Oloth -- Logs

Dawnstar Living Room
This comfortable, elliptical room is softly lit behind geometric sweeps of frosted glass supported by flowing trapezoids picked out in elegant ebony trim. The scarlet and gold flames in the recessed fireplace highlight its slate gray and lustrous jet frame, which echoes the graceful, stylized Deco trim. Dancing firelight gleams on the elegant ebony trim of recurring trapezoids that adorns the graceful dove gray pillars which rib the room. There are several comfortable, small [couches], both recessed into the walls and free-standing in the room. A small matching table recessed into the wall proudly bears a refined, willowy Erté bronze. One entire wall is a huge, glass window, framed in cream draperies, where the diamond-bright stars glitter in argent glory over all below you.

Before you stands a seemingly young drow male. He stands just over five feet tall, and is fairly slender. He has long white hair that just brushes his shoulders, at the moment it is pulled back into a loose tail held by a leather strap. It frames a delicately featured elven face. His eyes are shrouded in shadows so deep that you cannot see them. Alois is wearing clothing more suited to a noble than his normal garb. He is dressed in a steel blue silk cote, trimmed around the collar, and hem with midnight blue. The cote has a high collar, that is split, but currently held by some means that cannot be seen. The sleeves extend down to his wrists, where they are covered by a pair of midnight blue wrist covers, crafted of the same silk. The cote drops down to mid-thigh length. At his waist is fastened a black belt, barely visible, because the silk of the cote has been pulled up slightly to fall over it. Under the cote he wears a pair of black cotton breeches, tucked into calf-high black boots.

Dakini grins lazily at you from behind the reflective blue-green shades which hide her eyes. Her hair is long and tousled, a bright, red-gold mane that occasionally hides her small pointed ears. She's a tall, slender, strong woman, with small but callused hands, and well-muscled forearms. She wears a soft, comfortably loose, ivory silk shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Over that is a sturdy, quilted, sleeveless tunic of dark indigo blue embroidered with intertwined silvery stars and ivory-gold unicorns. It is belted off snugly with a wide, well-worn leather belt. On her right hip, tied down about the right thigh, rides a holstered flechette pistol. On her left hangs a decorated and runically embossed scabbard with the plain, worn-leather-and-wire wrapped pommel of a short sword protruding from it. Sturdy, worn dueling gloves are tucked into the back of the belt, mostly hiding a cross-holstered dagger. Slung over one shoulder is her battered, padded leather airwoman's jacket, heavily decorated on the back with a rabidly snarling, eight-limbed, winged beast, and numerous other colorful decorations on shoulders, arms, and front. Her long legs are fitted with snug breeches, and her knee-high, well-used black leather boots and jacket smell pleasingly of years of quality leather care.

Dinner is served on a low table surrounded by firm, brightly decorated sitting cushions. Ruby-red wine in crystal goblets glows by the dancing firelight, and delicious food steams on a central platter, with silver servingware so that each dinner guest can take as much as they want.

Dakini settles on a cushion, comfortably cross-legged, with an ease that bespeaks much familiarity with sitting so. She smiles at Alois and waves a hand, "Welcome. As the old saying goes, enter and eat of your own free will."

Alois bows politely before he sits on one of the cushions and smiles at his host, "My goodness.. You really didn't have to go to all of this trouble for me.."

Dakini chuckles, "It was no trouble, and I have to eat, even if you don't." She pauses, thinking for a bit with a slightly quizzical expression on her face, "Hm... well... I think I have to eat..." she grins, "-and it's enjoyable, so why not?"

Alois chuckles softly, "I do enjoy a good meal now and again. Thank you.."

Dakini nods quietly, "It was no problem. Please, help yourself." She'll politely wait until her guest has served himself first, then help herself. As she does so she chats lightly, "So... how is Sylune doing? Is there any more news of what happened to the other ships? How is Rennyn feeling? Did he talk more after I had to leave the other night?"

Alois helps himself to small servings of each different dish, determined to try them all at least once. "I'm afraid that I don't know anything further about Rennyn or Sylune, except that Gala'madred has been keeping her in a quiet place away from people for the time being. Rennyn.. slept after you left.."

Dakini nods, "Resting is good. Has anything else been discovered about the ships?"

Alois shakes his head, "Nothing that I've been made aware of."

Dakini nods, chewing food for a bit, then adds thoughtfully, "I had an interesting thought the other day, Alois... I wonder if I might bounce it off you?"

Alois eats slowly, savoring the taste of the food that Dakini has graced the table with. "Yes, of course."

Hati steps through the smooth, round doorway, heading for the Dawnstar living room from Dawnstar's inner rooms.

Dakini nods, slowly swirling the wine and admiring its color, "Well... I was thinking... hello, Hati! Delicious meal, as usual." She smiles at Hati.

You see a tall fair skinned elf, as all of them seem to be. He has long, silver-gray hair, and delicate features, which would look feminine on a human. His piercing green eyes catch your attention, though, with an odd sense of strength and confidence. His movements seem both graceful and somehow feral. He is wearing dark green leggings, lighter green shirt, and a leather vest and boots, as well as a black leather collar which shows clearly. The leather is intricately worked, and the collar seems to have, "Dakini's Hati" spelled out in elven script.

Dakini continues speaking to Alois, "I was thinking of the poor slave I picked up from that disgusting neogi, previous to the neogi attack. You remember him, ja?"

Hati smiles, and says, "Thank you, mistress." In a break of conversation, he asks, "Can I get either of you a glass of wine, or something to drink?"

Dakini smiles and shakes her head, "I'm fine, Hati, thank you... although you might top off Alois' glass, if you would be so kind?"

Alois nods, "Yes, I remember him. The one that you brought into the path."

Hati smiles, and says, "Of course." He collects the bottle of wine, and carefully pours, refilling Alois' glass.

Dakini nods and continues, "Well... it occurs to me that slavers such as that neogi are discredits to good business and to the Velkyn Bazaar itself. Bad business will, after all, pay less in taxes, where good businessfolk will increase both trade and taxes, ja?"

Alois takes a sip of his wine and nods, setting it down. "Agreed. The Dragon's Horde deal in slaves, quietly and they are good businessfolk. Poor slavers give the rest a bad name."

