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Reality Fault

Realms: Hunter Logs

Part Twenty-Two: Quiet Cargoes

Eavesdown Docks, Newhall
moon of Heinlein, Georgia Quadrant

It's mid-morning on the day Solbiort is to have tea with the Colonel. Cargo operations take up most of the time; it's not easy to properly load grain and silk in one hold, even when they're palletized. Still, the cargo is loaded and secured to everyone's satisfaction. Solbiort has struggled through Molly's breakfast cooking, but decides it's simply safer to eat someplace where the eggs are not exploded... so she tucks her formal wear into a backpack and heads out for a nice, leisurely lunch at some nearby tavern, before heading off for tea with the Colonel.

Solbiort saunters into the little tavern she and the other crew members visited last night. Their food was hearty and filling, and she wouldn't mind some more while relaxing and mentally reviewing what's occurred so far. Might even get in a bit more poetry for her ladylove -- that'd be very nice. She settles at a table, tucks her backpack between her feet, and orders a nice, hearty, hot lunch.

Lunch is -- mostly -- uneventful. It is simple fare; Newhall obviously can't afford the luxury foodstuffs of worlds closer to the Central Planets. But that's fine -- it's hot, it's good, and it's filling. As Solbiort eats, patrons come and go. She sees them a few moments before they see her: one of them is the light, wiry woman who had been in the Zu Chuo Express crew in the pub a few nights ago. One other is also wearing an Express flash on his jacket, though it's joined by about half a dozen other various unit patches, both Alliance and pre-War Browncoat. He's a somewhat lanky man, though with broad shoulders. The other two are apparently friends of the two Express crew: a man and a woman who are relatively nondescript and wearing the heavy leathers typical of freelance security personnel. They appear to be at ease here on Newhall, and apparently not on duty.

They all appear to be quite comfortable, enjoying the lunch hour. At one point, though, the small wiry mechanic notices Solbiort, and her expression goes from a wide, merry smile to a scowl and turning away, in rapid short order. Solbiort smiles tightly to herself. She can't really blame them... Raj gave her a quick synopsis of what went on with Elgyn and them, at her request. It... wasn't pretty. She settles back in her chair, stretching out her legs, and savors her drink. That entire situation concerns her a bit. Elgyn's threatening them was not just a bad lack of planning... it was also foolish, she thinks. Now they'll blame the entire crew for his anger, and may think they need to call in "backup." On a planet where the Tong are squabbling already, it'd be a bad idea to get tangled in Tong affiliation politics. She hopes the captain of the Express has been wise enough to avoid that. Otherwise they may all get dragged into it -- and she agrees with Five Dragons that that would be incredibly unwise!

The sudden sour mood of the mechanic is not unnoticed by the others, and first it is the other Express crewer, then the two freelance security persons, who are glancing over at first curiously, then with rancor, at Solbiort. She meets their gaze calmly and evenly, having long ago learned not to show fear. It helps, of course, if one is relatively fearless. Instead she sips her drink and considers poetry and lovers instead, pretty much ignoring the other table. Perhaps that will calm them down a bit.

The lunch continues unabated -- at least until the last bit of lunch is almost done, at which point Solbiort notes the two large frames of the freelancers blocking out the view of the rest of the table. "Nihao. Excuse us, sheh-sheh," the woman says, though the tone is less than respectful.

Solbiort lifts her gaze to them, raising a curious eyebrow. The tone, though, causes her to tuck her booted feet back under her, and to let her left hand slide casually to below the table. "Mm?"

They look rather grim; neither are smiling. "Both hands on the table, friend," the woman says flatly. "You'll notice that my friend and I are not packing, and we can keep it that way. You can consider this a fair warning to get off of Newhall within the hour. Hassling and threatening good and hard-working folk for no reason is not good business savvy... or good life savvy, either."

Solbiort grins, but doesn't move. Her eyes are dancing, though -- what good luck! She might get a nice fight out of this! She replies mildly, "Are you threatening me?"

"Not at all," is the wry reply. "We just got done talking about what an improper and impolite thing it is to threaten people out of the blue with no provocation -- didn't we, Clyde?" The man nods, once. "It is a warning, though. Some good people are doing good work here, and they don't need you folks besmirching their reputation. So. What will you an' your crew do?"

Solbiort grins even more broadly at the two, "Ai yah, vhat vill ve do?! A big scary varning from you both!" She tilts her head and mock-muses, "Maybe... maybe I vill chust finish my drink und go about my business like usual, und ve vill leave vhen ve are ready to... und you und I vill pretend this silliness didn't happen, ya?" She adds a bit dryly, "Because it is all silliness... chust like the nonsense vhich I am thinking started this."

The woman glowers. "Ain't silliness when someone comes 'round an' threatens your friends. Aw, ni ta ma de. Clyde?"

Without another word, Clyde leans forward to grab hold of Solbiort's lapels, apparently intending to drag her out of her chair. Solbiort casually deflects Clyde's hands aside with her mug, murmuring calmly, "Don't vant to do that..." That serves as little more than a trigger for both the woman and Clyde to attempt to grab hold of Solbiort. She laughs delightedly, and with her left hand pushes the table over into both of them as she rises. She has another quick gulp of her drink, then cheerfully tosses the rest into the woman's face.

Clyde falls backwards, and the woman wipes the drink from her face as she draws back. When her hand comes away, she's smirking. "I was so hoping you'd say that." Then she screams like a harpy and leaps for Solbiort in a tackle. Solbiort casually backhands the woman across the face with her metal mug, and bellows happily -- the fight is finally joined! As Clyde shoves the table away and comes forward, Solbiort lashes out with one long leg, aiming her booted foot to his solar plexus.

Clyde is put to the side, the wind knocked out of him, while the woman is sent reeling. The next moment the wiry mechanic for Buddha's sake has clambered atop the bar and leaped off of it onto Solbiort's shoulders. She's not much of a fighter but she holds on for life, spluttering cusses and all sorts of unprintables about Solbiort's upbringing as she tries to pound something into Solbiort's head. Admittedly, she's probably a better mechanic than a brawler.

Solbiort laughs again, bending with the landing to flip the woman off her shoulders. She tries to aim the mechanic at the female security guard -- hopefully that'll keep the one from getting hurt and the other from getting up! For her care she gets yanked sideways hard by her braid being clung to by the flying woman, but she just grins and rolls with it -- having her land on top of them too should keep 'em down!

Solbiort does indeed topple onto the other two women. She rolls to a crouch, glancing around hopefully. There are two guys left still, she knows -- surely they'll come play too? A moment later, the other man from the Express is leaping forward to take a swing at Solbiort... and stops short when he notices Solbiort is head and shoulders taller than him. "Oh, kwong-juh duh," he mutters, looking like he realizes he's in for a world of hurt but swinging anyway. Solbiort grins wickedly down at him, her teeth flashing and her emerald eyes bright with feral glee, and easily blocks the blow, sliding her hand down to his wrist and turning it into a throw. He can resist it, of course, but he'll likely break his wrist if he does.

He does try to resist... for a moment. After his expression goes to one of PAIN he rolls with the throw. Meanwhile the women are untangling themselves, and the mechanic is about to leap for Solbiort with absolute murder in her eyes, when the security freelancer grabs the mechanic by the collar. At the same time a truly authoritative voice says, "Gwai-gwai long duh dong?! Sam, get your dai jin ass over here right now!"

Solbiort is still waiting, hands spread and in her easy crouch, for the mechanic's blind attack, her teeth bared in an anticipatory grin... but she tilts her head slightly at that voice, her gaze flicking from the remaining three who're able to rise, to the voice's source. Hm. Isn't that... the captain of the Zu Chuo Express? Her emerald gaze brightens -- five on one! Should be interesting... it is indeed the captain of the Express, looking like hell in summer and glaring at Sam. His hands are balled into fists and planted firmly on his hips.

"But Captain-!"

"Bai-tuo, an jing yi dian, Sam! I want you and Elvis back at the ship 'fore you start any more trouble that we don't need!"

Solbiort straightens slowly, still wary. Hm... looks like the captain's stopping the fight; pity. As the glorious rush of adrenaline fades, she sighs, realizing her unpleasant duty -- she needs to apologize to this man for what her crewmember said. Considering his crew attacked the captain of another ship, they took Elgyn's threats very seriously indeed. She needs to let them know that's not necessary... but it still galls a bit at having to apologize for someone else's comments. She stalls for a few seconds by pushing her heavy mane of hair back, where it's pulled free from the braid, and straightening her vest so it covers all the bits that make Central folk stare in shock.

Sam and Elvis slink off, and the captain has several quiet words with both the freelancers, though they simply head off, the woman flashing a grin and a wave to Solbiort as she heads off. The captain then looks to Solbiort, taking in a deep breath and weighing his words carefully. Solbiort grins at the woman appreciatively -- good fight and cute! Ah, well... she takes a deep breath herself, then makes herself walk forward firmly to stop in front of him. She stares down at him for a second, then puts her palms together and bows her head politely to him, saying a bit gruffly, "Shuh-muh, honored captain."

The captain takes in a breath again, and bows in return in the same manner. "Captain," he says. "I must apologize for Sam's... indiscretion. She's hot-headed and had no right inciting Bonnie and Clyde into attacking you."

Solbiort speaks hastily, not caring to be yelled at, and so doesn't quite catch what the captain is saying initially, "I must apologize for my crewmember's shoo- er... uh, what?" She blinks, tilting her head curiously down at the captain, causing her scarlet hair to swing forward distractingly. She tucks it absently back behind one ear, and says carefully, "Vait... you are apologizing to me? Vhy so, ching?"

The captain folds his arms. "Because Sam, Buddha bless her clockwork heart, is a bloody firebrand. Sometimes I think she's got a fusion reactor inside her -- always one step away from going critical. She didn't take well to what your crewmember said to us, but even so she's not got the right to pick a fight. I'd told her to let it go, and let karma have its way. Instead, she pulled this." He nudges an end of the table that's been overturned. "I'd ask if they hurt you, but I have a feeling that they ended up the worse for wear as it is."

Solbiort studies the captain with interest for a few moments... then relaxes slightly and grins, "Vell now! That is very kind of you, captain. Und I also vish to apologize for my crewmember, who also is far too villing to go off half-cocked." She grins, her eyes getting mischievous, "Vell, vould not have really hurt them... vas nice little fight vhile it lasted! You vould perhaps like to share drink instead of fight?"

The captain's expression wavers a little. "Seems we're both blessed with on-edge crewmen. I'd almost say we should get them together, 'cept Sam would likely blow a gasket on seeing your lad. As for a fight, I'm not that go tsao de dumb enough to start a brawl with a gorram valkyrie, so I'm gonna pass on that, thanks." He considers, then nods. "A drink, though, sounds about good. And might make the bartender a mite less inclined to call the federales.

Solbiort laughs delightedly, and if the captain doesn't flinch away she'll clap him cheerfully on the shoulder, "Ah, goot! I buy, ya? My boy start it. Come!"

The captain -- Ellison, a former merchant mariner who served out the war running tugboats for the Indeps around Hera -- is still a little cool towards Solbiort, but he's warmed up somewhat. He certainly seems willing to put the incident behind them, though as they part he does caution her that Sam is not likely to let it go so easily, and he'll try to keep Sam away from Elgyn, if Solbiort could keep Elgyn away from Sam if they ever happen to be in the same port again.

Solbiort cheerfully lets Ellison know Elgyn will be under strict orders to behave, and sheh-sheh so much for understanding kids can be a little hot under the collar sometimes. Then she does a quick wash-up in the tavern's restroom, changing into her formal clothes and hastily brushing her hair into a fresh braid. A nice meal, a pleasant little scuffle... and now tea with the Colonel -- it's shaping up to be a very nice day!

Tea with the Colonel is in a small teahouse in the very small section of Newhall that caters to the upper gentry. He has reserved a small open-air room overlooking the plaza square. As she enters, he arches a brow. "Major," he says curiously, "have you been in a fight?"

Solbiort looks guiltily down at herself for a moment, wondering where she messed up -- then grins, straightens, and says cheerfully, "No sir! I was, ah... helping local security exercise!"

Yuan goes "Hrm," as if not quite believing that line -- but nods and indicates the seat. "Please have a seat, Major. I'm glad we had the chance to sit and talk without worries of your cover. Don't worry; my people routinely screen this tea house."

Solbiort grins, "Sheh-sheh, Colonel." She slides quickly and smoothly into her seat, her eyes dancing even as she tries to look serious and formal. Setting her backpack aside, she then says politely, "Nihao, Colonel. I trust you do vell?"

He nods. "Well enough. The worst of the Far Thunder troubles are over, I feel. And yourself? I hope your crew found the compensation to their liking."

Solbiort smiles, her face warming with genuine happiness, "Ya, Colonel, und sheh-sheh from all of us. I am deeply relieved to know they are vell taken care of." She puts her palms together and bows her head to the Colonel in courteous thanks, then adds more seriously, "However... I am vondering if troubles are indeed over. Am fearing I added fuel to the fire vith my incitement of Far Thunder, because am now hearing dissatisfied rumbles about Vintarsen still being alive. Is there some vay you can think of vhere I can deny or re-phrase that vith same vide audience?"

Yuan pauses in pouring the tea, then makes a quiet sound and continues. "I am glad you have recognized that yourself," he says softly. "I am not yet sure what can be done, however. It has certainly made law compliance... challenging. If even Wintarsen himself were to say that the malcontents should not take up arms again, it would be seen by many as Alliance 'brainwashing.'"

Solbiort nods, "Vas thinking much the same, ya. But vas vondering, Colonel... vas I who call out Vintarsen yet lives, but is elsevhere. So... vould be possible perhaps for me to also call out somevhere that..." she takes a breath, not liking direct lies, "-zat I lied, und he is actually dead? Und zat I lied to goad Far Thunder?"

