GM:
~~~ IC ~~~

GM:
::for the last two weeks the mood has been bleak. Little news makes it easily to the coms of a ship streaking at a significant fraction of lightspeed in a gravity bubble, so there is not much to lighten the mood... A brief relay when jumping into the Aragon system made it clear that the death of the Eduardos was not total, but there was nothing like a list of survivors.. only the word that Prince Juan was numbered amongst the deceased... For a bit of a pricey fee, An sent ahead a short transmission that he was on the way... whether it did any good he doesn't know yet... as your ship sets down in the small spaceport of New Barcelona, it is obvious a pall still sits over the Eduardo city even a month after the tragedy... most peasants trudge through the late afternoon in black, not talking much, and occassionally looking about with the eyes of ones who don't have any idea of their future...

Budi:
((While onboard the ship, I arrange a local transport vehicle))

GM:
You disembark from your ship at the same time, and are lucky enough to find a train car of the city's omnipresent transit system ready to go towards the noble district::

An:
::quickly boards::

Lan:
((We're all along for this trip, presumably? ))

GM:
((yep, you caught up somehow))

Lan:
::shoulders his bag and hustles along. As he always does, eyeballs the physical health of the common folk, the way most people eye the weather::

GM:
::this area is pretty well cared for, mostly a military base and transit station with the peasants largely freemen helping with the infrastructure and some manufacturing... most seem to be in good health, if a bit morose presently::

Martel:
((does the aragon system have an avestite chapterhouse of some sort?))

GM:
((sure))

Budi:
(( Move along quickly))

Martel:
((k)) ::Leans against the wall of the train car, awaiting and dreading the journeys end::

An:
::waits nervously on the trip::

GM:
::only a few minutes later, though seeming much longer, you disembark at the noble station and are passed through by the guards without much delay, and are able to stride across the well-kept central pavillion towards the large hacienda on the edge of the forest that most of you know do be the home of Baron Jaime Eduardo and his family... a large man stands outside the rapidly growing dusk::

Vasili:
An!

An:
::breaks into a jog, raising his hand in acknowledgement::

Martel:
::and eyebrow raises, subtly::

Vasili:
::The large man moves forward to meet An:: I heard you'd be coming. I had to guess your likely destination, though.

An:
Good guess... tell me. What has happened?

Budi:
::Follow up, close behind::

Vasili:
Hard to say. Details are rather vague. It was some kind of mishap at the nearby landing bay. A Bursandra vessel lost control and crashed into the Eduardo's gathering. They are still counting the dead.

An:
...my god... ::hand moves reflexively to his face:: ...maria?

Vasili:
Do you wish to rest after your journey? We can move to a more comfortable area. . . Ah. Maria is fine. We were on the other side of the building when the accident occurred. I was able to help her to safety.

Martel:
::sighs quietly in relief::

An:
::a weight virtually lifts off his shoulders:: Thank you, ::places a quick pat on the large man's arm:: What of the Don?

An:
((Were there monkeys? Terrible terrible space monkeys?))

Vasili:
There's no word. The cost of life to the Eduardo family has been great, however. If he was there. . .it would be unwise to hope for the best.

Martel:
((who could you blame this on, but the terrible pirate monkeys from space?)) Are you sure this was an accident?

An:
Where is Maria?

Budi:
Yes, has the guild released their report?

Lan:
.... I don't understand. Are they still, clearing the scene?

Vasili:
((Hey, those terrible secrets are being guarded by a couple of robots. Back off the monkeys.))

Vasili:
Some rubble remains. But the missing are being confirmed dead every day. That seems likely to continue for some time. ::Just now begins noticing An's companions:: I'm not sure about the Guild's report. I have had my mind elsewhere.

Budi:
Was it a guidl pilot or house pilot that caused the accidnet

Vasili:
I'm sorry, I don't know.

Lan:
If there're still wounded being recovered, or in recovery... I... ::open ended question::

Martel:
::looks the newcomer up and down, as if tasting the air to get a sense of him::

An:
((::ninja kicks everyone::-))

Budi:
::Puting his hand on Lan's shoulder:: It has been a month.