Dakini nods ruefully, "I'd... have to agree with you there." She tilts her head curiously, "So... if I may ask, does the Velkyn do anything about bad businessfolk?"

Alois says, "We do, if it becomes a serious enough problem that it interferes with our own interests."

Dakini sets down her fork and leans her chin on her intertwined fingers, curiously watching Alois, "Would they like it if someone else did something about it quietly, before it became a problem? And if they did... what sort of parameters would we be talking about? They'd want it to be extremely quiet and discreet, ja, so that other business is not disturbed?"

Alois says, "As always. We do not want any business to be disturbed by a problem or the resolution of it. We also don't take particularly kindly to outside groups moving in on us, whether it be Neogi slavers or cleanup groups.."

Dakini smiles slowly, "Ah... what a shame I'm not an official part of the Velkyn then. Ah well." She casually resumes eating, with obvious enjoyment of the well-prepared food.

Alois raises an eyebrow, "And what leads you to believe that you're not?"

Dakini looks up with mild interest, "Hm... I suppose I sort of expected some sort of... announcement, or welcome, or somesuch? Or are you speaking of my connection with the Velkyn in relation to the money I pay through Rylas?" She grins, teasing gently, "I would hate to presume with such an august and touchily proud group, after all!"

Hati remains in the room, unobtrusively working at one small thing or another, keeping an eye on the two diners, to make sure that he is there with any little thing they may need almost before they need it.

Alois says, "I'm speaking of your position as the Master of Spies. No. We don't make formal announcements.. but you were already performing the duties to some extent."

Dakini nods slowly, then beams cheerfully at Alois, raising her wine glass, "Then perhaps I could indicate my pleasure at the appointment... informally, of course -- with a toast to our continued, ah... good health and long... life and unlife?" Her eyes sparkle with amusement.

Alois touches his glass to Dakini's. "Oh, I'm sure they wouldn't frown too much on a little informal toast."

Dakini laughs delightedly! -then grins, sipping her wine. A moment later she smiles, "So... are there any er... official duties or reports or anything that need doing? Or will word be quietly passed when information is needed?"

Alois says, "You only need to report something if it strikes you as important. If the Velkyn need you for a specific piece of information, you will be contacted with the details.."

Dakini nods, looking pleased, "Excellent, as I suspected then." She sips her wine quietly, then adds thoughtfully, "In that case... perhaps I will see if certain folks would be interested in, ah... making sure certain problems in regards to bad business simply do not arise." She hms slowly, then grins at Alois, "Just out of curiosity, are there any limitations on who may do business in the Bazaar?"

Alois says, "Not particularly, no."

Dakini nods slowly again, "Very well then. In that case, I'm thinking of becoming a very low-grade slaver, selling only occasional quality slaves... which will, I am hoping, allow excellent access to information about slavers in the Bazaar." She grins lazily again, "-and allow a few er... dedicated folks an excellent cover while they um... happened to aid a few careless businessfolk to put themselves out of business." She thinks a moment, studying Alois over her goblet, then grins again, "Does that sound like a good idea to you -- as an experienced and long-term member of the Velkyn?"

Alois nods, "Yes, of course. Its a wonderful opportunity to expand your network."

Dakini grins cheerfully, "I'm glad to hear it! Hm... while I'm at it, is there anything that you'd like watched out for, specifically?"

Alois says, "Not at the moment, no.. "

Dakini nods contentedly, sipping wine again, then smiles at Alois, "Please feel free to let me know should that change, of course."

Alois says, "I will. The Master of Assassins and Spies have always worked closely together."

Dakini nods again, "Makes perfect sense. Good missions proceed smoothly from good intel."

Alois says, "Exactly."

Dakini smiles as she sips from her glass again... then curiously she asks, "Might I inquire as to what it is that actually nourishes you? I have vague memories of it being certain types of thought?"

Alois says, "Emotions, actually."

Dakini nods thoughtfully, "Preference on any particular type?"

Alois says, "Strong emotions are more.. fulfilling.. rage, lust, terror."

Dakini nods thoughtfully again, then asks curiously, "Why naive women then? I would think knowledgeable and experienced ones would have more potential for feeling powerfully?"

Her demeanor is clearly of idle curiosity... she's making no judgements on anyone else's preferences.

Alois says, "Because they feel fear more powerfully than women who are more experienced. They also lust harder and love more easily. They don't have as much control of their emotions."

Hati continues to remain on the periphery, in the room and available at a moments notice, and quietly making sure everything continues to be perfect, moving the meal through the courses, not rushing, but not letting things become slow.

Dakini hms thoughtfully again... then nods slowly, "All right, I can see that." She grins lazily, "...although I suspect they eventually lose that innocence, ja? -and then you need a new one..." She sits quietly, thinking a bit more, then says softly, "And you, Master of Assassins? You obviously do not feel being in love is a 'weakness'... how will you handle that, ah... trespass?"

Alois says, "You mean Ophelia?"

Dakini nods silently, watching Alois with quiet interest over her goblet.

Alois says, "I intend that she suffers as I did.. and I'm not willing to let the fact that I like Dermott stand in the way of that."

Dakini sets her wine goblet down, gently running a finger along the rim. A light chime rises for a moment, then fades away as she thinks. Finally she looks up at Alois, "I... would ask that you not harm him -- at least permanently? He... is not responsible for his wife's insanity, I think, and has a genuinely good heart. There's little enough of that here... I'd wish to see it not squandered?"

Alois says, "I don't intend to harm him.. Only to take him from her."

Dakini nods, looking faintly relieved, then asks curiously, "How will you conceal him from her?"

Alois says, "With the help of a friend, who can keep him quiet and well hidden."

Dakini looks interested, "May I ask whom that is?" She grins, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Alois says, "Her name is Phyra. She's a drow slaver.. and a sister."

Dakini nods slowly, "Hm. I suppose I should keep out then. Pity... Dammerung might have been able to help." She smiles.

Alois says, "I'll keep it in mind if Phyra doesn't work out."

Dakini nods, her eyes still bright with mischief, "That would be nice, thank you!" She sips her wine slowly, still smiling.

The rest of the meal is spent in quiet, companionable conversation. Much later, when the fire's died down a bit, Dakini thanks Alois for the pleasant news and company... and he bids her a good night.

