penny-whistle

(Slight time warp.)

"Ah, I didn't see that you had wings, Xanone. I bet that will come in handy."

Gregor then sets about laying out the various things he carries, occasionally pulling objects from midair.

Gregor Vetinar Equipment List:

Cetagandan Imperial Implant Package (Enhanced Strength, Reflexes, and Senses Online; Automatic Combat & Assassin Programs Disabled)
Magic User (OOC: I don't intend to use any combat magic, but I might use simple stuff like lighting fires or healing, along with a nifty bag-of-holding-type thing.)

Clothes
Vest, pants, shirt, and cloak made out a durable, light, and waterproof leather-like material.
Boots made from a similar material, but a bit heavier.
Hat
Wrist sheaths
Underwear
Socks

Utility Belt
1 Short Sword
1 medium-sized hunting dagger
1 canteen
1 multitool

Wrist Sheaths
2 throwing knives (per arm)

Vest

--Upper Left Pocket
1 Can of Bug Repellant
1 Tube of sunblock

--Upper Right Pocket
1 Water Purifier
1 Flashlight

--Lower Left Pocket
4 throwing knives

--Lower Right Pocket
1 bag full of various candies
2 C-rat bars

Fatigues, Pants

--Left Pocket
empty

--Right Pocket
empty

--Left Back Pocket
empty

--Right Back Pocket
empty

--Left Cargo Pocket
1 Emergency medkit containing:
--- Suture kit (six meters) with needle and clippers
--- Bandages (four meters) with scissors
--- 3 doses of emergency stimulants
--- Iodine / hydrogen peroxide antiseptic
--- Broad-spectrum antibiotics
--- Painkillers
--- 1 Foam cast

--Right Cargo Pocket
Mini tacklebox with:
- 50 meters of monofilament fishing line
- 30 hooks

Backpack

3 javelins
1 compound bow
1 detachable quiver
- 20 arrows
1 hatchet
1 standard-issue adaptive camouflage blanket
1 standard-issue adaptive camouflage sleeping bag
1 standard-issue cooking kit
- Includes some pots, pans, various spices, ect.
- 20 MREs
- Field Edibility/Poison Tester
Adaptive Camo Rain Poncho
1 30 meter nanotube rope
2 10 meter nanotube ropes
1 roll of duct tape (OOC: Could possilby be used as duck tape later...)
Spare Batteries


Quantum Storage Pocket (AKA Bag of Holding ripoff)

Imperial Sword Changeling (Runesword; Ultimate Weapon) (OOC: Listed only for completeness. Gregor always has it with him as it comes with the office. I won't use it unless I need to level an inconvenient mountain.)
1 9 sqr meter camoflage tarp (3m x 3m)
1 set of ultralight composit poles
1 ultralight foldable camp chair
1 Camp Light
6 C-rat bars
3 Packages of Granny Slag n00kies
4 Packages of Granny Slag Pudding
1 Bottle of general-purpose soap
1 sewing kit with: 10 needles, 25 meters of thread
10 spare arrow shafts
40 spare arrowheads
Spare Clothes

OOC: I feel so under prepared . . . I had intended to forage off the land as much as possible. Uhh, am I drastically over estimating my abilities on this one?

Nathi starts methodically stowing her gear into the pack, nodding to von Karma.

"Just a crossbow and bolts, if I could - for those times we need range. I assure you, I'm competent in their use."

She goes back to packing her things, casually perusing her companion's belongings on occasion with looks of interest.

"Hmmm..." Razak thinks for a moment. "Some pitch might be a good idea."

"Thinking of something, Julie?" Speaker chuckles.

"You know it."

(OOC: I think you'll be fine, Ead.. it's just that Scolopendrans -always- overprepare. Besides, if you need anything, we'll share.)

Looks like you all come well prepared. Do you require anything from my stocks?
Knives looks up,
"Actually, If it's not too much trouble, would I be able to aquire a bow and a quiver of arrows?"

Solomon does an inventory check in the huge backpack before the group sets off.


Solomon's Equipment:

Clothing:
Light polyester shirt-and-pants camoflauge gear
Cotton socks (four pairs)
Black sunglasses (five pairs... Solomon always carries backup)
RoadTrotter hiking shoes

Weaponry:
Two-handed bastard sword w/ scabbard
Short bow w/ quiver & 20 sheaf arrows

Maintenance/First Aid Equipment:
10 feet gauze
2 canisters WD-40 (basic avatar maintenance for emergencies)
Wire cutters
30 feet copper wire

Other Such Tomfoolery:
30 feet silk rope
1 four-person tent w/ stakes
15-foot square canvas
3 sleeping bags
1 all-purpose spice container (salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic, oregano, thyme)
4 flashlights w/ 6 sets of backup batteries/bulbs
3 water skins
1 box matches
Flint & steel
3 rolled-up newspapers (for emergency fire fuel)
1 box signal flares
1 roll medical tape
3 signal whistles
3 Swiss army knives

Sakura's Equipment:

Clothing:
Light camoflauge cape
Cotton socks (four pairs)
RoadTrotter hiking shoes

Weaponry:
1 light crossbow w/ quiver & 40 bolts
1 hunting knife
1 blowgun w/ 20 tranquilizer darts & 20 poison darts


Ah-Flack's Equipment:

Clothing:
Light polyester camoflauge bandana
Sunglasses

Weaponry:
2 daggers


(OOC: If you can't tell, Solomon is carrying most of the load for the group here...)

OOC: Take what you need from the supplies, trust me, if it exists, vK has it.

IC: "Well then, if everyone is ready, lets get this show on the road!"

vK leads the way to the airfield exit, picking up his gear along the way. IT consists of a large integrated tactical vest/ruck ala the US MOLLE system. He stops at a side vault door and punches in a combination. A slight hiss of over pressure is heard as the door slides into the wall. Inside, a velvet covered stand holds a 48-inch blade Daito sword, with a deep, satin black finished blade, and a crimson red wood scabbard, and a 12-inch blade Wakizashi short sword that matches the daito(both "samurai" style weapons of ancient Japan). Above them suspended from the ceiling on velvet hooks is an ultra-modern KCTS WeaponWerks hunting bow, made completely of composite materials.

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/vkbow.jpg

He leads the group out to the Equilibrium, his personal Loki, and ushers everyone aboard.

bump for a forum screwup

Nathi looks over the supplies, nodding her head and smiling.

Damn, I have -got- to get me some of these ... and that ... and at least two of those ... Definitely this right here.

She chooses a suitable crossbow, and three bolt cases, noding to von Karma in thanks. That being done, she grabs her pack and boards the Equilibrium with the others, anxious to get out and get started.

http://okcac.freeyellow.com/nathibow.gif

Solomon looks over vK's arsenal and lets out an impressed whistle. Sakura and Ah-Flack, on the other hand, seem a bit less interested in looking at weaponry and a bit more interested in remaining... unusually silent. The silence continues as they board the Lokis. Sakura looks rather wistfully out the windows of the vehicle, while Ah-Flack mutters something about how nobody respects him just because he's a duck, how people have been oppressing ducks for thousands of years, blah blah blah...

Siri giggled a bit. "You mortals and your compound bows. Please... it's simply too easy." She smiled to herself, shaking her head a little as she boarded the Equilibrium.

Siri's sword, Dant'harthad ("Hope's Descent"):

http://www.cbswords.com/images/arwenstand.jpg

Siri's Mallorn-wood bow:

http://64.225.100.103/miva/graphics/00000001/WB-005l.jpg

Siri's other gear:

(To be filled in when I get around to it)

~Siri

Xanone climbs into the Equillibrium and perches comfortably on a seat.

Eadwacer admires vonKarma's blades and bow. However, he does agree with Siri (even if she is an ylf) and strokes his simple longbow.

Knives looks about the armory and picks out a light bow.
http://www.thebowman.com/images/2003_oneida_ESC.gif
along with composite arrow shafts and broadheads.http://www.steelforce.com/images/titan1.jpg

Razak and Speaker look at each other, registering the "too easy" remarks with jovial eyes after taking a quick inventory of their own weapons--Razak's assortment of hunting knives and Speaker's own natural weaponry. Shrugging to each other, they follow vonKarma and wait for something else to come up.

vK leads the gang aboard the Equilibrium, bringing them to a top deck observation lounge that is completely transparent on the sides and top, allowing for a 180 degree unobstructed view. There are seats-a-plenty, and an assortment of drinks and snacks have been set out.
vK grabs a bottle of Granny Slag's Olde Tyme Ahpple Cyderre.

"Anyone who wishes to, may join me on the bridge to observe. You will have a great view of the Saturn and the ring as we approach from either location." Turning to Nathi, "I have a feeling that you are hoping to get another chance at the helm of the 'ol 'librium here, yes?"

Nathi grabs a bottle as well, taking a few swallows when her eyes widen and she nearly chokes as von Karma mentions flying.

Coughing slightly, she grins and blushes a bit, though her eyes show an obvious hunger. "Damn, boy ... you think I'd pass up a chance at that? Hell yeah. Let's get this baby up where it belongs."

"Hell," Razak chortles, "the bridge is the place for me. Just gotta' be near the seat of power."

Speaker leans against a wall. "I will stay here... flight has never been my strong suit."

"You think it's one of mine?" Razak chuckles. "I'm a ground-pounder by trade, Speaker. I just like being around controls."

Speaker shrugs. "They tend to confuse me."

Bluesummers enters the lounge and immediatly finds a secluded corner. He takes a seat facing the window, and appears to begin a meditation routine.

vK stows his gear, and then leads the way to the bridge. He helps Nathi get settled into the pilot's chair, and unstows some jumpseats for those wishing to be on the bridge. He walks back over to Nathi, reaches down to a compartment built into the chair and takes out the uplink cable. Handing it to Nathi, he climbs into the copilot's position and takes out his own cable.

