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Dining Facility
Though the tan and white linoleum tiles of the dining hall are rather bland, the brightly-colored walls more than make up for that. The wall nearest the entrance holds vending machines for those on a budget, though the aromas of freshly-prepared food are tempting enough to make one forget finances. Cuisine from many of the Alliance's worlds is available, though some races are likely to find the food choices of their neighbors less than appealing. Plasglass windows in the next wall allow a view of the town beyond the complex, and a hint of the scenery beyond. Though the other two walls hold neither food nor windows, they have been painted with vivid colors, abstract murals that are occasionally interpreted by bored diners. Tables of varying shapes and sizes are found scattered throughout the room, with chairs that provide just enough comfort to allow ease of dining, but not so much that idlers are tempted to linger.
With the range of internal clocks of the complex's inhabitants, people of one form or another are generally found in the dining hall at all hours, though a seat at one of the many tables is usually available.
Aliana nods in satisfaction, 'My Mother is a Ma'am...I am an Ali' Gaze moves over to take Roland in...a quick grin forming before she waves to Clara, 'Hello Doctor!'
Clara heads in around and about various small groups of staffers just finishing dinner, and heads for the vending units to coax out an orange soda and a bag of chips. As she turns about, her glance immediately flits to the back of the room before hearing her title and grinning as she heads over towards the others. "Aliana, gentlemen. Lovely evening, isn't it?"
Aliana nods her head quickly, 'Indeed it is.'
Roland shrugs as he heads over to the table also. "Guesso." He glances around and pulls up a seat at the ajoining table.
Niko nods agreeably to Aliana, then brightens--a bit, but enough to be noticeable--as he spots Clara. "Is it? Haven't had a chance to get outside today."
Clara pauses to rest a hand on the back of an empty chair as she nods affably. "From what I've seen, at least. May I join you?"
Aliana does indeed notice the brightening as she settles into a nearby table...which just so happens to be by Roland.
Niko nods quite pleasantly, gathering up a few wayward bits of paperwork to make a little more room. "Please, yes. Plenty of room."
Roland looks over at Aliana. "Why hello."
Aliana grins,'Hope you don't mind.'
Clara slides into the seat lightly, tossing the chips down and popping open the soda. "Please, don't let me interrupt," she says apologetically. "Go on discussing whatever you were. I'll be quiet as a church mouse."
Roland shakes his head quickly. "No, not at all."
Niko, gesturing towards Aliana, says cheerfully, "Aliana there just convinced me to stop calling her ma'am. So there's one more. I think that's about where we were in the conversation. And we'd touched on paintball paint before then, I think."
Roland fortunately has selective hearing sometimes, and doesn't here Niko say a certain name.
Clara effects a small shudder, shaking her head in amusement. "Ma'am is an evil word," she notes to Aliana in agreement with a quick grin at Roland. "Oooh, paint. You are going to have way too much fun, I think."
Roland glances over at Ali, peering at the black objects. "Are those candies or something?"
Aliana pushes the packet towards Roland, "mushrooms...steamed..Want to try one?'
Niko blinks, peering over towards Ali. "They're not the kind with the little pink spots, are they? I heard those were, uh, special mushrooms."
Clara glances over with interest at the idea, but keeps quiet, folding her arms and leaning on the table.
Roland hrms as he looks at the packet. "I don't see any pink spots."
Aliana peers at Niko...then begins to giggle, 'No...Not those at all. These are black when you pick them...I gathered them just a few days ago.' Her mirth begins to grow, 'No...You would not want to see a bonded eat any of those...nope nope'
Niko takes a swig of his blue-canned soda, peering in the packet's general direction as well. "Good." Aliana's comment gets a puzzled look. "Why is it worse when a Bonded eats them?" he inquires.
Clara stifles a grin at the idea, having a vague idea as she drops her eyes to open her chips, shaking her head.
Roland uhrms. "What does the dragon side of the bond end up doing?"
Aliana wells softly, 'Do you know what those mushrooms do to you when you eat one?'
Niko makes a vague gesture with the hand not holding the soda. "I heard something about seeing things. Nothing too specific, though."
Roland shrugs. "I believe they were a hallucinogen..."
Clara nods in quiet agreement at her soda, by now extremely amused. "They are."
Aliana nods her head quickly to both..."So...can you imagine how a dragon would react when his bondmate can see something...yet the dragon can not. Its worse when they are in the same place." A rueful shake of the head, 'Took weeks to repair the damage.'
Roland hmms also. "Sounds fun. How'd they get the dragon to calm down eventually?" He nonchalantly reaches into the packet and grabs a shroom, popping it into his mouth.
Niko purses his lips. "I can't actually imagine it," he admits. "Not having all that much--well, no experience with dragons and all. Sounds, uh, destructive, though." He casts a quick look at the amused doctor, his own lips quirking.
Aliana ohs, 'Someone slugged his bondmate...went out like a light...Solved the immediate problem'
Clara returns Niko's look, eyes dancing as she shakes her head briefly. "I've read about the possible effect, but have never seen it." She blinks at Aliana. "Well...that sounds...efficient?"
Roland nods his head. "Sounds like it would work to me."