Dawnstar Living Room
This comfortable, elliptical room is softly lit behind geometric sweeps of frosted glass supported by flowing trapezoids picked out in elegant ebony trim. The scarlet and gold flames in the recessed fireplace highlight its slate gray and lustrous jet frame, which echoes the graceful, stylized Deco trim. Dancing firelight gleams on the elegant ebony trim of recurring trapezoids that adorns the graceful dove gray pillars which rib the room. There are several comfortable, small [couches], both recessed into the walls and free-standing in the room. A small matching table recessed into the wall proudly bears a refined, willowy Erté bronze. One entire wall is a huge, glass window, framed in cream draperies, where the lustrous pearl moon silvers all below you in argent and mysterious shadow.

Keesha is a bat. She is relatively short, standing - or more often hanging - a little under 5 feet tall on clawed feet, including her oversized and elaborately ridged ears. Her grin shows a mouthful of extremely sharp teeth in a pointed muzzle, and a twinkle dances in her large-pupiled eyes. She is covered in fine dark brown fur, almost downy on her wings, and somewhat coarser in a cowlick between her ears...her headfur is cut short to stay out of her way in flight. Keesha's arms are integral to her wings, supporting them on jointed bone spurs that extend from her elbows and wrists. Her hands fold back along the wings in flight...on the ground, her wings fold up, letting her use her hands with only a little loss of dexterity. She wears a rather low-slung pair of shorts and a tunic split up the sides to accommodate her wing membranes. Both are in the same dark brown as her fur, and she blends easily into the shadows. A pendant, a reddish teardrop of amber set on a detailed leaf of green metal with gold veining, is held tightly to her neck, a pouch is strapped to her left leg and a sheathed dagger is on her right thigh.

Safix stands a shade under 5 feet tall. Her clean skin is deep golden, against which her arched white eyebrows and thick lashes stand in sharp contrast. Her shaggy white hair falls manelike around her face to touch her shoulders at the longest points, and the sides are tucked behind her delicately pointed ears, revealing three small, slim silver rings piercing the lower part of each, and a fourth ring at each tip. Green eyes with a narrow circle of red around each pupil look back at you from her triangular, sharp-featured face. She's wearing a dark red tunic today, loosely belted with black cloth, over tight black pants tucked into black leather boots laced to the knee. A simple band of silver chainmail circles her throat.

He stands tall, with a distinct military, or aristocratic bearing. Though he leans a little on a cane His fur is a dark and even charcoal gray, with his counter shading an almost shocking white. There is a slight artificiality to the fur, as there are repeating patterns in the charcoal and the borders between colors look a little too sharp. His neck ruff is neatly trimmed, and he regards you flatly through a pair of circular lensed oculars covering his eyes and showing a discrete, thin bead of medical adhesive holding them there. His features are chiseled and gaunt, and his fur shows the glossy sheen of artificial good health. He has a long aristocratic muzzle, showing a heavy jaw.. His ears are mobile and expressive, swiveling to track sounds around him. He is tall but a little stoop shouldered, as if standing is a worldly burden and he seems very thin, almost bony. His torso narrows down to slim hips. He stands tentatively on digitigrade legs, shifting his grip on his cane from time to time, and h Currently he wears a tailored wool tunic of greenish gray. Its stand collar is opened to accommodate a white silk scarf tucked neatly under the plastron of the tunic. It is well tailored, draping down almost to his knees, though it hangs somewhat loosely from his shoulders. It is plain of adornments other than a floral pattern embroidered in aluminum thread on the black velvet collar, subdued silver shoulder boards, and black cuffs. It buttons double breasted to the collar, with only a small ribbon bar displaying any color. On his left shoulder is displayed the Stormhaven Flash, consisting of a solid black circle on a hexagon of gold. There are six lines radiating out from the central disk to each face of the hexagon. On the right he wears a Neu Bayern OKH shield, showing a Knight standing over a slain dragon. He wears a burgundy sash, over which he had belted his holster and case for his datapad. There are rings on the belt for the wear of a sword. He is wearing a pair of trousers of the same cloth as the tunic, but cut for digitigrades, though while still it looks fine, the cut is not the most flattering, being somewhat baggy. They are button cuffed at the hock. He wears white gloves and he wears deck shoes for lupines. Over this is a long stiff, wool double breasted coat with pebbled aluminum buttons. He holds it with his free hand on occasion as if he feels a chill. (http://www.yerf.com/ruggscot/tenyrpls.jpg)

Dakini greets her friends cheerfully as they enter, making sure they end up with a drink of their preference and are all comfortably seated. When everyone's there she smiles, "So, it's good to see you all again, safe and sound. Shall we commence this debriefing?"

Safix nods, sipping her tea. "Please."

Hati helps with the drinks, quietly taking note of what people are asking for. He also manages to bring out a plate of cookies and other sundry nibblies.

Rokhan shifts in his seat slightly, getting comfortable. Those who remember Rokhan from the old days, see he's brought the old leather valise from the council days, and like it was in the past, it's full of paper. He draws some of them out and arranges and shuffles them quietly

Safix tilts her head, "If I may ask... what exactly are the goals of tonight's gathering?"

Rokhan pans his head to Safix, and stares at her a moment, before he glances around the room, mostly towards Dakini

Keesha skrees, "Debriefing, in our lexicon, is the discussion of a recent event with a view to identifying what went right, what went wrong, and what needs to be improved upon."

Dakini mmms happily, nibbling on a lemon wafer, and grins at Rokhan with quiet amusement. She turns to Safix, "We are a mutual protection society, Safix. Understanding the people with whom we are currently caught, on this side of the Rift, is important. This meeting will allow us to compare notes on what we saw... and also allow us to make improved predictions as to what we might expect."

Dakini nods to Keesha, "In the short term, that also."

Keesha nods to Dakini. "And to make plans for the future. Danke."

Rokhan goes back to his notes.

Dakini nods again, "With that in mind, Safix, would you like to start?"

Safix looks around, realizing she's the only local.

Safix looks rather put on the spot. "Ah..."

Rokhan clicks out some lead on a mechanical pencil and prepares to note down Safix' remarks.

Dakini smiles, "The reasoning behind who is collected here, Safix, is that we are those 'small folk' that are in need of mutual protection." She grins, then politely adds, "On the other hand, Rokhan is always prepared with reams of notes, as we can see... Rokhan, perhaps you'd be kind enough to start?"