"It would be a challenge, Major. The same ruse hardly ever works twice. Our own psyops people have floated the rumor that Wintarsen really is dead, with little success. I fear it would take more than that, but what exactly I do not know." He sighs. "It is ironic that to preserve this fragile peace we are doing more or less what Far Thunder themselves had done, and for much the same reasons."

Solbiort frowns thoughtfully, then sighs, "Vell, for this I am profoundly apologizing, Colonel; vas not thinking of anyzing except to goad Far Thunder into foolishness. If else can I do, you vill ching let me know?"

Yuan nods. "I will, Major. Believe me, I will. For the time being we are attempting to contain the situation as best as we can, and are considering appropriate, proper options which will still preserve the Alliance."

Solbiort nods slowly, then rumbles thoughtfully, "Might help, oddly enough, to loosen iron grip. On at least von vorld I visit, governor general attempts to stamp out local ethnicities, und unsurprised I am to see them angry for zat."

He makes a quiet sound. "I know. We are stretched thin though, and more often than not these governors have friends in high places. More often than not I have been instructed to draw my agents back from certain courses of investigation, and I have learned what not to include in my official reports to Security Command. There is little to be done except to wait and bide our time, and pounce on an instant of incaution on their part."

Solbiort murmurs softly, glancing sideways at the Colonel from behind her scarlet bangs, "Vould be interesting, though, to let certain folks know the unincluded information so they could perhaps do somezing helpful, neh?"

"We do, when the subject in question does not have certain ears in Parliament. It is unpleasant to keep track of all the various factions and who knows whom. Short of a coup d'etat, we are limited in what we can do. But we still try."

Solbiort nods, "All right. You vill let me know vhat you vant, then, sir, und I vill see vhat I can do." She doesn't know what the Colonel most needs, but figures she'll get told here. The least she can do is let him know she's available and trustworthy. She knows he'll use her skills or not as it suits him; no sense in worrying.

Yuan nods. "We will. And if you think of anything, anything at all, that might stave off more of this discontent, please contact us immediately."

Solbiort nods, sipping her tea and replying, "Shall do my best, sir. You vant perhaps more reports on conditions, or vhat? Vhere I best turn my abilities, ching?"

"Conditions, yes. We need to see if there are epicenters of this discontent. Likewise, any governors and magistrates who are taking advantage of the unrest. For now we ask you observe." He pauses to sip his tea. "And if you happen to be out in Xianyao Quad, see if you notice anything about these 'pirates' Far Thunder was so concerned about, if you could."

Solbiort nods, "Very good, sir. Not currently on our schedule, but vill see if ve can find reason to be thereabouts. Anything else?"

He shakes his head. "Just that Command has decided your contact with Security should be normalized. From now on your reports will be channeled through my office, and you will technically report to me. In practice you will continue as you have, as winds and wiles take you throughout the 'Verse. The only change is instead of your reports being filtered up to Command from each Security district as you travel, they will go directly to my office, and from my office to Command."

Solbiort raises an eyebrow, internally very pleased! This is as close to a promotion as she's likely to get. If it is accompanied by a raise as well, even better! -especially since she's considering marriage, and perhaps settling down some time after that. She considers... before she simply provided information to AllSec. Now she may get some operations to carry out, and to do some troubleshooting. Excellent! She straightens a bit and smiles. "This vas at your request, sir, or at Command's?"

He smiles quietly. "At my own request, Major. You have done excellent work, and after eight years Command agreed with me that it is time to make use of your talents in the field."

Solbiort grins broadly, her eyes bright with pride, "Sheh-sheh, Colonel! Vill vork to not disappoint." She bows politely again, then happily asks, "So, ve may perhaps also speak of Ji, if you vill, Colonel?"

Yuan makes a long, slow, deep sound. "Ah. Yes. Ji." He sighs, and looks out onto the plaza. "You're dead-set on courting her, then, Major?"

Solbiort tilts her head a bit puzzledly, her voice oddly gentle, "Neh, Colonel. Am hoping to settle for life?"

Yuan gives a short laugh. "I see. Well. What would you like to speak of her, Major?"

Solbiort hesitates, then says slowly, "Vould... vould ask, if I may, Colonel... vhy you leave her? Or she you? Know you vere lofers. Vas vondering vhat vould make you part from such a beautiful von." Yuan doesn't answer right away, instead taking a sip of his tea. Solbiort looks a bit embarrassed, wondering if she went too far there.

"When I first heard her story," he finally says, "told to me in the chill of a Beaumonde autumn evening, it sounded... fantastic. Something you only read in a novel. The daughter of wealth, her parents slain, taking on a new persona and not only avenging their deaths, but carving for herself her own, small empire. Her own place in the 'verse according to her rules. I loved her for what she had done, for who she was, and for who she had become. In the time we had together I came to love her even more, but for one thing: her lack of concern for law.

"For me, the choice was a simple one. There must be law, else there would be chaos. And law was something society had to enforce. I was an Alliance marshal traveling the nearest allied Border Moons to bring law and order to chaos and instability. Then and now, one had to think quick and fight faster in such a job. She, of course, was not so easily impressed; indeed, she loved me not because I was a marshal but in spite of it, and I loved her all the more for that. But she, she sought her own path. Law and order had failed her, she felt, failed her when a Tong gunned down her parents and the marshals could not deliver her justice. And so she sought justice on her own -- justice, and nothing more -- and she achieved it. Oh, she believed in the concept of law, in the idea of it; of the need for rules by which people might interact safely. But the enforcement of that law... that was where we differed.

"In the end, with the Alliance preparing to bring Unification to the 'Verse, she and I had our last words with each other. I had been transferred to Security, and would be aiding in the pacification of the Border Moons. Though our words were heated, we both -- at last -- came to the conclusion we would never be able to live a single life together. I believed in the letter of the law and that it was the one thing binding society together. She could respect the spirit of the law, but not the enforcement of it. And so, a few years before the Unification War we parted, and though we parted amicably, we could not bring ourselves to speak to each other again except in the most formal manner."

Solbiort sighs softly, feeling quiet pity for the two lovers long ago, despite her romantic interest in one of them. Best, she suspects, to make sure there is peace now, rather than finding out there's a serious issue still between her boss and her valdojer -- after more binding promises have been made. Softly she rumbles, "Shuh-muh, Colonel," then falls silent to give him a moment to add more should he wish.

Yuan shakes his head, and waves a hand. "It is fine, Major. As I said, we parted amicably. We were simply not meant to be the best of companions." He smiles wryly. "As it is, you and she would make a better pair, I think."

Solbiort says, "Vhy so, Colonel?"

He chuckles softly. "Major, as loyal as you are to the Alliance, you still have a fierce independent streak, and a unique way of approaching things. It has been a long time since I spoke with Ji, but I do believe that she likes it very much."

Solbiort looks startled, "She likes my -- my vay of approaching t'ings? You talk to her about me?" A moment later she leans forward interestedly, "Vhat you say?!"

"I meant, that it has been many years since I spoke with her, but I believe that she likes your way of things very much. I have not spoken to her of you."

Solbiort says, "Oh!" She looks like she's not sure whether she's disappointed or relieved, but after a moment she simply says, "Colonel, is Ji common name? Got impression it vas not, ya?"

He shakes his head. "No, it's fairly rare, actually. It's slightly more common, as a female name, with a doubled syllable. But you do not see it too often in the singled-syllable form."

Solbiort thinks for a moment... then says slowly, "Und... has our Ji ever been to Newhall? Like, say... about twelve years ago?"

He frowns a little. "Newhall? Twelve years ago? Not that I know of, no. Why do you ask?"

Solbiort takes a slow breath, then says slowly, "Vas... vondering vhat children she has had, is all. Know a young Ji here... but must be more than von Ji in all the universe." She grins a bit ruefully at the Colonel, "Am nosy, ya?"

Yuan arches a brow, and nods, "Well, it's an interesting coincidence, certainly... and a rare name indeed."

Solbiort smiles slowly, "Ya. So, is common to name Central children after name of same-sex parent, ya? As in, your son vould be Li, ya? Or Yuan?"

Yuan looks at Solbiort for several long moments, then sets his teacup down. "What are you saying," he whispers, not entirely looking at her.

Solbiort studies the Colonel evenly, although her voice is again surprisingly gentle, "Am asking you if son vould be named after father, Colonel."

He nods slowly, still not quite looking at her. "Yes... sometimes. It is... not common except on Osiris, though."

Solbiort is silent for a long moment, letting the Colonel think. She knows if he asks her, she'll tell him the truth... but she also doesn't want to rub his nose in it if he'd rather not officially know. Yuan looks out onto the plaza and is silent for a long time, not saying anything and not really looking like he's looking at anything. Solbiort sips her tea quietly and leaves him in peace to think. As far as she's concerned, the Colonel is an honorary woman to her. He understands thinking before acting... she respects him for a reason.

After a long time, Yuan finally asks in a quiet whisper, "How old?"

Solbiort says quietly, "Am guessing about tventy-five at most, sir, but is hard to tell. She looks neh more than late thirties herself."

He nods slowly. "Yes... yes, we were both... opposites in that respect. I carried my age poorly, while she... she carries it very well...." He closes his eyes. "Twenty five, say twenty... yes. Yes, that would be about right."

Solbiort rumbles quietly, "He is a fine young von. Svift und strong in a battle, respectful of his elders, und has caught the eye of von of my vorld, in fact. Cousin of mine." Yuan makes a quiet sound; it's hard to tell what it might mean. Solbiort silences again. She's still not sure she's done the right thing... but family means so much to her, and from what she's been given to understand it does to Osirians too. She would very much like her hopefully-future valdojer and the Colonel to not be in quite so much pain any more.

Yuan takes in a slow breath. "I need-" He breaks off; his voice was filled with emotion. When he speaks again it is a quiet but flat tone. "I need some time, Major. Thank you for telling me. But... I need some time."

Solbiort murmurs quietly, and in perfect Lingua, "Of course, Colonel; I am at your disposal. Please forgive my intrusion." She sets down her teacup, bows deeply to the oblivious Colonel, then silently withdraws. As she departs she's reasonably certain he doesn't think she notices him slumping into his chair as he looks out onto the plaza.

Solbiort paces quietly along back towards the ship, considering. Ya, a good day indeed; with Freya's blessing, perhaps both Ji and Lu will be able to be friends again. Solbiort deeply desires the lovely Ji as her wife, but is not willing to promulgate ancient pain to gain the lady's hand in marriage. True, there's a risk the two old lovers will re-unite... but if that's the case, then Ji was never Solbiort's in the first place. Soli takes a deep breath, fingering the token scarf as she murmurs a small hopeful prayer under her breath, then lets her breath out and grins slowly. Life is exciting... and the potential rewards are indeed wondrous! Fortune and adventure awaits -- who could ask for more?

Solbiort returns to the Chimera in time to run into the two young men who are bound for Shornscale. They look to be migrant workers, traveling light with bags of tools and poncho-wrapped bedrolls. They appear to be twins, though a few years of various work and rough living has made them somewhat different. Solbiort encounters them just as they're reaching the ship's berth. She nods to them, "Nihao," as she heads on into the Chimera. She taps the comm, "Hey, Molly mei-mei, am aboard and think the two for Shornscale are here." Nigel is puttering here and there around the ship, making sure the remote systems he put into place are as unobtrusive as he thinks.

The two men nod pleasantly to Solbiort, waiting patiently outside the ship. "Nihao," the both chime in, simultaneously enough that they shoot a look at each other, as if to say, 'Stop that,' 'No, you stop that.'

Elgyn is on the bridge with Molly, discussing ship's business, when he hears the call to her from the Captain. He nods to her and exits the bridge, coming down to greet the passengers with his captain. Solbiort points out the First Mate to the two passengers, then heads on up to her quarters. The two men nod to Elgyn. "I'm Carl, and this is Earl," the slightly taller and less weathered one says.

Elgyn calls out to Solbiort, before she gets too far, "Captain... what is the protocol here? Should I escort them to their cabins, or wait till the others arrive?"

Solbiort glances over her shoulder at Elgyn for a moment... then says quietly, "Escort the passengers to their cabin, so they don't have to stand around waiting, and have a moment to settle before takeoff. The Bridge Watch will alert you if another passenger should arrive." She nods politely to the two men again, adding, "Captain Skialdmeyjar. Velcome," then heads off for her cabin to change into less formal wear, then heads for the bridge.

Carl and Earl both nod. "We don't mind waiting," Earl says. His voice is dramatically different from that of his brother's, at least an octave lower and gravelly.

Elgyn nods and looks at the two men. "We should probably do as the captain says, gentlemen," he rumbles, gesturing them to the ladder well. "It will only be a bit longer while we wait for our other two passengers, after which we'll be on our way. I'll summon you to an informal chat in the passenger's lounge after takeoff; let you know the rules of the ship... have any questions, I'm at your disposal."

"Thanks, sir," Carl says, apparently the unofficial spokesman. Earl starts to say "Thanks," but ends up having a coughing fit, though he follows Carl up the steps.

Solbiort grins and waves at Nigel as she paces by, "Hey there, di-di! How goes vriting?"

Nigel grimaces at the question, but says, "It's coming along."

Solbiort grins again, pausing a moment, "Gets easier vith practice, truly." She doesn't linger and pester, though, heading quietly off to the bridge to check in with Molly.

Elgyn sees the men to their rooms, and tries to ask them in a friendly way to stay put till they're called. "Our engineer gets a little ornery if folks get in his way when he's trying to prep the ship for departure," he tells them... which is not entirely untrue. Hell, he gets ornery just by the intake of oxygen, Elgyn thinks to himself amusedly.

