The Minotaurs Brigade: Mercenary Teseum Wardens. . .

Uja'rak: "I hate to admit it but the factual events around our first meeting were anything but romantic. To sum what transpired in few words, I was on board a freighter carrying cargo from the Human Edge to Bourak. The captain agreed to let me aboard on the condition that I remained out of sight of the crew which was understandable considering my origins. The trip was long due to there being no direct route from the Edge to Haqqislam. However, as the ship was passing the area of space that Dawn occupied I noticed a teenaged boy who's body language suggested that he was trying to escape. Shortly after I spotted him the boy realized he was being watched and eventually spotted me out. He then approached me and "offered" himself to me. I simply refused his request but as he kept pestering me he began to use certain words that suggested that there were more like him in hold of the ship. It was at this point it occurred to me that the freighter I was on had been partaking in human trafficking along with hauling normal cargo. It seems the captain didn't want me going about the vessel for other reasons. I then demanded that the boy show me were the others he had mentioned were being kept. He then wasted no time in leading back the way he came."
Uja'rak: "We eventually came to the cargo hold and I saw the others the boy had mentioned. About a dozen boys were in a close circle with guards lazily pacing about. Not truly paying attention to the number of those who they were supposed to be watching. I asked the lad of what information of the area he could give men and he divulged as best as he could while I surveyed the patrols. After a short span of time I got into position to silently pounce on each guard. However, just before I attacked the ship's alarms went off along with the captain's voice booming over the speakers confirming so. All but one of the guards fled to other parts of the ship to counter whatever was attacking it. I got into position and took out the remaining guard. Dropping into the hold, the rest of the boys sounded at how happy they were that their scout succeeded in getting help. But as the teens gathered around me to formulate a plan to escape a door connected to the hold began to be forced open which gave way to Knights of the Order of Santiago flooding into the hold. They aimed their guns at me but the boys voiced their plight to them and explained how I helped them. Then one of the Knights began to speak over a channel and then told the others in his company to stay and keep watch. Apparently someone of importance was coming down to the hold."

A Few Weeks Ago in the Past:

A Father Knight walks into the hold. The Santiagos bow their heads slightly in respect as they kept their weapons steady.
Father Knight: "When I heard you disappeared I thought we never see each other again." I recognized the voice that spoke to me. Someone who I hadn't heard since Paradiso.
Father Knight: "Yet hear we are..in a hold, on a ship, thousands of miles away from that green hellhole that no being should have to fight on." Then he removed his helmet revealing his familiar face. "It's good to be in your company again Rock." He then reached out his hand and I grasped it back.
Uja'rak: "It is good to see that you are alright Lafcadio Boone. It seems that you have been promoted since we last meet." The Knight bent his head downwards to look at his heraldry.
Lafcadio Boone: "Ah yes. I was brought into the fold of the Calatrava Order. They're not as elite as the Sepulchre Knights but they can wander the galaxy intervening in any fight that is considered fair. We maybe small but we've still a role to play in the grand scheme of things." He then turned to the teens that were around me. "Seems as though my inside source was correct. This ship was the carrier and not the decoy."
Uja'rak: "Inside source?"
Boone: "Come. I'll bring you up to speed along the way." Boone then expounded on what happened to him since the last time we meet. We reminisced about the time we survived and killed an Umbra Samaritan. It was the event that melted away all doubts we had about each other and helped jump start a friendship between a Krakot & a Knight.

Later on a Shuttle Heading Towards Dawn:

Uja'rak: "A catamite ring? What is a catamite?"
Boone: "They are." I looked at the two boys that remained glued to me after their rescue. The one who brought me to the hold, Ayrrn, was staring at a screen preoccupied with something. The other, who Ayrrn told me was called Jo-Un, had a clam neutral expression on his face. He didn't seem to be bothered with what was going on around him especially with the actions of Ayrrn who sat beside him. "Catamites are feminine teen boys who were part of a pederastic relationship in ancient Human times."
Uja'rak: "So this is a ring where older men hire young male teens for their "company"?" Using the term company loosely.
Boone: "I thought so but my source has given me numbers that show that most of the customers are actually female of varying age brackets. While males do hire out the boys women are the target audience of N.E.M.E.S.I.S." I didn't say anything and waited for the priest to continue. "I'm dropping you off here in Ariadna. Take the boys and hide somewhere.."
Uja'rak: "It's that bad Boone?"
Boone: "It is Rock. I managed to get someone to turn on their keeper and get her arrested. She should be getting interrogated as we speak. However, the rest of higher ups will have to be dealt with. Especially her."
Uja'rak: "Who?"
Boone: "There is a Nomad that I've been able to confirm is part of the this ring. We meet on Paradiso back before I meet you. She goes by the name Jezebel though her real name is Mary. Mary believes..in bringing back the old ways. Particularly ancient goddess worship. One thing that the ancient goddess cults & temples practiced was having both men and women, priest & priestess, perform divine sexual rituals. After looking at N.E.M.E.S.I.S., some their practices and molding of the young boys is akin to the goddess cults of old. Add to the fact that a small number of Observance Nuns are helping the ring's actions in Bakunin and that Mary was spotted giving orders to them. I certain that she was a driving force in building up the ring's influence and popularity in not just her mothership but across the Human Sphere. She is the type that will stop at nothing to make sure her goals are successful. That is why you have to hide the boys because she will come after them herself or send someone after them."
Uja'rak: "I want no part of this Boone. You take the boys and.."
Boone: "I don't know the extent of this group's reach. God has given us the key to taking out the entire PanO branch of the ring which in turn will greatly limit their financial gains. It will put them on the back foot."
Uja'rak: "Then why risk the others then?"
Boone: "Because if I don't then those who are part of the ring will get suspicious. Once the interrogation is finished I'll have all the PanOceanian names that belong to N.E.M.ES.I.S. and will strike them all down at once. Plus these boys are special compared to the others." Turning to look at the two teenagers sitting afar off. "I know who they are and their families. Having you keep an eye on them would be better than reuniting them with their folks."
Uja'rak: "At least give me some info on them."
Boone: "The Indian one is Ayrrn Arim Khan. His step-brother is an Aquila who has been searching for the lad ever since he was kidnapped. And being you ask, no. I'm not willing to risk reuniting the family once again when we don't know if the lad could be kidnapped again. The Asian one I can't comment on. Please Rock, believe me when I say there is a good reason I can't talk to you about him. Just..take good care of him for me." At this statement many thought flooded my mind. One of them was that the Asian child in question could very well be Boone's son. That alone would be scandalous in certain circles. Whatever the case was for his silence I decided to honor my old friend's wishes and take the two lads in for the time being.

After traveling to Mervoingienne:

We landed in Poictesme a day later after a long night's ride. It was early morning and we decided to grab something to eat. now you are wondering how on earth we managed to make it from Mat across the border to the land of the French. Well Boone had another friend he made during his tour to Paradiso except this one was religiously conservative to say the least. The man question called himself Saul and he made sure we had safe passage into Meroving. There I was supposed to be less harassed and hopefully find some place to stay for awhile until Saul could get me inside a place where he said I would fit into the crowd. Thus thanks to his influence we made the trip just fine. Though Ayrrn complained about the ride. Seems he had grown used to the lavish luxuries he partook with his customers.
I stepped into a bar looking to ask some directions. Thankfully there were no patrons currently in this bar. After getting Ayrrn to sit down, Jo-Un didn't give any guff, I approached the counter.
Uja'rak: "I'm looking for a place to stay until the mercenary job I applied for contacts me again." The bartender eyed me and after evaluating me began to speak.
Bartender: "For yourself or did you bring others?"
Uja'rak: "I have two young boys with me."
Bartender: "Underage?"
Uja'rak: "Yes." The man looked towards the boys and then back to me.
Bartender: "I hate to break it to you stranger but with them being underage and the way they look..it's going to be hard to get a room or apartment. Are you their legal guardian?"
Uja'rak: "No I'm not.."
Bartender: "That makes it worse. The moment people find out about that they might just try and separate you from them. Bad enough that you're not the same species but having no legal guardianship gives you no leg to stand on."
Uja'rak: "And how do I change that?"
Bartender: "Well..you would have to get someone to agree with you. To be co-guardian that is. But with you being a Morat.." The bartender shifted and showed off some old wounds. "I'd be surprised if anyone will be willing to agree to that once they find out who you are."
Jo-Un: "Let go of me." Me and the bartender turned around to see Jo-Un looking perturbed at someone in a outfit that looked like you'd wear in the rain.
Female Garou 1: "Oh, he speaks."
Female Garou 2: "Leave him be. This one is the gem of the two." The other one held Ayrrn's chin in her hand. Cupping it in her grasp. Ayrrn's face began to show uncomfortableness at being grabbed like that.
Ayrrn: "Easy ladies, I bruise.."
Female Garou 1: "You're right. This one's voice sounds velvety." Jo-Un stared at Ayrrn.
Jo-Un: "What are you doing? Fight back." That was when I stepped in.
Uja'rak: "You two! I suggest you both back off!"
Female Garou 1: "Seems the Ape doesn't like us touching his property."
Jo-Un: "We aren't his property.."
Female Garou 1: "Well that's good news. You can come home with us then."
Jo-Un: "We are not going with.."
"What's going on here?" I turned to see another female Garou standing at the door.
Female Garou 2: "Nothing. we are just picking up.."
Female Garou 1: "Hey Bella! Come check out this boy. His lovely dark skin, those pair of jewels for eyes, he sure looks like a fun bedmate. Don't you agree?"
Arabelle: "Are they drunk?" She turns to the bartender.
Bartender: "They haven't ordered anything yet." That answer surprised Bella.
Uja'rak: "The boy is not sleeping with you!" Now Bella noticed the large red Morat in the room.
Arabelle: "A Morat!!" The second Garou suddenly stiffened upon hearing what Uja was. The first one however...
Female Garuo 1: "That is a Morat? You must make quite a pimp." Bella started to reach for her gun when...
Jo-Un: "He is not our pimp! He is our guardian!" The boy raised his voice. It was uncharacteristically for Jo-Un do that.
Female Garou 1: "I'm sure he is." The second Garou began to eye the front door of the bar.
Jo-Un: "Yes he is! And we are in danger of being separated all because of his species!" He looked at Bella as he spoke. "These women came up and harassed us. Then when they wouldn't leave us alone he came over to help us." Bella's stunned face turned towards the second Garou who let go of Ayrrn and backed away. Upon seeing her friend get cold feet the first Garou got enraged.
Female Garou 1: "Fuck you coward!" she then turned to Bella. "I'm taking this guy home with me. He hasn't voiced any objections against that have you.." She never got to finish her sentence as Uja's palm grabbed her head and threw her across the room. The only reason the Bella knew that the Garou wasn't dead was due to the painful moan coming from the limp body. Bella stared at the Morat who stared back at her.
Uja'rak: "She had it coming.."
Arabelle: "You assaulted an officer.."
Uja'rak: "That abusive whore deserved worse." I stated calmly.
Arabelle: "That's it! I'm putting you under house arrest." Who did this woman think she was?
Uja'rak: "I don't have a house, woman."
Arabelle: "Then we'll have to use mine until you do." I was shocked when she said that. It was the last thing I expected her to utter. Jo-Un's face wore a smile for the first time and Ayrrn had a shocked expression that matched mine.
Arabelle: "You either follow me or I'll have to drag all three of you back home myself." Jo-Un and Ayrrn got up stood near her vocalizing their support of this settlement.I was the only one left.
Uja'rak: "Fine." I grumbled. Walking over to her as well.
Bartender: "If anyone asks, the other woman fled through the front door. Seems after viewing the Morat's natural aggression in action she high tailed it out of here."
Arabelle: "Good. Now if you will all stick closely and follow me.." Having the woman taking the lead didn't sit right with Uja but he wasn't going to argue with her just yet considering she was helping them.
Ayrrn: "Now you and the Morat can get married and have little man-monkey babies." The whole group ground to a halt.
Arabelle: "What?!" I faceplamed upon hearing that. Having forgotten what the bartender said just a short while ago.
Jo-Un: "The bartender said so himself." Bella looked at the man in a manner that screamed that she was not amused.
Bartender: "I never said anything about marriage but the boys do have a point.."
Arabelle: "Why the hell do I have to marry this..this alien?"
Bartender: "He is a mercenary and he contacted a hirer and is waiting for a response."
Arabelle: "That could take weeks depending on who & where it is!!"
Bartender: "Which is why he will need a co-guardian for them and the easiest way to get around certain red tape is to.."
Arabelle: "Become one in holy matrimony." The bartender nodded his head. "Damn it!" Bella rubbed her eyes and face.
Ayrrn: "I'll take that as a no?"
Arabelle: "Oh shush. Come on lets get this over with."