Safix suggests hopefully, "Perhaps it would be best if someone with more experience went first, so that I could observe the style, yes."

Dakini smiles at Safix, "Not a problem."

Safix looks relieved and leans back, politely attentive and respectful.

Rokhan nods curtly to Dakini and inhales through his nose, before speaking, he checks his notes, "On the strategic overlay of the terrain, and a notable feature should we choose to conduct such an operation again, I note the following. Entrance and exit into this sphere is through , apparently one entrance and exit. This gives the defenders on our side a good position, without having to suffer the negative effects of the phlogiston... (cont.)

Rokhan says, "However the tactical assessment of the conduct during the operation was negative. The initial plan tendered by Milady Dakini, was sound, however due to a lack of appreciation of running engagement tactics, if not gross insubordination, and incompetence among certain members of the leadership, made the operation very chaotic to say the least...."

Dakini covers a small chuckle.

Keesha chirrips from her perch. "Polnoya nyecompetentya..."

Rokhan says, " As to specific incidents, I should not the following. Closing to boarding range with the grappled ships, as ordered by Governor Gala'maDred. The tactical misuse of the Misery and its abandonment of the advantage of raged combat so as to follow blindly the Governor's non-plan, The Mage Kern's inept use of the spell, resulting in the loss of a quite probably salvageable hull for the EIN. And... if they were going to destroy the EIN vessel in the first place, could they have not engaged both targets at range and destroyed the cluster without exposing our own troops to undue harm?"

Rokhan says, "To conclude the operational assessments..."

Safix listens respectfully.

Rokhan says, "the major error was in closing to engage the Neogi by melee combat, reducing the ships tactical coverage of the operating area to nil, tying up personal to overwatch and prisoner details, and leaving the asteroid underdefended. The Misery should have remained at a distance, and had been ready to pursue the Neogi vessels that did pass by. On the positive side, I will report complete destruction of one vessel by the G.F. Bayerlein, and the destruction of one vessel by the Dammerung itself. Political fallout to come after the Q and A. Questions anyone?"

Hati asks, "Is there only one place on the Sphere which can be opened? I thought an opening can be created anywhere on the sphere, and that more than one could exist at a time? I know it's usually not done that way, but I thought it could be. That would be a rather different tactical position, would it not?"

Keesha skrees, "That was my understanding as well. We could predict the entry point because we were in contact with the ship being chased, not because there was only one."

Rokhan says, "If so Hati, that would change the situation quite drastically. we at some point need to determine what agency is responsible for opening and closing the gate."

Hati adds, "Dammerung did not destroy the vessel, either. Magical bombs, made by some of the mages were deployed from Dammerung to destroy the Neogi ship."

Dakini nods quietly, "Actually, Rokhan, Hati is correct. While usually only one egress point is made for a fleet... that actual egress can be made anywhere on the Sphere."

Dakini says, "It is magic, Rokhan."

Dakini says, "Literally."

Keesha nods.

Rokhan curls his lip...

Rokhan says, "any other questions?"

Dakini nods again to Hati, "Again, you are correct. Safix and Alois each deployed a mine, and Harlequin fired a lightning bolt."

Safix sighs softly and tries not to feel too out of place with the magical.

Safix grins briefly. "Oh, is that what those were?"

Dakini says, "I have one for Keesha, actually... captain, could you please clarify which ship exactly was fired upon by the EIF? I thought it was the neogi ship, not the Sunstar?""

Dakini grins at Safix, nodding.

Rokhan has flimsies of the sensor logs and begins to rifle through them.

Keesha skrees, "That being the case, the concentration of the ships directly on the Deathspider was even less conscionable. The missing vessel could have broken through anywhere, and we were not even certain we had identified all enemy vessels."

Hati listens to the question, quietly nibbling on a cookie.

Rokhan nods to Captain Keesha.

Safix snags a cookie.

Keesha skrees, "According to my sensor logs, the Sunstar was already practically wrecked when it came through the Sphere. The EIN ships fired on the Deathspider only, and the final wreck of the Sunstar was due to enemy action, not friendly fire."

Safix says shyly, "Does somebody notice, or are there certain recordable effects, every time an opening is made in the sphere? Do we /know/ that there really aren't any ships that got through and hid?"

Dakini nods to Keesha, "Thank you, captain," then looks at Safix, "Good question. To my knowledge, there is none... but we should probably check with a mage to be sure."

Rokhan says, "I had thought Kern's actions were responsible... and.. (peers at the flimsies).. I .. am trying to find confirmation..."

Keesha skrees, "A very good question, and one beyond my own minimal competence at magecraft so far."

Dakini says to Rokhan, "I think I should make one thing clear to you, Rokhan, which you may not yet realize... and which, I think, is critical that you understand." She takes a slow breath, trying to pick words carefully, "To you, to Keesha, to most of us here, the war was a dangerous and dirty situation to be cleaned up as quickly and efficiently as possible, with minimal risk to us." She glances around to be sure she's correct on that estimate.

Safix nods, puzzled...

Hati sips quietly at his drink, listening to his mistress.

Rokhan pauses, and looks back at you, nodding slowly... "and..."

Dakini nods quietly to herself as no one disagrees, and continues, "This is NOT the way the locals view it though, Rokhan. To most of them, I suspect, it was a 'glorious' chance to show off... to pose, to take dramatic action. That is why, from the very beginning, I had no intention whatsoever of attempting to lead... they don't want competent leadership, Rokhan. Their egos cannot support it." She studies Rokhan intently, "Do you understand? It is critical that you do so."

Hati says, softly, "It makes the actions of Governor Gala'maDred make much more sense, don't you think?"

Dakini nods a touch grimly to Hati, then looks back at Rokhan intently.

Rokhan looks back at Dakini, head tilting, "no... Milady.. I am afraid I don't. I am seeing actions that are dangerous to us.. and I am not finished, the aftermath may be worse for us all.

Keesha skrees, "It makes them... comprehensible. They do not make sense."

Safix protests, "I'm local, and I didn't feel that way."

Hati replies, "You're not an insane immortal, though."

