~~~IC~~~

::On our last episode, before you were stuck with reruns for the holiday break, our intrepid band of intrepers braved the ultra-conservative desert of Pyre to get ahold of Vladimir's Philosopher's stone... it was achieved, with some unfortunate and humorless avesti chaperones, and you have recently defied all laws of known science to jump from Pyre to Aragon with no gate... the planet looms bluely below::

...

By the Pancreator... we aren't dead.

((And GOT it!))

((In more ways than one! BAM!))

Oh I bet some space traffic controller down there just messed his shorts something fierce.

::The Avestites cross themselves and begin doing penance rites::

Well, I took the liberty of killing our beacon just in case, so... they're fine

::blinks for a while staring out the front window the looks to the stone hoping it doesn't fall down and out the bottom of the ship::

Well that's good then.

They won't know we're here unless they get a visual. I figured we might want to set down off the official roles after how we left.

::the stone has calmly retracted its cables and rests unmenacingly on the floor of the bridge::

::probably never took his eyes off the stone. Has that look that last crossed his face when initially making the acquaintance of the Angelics and Demonics on Severus.::

Reasonable. Now give me a moment to get my heart working again. ::heaves a deeeeep sigh of relief::

Also, I want one of those of my very own. That's the only way to fly.

Agreed. Find us a safe spot to touch down.

I'm pretty sure they're out of your paygrade.

We have Engineers. Have them do their job, reversed.

So where are we setting down?

heh. I'd like to see them try. They might figure SOMETHING good out of the thing.

It would take more than conventional science to... ::clears his throat:: reverse engineer something of this sort.

Wait, where ARE we setting down?

Somewhere near the Lab. We'll want to see how it's been doing since we've been gone.

Good call.

If thats alright with you doctor?

Capital idea An. Really been away from shop much too long. ::amazingly doesn't sound entirely enthused about going to his clinic. Eyes still on stone.::

New Barcelona it is. That will probably be easier to clear than the bigger port anyway. ::begins the descent::

::within a few minutes and a few furtive encrypted comm discussions later, you're touching down in the seedy side of the New Barcelona starport, and wheeling into Tollosk's trademarked nondescript hangar::

So, hopefully, the Jakovians have better things to worry about than us at the moment, unless they left someone for payback, but their allies might be angry at us. Where do we want to stay?

::looks to Tollosk:: How well can you keep this ship "off the radar" in port?

::takes eyes off the stone. Looks like puppy that's been hit:: You know. You could have gone all day without saying the J word.

::stashes stone in its nondescript case::

::once you have touched the stone for them, the avestites helpfully take the case::

I might need to bribe a few people and change the hangar every so often. Leave me some cash, and take a radio so I can tell you where I am.

::nods:: We'll be doing the same thing. No two places twice. Lets try and keep a low profile while were here making sure everything is ready. At least until a reasonable return time has passed.

::assembles his gear, which does not include, for the first time in decades, either a flamer or the red Avesti robes::

::notices:: Hey padre.

Yeap?

Unless the device is required, we will also remain with it and the ship.

::tucks a kaa oil vine leaf into his pocket:: For good luck.

Heh. At least it'll smell right. ::checks the safety on his gun, and stashes it beneath his jacket:: lets head to the lab.

Maria and I will find proper lodgings then meet you there, alright?

::puts on a nondescript looking hoodie or something:: Check.

Sounds good. We'll take the brothers with up.

Oh, An. I'm getting a ping on the comms that you have some secure messages at the local post office.

::nods at the guards:: C'mon gents, lets see if we'll get shot at just yet.

Right, anyway to collect those in a way that would make it appear that they are being transmitted off world?

As I said, we shall remain with the ship, barring pressing need to leave.

::sighs nervously and follows Martel::

Right. Just remember, we can replace the ship if we really have to. We cannot replace the stone. Let's go Lan.

Also... the stone won't probably burn. But no NEED to test that... ::steeples fingers miserably::

::heads out to the lab::

No way to reroute them, but a few greased palms should make sure they stay on the server as if they were never picked up here

::follows:: So. ::Tries to think of smalltalk on the way there. Might actually feel worse about Martel getting the boot than Martel does::

::sighs:: You're thinking about how I got booted out of my order, aren't you?