With a hint of bemeausment, vK addresses Nathi. "Shall we begin?"

He jacks in and awaits Nathi's connection.

Razak raises an eyebrow. I know Karma's chromed, but the Dread Lady? Well, jacks are getting surprisingly common nowadays... He unabashedly watches whatever Nathi plans on doing with that uplink cable.

Xanone shrugs and relaxes into his squatting position, leaning back a little against the back of the chair.

Flying is... flying. He shrugs again. Thank you, but I think I will stay here.

Bluesummers enters the lounge and immediatly finds a secluded corner. He takes a seat facing the window, and appears to begin a meditation routine.
Knives looks about the lounge, apparently unfazed about any upcoming turbulence. He spots Bluesummers sitting quietly in his seat, and simply nods in his direction. Best to leave one undisturbed. Knives looks about and spots a clear spot at the front of the lounge. He silently walks forward and stands at the very nose of the room. He stands facing the infinite abyss, eyes closed, his arms streched out, palms touching the curved glass. So calm, yet so chaotic

"You bet I'm ready," she grins back at him, taking the cable and plugging it into the subdermal jack at her temple. A shiver of pure delight runs through her as she makes the connection with the ship, letting her senses driftout and familiarize themselves again.

She smiles, running through her standard pre-flight checks, then powering up with a wink at von Karma.

"This just never gets old, does it?"

Engines engage, and the craft lifts off smoothly, quickly accelerating and gaining altitude as she closes her eyes for a brief moment and savours the sensation of flying the powerful ship.

"Right," she says, a very satisfied look on her face. "Where to, boyo?"

Siri opts to stick around on the bridge. Maybe she'll get a turn at the stick, too, she's hoping.

~Siri

Eadwacer stashes his gear and settles down in a corner of the bridge (after grabbing a bottle, preferably some beor or meda). He starts muttering under his breath. A careful listener will hear phrases about twisted prow ships, and oceans of diamonds.

Always alert, and assisted of course with her boosted hearing, Nathicana smiles at the muttered remarks.

"Beon æt eðnis, Eadwacer Cyng. Min drohtoð fæstlice heabban," she says haltingly. "I'll not lead us astray."

Looking out at the incredible view, she sighs contentedly. "Il Dio, I'd have never thought it possible to have such endless possibilities at my fingertips. My thanks again, Xeruyu. For the Tempest, the lessons, and for this flight." She shoots him a ravishing smile, her eyes alight with no small amount of mischief.

Eadwacer grins,
" 'Wes æt eðnis, Eadwacer Cyng, Ic hæbbe se drohtoð fæstlice.'

"Ic na hæbbe fyrhtu, hæfst mine geliefan, Atelic Hlædige. Ic wæs brogdan a leoðsong."

Gregor quickly stashes his equipment before heading for the bridge. "An excellent ship you have here, von Karma." As he sits down, he says to Nathi, "I didn't know you had implants, m'lady. If its not too intrusive, when did you get them?"

Her mouth moves slightly, her head tilting as she considers his words ... then her face brightens and she arches a brow, glancing back over her shoulder at him.

"Perhaps you might do me the honor of sharing with me what you've managed to weave, one of these nights 'round the fire?" she asks, then turns back to look out at the view before her. "I remember well the epics you wove for the wedding a while back, and was much impressed."

Warrior Poet, well loved by his people, respected by his peers ... a good man.

There was always something about him that felt familiar, though she'd yet to put her finger on it. Something that reminded her of when she was young ... a time she tended to fervently block out. It was a puzzle, and one she vowed to examine - later.

Gregor's question hits her from out of the blue.

"My ... oh, yes. That." She looks oddy uncomfortable for a moment, then shrugs. "It seemed the thing to do at the time. Shodey did the work, and a damn fine job of it too, dare I say. Quite some time ago ... hadn't made an issue of it, really. Not many back home know as yet. Change, and all. Many are yet resistant to it."

"I understand. Implants are fairly common in the empire, but there are still many who are a bit wary of them" Gregor sits for a moment, then says quitely, "Could you tell me what Eadwacer Cyng just said? My skills in his language are somewhat lacking. "

Nathi looks over at Gregor, an odd expression on her face. "Well, truthfully, it would be more proper to ask the man yourself, however ..."

She nods to Eadwacer respectfully, then finishes her thought.

"I myself am yet learning, and so my grasp of the language is poor. I made an incorrect assumption of what he'd been softly speaking of, and he corrected me. He reassured me that he was not worried, and that I had his trust. He was pondering an epic ... and I fear I interrupted his thoughts."

"You're right, of course. I should have asked him," Gregor says, sighing. "Sometimes I have trouble admitting weakness in myself to others. You I'm familiar with, but I've barely met Eadwacer. Probably due to being thrust into this job so unprepared."

Nathi nods and smiles. "Well, this trip is as good a time as any to get aquainted. Not a diplomatic mission after all ... just a grand adventure with, dare I say, excellent company. I've been looking forward to it ever since Shodey and Barry's wedding. And with all the stress lately ... it couldn't have come at a better time."

Gregor chuckles. "Indeed. It's been years since I've had a vacation. The wedding might count, but it was an official funciton. Not to mention the little green man."

Razak simply watches the scene, one shoulder leaning against the bulkhead, legs idly crossed. Not much for one like me to comment on... well, so she did get auged by Shodey. Never asked... wouldn't have been appropriate. Well, I can confirm that for Garbo when I get back, as if it'd actually be useful.

His face falls slightly upon thinking of Garbo. Paranoid bastard, running off the best friend I ever had. Komm didn't deserve any of that... and I was such a jerk about it at the beginning. Damn. He hasn't even called since he flew off in Magician... then again, can't hardly blame him. He's got everything he ever wanted over there, and all he's got here are some old decrepit friends to hash memories best left forgotten, or at least ignored. Shit.

Razak's face turns just a little bit harder, compensating for something behind the eyes. Worked so hard to not lose track of each other after the service, and now my XO's gone and left his poor 'ol Colonel behind... gah, enough of that. Damn, if he weren't such a good spook, I'd wring that afro'd bastard's neck for 'im... well... service before self, they say. Just another sacrifice for the cause.

Razak chuckles darkly, apparently for no reason.

Nathicana shifts her gaze briefly to Razak, her expression thoughtful, and slightly questioning. Her eyes move over him in a measuring manner, though she doesn't say a word, nor is her expression one of censure ... simply considering.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say several of us have less obvious reasons for this trip. Odd ... wonder what his is? The SLAGLanders seem here for entertainment, all but Sakura, perhaps. And damned if I know how to broach that, or even if I should. Speaker ... another mystery, and a damn large and slightly disturbing one at that. Il Dio, those claws!

Knives, so quiet ... what goes on in that boys head is anyones guess. Starwind? Unsure, though perhaps the events surrounding the WorldDisc ... which of course, leads me to that damnable Xanone. She grins wryly at that thought.

Gregor ... could be here for any number of reasons. And von Karma? The hunt. The challenge, I'm sure. And Siri? Who knows the mind of the Lady Fae.

Nathi shakes her head, smiling softly as she looks out the viewport, and waits patiently for Xeruyu to provide the coordinates.

And the Cyng? True, it makes sense enough that a warrior such as he would want a challenge. But then, he's a man of many depths. That conversation we had at the villa ... a desire to be led rather than to lead, for a change, perhaps? The history here ... duty to one he sees as liegelord? Possible ... possible ...

Her thoughts came full circle again, going back to times she'd rather not think about. Her smile fades, and her brow furrows ever so slightly as she once more pushes the thoughts back firmly.

As Nathi glances at him, Razak waves briefly with a wry smirk, barely moving his right hand from its position tucked under his folded arms. Heh, made yourself noticable, didn't you? I've got to be a bit more on my toes, then... I doubt they can read Speaker easily, so if I absolutely vent, save it for him.

Speaker... heh... big kitty. All big and imposing, but a real softie once one gets to know him. Been a good pal these last... oi, twenty years? He was practically a kitten once we got him his rudimentary diplomacy training for the InterRelate section... sent him to impress upon Melkor and friends aboard Valhalla. Sure impressed Kn-Yan there, the insane bastards. He still carries around that goblet they gave him...

Twenty years... and yet, Simmias says, a helluva lot more. Bloody hell, how time just doesn't seem to work anymore... Razak rubs the bridge of his nose with one hand, and manages to look even older for a moment, every crease of his experienced face seeming to deepen slightly. I don't know whether to put my age in decades or centuries anymore. Damn.

Watching Nathi turn thoughtful herself with fading smile, Razak's face returns to its normal, observant self; piercing grey eagle-eyes watching all. I wonder what's up with her. She's been... odd as of late, since the wedding and all. I know what it is, seen it before, lived it before--fighting with herself--but what does she have to fight? So damned young and all... Maybe it has to do with that coup attempt, although she doesn't seem like one that scares easily.

Unless... she scares herself...

He lets out a short huff from his nostrils, still smirking. "Are we there yet?"

Eadwacer stands up and wanders over the the windows and gazes out at the stars. There is a look of quite contemplation upon his face.

Here I am, a lord of a nation that would dwarf the world of my ancestors, traveling on a ship through seas of diamonds not imagined by my forbears. My lord and allies are some of the most powerful in the known universe. I have lived a life of honor and have become wise in my old age. Is this all there is? Many of my men could now defeat a Grendel. We have become greater than we ever could have dreamed. Why is it that I feel unfulfilled? What is it that I am missing in my life?

Razak's comment brings Nathi out of her thoughts with a start, and she shoots him a wry grin.

"You want to come fly this, boy?" she asks in a dry voice. "Or maybe you have the coordinates I need for landing, hmm? Perhaps a more comfortable seat, so as to rest your tired legs?" She pats her lap, her expression one of mischief as she gives him a sly wink.

Smartass ... I think I like the 'ol guy.