Aliana shrugs slightly, 'It was first thing they could think of.' A pause as she bites one of the mushrooms, 'Thereafter, possession of those mushrooms was a debondable offense'
Niko nods very slowly, sipping thoughtfully at his soda. "One way to control it," he muses.
Clara tilts her head at the possible punishment, eyes widening. "A bond can be reversed? I thought it was a lifetime connection?"
Aliana falls silent while she plays lightly with her necklace for a few moments. When she does speak her voice is rather subdued for her, "The dragon goes back to the dragonlands to be cared for by its own. The bonded? You don't want to know" Another mushroom is speared and eaten.
Niko's brows lift fractionally but he doesn't ask the next logical question. Instead, he finishes off his drink and gets to his feet to dispose of the empty container, loping back to his seat.
Clara considers this grimly, then shakes her head. "I don't think I do, from what I've studied of bonded psychology. A...strong incentive to avoid recreational use of hallucinogenics."
Aliana tips her head towards Clara...her grin quickly returning, 'Besides...One would not wish your dragon to mistake you for a Tartank, now would you?'
Clara snickers softly, offering Niko a grin as he returns. "I wouldn't want -any- dragon to do that, thank you very much," she counters to Ali, humor restoring. She peers up at Niko again. "All ready to ship out?"
Niko can't help but grin at Aliana's comment, folding himself into his seat. "Mostly," he tells Clara. "Just a few last-minute things that I can't do until tomorrow." He shakes his head fractionally. "It'll be interesting. I just hope I don't embarrass myself too badly."
Clara shakes her head slowly, mirthful. "You aren't going to embarrass yourself. You're going to do just fine. I'm sure of it."
Niko's brows quirk skeptically, then his shoulders lift in a philosophical shrug. "We'll see. There is a -reason- I'm going on this trip, though, namely that I could use the practice."
Clara munches a few of the chips down, shrugging vaguely. "Practice makes perfect," she says virtuously. "You'll have a good time. Actually, it sounds like a lot of fun."
Niko regards Clara for a moment, then grins suddenly. "You should go." He turns towards Aliana, adding, "Don't you think she should go, Aliana? She's been talking about how much fun it sounds, and all..."
Aliana watches with some amusement before nodding her agreement, 'You should go...The Monolith Mountains are perhaps my favorite part of Linnae.'
Clara blinks at both of you, then bursts into laughter. "Oooh, no. Not a chance. I'm not even cleared to handle a weapon here on Linnae, so I'll just pass on this one, thanks. You go, have fun, and try not to make the laundry people smirk when you come back."
Niko beams brightly at Aliana as she supports his cause, then wrinkles his nose at Clara. "Spoilsport," he grumps good-naturedly. "And I haven't a chance with the laundry people. They already send me nasty notes."
Clara snickers lightly, wrinkling her nose right back at Niko. "Thank you, thank you. I do try my best. You'll just have to splatter Kaycen with paint for me."
Niko's brows waggle at that, his devious expression suggesting plans to do just that. "I think I can manage that," he says, expression returning to innocence. "You know, since you asked it."
Clara rolls her eyes at the security officer and nudges his arm with an elbow. "You're too good to me," she teases, then grins at Aliana. "I'd forgotten to ask...how is your bondmate? Islien? Is that her name?"
Aliana nods her head quickly, expression brightening as it does whenever she talks of her bondmate...much like Niko's face brightening before. 'She is doing very well...Sleeping at the moment.'
Niko grins roguishly at Clara, then turns his attention to Aliana at the mention of her lifemate. "Speaking of her," he ventures. "I wonder if I might ask a favor of you?"
Kiana arrives from the Central Atrium.
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Kiana T'san."
Aliana nods her head quickly as she turns to Niko, 'Of course.' Anxious to prove her usefulness.
The Vendotron warns, "If you're bleeding on my keypad, I'll take it off your account!"
Vendotron 3000 dropped Kiana's Adhesive Bandages.
Kiana whaps the vending machines.
Niko looks over as he hears the Vendotron's inimitable voice. "It's got an attitude problem," he calls. Turning his attention back to Aliana, he grins a bit. "I just wanted to know if I could, uh, meet her. Never met a dragon."
Kiana whaps the vending machine on the side.
Clara finishes off her soda, listening with interest to the question before smiling faintly. "Meeting a dragon is...an experience," she ventures quietly, offering Aliana a grin.
Aliana glances at the machine...then peers at Kiana, 'Will hitting it actually help?' Attention goes back to Niko a grin filling her face, "Islien would be honoured to meet you.'
Kiana holds up the bandages. "Does this look like a chocolate bar to you?"
Aliana peers at the bandages...this has gotta be a trick question.
Niko mutters, "Hitting it is therapeutic. Obnoxious machine gave me a -red- soda earlier today, said I didn't really want a blue soda." At Aliana's statement, however, he grins brightly. "Really? Grand. It should likely wait til I get back from the Monoliths, but it'll give me something to look forward to when I'm ducking paintballs--or trying to duck paintballs." He squints at the bandages, then says helpfully, "No, ma'am, it doesn't."
Kiana gestures at the vending machine, then up in the air. "I give up."
Kiana whaps the vending machine again for good measure.