::nods:: Sounds good. Ready Maria?

Yeah. ::slouches:: It's REALLY not fair.

Let's go ::shoulders her oversized duffle... somewhere, she got a bigger, bulkier one than when you spirited her away, and it's a testiment to her athletic prowess that she's not crushed underneath::

I've been playing fast and loose with my Oaths for a long time Lan. I've only ever done what I thought was right, and I'd do it again if I had to, but I didn't pay a price that I wasn't expecting.

I'd offer to help, but I have sensitive wrists. ::he says with a smile:: Lets go save the world some more.

And you know what? If we manage to save the known worlds from invasion, I can lose my calling and still say it's the best deal I've ever made.

::makes his way to the post office::

::frowns:: Maybe it's better the Amaltheans never would let me in. I don't know if I could say the same in your place. We *are* going to save the known worlds though. ::vaguely cheered/amused by that::

::you manage to get a pair of cabs to your disparate destinations, the post office is still open in the late afternoon, and the cab waits while An rolls in to check his messages::

::greases appropriate palms::

::tries to pay in an anonymously usual way::

::there are several messages from your spy network, the most promising out of Port Isabella: "located likely individual to interview about subject. need to meet privately. destination near isabella." with contact information::

::notes information and returns to the cab, letting Maria know::

::lan and martel have no trouble getting to the lab, but on arrival find that it appears to have been commandeered by the Justus towards the production of the methadone::

((The Justus? ))

((the heir-apparent house))

((the house that was only slightly behind the Eduardos in power, so they probably have the best level of military control of anyone left locally))

((oh, right. ))

Well. ::shrugs:: At least things are being maintained. ::not at all satisfied that that's the case-- so starts checking around::

::which is probably impossible without identifying himself, so he looks around for whomever is in charge::

Huh. Nice of them to come in here and take over like that, and all on their own initiative too, I bet.

::a minor householder seems to be running the front of the office::

::heads on in:: Excuse me. Yes, excuse me. I'd like a word with whomever's in charge of the clinic. Who would that be. by the way?

Umm... Doctor Lopez is on duty this evening

And whereabouts might he be located?

Who can I say is calling?

Ah. Is... {name of most competent person I worked with previously} still here?

I believe he's off shift today, he's been working 12 hour days lately

Ah, perhaps I could speak to him instead. Is he in the lab, then?

No, he's off shift.

::frowns:: Right then. I'm a fellow with the Apothecaries. If I could speak to Lopez, directly?

Name?

::looks irritable:: I dislike having to introduce myself at my own clinic. Could I please speak to your Doctor Lopez?

Your clinic? Dr. Maningzhoue?

::huffs:: Yes.

I apologize ::steps up and goes into the next room, followed out momentarily by a small, thin, unassuming older man::

Ah! Dr. Maningzhoue! So sorry to confuse you in your own clinic. I'm afraid we've muscled in a bit.

Doctor. Not at all. ::waits to shake hands, since you never know who's nobility playing doctor:: So long as progress is being made against the addiction, I'm glad of it. ::low:: Sir, if you could not bandy about my presence, I'd be greatful. I'm far from universally popular. ::pained expression at that, too::

::shakes his hand:: We were short production on the coast, so your ally Baron Rocco Justus told us about your clinic. Unfortunately, you were not reachable, and we needed the extra brewing space. You'll find that it's all friends here. The Baron brought in several loyal guards. Based on the information we've been receiving from Byzantium, I'd imagine you're worried about the Jakovians.

Mmm. Yes, other business. Oh good. Yes, could you... hahaha. Could you I just, really dislike that... term. ::wrings hands:: So manufacture of the medication proceeds smoothly?

Oh, speaking of information from far away, a letter arrived here from Leagueheim for you this morning.

Ah? Very good.

Yes indeed. Your drug is truly a marvel. I'm not sure how you managed to make use of all the vats you have here with a skeleton staff. It's taking us a dozen pharmacists at all hours to reach capacity.

Mmm. ::nods:: My methods are hetrogenous. And the Pancreator's blessings rarely slow one down either. You don't have any men with a passing knowledge of alchemy on staff, do you?

No, indeed. My men are competent, but we're all locally trained.