Earl and Carl glance at each other and nod, again almost in unison. "Not ta worry," Carl says. "We'll stay here. We've made low passage on trampers enough times to know the drill. We'll not be gettin' in the way."

Elgyn smiles, as things seem to be going smoothly... a nice change of pace. He then goes and decides to go back to the landing ramp. "Molly, the two laborers are stowed... going down to wait for the others."

It's a few hours later a middle-aged woman with rich brown skin and dark burnt sienna hair woven into multitudes of narrow braids comes up to the ship, carrying a haversack slung over her shoulder. She wears what looks like decade-old and -worn, but well-tended, fatigues -- though notably conspicuous in lacking any unit flashes. Seeing nobody outside, she knocks on the edge of the hatch, calling inside, "H'lo to the ship...?" Elgyn gets up from where he had been checking inventory, and goes back over to open the hatch.

At the same time, Nigel finishes up his rounds and sticks his head into the bridge, "All my checks are done, Molly. Let the captain know the tests she wanted came out fine."

Solbiort looks up at Nigel from where she's working on the Bridge, and grins in relief, "Neh more little surprise passengers, eh? Excellent! Sheh-sheh, di-di." Nigel waves off the thanks and wanders in the general direction of engineering. Solbiort glances over at the outside pickups, comm'ing, "Nihao. Passenger for Chimera?"

The woman taps the external com. "Yes, ma'am," she says crisply. "Isenara Adair for Alfheim."

Solbiort rumbles, "Velcome. First Mate is coming down to escort you in."

Adair nods at Solbiort's message, saying "Go raibh mile maith agat," and waits patiently.

Solbiort considers what she knows of Aelfheim, on the edge of Jormungadr space. It was colonized by a small ark following the Exodus, but struggled to survive until Midgaard contacted them. As far as Solbiort knows, there's not much there: a small, religiously isolated colony barely subsisting on meager agriculture and some dangerous harvesting of a poisonous spider which nevertheless secretes a very strong silk used in some types of concealed body armor and climbing rope. Solbiort shrugs to herself... she considers the autumlas leather superior for good body armor, but to each their own.

Elgyn offers a smile to the woman outside when he finally pulls open the door. "Come on up... ma'am," he says to her, blinking a little at her non-denominational fatigues. "Do you need any assistance?" he queries politely.

Adair smiles politely to him and nods, "Thanks, but I can carry my gear." She arches a brow, looking at him as she enters. "You're from Ulundi, aye?" Her accent is lilting, not unlike that of Mackensie's.

Elgyn's smile turns rueful. "Seems everyone knows what my folk look like around here," he comments obliquely. "I am Elgyn Musere, First Mate. Let me escort you to your cabin... we're waiting on one other, and then we'll be black-bound."

She nods. "Iseanra Adair. Dia dhuit. I'm not in any rush, really."

Elgyn's brow creases at her tongue... it is unrecognizable to him. Which, he considers, is not really a surprise. "Perhaps not, but on the other hand there won't be much sightseeing to do in the dark of space, and therefore no reason not to make good time," he replies, trying to make a small joke as he ushers her to the second deck.

Isenara laughs quietly. "S'truth," she says.

Meanwhile, Solbiort will get the ship ready for take-off as planned, since the last passenger is supposed to board at the last minute. She idly ponders what language the oddly dark-skinned woman is speaking as she does so. She knows the small colonies around Midgaard all speak Midgaardian, but there are a few other religious isolates beside Aelfheim -- no more than three or five of them, if they all still exist -- which have stuck with their native tongue primarily. Farsi, Gaelic, or Nahuatl, she thinks... probably Gaelic, really.

The day turns into night, and after a brief, light supper, the sun goes down. Shortly after dusk, when twilight is falling on the docks, a trio of horse-riders trots up to the ship. The three riders are clad in the same fishermans' garb they were in the day before, with heavy ponchos to provide some warmth. It is the same group of Tong men, though as they debark from their horses (one of the Tong men holding on to the reins), the crew can see the burly enforcer was carrying a fourth and much smaller person on the saddle with him. This must be Quin Ji, who is also in fisher's garb and poncho, who gingerly and with rather nervous-looking eyes takes her father's hand as he walks with her to the hatchway.

Solbiort heads down to the hatch when the riders are first spotted, calling for Elgyn to meet her there. She's not particularly good with kids, but she suspects the father will feel better if the captain's there. Elgyn is already waiting in the cargobay, and when the captain arrives he open the hatch, going out with her since he figures they don't want a bunch of armed men inside. Solbiort nods to the father, letting Elgyn handle the child. "Nihao. Fortune be with you."

The enforcer bows to Solbiort, Quin Ji following suit a moment later. "Thank you again, Captain," he says quietly in the still night air. "I will rest easy knowing that you and your crew are taking her from here."

Solbiort bows politely in return, waiting for the girl to enter with Elgyn before she follows. Elgyn guides the girl, in, though not knowing exactly how to handle the child, not wanting to show offense. "Come with me, please," he says simply, not wanting to overcomplicate things, showing her to the ladder.

The young girl looks up at the enforcer, who murmurs a few words in Mandarin to her. She nods and gives him a quick, short hug before padding quietly over to Elgyn, looking up at him curiously and expectantly before following him to the ladder. The enforcer pulls a flat bag from beneath his poncho and offers it to Solbiort. "The second half of the payment, as promised."

Solbiort hands the bag to Raj, knowing he'll check it discreetly, and nods to the enforcer, "Ve vill see your daughter safely to her destination."

As Solbiort takes the wallet she notice movement atop a building to her right: a brief silhouette against Heinlein's disk. Raj's eyesight is a little sharper -- he spots the small party of dark-clothed persons about 20 yards to his right and taking up positions. Positions for what he's not sure, but probably not to deliver a candy-gram. Raj hefts the pouch and slides it out of sight. He stiffens a moment and takes a small step to his right, then bows to the party, saying in a low, tight voice, "20 yards, my 3:00, at least three men. Probably an ambush."

Solbiort nods, snapping quietly, "Back in the ship; let's go." On the comm she barks, "Mei-mei, possible ambush, we're hot!" She waves to the three men, "Go, go! We'll get her away safe!" She leaves Raj to lock up, running for the bridge to take off -- and internally blessing her goddess for the caution of having the engines running and ready to go.

Elgyn blinks as he hears Solbiort's barking from the second deck. "Stay inside, young one," he urges the girl, making sure she's safely in her cabin before hotfooting it to the bridge. Ji, for her part, looks scared briefly when the call goes out over the intercom, but ducks into the room Elgyn points out to her, ensconed within safely.

Raj steps to the cover of the hatch and says to the men on the horses, "Coming or going gentles? Decide now..." and waits a moment while they make up their minds.

The enforcer's expression hardens, and he nods, stepping back quickly from the ship and interposing his horse between him and the ambushers. The three Tong are just starting to pull weapons when shots ring out -- autolock fire, and none of it suppressed. One of the Tongs is caught and is thrown off his feet. "Staying!" the enforcer says quickly. "My duty is here, but please see her to safety!" They scramble quickly for the cover of some crates against the berth's wall, firing back at the ambushers. Raj nods, snaps off two quick shots in the direction of the attackers, then slams the door.

Solbiort practically bounds into her seat on the bridge, snapping to Molly, "Top of the building, small party of folk in black taking up positions -- feel free to strafe zem! Railgun, not laser!"

Elgyn joins the Captain and Molly on the bridge as she's giving those orders. "And here it seemed everything was going smooth... should have known better."

Solbiort is running through the remaining elements of the takeoff procedure, and simply grunts at Elgyn's comment, "Got cargo und passengers on board, und trip is paid for. Ve are doing vell, chust need to keep doing so."

Molly had already been reaching for the beam controls, and makes a barely audible, "Aww!" before switching to the railgun and deploying it, traversing it towards the building. "Should we be doing this in port? Sheriffs are going to know if ship-fire hit the building!"

Solbiort growls, "Zen don't hit building." A moment later she grins as she receives final takeoff results, "Zere ve go -- lifting!"

Elgyn looks at Solbiort at Molly's query. "Do we care? We'll be gone, and it's not as if we aren't within... oh right." He grimaces. "Not wanting to advertise we have ship-mounted guns."

Raj isn't sure, as he closes the hatch, but he thinks he hears a yelp from the direction he shot in. Molly, for her part, is extremely careful and doesn't hit the building -- but for that matter doesn't hit anything. It does however seem to make the ambushers scatter for better cover.

Elgyn hits the comm. "Excuse us for the short notice, but we are now taking off... might want to hold onto something. Minor squabble outside so we're making tracks. Thank you for your cooperation," he informs the other passengers.

The engines roar with the sudden, dramatic lift-off, and the ground falls away rapidly. Over the ship-to-shore comm Solbiort snarls at the tower about fleeing Tong warfare and vhat is vrong vith the crazies here anyvays?! Soon the docks themselves have dwindled to almost nothing, and Solbiort flicks off the ship-to-shore comm and grins at Molly, "Nice vork, mei-mei! Our clients got a little bonus from us as ve left, but don't think they'll mind."

Nigel hits the com in engineering, broadcasting just to the bridge, "Can't we go any-ruttin'-where without someone want's to gorram well kill us?"

Solbiort chuckles, cheerfully answering Nigel, "Ah, vas chust little love tap, di-di, meant for somevon else!"

"Better not show that sunny disposition to the gunmen, Doc, or they might decide to do you for free!" Elgyn calls over Solbiort's comm cheerfully. There is no answer from Engineering, though a fly on the wall might have heard a little snort of amusement from Nigel.

Once they've pulsejumped, Elgyn unstraps. "Right... better go in the back and have a heart to heart with our guests." He stops, then grins a little. "Nigel, why don't you join me in the passenger's lounge?" he queries casually over the comm. Solbiort stays on the bridge, making sure everything's calm and running beautifully until they're well into the black.

Nigel replies somewhat warily, "Why don't I?"

"Nigel, just come to the lounge. No one is going to bite you," Elgyn says reassuringly. "Don't bother cleaning up, though, if you're all greasy."

Solbiort chuckles quietly to herself, listening to her crew. She doesn't notice any pursuit as the ship claws its way up to the black. Traffic control is a little mystified still by her complaint, but that does keep them from asking too many questions right away. She wonders a bit bleakly if the Tong man escaped with his life. She's quite sure she's going to take Five Dragons' advice, and stay well away from any more Tong crazies.

Elgyn then hits the comm again and invites everyone to the passenger's lounge... he's already shown the others where that and the mess are, as they waited longer than expected for the girl. The girl he gets personally. "Come along, dear... just a little informal meeting. Get to know your fellow passengers," he reassures her. "The bad men with the guns are far away, now." The girl nods mutely to Elgyn and follows him to the lounge. She hugs the poncho to her tightly as she walks.

Nigel was apparently up to his elbows in something when he was called to the lounge -- at least that's how far up his arms the grease streaks reach. There are smudges and smears of various colors on his face and coverall as well. He stands near the door, hands shoved in his pockets. Elgyn arrives with the girl, finding Nigel and everyone else already waiting. "Sorry for any shake up, lady and gentlemen... there was a bit of an argument between the girl's guardians and some other folks before takeoff. Nothing to worry about now: I promise no one else will be shooting at you for the duration of the journey."

The brothers glance at each other, then the girl, concerned. "But we are out in the black now, right?" Earl asks cautiously. Isenara seems to be singularly unconcerned.

Elgyn nods reassuringly. "We are quite safe right now, I can assure. Besides... we are also quite a capable crew, and if any other issues do occur we can handle it without you having to worry. Of course, I did want to take this opportunity to lay a few ground rules. Because your safety is our primary concern, I would ask that you restrict shipboard movement to your cabins, the mess, and the passenger's lounge. If you want to go anywhere else, please comm myself or our quartermaster Raj. You don't appear to have any cumbersome luggage, so leaving it in your cabins is fine." He gestures to Nigel then. "This is Nigel. Also for safety's concern, please stay out of his way. He likes the ship better than any living person, and that includes the crew. This is both encouragement to not fold, spindle, or mutilate the ship in any way, and also to stay out of areas like Engineering and Cargo Bay, where there's a greater chance of getting hurt. Because he's also the ship's doctor, so staying out of infirmary should be your number one goal on this trip." He smiles. "Any questions?"

Nigel takes his hands out of his pockets and folds his arms across his chest, glowering slightly. But if he's glowering at Elgyn or for the benefit of the passengers isn't immediately clear. Earl and Carl look at each other and shake their heads. "Nothing fr'm us," Earl says. "No questions," Carl says in his gravelly voice, and proceeds to have another coughing fit. Adair shakes her head. "No questions here, either. Except how's the cooking?"

Elgyn's smile gets a small crack in it. "Well, there will be fresh eggs," he offers hopefully, avoiding the question. "Oh, that reminds me... stay out of room 12. That's where the hens live."

Adair's brows go up, though this time it's Earl and Carl who seem to take the news with aplomb. "Hens," she asks flatly.

Nigel narrows his eyes at Carl and announces, "You just earned yourself a ticket to the infirmary, buddy. I want to see you in there soon's Elgyn's done pointing out the emergency exits and how to use the toilet."

Carl looks up at Nigel as his coughing fit subsides. "Sure, doctor," he says, coughing again. Earl looks pained, but nods as well.

Elgyn rolls his eyes at Nigel. "He really is good," he assures Carl before looking at Adair. "Female chickens. They supply the eggs," he explains to Adair.

Nigel points at Earl, "You're comin' with him." Then he retreats to the infirmary and scrubs up, getting all the various fluids off his hands and face but not bothering to change his coverall.

