3/3/99

You head towards the Security Central.

Security Central

Unlike most of the rest of the complex, the security offices are designed for ease of use rather than aesthetics. Wood paneled walls and marble floors are not to be found here. Brushed steel and plate flooring take their place. The acoustics in this room are designed to muffle sound, so despite the metal flooring and the constant coming and going of security personnel, the area does not quite achieve a cacophonous state. A large bank of monitors takes up the bulk of the east wall. On each is displayed video from various security cameras as well as information garnered from customs and immigration. It is from here that security can keep an eye on most everything that happens in the Complex. There are always at least two uniformed guards on duty with nothing to do except watch the monitors. A broad desk is located near the entrance, with an officer present to handle queries.

Three arched doors lead from this area. One to the brig, one to private offices, and the third to the elevator lobby.

Contents:

Kyara

Tally Board

Obvious exits:

Chief's Office Brig Elevator Lounge

You arrive from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Kyara glances up from her terminal, studying the newcomer for a moment before she offers a smile. "Can I help you?"

Corian pauses just inside the door, then moves forward to facilitate the flow of traffic. "Is Riley in his office, please?" she inquires of Kyara, returning the smile with one of her own.

Corian pauses just inside the door, then moves forward to facilitate the flow of traffic. "Is Riley in his office, please?" she inquires Kyara, returning the smile with one of her own.

Kyara blinks, glancing toward the office, and mumbles something to herself about radios. "He's in... may I ask who's inquiring?"

Corian nods, a certain twinkle of humor making its way to her gray eyes. "You may," she says gravely.

Kyara's mouth quirks. "Okay. This sounds rude, but... who's inquiring?"

Corian replies smoothly, lips curving into the smallest of smiles, "Corian Treston. I believe he may recognize the name."

Kyara nods. "Yes, ma'am. I take it you'd like to see him?"

Corian inclines her head, a neat, graceful gesture. "Please. If you could inform him of this, I would be most appreciative." Despite her serious manner, she's still got a hint of humor about her eyes, as if she's a moment away from telling a punchline.

Kyara nods, listing her communit warily.

Kyara says "Um, sorry to bother you, but there's somebody named Corian Treston out here who'd like to see you?" into her communit.

Riley walks here from the Chief Addison's Office.

Riley has arrived.

Riley does not even bother to answer the comm unit, instead bounding out of his office. He looks positively delighted, if a little bezoned from a long day. "Corian! Wow! What brings you to this neck of the woods?!" He's obviously excited, and moves to envelope the woman in a hug. Fear.

Kyara blinks. To Corian, she notes with a slight chuckle, "I think he'll see you now, ma'am."

Corian turns as the door opens, a smile of anticipation blossoming on her face. As she sees Riley, however, that smile fades to a frown of concern. Then, of course, she's being hugged, and must, of course, respond in kind. "Tormenting you, of course," she replies cheerfully. "Why else do I ever visit?" Kyara gets a quick smile, and a quicker wink. "I thought he might."

Riley releases the poor woman, stepping back to regard her a moment with a grin. "Goodness it's good to see you. Always is of course. A little chaotic at the moment, the election coming up and all. How long are you here for?"

Kyara leans back in her chair, watching bemusedly.

Corian's response is absent, as she's peering critically at Riley. "Oh... a year, perhaps longer. Riley, don't you -eat-? You're nothing but skin and bones." Of course, this is the ultimate in pot and kettle, but Corian displays no awareness of that.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Riley perks up decidedly at that first, although the latter causes him to look a bit sheepish. He doesn't comment on the kettle and blackness, aware as he is of the various ancestry involved. "We had some...uh, craziness here. I got shot, sort of, lost a bit of weight." He shakes his head, "That's as never mind though, a -year-? Really? That's -terrific-." He pauses and looks a bit rueful, "Well maybe not for you. It's a little crazy here." He pauses, realizing he's leaving something out, "Cori, this is Kyara, my ward if you can believe that. Kya, this is Corian Treston, my sister."

Kyara blinks several times. "You've just got relatives popping out of the woodwork, don't you?" She gives Cori a grin. "Nice to meet you, of course."