Still, her eyes drift back to Eadwacer as he looks out at the stars. Her head tilts slightly, and her brow furrows again.

Admit it ... reminds me of what I remember of mio padre. Her eyes tighten slightly, and she takes her eyes away, focusing instead on her connection with the ship, losing herself in the feel of circuitry, thrusters, and control grids.

Razak opens his mouth to respond, but watches Nathi turn thoughtful again and thinks better of it. Well, Dread Lady, I've a Doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Prague. I helped design parts of this bloody thing. Not important bits, mind you, but some of the lifting-body shapes and a few doorhinges are my work... hung around the zoomies enough to fly this bird, albeit probably not as well as you, Madam Rigger.

While your offer of a better seat sure seems comfortable, standing is fine for me. Sly as you may be, I've had enough trouble from your type to know 'hands off...' Heh, even Rheya was sly... He turns thoughtful himself. Ruined me for life, she has. Not her fault, though. Shaking his head, he returns to normal. I hope you figure out whatever's bugging you, Dread Lady... these things can last an awful long time.

vonKarma suddenly jerks the Loki to the left, his command signal overriding Nathi's. The 30,000 ton vessel nimbly dodges a civilian KCTS RingSkiff.

<<internal pilotcomm>>
"Perhaps while you are lost in thought Lady Nathi, you might find time to pay attention to the sensors?" Remember your lessons, fly the ship first. I am feeding you the ring coordinates now. Why dont you bring us to 10km ring altitude so we can all get a good view of our comfy little Ring?"
<</internal>>

He activates the internal address system. "Sorry for the little bump, damn civilians think they own Intraspace. We are approaching our destination, setting up for a low pass over our Ring approach, should be quite a view."

Razak simply uncrosses his right leg and lets inertia bring him to a standing position, quickly exchanging the surprised look on his face for one of mild amusement. "Huzzah for zero-gravity training."

***

Meanwhile, in the lounge, Speaker merely looks around from his seat at the quiet beings assembled. They are being very quiet. I am being very quiet. This will not do.

"Is everyone looking forward to this?" He asks, ears raised slightly in an attentive position.

Nathicana lets loose with a string of rather vehement curses in her native tongue, the first one punctuated and out loud, the others muttered through clenched teeth. Her expression flickering quickly from thoughtful, to furious, to mortified ... quickly replaced by her customary calm facade.

<<internal pilotcomm>>
"Mea culpa, Io ha ... sorry, sorry. There was no excuse for my lack of attention. I apologize for my lack of focus - it will not happen again. Acknowledged - coordinates recieved and locked in."
<</internal>>

She sits quietly after that, her eyes fixed forward, firmly vowing (not for the first time recently) to keep her emotions and thoughts in check as she used to be able to do so easily.

Exactly why I need this. Too soft. Lost my edge. Control in shambles. Can't even keep my thoughts on the task at hand.

Damn that man. Both of them. And that bastard Mateo.

Nathi firmly jerks her thoughts back in line, looking with cold eyes out the viewport at the amazing sight as she brings the ship in smoothly along the path von Karma directed. Though she registers the beauty of it all, and a part of her longs to revel in it, she maintains a tight control, her countenance seeming unmoved by the scene.

Cold as ice.

She proceeds along the outlined course at a speed designed to get them there in reasonable time, yet allow the passengers an ample view of things. Maintaining her silence, she goes through re-entry proceedures, plots the proper landing approach, and brings them in. Once settled, she runs her usual checks, then turns control over to von Karma, as it's his ship.

<<internal pilotcomm>>
"My thanks for the opportunity to fly. It was appreciated. Apologies for not having done a better job of it."
<</internal>>

She nods in thanks, and jacks out, carefully tucking the cord back in its place, and rising smoothly from her seat.

"If I might beg your pardon, gentlemen, Siri ... " And with that, she proceeds back to her gear, quietly getting it ready after a nod of greeting to those sitting in the room.

Razak blinks at the sudden outburst then carefully schools his own face into its usual countenance of disinterested observation. Hrm... that was odd. Seen that look too... 'specially on Komm. Yes... she's probably fighting herself. Nodding at her request to refuse, he looks over his shoulder at her as she leaves. Wonder if there's anything I should do... well, she's a superior and her privacy should be respected... naw, M.I. code. She's a squadmate and if we're supposed to work together we should iron things out.

"'Scuse." Turning on one bootheel, he follows Nathi, shaking his head to himself as he does. Damn... this is probably not wise, but it's the thing to do. Can take the colonel out of the service, but...

Standing a respectful distance behind and to the left of Nathi (forward and right is the traditional position of honor), hands folded behind his back, he speaks in a voice more gentle than people are accustomed to hearing. "What's up, ma'am?" Seeing how something is obviously wrong...

Nathi straightens smoothly, turning around to face him. Her expression is still tightly controlled, but she manages to turn the corners of her mouth up in a reasonable semblance of a smile.

"Sorry for that. Near miss rattled me a bit." She shrugs on her pack, stretching and working the straps and buckles, getting it settled on properly.

"I know damn well you're aware of recent goings on in my little country, Razak," she says softly, shooting him a wry grin. "Afraid I've been a bit ... tense of late. Again, I apologize. Won't let it get in the way or compromise you or the others."

Not again, at any rate. And that answer ought to satisfy, I think. No need to have my 'mates here playing shrink for me on this trip. All this silliness of friendship and comraderie this past year ... or is it silly? Has it made me weak as I've thought, or is it just a failing on my part to integrate it properly? Is there a way to balance it?

Nathi lifts up and comes down on her heels, settling her pack firmly on her hips with an ease that belies her firm yet slender form.

Damn, Shodey ... never ceases to suprise me how these augs have made so many things so easy. Almost feel like I'm cheating. Then again, without them ... I'd be far too damned soft to be on this trip without being anything but a liability.

She nods in satisfaction, then, coming to a decision, she puts her hand out to Razak.

"No need to be so formal, especially here, boy. Only rank I'm hoping to recognize between us on this trip is fellow safari 'mates, with the noted exception of von Karma, as leader of our expedition. What say we call it good, and make it just plain Nathi, and leave off with the titles and other nonsense. Truth is, I've had my fill of late."

Razak accepts the hand and shakes it. "Well, that's partially why I'm concerned, ma--Nathi." Razak chuckles. "We're going to what isn't quite the nicest place of the Ring and we're going to have to depend on each other--we're going to be a team, hunters or no. If there's a problem, I should know so I can adapt around it." Shrugging, he taps the 'MOBILE INFANTRY' nametape over his left chest pocket. "I'm almost sorry for being so blatant about it, but it's what we do."

He finally gives her a level glance. "I'm not so sure it was the near miss... but I shan't pry, as if you want to keep it private it's your business. The only thing is that if it makes you tense, what almost happened just now could definitely happen down there. It's not a matter of control so much as time; everyone breaks sooner or later... unless they adapt. Took me forever to figure that one out."

Stepping back, he smiles. "Hey, like you said, we're equals out here. If you ever need to vent, go ahead. That's what officers are for." He chuckles. "Even retired ones."

"Not a problem. Straightforward is something I rarely get to deal with. Truth, it's refreshing."

Nathi gives him another long, appraising look, the bit of a smile fading.

"It takes more to break me than recent events and whatever thoughts that have admittedly laid heavy on my mind, boy - have no fear of that." Her chin tilts up slightly in the imperious manner she tends to get, but she drops her eyes briefly, her chin soon following.

"All the same, noted ... and appreciated. Perhaps later we can both 'vent' a bit, hmm? Unless I miss my guess entirely, I'm not the only one with a thing or two on their minds. Perhaps we can both benefit from another's insight."

The whispers of nearby communication filter through the constant hubub of voices in his mind, and Xanone frowns slightly as he pushes those thoughts away.

[Internal] What has gotten into me lately? It is as if everything is different now, more primal. Did that damnable attack on the WorldDisc change Our perception that much? Did it forcably lower Our own self-awareness?

A low growl rumbles softly through his chest, and his fingers tighten about his tridantspear.

[Internal] Apparently, I am not the only one that needs this outing, but.. He once again focuses and closes the feed from around him, as the ship jerks in response to vK's realignment. [Internal] I do not know where We stand anymore. Rage and primality clouds Our judgement, and the Mainframe is becoming more violent. This is not what We wanted when We first invisioned the Archailect... I do not want Us to be this way when the Archailect comes.

His internal stablizers keep him from fallingg, but he shifts slightly on his seat. He gazes about at the cabin, and the silence seems to cheer him a bit. [Internal] At least I am not the only one that is being silent and reflective...

"All the same, noted ... and appreciated. Perhaps later we can both 'vent' a bit, hmm? Unless I miss my guess entirely, I'm not the only one with a thing or two on their minds. Perhaps we can both benefit from another's insight."
Razak nods. "Hrm... that's a fair enough trade, if both parties are willing. We both have our secrets, I'm sure." He also loses the aw-shucks air of occasionally chuckling at himself. "And by 'break' I don't mean total breakdowns--those are rarer than the movies make them out to be. I mean the little slips that wear one down and occasionally get people hurt." He grimaces slightly at that. "Yes, I'm sure you're right."

He smirks wryly. "Odd bunch of people we've got, don't we? Angst so thick you need a diamond saw to cut it."

***

His internal stablizers keep him from fallingg, but he shifts slightly on his seat. He gazes about at the cabin, and the silence seems to cheer him a bit.
Speaker continues to watch the silence. This is not good, everyone mulling on their own thoughts. We should be getting acquainted to build trust. We will need that on the hunt.

He is, however, at a loss for words to break the silence. Small talk never was his strong suit.

Xanone looks up and catches Speaker's eye. A slight smile curves the corners of his thin lips, and he climbs down from his perch and slinks over to him.

Well met, Speaker. I sense your unease, and I feel that it has suddenly become reflected throughout the entirety of the expedition. Speak your mind, my friend, perhaps we can come to an understanding.