Vasili:
((ninja double back kicks to assist An. Old lady bystander drops like a rock.))

Martel:
((torches the old lady's cat with the flamer))

An:
We should move and talk. Where is maria? ::Starts to get antsy::

An:
((Oh... ow... wow that's gotta sting))

Lan:
::rubs his head. That space travel thing messses with his sense of time::

Vasili:
Yes, let's move.

Martel:
::nods to An:: Indeed. Lead on good sir.

Vasili:
::Seems nervously distracted when Maria is mentioned::

An:
Feel free to introduce yourselves.

Vasili:
Oh, of course. My name is Vasili Petrovich. It is a pleasure to meet any friends of An.

Martel:
::stares for a few more seconds before replying...:: Deacon Martel Azo. ::the fire proof robes and flamer make Martel's avestite heritage abundantly clear::

Vasili:
::nods::

GM:
((sorry, was trying to do tech support for my grandmother and failing miserably))

GM:
((bak now though))

An:
((your grandmother wasn't the one andy kicked was it?))

Vasili:
((Yeah, she needs tech support, cause I mighta just ninja kicked her))

Lan:
::nods:: Doctor Lan Maningzhoue.

Vasili:
((hah!))

Martel:
((and i think i set her cat on fire...))

GM:
((no cat))

GM:
((...anymore!))

Vasili:
((yeah, not anymore))

Vasili:
((Dang it! I'm five seconds behind everyone))

Martel:
((this is gonna be such a bitch to format into a log))

Budi:
A pleasure to make your Acquaintance. I am Budi Kheder Tajik Ramesh, Pilot and merchant. ::Bows while still trying to walk::

GM:
::The door to the hacienda opens and a figure is outlined in the glow from the house... for a vague second An's spirits soar, only for the silhouette to resolve itself into Alphonso, the old householder...

An:
::nods to Alphonso, the old housekeeper::

GM:
he looks more tired and bent than ever, and beneath his black work clothes he seems to be newly, badly burned::

Alphonso:
::weary and sad:: Ah, master Anhetepf... it is good to see you again, though I wish the circumstances were better

An:
::nods:: As do I. I'm sorry that this terrible event has happened. I wish the circumstances were better.

Alphonso:
Please come in... there's still seating available for the time

Lan:
::squints and comes forward:: Beg your pardon, has he... ::turns:: Have you had that looked at? ::by the end, directed to Alphonso::

An:
Alphonso, where is Maria?

Martel:
(("I wish the circumstances were better" seems to be the traditional Hazat greeting.))

Vasili:
Perhaps you can bring us drinks, Alphonso?

Alphonso:
::he looks confused for a moment then looks at his hands:: Oh.. yes.. I believe there was a physik at some point... yes.. drinks would be good, I think

Vasili:
Please, we should sit.

GM:
::once inside, the once well-appointed house seems largely empty. What furnishings are left are mostly wrapped in plastic sheeting as if being packed for a trip.. or for auction::

An:
Alphonso, where is maria?

Vasili:
An, she is fine. She is with her family. There are some things you need to know.

Alphonso:
::just looks too choked up by the question and gestures at Vasili, then heads to the kitchen::

Vasili:
Please. ::insistent:: We should sit.

An:
::sits on the edge of the closest chair:: What's happening?

Vasili:
::remains standing, but motions others to rest in a chair:: You must understand, An. The Eduardo family is decimated.

An:
::nods::

Martel:
::remains standing, unable to sit with the tang of recent fire still in the air::

Vasili:
Prince Juan is dead. Most of the higher ranking members of the family are with him. Maria's entire family, older siblings.

Lan:
::sits down unobtrusively::

Vasili:
The family even lost the Globe of St. Bernardo.