One delicate silvery-blonde brow arches, and Corian inquires, "How, pray, can one 'sort of' get shot?" She doesn't comment on the rest of Riley's statement, however, instead turning to Kyara with a cheerful smile. "A pleasure, yes."

Riley looks rather more sheepish, "It's a long and bizarre story that involves banana yellow vinyl, someone named Guido, and a month or so flat on my back." Sheepishness aside he still looks decidedly pleased. He nods to Kyara, "Tends to happen when one has two full sized families to work from."

Kyara peers at Riley, looking somewhat appalled. "You don't tell your family when you get shot?"

Corian rests a hand lightly on Riley's arm. "As I will be here for a year or more," she observes, "Then there is plenty of time for you to tell me this story. But not, I think, just now. You look tired." Kyara gets a quick smile. "Lately, I have not been the easiest person to find."

Riley looks exceedingly embarrassed, but thankfully Corian saves him from having to say anything to Kyara's comment. If he told his family everything that went on around here they'd be appalled after all. "Have you got a place to stay yet? I can harass Arthur for you if you don't. Eaten yet? Need any help settling in?" He's like a dog, eager to please. Someone kick him, please.

Kyara just shakes her head, starting to type again. She notes quietly, "He always looks tired." She pauses to glance up, peering at Riley again.

[SimpleMU* ate a pose, here--something about Riley offering to get Corian set up with food and a place to stay.]

Corian considers that. "I would prefer to get settled, if it's not a bother. As for eating... what would you recommend?" She pulls a pocketwatch from her pocket (imagine that, what a place to keep a pocketwatch) and observes, "It's later than I thought. I'm not yet used to planetary time."

Kyara glances up. "Take 'er to the Fruvous, Riley. Those fries are to die for."

Riley glances up at the time, nodding to Kyara. "Kitchen'll still be open for another couple hours. We can set Arthur's crew to setting up a room, they should be done by the time we get back, easy."

Corian, replacing her watch, nods thoughtfully. "That sounds good, yes. Thank you for the recommendation," she adds, to Kyara.

Riley accosts a terminal, tappity-tap-tapping away for a moment. "The work order's in. Shouldn't take too terribly long. We're getting plenty of new personel, so there should be plenty of rooms in assignable shape." He's looking far too cheerful for words. "Shall we then?"

Kyara's mouth quirks. "Somehow I doubt you'd appreciate the Vault, ma'am." She makes shooing motions at Riley. "Go have fun."

Corian makes a dismissive gesture with one hand. "The Vault? And, please, call me Corian. If you're Riley's ward, then you shouldn't be nearly so formal with me."

Riley shakes his head with a touch of emphasis. "The Vault's not a great place. At the very least not while I'm in uniform. Quite the mess. The Fruvous is much nicer, and the music's better."

Kyara nods her agreement with Riley, wafting a hand toward him, then smiles apologetically. "I'm on-duty, ma'am. If you're a civilian, I'm formal."

Corian nods, apparently content to take Riley's word for this. "One must have priorities, of course, and music is surely one of them." There's another nod to Kyara's words, an an equable smile. "Of course. But do remember what I said, when you're off-duty. Are you ready, Riley?" Of course, Corian cheerfully neglects to remember that Riley suggested leaving some time ago.

Kyara nods with a smile. "Of course." Bending over her paperwork again, she's immediately engrossed in diplomatic whinings.

Riley offers a vague grin, and a half tilted head and shoulders bow. He gestures sweepingly towards the door, "After you, Cori. Ready when you are."

Corian murmurs a polite farewell to Kyara, and moves gracefully towards the door, with a fond smile to Riley.

You head towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Second Floor Elevator Lounge

Despite being one of the major hubs of activity in the Complex, few people linger here. While there are usually people present, usually they are on their way to someplace else. The lobby is nice enough, with broad tapestries hung on richly paneled walls, and floors of veined black marble; but it is simply too busy for most people to stop and chat in. The occasional tasteful potted plant lurks in the corners, and large mirrors are hung near the elevators for passing lobbyists to check their appearances before descending to the main level. Corridors lead to the northeast and southwest.