Clara attempts to stifle a grin at the bandages, eyes drawn to Kiana. "Not exactly, no. If they are, Chief Addison has a mighty strange diet." She glances sidelong at Niko and nudges him again. "The stuff in the red can is -wonderful-."
Kiana says "Red can?"
Kiana hmms to herself.
Niko continues his good-natured grumbling. "Clara, it said I'm an infidel when I ordered the stuff in the blue can. Honestly. -I- don't eat tziziki on my fries!"
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Kiana T'san."
The Vendotron emits a snort. "You don't want that, it's gross! Here, have this instead."
Vendotron 3000 dropped Kiana's Red Can.
Niko gestures towards the machine as he hears it. "See? It pulled that attitude on me, too."
Aliana just shakes her head as if to clear it...then grins at Niko...Just head to the bonded area...and Islien will prolly be there.
Kiana holds up the can and bandages. "Red stuff and bandages anyone?"
Riley arrives from the Central Atrium.
Clara tries to look innocent, peering up at the ceiling. "Can I help it if the machine simply has good taste. The blue can is the stuff of infidels, I'm convinced." She grins over at Kiana and fishes a giro from her pocket. "If you'll let me reimburse you?"
Kiana hehs and tosses the can to Clara. "My treat."
Aliana finishes up her mushrooms and carefully stashes the packet away...she offers Riley a quick wave, 'Hello'
Niko shakes his head at Clara's words, obviously amused. "Infidel. Gigia will have a stroke. Hey, Chief! Did you know you've got an infidel working for you?"
Riley heads over to the Vendotron. Obviously he's mastered the knack of getting it to cough up the right substances as he manages to get a red can, a chocolate bar, and the machine's even polite. He waves to Aliana and then blinks at Niko's words, heading for a table. "Just one? I need to do some recruiting."
Clara snaps out a hand to catch the can with a bright smile, lifting in regards. "My thanks, then. I promise to be nice if you ever need to hit Medbay for some reason." She glances over at the taller figure heading over and nods. "Evening, Chief. At least one, I'd say. Blue can, indeed." She glances a sidelong wink at Niko.
Niko just snickers, informing Riley, "No need. I've now made it my goal to convert the rest of the free world to the joys of beverages in blue cans." First sporks, now Pepsi.
Kiana resumes her place in front of the vendotron after Riley uses it, trying to get something useful.
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Kiana T'san."
The Vendotron emits a snort. "You don't want that, it's gross! Here, drink a real drink."
Vendotron 3000 dropped Kiana's Red Can.
Kiana looks annoyed. "Are red cans ALL it gives?"
Niko adds, voice dropping to a tone that would be ominous, if not for his amused expression, "Starting with that machine."
Kiana starts pressing random drink buttons, building up a small collection of red cans.
Riley slides into a chair, dropping a sheaf of paperwork down on the table. "Hey, the machine is very polite. You just have to know how to deal with it..." He grins vaguely, cracking open the can. "Caffeine..."
Kiana says "AUUGH! I give up. Anyone want a free drink?"
Niko says thoughtfully, "I suppose kicking it isn't helping." He casts a quick smile to Kiana. "If it were in a blue can I'd take you up on it, but drinking that stuff is against my newly-created religion. Thanks anyway."
Aliana just peers at Kiana, "No thanks...that'll rot you for certain.'
Clara smirks slightly, popping open this can as well. "Heathen," she quips sweetly at Niko, shaking her head. "Thanks, but one's enough," she calls over to Kiana.
Kiana drops the 3 or 4 cans into the recycler and sits down at a table with the bandage.
Riley takes a long pull from his own soda, "Nick, whatever you've been sniffing, could you be so kind as to share it with the rest of the assembled company?"
A'grin arrives from the Central Atrium.
Niko shakes his head very solemnly. "I'm no heathen, Clara. It's everybody else." He grins over to Riley, nodding agreeably. "Sure thing, as soon as I figure out what it is."
Riley chokes back a chuckle before offering to Kiana. "It helps if you ask it politely. See, the thing gets its feelings hurt."
Clara splutters a sip of her own soda in a laugh at the comments, rolling her eyes. "Want my scanner to test the air?" she asks of Niko, then casts an almost wary, but amused glance at the machine. "Maybe I'll just stick to coffee."
A'grin enters, his eyes taking in the large, brightly lit room in all its strangeness. He makes his way over to where Ali is, she being the only person he recognizes.
Aliana looks up to see Merg heading in and she waves him over, 'Hello!'
Niko shakes his head to Clara. "Ignorance is bliss," he informs her brightly, nodding pleasantly to A'grin as he spots the older man. "Evening, sir."
A'grin looks relieved to see a face he knows as he joins her. He says quietly, "This place is *so* different.." He turns to nod at Niko. "Evening."
Kiana stands back up and walks over to the Vendomatic. "Can I _please_ have a blue soda?"
Aliana nods her head quickly, 'Even more so for you...How are you and Eloren settling in?'
A'grin's eyes widen. He leans closer to whisper, "The machines speak and understand like humans?"
Aliana shakes her head quickly, 'No...She /thinks/ that if she talks nicely to it..It will give her what she wants.'
A'grin nods, pleased that she would ask about his bondsmate. "Fine.. although.. living in a cottage is a bit odd. We're used to caves, I suppose."