::the householder has been rummaging in the desk at the "letter for you" suggestion, and finally produces a very nice large vellum envelope with the guild seals::

Mmm. An oversight on my part, I didn't do so well in chemical engineering or economics, either. ::chuckles, shrugs it off:: If you'll excuse me just a moment. ::taking letter, retires to a nearby private looking spot to read::

::looks uncomfortable with the absence of the good doctor:: So....science huh?

::a thinner sheer material wraps a page-sized object, with a small letter affixed to the outside... "Doctor Lan Maningzhoue, based on glowing recommendations from Byzantium Secondus and Aragon, as well as your previous work to date, we are pleased to promote you, effective immediately, to the rank of Crafter First Class. This carries with it an increase in guild stipend, and a paid lease on official offices in the guild-supported city of your choice. We would appreciate you taking residents from the guild's latest graduate class when you have established yourself. Yours, Dean Devlin"::

Ha! They.... ::pretends to read further, glances at Martel:: They apparently think I want to teach. ::groans::

::double checks the letter to be reasonably certain there's nothing else to it, and assuming he concludes not, asks the front office man if he could file it away for him::

::the inner wrapping opens to a very nice certificate of rank::

::grins:: You do want to teach, almost constantly.

::oh, that, I'll have to tuck away in a coat pocket::

::it's big enough you'd have to fold it::

::or roll it::

Hrms. ::for a minute, looking at the letter, and decides it can wait here for him:: Could you open a file for my correspondences, sir? ::to the desk guy::

Certainly, sir. Your private office remains mostly as you left it, though I believe some of the techs have camped out on the floor during long shifts.

Ah. Well. Actually. Something in a secure file then? ::laughs nervously:: Forgive the paranoid ideations of a doctor keeping company beyond his ken.

Certainly, sir. I'll see that it's kept pristine and safe. Congratulations.

I have the worst hypochondria too, especially in winter months.

::there was probably also a new guild ID card for you to take with you::

::the picture is fairly flattering, they seemed to have picked one from one of the better summer formal parties a few years ago::

::oh wait.... couldn't somebody impersonate me with that? it's....:: Ah, wait, ::plucks Id out before handing it over:: Padre, does this look like the getup I wore to that Castenada Ball? Wonder where they got that picture. Hmph.

Security cameras everywhere these days. At least they got your good side.

::a cab pulls up outside of the lab, and the cabbie pokes his head in::

Y....eah. ::Clears throat:: Well. Doctor. Maybe I can help get your brewing brewing. We have a few hours to kill.... er, maybe we don't.

Sent here to pick up two fellows and take them to a hotel?

That would be us. ::slides into the back seat::

::sidelong look at Martel:: Okay. Well, ah. Thanks so much, Doctor. Hope to be back soon. Can't say when. Keep up the good work! ::follows martel::

::the cab drives you to a second tier hotel in the city... nice, but not nice enough that they get offended when you pay in cash and don't give your real name::

You're supposed to be in suite 1221. The ride has been paid for. Thank you for using Baron Cabs.

Right, thanks. ::exits the cab and makes his way to the room::

::the rooms are on the 12th floor, and Maria lets you into a nicely appointed two-bedroom and living room suite::

::follows along::

How was the lab?

::is enjoying a stiff drink of water while looking out the window, listening::

The Justus have more or less taken over, ::scratches head:: I gather. Seem to be doing a decent job, but couldn't look around much. A doctor Lopez...?

::forgot it was the future, he meant Wah-tuur::

(( XD ))

There are a lot of Lopezes on Aragon. But if he's one of Rocco's men, I think I recognize the name.

::smirks and rolls eyes in "you got me there" expression::

Older man, thin?

And we can trust those folks? ::looks back and forth between Maria and An:: You guys know I have no head for politics. Yeah, that's him.

He's a good man, from what I remember. Oversees one of the veteran's hospitals near the coast. And, yes, I'd prefer if someone like Duke Enrico was more overtly in our corner... But the Justus are far better than the Castenda, and Rocco's a good guy. Father liked him.

Lan, are you aware you're glowing, just a little?

Sounds like he got offered a teaching gig. ::slaps Lan on the back, friendly-like::

::checks his clothes:: What?

I guess it's not a way to get you out of the way, since you seem happy about it. Promotion?

Oh, that. ::grins:: I'm going to take my residents to do field research on Severus, I think. I mean... ::cringes:: After this is LONG over.