An:
...great maker... ::rubs his hands over his face, obviously tired::

Vasili:
The Justus branch is using this tragedy as an opportunity. Between their empty echoes of sentiment, they speak casually of reclaiming rule of the house. The Eduardo family isn't in a very good position. Almost all of their power base and talented political giants were burned to husks. There is an enormous vaccuum in the center of the family. So. . .::clears throat:: The family has begun to broker a number of midnight deals. Rapid mergers and agreements with stronger families who can help them pull through this crisis. And they are sealing many of these deals by marrying into the families with the orphans of the tragedy.

Lan:
::'Oh. She's getting married.' Fiddles with something.::

Alphonso:
::sets down shots of tequila for everyone, then knocks his back in one breath and pours himself another::

Lan:
:fiddles with it really, really intently::

An:
::leans forward looking at the floor::

Martel:
::throws his back as well, with a "keep it coming" motion to alphonso::

Vasili:
An. . .Maria is betrothed. To a Castenda.

Alphonso:
::does so::

Budi:
::Standing to the side, nodding. Does not drink::

Vasili:
She is with her uncle now, at Princess Isabella port. He is the one who is arranging all of this.

Martel:
::noticing Budi is not consuming his beverage, does it for him::

An:
::continues looking at the floor, not moving::

Vasili:
I haven't been able to see her much since the accident.

Martel:
How long will she be at the port?

An:
I need to see her. ::sits up::

Vasili:
She went to be with what family she has left and the rest I have heard from rumors and official notices.

Alphonso:
<q> for decades I helped that family, loved that family, guided that family to the best of my ability ... wanted to die with them all happy and safe... now they're all dead or missing and the youngest bound to a nest of vipers

Vasili:
I'm not sure how possible that will be.

Martel:
<w> The Mantis and the Vulture pick apart the Hawk...

Lan:
::after a couple mental calculations, resolutely downs his drink, without making a sound. And watches An.::

An:
Then, I will say this... I will see her. ::stands:: I have to go see someone first.

Alphonso:
::covers his face with his burned hands, which you can now see are also scraped like he was clawing at burning wreckage, and begins to weep::

Vasili:
I didn't say we wouldn't try, An. Just thought you needed to know the odds.

An:
::stops and walks to alphonso:: I'm sorry old friend. Go, rest. Please.

Alphonso:
::nods, still covering his face, and walks off slowly to his rooms::

Martel:
::stands and walks up to alphonso, talking to the older man quietly:: it would do you well to talk about this with someone. Would you mind sharing it with me?

An:
::watches him go quietly:: I have someone to see, I'll be back in a minute. Can someone please arrange transportation to Princess Isabella port.

Budi:
Consider it done ::Hurries after Alphonso:: Alphonso!

Martel:
::turns on Budi, eyes furious:: We are busy. Return Later.

An:
::looks to Budi and nods::

Budi:
A simple question.

Martel:
::hisses angrily:: find your answer elsewhere!

Budi:
Is there a vehicel here that AN can use? Or I will need to call the guildhall.

Alphonso:
::looks in no state to answer even simple questions::

Martel:
::walks off with alphonso ::

Lan:
::is left sitting there... with Vasili? Blinks::

Budi:
::Go looking for communication system to call the guildhall::

An:
I will return in a moment :: leaves to go speak with mom::

Lan:
((No, I mean, Jaime? Tell me your character's name again. My memory - neutrasweet =0. ))

Vasili:
::Vasili blinks as well, appears as if a weight is off of his mind::

GM:
::after a few minutes Budi finds the phone::

Lan:
::eyes Vasili. Can look creepy, at times, for all that he's a gentle looking guy::

Martel:
((he's a gentle looking creepy guy, or a creepy looking gentle guy?))

Lan:
Excuse me. *Are* there any here still recovering? A man like myself... likes to be of some use. In the wake of tragedy...

Lan:
((He's both creepy and gentle looking. Which is creepy. ))

Budi:
::Arranges for a flitter for the duration of the stay here. Need it here in 30 minutes.::

Vasili:
Hm. To be honest, I don't really know. I imagine there might be some with lingering injuries, but the disaster was so great that most who were injured were fatally so.

Martel:
((a creepily gentle looking creepy guy...check))

Vasili:
((Oh, come on. So I have one lazy eye. . .))