A'grin arches an eyebrow at Kiana.
Aliana nods, 'So are we...The Lairs back at Otaku.'
Kiana hits the machine again.
Riley starts flipping through his paperwork, peeling the wrapper off his candybar. "No, really... The machine does listen. It has very sensitive feelings."
You hear a piercing voice announce, "Kay ay-ay u-nye!"
Clara nods pleasantly at A'grin before grinning at at Niko. "Your choice," she offers, then mutters quietly at Riley with amusement, "You're an evil man, Chief."
Niko calls over to Kiana, with a grin, "Try the card. It won't do -anything- if you don't bribe it, after all." At Riley's words, he inquires, "Does just drinking the blue-canned stuff offend it, because I don't -think- I did anything. Unless it just doesn't like me because it has to say my name and all. That'd do it, actually."
A'grin jumps. "What the.." He looks around for the source of the piercing voice.
Kiana coughs and straightens up. "Please, O " <glances towards Riley> "Magnanimous machine, can I _please_ have a chocolate bar?"
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Kiana T'san."
The Vendotron mutters, "Oh, like that's gonna last a long time."
Vendotron 3000 dropped Kiana's Chocolate Bar.
Kiana says "Still not very nice, but at least I got one."
Aliana rests a hand on A'grin's forearm, 'Easy...Its just a Denner...Islien has been enjoying them for snacks.'
Riley offers Clara an innocent look, "I'm not -evil-, I'm trying to be helpful. I've survived fir seven years on vending machine food, I had to learn to placate the beast." He grins, "I had a long discussion with it one day and explained about the blue cans."
A'grin relaxes. "I must apologize.. I"m not usually this jumpy. But everything
is so bizarre here.. the people, the buildings," he lowers his voice, "I saw a person entirely covered in *purple fur*!"
Niko eyes Riley for a long moment. "Aha, well, now I know who to make the target of my jihad," he jests, "If I ever manage to get followers. It seems that I'm vastly outnumbered in my beverage preferences."
Aliana thinks for a moment, 'That would be the Zaeltans' Yep...Ali is truly a veteran now. She offers him a quick smile, 'You should have seen me my first couple of days here...For you is must be worse.'
Clara attempts and fails to stifle a laugh, wrinkling her nose cheerfully at Niko. "Horribly outnumbered. Give in and come to the dark side while you still can."
A'grin has been glancing curiously at the machine while speaking with Ali, half-tempted to try it out himself. He nods, shaking his head, "I just have to be ready to be surprised at any odd time. Funny, the purple-furred one, I think, was going by 'Bob'.. and seemed to remind me of a hamster.."
Kiana glances over at A'grin. "Albeit a large one."
Aliana blinks, "Bob? Like the month?'
Niko draws himself up, asserting to Clara. "Never! I shall never renounce my beverage preferences."
Riley pauses in mid candy bar consumption to peer askance at A'grin. The bonded are -such- an odd lot... "Giant hamsters... Umm, the folks from Yavisk maybe?" He nods to Niko, "Just give in, Luke. I am ummm...not your father, but I could breathe oddly?"
A'grin shrugs and rises. "I want to take a look at this machine."
Kiana steps out of the way and gestures towards it.
Clara blinks slowly at the thought of giant hamsters, and murmurs, "Reason number 67 I'm glad I'm not a vet," before smothering a giggle to nod seriously at Niko. "It really is your destiny, you know."
A melodious voice says, "Welcome A'grin."
Aliana grins and she quickly rises as well,'Want a hand?'
>>OOC: Niko is -not- going to ask Obi-Wan for help. Sorry. ;)
A'grin fingers his swipecard. "Well, someone showed me how to use this thing before.. but now what do I do? I don't know what the colors mean."
>>OOC: Clara has this sudden image of Niko in long white dress, and nearly falls of her chair laughing. ;)
>>OOC: Niko dies. Ack.
Niko peers between Riley and Clara, then dissolves into quiet laughter. "Goofs," he decides. "Both of you."
Aliana hmmms, 'The blue and red are drinks...I think they taste exactly the same...Chocolate is always good...But cheesy poofs...are well, poofy.
>>OOC: Niko AIEEE! Ali, you -infidel-! There's a difference! ;)
A'grin deliberates briefly, then goes for orange. It sounds different.
>>OOC: Clara eeks! The -same-? *faint* ;) Hooray orange soda!
The Vendotron sighs, "Well, if you must."
Vendotron 3000 dropped A'grin's Orange Can.
A'grin taps at the can. "How do I open it?"
Kiana says "How did you get orange???"
Riley nods amiably as he munches on his candy bar. "I've worked very hard to become a goof. It takes -effort- you know." He blinks at A'grin, "Umm, pull on the tab. Are you from the same place Ali is?"
A'grin grins at Kiana. "Pressed the button for it, of course."
Kiana says "I _tried_ that."
Kiana walks briskly back over to the machine.
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Kiana T'san."
The Vendotron says, "Don't fool yourself, it's not juice."
Vendotron 3000 dropped Kiana's Orange Can.
Niko strangles a laugh, muttering something in Riley's general direction about coming out of the closet.
Kiana says "Ah!"
Kiana makes a face. "It was only giving red cans a moment ago."