Dakini nods to Rokhan, "Indeed, you are absolutely correct -- the aftermath may be worse for us all. That is why it is critical that you understand -- you may not assume they will be rational!" She glances at Hati and Safix with a grin, "Well put, Hati," then looks back at Rokhan, "Do I make myself clear, sir?"

Safix blinks, face expressionless, and says nothing.

Rokhan's ears flick and he nods, "so.. we are to assume that the leadership here are 'mad,' though immortal, and that lack of perspective is giving them the emotional depth of.. a 12 year old? Is this what I am to understand?

Dakini says, "Exactly."

Dakini grins a touch mischievously, "I'm glad you got it so easily."

Rokhan pauses for a moment, his ears semaphoring in uncertainly, "Mein gott.. we may need to move to another Asteroid."

Safix frowns slightly.

Keesha skrees, "This is an option which must be considered. Infrastructure is a problem, though."

Dakini sighs softly, "I... hope not... but I will not stay here if people I care about will be threatened as a consequence."

Hati smiles, but doesn't say anything.

Dakini nods to Keesha, "Precisely. We do not currently have enough force to deter neogi alone."

Dakini says, "Excuse me, to alone deter the neogi."

Keesha chuckles. "Oh, I don't know about that. But it would require that Chirikh and Misery remain on station."

Rokhan says, "No, Milady Dakini, you don't know the worst of it. After leaving hospital on the way out, to examine the wreckage of the spider in the garden, I overheard Gala'maDred and Harlequin discussing the fate of the prisoners"

Dakini glances at Keesha, "What makes you think Dermott would aid us? His wife will not allow him to."

Rokhan looks over at Keesha, ears perked.

Safix says faintly, "Why would anyone you care about be threatened-- by whom?-- should you stay here, Dakini?"

Dakini gives Safix a faintly puzzled glance, "Er... one question at a time, please?"

Rokhan takes a couple of notes

Safix sits back, looking worried and confused.

Dakini gently says, "Ask your question again, please, Safix? I didn't understand it, and until I do I cannot answer it for you?"

Safix says, "Oh... I thought you meant I should wait to ask it later. Ok..."

Rokhan peers at Safix for a moment through his flat lensed oculars, the takes some more notes.

Dakini smiles and shakes her head, "No. You have as much right to speak here as any of us."

Safix says, "You said you wouldn't want to stay here, if those you care about might be threatened as a consequence. A consequence of what? What did you mean? Who are you worried may become your enemy?"

Safix looks a trifle shy after saying so much in front of a group she doesn't entirely know.

Rokhan has an enigmatic half smile, and he continues taking notes.

Keesha is apparently listening to something play from her datapad, though only Hati and Rokhan can hear anything, and they only a twittering sort of noise at the very top edge of hearing. "Okay. The Sunstar broke up when the Deathspider ship's ram was destroyed. Apparently she was already so damaged that only the grapples were still holding her together."

Rokhan nods at Keesha, and confirms, 'That is correct".

Dakini nods to Keesha, then answers Safix. "It is not that I believe someone here might become my enemy, Safix. It is that I am worried that someone in power here may do something they consider 'glorious' or 'dramatic' or whatever, to feed their ego... and as a consequence, people will be harmed by the consequences of their thoughtless actions.

Safix nods, a small frown on her face. "All right, I can see that. Are you worried about specific events you foresee?"

Rokhan says, "I am..."

Dakini says, "Certainly. Here's an example: Dred wishes to enslave the neogi in order to control their umber hulk slaves to do mining for him. His greed may be causing him to not consider all the potential consequences of this action... and when the neogi escape, people will die... because Dred was too greedy.""

Dakini nods to Rokhan, adding, "Rokhan informed me of this earlier."

Keesha skrees, "I was present, also, when the governor proposed this. He did not want to hear counter-arguments."

Safix frowns slightly again, nodding. "So you think killing the prisoners is a better, cleaner idea?"

Keesha skrees, "And I agree with Dakini on this. The Neogi are a slave-holding culture, but their rules include the ability to move up by breaking loose from control. An escape by them will be when, not if."

Rokhan says, "As I was about to Say Milady. apparently that was the reason they started 'rounding up the Illithids', so as to procure a method of 'mental coercion' to force upon the Neogi EPW's. first, why are they relying upon a group of mentalists that no one trusts in the first place? However as I was in the garden collecting bits of wreckage. I overheard lord Gala'maDred and Harlequin discussing the dispositions of the prisoners, wanting to use the Umber hulks in the mines here. As I understand this is in violation of the local prohibitions against slavery, showing the Governor to be a hypocrite."

Dakini nods firmly to Keesha, "Yes, I said 'when' for that very reason." Then she sighs softly to Safix, "Well... I admit I'm a bit soft-hearted. I'd like to check and see if there were any neogi that were um... salvageable? -but if not, I think it kindest and cleanest to kill them swiftly and mercifully."

Keesha skrees, "Killing them is safer. Releasing them in a lifeboat is cleaner. Holding them as slaves is in direct violation of the governor's own edicts."

Rokhan says, "Yes Safix! much cleaner. The Neogi are a scavenging race of top predators, with a small talent for organization and tool usage, they are a threat as would any wild animal would be."

Hati makes a quiet and unobtrusive pass around the room, refilling drinks, and offering the nibbles tray.

Dakini rolls her eyes at Rokhan, "Are you serious?! That still stuns me... both that my suggestion to round up all the neogi and illithids before the war was ignored... and that Dred thinks the ones too stupid to flee retribution by the drow here will be trustworthy... or even strong enough to mentally coerce the prisoner neogi!"

Keesha snags a few biscuits as Hati passes by.

Rokhan says, "..and his calling the outside governments corrupt was a gross insult to me, but then I suppose, being a former politician, I should be used to it."

Dakini nods quietly to Rokhan, a faint, bitter smile on her lips. She murmurs, "Sounds like the pot calling the kettle black, actually..."

Keesha skrees, "His knowledge of Known Space is minimal. The most corrupt republic in history is still more capable of justice than his one-man rule."

Safix says slowly, "I was around to hear Dred's plans, too... and I don't feel that it's 'justice' to enslave them as an example... but it's reprehensible to kill them out of hand AFTER the fighting is over without even trying to see if any of the neogi can rise above their culture."