Say hello to all the incredibly huge bugs for me!

You were a Fellow before, right? And the Apothecaries use Engineer titles... so, you're a Crafter, now?

Yes, that's right. I hadn't really. ::rubs his ears:: A crafter. Odd titles of office. ::shrug::

::looks away from the window:: Congratulations, Doctor. ::he says with a smile::

You do know, that means anyone that recognizes guild titles alongside noble titles has to announce and seat you next to the Earls... or the Marquesas?

Thanks. Thanks. So, do you think I should.... they have to what? Yeah, I suppose. But.

::chuckles:: Fancy. ::bows in a deeply flourished way::

Yep. You're the ranking member of the group, now. No obstacle to you associating with people of higher class. They'd have to kick out the knights and barons before they could turn you away.

Oh Pancreator. I'm never escaping politics, am I?

You should see the picture on his new ID. Perfect for wooing his way up the Duchesses.

And, I mean... you already know a Marquesa and everything, right? Perfect place to start hobnobbing.

Doesn't at least one noblewoman on this planet want to kill me at this point? I mean, you know. Not that I flatter myself, but.

::a long dormant light above Martel's head goes "ding":

::an eyebrow is raised::

I wonder if she read that book I gave her, anyway. ::mutters:: I suppose I have to go socialize for the sake of the Known Worlds, now. Can you just call on somebody out of the blue?

Lan the country doctor would probably have some trouble. Lan the respected scholar from Leagueheim, hero of Aragon, can write his own ticket.

Bring her a nice flower. Women love a nice flower, and you could use it as a conversational starting point.

Yeah, a poisonous one. I mean, for me, of course.

Assuming, of course, the Castenda aren't behind all of our problems and just waiting to murder us all.

Right... of couse.

::feeling faint, sits down::

Of course, if they ARE behind it, hey, at least you have a poisonous flower, right?

Well, okay, but seriously for a minute, the Castenedas aren't optimal consolidate-and-rebuild material, even if somehow, magically, my irrepressable charm ::rolls his eyes:: got me a lot of attention. Are they?

::takes a piece of ice into his mouth and crunches on it:: Lets hope not.

The Castenda I interacted with seemed to be from the arm of the family that bred for beauty over brains. If the Castenda as a whole are behind anything, Malena isn't the first mover. She might be a happy participant, but their nastiness has always trickled down from Duchess Elena. Who only coincidentally is named the same as An's sister.

::raises his eyebrows for a moment:: You know, I always heard Duchess before her name so I never even realized it.

Family endearment?

But, anyway, Malena's a very beautiful girl, and if it turns out that we don't have to execute her as a traitor to the house, you two would make a very pretty couple.

::rolls eyes:: Smooth Maria.

Speaking of fun things we have to do. I have someone I need to get in touch with someone on Isabella. Probably better sooner than later. I'll arange transport with that.

So. If I was going to go visit with the Marquessa. I could, you know. Prove I can dance better. Thanks to you, of course. And... oh yeah. Execution. ::cringes:: Is she... that awful? I mean I know she was sort of ... is there reason to believe she was involved in all that?

Plus... if you had kids and raised them to be doctors instead of nobles, we could start breeding the Castenda entirely out of our gene pool

::punches Maria lightly in the arm:: No evil plotting until you control the house. ::does some stern finger pointing::

The Castenda are awful, as a group. Her cousin, Tyrone, is awful as a person. Is she awful? I don't know yet, I didn't spend much time with her. There's every hope that she's a perfectly nice girl in a bad place.

::groans and clutches his skull:: OKay, okay. Maybe I can go seduce her to ... ::looks up:: If she really was involved with the crash or... I dunno, the distribution of the selchaka here... I couldn't forgive that. Anymore than you could

::blinks::

::starts laughing hard::

::covers his mouth::

What?!

I'm sorry... :: is having trouble breathing:: You...

::stares at An:: I apoligize Maria, you are the essence of caring and tact.

Honey, Lan is an international man of mystery now.

Interplanetary, even.

He can seduce whoever he wants.

Well, not me.

"Seduce her to the side of good and right!" ::quoting an obscure line from a popular romance novel of several centuries antiquity from Grail:: It's a *figure of speech*.

Or me. Sorry Lan. Married to the church and all that.