GM:
::they tell you one can be set up in a few hours, and you'll have to come back to the star/airport, unless you can cough up significant FBs::

Vasili:
So. . .how long have you known An?

Budi:
::Explain that this is for Reeve Chief AN. The rush service is requested.::

Lan:
::nods and looks at the table, elbows on it.::

GM:
::they take you at your word, but point out rather directly that arms will be broken if this is a prank::

Vasili:
Dr. Maningzhoue, right?

Lan:
::nods:: Yes. ::offers his hand across the table::

Vasili:
How long have you known An?

Budi:
::Walk back into room::

Vasili:
::absently notices the doctor's hand, shakes it suddenly, with vigor:: Sorry, I'm a little out of my element right now.

Lan:
Well... ::frowns:: He and I met when I went to Severus with him. That was... three years ago?

GM:
((or so))

Lan:
I'm sure we all are.

Lan:
((::accepts all corrections from the ST graciously:: ))

GM:
((you actually spent quite a while investigating Cyrille on ships before you wound up tracking him to Severus, but hey, that was the eventual goal))

Budi:
::Look about the room for maps of the area, so I know where I am going (i.e. the Isabell Port) ::

Vasili:
Oh. That's interesting. I recently met him on Byzantium Secondus, and offered to help him when Maria had to come here. Were you all friends of Maria? ::Sees the pilot looking around:: Looking for something in particular, Mr. Ramesh?

GM:
::anything like that that might have been here is all packed by now... but that kind of thing will be on a ship without a doubt::

Lan:
Well. ::thoughtfully:: We met. ::shrugs:: I know this is ::nods:: An unhappy turn of events in a variety of ways.

Budi:
A map of the area and the Isabell Port.

Vasili:
::darkly:: Agreed. I'd never really noticed how. . . Well, I'd never seen something quite like that before.

Vasili:
I'm sorry, we don't have one of those.

Martel:
::walks back into the room:: I have. Its usually something reserved for war, instead of parties, however.

Budi:
Perhaps then, you can tell me where the port is located. It is not the same port from which we just came?

Martel:
::bows slightly to Budi:: My apologies for the anger. The man was about to have an emotional breakdown, and did NOT need to be perstered with questions. I assume you called a skipper?

Vasili:
It is.

Budi:
A flitter, a bit faster. Skipper would be for the other side of the planet.

Martel:
A bit pricier as well. do we have the cash for it?

Vasili:
The port we just came from is the secondary port for the planet. The primary port is Princess Isabella, which is where we're headed.

An:
::returns::

Budi:
This is not one of my normal planets. Where is Isabella

Lan:
::Stands up, unobtrusively::

Vasili:
About three thousand miles north.

Budi:
Good that is what I thought.

GM:
::there's a knock at the door::

Martel:
::stands to answer it::

GM:
::a young man in a charioteer jumpsuit is there:: Car for Griffen and party?

Martel:
::nods:: we'll be there in a few minutes.

An:
Let's go.

Budi:
Yes. I am Budi, I ordered the vehicle.

An:
::looks to Budi:: Good work.

Trainee:
I'm supposed to make sure you have the payment

Vasili:
::Vasili's massive frame moves past the chaioteer::

Martel:
::runs to get equipment from the foyer ::

Budi:
::Turns to AN.:: I ordered the vessel in your name, Sir. I asked for rush service

An:
::nods:: I have the payment.

Martel:
::Martel's massive frame moves past the charioteer::

An:
I am Chief Anhetepf Griffen of the Reeves Guild. I have the money.

Vasili:
((Martel's massive frame is a copycat))

Budi:
(( Think of this as a Lear Jet))

Martel:
((Vasili's massive fame can bite me))

Trainee:
::he nods then shows you down to the horse-drawn carriage that will take you to the personal jet plane that you've just rented for a 3000 mile trip::

Lan:
((Y'all's massive frame is a copycat of Peredur Moon, who did not make the casting call. ))

GM:
((alright people, every time I bring you to Aragon the OOC gets excessive, and we were doing so well too for a while there.. let's try to keep it down please))

Lan:
::clears his throat. Taking a step or so closer to the deacon:: What's at Isabella?