He grins slightly. And, I was going to offer you to be a hunting partner if the oportunity arises. I am of the thought that our hunting practices will be similar, while at the same time, dissimilar from everyone else'. Perhaps working in tandem, we can excercise our particular talents?

Speaker-to-Animals unconsciously sets his ears back and squints his eyes at the grinning, but speaks in an untroubled voice. "The silence concerns me--it is not the way to prepare. We should be building trust for the hunt, not sitting lost in our minds." And you... what are you doing here? What need does an Angelan have for the hunt?

"If the situation needs it, we shall be partners." Speaker smiles, but the very edges of his mouth turn up a bit too far, revealing the faintest speck of white tooth... still in response to Xanone's grin. "That is the nature of the hunt."

"In any conversation, there needs to be at least two willing partners," she says with a wry grin. "As for the 'breaks' you speak of ... yes. The recent unpleasantness I had to deal with was sure proof of that. Regrettable." Her face clouds for a moment, though she quickly regains control.

"As for agnst ... is that not the way of those who operate in the circles we do? You don't get attain the heights we all have in our respective fields without first slogging it through the trenches, and the heights themselves hold their own perils. It comes as no suprise. Perhaps as well, given those present, that not so distant happenings such as the WorldDisc incident and other concerns have yet to be worked through."

She casts a quick glance around the rest of the room, nodding respectfully to Speaker, and offering a brief, close-lipped smile, to him and any other eyes she catches.

Speaker-to-Animals unconsciously sets his ears back and squints his eyes at the grinning, but speaks in an untroubled voice. "The silence concerns me--it is not the way to prepare. We should be building trust for the hunt, not sitting lost in our minds." And you... what are you doing here? What need does an Angelan have for the hunt?

"If the situation needs it, we shall be partners." Speaker smiles, but the very edges of his mouth turn up a bit too far, revealing the faintest speck of white tooth... still in response to Xanone's grin. "That is the nature of the hunt."

That is true, friend. Perhaps I should explain a bit about myself, and my new appearance? All in the spirit of gaining trust, mind you.

He nods slightly at the fleck of white, and he spreads his arms, palms open, in a symbol of peace.

During Our studies of Kaenian lore, We came across their ability to Summon. This, of course, intrigued Us, and We found a Kaenian Summoner that would be willing to bring forth a Greater Tanar'ri for Us to study. The first studies on a Balor proved to go nowhere, so We chose a Skith with which to work Our biological magic upon.

He spread his hands, indicating his avatar. This avatar is the result. Using Tanar'ri genetics as a base, We were able to grow a rather well-made aproximation of one of the Greater Tanar'ri. We also added a lot of primal programming, using information We have gained from the Kzin, the Ctan, the Skithi, ancient/modern humans, and thousands of predatory non-sentients. The movements, the hunting abilities, the stealth. Basically, We created a compendeum of all of this, packed it into a new form, and then placed a sentient and rational mind in control of it. I think it makes an excellent combat avatar, don't you think?

He smiles, close-lipped this time, and stretches slightly. The Safari is an excellent chance for me to exercise the new abilities while not in a true-combat situation.

"True, but just because angst is to be expected doesn't mean anyone has to like it." Razak smirks, shaking his head slightly at Nathi's twitches in control. "And Nathi... no matter what aura you think you have to send across, you aren't a machine." He gives her a level look, steel-grey eyes piercing. "It's probably best for you if you stop trying to be one. It's noble, but not entirely useful... but we can talk of this later. No need to concern others, right?"

***

Speaker nods, looking visibly relieved at Xanone's cessation of grinning. "So you are part Kzin, in instinct if not in biology. It has been long since I have hunted with kin."

"Your results are impressive. I am merely Kzin." Speaker nods with a sense of finality; rather than going on about his particular background, it seems he thinks his definition is clear enough. "We should work well together, if the time comes."

Speaker nods, looking visibly relieved at Xanone's cessation of grinning. "So you are part Kzin, in instinct if not in biology. It has been long since I have hunted with kin."

"Your results are impressive. I am merely Kzin." Speaker nods with a sense of finality; rather than going on about his particular background, it seems he thinks his definition is clear enough. "We should work well together, if the time comes."

I had not thought about it that way. He nods. It will be nice to hunt with kin.

He nods again, this time a slow inclination of his head in respect towards the Kzin. I thank you, Speaker. In a way, being truely Kzin is far more of a respectable thing than being an amalgamation of many.

"And Nathi... no matter what aura you think you have to send across, you aren't a machine." He gives her a level look, steel-grey eyes piercing. "It's probably best for you if you stop trying to be one. It's noble, but not entirely useful... but we can talk of this later. No need to concern others, right?"

Nathi blinks, clearly taken off guard. "I wha--" she begins, then closes her mouth, looking at him with an ... odd expression.

"Yes ... later," she manages with a slow nod.

Is that how I appear to be? What I've been doing? Control must be maintained. Order over chaos. Too many emotions cloud the issues, makes for hasty decisions, leave one open to weakness. Look at what happened at the wedding!

She looks concerned for a moment.

Could it be why I seem to relate so well to ... No, no, can't be.

Could it?

Clearing her throat softly, she looks around the room. "Well boys, no time like the present. Everyone have their gear together? I expect von Karma will want to get things rolling once he gets back here. Don't know about the rest of you, but I'm anxious to start."

Her eyes slide back to Razak, and she nods almost without seeming to, her look reaffirming her earlier comment of 'later'.

Eadwacer wanders over to Nathicana.

"Ic to soþe wat
þæt biþ in eorle indryhten þeaw,
þæt he his ferðlocan fæste binde,
healde his horcofan, hycge swa he wille.
Ne mæg werig mod wyrde wiðstondan,
ne se hreo hyge helpe gefremman.
Forðon domgeorne dreorigne oft
in hyra breostcofan bindað fæste"

vonKarma brings the Loki to a hover, over a particularly mountainous section of terrain. The foward view shows the sharp crags of a mountain range, with a savannah visible "above" on the foward sloping wall of the Ring. The Loki settles to the ground with a slight bump and the engine noise fades away. vK finishes the shutdown procedures, and jacks out. He walks back to the lounge, and lifts his gear.

"No time like the present people, we got a little hike, before we break camp for the night. Last chance to head home, if you feel like missing out on the best fun in the solar system!"

vonKarma seems upbeat, in his element. He stops suddenly, sensing the tension in the room.

"Whats wrong with you people? As the last official order that will be given on this trip, you are all hearby ordered to relax, leave the bullshit of state behind and HAVE SOME DAMN FUN!" The words rolling off his tounge with more than a touch of humor behind it. " Now drop the long faces and get a move on!"

Xanone looks amused and grabs his tri-spear as he strides over to stand near the door.

Come on, I am looking forward to this.

Razak smiles. "On the bounce, sir!" Slapping Speaker on the shoulder, he slings his pack and runs out the door. Speaker blinks, grabs his gear, and follows in short area.

Razak calls from the bottom of the ramp. "Area secure sir, civvies are cleared to disembark." He's looking rather cheerful all of a sudden, and somewhat younger.

Eadwacer grabs his gear, stows it away under his cloak and strides out of the ship.

Siri frowns at having not gotten a chance to fly the ship. Oh well, maybe on the way back. She gathers her own equipment and heads off the ship; as she steps off onto the ground, she pulls a small viewfinder from a pocket in her duffle, and scans the sky (think an elfy verison of the thingey Luke uses in Star Wars IV when he's looking for the droids), before long finding where the Gilthoniel hangs in space far above, just as she instructed. Excellent. She drops the viewfinder back into the pocket, and looks around at the new surroundings.

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/1431815.jpgLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

As Eadwacer speaks, Nathicana tilts her head as she often does when thinking something through. As she sorts the words (http://www.zeta.org.au/~nps/cynicism/poetry/en/Wanderer.html) out, her cool facade melts somewhat, and she smiles softly, impulsively reaching out give him an awkward hug (on account of her pack), and placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.

In truth I know
That in man there is noble custom
that he his mind binds fast,
thinking to guard his inner thoughts, deeming it wise.
A weary mind cannot fate withstand,
Nor the troubled mind offer help;
Therefore one eager for glory often
In their breasts a troubled heart holds close.

She's broken from her thoughts at von Karma's announcement, and oddly enough, she jumps back, snapping almost to attention, though she catches herself. Grinning wryly, she nods.

"Aye, lets get this party started, folks."

Adjusting her pack one last time, she steps back, letting those already set to go down the ramp, then follows them out, looking around with a mix of anticipation, curiousity, and only a mild touch of anxiety.

Bluesummers rises silently from his position, gathers his pack, and strides down the ramp. He gives a slight nod to his compatriats, but says nothing. He kneels, and picks up a handful of dirt, allowing it to slide through his hands and flutter away in the light breeze.

"Yes. It will be a good hunt. Very good."

*****

vK literally bounds down the ramp after everyone has gathered their equipment. He turns around and points his finger at the Equilibrium, which responds by closing the ramp and emitting a "BOOP-WHEEP."

He hands out small pocket sized devices.

"This is a mem-compass. Seeing as how the ring can be semi-disorienting, we just kinda picked arbitrary cardinal points and programmed them in to the idiot box there." Turning, he points towards a saddle in between two mountain peaks, about 650m vertical, and a good 4 km distant, over semi-rough terrain. "That is the beginning of the wilderness zone, and it is also our first campsite. Saddle up!"

vK starts off at a moderate walking pace, every once in awhile moving a small bead along a length of cord attached to his tac vest. He casts occasional glances to the peaks above, silhoutted by Saturn.

Nathi notes Bluesummers actions, but says nothing.

Odd ... one of those 'one with the earth' bits, or ... superstitious maybe? Or another one of those 'odd' bits we're not used to in the Dominion? Surely been enough of that lately, with so many folks we've come across. Il Dio, I can hardly believe Pacci's reports, but they all swear ... and the intel on it ... gah.