A'grin fiddles with the metal parts and then triumphs over the can. He says to Riley, "Same place? Er.." he glances at her. "Maybe?"
Niko peers curiously at A'grin. "You don't know?"
Clara attempts to look refined, nose tilting in the air slightly. "Goof? I?" She as well bursts into laughter then, dropping her forehead into one hand. "Oh, yeah. Tons of effort, oh mighty Chief-on-wheels." She glances up to listen to the bonded politely, then.
A'grin explains. "I"m not sure it's the same place it used to be."
Riley appears somewhat confused by A'grin's explanation, but then do you blame him? He offers Clara a rather zoned grin, "I should wear those more often. I got some of the -best- looks." He decides to try a different tack, "Where are you from?"
Aliana looks from Merg to Riley, then nods, 'We are both from Otaku, yes' Course she doesn't mention anything else.
Niko murmurs something about asking his sister to get him skates for his birthday, then, realizing how young he sounds, muffles a snicker. He just looks confused at the general Merg-convo, but, well, folks just aren't being helpful.
A'grin straightens up to answer proudly, the can forgotten in his hand. "Otaku Steading." He realizes he hasn't introduced himself, and adds, "A'grin, Bonded Guildmaster."
"No kidding," Clara mutters at Riley about the looks, amused, then quirks a brow at Niko. "That's not a bad idea," she starts before the man's rank catching her attention and widening her eyes.
A'grin blinks suddenly, glancing at Ali. "Or not.. well, not anymore.." He deflates somewhat.
Kiana turns and looks curious. "Bonded Guildmaster?"
A'grin waves a hand as he reseats himself. "Aye.. well, I was."
Kiana says "Well, rather, what is that?"
Aliana smiles quickly, 'Well...I do like you better than what's-his-face.....and his blue is just...too much'
A'grin offers softly for Kiana, "Guildmaster for the Bonded Guild - those who've chosen to pair with dragons."
Riley is now even more confused. He's not a particularly sharp tack this evening, and this is confusing to start with. "Not anymore?"
Kiana says "Oh.."
A'grin has the look of someone who's lost.. almost everything, and tries most of the time to avoid realizing it. "Not now. I'm sure there's someone else in that position at the moment."
Aliana sighs, 'Guildmaster...You had better explain to him...Riley is a good guy...Not like a lot of those Copper Hill yoyos'
Clara folds her hands and rests her chin on them as she regards the Chief for a long moment, then leans towards his assistant and lowers her voice significantly. She mutters to Niko, "... he been... backs... with... but..."
Niko senses "Clara folds her hands and rests her chin on them as she regards the Chief for a long moment, then leans towards his assistant and lowers her voice significantly. "Has he been pulling back to backs again with nothing but chocolate?""
A'grin gives Riley a close inspection. "Well, I wasn't sure if this was supposed to be broadcast in general. I suppose I can trust you.. your uniform means you're in charge, right?"
Riley offers Aliana a grin of thanks for her endorsement as he turns to A'grin. "Sort of. I keep track of the day to day workings of the Complex, the Council's 'In Charge' though."
Aliana nods slightly...then watches the two quietly.
Niko casts the briefest of looks towards Riley, then murmurs to Clara, "You know I'm not supposed to tell you that." That's answer enough, though. To A'grin, he ventures, "If you're going to tell anybody, I'd choose the Chief over the fluffheads in the Council, any day of the week."
A'grin drums his fingers on the table briefly, tryin gto think how to explain. "Well basically, I *am* the Bonded Guildmaster.. 800 years ago." He pauses to see if the tense conflict bothers anyone.
Clara nods in vague agreement. "He's in charge," she agrees, then climbs to her feet without a further word and heads over to one of the areas to obtain food, not hearing the remarkable statement which would scandalize her right down to her medical boots.
Niko blinks at A'grin. He mutters to himself, "... -I'm- sniffing... feh... mushrooms... little pink spots..." He would glance after Clara, but he's too busy trying to guess just how many of those shrooms A'grin has munched.
A'grin spares a look for Niko. "I'm serious. You can look it up in your records if you like. I hear you have every minute detail for the past millennium stored in your machines somewhere."
Aliana offers her confirmation of his story...and her mushrooms were black, not dots. "I was there when they arrived....Islien confirms it as well."
Riley's no grammar master, but that does give him a good bit of pause. Even his candy bar is forgotten in the rather confused pause. "I'm very sorry, sir. Umm.... I'm afraid I'm missing something. You, were the Guildmaster... 800 years ago. How?"
Kiana nods in Riley's direction, looking confused.
A'grin spreads his hands. "I know it sounds crazy. Heck, I thought I was really out of it at first when I saw huge metal things flying through the air with fiery tails, this huge glittering mass of buildings, people with purple fur.."
Niko murmurs to A'grin, "No disrespect intended, of course, sir." He's just wondering where A'grin's marbles are, that's all.
Clara returns after several moment with a small plate of french fries, a side of tziziki sauce nudged onto the edge, and slides it in front of Riley wordlessly, just hearing the tail end of his comment as she turns to /stare/ at A'grin. "Eight centuries?"
A'grin nods. "All I can figures is that Eloren and I *severely* miscalculated our last jump.. on our way to Copper Hill..." He looks around. "Well, the *old* Copper Hill."