Martel:
Maria is at Isabella.

Budi:
::to AN:: I am sorry for the excess charge, but I thought that you would like to get to the port as fast as possible.

An:
You did good. Thanks. I would have done the same.

Lan:
Right. And the... right. ::nods::

Martel:
Right.

An:
::gets into the car::

Budi:
::I'll be the last into the carriage, handing the Trainee my account# to deposit my fee::

Vasili:
::Vasili enters the car as well::

Lan:
::follows along:: Martel, I meant to ask. If Avesti don't like visions... what did you think...? ::Getting in::

Martel:
The Avesti don't like visions for different reasons than my own. I don't like visions because supposedly they are almost never useful until too late. For example, we know we need to help An, but we would have done that anyway. What we don't know is HOW to help an, and the vision ain't sharing.

GM:
::the car moves once everyone's in::

Lan:
::nod, shrugs:: Can't argue with that.

Martel:
Now, we just need to find a fire absorbing sliver of stone, and our confusion will be complete.

Vasili:
::Vasili looks confused::

Trainee:
Artifact hunting, are you sir?

Martel:
::shrugs:: you could call it that.

An:
::sits looking out the window wringing his hands thinking::

Lan:
You'd be surprised how many books there are on that subject penned by addle brained... er, amateur scholars.

Martel:
Tons, I'm sure. ran across a few treasure hunting types among the muster. most came to a bad end early on. Can't really think of one who even made a really decent living off the practice.

Lan:
::shakes head:: Well. No. ::notices An wringing his hands::

Martel:
::leans back, fingerin an unlit cigar::

Budi:
::Going to climb out of the carriage, up to where the trainee is sitting::

Lan:
An. I don't think, we really discussed the experience we had, out in the Ghast desert... did we?

Trainee:
Evenin Commander

Lan:
Did... anybody?

An:
... no I don't think so. ::continues wringing his hands::

Martel:
::sigh:: I've thought about it.

Budi:
What can you tell me about the piloting accident last month. Who at the controls? Some hotshot house pilot?

Trainee:
Don't rightly know sir. That's not information I'm privy to. Rumors abound though.

Lan:
::rests his elbows on his knees, leaning forward:: I don't. Um. I don't know, really, how much one should make of hallucinations of unknown etiology. But. Mmm. This one was relevant. Martel... the charioteer, and I...

Budi:
Like what?

Lan:
We were in the desert, there on Byzantium two... the three of us had a sort of series of images run through our heads. You were in the last of them.

Martel:
yeah?

Trainee:
Oh, the usual... a demon took over the controls... Scraver knockoff pilot... Sathra-addict... or just a canned guilder looking to make one last flight while drunk

Lan:
The first was of a... hawk. Falling, and then it was picked at by Mantises and big scavenger avians.

Martel:
yup. vultures.

Budi:
Figures. What was the craft?

Martel:
I'm not sure if they reprisent someone other than the Decados though

Lan:
The, uh. Second, was of a series of scintillating light trails hopping betwen the stars...

Trainee:
Dunno, I think it was a fairly small lander though

Martel:
Fire in space, you mean? I'm guessing the stone sliver represents either a ship or fleet of some kind.

Lan:
::purses his lips:: It was distinctly a stone, though. ::doesn't really care to detail the third vision anyway::

Martel:
Yup. Stone it was. and the third?

Lan:
Maybe it was a plague...? Jumping between the stars, I mean? That stone should have been red. Rubedo. ::musing::

An:
The third?

Vasili:
::Vasili shifts uncomfortably, cramped and trying to listen to things that are quite over his head::

Budi:
Who in the guild in heading the investigation?

Trainee:
::just shrugs:: You'd have to ask around when you get there, sir, I don't have the first clue

Lan:
::winces:: Well. You're killed in the third. Visions. ::holds out his hand:: Hallucinations? I don't know. You're trampled on a battlefield by a large force of people in heavy plate. I think. You're wearing several crests. ::shrgs::

Budi:
I understand. How long have you been serving?