Taking the small device as von Karma hands it to her, she looks it over curiously, nodding as he describes its function. She carefully tucks it into a zippered pocket in her loose khakis, patting it once to assure herself it's there, then straightens.

Good to know - would have hated to get lost and had my own compasses go screwy ... be out here for bloody ever.

She grimmaces nonetheless a bit as he points out their destination, tucking her hands under the shoulderstraps on her pack, and falling in behind the big man. She takes note of the bead manipulation, and quietly makes a count in between trying to grasp his measure. Still, the scenery is a pleasant change from the offices and all, and she finds herself looking around, winding down a bit.

"So, folks," she says as they move along, "Anyone else ever been on one of these before?"

"I have," Sirithil pipes up. "Though not here. I hunt at home, there are oliphaunts, giant spiders, and great boars in the forests. And I've crossed swords with Balrogs on a couple of occasions, though that's rather different. And in both cases, I opted for flight in the end. You do not fight a Balrog to the death if you wish to see another sunrise." She accepts the mem-compass. "Is there any way I could program that into my comm, actually?" she asks. "I also use it for scanning, and it would be more convenient to have one device for both functions."

http://image1ex.villagephotos.com/1431815.jpgLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
Clicky-clicky!

impulsively reaching out give him an awkward hug (on account of her pack), and placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.

Eadwacer is a little surprised by this and seems a little out of it for a minute or two.

He hands out small pocket sized devices.

Eadwacer takes his, immeadiately takes the bearing on about four major landmarks, the ship, and the campground, and after memorizing them, puts the mem compass awayand starts walking after vK. He matches the pace, a slight distance back and has obviously settled into a steady rhythm, and once in a while a slight smile can be seen to come across his face.

vK starts off at a moderate walking pace, every once in awhile moving a small bead along a length of cord attached to his tac vest. He casts occasional glances to the peaks above, silhoutted by Saturn.
(OOC: Ring-Engineer Timofeyev says: "Dude, Saturn is straight up relative to your position... center of the ring, ya'know.)

IC:

Razak and Speaker take their compasses. Razak does something similar to Eadwacer, taking the bearing of landmarks and snapping the compass to his utility belt. Speaker pockets his.

Razak falls in behind vonKarma, easily breaking into a march. He looks, if not in his element, at least a great deal more at ease than usual. Speaker takes drag, keeping an eye on everyone, following along in long, slow strides. Looking up occasionally, he notes the "arch" of the Ring as it curves up and around. He rumbles softly to himself in a harsh language, causing Razak to broaden his smile slightly at times.

"I have," Sirithil pipes up. "Though not here. I hunt at home, there are oliphaunts, giant spiders, and great boars in the forests. And I've crossed swords with Balrogs on a couple of occasions, though that's rather different. And in both cases, I opted for flight in the end. You do not fight a Balrog to the death if you wish to see another sunrise." She accepts the mem-compass. "Is there any way I could program that into my comm, actually?" she asks. "I also use it for scanning, and it would be more convenient to have one device for both functions."

Nathi arches a brow at Siri's description, especially at the Balrog bit.

She just doesn't seem the sort, all delicate and such. More accustomed to leading from behind a desk, or from the bridge of one of her gravships.

Of course ... that description also fits herself. She wisely chooses not to put her foot in it, merely nodding. Siri's last comment however, makes her chuckle a bit.

"I would respectfully suggest, m'lady, that if you are wanting convenience, you've chosen the wrong sort of trip for it." She smiles, hoping to indicate a light-hearted jest with no ill-will behind it.

As they continue on, she takes time to study the companions she can see as is her nature, taking note of mood, habits ... and admittedly, on occasion, smiling quietly at the pleasant view of their movements.

Hell, I can look. No different than appreciating a fine sculpture, or a shiny Maserati ... only these, I can't drive, she thinks with a private grin.

As Gregor follows along, he answers Nathi's question. "I've been hunting a few times on some of the family estates. Fleet survival training and escape and evasion training with the King's Own, too, but that doesn't really count."

(OOC: Would a compass really work on the Ring? Wouldn't the rotation through Saturn's magnetic field constantly change the direction of the needle?)

OOC: Hence why it is not a compass, it is a computer that is programmed to act like a compass, with arbitrary directions that have become standard.

Nathicana nods to Gregor as he explains. "I'm afraid all I've had as practice is my swordplay and crossbow target shooting at the villa, and of course, the usual physical regiment."

She looks around with a steadily relaxing countenance, smiling. "Truth, I've not been out like this since my days with the milizia and Central Intel. Far too many diplomatic affairs and reports it seems."

I'll not get into my time with the Black Company. That bastard Jas sent us slogging through spots I'd not force a rat to sully itself in. No matter what this trip offers up, there is no way it can be worse than that.

Supressing a slight shudder at a particularly unsavory memory, she shifts her shoulders under her pack, settling it back in with only a momentary pause in her stride. Her stomach rumbles slightly, and she takes out a bag of the trail mix from a pouch situated at a handy spot on her pack. She tucks it in a pocket, and nibbles from it every so often, her steps lighter, in spite of her load, than they have been in months.

Memo to me: Thank Shodey again for these augs. Definitely.

"Ah, now swordplay, now that I've had lots of practice at. Its practically a national pastime, along with shooting and setting off fireworks. Or other explosives, for that matter," Gregor replies. "Its a shame swords aren't terribly useful for hunting. Most things you don't want getting that close, hence the bow and javelins. I still brought one, of course." He lifts his cloak enough to revel the short sword at his hip.

"And," he mutters quietly, "there's the other. Not like I can get rid of it."

Eadwacer wanders back to Nathi.

"If you would desire to learn to shoot and use a long bow, I would be more than willing to teach you. It is a noble weapon that truly displays the skill of the wielder."

"I chose to leave my sword at home for this trip," she says, pondering again the implication of the close combat her knives will offer her come the time.

At least I have the crossbow on loan, in case.

Nathi arches her brow at Gregor's mutterings. "You can't get rid of ... ?" She leaves the question hanging. At Eadwacer's approach, she smiles pleasantly.

"Now that, I would be honored to learn. Especially I think, from you."

Excellent. And perhaps, a chance to get to know him better.

Knives falls into step behind vK, inhaling the fresh air.
"It's a great day to be out hiking. Do you agree?" He says to noone in particular.

(OOC: IT POSTS TO THE SAFARI AGAIN!!!)

The SLAGLandic EI coalition, having been silent for most of the trip on the Loki, remains so at its conclusion. There's a dark cloud hanging over this group, and it in large part seems related to Sakura. The young blue-skinned EI seems more than a little bit distracted, and despite his best efforts, Solomon cannot console her. Ah-Flack, meanwhile, seems equally aloof... but some may attribute that to boredom.

Solomon whistles rather loudly as the group steps off the Loki and takes to marching, as if he is trying to force himself to be happy. Sakura, meanwhile, still remains silent, still remains contemplative. Solomon's whistling continues as he slaps Sakura gently on the shoulder.

Knives falls into step behind vK, inhaling the fresh air.
"It's a great day to be out hiking. Do you agree?" He says to noone in particular.

Ah-Flack, noticing Solomon's rather annoying whistling, waddles toward Knives.

"Oh, yeah, a great day..." he replies, then mutters, "...if we can get fat-ass back there to shut up..."

"Hmm? Oh, just another sword," Gregor replies with false cheer.

Suddenly, Nathi can see a long, slender scabard at Gregor's right hip. Emerging from it is a simple black hilt with silver crossguard and pommel, with a crest on the cross. It does not appear as though it had been hidden, but rather that it had been there the entire time and she had somehow not noticed it.

"Its one of the symbols of the monarchy, among other things. Using it for a hunting trip would be a bit overkill. Its not important."

Not anything that I need to burden someone else with, at least.

When Eadwacer approaches, Gregor says, "I'll let you to talk." He walks a bit faster, heading over towards Knives just in time to hear his comment about the fine day. "Yes, it is. Let's just hope it stays this way."



"Oh, yeah, a great day..." he replies, then mutters, "...if we can get fat-ass back there to shut up..."

"Have you considers asking him nicely?"

Speaker, at the back of the group, frowns to himself. So much for going on a simple vacation. I only hope I do not make any problems worse.

Razak, to the fore of the group just behind vonKarma, hums softly to himself. Looking over his shoulder, he suddenly looks as if he wishes he hadn't... and that would be a relatively accurate estimation. Aw, hell... almost forgot about the angst. Practically everyone looks like they've got some baggage... oh well. Such is life. Wonder how the Dread Lady's doing--seems to be taking it well, but seeing how she's already a self-control freak... not necessarily the best estimation.

Well, if she needs to talk, she'll talk. Doesn't seem like the type that can be forced--as if I would force the issue. Ha. Quite the quiet one myself when it comes to such things.

Xanone looks out of the lander, and steps out onto the ramp. He grips his trispear and his long wings unfurl about him. He leaps into the air, his powerful wings beating downwards with a thrust that blows wind across the sides of the ship, and launches him high into the air.

He slowly begins to beat his wings, following the group in great slow archs, his keen hearing sort of following the interaction far beneath him, but his piercing gaze travels outwards, beholding the beauty of the Ring.

OOC: *tags for reading*

I could have sworn he didn't have that thing back on the ship ... or at von Karma's place. She decides to nod politely and comment on the splendid craftsmanship of the sword, what can be seen of it.

At Knive's comment, she smiles and nods. "A damn fine day for it, and here we are wasting it trudging along in next to sepulchural silence. Solomon there at least has the right idea. Anyone have something with a bounce they'd care to regale us with? Razak - surely you know something to march to," she called up to him with a grin.

OOC: Nathi, asking one of the cadets for something to march to...
"You know what you doing?"
"You are on the path to destruction."