For once, Ali is solemn as she watches. Gaze moving between Merg...then the others.
Riley waves slightly, attempting to regarner A'grin's attention, "Jump? Miscalculated?" He blinks down at the magical appearance of french fries and glances at Clara in some confusion.
Niko regards A'grin unblinkingly for a long moment. "Eight hun... can dragons -do- that?" He peers at Ali as if seeking answers from her.
A'grin grins, a hint of pride coloring his voice. "Apparently Eloren can. And he's taking this a lot more calmly than I did."
Niko inquires, rubbing briefly at his eyes, "Could you maybe explain this again, sir, using very little words? -How- did he do it?"
Aliana nods her head to Niko..."The dragons of Otaku in the past had what they referred to as Talents...Time travel was one of those."
"Eat," Clara murmurs at the Chief firmly, more than a little steel in her look. "Doctor's orders." She peers back at A'grin with utter fascination. "The pair of you travel...temporally? Would...would you be amenable to a physical?" she adds to all the peppering of questions.
A'grin's eyes widen as he turns to Ali. "Dragons in the past.. they don't have Talents today?"
A'grin peers at Clara. "A physical what?"
Niko looks mildly less confused at Aliana's explanation, but still rather puzzled. At A'grin's response to Clara's question, he utterly beams. "I like this one," he decides.
Erk, don't annoy the dangerous lady. Riley nods his thanks and snags a fry. "Time travelling dragons... Hoo boy, it's never anything -easy- is it...."
Aliana nods,'They do...but only hints of what they had been.'
A'grin continues, "Well, we'd timed it backwards before.. but never forwards. No one was sure what would happen." He grimaces slightly. "I guess I got to find out. And now it seems we're stuck here."
Clara seems taken aback at the question, blinking a few times. "A physical examination...I'd love to know how an eight hundred year jump affected you physically," she explains honestly.
Kiana gestures towards A'grin, and says "If he's from 800 years ago, how do you know him?" to Aliana.
A'grin nods to Clara. "Actually I feel confident that I'm still functioning perfectly well.. but if you want to test me out, I'm willing." His gaze almost, but not quite, contains the suggestion of a wink.
Niko smirks a bit at Riley's words, fortunately missing that almost-wink. Good thing, too. "This is really insane," he murmurs.
Aliana peers over at Kiana, eyebrow raised slightly, 'I do'
Riley continues munching on the fried potato(e) (Hey, Dan's running for office, it's a -topical- e) objects, slathering them in tziziki and hence labeling himself an infidel. "So if you came forward 800 years... Can you go -back- 800 years?" He nods to Niko. "Always is."
A'grin grins in good humor. "Insanity is the trademark of existence, I've always said."
Kiana hrms. "Oh, sorry. It just seemed as if you knew a lot about him."
A'grin nods to Kiana. "She's been helping me get adjusted."
Clara misses the suggestion as well, but only because there's no cluebricks falling tonight. "Wonderful, thank you," she murmurs, still staring at the man with an air of awe.
A'grin sighs, turning to Riley, "Well.. Ali and I discussed it. But the problem is that, with me knowing what the future holds.. what if I create some sort of paradox on returning?"
Niko eyes a tziziki-coated fry thoughtfully, then shakes his head. A'grin's question elicits a thoughtful look, and Niko idly traces a figure eight in the condensation left on his section of the table, likely by that heathen blue can. Or maybe that figure eight is sideways.
A'grin says "I mean, heck, I'd love to actually read back in the records and see how they dealt with my disappearance.. how a certain person, Ja-" He pauses. "But the more I find out, the more likely it wouldn't work, to go back, don't you see?""
Aliana nods to Kiana, 'Its been about a week since they first arrived in the complex.' She quickly turns to listen to the others.
Riley pauses to consider that, rummaging through his begooked fries. "Potentially nasty, yes. So you intend to stay? Any plans as to what to do?"
Kiana says "Well, what's the worst that could happen? Universe implode or something?"
Aliana pops in quickly, 'For example...The Kaleds...You ever hear about them or what happened to them?'
A'grin shrugs. "I don't know. For now, I'm just helping out where I can here. I've got to figure it out, though," he says passionately.
Kiana looks at Aliana. "How do you know he's being honest?"
A'grin regards Ali curiously. "Me? Do I want to hear?"
Aliana focuses her gaze on Kiana..."I just know"
A'grin's eyes widen with horror as he considers a possibility. "They aren't.. I mean.. they aren't *here* are they?"
The gears are obviously turning at top speed in Clara's head as she vaguely notes, "We studied about them in school in military history..."
Garrand arrives from the Central Atrium.
Riley shakes his head slightly, still mowing his way through spuddage. "I think I saw this in a movie once..." He nods amiably, "The Kaleds, yeah. There's a museum."
Kiana makes a face. "you believe someone who says they came from 800 years ago based on..?"
Aliana shakes her head to Merg, 'When the Alliance first made contact with the government of Linnae...The Kaleds attacked using their psionic powers...they were wiped out...gone.'
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Garrand Doplar."
The Vendotron emits a beam that scans Garrand Doplar. "You need something a little more healthy."
Vendotron 3000 dropped Garrand's Sesame Crisps.