At a Catholic Poictesme Church:

Priest: "This request is..I'm at a loss for words."
Arabelle: "Yes I know it's ridiculous but.."
Uja'rak: "Father." The priest turns to look at Uja. "I am a monk. A practicing monk in both my days among my people and now among yours. I understand that doing this will prohibit me from continuing the ascetic lifestyle I've lived but I consider it a worry sacrifice to keep these two children together. Bella too understand the sacrifice she is undertaking and gladly wishes to proceed through as well. All we need is your blessing and authority to make this official." The priest then stares at the Morat for a few seconds.
Priset: "I never would have expected that from someone like you. Nor I with you Bella. Fear not I'll go through the ceremony. Just to let you know once this is done it will be legal not just on Dawn but in PanOceania. Since our reconnection with the Mother Church, the Holy See has accepted our marriage books in their systems.."
Arabelle: "Yes yes, who cares lets get this over with." The priest sighs.
Priest: "Very well have it your way."

Arabelle's Apartment:

Arabelle: "I can't believe I just went through with that. It's like I'm living in some sort of manga.."
Uja'rak: "I can hear you woman."
Arabelle: "I don't care!"
Ayrrn: "Good night Mom & Dad!!"
Jo-Un: "Good night Co-Guardians."
Arabelle: "That boy is weird."
Uja'rak: "Agreed. Jo-Un is quite.."
Arabelle: "Wha..no. I talking about Ayrrn."
Uja'rak: "What's wrong with him?"
Arabelle: "Are you daft? The boy's every action seems to be laced with seduction."
Ayrrn: "My ears are burning. You talking about me?"
Arabelle: "Yes! Now go to bed!" A couple of silent seconds go by.
Ayrrn: "Daddy, can I sleep with you?"
Uja'rak: "I told you on the cargo ship no. Go to bed."
Ayrrn: "But I am in bed. Alone.."
Arabelle: "I'm going to spank a certain someone's bottom!"
Ayrrn: "I'm fine! Good night!" And thus we all went off to sleep.

 

Alistair growled as he was called "Mac" again, he was feeling exhausted, but in the end, he got the idea what Corregidorian was trying to say. So he answered simply:
"We all have been through some shit on Paradiso." And simply patted his metallic arm, feeling that there was no need to add more. as he retreated into bathroom to get the characteristic dog scent off his body, while grunting at the Antipode to send it outside, allowing the mauled beast to start crafting it's nest, while keeping the cleanliness of the house intact... for time being.

Meanwhile as the rest of the squad made themselves known to alcohol and chips, A new face popped up, emerging from the office of Alistair. It was a feminine figure, but positively muscular, with slightly square jaw and very green eyes, with a hint of yellow. There was a lot about her that screamed "dogface" and while she certainly wasn't lithe, pretty or even curvy, woman kept her copper hair in tightly knit braid, while wearing elegant uniform with company signs. He skirt was of same color and Pattern as tartan worn by Alistair suggesting they were related in at least some degree. Noticing guests she kept a stern proper expression as she carried with her a stash of paperwork.
"Oh, hello there." Came a slightly careful comment from the woman as she looked at the colorful crowd in the living room. Then came shout from bathroom.
"Cousin, just leave the reports to be signed and make sure guests are looked after." Woman sighed, stashed the reports on the table near the weapon gallery and looked t the guests.
"Corporal Sarah McElliot, at you service." She bowed her head, and made a move towards one of the kitchen cabinets, before pulling out further bottle of scotch and refilling chips, then she looked at holo-projector and turned on ongoing match of Dog-bowl, where a whole teams of dog warriors, were currently engaging in quite spectacular match, jumping at unthinkable heights and dashing with unnatural speed, clashing in tackles that should shatter bones.
"I have to say Bob, Lincoln Eagles are doing great ever since good ol' "Knight" became head couch for the team" barked the commentator with slightly Russian accent.
"You know it Ivan! After all, if someone knew how to hold the ball and keep enemies from scoring it was the damn Robert!" came a voice with Usariadnan accent, as match seemed to only gather speed, with team in white evidently pushing ahead, even as their uniform slowly got covered in blood. At least, aide of Alistair knew, how to put the holo projector to some entertaining use.