Rokhan says, "I am completely serious, Milady. That is I believe how they choose to 'ensure' neogi and umber hulk cooperation. Now if the locals see the Neogi as a commodity, knowing the local apathy to law and order, I fear than they neogi will rapidly slip through the Governor's fingers and multiply in the sewers, until they have sufficient population to carry out their original plan. None of the neogi should have ever se t foot on this asteroid"

Dakini smiles ruefully at Safix, "Well, I stated my preference here... but I didn't bother to Dred, since I knew he wasn't going to listen to anyone else."

Dakini nods grimly to Rokhan.

Rokhan looks over at Safix, and shakes his head and sighs.. "Do you'd think they would want any 'cultural Outsiders' on a mission as important as 'colonization'," Safix?

Safix chews on her bottom lip and tucks her feet under her on the couch, boots having been left at the door.

Rokhan says, "The Neogi"

Rokhan says, "I mean."

Safix looks at Rokhan. "I see your point... but colonization is also an escape for cultural misfits. It's all in one's perspective. We have to find out, or become no better than those we condemn."

Dakini sips her tea quietly, giving Safix time to think.

Dakini smiles, "That will happen only if Dred lets it happen, I fear."

Dakini says, "I do not think he is interested in that aspect of ah... mercy."

Safix looks quietly at Dakini. "Are you quite sure that a psionic couldn't go discreetly to inspect the prisoners, without Dred being aware of it? I'm not."

Hati offers, "It would be better to kill them out of hand, than to have them escape and come back and kill us all, would it not? I don't see many other possibilities from this insane suggestion of attempting to use the Neogi or their hulks as slaves."

Rokhan says, " Safix, no insult is intended for what I am about to say, but I think your Idealism has not suffered enough exposure to the real world. Who is to say who is better. Life is a competition, and it's not about 'who is better,' but who can survive successfully enough to build and carry on."

Keesha skrees, "More to the point. Given what we know about Neogi culture, what makes anyone think that deviant mentalities would even survive infancy?"

Dakini smiles ruefully at Safix, "Who do you suggest? The neogi themselves are apparently psionic... it'll need to be someone strong enough to overwhelm their attack -- because they will attempt to attack any psionic probe."

Rokhan says, "Kindness and mercy would be a fatal flaw amongst the rapacious Neogi."

Rokhan says, "We should have killed them and be done with it."

Safix says, "Yes, Hati, I agree. I don't want them coming back to kill us all either. All I'm asking is that we make the effort to find out if it's truly necessary before slaughtering them. I don't think it's too much to ask."

Dakini nods gravely to Hati, Rokhan, and Keesha.

Dakini says, "And again, Safix... how."

Keesha skrees, "It's dangerous. They overwhelmed Cynergy, recall."

Safix looks at Rokhan with a queer expression, then smiles and looks away.

Rokhan looks at Safix, flatly, so that she is reflected in her lenses. "Yes.. little one, it is."

Hati says, "Unfortunately, Safix, it appears the Governor has made up his mind. What would be best is a moot point. What we're going to do to make the best of this problem is a more important question."

Dakini nods quietly to Hati, "Well put."

Keesha skrees, "Don't know about the rest of you, but I'm planning to put together some psi shields."

Safix deflates a bit. "They did get Cyn, didn't they. What if she had backup, and dealt with one at a time with that support? Could that work?" She ignores Rokhan, but slumps further at Hati's words, leans back and shuts up.

Dakini says gently, "Safix... I'm sorry. I would like it to be a nicer world also... but the world doesn't always behave the way I want it to."

Rokhan peers at Safix for a few more moments, then listens to Hati and Keesha.

Keesha frowns. "Is psi cumulative? I understood that it tended to interfere if you tried that."

Rokhan says, "Hati is correct. The governor has made his choice, and we may have to contemplate moving."

Dakini gives Safix a look of quiet sympathy... then sighs, looking up at Keesha and shaking her head, "I don't know, Keesh. I know Dammerung backs me up... but I'm not always sure where I end and Dammerung begins either."

Hati looks at Safix, hoping she hasn't taken his rebuttal too personally, and that she isn't feeling unwelcome or ignored. I wish I knew a way to tell her that, he thinks, but I don't. She looks so defeated.

Safix shrugs to Dakini rather bitterly. "I can't test them for fitness to live, but I'm not foolish enough to trust any of them without such testing. Best, then, that they all die cleanly, and we live, not so ethically pure, but safe."

Rokhan sits up a little straighter. and his pencil is poised at the ready. "So, what are we going to do now? "

Safix says, "It's an us-against-them universe, of course. If we're being logical, we take steps to remove what threatens us." She sits back.

Safix has no readable expression on her face whatsoever.

Dakini shakes her head slowly at Safix, "I do not care to have you blame my friends for doing what they do... since it keeps you safe also, Safix'ya."

Safix says calmly, "I blame no one here more than I blame myself."

Dakini says, "Why do you blame yourself? -and for what?"

Hati offers, "Perhaps she is not so much blaming, as merely hurting. It is often true that you have to do things that make you unhappy, and this is one of those things?"

Dakini nods quietly to Hati, looking very, very tired for a moment... then looks back at Safix. Softly she says, "Is that it, Safix?"

Safix says, "I said it earlier. I'm not foolish. If they cannot be tested and released, even the idealistic, inexperienced young that are present must agree that to keep us safe, all the neogi must die. I do not feel noble for agreeing, but I share the agreement... and thus the blame, when it happens, for not having lifted a finger to stop it."

Rokhan looks over at Safix again, "pose flicks and ear and continues to take notes...

Safix says, "At any rate, it's useless to talk of ethics further if it's decided... it would be more to the point to discuss how to kill them all quickly, despite Dred's plans."

Dakini sighs softly, studying Safix... then finally shakes her head quietly once more, and turns back to the others, "Very well. Rokhan's question stands -- what shall we do."

Rokhan says, "Well ,there are three options."

Dakini nods to Rokhan to continue.

Rokhan says, "the three options are...One.. We move before this becomes a problem, move to an area outside lord Gala'madred's governance, and try to live good lives, and not gloat too much when Arcana is consumed by the Neogi, Two.. We covertly plan a method for the dispatch of the neogi and umber hulk EPW's, or Three... bold as brass, walk into the holding area and gun them all down, and face the "local" music."