IC:
Knives looks about and smiles,
"I have something ma'am, a bit morbid, but you are asking a bunch of military men to give you something to march to."
Knives starts humming what sounds like "Glory Glory Hallelujah", waiting for vK, Razak, and the others to catch on and join in.

"Zoom zoom zoom zoom zoom...."
"He was just a rookie trooper and he surely shook with fright.
He check all his equipment and made sure his pack was tight.
He had to sit and listen to those awful engines roar, and he ain't gonna jump no more..."

OOC:

"Is everybody happy?" cried the sargeant looking up,
Our hero feebly answered, "Yes!" and then they stood him up,
He leaped into the blast, his static line unhooked,
He ain't gonna jump no more!

"Gory, gory, what a helluva way to die.
Gory, gory, what a helluva way to die.
Gory, gory, what a helluva way to die.
And he ain't gonna jump no more..."

OOC: Ok, I guess that we both know that the other person knows the song then? Shall we let this go back on topic?

IC: Eadwacer looks over at Knives and chuckles.

"I guess that every culture has some of those songs, perhaps I'll introduce you to some of my own someday."

He looks distinctly more at ease and happy.

OOC: In other words, I have no drinking songs from this culture.

Razak chuckles and calls over his shoulder. "That I do, ma--Nathi. Some of them aren't appropriate for mixed company... although there is relatively harmless one I learned a long time ago. I'll take care of the melody if everyone else does the refrain."

Falling back to make calling the cadence easier, he raises his voice a bit and, taking a breath, he calls out in a clear, enunciated voice, accenting each syllable that lands on the left foot.

O the year was 1778--
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
A letter of marque came from the king
To the scummiest vessel I've ever seen!

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns, shed no tears!
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier,
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

O Elcid Barrett cried the town--
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
For twenty brave men all fishermen who
Would make for him the Antelope's crew.

God damn them all!
I was told we'd cruise the seas for American gold
We'd fire no guns, shed no tears!
Now I'm a broken man on a Halifax pier,
The last of Barrett's Privateers.

By now, everyone should be catching on with the refrain. Razak continues through the melody.

The Antelope sloop was a sickening site--
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
She'd list to the port and her sails in rags
And the cook in the scuppers with the staggers and jags!

<refrain>

On the King's birthday we put to sea--
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
Ninety-one days to Montego Bay
Pumping like madmen all the way!

<refrain>

On the ninety-sixth day we sailed again--
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
When a great big Yankee hove in sight,
With our cracked four-pounders we made to fight!

<refrain>

He keeps going with clear tones. (OOC: Let's see if anyone else knows this.)

As the first cadence ends, Nathicana laughs, for the first time in a clear honest tone. "I knew we had some good ones somewhere in this group. Thanks, m'boys."

Nathi grins at Razak's continued trouble with the whole ma'am bit, and her grin broadens as he starts in with his march. Mouthing the verses silently, she joins in on the chorus with spirit, taking the higher harmony in a softer contrast with his strong voice. With every line, her steps seem lighter, less rigid.

The Yankee lay low down with gold
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
She was broad and fat and loose in stays,
But to catch her took the Antelope two whole days

<refrain>

Then at length she stood two cables away
How I wish I was in Sherbrooke now--
Our cracked four-pounders made awful din,
But with one fat ball the Yank stove us in

<refrain>

Eadwacer lifts his voice:

The Antelope shook and pitched on her side.
Barrett was smashed like a bowl of eggs,
And the maintruck carried off both me legs.

So here I lay in my twenty-third year.
It's been six years since we sailed away,
And I just made Halifax yesterday.


"Ah yes, classics. Still a bit younger than some I know, but more appropriate I'm sure."


The Son of God goes forth to war,
A kingly crown to gain;
His blood red banner streams afar:
Who follows in His train?
Who best can drink his cup of woe,
Triumphant over pain,
Who patient bears his cross below,
He follows in His train.

That martyr first, whose eagle eye
Could pierce beyond the grave;
Who saw his Master in the sky,
And called on Him to save.
Like Him, with pardon on His tongue,
In midst of mortal pain,
He prayed for them that did the wrong:
Who follows in His train?



Eadwacer continues singing boldly the song. (OOC: And who will pick this one up?)

Ah-Flack lets out a squawking noise as Eadwacer finishes his tune--it sounds like a cross between clearing his throat and coughing up a furball. Then, in a high-pitched bumpkin voice...

She don’t wear no pants and she don’t wear no tie
Always on the ball, she’s always on strike
Struttin’ up the aisle, big deal, you get to fly
You ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky
You ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky

Paid my fare, don’t wanna complain
You get to me, you’re always outta champagne
Treat me like a bum, don’t wear no tie
’cause you ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky
You ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky

Solomon casts the duck an evil glare, mumbling something about how this is hardly the time and place for that Replacements crap. Ah-Flack replies by raising his right wing and extending one very long middle feather.

And the sign says, "thank you very much for not smoking"
My own sign says, "i’m sorry, I’m smokin’"
Don’t treat me special, don’t kiss my ass
Treat me like the way they treat ’em up in first class

Sanitation expert and a maintenance engineer
Garbage man, a janitor and you my dear
A real union flight attendant, my oh my
You ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky
You ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky
You ain’t nothin’ but a waitress in the sky

Solomon rolls his eyes, and Sakura continues to trudge along, holding down the rear. Ah-Flack, meanwhile, simply smiles, continuing to hum the tune to himself.

vK chuckles as he sings along with the gang. Rounding a last rocky crag, the group comes up on the center of the saddle/mountain pass that was visible from the ground. There is a relativley flat grassy area, surrounded by light foliage/forest, as the trees do not seem to conform to a Terran model, and grow just fine above the normal "timber line." There is an obvious fire pit at the center of the clearing, which obviously sees occasional use. A stack of timber sits off to the side of the clearing.

"Well, this is the place. Hope you all didn't have any trouble on the hike, wouldnt want to ruin the first day now, would we?" He takes off his pack and vest, pulls up a tree stump, sits, and takes a drink of water from his hydration gear. He reaches into his pack for a mobile humidor, and extracts a cigar. "Anybody care for a Cigar?"

Razak shakes his head, smiling as he puts down his backpack. "Naw... I'm not quite stressed out enough for that."

Speaker chuckles as he fiddles through his pack. "I have never understood that custom. The first hairless monkey-boy to try it was insane. 'I will grind up these leaves, stick them in my mouth, and set them on fire.'" Speaker attempts a squeaky voice, quite odd-sounding indeed, like a sibilant Mickey Mouse with a bad throat condition. "A brilliant one he must have been."

Listening to Eadwacer, Nathicana smiles again in a remembering sort of way, though a tightness shows around her eyes as she thinks back. Still, she obviously enjoys the rendition, though the words aren't familiar other than in form.

As Ah-Flack launches into his offering, she grins, wisely avoiding any chuckles, though the image of a duck, marching along singing on a safari of all things still amuses her to no end - EI though he be.

I'll leave the verbal sparring over all that to Gregor, I think. Oh my yes.

"Thanks for the tunes, one and all - made my day with those, you did."

Upon reaching their destination, she swings off her pack, stretching and rubbing at the small of her back with both hands, then working her shoulders in circles. She takes the opportunity to drink as well, wiping her sleeve across her brow, then brushing back stray hairs that have come loose during the hike.

"It's beautiful out here, Xeruyu," she says, settling herself down comfortably, legs kicked out and crossed at the ankles, leaning up against her pack. "I'll ah, pass though on the cigar. Thanks all the same - never did get a taste for them. Now if you brought a nip of cognac with you though ..." She grins at vK, brows arching up briefly in a mischievous manner.

She grins at Speaker, careful not to show teeth of course, and chuckles softly at his comments. Lord he's huge. Still ... oddest urge to go cuddle up and stroke his fur for some reason. Reminds me in a way of a big teddy bear ... with big facking claws and teeth, that is. Turning back to vK, she continues.

"Now -- what do you need us to do, what is the next step, and is there we need to make special prep for?"

Amazing how that all lightened the mood. God knows I needed that ... hopefully it helped the others too. Brought Knives out a bit - boy's been pretty quiet for the most part. Eadwacer, I don't worry about so much. That man knows the value of private thought and quiet introspection, I believe. Razak ... still not sure there. Not stressed enough for a cigar? I suppose, given the context that's a good thing. Warrant he'd rather chew off his own arm than admit he had any emotional needs, especially when someone else seems in need of his strength.

And Sakura ... what in hell do you say to someone who's gone through what she has?

She looks around at the group, eyes flickering from one companion to the next, quietly pondering various things about each while she waited for an answer.

Speaker rolls out his thinsulation sleeping bag as a on the grass and lies down on it, looking up at the sky. Razak kneels next to him, muttering softly in the Hero's Tongue.

"So how will we cut up the watch?"

Speaker can be seen to shrug, and he mutters back in his native language. "Everyone seems happier."

"The Dread Lady is having difficulty, and Xanone's odd reactions to her still make me slightly uncomfortable. I hate playing chaperone, but..."

"It is a good idea nonetheless. You take first and third shifts, where the light will help you. I will take the second and fourth shifts, in the middle of the night and the morning."

"Sounds good to me." Razak looks up appraisingly at Nathi, apparently unconcerned whether she sees him or not.

In watching the group, she notices Razak and his rather direct look. She stops scanning the others to meet his gaze with a steady, slightly challenging look of her own, though the smile doesn't leave her lips.

If anything, it broadens a bit.

What are you up to, boy?

Hrm. Maybe she's feeling better already, with problem resolved? Unresolved? Eh, there's no drilling with types like her. Razak smirks and looks down to inventory his cooking gear.

Eadwacer's preparing for the night appears to consist primarily of rearranging his gear on him, and the cloaks around him.

"Please let me know if there is any way in which I can be of service to the group."