Obvious exits:

Elevator General Housing Library Security Maintenance Medical

You arrive from the Security Central.

Riley arrives from the Security Central.

Riley has arrived.

Corian inquires, one hand lifting lightly, "Is there anyone else who should join us, perhaps?"

Riley ambles along elevatorwards. At the question he brightens, "If you don't mind? I could see if Clara's willing to quit the building for a bit. I'd like you to meet her."

Corian's smile is decidedly pleased. "I would like that, yes--if you don't think it is too late for her?"

Riley checks the time a moment before shaking his head. "With the schedule she keeps, she's probably still in her office, the crazy lady." Of course, that's where he was, his office, but hey.

Riley says "Heya' love, you busy?" into his communit.

Riley's communit crackles to life and says "... from... strand... Never... you, sailor. What's..." in Clara's voice.

Corian waits with all apparent patience, absently tucking her hands into the sleeves of her shirt.

Riley says "I was wondering if you'd be amenable to escaping this looney bin on a search for food. See, one of my sisters has turned up on my doorstep, I was going to drag her down to the Fruvous and inflict food upon her. I'd be terribly pleased if you joined us, if you have time." into his communit.

Riley's communit crackles to life and blares "... here?... course... amenable.... me... shut... uniform,... all right?" in Clara's voice.

Riley says "Corian actually. Evvy's evil and scary and I wouldn't subject you to her on short notice." There's a wry chuckle to his tone. "Uniform's fine. So am I." into his communit.

Corian tsks softly. "To speak so of your sister," she murmurs, tone one of mild disapproval. Of course, she's still amused.

Riley's communit crackles to life and announces "... Never... word... Kramer's being..." in Clara's voice.

Riley offers Corian a rather innocent look, "It's the truth though, Evvy's a little... Hard to take of one's unaccustomed to her."

Riley says "The hallway? In front of the evil elevators?" into his communit.

Clara arrives from the Medical Bay.

Clara has arrived.

Corian laughs very quietly. "Well, I'm glad you don't think the same of me. I would hate to be... inflicted upon someone." And she won't mention this conversation to Evvy at all. As Clara arrives, she turns and offers a pleasant smile of greeting.

Clara comes out of Medbay buttoning the overflap of her lab coat and half grinning. "In other words, just outside the door," she comments with a flash of grin as she comes to a stop beside Riley and inclines her head and shoulders slightly at the taller woman. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Clara Aleron."

Riley offers Corian a bemused grin and a shake of his head, "Now see I wouldn't be so cruel, Cori. Not about -you-. You've never threatened to shoot me... Well, not and -meant- it at least." This implies of course that Evvy -has-. What a cheerful family. He brightens as Clara arrives, which is pretty danged bright indeed by this point. "Of course outside the door, it would have been -efficent- if we'd just stepped inside. And somebody might hit me with something ending in -eculum."

Corian untucks her hands from her shirtsleeves once more, resting one lightly over her heart and making that gesture that Riley has demonstrated so often. "Corian Treston. It's an delight to meet you, after all that I've heard." Straightening, she casts a look of amused exasperation at Riley. "You could let us get the pleasantries completed before you mention shooting and hitting. Goodness, such violence."

Clara gasps lightly, eyes widening at Riley in mock dismay. "Oh, not efficient? Horrors! And we can forego any -eculums. I'll just thwap you with my stethoscope," she decides affably, then beams up at Corian. "If it helps any, I actually have shot him, although it was only in a practice simulation. And whatever you've heard, it's all lies. I'm really a secret agent for the Intersteller Circus," she adds with a wink.

Riley sighs in mock exasperation. "You think I'd learn. But no, I persist in being evil and violent. Perhaps we could beat up some passerby on the way to the Fruvous?" He sounds so cheerful about this suggestion. He nods a lot, "She's the clown tamer."

Corian says gravely, "Alas, my informant gave me that news. She also sends her regards, to both of you." The corners of her eyes crinkle as she adds, to Riley, "Good. She sounds like exactly what you need, then."