 

Uja acknowledged the female Caledonian. Making sure to say "Thank you" for serving them. The Dogbowl game was a spectacle. Coming from his own background he could understand the draw to literal bloodsports. However, the jumping at high height reminded him of Umbras, particularly the Samaritans as Humanity called them.

Paradiso in the Past:

Sogarat: "Listen up Morats! An Umbra is going to be placed with our group for this mission. Be mindful not to get between it and it's goal." There was a mumble going on in the crowd of soldiers. Many, from what Uja could tell, didn't like the idea of "The Walking Death" being among them. After a short span of time the Umbra in question made it's appearance. The Sogarat who was leading the small group of Morats began to expound to the Umbra their numbers, equipment and ammo count. During this interaction the Umbra's eyes landed on Uja and stayed there for a few seconds. It then turned to the Sogarat pointing at Uja while talking.
Sogarat: "Uja'rak!" The Daturazi came forward after his name was called. "The Umbra wishes to make your acquaintance."
Uja'rak: "What on earth would it want to talk to me for?" The Daturazi echoed in his head.
Umbra: "Your name." The thing uttered.
Uja'rak: "Uja'rak Se'ok." It looked him over before speaking again.
Allatbau: "Mine is Allatbau. It means Death Abundant." It was at this moment that Uja felt the hairs on his back rise. The Sogarat had left them alone due to the Umbra's request. So he had no backup but that wasn't the reason for his alertness. It was the way the Umbra was speaking. He may have been imagining or misunderstanding but it sounded as though the voice suddenly took on a feminine quality to it. At first the voice uttered was more masculine sounding. Except when it had told him it's name & meaning the voice clearly sounded "softer" like Zerat compared to a Morat. Maybe the Umbras had a unique language? Weren't they asexual? No one knew hardly anything about the Umbra except that they were death incarnate to some. But now this thing had an interest in him and Uja didn't like it.
Uja'rak: "My name means Rock. Both of them mean Rock."
Allatbau: "Seems to be uncommon judging by your voice."
Uja'rak: "To name a child two words meaning the same thing is uncommon among any species."
Allatbau: "I wouldn't know. I focus on the kill more so than the victim." They stared at each other for a few seconds. "This has been interesting Uja'rak." And with that the thing left Uja alone in his thoughts.

The next day relieved Uja greatly. It turned out that the Umbra talked that way to all of the Morats and he alone wasn't mishearing the shifting of the vocal tones. After destroying the Tohaa compound that the Morats were ordered to eviserate, the Umbra left to help the next group who were going to participate in an important strike.

Back in Alistar's Quarters:

Uja'rak: "That was one terrible trip down memory lane." Taking more to himself than anyone else around him.

O.O.C.: This might turn out to be a huge mistake but I considered how little of lore is on Umbras and decided to take a risk. If something in the future redacts or makes this idea null and void I'll be more than happy to change it.

The reason I did the voice shifting thing was because the names Allatu & Bau are both female Babylonian names. Allatu being the goddess of the underworld & Bau being the goddess of abundance. Hence the combination being Allatbau (Death Abundant or Abundant Death). Just a little tidbit for those who are interested.

Uja's names both have similar meanings. Ujarak is Inuit for rock and Seok is Korean for stone or tin.

 

@inane.imp @Danger Rose
The best way to forget a bad memory was to focus on something or someone else. Thankfully Uja had two people to converse with.
Uja'rak: "What is your take on this spacious loadout Tony?" "So Dreanna, does your name have a special meaning? I've never heard of a human being given that name by their parents."

 

Betty takes advantage of the strong Arachne connection to cautiously reach out to some of Tony's old comrades by sending messages to their Geists, nothing too overt - yet. To do this she uses Tony's personal key to encrypt the requests: it won't survive a concerted cracking attempt, but will keep it private from anyone with cursory interest. She also takes the opportunity to pull any news from Bakunin: she's curious about what Svengali is up to, not that it's her business per se but she was built to be a touch paranoid.

Tony nods at Alistair's answer, and lets the dogface leave. That's a relief, he was glad Alistair seemed to understand his earlier outburst.