Adair hmms, then nods to Elgyn, "That's what I thought. All right, no problems, then. Anything more, Mr. Musere?"

Elgyn shakes his head. "If you're okay, I'm okay. And we can always chat later if anything else comes up." He's relieved. He likes compliant passengers. He looks over at the girl then, checking her reactions to everything.

With that, Carl and Earl head down to the infirmary following Nigel, and Adair returns to her cabin. Quin Ji is still quiet, looking up at Elgyn for several long moments, looking rather serious for a girl her age. Then she bows swiftly to him and scurries quickly into her assigned room, the door closing behind her. Elgyn frowns as he watches her go. He sighs, though... whatever she's into is not his business. And if what the Captain said was true, it's not something he should get into, even in the vein of trying to be friendly. Delivering her to safety is the best he can do.

Nigel points at his main examining table, "Mr. Hacky, you sit down. Mr. Hacky-clone, you're next. I don't want the pair of you spreading some strange respiratory bacterium to my crew."

Earl hauls himself up onto the table, coughing only a little bit. His brother nods. "Sure thing, Doc. But it's not a bug, honest. It's a kind of lung-rot. We did some mining work out on Bellerophon."

"Nasty ruttin' crap," Carl mutters. "Like asthma." Earl nods. "It was this particulate detritus that was kicked up in that particular mine. T'ain't no cure but yer welcome to check him out. He's got medicine for it in our gear."

Nigel smirks a little bit, "Only reason there ain't a cure is nobody's kicked up a big ruttin' fuss over it." He begins turning on various equipment.

Carl coughs, then adds, "Nah, lungs're ripped to shreds. Ain't no cure I c'n take. Jus' need to be careful what jobs I take an' what filter for th' respirator to use."

Nigel arches a brow, pausing and shoving his hands back into his pockets, "Sounds sorta like some miner's diseases they had back on Earth-that-was. Black lung. Asbestosis... your lungs all filled with go-se or is the actual tissue scarred?"

Carl coughs a bit again. "Bit o' both. Me an' Earl, we just got off a quarry job. S'why I'm coughin' so much. Mostly it's dry coughin', th' broncheoles're scarred some. Not a lot of fluid in 'em, though.

Nigel nods, "Still an' all, I'm gonna have a quick look. Not sayin' yer lyin', but I can't just take your word for it just yet."

Earl nods. "Sure, Doc. Me an' Carl, we've been in the black enough t' know no ship takes chances if'n if it has a choice."

Nigel eyes the two men, expression still closed and edging on hostile. Any of the crew observing would recognize it as the look he habitually wore for the first few days they were thrown together, "Glad you understand." With that he starts his examination, checking breathing, drawing a little blood from each man just to test for high white-cell count or other indicators of infection.

Nigel's attitude, while polite, still manages to set the two men a bit on edge and make them nervous. The blood tests come back quickly negative. True to their word, they've been in the black a lot: Nigel sees evidence of frequent immunizations common to those who go from world to world where the job-winds blow. He nods perfunctorily at the tests, "No infection. Kept up on your immunizations. Glad to see it." After examining the results for a few more moments he says, "If it gets any worse, let me know. I don't have a lot here, but I can probably help if the cough puts you flat on your arse."

Carl nods. "Thanks, Doc," he says, sounding a little less gravelly. "'Preciate it much. Chant of it is, ship air usually is best for me -- scrubbed, filtered, cleaned." He grins wanly. "Prob'ly even be able to sound less like a dog in a week or so."

Nigel smirks, "Then maybe the pair've you ought to think about getting a shipboard job."

Earl says wryly, "We tried. Ain't much call for line-riggers, ditch-diggers, asphalt-layers, and the like in the black." Carl adds, "We keep lookin', though."

Nigel shrugs, still wearing that little half-smirk, "There's usually call for an able body or two on any ship that carries cargo, boys." He motions the two men, who really could be his age or even his seniors, toward the door, "Get on back to your cabin." Earl and Carl thank Nigel and head back to their cabin to settle in for the evening.


Bits and pieces of the internal workings of the mule are spread out on one of the few clear bits of floor in the hold of the Scarlet Chimera. Elgyn is working one piece over with tiny brush as Raj closes the lid of a small drum dramatically marked, "Only Use In A Well Ventilated Area" in several languages. Raj chokes a bit and says, "I don't know why they always put that on this gunk. Half the time we're working on parts so deep in the ship it's never seen the light of day."

Elgyn's face is screwed up into a grimace. He hates working with tools this small. But he did insist on helping with anything that needed doing, in regards to the ship. "I expect it's an ass-covering measure. Seem to get that a lot with the big corps," he grunts, as he tries to keep the light steady.

Raj settles down and begins inspecting the freshly cleaned parts. He nods, "Preventative maintenance in the legal trenches. Not much different than what we're doing." Using a small air-hose, he blows the last bits of solvent out of two pieces and begins fitting them together. "You remember our visit to the Zu Chuo Express, not so long ago? I know you're First on this boat and all, but you want to tell me what that was all about? There some reason you were trying to get them all hot and bothered?"

Elgyn blinks and almost hits his head on the light as he unthinkingly sits up, before realizing his head is in a confined space. He slides out to stare at Raj, a look of consternation on his face. He purses his lips as he digests the question. "After talking with the fellow about the current events on Ulundi, I had an urge to find out more. Guilt, perhaps, over being away for so long. A flare-up of loyalty to my people. If there was someone stealing from them, I wanted to know who it was, and put a stop to it. I thought that if I put a little pressure on one of the crew members, I might get a name." He sighs. "Stupid idea," he mutters.

The hold echoes the thrum of small motorized tools for a moment. Raj nods and says, "I can see that. No news from home for too long makes people antsy. Bad news is better than none, I guess." He gestures to the tool box, saying, "Hand me the 16? Yah, the double-plus." Elgyn digs out the grip and hands it to Raj. Pointing the dp16 at Elgyn for emphasis, he continues, "It wasn't stupid to want to find out what they knew, but there are better ways to go about it." He pauses a moment, tilts his head back a touch and says, "That little expedition was pretty much shooting from the hip, wasn't it? You know they're going to be grumpy with us, any of us, when they bump into us next, right?"

Elgyn looks away...he's mused over the events in his mind, and sees it from a far different angle than he did before. He saw himself as invincible, as able to handle them should it come to a physical confrontation. As someone who could cow them into submission. But really, how realistic was that fantasy if that crew was anything like the crew of the Chimera? "Yes. I do. There's nothing I can do about that now, though. I'd hoped... if I just didn't bother following up on finding out about them, maybe we could just... brush it under the carpet. The captain... it seemed to me that he was glad to see me go, and just wanted the problem to be over and done. We'll have to see if that's the way it stays." He growls. "And you're right, there are better ways. But I had already come to them with an open hand. I couldn't believe they'd turn stag on their employer just because I talked nice with them."

With a small smile, Raj says, "No surprise the Captain wanted to put paid to that conversation. Not a lot of wiggle room for them to find out what you really wanted." He turns back to the task, leaning heavily on the two big parts and dogging the heavy bolts. "So, what have you told the Captain about that little conversation? This jumps up and bites us with no warning, she's going to light right up." The two big parts locked down, Raj begins reaches for the next part. He stops, then picks up the equipment, then says, "You have spoken to her about this, yes?"

Elgyn nods and goes back to what he was doing. "She knows. I asked her about it first... she was kind enough not to laugh in my face. After dinner I told her I was going to let sleeping dogs lie, and chalk it up as one to grow on," he replies, as he works the bristle brush harder. "And if it comes up again... I'll deal with it. I'll apologize if it comes to that, even though the idea makes me want to gnaw at my liver."

Raj looks up sharply and says, "Trust me, get over that right quick." He looks back to the task and says to no one in particular, "Worrying is a waste of your time, and your CO's. Take the hit, do the time, and figure out how not to do it again. You need your liver gnawed, your CO's gonna do it for you, no worries there." He reaches for a small, glowing tool and begins testing the seal on the big blocks of metal and ceram. "You know, our Captain can be a right bitch," shooting Elgyn a look, he snaps, "and don't try to deny it," then continues, saying, "but she'd not laugh at you. She's a pain, but she means to do right. She's the kind to give you latrine duty for a fortnight, but then show up to help. You know, the crazy type."

Elgyn nods a little as Raj speaks... fascinated to hear the man speak at all. Oddly, he feels like he takes the man's criticism more naturally than he would from Solbiort. Whenever she gets mad or irritated, he feels... well, he gets angry. At her, and at himself. And then, of course, as Raj segues over into a commentary on the Captain, he immediately opens his mouth, wanting to argue the point. He's been with Solbiort so long he rises to her defense on instinct. But something odd happens: he says nothing and just listens. "She's not crazy," he finally reports. "But she... she is like a blade. And all blades cut two ways."

Raj shrugs, "OK, maybe not crazy. Nothing like by the book though." He pauses, then says, "Not that by the book's good for much either." Unhappy with the little sensor, he fits a pipe to the long handle of the grip and puts his foot on the end until the pattern lines up. "Elgyn, we did the same kind of job during the war, right? Lots of field work, small squad, nobody to trust but your team." He shakes his head and asks, "Ever thought much about how this works out here in the real world? You're the Captain's First. When you say something, it's like she's said it. You do something, it's like she did it. It wasn't you and me that went down to the Zu Chuo Express, it was the First of the Scarlet Chimera dropping by."

Elgyn nods in silent agreement to Raj's assessment of what it was like during the war. But as Raj keeps talking, his eyes get wider as Raj points out something he hadn't considered, even after the snafu that was that confrontation. "I didn't..." he starts, and then trails off. The silence gets thick enough to walk on. While he had considered that any action he took might have repercussions for the crew, he never thought of it from the standpoint that he was... a 'leader.' Hit with this nugget of wisdom, he replies succinctly: "Oh, fuck."

As the sensors line up and the little device pings, Raj says, "Huh. I think that's it." He looks up at Elgyn's outburst and grunts. "Yeah. Life's a bitch." He pulls the pipe and starts putting tools away, the regulator pretty much ready to be re-installed. "I think we're about done here, Elgyn. Thanks for the help. Give me a hand getting this back on the lift, I'll lock it down."

Elgyn hesitates, and then finally gets up and closes things up. As he goes to help Raj, he then puts a hand on the man's shoulder. "Raj... I'm sorry. I didn't want to make trouble for you or the crew. But you're right... I acted like I was an individual, and not a First. So... I'm sorry. I won't lose sight of that again." His expression is solemn and chagrined.

Raj says, "No worries. It's fixed. Take the hit and move on," as the regulator drops into place.


Scarlet Chimera
en route to Triumph, moon of Eclipse.

Solbiort shepherds the Chimera safely out into the black before she sighs and leans back in her seat, stretching out her long legs. There... off planet with no damage or losses. She considers what she heard... the tower pretty much said only that law compliance officers had secured the scene, and asked the Chimera to return for questioning. As usual, Solbiort had politely noted she was on a schedule, and would love to stop by later should they get a cargo for Newhall again. She doesn't know how the Tong enforcer did, but she wishes him luck. The money is good and she's happy to help save a girl's life... but after this she thinks they'll politely decline Tong meddling.

Solbiort considers the girl and her father for a while. An enforcer with two bodyguards... looks like someone moving up the chain of command, to her. She thinks the crew of the Chimera definitely want to steer clear after this. But for now... she sighs gustily. The poor girl looked positively pale with nerves, last Solbiort saw her. She should be a good and dutiful captain, and go make sure the girl's comfortable.

Solbiort rises relaxedly, nods to Molly on watch, then paces off the bridge. A moment later she's knocking at the girl's hatchway. After a few moments, the door unlocks, and is opened a little bit, enough for half the girl's face to be seen. "Yes, captain?" she asks quietly.

Solbiort smiles down at the girl in what she hopes is a friendly fashion, "Good evening, Miss Ji. May I come in?" Ji hesitates for only a moment, then nods, and steps back, opening up the door wider for Solbiort to fit throguh. The big Midgaardian slips through without scraping herself against the hatchway, a bit surprised at the girl's evident paranoia. She steps to one side so Ji has room to close the cabin door, then seats herself at the desk chair, leaving the comfortable bed for the girl to settle on.

For a 12-year-old, Ji moves with uncommon maturity and poise, though her movements are slow and careful. She also has something of a pall hanging over her, and doesn't appear to be blinking too much. Beyond this, she appears to be a typical girl of Chinese heritage. She sits on the edge of the bed, folding her hands in her lap as she looks back at Solbiort.

Solbiort studies the girl silently for a long moment, wondering if she can see any of 'her' Ji in this Ji. Despite the rarity of the name "Ji," this one has little in common with Five Dragons. Quin Ji's face is thinner, her shoulders a little more narrow, and her eyes are dark brown rather than cerulean. Solbiort smiles again, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees, her hands dangling easily, "Nihao, und velcome to safety of my ship, Ji mei-mei. You know vhere you go, ya? Is there anything you vish that vould help you feel more comfortable here?"

Ji nods a little and ducks her head. "Thank you, Captain," she says, just barely more audible than before. "And yes. We're going to Triumph, for me to go live with my aunt and uncle."

Solbiort nods, "Ya. Hokay, chust vanted to be sure -- don't vant you to vorry about a t'ing." She tilts her head consideringly, wondering why the girl is shrinking so much, "You are all right? Are not vounded or anything?"

She hesitates, opening her mouth once and then closing it before murmuring, "My father's dead, isn't he."

Solbiort shakes her head, her voice firm, "Neh, mei-mei, ve do not know this. Your father vas safely behind cover last I saw, und as ve take off ve... do fly-by over building to force attackers to dive for cover." She reaches out, taking the girl's slender wrist gently into her big hand, "Do not give up hope, mei-mei. Your father is resourceful und qvick. Am thinking shouldn't take more than month or three for Tong to settle this, und then you vill be heading home again, ya?"