::stop laughing and wipes his eyes:: Sorry... sorry...

::grits his teeth and arbitrarily assumes his bland grin:: Now I'm going to have to actually do it, and act like you didn't goad me into it.

The price you pay, and all that.

Oh come on now. ::puts a hand up to his mouth so Maria can't read his lips, but says overly loudly:: I can give you some tips on seducing nobles if you need them.

Dance with them and steal their Ur-relics you say? Check.

Mostly.

::does the same hand-holding-but-speaking-loudly trick to An:: She's totally going to stab the crap out of you.

I think I know how this plan goes: get her on your ship, ostensibly to date Tollosk, then be moody and emo about her for about a year, then appear to die and see if she's upset about it

Worked didn't it?

If she is, you're totally in, assuming you have a good excuse for being alive

Every relationship has its rough starts.

You could even beat An's record if you're not a woman when she sees you again

I claim temporary insanity on that one.

Temporary?

::Squints:: Yeah, no. I'm not going to try that.

I got better.

Interestingly, his Id still thought it was neat to run around as a woman... make of that what you will

Pythonicus, thirty-second century.

It wasn't his Anima?

Truthfully, just be honest. She probably deals with a world of politics and suitors where deception is a normal as breathing. Come at her from a different angle. Show her you can be honest and forward. I can almost guarantee you'll get her attention. And you won't have to worry about keeping up a lie.

Yeah, that usually tends to bite you in the ass when you come clean.

Have you known me to be adept at deceit and subterfuge recently? ::thinks:: Did you SERIOUSLY think I was going to take it off the guy's desk?

A man can dream can't he? ::he says with a smile::

You, I wasn't sure about. HE ::pointing at An:: would have totally tried it though.

OKay. I need an antihypertensive. Then I'll see about calling on the Marquesa, and meanwhile try and spend time at the clinic as the prodigal brewmeister. When are we safe to be actually visible planetside here?

::thinks for a minute::

What kind of safe?

Hiding the blatant use of the you-know-what safe.

"They aren't shooting at me right now" "They aren't shooting at me today" or "they aren't shooting at me" safe?

Ohhh, that kind of safe.

::chuckles::

Lets give it about 3 weeks. Though we may have to move before that. The stone's safety is our second highest priority next to the planet and the house.

If the prophecy wanted us to use that thing to get around, we may not have that long. It's nearly November

I feel that the time to ante up will be soon. And each side will be throwing in their hands. No aces in the hole. No holding back.

Whoever was behind everything has had six months to consolidate.

So we've bought some time to consolidate ourselved. How would it best be spent?

The Black Cypress document, if it's real, would be an even bigger wrench in the works than the selchaka thing.

((I totally made notes on that, and forgot where they are.))

Which is why I'm leaving for Isabella tonight.

You don't happen to mean "we" there, do you?

No, I think we've got too much to do here. Getting everything up to battle ready status. Lan will be needed in his lab and with the marquessa. Martel I'm probably gonna need you to assess what the current defense strategy is and how prepared it is. I should only be gone for a a day, two at the most. Maria, you'll need to come with me. If we find out information about this I'll probably need your knowledge of the house to decipher it.

The Marquesa's near Isabella

Fancy that.

I suppose it is rather international man of mystery-ish to show up on her doorstep when we're not supposed to even be on planet. Then again, does anybody really know when we left Pyre?

Right. Some kind of letter of introduction to the local military is. I'm not sure I'm quite charming enough to get them to hand over the keys to the castle just on my say-so.

(*interplanetary, I should think)

You can take my personal seal and a letter. We'll create a suitable disguise for you. :: he says with a smile::

Disguise? I don't look enough like a freelance military advisor?

Perhaps I should say... persona.

Oh good lord, this is going to involve not ignoring the stupid people, isn't it?

::thinks for a moment:: I don't want anyone in the group too far away and alone so I think we'll all go. Isabella should be check anyway. As it hosts a decent Space Port. ::radios down to Tollosk to set up transport::

You out tonight, or in the morning?

::looks around the room:: How late is it?

::getting on towards dinnertime::

I could move.

Lets eat. Stay here tonight. Go in the morning. Unless you can't wait doctor. ::he says with a mock serious face::

Oh I can.... ::tries to think of a clever comeback, and just scowls::

::to the radio:: Tomorrow morning please, Captain.