Lan:
Hazat gear, adn a number of crests. ::frowns:: Do I have that right? ::looks to the Deacon::

Trainee:
Couple months

Lan:
*shrugs, and

Martel:
.The hazat bit, yeah, but it was An, not myself.

Lan:
Right. An. ::agrees::

Budi:
::Continue chit chat for the duration::

Lan:
::holding out hand should have read: holding out hands, palms up::

An:
The Hawk, is the Hazat. The Mantises, Decados. As for the fire, I don't know. Vultures, I don't know As for the last vision... I don't know.

Lan:
::nods:: Well. In this vision, you were quite alone. ::thoughtfully looks around the cabin::

Martel:
Like I said, I don't like visions, they never say quite what they seem to.

Lan:
::shrugs, glances at teh Deacon:: See your point.

GM:
::and then the beastcart rolls into the airport and disembarks underneath your FRIGGING PRIVATE JET::

Lan:
::eyeballs said Jet.::

An:
::considering this is the third tier of this story, he thinks and his friends deserve a FRIGGING PRIVATE JET::

Budi:
::Hoppes down and helps everyone out of the carriage::

An:
::gets out and boards the jet::

Vasili:
::Follows right behind::

GM:
::it's.. well.. it's a FRIGGING PRIVATE JET... first class all the way baby::

Budi:
I'll start the preflight checks. ::Enters the jet.::

Vasili:
((Bring out the sexy stews!))

Vasili:
((Sorry, couldn't resist))

Budi:
((They are extra))

Lan:
::frowns. Aside,:: Aren't strictly suborbital aircraft supposed to be dangerous? ::doesn't believe it, but has heard as much:: Then again. I suppose they couldn't be any worse'n... ::takes out a tissue and sneezes into it::

An:
::sits near a window waiting to fly out::

Lan:
::has climbed aboard::

Pilot:
::a middle aged guy wanders out from the cockpit:: Pshaw and nonsnese... safest way to fly.. no void krakens up in the air We waiting on anyone else?

Lan:
Well. ::smiles:: People are superstitious about everything, eh?

Budi:
No, this is all. Thank you for the vessel. I'll take it from here.

Pilot:
Sorry Commander Ramesh.. we found your ID card.. you aren't nearly certified to take out any plane of this caliber... specially one you're renting... Feel free to Copilot though... 'sides.. space jocks tend to forget what gravity does to a stabilizer and treat things a bit rough even when they're fully trained

Budi:
I see now why the price was higher than I had expected. I had not thought of renting a pilot.

Budi:
At least let me get a few more hours on the records

Pilot:
s'long as you do it from the co seat that's fine with me.. we underway?

Budi:
Yes, yes. We must get to Isabella Port as soon as possible.

Lan:
::buckles himself in::

Budi:
I'll read off the gauges

GM:
::and there's a whole period of taking off and flying and going over water that's rather long, though a bit of a thrill probably for some of you, especially on a FRIGGING PRIVATE JET...

Vasili:
((Is Frigging a brand name? If so, I want to buy stock))

GM:
and then a little under four hours later you land.. on the other side of the equator but still the same time zone... midnightish... in Princess Isabella::

Budi:
::During inflight, step back to the group:: How is everyone? Is there anything that you need? ::Close the door to the cabin:: Don't drink the bottles out of the cooler. THey cost extra.

Lan:
::rubs his beard, which is getting a little long. Mutters:: Never been on a private jet before.

An:
We need to arange for transportation.

Budi:
::Sit across from AN:: What transport do you wish?

GM:
::Princess Isabella is pretty damn big.. not so big as the starport/agora at Byzantium that most of you just left... but large and in a spanish style that screams "I'm going to hurry, but not because I hurry on a regular basis... I'm normally quite laid back, you see, but just this once I need to get something done. But with style!"::

An:
Whatever we can get.