Ji still doesn't look directly at Solbiort, though she doesn't pull her hand away. "Thank you, Captain," she says, "but I've known for years that Father would die in something to do with the Tongs. When the sai ma didn't dislodge the Steel Crane Gang from the port, and it escalated to fighting, I knew that ... that....." She trails off.

A sai ma is something not often seen on the Central Planets, and is something unique to the Tongs. It means literally "show of force," and can involve upwards of seven hundred Tong members and supporters. It is usually called to intimidate a rival Tong or pressure local businesses or organizations. The sai ma never devolves into actual fighting; rather it is meant as a demonstration of the quality and quantity of a Tong's members. It's a method of fighting that the Alliance, with some Chinese cultural heritage, attempted in the early days of the Unification War. Unfortunately, the Independents weren't reading from the same script. Even so, many Tongs still undertake the practice, and a sai ma is either the resolution or the opening move in any inter-Tong turf war.

Solbiort sighs quietly and muses for a bit, unwilling to lie to the girl. Finally she rumbles, "Mei-mei, those who live by the sword tend to die by the sword, true. But also I tell you true vhat I saw last: your father alive, und ve tried to scatter his enemies as ve left." She pauses, frowning, then says slowly, "How they knew vhere und vhen to come for ambush? Who knew vhen you go?"

Ji sighs softly, shoulders slumping a little though she's long since accepted that as truth. "The Soo Yung Tong has had either spies or a turncoat in it since the fighting with the Steel Crane began. Father said he had kept me going to Triumph as quiet as possible, but if we were attacked there was only one person it could be who betrayed us besides Father's superior. He didn't tell me who they were, though, only that the Tong would deal with them if we were attacked."

Solbiort grumbles quietly under her breath, then goes quiet, thinking. Finally she sighs and shakes her head once, "Shuh-muh, mei-mei, but must confess I... do not understand the Tong." She sighs again. "Ah, vell. You are safe here on ship -- ve vill get you safely to your aunt, und keep your connections secret, as your father vished."

Ji seems to shrink into herself. "It's all right," she says. "I don't understand the Tong either, and what I do understand about it, I wish I didn't." Then she winces. "It's not secret," she mutters softly.

Solbiort feels sorry for the poor girl. "Vell, perhaps this time you have fresh chance to live vithout Tong now, if you vish?" Curiously she adds, "Vhat's not secret?"

"That I'm Tong."

Solbiort looks more puzzled, "You tell people here that?"

Ji blinks at Solbiort, then, and shakes her head. "No," she murmurs, looking away. "I mean... all the shooting, the fast takeoff, the shouting, the others being told that Father was involved in the fighting... it's not secret; it can't be."

Solbiort goes utterly still, studying the girl intently. A moment later she softly murmurs, "Who said your father was involved in the fighting?"

The girl looks away. "The officer that took me up to the lounge."

Solbiort forgets to breath for a moment... then says very softly in perfect Lingua, "The one with the tattoos? What exactly did he say?"

"Yes, that one. Said that there'd been an argument between my guardians and some other folks before takeoff."

Solbiort's fingers tighten unwittingly on the girl's small hand as she whispers something in a foreign tongue, her emerald gaze distant. Ji's immediate answer is to try to pull her hand out of the tightening grasp. Solbiort blinks, reflexively opening her hand as she looks back at the young girl. She shakes her head, realizing what she'd done, and murmurs quietly, "Accept my apologies, ching, for my boy's behavior. I promise you we will do all within our power to see you safe to your family on Triumph, and to prevent news of your location leaking out."

Ji hugs herself, nodding but still not quite looking fully at Solbiort. "Thank you," she says in the same tone of voice as when she opened the door.

Solbiort thinks for a lengthy moment, then sighs. It's going to be a long night, she can tell already. But for now... gently she says, "Vhat is vrong, mei-mei? Vhat can I do to make things better for you?"

Ji shakes her head. "Nothing," she says softly. "I... just hope Father is all right."

Solbiort nods quietly, then rises smoothly, "Very goot then, mei-mei. Und now ching excuse me... have some vork I must do this night. If I learn more of your father vill let you know. If you are in need of anything, feel free to ask me or... or Raj for it. He is the ozzer von who vas there to greet you. Und tomorrow... ve see vhat ve see." Her voice is grim.

Ji nods mutely at first, then says out loud, "Thank you, Captain."

Solbiort nods courteously to the troubled girl, then moves and opens the hatchway. She rumbles a quiet, "Sleep vell, child," and then the hatch closes securely behind her... and she paces slowly toward the bridge, thinking furiously as she walks her last watch of the night.


Breakfast the next morning, as the ship is cruising through the black to Triumph, starts off well enough. Molly has -- finally! -- managed to cook a meal that isn't half-carbonized, and is actually reasonably edible. It certainly took her long enough. The whipped soy and rice-cakes are about as edible as they can be made.

Three of the four passengers are present when breakfast begins: Earl and Carl and Isenara. The air is comfortable and congenial, filled mostly with Earl regaling the group with tales of the various and multitudinous odd jobs he and his brother have done. If Earl is to be believed -- and he doesn't seem to be one for spinning spacer's yarns -- he and his brother have been through all the Border Moons and more than a few of the Fringe Worlds. They've done just about every possible sort of unskilled labor one can think of and still remain non-indentured, from running com-lines on Beaumonde's outback to laying pipe in Demeter's badlands to rolling hot asphalt on Skamandrios.

Earl has just finished off a rather interesting tale of ditch-digging on Newhall, when Ji discreetly enters the commons. The three other passengers notice fairly quickly, and each in their own way goes uncomfortably quiet -- not silent, but quiet as if nervous. Ji is given polite, if slightly distant, greetings from the other passengers as she sits for the meal. Breakfast proceeds apace, and doesn't quite reach the warmth it had before. It ends fairly shortly after that, with the four passengers -- Ji last of all -- moving off to their own cabins.

Shortly after breakfast, a very thoughtful looking Solbiort heads for the bridge -- immediately after doggedly eating her food units. Molly's voice comes across the comm, "Elgyn, when you have a moment please report to the bridge?"

Elgyn, who was only starting to tidy Solbiort's cabin after breakfast, stops in the middle of picking up Solbiort's stray clothes and sets them aside. "On my way," he reports momentarily, exiting and moving purposefully towards the bridge.

Solbiort is relaxedly sprawled back in the pilot's seat, her hands clasped behind her head. At Elgyn's entrance she nods to Molly, who bounces up and patters out, smiling shyly at Elgyn before closing the hatchway behind her. Solbiort sighs quietly, then swivels to face Elgyn. "Elgyn... haf been thinking, und vould like to clarify a few things for you. First, vhen you haf qvestions, best is to ask me before qvestions are an issue. Shouting after the captain to ask vhat to do vith passengers -- in front of passengers -- is not acceptable. You are understanding this?" Her voice is gentle.

Elgyn blinks, seeming momentarily confused as it was Molly who had called him, but it seems clear that Solbiort is the one who wanted to see him. But he moves past that and concentrates on what Solbiort is saying. As she pauses, he tilts his head thoughtfully. "Not entirely. I will admit, it might have been wise to consider the matter beforehand, but I did not. Perhaps because I was not sure that I would be the one on hand to deal them. When it seemed clear I was, however, I followed the only course that previous experience has dictated. When I am uncertain of a course of action, I can either do what I think is best, or ask you for guidance. Again, as experience has seen fit to show me, asking your guidance would seem to be the better of those two courses of action. Having said that... what does it matter if I ask you in front of them or not?"

Solbiort draws a slow breath, then says carefully, "If somevon is obviously learning in front of me, they vill not give me impression of competence or skill. You may not care if you give impression of lack of visdom... but I do, di-di. Und I care about impression given of rest of crew. Am happy to teach anything you need, but you vill not shout after ranking officer again in front of non-crew. Am I clear?"

Elgyn's brow is knit in response to this, his lips pursed. He opens his mouth briefly, and then shuts it again as thoughts flit through his brain, and responses are suggested and rejected. "Yes, Captain." he finally says softly.

Solbiort says, "Goot, goot. Secondly, threatening another ship's crew is even more not acceptable, especially vhen this causes actual physical attacks on our crew. Attack was on me, und their captain arrived before I had to hurt anyvon, so no harm done... but if it had been di-di Nigel they'd attacked... then vhat? Ve vould have had truly serious feud on our hands at that point. So, am thinking you are owing apology to captain und mechanic of Zhu Shuo Express next time ve cross paths." She pauses a moment, then says equally gently, "You are understanding this also?"

Elgyn's eyes open wide at this news. Words fail him as he stares in mute shock. It was bad enough how he had felt after his conversation with Raj the previous evening. This somehow makes everything worse. His eyes lower and he feels his face flush with shame. "Yes, Captain," he murmurs, trying to keep his voice steady.

Solbiort says, "Excellent. Finally, to Quin Ji's father I gave my vord ve vould see his daughter safely und secretly to Triumph." With tight, slow restraint she continues, "That oath has now been broken... through no action of mine own." She draws a slow breath. "Therefore ve are having change of plans. You are receiving new job: bodyguard to Quin Ji vhile she is on board this ship. You vill be directly responsible for her happiness und safety on Chimera, und I do not vant to see her ever out of your eyesight, unless you are guarding her cabin door at night. Ve vill hand any other responsibilities you have over to others as necessary, so you are free to do this job." She presses her thumb and index finger to the bridge of her nose for a moment, closing her eyes and drawing another slow breath. Finally she looks up and quietly rumbles, "This also is clear to you?"

Elgyn doesn't even try to understand... he just nods stiffly. "Yes, Captain," he says again in that monotone reply.

Solbiort sighs wearily again, then leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Elgyn, pretty... come here. Sit a moment." Elgyn hesitates. Part of him just wants to remove himself from Solbiort's sight, and that impulse speaks strongly. But he also has only managed to keep himself still and composed by giving over to his natural instinct to simply obey orders. So he sits, but does not look at her.

Solbiort guides Elgyn to sit between her feet, then gently frames his face with both strong, calloused hands. Her emerald eyes study him silently for a moment as her thumbs lightly trace the curve of his cheekbones, noticing him avoiding her gaze. Finally she rumbles softly, "Pretty heart... must say shuh-muh to you. Have not helped you enough; have left you confused und vithout support. Vill do my best to fix things so they are better for you... but please, come to me before problems arise, if you can?"

Elgyn does not seem to relax at her words. In a normal mood he might ask questions, but even her gentle touch and soothing words cannot pull him from the abyss he has just fallen into. "Yes, Captain," he whispers. It's all he can say. Right now, he cannot be Elgyn... only Solbiort's First. To be Elgyn would be... too vulnerable right now.

Solbiort studies Elgyn for a long moment, her expression unhappy, then simply sighs softly and sits back so she's not so much in his face. "Hokay. You have any qvestions?" Elgyn moves his chin right, then left, in a single shake of his head. Solbiort is still for a moment... then looks away and says quietly, "Very vell then. Ask Nigel und Raj to come to the bridge vhen they have a moment. Dismissed." Elgyn nods and then rises. His heels click together briefly when he finally stands tall once more. And as he leaves he comms both Nigel and Raj in clipped tones, relaying Solbiort's message as his eyes fill with moisture. Blinking back those tears, he goes to the door of Quin Ji's cabin and stands his post unflinchingly.

On the bridge Solbiort sighs again, resting her forehead in one hand until the others arrive.

Nigel arrives on the bridge looking a bit distracted and with a pencil stuck behind each ear. Solbiort looks rather tired, but smiles faintly at Nigel's choice of attire, then rumbles quietly, "Di-di, got qvestion for you -- can you tell if any outgoing messages from Chimera since Newhall, but not originating from bridge?"

Nigel blinks for a moment and rubs his chin, "Well, I can certainly give it a shot."

Solbiort says, "Goot. Also, is there any vay to intercept outgoing messages, so they do not go out?"

Nigel says, "I might be able to lock it down."

Solbiort sighs in relief, "Excellent, di-di." Her tone is heartfelt, "Sheh-sheh very much."

Raj sticks his head in the door, cleaning his hands on a slightly greasy rag, and says, "What's up?"

Solbiort says, "Need your help, Raj. Come in und sit a moment, ching?" Raj takes a seat, tucking the rag out of sight. Solbiort takes a deep breath, then quietly says, "Is clear passengers know girl-child is Tong. To keep her safe, Elgyn vill be bodyguarding her vhile she is aboard. Raj, this means ve need somevon to handle passengers. Is this something you are villing to take on?"

Nigel fiddles at the console for a moment, muttering to himself, "Well, the logs aren't showing anything fishy... but for the interception... I'd likely have to go play hermit for a day or two to get it running."

Solbiort nods to Nigel, "Do vhat you must, di-di. Is rather important." Nigel nods, pulling out a much-battered notebook and jotting a few things down.

Raj nods a bit, "I can do that. I don't have much experience with being a Purser as such, but I don't think this group of folks really expect much in the way of frilly bits." He looks off in the distance a moment, thinking, then says, "Anything in particular you want me to do or not do?"

Solbiort closes her eyes and sighs softly, obviously relieved to hear that. "Sheh-sheh, Raj." She takes a moment to rub one temple for a few seconds, then continues slowly, "Do not know if passengers are potentially Tong spies or innocent bystanders, so vould like them handled vith courtesy, but not allowed to nose about or pester girl. Di-di Nigel is making sure they cannot send messages. That answer your qvestion?"