"Well, if a few of you would like to give me a hand with gathering some wood from the pile over there," vK points, "I think we will be set."

He stands and walks over to the pile, gathering an armload of wood. He piles it up again near the firepit. He arranges his tinder and removes a length of twine. taking the strands apart, he sets it under the tinder, removes a block of magnesium, and shaves off some slivers with his pocket knife. Turning the block over, he strikes a flint bar with his knife, spraying the magnesium and twine with sparks. Both instanly flare up brightly, catching the dry wood quite quickly. He begins to feed the fire larger and larger logs until it reaches appropriete size.

Smiling, "Heh. Nothing like magnesium and twine soaked in rocket fuel to get a fire going."

Razak shrugs and moves to grab some wood from the pile. Bouncing to his feet, Speaker taps Razak on the shoulder and smiles before sprinting forward to grab two Kzinti armfuls of wood.

"Showoff."

The wood-laden ratcat trundles over to the fire and puts down the combustibles, brushing the pads of his hands together with a broad smile, looking quite literally like the cat that just ate the canary.

Nathi gets to her feet ... and grins wryly as Speaker beats her, and apparently Razak to the punch.

"I ah ... think Speaker's taken care of that rather well," she says, laughing softly. And with that, she takes a compact bundle from her pack, picks a spot just back enough from the pit to be out of the way, yet close enough for comfort, and rolls out her sleeping bag.

"Do you have any idea just how long it's been since I slept out under the open sky like this?" she asks softly to no one in particular, then in a slightly louder voice to vK, "Do we need some more chopped, maybe? Replenish the pile and all."

"Nah, it will be fine, but I do think that some dinner is in order. Any suggestions, or is it rations tonight?"

Nathicana nods, then ponders for a moment.

"Well, I brought 'em sure enough ... you saying you're up to a little hunt?" She grins at the thought, giving the knife on her right thigh a pat. "I'm all up for helping if you can give me some direction. And I noticed Solomon brought plenty of spices."

Siri blinks as she watches Speaker gather the wood. "I suppose that will do it," she says. She sets her bag down and starts digging through her gear. After a moment she looks up. "Anything I can do to help out?" she asks.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
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Eadwacer, in the mound of cloaks settles down next to the fire, the light shimmering over his face. The flickering flames cast deep shadows, accentuating every wrinkle and scar on a face that has seen many winters, and many more battles. He pulls some jerkey from out of the depths of dark cloth surrounding him, and quietly eats it, taking sips of beor from a canteen beside. The light breezes which meander through the campsite gently rustle his hair, but do not disturb him. But this old man, for an old man he obviously is, somehow gives off an aura of belongingness. He belongs here in the woods, and you almost get the feeling that if you were to leave now, and return in a century, he would still be here, unchanged, a part of the wilderness itself.

"Actually, there is not much in the way of game that makes it up to into the mountains. I guess dinner tonight is rations." vK opens his pack and pulls out a box of KCTS AnyMeal. "Well, these things can supposedly taste like anything you want, so....," he grins, "whadda ya'll want?"

Speakers' bat-wing ears twitch momentarily, sniffing the air. With no warning, he bounces into the underbrush, and disappears.

Razak chuckles. "I think the resident Kzin will be fine. Me, I'll take whatever first comes to hand."

"Supposedly, eh?" Nathicana looks over with look of curiousity yet dubiousness. "Well, I do have my own rations, such as they are," she says wryly, "But if you're offering ... sure. Whatever's convenient. I'll try almost anything once. Almost."

"Reminds me - any running water around here close?" she asks as she sits down cross-legged on the edge of her sleeping bag. She watches Eadwacer across the fire in quiet contemplation, the hint of a fond smile tugging at her lips.

Speaker walks back through the underbrush into the clearing, wiping his lips with one forearm, sleeve rolled up.

"Taken care of, pal?" Razak chuckles.

Speaker nods, then sits on his mat. Unclipping his utility belt and removing the top of his fatigues, he rolls up into a surprisingly tight little ball and closes his eyes, hands tucked under his neck, slightly furry tail resting over his feet and tapping his nose.

Razak chuckles quietly to himself.

vK places a package inside a slightly larger metallic box, and presses a button. A small display flashes "nanowanking," followed by a soft beep. He repeates the procedure for all who would like a meal.

"Here we go, pipin' hot Roast Byeef, Spaghetti and meatballs, Chykyn stew, and Haym and Eyggs."

He takes a Roast Byeef and sits back, opening the pouch. Inside is a solid piece of roast byeef in sauce, assembled from proteins by a nano processor. All the pouches contain meals as advertised, at the right consistancy and close enough flavor.

Hearing Nathi's question, vK responds. "Sorry, not this high up, no glacial melt like a normal mountain range," he smiles. "Although, I have plenty here if you need some."

After finishing his dinner, Eadwacer brushes out his beard with his fingers, curls himself up in his cloaks, and goes to sleep, completely enveloped, with his back to the fire.

"Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll stick with my own for now." Gregor reaches inside his pack, feels around, and withdraws several packages, a stand, and a grill. He sets up the stand and grill over the fire, the opens one of the packages to reveal a large steak, which he slaps on the grill. "Hurrah for irradiated food. Only the best for me. Well, except for all the rest of the food I brought, which are all regular rations." After finishing the main portion of his meal, Gregor sets up his tarp, under which he lays out his sleeping bag.

Knives gladly takes some Haym and Eyggs. Sitting near the fire he pats one of the man pouches on his pack searching for something. Soon he finds a small bottle, openning it and sprinkling liberally over his eyggs and haym.
"Anyone else want some Class 5 KCTS Habenaro sauce? It's the spiciest they produce"

Bluesummers declines food.

"Thank you Xeruyu, but I must prepare for the hunt. I have a long night of meditation ahead. I bid you all a pleasant evening."

He walks off to the edge of the glow of the fire, sits and resumes the position he was in on the Loki. A casual observer would take him for a rock in the semi-twilight that serves as night on the Ring.

"Have, uh, fun Legato," vK responds. Turning to Nathi, "So, what'll it be?"

Nathi takes a spagetti meal, giving it a tentative sniff first. "Thank you muchly, boy ... lets give this a shot. And no worries on the water - just checking."

She takes her meal with a smile, and goes back to her sitting position, taking a fork from her mess kit and giving it an experimental taste.

Hrm ... well, certainly no worse than what I've got in my bag ... certainly far from bad ... GODS I've gotten soft!

Digging in, she eats delicately, occasionally sipping some water. "Um ... pass on the habanero, Knives - but thanks. Maybe with a different entree." She grins at him, taking another bite. Still, Gregor's steak does look rather tasty, but she focuses on what she has, grateful for a good warm meal, and enjoying the night air and the crackle of the fire.

Once done, she cleans up, and puts her stuff away. Without apparent concern for the rest of the group, she strips down to her tank and yes, boxers with the fly sewn up. Clothes are shaken out, away from the campsite, then neatly folded and set aside. Taking her bandana, she wets it down, and methodically cleans off the dirt and sweat from the day as best she can, though remaining relatively modest about it all. After that, she takes the time to brush out her long hair, seeming to count the strokes, working out any tangles. She re-braids it neatly, puts her brush away, and snuggles down in her sleeping bag, laying on her stomach with her chin resting on her crossed arms.

She watches the fire, her companions, the woods around them. Occasionally her gaze flickers up at the strange stars.

Speaker sleeps quietly, breathing steadily, occasionally flicking the tip of his tail or twitching his hands and feet. Razak shakes his head and chuckles, softly patrolling the edge of the campsite. Hmmm... there really should be more people on watch, but oh well. You're not in the M.I. anymore, Julie, no need to be strictly by the book anymore.

He grimaces at the thought, and glances back at Speaker with an odd look. Then again, if you had kept strictly by the book in the past... there'd be many fewer people dead. Tapping the knife at his hip, he notes but doesn't actually watch Nathi's preparations--Scolopendra lacks a nudity taboo--notes Eadwacer curling up, the Karmabaijani sitting about, Gregor eating.

Siri happily eats some of the offered roast beef, thanking vonKarma quite politely. Then she reaches into the duffel (which if anyone else tried to pick up, they'd find extraordinarily light, almost as if empty... 'tis a bag of holding sort of thing) and withdraws several packages, and begins going about the process of setting up her tent. Which is actually rather closer to being a pavilion than a tent... many of the parts are cunningly designed to be somewhat automated, to ease the construction process.

Afterwards, she does not go to bed, but rather stays outside, enjoying the fine evening; she withdraws two more devices from the bag, one of which clips to the side of her bow, and the other she hangs on a tree... the latter a target, the former a small holoprojector designed as an archery simulator. This done, she spends probably an hour or so firing holographic arrows at the tree trunk.

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
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Knives watches the happenings about the campsite.

He lies down, comfortable in his sleeping bag, staring at Saturn.
He starts humming, and eventually a whisper quiet song.
So... On the first evening,
a pebble from somewhere drops upon the world.

So... On the second evening,
all the children of their pebble hold hands and compose a waltz.
Sound Life... Sound Life...

So... On the third evening,
the children of the waltz make waves upon the world.

So... On the fourth evening,
all the children of the waves splash on the shore.
Sound Life... Sound Life...

So... On the fifth evening,
the world is struck by those fragments again and again.

So... On the sixith evening,
by the signal, the travellers are brought together.
Sound Life... Sound Life...

So... On the seventh evening,
the ship braces through the sky.

So... On the eighth morning,
a song from somewhere reaches my ears.
Sound Life... Sound Life...

Then... Beyond the new sky,
everything the song recorded echoes up in harmony.
Sound Life... Sound Life.

Nathicana shakes her head at Sirithil, mildly amused with the high tech gadgetry and especially the pavillion.

Il Dio, what a spectacle. Why bother camping at all, if you've all the conveniences of home at your fingertips? Ah, to each their own. She shrugs, letting it go with a smile.