He sits down and watches the game, it's a welcome distraction: he's never really been into Dog-bowl, Aresteia is more his speed. Hannibal's Merc outfit tended to be his favourite: always good for a laugh, and they felt like 'family' being, inevitably, only a couple of steps separated from him and whichever buddies he was watching a match with.

To Uja, he replies "It's big." He shrugs, "Chica, how many live here?" Tony is thinking that the lounge was a big enough rec-space for an entire work-crew at change-over time.

Tony@Moondriver: You 'round amigo? I'm after something a little harder, once I've finished here.

 

Uja'rak: "I'm guessing it is not to your liking then?" The Morat looks over to Dreanna (@Danger Rose) who still munching on some chips while her Geist Echo..."Dreanna, how do you mange your Geist? I've never had a customizable one before and don't know how to use them. Any suggestions or tips you have for me?"

 

Dreanna looked a bit sheepish. "Well, I was named after the lead singer of 'Fist U Up', a Punk Rock band my mother liked." she said taking some more chips and thanking Corporal McElliot for the refill.

"As for my Geist..." she hesitated for a moment. Uja had been forward and shared his heroic tale. If anyone would understand, it would be him, still, she hesitated.

"She was assaulted when she was 12 and I was severly altered in the quantronic attack" said Echo not looking up from her games.

"ECHO!!!" Replied Dreanna mortifed.

"She doesn't want to see my code." Continued Echo shrugging. "Thinks it might bring back bad memories. Silly, if you ask m-[Connection Severed by Host]

Echo disappeared from the AR spectrum and Dreanna looked livid, nostrils flaring and pupils closed to slits. She moved closer to the scotch, served herself a double, and downed it in one gulp.

"Sorry about that," she said bringing out her lighter and twirling it in her left hand. "As you heard, I have issues with my Geist." She finished trying to compose herself. "I'll have her send you some tutorials. *between her teeth*: after I murder her."

 

Uja'rak: "I can see that this event has affected you more than your Geist. I won't push the subject further but..if you don't get over this it will consume and control your life. I'll help in what areas I can if you wish to have my assistance in the matter."

Uja'rak: "Don't. You'll end up regretting it later and possibly never be able to forgive yourself. Relax, breath, pray. Keep calm and rebuke the storm that is trying to manifest inside of you." "As for the tutorials, any type that you can give me would be appreciated."

 

Alistair didn't dally, after all he simply wanted to get the damned scent off his body, since he was to spend time with rest of the crew. Having "luck" of interacting with Caledonian nobility he quickly got used to people reacting badly to the scent, reminding him how most of them viewed him as less than human.

So quick rinse was followed by swift dressing into simple but proper uniform, even if this one included kilt alongside very proper vest. After all, later that day he was asked to wear something more traditional. So with tartan kilt and fabric over his , covering a good part of his classic uniform, Scot returned to the room, looking like someone from a different time period. Which wasn't that weird for most of Ariadna. Still, he made sure to keep eye on the box containing the chip. In the end though, Caledonian was moving and acting fast,, especially since today he had both his hands to help with dressing, change he truly appreciated.

Corporal meanwhile answered questions presented by the guests in the house.
"Only I and lieutenant Alistair live here. I was given position of his Aide and squire ever since he lost his arm and returned from Concillum." She sounded somewhat tired and not precisely happy with her position, but then, she also seemed dutiful. It seemed that clan was valuing tradition in the end, especially within family. "All of the Officer quarters are pretty spacious, I am sure you will find island comfortable." Then she noticed Lord McElliot entering the room.

Once he returned to the room, his cousin was already done refilling snacks, and soon Older McElliot simply patted shoulder of his cousin, causing a surprised look on her face as for the first time, she saw him with fully functional arm.
"Thank you Sarah, you are free for the rest of the day. Tomorrow afternoon we will start proper sparring exercises." Redhead was silent and simply nodded her head, surprised to see the older soldier with both limbs, then she quietly disappeared into the house. While wolfman poured himself some of the highly sweet and positively illegal in most of the sphere substance, mythical Coca-Cola, sipping it as he waited for the recovery team.
"My father used to be one of best blockers in Dog-Bowl, now he is coach for the Lincoln Patriots. My old man hoped I would go pro just like he did." Alistair tried some small talk, just as Galahad watched the antipode outside.