Dakini frowns, considering... then sighs, "I wish I could think of something else." She looks up hopefully, "Can anyone else?"

Rokhan says, "I am always open to options. Floor?"

Hati smiles, and says, "I hate to admit it, but there is a certain appeal to the last, despite its probable suicidalness."

Dakini grins at Hati.

Keesha skrees, "I almost like number three. D'ya think we could get away? The rules here seem to be, it's cool if you're not caught."

Dakini blinks slowly at Keesha... then goes very still, thinking furiously.

Safix says, "Which is why, Keesha, option number two is wisest."

Hati asks, "Where are they being held? Could an attack from the sky be done more anonymously?"

Keesha nods to Safix. "I think you're right. On the other hand.... a teleport bomb?"

Safix looks slightly wary at Hati's words.

Rokhan says, "Number Three is a viable option, but it would be 'expensive' in terms of material, and perhaps the biggest gamble. I do not like to gamble that much. Two is probably the least dangerous, but also the most likely to fail."

Dakini frowns again, "I think we might want to consider number two, with one as a backup. We're somewhat hampered in making any plans by not knowing where the neogi are being kept."

Rokhan says, "Hati.. I still have more than 200 gallons of KKD in it's three components aboard my ship."

Hati asks, "What is KKD?"

Dakini stares at Rokhan in astonishment... then bursts out laughing, tossing her head back!

Rokhan says, "It is a three part Explosive, that without polymers is a liquid, about the consistency of shampoo. It is hard to detonate without the correct equipment, and separately, is fairly inert, except one of the component liquids make a fair solvent."

Dakini laughs for a while, then finally slowly subsides, although the giggled phrases, "Stormhaven, of course!" and "-love to blow things up!" can be made out.

Rokhan says, "Well, KKD is a Stermeyer A.G fine product, but yes, it's part of an order for His Lordship."

Rokhan looks as if it's quite normal to collect random chemical explosives.

Safix looks faintly amused. "How many things have you guys solved so far by blowing them up?"

Rokhan says, "Actually... I think it's 200 gallons per "component" if I can read my poor handwriting here."

Dakini grins with high good humor at Rokhan, then looks around the group, smiling, "All right... so, to reiterate: we need to gather more information about the neogi. We need to keep in mind that we should not expect rational behavior as a constant here... and we need to keep in mind that the prima donna, not the competent leader, is the desired standard of behavior here. Ja?"

Dakini says, "Er, the neogi prisoners, that is."

Rokhan says, "Jawohl."

Keesha skrees, "Da."

Safix sighs.

Dakini nods, "Excellent. Safix, you agree?"

Dakini says, "Or... not?"

Safix says, "Does it matter?"

Rokhan says, "yes Actually, it does."

Dakini says, "Yes. You would not be here if your opinion did not matter to us."

Dakini nods to Rokhan.

Rokhan thinks though perhaps for different reasons than Dakini, might think..

Hati nods to his mistress.

Dakini nods a quiet affirmation to Hati, then looks back at Safix.

Safix shrugs. "In the interests of cold practicality, I'll help... and of course I'm not going to rat on you, to answer that question too."

Dakini says gently, "It was not asked, Safix'ya."

Safix adds, expressionless, "Not aloud, and not by you, no."

Rokhan nods curtly and separates out a sheaf of papers from the rest, and places them beside him.

Hati frowns, and glances unhappily at Rokhan.

Dakini tilts her head at Safix, murmuring mildly, "Even if you said you were going to 'rat' on us, I would not have allowed you to be harmed."

Rokhan's ears flick, but he continues to peer at his notes.

Safix' lips make a thin straight line, and she nods silently.

Dakini smiles charmingly at Rokhan, saying firmly, "It would be foolish to harm Safix... since it would just attract Alois' attention. I think we should all keep that in mind." She glances around the room, frowning, "Are we finished doing our best to shatter this fragile alliance already?" With light sarcasm she adds, "May I go on now?"

Keesha skrees, "Better, yes."

Safix sits very politely, looking attentive and extremely calm. She doesn't even blush.

Rokhan sighs, and rubs his knuckles, and flexes his writing hand a moment, "Well, then I suppose that with this new information, I should not pay a social cal upon the governor and inquire about his (mental) health, and ask him politely to reconsider.. That would be too 'actionable' so... shall we continue as 'normal' for the nonce?

Dakini nods to Keesha, "Thank you, captain." She looks around, "Very well then. Shall we collect again on a later date with any news we may have gathered?"

Dakini grins at Rokhan, "Nothing wrong with asking, Rokhan. Who knows? Perhaps after the heat of battle he might even be willing to listen to reason?"

Safix reaches suddenly into a pocket inside her vest to draw something out.

Rokhan thinks, then nods, "Perhaps... it might bring in some useful information, though I feel a little 'exposed' doing so. No matter, it's nothing worse than what I had to do for His lordship."

Hati snorts at the idea of Gala'maDred listening to reason. He is apparently not impressed by the Governor.

Rokhan says, "Once upon a time, he behaved better, than he does now.. perhaps I can touch upon that. We are/were allies in the council."

Dakini nods gravely to Rokhan, "I understand your worry concerning exposure. I will cover you... until we manage to escape the Sphere, you are not without a Pack." She adds sternly, "So behave yourself, Rokhan! I may agree with your 'banana republic' commentary, but do not make such comments -- in a public place!" She frowns, "You should have realized... discretion, sir!"

Safix' hand emerges with a sheaf of papers, which she tilts at Keesha, smiling slightly. She says quietly, "I remembered my math homework."

Keesha nods to Rokhan. "That was the governor's comment, not Ser Rokhan's.

Rokhan quirks his muzzle, with an ear flick, and nods respectfully to Dakini, "Understood milady. It won't happen again but forgive the past indiscretion as I had no idea how deep the incompetence and corruption ran here.

Dakini nods quietly, "Very good." She looks around, "Is there anything else that needs covering?"

Keesha skrees, "For now? I think we should perhaps each discuss the prisoner issue with someone who might be amenable to reason. I can take Kern... Safix, would you talk to Alois?"

Dakini nods, "Excellent idea, Keesha. Hm... Rokhan, you might try Kern and/or Harlequin... I can talk to Alois also... redundancy certainly won't hurt here, after all."