GM:
::the late night tide must have rolled in, as the salt breeze is very refreshing after four hours of recycled air::

Budi:
Where do you need to go, Sir.

An:
...I ... I don't know. ::to everyone:: For once guys, I don't know what to do.

Vasili:
Follow the coastline. Her uncle's home is up the cost to the northeast.

Budi:
About how far, Sir?

Vasili:
Not more than a couple of hours.

Budi:
As beast-carriage? or by skimmer?

Vasili:
Car.

Lan:
An. I've got no head for politics. But, aren't things likely to turn ugly no matter how well... ::looks around:: various new alliances are forged? I think... you certainly... have some business, getting in contact. At least. Was that what you were asking? Even if... feelings weren't involved. It'd still be a rational thing to do.

An:
::nods:: Lets go.

Budi:
Very well. I will find a driver. ::Returns to the co-pilot seat and call for a ground car to be waiting for us when we land::

GM:
::and then the pilot points out that you have landed::

Martel:
::listens carefully to make sure he doesnt buy us a stretch suv limo :-)::

GM:
::which was how you smelled the salt breeze::

Budi:
::CAll the tower via radio in the plane::

GM:
::you eventually get in a car.. which they will let you rent sans driver, if anyone knows how to drive::

Budi:
::We need a driver::

Vasili:
I can drive.

Budi:
OK, no Driver.

GM:
::it's when Vasili gets behind the driver's seat and has to undergo complex adjustments for room that it's finally hammered home to all of you that... he's quite nearly 7 feet tall.. that's tall::

Budi:
So, what is the plan? We find the Woman Maria, then take her off planet as fast as we can?

An:
I need to speak to her first.

Martel:
... ::amazed that he's begun thinking thats a good plan...thumps his own head::

Lan:
::had already noticed something like this. And is behind the guy::

GM:
::luckily it's a big SUV, jeep, van hybrid.. thing.. so there's ample room ::

Lan:
::lets 'em talk. Leans against the opposite window:: So. Vasily? Where're you from? Born on Grail, myself.

Martel:
Same here. ::listens for Vasili's response::

Vasili:
I've done a lot of travelling. Not really from anywhere.

Lan:
Oh. Yeah. Travelling is good.

Martel:
*grins* thought you hated to travel.

Vasili:
But if you want to know where I was born, it was Cadavus.

Budi:
There is nothing better then the freedom to go where you wish.

Lan:
It... depends on my mood. ::folds his arms:: Never been to Cadavus. ::conversationally::

Martel:
I think i hit it once, a long while back... not sure though.

Vasili:
::concentrates on driving::

Budi:
::Going to catch some sleep::

Lan:
::takes out a book and reads::

Martel:
::goes with the sleep thing::

Lan:
::worries that he may have sounded like an idiot trying to give AN advice at the Starport::

GM:
::right... a couple hours later... about the hour of the jackal... you pull into a coastal village...

An:
::enjoys the hour of the jackal::

GM:
very nice, seeming like a resort spot... the haciendas here are similar in style to New Barcelona, but are a bit more recently whitewashed with architecture slightly more open to the sea air...

Lan:
::has lost track of time as usual:: We're there?

Vasili:
That's right.

GM:
they all have the solid fortress practicality common to Hazat architecture, however, and there is a large wall cutting the noble estates from the freemen and the roadway, bisecting the beach and heading some ways out into the water.. a true private beach::

GM:
::you might be able to take in more details when you have more than moon and starlight to go on::

GM:
::but at the moment, the road off to the noble estates is gated off::

Lan:
Should we find a place to stay the night, then? ::shuffles around, stretching his legs::

An:
::nods:: Not a bad idea.

GM:
::a hotel seems to have a night clerk not far from the beach::

GM:
((Rob discovered suddenly he has to go in early.. you guys wanna wait til next week for the likely quite drawn out scene to come?))

Vasili:
((I'm with that))

Lan:
((Yeah. I have to be to bed fairly soon. ))

Budi:
((yep))

GM:
~~~ OOC ~~~