Fair enough. I'll get some supplies to last us here while I'm at it. Your friends like bread and water, right Martel? They're not going to join me in a brandy and steak dinner?

We both know you cooked that steak in some beer Tollosk. They'll enjoy their bread and water.

Fair enough. I'll have your plane ready in the morning.

::and, he does. As the morning dawns bright, you're on a jet chartered under an assumed name or three, heading towards Isabella::

I suppose it was really better that we should stay on the move anyhow.

::You cross the equator to get to Isabella, and it's actually getting into Winter here. The beaches look closed as you fly into the port::

::it's close to the equator, however, so it's not terribly cold once you get off the plane::

Hm. So. ::paces to un-asleep his legs:: Is it better to send a letter by courier ahead in this sort of thing? And ask to meet? But that would hardly take her by surprise.

Bribe some guards to find out if she'll be home. Then just show up when she's not busy, exotic flowers in hand. Have a date planned. Something romantic.

Like a walk through the gardens or something.

She's probably sick of the beach. There's a nice nature preserve a few miles inland from the bluffs that will let you show off your woodsiness. Or parasailing. Scuba?

Midnight pleasure cruise through eel infested waters?

I'll go with woodsiness.

I'm gonna go with Martel on this one. Woods are definately you're strong point. Make sure its a very "you" date. Not just any dinner and a show. Put your stamp on it. Woodsiness is definately you. Point out cute factoids about the flowers. Keep discusssions of horrible flesh eating diseases to a minimum. Don't disect anything.

::chuckles:: Well, that's just dashed the whole thing. Vivisection is really my forte.

Though she probably hangs out with Decados, so she might be up on your discussions about how dangerous the Severan jungle is.

If she starts to look bored, ask her about her life.

Here's a good one! If there is a lull in the conversation, just turn to her and say, "Tell me something about you I don't know" Its a great way to fill the gaps and can be a fun game.

You all are trying to scare me. Clearly.

I could always pay someone to attack you so you can save her, if you'd prefer.

Just think of it as a crash course in dating a possible arch-enemy.

It's not the Severan Jungle but... I'd relish having company... On the walk I plan in Salamaca Woods... This afternoon at half past three.

Woah, woah, Martel. That's not cool. Why are you giving dating advice anyway? You're a priest.

Right, I could get hurt in play-acting.

Hrm? Just a little sarcasm Maria. And I'm pretty sure I'm not a priest anymore, so I can give whatever advice I want.

Just stick with the honest route. Much safter there. Nice... good invitation.

And, let us all remember, she's a Hazat noble, even if she is Castenda. She could absolutely take any of you except An in a swordfight.

Really. Had a lot of dating success in the three days since you've been out of the order?

Since when have I ever used swords? Not like it's neccessary anyways. I'm sure Lan will have her eating out of his hand.

Built up a lot of romantic experience?

Hard to climb a tree with sword in hand. Unless she went all piratey. ::thinking:: I bet she'd look charming that way.

So... where's your contact?

I spent a lot of time with military folk back when I was a company chaplain. They tend to have decidedly extensive experience in what not to do. I try to learn from the bad examples of others when possible.

::hands a piece of paper to Maria where he wrote down the contact info::

You think the Marquessa would deign to eat out of a picnic basket?

::you all head to a phone to tell the spy you're coming, then are able to take a cab to a seedier section of town, where the office parks have seen better days::

The picnic basket is a universal symbol of eating outdoors. Just get a nice one. And have cheeses. Fine cheeses are essential to a successful picnic.

::a man waves at you from the shadows within the office::

I'm a fresh fruit sort, but you have a point.

::steps out of the cab and makes his way inside::

::looks to make sure he isn't being watched::

And good god man, no matter what, whatever else you do, make sure...::pauses:: oop, one sec, I'll tell you after this meeting.

Smart. Ass.

::the coast seems clear, and you all pile into the office, lit by the mid-afternoon light, where lots of documents, photos, and tapes litter the available desk surfaces. A moth-eaten couch and some chairs are there for your sitting... pleasure?... and the small rat-faced man seating himself behind the desk is every inch the private investigator::

Sirs, lady, welcome to my fine abode. I'm Julian, we spoke on the phone, and I left you the message received via one of my contacts. I check for bugs with the fervency that some priests check for sin, so you make speak freely here, and Mr. Griffen is paying very well to ensure my employer-agent confidentiality.