Safix looks both relieved and worried. "...Yes, Keesha. I can do that."

Rokhan says, "I will attempt to talk to Harlequin, though I think there may be some leverage with my previous diplomatic relationship with The governor. who knows, I achieved much with diplomacy in the past. Perhaps it is time to try again?"

Keesha skrees, "First line of defense... see if we can persuade the powers that be to change their minds. Deal with the creatures personally only if necessary."

Rokhan nods, agreeing.

Dakini also agrees... then suddenly smiles ruefully, "Ah. One thing you should all know... which should be kept in strictest confidence, please!" She glances around, then continues, "Apparently the Velkyn find me useful. I would prefer you heard it from me first, so that any worries can be alleviated immediately... but apparently I am the new Master of Spies."

Rokhan says, "what is a "Velkyn"?"

Hati sips from his drink, listening quietly.

Keesha chokes on her drink. "How did you get that position so quickly?"

Dakini looks pleased, "I'm hoping this chance to make myself indispensable to the powers that be here will allow us to better prepare for occurrences here." She grins at Rokhan, "Remember your statement about corruption in government, Rokhan? Well... Velkyn means um... what is it... shadowy, I think?" She grins at Keesha wickedly, "I'm... good."

Dakini grins a little more normally, "Well... I had good training, I must confess."

Safix blinks at Dakini, caught between laughter and surprise and trying hard to suppress it. She fails, choking a bit, when Dakini says she's good.

Dakini grins cheerfully at Safix!

Rokhan tilts his head, peering closer at Dakini, "Pardon mein Auslander thickness, but I am not following?

Safix buries her face in her hands and makes small muffled noises, shoulders shaking.

Dakini says gently to Rokhan, "The Underworld, Rokhan."

Keesha skrees, "The Organization. The Mafia."

Rokhan blinks and pauses, frozen for a moment... then recover, "I see.."

Hati looks at Safix, and moves over next to her and asks her something, very softly.

Dakini nods to Keesha, smiling faintly, then murmurs quietly, "We will survive this place... I will make it happen, if I must, Rokhan... but I will not fail the people that depend on me."

Rokhan says, "That information , yes, goes nowhere...."

Keesha skrees, "And it will make it much easier to access option 2, should this be necessary."

Dakini nods quietly, looking around, "I wanted you all to know from me first, as I said. If there is no trust between us, there will be no teamwork."

Rokhan tilts his head, "That would work as well for "pre-positioning" for Option 3 as well, as long as we kept it fairly simple.

Rokhan nods, and agrees.

Hati smiles, and pats Safix' back and looks back at the room.

Dakini nods quietly, "Very well then. Any other questions?" She glances at Hati, raising an inquiring eyebrow -- is Safix all right?

Hati looks up and nods to his mistress, smiling.

Dakini looks faintly relieved, smiling and nodding, then turning back to the others, "I am thinking of possibly asking one other individual to our small group, but I do not want to do so without your opinions also. Tell me, please... what do you all think of Dryx?"

Rokhan begins to pack up his valise, except for the papers he set aside.

Dakini says, "er... for those that have met him already, that is?"

Safix laughs quietly, recovering... she looks up.

Dakini smiles at Safix.

Keesha skrees, "Reminds me. What is Dryx? He's not an elf."

Rokhan tilts his head in thought, "I'm sorry, I don't know anyone by that name, Milady. Is he another misplaces Expatriate?

Dakini says, "He's a githyanki, Keesha... and Rokhan, er... sort of? Tell you what... I won't say anything, and you guys let me know what you think of him." She grins, "He's very discreet."

Rokhan says, "a what?"

Keesha grins at Rokhan. "My next question, as well. I've got a name, but I still don't know how he fits in here."

Rokhan closes his valise, but hands the packet of papers to Dakini, "There are the reports, and some of the notes. Please keep safe, and see if they are useful for planning?

Dakini nods to Rokhan, "Excellent. Good work, Rokhan... and thank you."

Keesha skrees, "One comment, though. He's not an elf, so he's probably a likely recruit."

Safix shrugs. "I don't trust him."

Dakini nods, "The githyanki are strong psionic descendants of humans... and used to be slaves of the illithids, so have a deep and abiding hatred of them."

Rokhan bows formally, "More than welcome Milady, hopefully we can get a little breathing room, and an illusion of some security so we can better plan for our eventual exit.

Rokhan says, "Speaking of humans. what happened to the 20 human refugees you rescue?"

Dakini nods ruefully to Rokhan, then looks around, "I have some work I must do tonight, but you are all welcome to stay here and refresh yourselves if you so wish."

Dakini smiles and nods a polite good-bye to everyone, then quietly withdraws.

Rokhan nods curtly.

Keesha skrees, "Ah... this makes things clearer. Definitely a possible recruit, then."

Safix nods farewell to Dakini.

Rokhan says, "Safe Journey, Milady"

Keesha skrees, "The ex-slaves are mostly still in the hospital wing, Rokhan."

Hati escorts his mistress, apparently thinking, or even knowing she'll need his help.

Rokhan says, "Well I think that was fairly productive, Captain Keesha"

Keesha nods. "We'll have to do some simulator time for tactics. We can't depend on the locals to do things rationally even if they understood our ships."

Rokhan says, "We should discuss their disposition with Dakini, later."

Rokhan says, "Absolutely, Captain."

Rokhan grins slightly at the thought of Simulators.

Keesha skrees, "The human slaves? They'll be a fair time recovering, mentally if not physically. Plenty of time to discuss what to do with them."

Rokhan nods..

Rokhan says, "I should leave you to your details, then, captain. it is getting late, and I will need to compile these notes."

Rokhan says, "By your leave, captain?"

Keesha nods. "Certainly, Ser Rokhan. Let me know if you need anything. I think I have components to cobble up a couple psi-shields."

Rokhan says, "that would be a wise course of action. well, until later, then captain."

Rokhan bows to Keesha formally, then nods to Safix curtly, before he walks painfully out the door.

Keesha nods. "Dozh'vedanya, Packleader."

Rokhan grins.

Rokhan heads through the smooth, round doorway downwards into Dawnstar's foyer.

Safix echoes Rokhan's curt nod to a fraction of an inch, equally polite.

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Last modified: 2001-Mar-24 21:20:14

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