Raj grunts, then says, "Well, I've been operating under the assumption anybody signed up after we took on Ji as a passenger is 50/50 a plant, so that's all of them, right?" His eyes narrow a bit as he continues, "What's the rules of engagement for anybody making a run at the girl? Do we need them around to talk to the authorities or not?"

Solbiort frowns, considering. "Keep crew und girl safe first. Don't scare other passengers if possible. Und... am not vorried if they are not... available to talk to authorities."

Raj nods, "Understood." He takes a deep breath, blinking and straightening in the chair, and continues, "If there's nothing else, I need to go make nice with some facinating people, so I can find out what they need. Captain?"

Solbiort sighs quietly. "Raj... got von ozzer thing ve need help vith, ching. Deal vith Ji's father involve getting her safely und secretly to location, vithout others knowing vhere she vas going. Therefore since passengers now know she is Tong, ve must have small change of plans. Am not villing to harm passengers for knowing something, but am not villing to break my vord to her father either. So... think it vill be best to drop off passengers before her." She looks tired as she continues, "Means am needing somevon villing to take short hop from Shornscale to Triumph to tell unhappy family members she vill arrive in few weeks. Is only few hours avay, fortunately. This you can do? Vill give you plat for trip if so?"

With a sideways look and a small smile at the captain, Raj says, "No need for that. That's just part of the job. Only thing I'll need is a bit of cash to work with for the trip, but that's SOP. I was going to suggest we find some way to confuse the trail a bit, and keeping her on-board until the passengers all debark sounds just fine." He ponders a moment, thinking the sequence of events through, then says, "I'll place some calls as soon as I can and set up a meeting or two downside at Shornscale. That'll give us a reason for the trip. Just before we leave I'll ask Ji if she wants me to take anything down to them, or has any mail she wants delivered, or such. Do you want me to tell her about the change of plans, or do you want to...and when?"

Solbiort looks relieved again, leaning back in her chair and resting her head on one fist, "Excellent. Sheh-sheh, Raj. Anything else you need?" At his query she thinks a moment, then nods, "I vill tell her; is my responsibility."

Raj nods, then says, "I'm off then, to make nice with the paying passengers, if that's all?" He mumbles, "-which is plenty."

Solbiort grins wearily at Raj, "Is huge relief, Raj. Hokay, think ve haf covered it all. Nigel, you need anything else?"

Nigel shakes his head, still jotting notes, "Nah. I'll just go hide in my room for a while."

Raj thinks a moment, "Shower. Better cologne. Hair gel. Give me twenty minutes and I'll be presentable."

Solbiort grins with tired affection at Nigel too, then simply nods, hauling herself to her feet, "Hokay, gotta go talk to girl. Let's get this done."

As Raj passes the door, Solbiort hears him complain, "Great. Back in PR again. Could be worse, I guess." Solbiort chuckles quietly as she paces out.

Elgyn is standing stiffly next to Ji's cabin door as Solbiort approaches...or, to be precise, he stiffens when he notices someone approaching, and tilts his head briefly to determine identity. "Captain," he says in an even tone of voice, but does not relax his posture.

Solbiort nods courteously and silently to Elgyn as she enters, and not long after leaves, Ji's room. Ji is informed of the change in plans, and makes no fuss about them. On the one hand she's initially concerned about how her aunt and uncle will react; they're already edgy about her father's large roll in Newhall's Tongs. On the other, she's somewhat relieved the crew is looking out for her. She does not mention her father would be immensely pleased at the obfuscation, though doubtless he would be at least as glad to throw a wrench in the eye of anyone who might be trying to track down his daughter.

Solbiort is quietly relieved things seem to be going so well. Hopefully Raj will smoothly handle the passengers, Elgyn will smoothly handle the girl, and Nigel will smoothly handle any message attempts. Best of all would be discovering no attempts at all were made, of course. She sighs softly, smiling ruefully at herself. No wonder smart valkyrie get married as soon as they find a good and willing hearth woman -- this caring-for-others stuff is hard work!


Raj tries. He really does. But it's a lot that he's taken upon himself, and this is a job he's never done before. Or maybe it's just his timing, seeing as he's not interacting with these people in the terms of a black market (or even legit mercantile) deal. His approaches are politely rebuffed, he can't seem to start a conversation that lasts more than a handful of seconds with any of them, and Raj himself is on the verge of swearing 'no passengers... ever... again.' Onwards towards the evening meal, where Isenara Adair is doing some light calisthenics in the Commons, she says kindly and without accusation, "This is a bit new for you, isn't it?"

Raj snorts, "Well, I'm a bit rusty, yah." He looks serious and says in a conspiratorial whisper, "Don't tell anybody, OK?" and grins.

Isenara smiles. "Sorry. The truth is you're doing fine; I've just been on so many transports these past ten years, that sorta t'ing's become second nature. I take it you guys don't take on many passengers that often?"

Raj takes a seat nearby, fiddling with his terminal, "Not so many. This boat was salvage not so very long ago. She's quite sound, but it's been work getting it more 'cozy' and ready for regular folks."

Isenara nods, doing some stretching exercises. "An' I also learned nae to ask many questions! If I start to pry, jus' let me know; I'd rather not be thought of as a nosy badger. He's a fine and sturdy ship at that; you folk keep 'im in good condition."

Raj laughs, "Well, unless you wander down to engineering, you're probably safe. Nigel's a bit protective of the 'make ship go' stuff. Anything in particular you'd like to pry into? I've got a few minutes, and seeing to the passenger's needs is my job, you know."

She laughs. "Aye, I got th' impression 'e was a bit like that. I'm not thinkin' of anythin' that I can try to pry into, tae be honest. Like I've said, I've been on so many transports th' past decade, they all sorta blur intae one anoth'r, an' the trips on them are jus' interludes. Thinkin' that's a shame, that there'd be fine stories tae tell about 'em all, but afear'd I never started out keepin' more attention to the ships I was on."

Raj says, "Well, I guess you could start any time you'd like. Not much to tell about this ship yet, I'm afraid. We're just trying to get from port to port and make each one happy to see us." He adds, "So what's in Alfheim that's required a trip on the Chimera? Business or pleasure?"

She nods, grinning. "Well, God an' Mary be wi' ye in that, then. Mmmph... business. Grew up there, inna shire o' Orange Catholics. Left there 'bout ten years ago, lookin' for work in th' 'Verse. And wouldn't ye know it, last month got word that they're finally payin' the silk-pickers a decent wage now. Heard they got a doctor in from Midgaard to oversee th' workers an keep a batch o' antivenin on hand." Isenara and Raj chat for a bit more, before parting; Isenara to get a good space-shower before dinner, Raj to deal with the other passengers.


At first, Elgyn felt resistant to taking a break from his imposed vigil... but over the course of the voyage agreed internally that it was needful. He has spoken little since Solbiort summoned him to the bridge, instead spending his break time doing some form of warrior's meditation, or sharpening his krisara... both acts are calming and help him regain his sense of self. It is the first of these that he is doing in Solbiort's quarters, the day before the scheduled arrival at Shornscale. Solbiort is seated at the little desk and doing accounts, after making sure Elgyn took some time off.

Elgyn sits tranquilly, cross-legged, palms resting on his knees. After a time, the silence is disturbed by Elgyn's voice. "I am sorry, Captain," his voice thrums. His eyes have opened, and he looks at Solbiort with those soulful eyes. It is notable that it is the first time he has looked directly at her in a while, and his face is no longer marred by tension, trying to put up a placid front while emotions are clearly turbulent inside. "I wanted very much to have been worthy of the gift you gave me... making me your first," he goes on. "But I fear... being a leader does not come as easily to me as it does to you."

Solbiort's head comes up at the curious intensity in Elgyn's voice, but then she smiles faintly and sets down her stylus. She sighs at the paperwork, pushing it aside and swiveling the chair to face Elgyn, then nods courteously to him.

"I have been thinking about the matter for some time, Captain... and it seems to me that leadership was never a goal of mine. I had neither the drive nor opportunity to learn how to be one, till we gained Chimera... and even though I strove to learn from my mistakes, it seems clear that, given our experience thus far, it might be far more prudent for another to take my place." He speaks calmly, without self-pity. "At the very least... until I have figured out what course I wish my life to take. Even then... it seems to me that the pressure of being a leader might be too much for me to take on, while attempting to learn to be one." He tilts his head at her, as if silently asking if his conclusions make sense.

Solbiort nods again, listening carefully. Elgyn continues, "You are, of course, the Captain... and the choice is yours. But it is my honest self-appraisal that I am not ready to be your First... and to recommend Raj in my place," he finally sums up.

Solbiort studies Elgyn silently for several heartbeats, then nods, "Very vell. I vill ask him to do this tomorrow." Her gaze gets far away for a few moments, then returns to Elgyn, "Is there aught else you vish to get off your chest, or that you need?"

Elgyn appears to consider it. "No, Captain. For now I am well," he murmurs. "I have said what I wanted to say."

Solbiort says, "Very goot. You should feel free to speak if you have aught else to say, ya? Und soon this passengering vill be over vith, und ve shall return you to Ulundi for a visit." She sighs, rubbing her forehead once before adding a bit wearily, "Vill be a relief to have this all in the past."

Elgyn nods slowly, his eyes downcast. "You speak my thought as well," he intones calmly.

Solbiort nods again, "Good." She sighs again, "Vell, this papervork vill not do itself... back to vork." She turns the chair back towards the desk and determinedly picks up the stylus.


One night on the journey to Shornscale, a message leaves the ship. It is, however, approved by Solbiort and properly logged by Molly. It is rather short as Cortex messages go, especially those being routed to another quadrant. But it is as long as it needs to be.

Dearest Natasha,

You know I'm not the most eloquent person in the 'Verse. I tend to just say what I mean, as plainly as I can, and I always try for honesty. Usually that leaves me blunt and maybe a little offensive because people listen to that sort of thing more readily than gentle words and soothing platitudes.

Now, however, I find myself needing to express something that doesn't feel right being couched in my usual terms. In fact, I would feel extremely awkward putting it in the plain, even crass, words that I use with most people. Perhaps it's because you aren't just most people.

Even at school, you were one of the few people that weren't offended by me. Despite the fact that I did my best to be adversarial, you saw through it and actually seemed to not only agree with me but to like me. I never did get that, you know. I couldn't figure out exactly why you would even want to get through to me. All I could figure out was that you were a masochist. Eventually, I figured out that you had much the same feeling about honesty as I. You were just a little more patient and a little more polite.

Over the years, we've kept in touch and I've found myself looking forward to the times I get to see you. Not in the way one colleague looks forward to the exchange of ideas and idle gossip, but in the way a man looks forward to seeing a woman of whom he's fond.

Oh, hell. I can't do this like this.

I cannot offer wealth
Prestige never was my lot
I offer my heart

With love,

Nigel


A few days before the ship drops from pulse drive around Shornscale, they come well within the range of the nodesats of the Jormungandr planetary system. Jormungandr itself is barely visible even at this range, though the mighty ring system which gave it its serpentine name winds around it in a semi-chaotic morass of rock, dust, and ice. Molly signals down to Solbiort in her cabin the night after Nigel gets the intercept system running, informing the captain there's a 'wave coming in from Vagner. Solbiort happily bounds on up to the bridge, cheerfully dismissing Molly so she can talk to home in privacy. Once she has the bridge to herself, she eagerly answers the 'wave, hoping it's family.

The face which appears on the screen would be called 'severe' and narrow, sharp-eyed even in a face which has seen many years. The dress is somewhat typically Midgaardian, high-collared and warm and comfortable, in soft colors. She has a distinct no-nonsense air about her, but it is muted by the genuine warmth which radiates from her as she sees her daughter. "Solbiort," Veleda says, smiling. "I could hardly believe it when I was told your ship's pulse-beacon had been spotted close enough for a real-time 'wave. How have you been?"

Solbiort happily replies, "Vela mutti! It's so wonderful to see you -- I can't wait until we can touch and hug again." She beams, adding, "Doing well, mutti! The ship's earning his own way, and then some, and the crew is coming together nicely, thank goddess. Oh!" She grins in flushed excitement, "And also, I think the lovely lady Ji really likes me, mutti!"

Veleda laughs softly. "Yes, you gave that impression in your last message! I hope we won't come off as too harsh. She sounds like she would make a wonderful valdojer. I'm glad to hear the ship is keeping it's own as well. It's quite different from military work, I imagine."

Solbiort nods amusedly, "Ya, that it is." She sighs ruefully, adding, "People are hard to motivate when they're not in the military!"

From behind Veleda, elsewhere in the Skialdmeyjar home suites, there is the sound of a door closing and a booming voice, "I'm here! Don't hang up yet! Is she still on?!" Veleda gives a wry but loving smile, and comments merrily, "And even when they're in the military it's hard to divert them from anything but their intent." Behind Veleda, the door is well and truly opened, and a woman strides in who looks much like an older, slightly swarthier version of Solbiort, with golden hair that is perhaps a few shades darker than Solbiort's fiery mane.

"She's not gone yet- oh, good! She's still on!" Shortly, after enthusiastically hugging Veleda, Freja Skialdmeyjar is beaming at Solbiort. "Solbiort! How are you? How's your ship? When are you coming to visit?"

Solbiort laughs delightedly, "Freja mutti, hello! The Chimera's fine, the crew's great, I'm coming to visit soon, promise!" She adds in slightly chagrinned tones, "I can't spend more than a week though, muttis. I'll be leaving the crew up on Mani Station to visit, and I don't want to leave them unchaperoned for too long. I'm very sorry... but I want us to head back to the Central Worlds soon, so I can bring my lady Ji to visit you all!"