Seeing Razak up and about, Nathi watches him quietly.

Just have to make sure we're all taken care of, don't you boy? If there's not much game up here, I doubt very much there's many predators. What's your worry? Habit?

Catching the grimace, and the look he gives Speaker as he lays sleeping, she arches her brow slightly.

Perhaps that talk we spoke of earlier ... besides, I'm wide awake.

She stretches, letting out a soft little sigh, and slides out of her bag. Taking the compact blanket from her pack, she pulls it around her shoulders, and quietly walks over to Razak in a nonchalant manner, foregoing her boots to enjoy the free feel of earth under her feet.

"Need some company?" she asks in a quiet voice.

Razak chuckles at Siri's gadgetry. A long ways from the sylvan glen, Queen of the Noldorin? He looks up at Saturn, straight up, at the center of the Ring, four million kilometers away. And I'm far, far away from Poland... so I s'pose it's all fair.

"Oh, hello mm... Nathi." He smirks, probably not readily noticable in the darkness. "Company is always welcome on watch if it is offered. What can I do for you?"

She nods, taking a moment to look up at the night sky, breathing deeply, then letting it back out in a slow, measured breath.

"Do for me? Not a thing. Was wondering if there might be something I can do for you." She falls in alongside him, following his lead, stepping carefully and quietly. "Looking out for your 'mates and all, you know. And for chrissakes, if it's easier on you to stick with the ma'am bit, feel free."

She chuckles softly at that last bit, looking over at him with a wry grin.

Siri notices that several people are watching her with various degrees of bemusement. She smiles. "Would anyone like to join me in target practice? I have a couple more of these simulator devices, you need only program them with the draw strength and other such statistics of your bows."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
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Finishing his meal, vK stands and stretches, looking around for Razak, whom he knew would be on the prowl. His infrared enhancements quikly spot him, and he stands as Nathi is getting up, and as Siri asks her question.

"Thanks for the offer, Lady Siri, but I am not sure if it can quite reproduce the feel of the KCTS SlayerThree. Never pulled another bow that has the feel of the three cams."

Instead, he walks behind Nathi, and joins the group.

Imitating a southern drawl, vK speaks, "'Lo all, beautiful evenin' isnt it?"

"No, no, I'll learn soon enough, Nathi. See, there. No hesitation." Razak chuckles again, but cuts it abruptly short. "Yeah, I guess I've been musing a bit myself. If you know so much about my service record, then you know I was the C.O. in the Tibetan Extrac--" Looking over his shoulder at vonKarma's entrance, he changes subject extremely quickly. "Yes, sir, yes it is."

Finishing his meal, vK stands and stretches, looking around for Razak, whom he knew would be on the prowl. His infrared enhancements quikly spot him, and he stands as Nathi is getting up, and as Siri asks her question.

"Thanks for the offer, Lady Siri, but I am not sure if it can quite reproduce the feel of the KCTS SlayerThree. Never pulled another bow that has the feel of the three cams."

Instead, he walks behind Nathi, and joins the group.

Imitating a southern drawl, vK speaks, "'Lo all, beautiful evenin' isnt it?"
"That's the beauty of it," she explains. "You mount the device on your bow. It doesn't try to reproduce it. It simply takes the capabilities of the bow, and projects the course of each 'arrow' accordingly."

http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/sirithil/sirithilnosfeanor.gifLady Sirithil nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar
"If it is to be war between us, it shall be war to the knife and the knife to the hilt."
~Foreign Minister Duke Paolio, The Outlands
We Love the Iraqi Information Minister (http://www.welovetheiraqiinformationminister.com)
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She smiles at the effort, though her expression sobers as he begins speaking again. Hearing vonKarma approach, then soon after seeing Razak's reaction, Nathi reaches out to give his hand a brief, awkward squeeze, quickly pulling back in to cover with a show of adjusting her blanket.

"Beautiful out here, boss," she says to the big man. "And to think you've been keeping this all to yourself ... then again, can't say as I blame you. Thank you again for the invite."

"Think nothing of it. My greatest pleasure is to be able to share the accomplishemnts of our people. Especially in as good of company as has gathered here." He turns to Razak. "Julie, I thought we had talked about not needing to patrol the place...although, I guess it is kind of a habit, eh? Whatever ionizes your gas, I suppose. Just be sure not to sneak up on Legato, don't need an..ah..incident out here." He turns back to Nathi. "So, how are things back in the Dominion?"

Her brow arches slightly at the mention of 'incidents', but for some reason, his next words catch her offguard.

It's a simple enough question, one accepted in most circles as polite conversation. But for some reason, her eyes widen a bit, and she opens her mouth as if to offer a hurried expression, one hand coming up as if to make emphasis. And she pauses for the briefest of moments before changing her approach.

She moves her hand to casually brush at nonexistant stray hairs, and her expression changes quickly from one of concern to a relaxed smile as she nods slowly.

"Fine, fine. Couldn't be better. And yourself - all well in Karmabaijan?"

vK the seasoned head of state picks up on all the signals eminating from Nathi about back home. vK the respectful friend does not. "Everything is fine in Karmabaijan, prosporous as usual. So tell me, how goes the flying? Scared your advisors yet?"

Well, that answers the question of if...but I wonder what specifically has her so tight strung?

She chuckles, relaxing. "I don't tend to take them for rides ... as for other passengers, well ... I've yet to hear a complaint. Valid ones anyway." Nathi grins impishly at the memories of some of those rides, especially those of a more 'personal' nature.

"Lets say I've been putting your lessons to good use," she says, giving him a sly wink. "It's my official transport - I take it everywhere. Wouldn't have it any other way."

Xanone circles the camp in lazy passes, his sharp eyes easily shifting spectrums to fit the dying light. It seemed right, this evening air, the pure baseness of it all. This was not a place where the comforts of home were necessary, and in fact, woefully out of place.

He glances down and sighs. [Internal] What am I doing here? I am a creature of another universe. This world was not made for me, no matter what type of avatar I have. He chuckles dryly to himself. [Internal] Even Sirithil, with all of her vaunted technology came from a race of people that one ecked out a living with stone spears while living in caves... But myself? My people? He shakes his head sadly and swoops down towards a thick-looking tree, a dark shadow against an already-dark sky.

He lands on a rather sturdy-looking branch and wraps his wings about him, his brilliant eyes glowing like smoldering embers in the gathering darkness of the Ringworld night.

At some point in the middle of the night, Eadwacer gets up quietly, but quickly, his long bow can be seen to be drawn under his cloak, and he circles the campsite a few times, venturing a bit into the woods. At last, when he is satisfied that he didn't hear a thread, he returns to the fire and becomes a shapeless dark mass upon the forest floor once again.

At some point in the middle of the night, Eadwacer gets up quietly, but quickly, his long bow can be seen to be drawn under his cloak, and he circles the campsite a few times, venturing a bit into the woods. At last, when he is satisfied that he didn't hear a thread, he returns to the fire and becomes a shapeless dark mass upon the forest floor once again.

Xanone smiles slightly, and his soft whisper comes out in a deep rumbling growl. Wes pu hal, Eadwacer Cyng. I just wanted you to know that I am here, in case you saw me and mistook me for something malevolent.

"Have no fears of me mistaking you for other than you are. I thought that I heard a predator in woods, and thus awoke to ensure the safety of the campsite."

He laughs softly. My dear Cyng, I do believe that we are the only predators around for quite a goodly bit. Your sharp ears, however, may save us to my chagrin.

"The day I do not check, is the day that an evil thing shall come and kill my friends and sword bearers. There are many predators in this world, both natural and supernatural. Animal, and human. For do recall, it was not through the might of the synscaða that Heorot, did fall, but through the evil of man."

"The day I do not check, is the day that a an evil thing shall come and kill my friends an sword bearers."

Xanone nods slowly, his voice still soft. True... The lapse of vigilance can be quite... distructive. He sighs, and relaxes a little against the main trunk of the tree.

Tell me of your people, Eadwacer. Why are you out here?

Eadwacer settles back against a tree, and rests his bow beside him.

"My people grew tired of the senseless violence that we saw everywhere on middengeard. There is a glory in battle, but it has been forgotten by most of man. They make machines to spill the blood of their brothers without honor, or glory. We looked to find a new home, one off of middengeard, and we heard of The Triumvirate of Yut with their hringeard. We learnt of Scolopendra, "Idealism at all costs" , and so we moved here in the hope that it might be different, and took for ourselves a new name, 'Freod', it means 'Peace' in our tounge. And it is different, it is better. We are able to avoid much of the insanity and blood lust that has entwined itself in the modlocan mancynnes.

Eadwacer sighs. "We have always been a simple people, drawing our life from the earth, fighting with our muscle and spirit, and enjoying that which God has given us, and the joys of what is, not what might be. The joys of the earth, the feel of the breeze, the cold of the snow, the clash of glorious battle.

"That is what we have always been.

"And now, with your permission, I will return to sleep, for tomorrow brings a long day."

Eadwacer returns to sleep.

"Would that more people felt that way, Eadwacer," Gregor says, before settling down to sleep himself.

Xanone nods, silently agreeing with Gregor before he spreads his wings and vaults into the sky. Once there, he takes up a tireless circling, his glowing eyes ever-watchful as he guards the camp.

Quietly listening to the conversation between Nathi and vonKarma, Razak scans the area warily, one hand resting lightly by training and habit on the very end of the grip of the massive knife hanging from his side. "Sir, he offers after a while, "as you're the leader you'd best be getting your rest. Speaker will relieve me soon enough; as you know the trail, you need to be the most awake for tomorrow."

After waiting until Xeruyu gets the hint and walks off, Razak sighs. "As I was saying... I've got an object lesson to impart concerning the Tibetan extraction campaign. Also, like most of my sad stories," he smirks, "it involves a girl."