A melodious voice says, "Welcome Garrand Doplar."
The Vendotron emits a beam that scans Garrand Doplar. "You need the one with the sugar."
Vendotron 3000 dropped Garrand's Red Can.
Aliana considers Kiana's words for a long moment, "I don't think you could understand"
A'grin glances from the disturbing thought of a museum - a monument - to Kaled-ism, and the disbelief in the other corner. But hey, he learned chaos control from the best. He states clearly, "Kaleds have no place in a museum, dedicated to the honors of history." and "I'd hardly benefit from lying about this."
Garrand takes his red can and sesame crisps and sits at a nearby table.
Kiana's expression goes a little hard. "Which means that you don't have a good reason yourself, doesn't it?"
"Everything needs to be in museums and all." Riley offers amiably as he scrapes up the last of the sauce with a fry. "Those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it."
A'grin arches an eyebrow. "A good reason for what? Believing me? I think she was referring to the fact that Islien and Eloren, at least, can communicate telepathically, and they confirm the truth of the matter. Otherwise, why would I believe that I suddenly jumped 800 years into the future?"
A'grin wrinkles his nose, "And by Faranku, what is that nasty stuff he's eating?"
Kiana hrms. "Telepathic dragons, huh? ok."
Niko follows the conversation with obvious fascination, brows twitching like someone is electrocuting those poor caterpillars. His communit chimes at him, and he frowns at it, but the chime gets a little more insistent. "You've been associating with that vending machine," he mutters, "Haven't you?" Lifting his voice to polite conversational level, he adds, "Excuse me, folks. Time and tide and annoyed laundry people..." He gets to his feet, pausing a moment behind Clara's chair.
Aliana considers Kiana for a long moment, 'I know this for a truth because I know.' She reaches into her pack and pulls out yet another packet, 'I can't eat this food....so I make my own...want a gyro?'
Riley blinks a few times, "Tziziki sauce? You know, they put it on gyros? Cucumber, yoghurt, garlic, and um... chives I think..." He offers Niko a wave, "Luck, Nick."
You sense Niko rests a hand lightly on your shoulder. "I've got to take care of this, and it's likely going to take a while. I'll try to stop by tomorrow morning, though, before I leave, unless one of us ends up insanely busy. Even odds, hm?"
Garrand drinks his can, and chews a bite of his crisp.
Kiana makes a wry face, but lets it go. "Sure, thanks."
A'grin notes the smell emanating from the tziziki sauce and reminds himself to steer clear of it in the future.
Clara snaps out of her own focus on the amazing conversation, then glances up behind her chair with a somewhat wistful smile. "Even odds, yeah," she murmurs, one hand lifting to rest on Niko's. "Take care?"
Niko offers a quick grin to Riley. "Thanks. I'm going to need it, I think--buttering them up in anticipation of paint to come." He nods to Clara, grin downshifting to a quick smile. "Of course. Always. You, too." He lifts a hand in farewell to the room at large--except the vending machine--and heads purposefully from the room.
Aliana waves, 'Have fun, Niko!'
Niko heads towards the Central Atrium.
Riley finishes off the last fry, and the last of the sauce, and hence removes it from potential A'grin distressing range. "The laundry people are -never- happy."
Garrand looks up. "Someone say something about being from 800 years in the past?
Clara watches Niko head from the room, then shakes her head quickly and returns back to the conversation. "The laundry people aren't -that- bad. Just so long as you don't abuse your uniform," she notes with a grin.
A'grin notes the question and gets an uh-oh look on his face. "Maybe this wasn't the best place to discuss it. I mean.." He glances at Kiana. "Most people won't believe it."
Garrand moves over to A'grin and Clara's table. "I don't disbelieve you, I am just curious."
Aliana sniffs in derision, 'Riley told me that I was made of numbers...and I am supposed to believe that without question?'
Kiana shrugs and shakes her head. "Oh, come on. Think about it."
"We're Security," Riley explains with a grin, "Of -course- we abuse our uniforms." He offers to A'grin, "If it helps, I believe you. But then, to be entirely fair, I'm zoned six weeks to a five week pass right now. You have to admit, it's a bit outside of most folks experience."
A'grin blinks at Ali in confusion. "huh?"
A'grin looks even further lost at the zoned comment. He nods blankly.
Clara admits cautiously, "I'll reserve opinion until I have the results from the examination." She casts an almost sharp glance at Riley, brow furrowing. "Still? Honestly, Chief...sometimes I'm tempted. Really."
Aliana shrugs to Merg,'What I am saying is that I have seen some pretty unbelievable things since I came to Copper Hill...But I trust what Islien tells me without question.'
A'grin nods to Ali. "I know what you mean." He rises to his feet. "It's getting late and I'm going to head back to the Bonded area. May I escort you?"
A'grin glances again, as he has many times, at the rings she wears around her neck.
Garrand waves.
Aliana nods as she rises, 'Of course' Her gaze moves to her Necklace and smiles, 'Just some old family jewelry.'
Riley offers Clara an innocent look. Who me? Me the innocent one who always behaves and never does anything stupid at -all-? Yes, it's a communicative look. He offers a wave to A'grin, "Good luck and all. I hope you get things sorted out. If you decide to stay, gimme a buzz, eh? I know a historian who'd love to exchange letters with you."