Freja booms her laugh. "Good! It's been... Wolves and Crows, it's been almost six or seven years, hasn't it? We understand about not staying too long -- especially if they're Central folk; no need to leave them alone for long." Freja, like Solbiort, is a pilot, but in Freja's case she wears the uniform of Midgaard's patrol wings instead of Alliance greys-and-purples. "And we look forward to meeting her at last, definitely. You sounded so excited to have met her!"

Solbiort beams, "Oh, she's wondrous, mutti -- I can't wait for you all to meet!" She nods, adding, "Ya, six years, mutti. I'm sorry I've not been able to spend a proper month visiting, but I will soon, I hope." She grins excitedly again, adding, "I don't know her birth surname, but I think you'll both like Ji a lot -- she's a little tiny woman, but with a mighty spirit, you know?"

Both her mothers' brows go up, but for different reasons. "You don't know her family name yet?" Veleda asks, mildly concerned. Freja, though, in addition to her raised brow matches it with a wide grin. "Oh, you seem to be very taken with her if you keep forgetting to ask her what her family name is!" Veleda gives a mild snort. "Be that as it may, let her know we still think 'Five Dragons' is a beautiful and lovely name."

Solbiort grins sheepishly, then shrugs expressively, "Well, Five Dragons is the name she goes by now, muttis." She gets a slightly goofy grin and a faraway look, adding, "Ya, isn't it a lovely name? It suits her..." She sighs happily, then says wistfully, "I miss her. It's been almost 2 months now, and it'll be at least another 2 before I can see and hold her again."

As they hear that, pretty much unconsciously Freja puts her hand on Veleda's shoulder, who puts her hand atop Freja's. "We know the feeling," Veleda says, smiling and not without sympathy. Freja nods. "It's worth every moment, Solbiort. Though if you continue working in space there'll be those long weeks, sometimes months, in between the times you'll see her. But it's worth every moment."

Solbiort nods and sighs quietly, "Ya, I know there'll be long trips away, at least at first. But... well, I was wondering if the Circle of Elders had decided for sure to create a new arcology to handle visiting Central dignitaries and immigrants?" She grins eagerly, "'Cause if so, I think I can suggest someone who's marvelous at organizing and managing people, who might be willing to give it a try?"

Veleda makes a thoughtful sound. "They're still in the initial planning stages. Building an arcology is difficult and treacherous and there hasn't been a new one in many decades. Even so, as a planetside down-port, building a new, purpose-built arcology to handle outsider trade is very attractive; that might be a thought to present to them. They'll be concerned about her past, however."

Solbiort beams and nods, "That's all right -- I thought of that, mutti! She'll need time to learn how to be a good Midgaardian, right? -and I'll need training too, I'm sure, to be a good valkyrie to such a hearth lady... and that should be enough time for the Circle to make a good decision about her, ya?"

Freja makes a quiet sound. "They'd be leery. I have to admit, it'll need some serious impressing to do in a short time. She's competent, that's not what's in question -- in fact, that's almost the problem! But they won't outright forbid it right away, since she's certainly not like some of the creeps out there."

Veleda nods. "And at that, they might prefer a valdojer who was born and bred in the Alliance and can deal with them in their language, if not their terms."

Solbiort nods happily, "Ya, that was my thought also! And I'm sure she'll need more than a year to get all the training. She's not just learning to be an arcology's hearthlady, after all -- she'd be learning to be Midgaardian as well." A little proudly she adds, "But I'm sure she'll do it very quickly, regardless -- she's very, very clever!" She grins shyly, "I hope I can learn as quickly, in fact."

Freja booms her laugh again. "It's leadership, Soli. You learn by doing, which is what you're doing now."

Solbiort rolls her eyes in exasperation, "Augh! Civilian leadership is harder than I realized, mutti -- how did you both learn? There must've been wise women who could give advice, surely?"

Veleda smiles, and Freja snickers softly. "We both did," she says. "Our parents. And they told us the same thing. But also... you have it, or you don't. There's a reason why the best generals can lead ten thousand as easily as ten. Leadership is a quality that can be learned but only with great difficulty. For some, and for the best, it comes naturally. It just has to be nurtured and used."

Solbiort raises an eyebrow, but smiles, "Leadership can be trained, muttis. It's not magical, I know, for this I have seen. That is why I wish to hear of your learning and experience."

"It isn't magical, no. But it's more than just teaching a series of rotes. It's dynamic, always changing. You learn the principles, and putting them into practice is the hard part. Some people can't handle that, through no fault of their own. But you wouldn't be a valkyrie if you couldn't."

Solbiort nods and sighs, "This I have discovered recently, to my shame. It was my huskarl who suffered for my lack of experience in recognizing leadership qualities. He is a brave, loyal, and dedicated boy... but by his own admission, he is not a leader... and I should have known better than to push it on him, poor boy."

Freja says, "What, Elgyn? Well. It's not a crime to not have leadership qualities. It can be crushing to learn that, because it seems to slam shut a lot of doors. But you learn your strengths and you build on them."

Solbiort nods slowly, "Ya, Elgyn." She sighs quietly, "I... need to make it up to him somehow. I fear he believes me disappointed in him, or somesuch. I hope he's not pulled himself so far distant that I cannot reach him any more. I have waited so long for him to relax, to be comfortable with being my lovely, beloved horse... I just hope I have not shattered what was built up so far."

As if sensing some need for a more lengthy talk, Veleda scoots to the side a little, giving Freja a place to sit down. "It sounds like he feels you don't trust him anymore."

Solbiort nods slowly, "That might be what he thinks, ya. But that's not right -- I do trust him, with my life! I just know now it's not right of me to push him to be something he's not, you know? He doesn't want to lead. I think -- I hope -- what he wants is to follow me, though." She adds a bit wistfully, "I hope so..."

"Mmm. I admit, I rather liked Elgyn. I'm sure he was a good soldier in the war. I hope he can pull out of this withdrawal, especially if he's your huskarl and potential horse. That position needs a lot of focus. He seems to be the kind of rather restless boy who needs something to worry over and focus on. Some sort of task or duty that challenges him but also matches his strengths, and that really badly needs doing."

Solbiort nods quietly, "I had been hoping to be that focus, myself and my valdojer. Generally it seemed to me boys settled down once they had some children to care for, too." She sighs thoughtfully, absently raking her fingers through her scarlet hair, then asks her mothers, "How does that sound? Or do you suggest something else?"

Veleda and Freja exchange a brief look. "Something else," Veleda says, "and soon. It'll be too long before you have a valdojer, I think, especially since you've only recently started courting Five Dragons. This is something he needs to get over before you make him your horse."

Freja nods. "Ja, he needs something to focus on soonest. The quicker he gets knocked out of his withdrawal, the easier and better it'll be for him and you. The keys are something that challenges him, that plays up to his strengths, that needs doing, and that is genuinely important. Soldiers can tell when they're given fake make-work."

Solbiort sighs quietly, "I see. That... will take some thought, then. Well. Perhaps visiting his home world will help a bit." She frowns, thoughtfully drumming her fingers on the pilot's board.

Freja nods again. "Keep in mind... as your huskarl, you are responsible for him, but only up to a point. He's not a seeker drone, he's not an HSB-missile, he's not a squad killer mine. He's not programmed; he's a human being who makes his own choices. At some point it's up to him to get out of the withdrawal. But a good leader can do it. There've been worse out there. He isn't the first to come to this sort of realization, he won't be the last, and he can still be looked at as being among the best of what he does. Not being leader material doesn't take that away."

Solbiort nods, "Oh, you and I know that... but does he? That I don't know." She sighs again, then shakes her head, "Still, it is not your problem to deal with -- it is mine. I will have to think on this more later." She's silent a moment, then grins at her mothers, "But it is so good to speak to you both again! And you have not said -- how is everyone?! Oh!" She pauses a moment, thinking... then says slowly, "Also... is there anyone who'd like to know of... my former cousin, Ranaka? If so, she is well. She's courting Five Dragons' son, in fact." She smiles.

It is Veleda's turn to look surprised. "Ranaka? How... hmm. I will pass that on to her family if they'll listen. They are still very sensitive about the matter, but they might be interested to hear she is doing better now."

Solbiort nods quietly, "I thought you'd know who to tell, mutti, if anyone." Then she cheerfully adds, "So how is everyone else? Does trade go well? I hope my missives have been of use?"

Veleda nods, "We will tell them." Freja looks mildly uncomfortable. She obviously doesn't relish talking to her sister about such a volatile subject. Veleda continues: "Things have gone well, and your messages have helped us better understand trade with the Alliance. There've been fewer and fewer incidents and misunderstandings -- trade with Midgaard has become something of a specialty amongst the trade community. Certain traders are simply more familiar with our practices and procedures, and therefore have reputations as being good to use to ship cargoes here."

Solbiort beams, "Excellent! I have some Sihnon silks aboard which are scheduled to be delivered to Mani Station, by the way. I'll see if I can get another cargo or two to bring as well, ya?"

Veleda beams, "Good! Yes, please. Though because the route is safe and we do not import much, there is fierce competition for shipments to Midgaard. It's certainly worth a try, though."

Solbiort looks a bit proud, "We're doing well, aren't we, muttis? I'm so relieved. Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help, ya?"

Veleda smiles a touch proudly herself, and Freja barks a quick laugh, then answers, "You know we will, daughter!"

Solbiort grins cheerfully, then gets a thoughtful look, "Hey! I have a quick question, please -- have either of you heard of an anthropologist from Boros who visited Midgaard a few years ago? His name was Alexander Kali... do you know anything about him or his visit to Midgaard?"

Freja thinks for a moment, then shakes her head. "I didn't, no. Anthropologists come now and then, I think."

"I heard something of him," Veleda says. "He was a guest of another hold fairly far from here. He was one of the first Alliance anthropologists to come here, wasn't he?"

Solbiort nods, grinning lazily, "Ya, he was. Really lovely little boy, too -- quite the heartbreaker!" She sighs happily at memories, then grins and asks again about family. The three of them spend a pleasant time updating Solbiort on her many family members, amidst laughter and happy reminiscing, and Solbiort promises again to return soon -- and to return yet again for a proper visit (one lasting at least a month!) so as to introduce her intended to her entire family.


The trip to Eclipse goes well; it's hard to believe the baleful thermal gas giant of Eclipse was seem by the crew not all that long ago under much more dramatic circumstances. This time, however, it is much more of a mundane trip, with the large moon of Shornscale being the destination. Possessed of two terraformed moons, another moon which could be terraformed, and a small asteroid field, Shornscale nevertheless plays second fiddle to Triumph as far as being a cargo port goes. The truth is, not even Blue Sun has much in the way of holdings on Shornscale or its moons, which is saying something. Even so, there's still post-War development going on, and Shornscale has become the unofficial headquarters of redevelopment of the post-War Georgia Quad. It's an eclectic, busy place, and Solbiort is quite overjoyed to see -- finally! -- ships with proper Midgaardian names passing through the aerospace traffic corridors.

Solbiort sighs contentedly. At last, a place where people don't look askance at her accent all the time. She grins to herself. Not only that, throughout the trip none of the passengers pulled anything, and the automatic interceptor Nigel set up didn't peep once.

Elgyn appears to take his duty very seriously over the course of the journey. He only eats when Ji wants to eat. He accompanies her wherever she wishes, though she seldom leaves her room save to eat. He sleeps sitting cross-legged in front of her door. He is quiet and stony faced, far less relaxed than he became after getting more comfortable with the crew. Solbiort quietly makes sure Elgyn's bedroll is available, and that he gets food and water. Aside from that she doesn't say much, figuring Elgyn will speak to her again when he's ready to.

Solbiort will also quietly make sure Raj has plat to hand for his mission off Shornscale to Triumph. Ji provides a short, to-the-point message to her aunt and uncle, telling them not to worry and that she will be there shortly. There was just a short, unscheduled delay to be absolutely certain there were no difficulties or unfortunate incidents following her from Newhall. Raj tucks that note away in small compartment of the scabbard of his Big Knife® and asks her to pen another saying she is going on to Xianyao to stay with a cousin. She looks puzzled a moment, then smiles slightly. When she's done writing the second note, Raj tucks it into the top pocket of his jacket. He lifts an eyebrow and says, "Hidden in plain sight," then takes his leave and begins preparations for his trip to Triumph. Solbiort sees Raj off, quietly thanking him again as he goes for taking this on.

Once on Triumph, Raj finds both a legit cargo and a gray cargo. The legit cargo is simple enough: protein foodstuffs for both the Orange Catholic and the Atzlan commmunities on Alfheim. The gray cargo is of course more shady: it's a crate of illegitimately-gained medicines, various Central wonder-drugs that the shipper has a buyer for on Alfheim. Obviously these are Schedule Ten controlled substances, meaning a high payout but equally high risk. Raj takes all offers seriously but when there's no pressure to take risky cargo, there's no reason to do so. Once he's sure there's room for the foodstuffs (a complimentary description of the cargo, at best) the deal is done in short order. He arranges for transshipment to Shornscale, and alerts the Captain.

Amidst the flurry of message, calls, and meetings, Raj drops a short note to Ji's Aunt and Uncle, inviting them to meet him for lunch at a very nice restaurant, convenient to the Uncle's place of work. Although they are uncertain and concerned about Ji's safety, Raj explains there has been a change of plans, and hands Ji's Uncle the note about her decision to continue on to Xianyao. While their attention -- and any observers' attention -- is focused on the note and the Uncle's reaction, Raj slips the original message from Ji (outlining her real intentions) to her father's sister.

After a moment of surprise the Aunt sees the girl's mark on the note, and it disappears from sight to be read later. Ji's Uncle is more than a little stunned at "Ji's decision," and there is a short, tense conversation about responsibilities and repercussions. Raj tells him the ship's responsibility is to the passenger and the person that booked her passage. Any further questions should be taken up with the Captain. He offer to deliver a note personally if they can have it to him soon enough. The Aunt writes a short note and folds one of the napkins around it and a small object in an elaborate and complex knot. She hands it to Raj, who promises to deliver it personally.