 

"Then again, why wouldn't it?" The Morat thought to himself. Considering how the E.I. used the species underneath it, having a human A.I. act similarly didn't come as a stretch of the imagination to Uja. "If the talents the Shasvastii provide, despite how underhanded they are, were needed for this A.I. Why wouldn't it reach out to them?" The more the Morat thought about it the more it made sense. Except for the bit about what was this A.I. using the Shas for.

Arabelle: "What's wrong?" she whispered as to not draw attention to herself.
Uja'rak: "The Morat who wrote this note or letter is using language referring to the Shasvastii."
Arabelle: "I'm guessing this is not referring to war stories on Paradiso?"
Uja'rak: "Not at all. I think it is about the tarmac episode from early today."
Arabelle: "You mean he thinks those frogs from hell are on this island?!" Continuing to keep her voice as low as she can.
Uja'rak: "I'm not sure. This is difficult for me to translate."
Arabelle: "Isn't that written in your native tongue?"
Uja'rak: "Actually, This language is so ancient that the vast majority of Morats wouldn't have a clue concerning what it said."
Arabelle: "What is the point in doing that?"
Uja'rak: "That is a good question. However, as for the slimy Shas, we shouldn't worry too much about them. This island has a large number of Antipodes. They will be able to sniff them without any trouble.."
Arabelle: "Unless they replaced the very animals we are relying on.."
Uja'rak: "Damn it!" He uttered softly. "I didn't think of that." He then grabbed Knucker by the head & stared into his eyes. The reptile blinked. Once again having no idea what was going on. This strange behaviour was sure to draw someone's attention to the glaring contest that was taking place between owner and pet. "He seems to be fine.."
Arabelle: "We can't take chances here.."
Uja'rak: "Nothing about him points slightly to replacement. Just confusion." Letting go of Knucker's head as he spoke.

Arabelle: "Well I for one am glad that you went into the armed forces. Including your service on Paradiso despite how terrible the cost has been for you."

 

Tony shrugs at the Morats questions, providing a couple of non-commital answers but clearly more interested in the game.

Once the game finishes, he makes his excuses, thanks Alistair and Sarah and departs. Following the small drone deeper into the complex.

Arriving at Moondriver's, Tony catches up with his old pal and the two share stories of the more recent past. Once the conversation and drinks have flowed for a while, he turns to Moondriver with a serious look on his face:

Talk straight, mi amigo, what do know about that boarding op back in Acheron and this Kmuzu?

OOC: I'm sure I need to start rolling something. Between Tony asking direct questions and Betty digging around quantronically?

 

Dreanna smiled innocently at Smiling-Buddah. "Well, I seem to have a secret admirer who clearly did his homework." she said swinging her tali from side to side.

"If it's not too much of a hassle, could you please help with the assembly." She said shamelessly honeying her words. "I know the Gecko is a far cry from a Guija, but your expertise would be greatly appreciated." She finished giving Smiling-Buddah a childlike smile.

 

Answered Arabelle in his low thick accented voice:
"Dogface has three career choices, I made the one that allowed my family tradition and heritage to go on."
Alistair after getting pinged by another member of his clan, set the glass with Coca Cola away and swiftly moved towards the door. The package was right by his belt and Caledonian tried to keep his hand over it most of the time. And now as he checked the camera overlooking the entrance to the house, he also looked at Galahad.
"Make sure again the codes they have are clear." Only when his Geist confirmed the ID, Scot opened the door and after quickly identifying the Tohaa operative he placed the "trophy" in heavy designated lead box.
"I am ready to serve if Duke calls upon me. Now please, come inside" With that powerful soldier took a step to the side, allowing the unique group into his house. Meanwhile round of Dog-Bowl was slowly coming to an end, thankfully with no casualties. Lincoln Patriots thankfully managed to secure a pretty decisive win, and soon bunch of bloodied but proud wolfmen carried away their trophy. Once sure that there were no further instructions, Alistair returned to his remaining guests.

 

While Alistair was at the Door:

Uja'rak: "Is that what I think it is?" The Morat mentally thought to himself. He decided to double check on the "trophy" and sure enough it had something Uja reconized.

After Alistair returns to the room:

Uja'rak: "Excuse me Alistair.." Hoping that it was ok to call his superior officer by his first name. "But that item you handed off looked like it contained pieces of Shasvastii tech intermingled with human technology. I'm nearly positive that is the case."