Julian... what have you got for me? ::he says while sitting in the chair closest::

Nereo Calvo.

Go on.

He's a former serf, picked out as a boy and trained to serve as a butler and attache to the royal house. It's said he was unfailingly loyal to Prince Juan, and trusted to handle all things with discretion. The only reason he wasn't on hand at the tragedy was that he was arranging the Prince's travel arrangements for after the party. But he seemed to have disappeared afterwards. We found him a few weeks ago, based on information gleaned from some of the more difficult-to-bribe servants on the Bluffs. Apparently, he's been a "guest" of the Castenda since shortly after the tragedy. They're treating him well, but not letting him leave, so obviously he knows something. If anyone living would know the locations of secret documents created by the Prince, it would be him. He's very well guarded; from what we can tell, he has at least one guard at all times outside his rooms, and is situated deep in one of the bigger haciendas the Castenda are staying in, such that you'd pass a lot of them to get in. And even if you got to him, you'd have to figure out some way to get him to tell you what the Castenda have probably been trying to butter or torture out of him for months. Nonetheless, he's probably your best bet for finding out about the Black Cypress Contingency.

::nods:: Thankyou. I assume you have all pertinent facts and locations in a handy file?

My suggestion is to put on a big distraction of some kind. All my reports say that the Castenda are bored as hell after being here for months, and you could get quite a lot of them out of the house with something interesting to gawk at.

::flips through a stack on his desk, then hands over a plain envelope::

Floor plans and guard rotations are in there, to the best of our ability to obtain them.

Its a good suggestion. And let me tell you. We are the masters of distraction. ::takes the envelope and flips him a firebird:: Buy the wife something nice. ::he says with a wink and stands:: Anything else, before we go?

No sir. Please call or write if you need anything not covered in the file.

Thank you, Julian. Good work, and keep your ears open I may need you again soon.

Of course, sir.

::clears throat:: I'm not going to be gawked at.

::makes the proper salute type knight for the emperor thing and makes his way out::

::squints his eyes and looks at Lan for a moment:: No, I don't think I could use you as a distraction. But you'll be good at getting the lady out of the way... in case killing needs to be done.

::you retire someplace private to discuss::

They'd turn out in numbers if Lan started to serenade Malena with poetry, or something. Boombox optional.

::raised eyebrows. Hopes-she's-joking expression::

((bhoomBhocks))

Hmm. Shakespeare? Catullus? Frost? Janbinwa?

We'd need a while, so go nuts.

Oh pancreator. They'll fall over for DeSade and Byron, I'm sure. ::groans::

Guards rarely get destracted by poetry. We need something violent, but not something that actually threatens them.

An could kick Tyrone's ass.

Oh... can I?

Defend my honor, honey.

Mmm, Nothing like a good old fashion duel to draw a crowd.

::reclines back in his chair:: I love this vacation.

Honestly, if he knows you're there, he'll probably try to kill you. Then, when he finds out that you're titled, now, he'll have to challenge you himself.

That leaves padre to do the sneaking in and persuading the kid. You bring any candy, Martel?

If An's dueling, you can help with the sneaking.

And the persuading!

((he's an adult.. he was raised from childhood to be a butler, but now he's quite old))

((the childhood bit described how long he'd been in service to gauge his loyalty level))

((ahhhh))

((I did get that believe it or not. The kid thing just.... oh yeah, I guess he would be old.))

((it went straight over my head, unsurprisingly))

Would these honor duels be to the death?

Ummm.... *probably* not

It depends on how angry he is that you gave him stupid advice then spirited away his betrothed right out from under him

So....yeah?

Fancy. ::he says, a mischevious smile playing across his face::

You're a very good swordsman, dear. I trained you, and I'm definitely a better swordfighter than Tyrone. Oh, you're not worried about yourself, are you? Poor, stupid Tyrone.

Um. I trust she wouldn't say that after everything we've been through if she weren't pretty sure.

Have I ever once been worried about myself?

Well, we have two good plans. I'm jet lagged. Let's take a nap and finish planning tomorrow!

::and they did::

~~~OOC~~~