Aliana pack is shifted onto her shoulder...and she offers everyone a quick smile.
Clara calls over, "Have a good evening Aliana, sir. Don't hesitate to come up and visit Medical Bay at your convenience. Ali knows where it is," she adds. She catches Riley's look and simply snorts with disbelief.
Garrand chuckles to himself and finishes his food.
A'grin nods to Riley. "Sure. Thanks." And makes a mental note to remember the physical thing. The guy named Niko seemed to like the idea.
Aliana grins at Clara, "I'll send him your way" She turns to A'grin, 'Be sure to see her, though...The other guy is creepy.
A'grin nods to Ali as they head towards the door. "I will. I'd be happy if you'd be willing to show me the way, tomorrow."
Aliana beams, 'They even have an elevator...a box that goes up and down a building'
Riley turns to leaf through his stack of papers, "Weirder than snake shoes this place is."
Garrand chuckles and nods.
Garrand says "So what are you going right now, Riley?"
Clara shakes her head with an air of bemused awe. "The data that could reveal if his claims are accurate," she breathes, then leans back in her chair. "Tell me about it."
Garrand sits at your table.
Riley gestures with the papers, "Last run through on my preliminary budget. Nothing exciting I'm afraid, but I've about got it done...I think. It's a huge and insane thing."
Garrand says "Can I see it?"
Garrand says "I am usually good at crunching numbers."
Clara makes a face, wrinkling her nose with a quiet sigh. "Mine's nearly done too, thank goodness. I'll get you the finished rough draft...oh, likely day after tomorrow. Will that work?" She blinks slightly at Garrand's question, then smiles. "Generous offer."
Riley shakes his head amiably, "Thanks, but I think the numbers are all crunched for now. I just have to see what they throw straight out and what they demand justification on. He nods to Clara, "That's a goodness. I finished maintenance's last night, and operation's this morning. We'll have the whole thing soon enough."
Garrand says "Would you like me to take care of the legislative hassle of telling you what we'll end up killing straight out?"
Clara exhales a gust of sigh before taking a long drink from her soda. "I don't envy you having to pull down more than one department. Just Medical's a hassle and a half." She lowers her voice significantly and glances sidelong at Riley. "You need to take a break," she mutters, almost inaudibly and pitched only for him to hear.
Riley grins amiably, offering the three inch thick document to the diplomat, "If you'd leaf through and see if anything jumps out at you, I wouldn't be displeased." He shrugs at Clara. Maddening SOB isn't he? "Shift's over in a bit."
Garrand leafs through..."What exactly do you mean by 'ordinance expenditures'?"
Clara nods slowly at Riley, expression clearly showing that she has -lots- more to say on the topic, but isn't willing to read him the riot act in public. Instead, she peers over at Garrand with interest, taking mental notes for her own documentation.
Riley taps the paper beneath the one Garrand's looking through, "It's all documented here in the subclauses. I've even got the catalog reference numbers this time."
Garrand smiles. "Very good. I see you have been through the bs sessions before.Garrand flips through more.
Clara can't hide a slight smirk at that, but attempt to somewhat behind her soda can. "Gee, I thought you invented them, boss."
Garrand raises an eyebrow.
Riley arches one eyebrow at Clara before answering Garrand, "Seven years of these now. I'm getting a bit better at these."
Garrand holds a page and reads in depth. He then puts it back into the rest of the stack and continues.
Garrand nods.
Clara returns the arched eyebrow with a tilt of her head, then finishes off the soda and sweeps to her feet. "If you gentlemen will excuse me?" she requests smoothly. "I suddenly feel inspired to tackle a stack of my own paperwork."
Riley waves to Clara, almost hesitantly, "Have fun, Clara. Be careful, avoid papercuts."
Garrand sees a page and holds it. "I don't think that you will be able to get the 'impound shuttle' without a lot of explanation.
Riley quirks a wry grin, "Hey, it can't hurt to -try-..."
Garrand chuckles. "And only those few of us who actually own shuttles would know that a 'matter remodulator' would only go on a personal yacht.
Clara pauses for a moment before heading off. "I spoke with Kyara today," she murmurs quietly, without an expression, then heads out the door without further elaboration.
You head towards the Central Atrium.
DINING> Riley winces at Clara's comment, murmuring to his soda can. "I'm dead. Dead on a stick." He sighs quietly, watching the budget scanning.
DINING> Garrand looks at you. "Why are you dead?
DINING> Riley shakes his head slightly, offering a rueful grin. "It's something of a long story. Let me offer some advice though, never antagonize a doctor. They're dangerous."
You head towards the Medical Bay.
DINING> Garrand looks curiously at a page close to the end. "Why on earth do you need medical supplies?"
DINING> Riley hmms questioningly, half asleep. "The first aid stuff? We tend to get into a fair number of scrapes and all. People getting shot, blown up, that sort of thing."
DINING> Garrand shakes his head. "Not that. The operation stuff. I can understand first aid kits.
DINING> Riley's brows lift questioningly, "Operation stuff?"
DINING> Garrand points to a part of the paper. "Yeah, see this section here? 'MRI-Scanner-Model 20056k2, Operating table-modela Marx mkII' "