Without Raj, Solbiort hits the Shornscale docks to rustle up cargo for the next leg of the ship's journey. She's not as skilled as Raj at this; Raj seems to know the ins and outs of cargo arrangement like his second nature. Still, she's not without some advantages here. The sheer forcer of her personality, the fact that she speaks Midgaardian in a Quadrant with strong Midgaard influence, and some unquantifiable amount of luck does let her scrounge up some cargo -- quite fortuitously, from a Midgaardian skipper who has to bring her ship back to the Triumph skyplex. It's a high-value, high-volume cargo: pulse-drives -- shiny new pulse-drive components, fresh from Boros -- just the sort of thing that will go well on Midgaard's gunships. The consignment is for Midgaard, but the skipper had to make a stopover at Shornscale and is willing to split the final sale cost with the Chimera if they take it the second half of the route.

Solbiort also doesn't have Raj's luck with gray cargoes, though she manages to scare one up: a transshipment of three score kilos of cacopiate extract. The shipper is looking for a carrier that's discreet and has suitable hidey-holes to keep the packages hidden. The 'street' value of cacopiates is substantial... as is the prison time incurred if caught carrying them. Solbiort decides to not take the cacopiate extract, though -- that's a little nasty for her taste. She knows in very low doses it's a somewhat pleasant but illegal narcotic -- Alliance marshals would slap your wrist but be more interested in whether the dealer was encouraging heavier (and thus more profitable, but also more lethal) doses in users. In more intense doses, she knows it can addict with only a dose or two, and at that point it is exceeded in sheer nastiness only by Rapture and other synthetic euphorics. She shakes her head quietly... no.

Solbiort gladly makes the deal with the Midgaardian, however, relieved not only to find such a cargo but also to be able to speak in her native tongue again after so many years. She arranges it to be loaded in a few days, so there's time for Raj to come back with something too, should he do so. After that she sends her regular set of messages to Five Dragons and to her family on Midgaard. She checks with interest for replies too -- she's curious as to what the Midgaardian valkyries have discovered concerning both Far Thunder and Five Dragons. First she reads about what they've uncovered on Far Thunder, then of their views on Five Dragons:

    Daughter Solbiort,

    You can imagine our dismay when we discovered the nature of Far Thunder's origins. We have very little doubt that Far Thunder preserved a great many lives during the war, but its use is unbecoming of the side which preached the Eightfold Path. Moreover, most of the Munim -- those odd valkyrior who chose the paths of information gathering for the Holdings -- felt inherently repulsed by the idea of memetic warfare: if you seek to win the hearts and minds of your foe, do not attack those very hearts and minds.

    Be that as it may, we were intrigued to hear of the code names given to them, and even more interested to hear that a daughter of Midgaard actually proposed these codenames. As it turns out the one who did so is still in Alliance service, and it has proven most difficult to get hold of her. Indeed, she has been avoiding contact with other Midgaardians, though we do not believe she was involved with Far Thunder. The Munim got to her a few days before Alliance Security got hold of her, and what she told us was helpful and interesting.

    The officer later identified as Lokei was a former anthropologist who had been recruited into Alliance Intelligence's games theory and strategy division. She and our wayward daughter had been in the initial informal planning group which came up with the concept of Far Thunder. Lokei apparently was intrigued by the similarities of FT's plan and our mythology, and our daughter was eager enough to provide more. When Lokei eventually attempted to call a halt to the project, our daughter relented and allowed herself to be transferred to a different project, this one studying the effects of something called 'Pandora.' The Munim were unable to elicit more information of this project from her, since they wished her to continue in her AllInt position and to cooperate with us in the future.

    In short, the roles given to those codenamed in FT were fairly obvious. Lokei would maneuver Baldr (Wintarsen) into an appropriately vulnerable position and would bring about the apparently inadvertent destruction of him at Hoth's hand. When Lokei refused to carry out her part, the project threatened to dissolve, but Hoth proved himself capable and creative, in a rather disturbing manner, by still orchestrating Wintarsen's capture. Hoth would continue to show this same sort of diabolic creativity in later years, particularly in his resurrection of Far Thunder.

    What Munim's counterparts in AllInt and AllSec apparently only suspected was the exact nature of why he imprisoned Wintarsen in Ariel Max-Sec. Apparently his intention was to get Wintarsen and his command officers to believe completely in their role in the war, essentially brainwashing them into thinking they were everything they had been made out to be. When... traditional methods of this failed to work, the three were dosed with an experimental toxin derived from a native Ashtoreth parasite, which made their minds easier to re- write. This weaponized toxin was codenamed "Isolethe." What Munim's counterparts were not able to find out, however, but what we were from our wayward daughter, was the post-War remnant of Far Thunder was not the only project in which Isolethe would be used. There was apparently at least one other project in which it was used as a primary focus, and several more in which Isolethe served an ancillary purpose.

    We were unable to get more information. Our daughter showed great reluctance to speak more, and the Munim believed the Alliance was starting surveillance. We could not risk continued questioning, and after an assurance that we would be able to retain her services in the future if further information was needed, we left her to the Alliance. We believe she was taken into protective custody a month before the battle at Shadow. We have not yet been able to locate her since then.

    We've also not yet confirmed the presence of the brigands you mentioned -- the ones which caused so much fright to Hoth and Far Thunder. On the other hand, Xianyao is far away from Midgaard and we are still waiting to hear back from the main body of our scouts. We hope this information will be of use to you.

Solbiort sits back and muses for a long moment. So this 'isolethe' was used on others -- disgusting. She'll have to casually pass on the idea to the Colonel to perhaps check for its symptoms in other supposedly comatose or crippled individuals, and see if Nigel's willing to publish his successful results in dealing with it, even if anonymously or through Natasha.

Also, interesting what war does -- makes Commanders of anthropologists! Solbiort gets a wry look as she speculates... perhaps that's why Kota so little impressed her when they met. The woman did not give the feeling that she had the spine to adhere firmly to her ethical convictions, nor to barrel through regardless of what it took. To half-heartedly embark on such an ethically dreadful plan as Far Thunder was clearly worse than to refuse to create and implement it in the first place. Solbiort sighs and shakes her head once, then makes a note regarding the isolethe. After that she continues reading the missives from her mothers:

    Daughter;

    You'll have to forgive us if we did some digging into who exactly the lady you are courting is. We did not recognize the name (though it's a lovely name!) and we were curious about her. Though we did not ask the Munim to assist, we did call in a few favors and did some research on our own.

    We were surprised to find she is an independent underworld figure, though we are sure she has qualities which you find not unattractive in a potential valdojer. We were not able to find much information about her from very far before the war. She had begun getting involved in certain underworld conflicts just before the Pacification commenced, which established her reputation and allowed her to claim territory. Her particular specialties appear to be smuggling, money laundering, racketeering and low-level usury, though not outright loan sharking. While her record is not spotless, she does seem more inclined to simply ignore the law rather than break social mores.

    While not adverse to engaging rivals with lethal force, she does not do so casually, nor does her organization involve itself with protection rackets, prostitution, the trade of indentures and contracts, assassination, or dealing in cacopiates / euphorics. This in great part is probably why she has remained independent, and aligned only marginally with the Adarra branch of the Syndicate. Despite her Asian heritage she avoids the Tongs, and has great antipathy for them. This is in some measure reciprocated, though the Tongs are content to not dispute her claim to Skamandrios. As far as the Syndicate goes, Skamandrios is considered neutral ground between the various branches of the Syndicate; she refuses to get involved in Syndicate politics, and her refusal to engage in the more lucrative illegal ventures makes her something of a pariah amongst the wealthier and more vicious members of the Syndicate. In other words, she is not often invited to participate in group ventures, which seems to suit her well enough.

    Her "business" dealings are a mixture of brutal honesty, a habit of keeping promises that borders on the vindictive, and the very rare backstab. This last she reserves only for those who have proven themselves to be treacherous. It appears she gives potential rivals a single chance to deal with her honestly; afterwards, she seems to consider them fair game for a catalog of underhanded, devious, shady practices. It was one such rival whom she succeeded in the "ownership" of Oblivion Falls: Earl Lee. Lee began bad, and grew worse; it was said in Boros that the Devil's lie ("A falsehood spoken by Mara," in local Lingua slang) was more reliable than Earl Lee's word. Lee was apparently given one chance by Five Dragons, whereupon she somehow managed to outdo him in sheer treachery, limiting her cunning to his organization alone. The body count was moderate for such a "turf war," and ended with Lee's own death -- which the local sheriffs were, of course, unable to pin on anyone. Lee's twin sons did not pursue vengeance for their estranged father, having their own lucrative operation on Beaumonde.

    Throughout her career she has shown a healthy disrespect for the Alliance. She is not an Independent sympathizer, but neither is she a staunch supporter of the Alliance. During the war she showed favor to neither side, though she worked more with Independents -- but only because there were more Indeps who were willing to pay her price for her organization's services. Again, this usually involved smuggling and usury. She very carefully avoided any (direct) involvement in arms dealing, preferring the smuggling operations to involve only cash funds or sundries. She sometimes said she did not believe the Independent movement would succeed, and often wondered aloud to her staff if by helping the Independents they were only prolonging the inevitable. She ceased assistance to the Independents shortly after Wintarsen was captured. Though a federal marshal later attempted to bring charges of sedition and aiding and abetting the Independents against her, the terms of the armistice worked in her favor and she was not so charged.

    Daughter, we are, of course, concerned. Five Dragons is trustworthy to those she considers trustworthy. She is intelligent, meticulous, and careful. She seems to all appearances emotionally stable. But though she has a healthy disrespect for the Alliance, she still engages in criminal activity. She could have become one of the lesser economic nobles of the Alliance just on her own merits; instead, she chooses to continue her criminal activities. If she were to become your valdojer we would want to be assured she will not expand her activities to Midgaard or to any of our associated moons. Preferably, in fact, we would want her to cease her criminal activities altogether. This is attention we as a world do not need from the Alliance at this time.

    We eagerly await additional word from you, and your thoughts regarding your lady, though, as well as any news as to how your courtship is progressing!

Solbiort beams, knowing their questions have been answered by the 'waved call earlier. She still sends them a quick, chatty note about how well things are going, and that she has an excellent cargo to bring them in about two weeks. She takes a deep breath, then happily sends off her most recent missive for the lovely Five Dragons:

My dearest beloved;

I cannot tell you what joy your last letter gave me! Now more than ever I find myself counting the days until we may meet again, and I may once again hold you close. To my dismay, our schedule has changed somewhat, which means it will likely be at least two or three months until then. I confess, were it only I who would be affected, I would head back immediately -- but alas, I must see also to the welfare of my ship and crew, and so my return is somewhat delayed. However, I include the current and upgraded schedule for you; I ask only that you not share it with anyone.

I think of you often and with love, beautiful Ji, and my respect for your formidable organizational capabilities grows every time I must handle yet another small catastrophe amongst my crew or passengers. Your token and the memory of your touch help me maintain my calm; thank you so much, my dearest beloved, for your inspiration.

The suffering of
solitude lessens when with
loving companions.

Solbiort includes the schedule, then happily assures the lady that (as per Five Dragons' last missive), should business fortuitously require Five Dragons come out to this neck of the 'verse, Solbiort would consider it both a joy and an honor to meet the lady anywhere nearby. She also mentions her mothers' eagerness to meet Five Dragons, and passes on their sincere invitation to visit Midgaard, as well as their admiration for Five Dragons' beautiful name. She continues:

I do have one bit of news I wish I did not have to give you, though, lovely lady. I must shamefacedly confess to a lack of truly graceful social skills, especially when compared to the ease and style of hearth ladies such as yourself. This became apparent when I was at tea with Colonel Lu Yuan the other day, and by my verbal clumsiness he deduced the paternal parentage of your son Liu.

I hope you can someday forgive me this; I am so sorry for my stupidity. I encouraged the Colonel (who appeared quite shocked) to speak with you, though, and I would humbly encourage you to do the same. My respect for you both is immense, and I would dearly love to hear I am not the instrument of further discord between you both.

Despite this dismaying revelation, I find myself counting the days until we meet again, and wistfully scanning the zocalos I pass through, wondering if this or that attractive trinket would bring you pleasure. Is there anything you desire, beloved, which I might bring back to you in triumph? I find myself wishing I were able to find and slay dreadful monsters to the glory of your name, but the 'verse seems lamentably sparse in that department. I shall not fail to keep searching, however, and if there is any other treasure you might wish, I would dearly love to know, that I might joyously fulfill it for you.

I turn up my face
Cool cloudlets, bright with moonlight
Love brings inner warmth.

For now I can only send you the sincere thoughts of my heart, my deep desire to again hold you close, and to assure you my family eagerly awaits my bringing you home to meet them. I remain, as always,

your faithful valkyrie,
Solbiort

After that, Solbiort sits back and reviews carefully, to make sure nothing is falling through the cracks. It is with a bit of surprise that she finds herself well-pleased at how smoothly things are going. She has the pulse drives loaded into cargo, and makes arrangements for the necessary amount of space for the protein foodstuffs. When they arrive they're loaded into every bit of remaining space... which leaves Solbiort even more content. A full ship is a ship comfortably paying its bills, and then some!

Solbiort will try to make sure both Quin Ji and Elgyn are well supplied with whatever they might want, since unfortunately neither of them will be able to leave the ship while it's in dock. From that point all that remains is for Raj to return... as soon as he does, the Chimera once again leaps for the sky, heading for an arrival in Alfheim in two weeks' time.

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Last modified: 2006-Mar-04 21:02:19

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