A hint of worry crosses Clara's features briefly before she nods cheerfully. "Certified goof helper-outer, that's me." She wrinkles her nose at Riley in amusement. "I told you you were terrifying. But you did mention...food? Perhaps?" No, there's no hope in that tone at all.

Riley starts to reply to that, but sighs in exasperation as he realizes he's dug his own hole and tripped into into it. He just snickers, "Remind me to show you my oversized shoes and red felt nose some time." He leans over to push the elevator button. He nods, "Let's go eat."

Corian nods at the mention of eating. "That sounds like an excellent idea."

Clara just looks somewhat sheepish, hands slipping into her pockets. "Indeed. Lead on, please," she suggests to the other two.

[Elevator spam deleted.]

Riley wends his way through the various delegates making his way towards the arch.

Riley heads towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Riley has left.

You head towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Massive Open Air Pavilion

The sound of footsteps ring from these wide terra-cotta paving stones at all hours-- this pavilion is central to the life of a great many of those who live in Copper Hill Steading. It is protected from the worst of the elements by a massive onion dome over head. The dome is fashioned of lacquered wood, and is painted in bright swirling stripes of blue and green. There are no walls, as massive stone columns, painted in equally festive shades support the dome

Enterprising sales persons and street musicians are set up in scattered clumps beneath the pavilion's shelter. The sounds of their calls, and their myriad mix of musical styles, echoing against the lacquered wood high overhead create a melodious cacophony-- the echoes of which can be heard for miles.

Dominating the Pavilion's east end is the massive Alliance Complex, home to a myriad of diplomats and tradespeople from hundreds of worlds. It's a massive construction of mirror-bright black marble and sun-shielded plas-glas. Irregular in shape, it attests to the organic construction of both the building and the Alliance itself.

Contents:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Steading Gate Bonded GuildHall Java Quarter Complex Gate

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

Clara arrives from the Central Atrium.

Clara has arrived.

Riley heads towards the Java Quarter.

Riley has left.

You head towards the Java Quarter.

Java Quarter

In the very heart of the Java Quarter stands a massive granite fountain. Change glints in the basin, and a whimsically carved dragon basks amongst the pouring flows of water. A small faded plaque indicates it's a memorial of some kind. Around the fountain square lurk squat little buildings, each painted in a riot of colors and bedecked with curling wrought iron trim. Many years ago these were fine houses for people from outlying steadings coming to visit the capitol. Now they have been re-made into artist's studios, odd little stores, java shops, and bars.

The streets in this quarter are all of cobblestone, and earthenware pots are scattered at every corner. In these pots are planted quirky little topiary bushes. The streetlights are made to mimic old gas lantern-lights, and the street signs are of battered driftwood. A great deal of care has been taken to keep the flavor and charm of this district without sacrificing modern amenities. Small darkened 'alleys' lead off the narrow streets and between the cramped buildings. Dingy and with a flavor of great age to them, they're probably not the best place for tourists to go.

Contents:

Riley

Roland

Briga

Obvious exits:

Zimmies Bar and Grill Pavilion

You arrive from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Clara arrives from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Clara has arrived.

Briga is padding through the Quarter, tail floating gracefully behind her.

Roland is following Briga, rather boredly, and mindful of the tail.

Riley continues to wend his way through the various crowds, quite content with the general parting of the waters effect generated by his uniform. It's not as profound this far from the Complex, but it's still more or less there. He abuses it, too snonked to want to insinuate his way through by more normal means. He offers a polite wave to the diplomat and her escort before heading towards the Fruvous.

Briga spots Riley and Clara and a smile comes to her face as she offers them both a graceful bow.

Corian murmurs a polite greeting as she trails along in Riley's wake, expression mildly amused for the parting effect.

Clara follows after the crowd parter and the taller woman, carefully sidestepping and avoiding being recognized by any of her patients, which is a really silly effort in a kneelength lab coat. She offers a pleasant smile at Briga and Roland both as she passes.

Riley walks towards the Fruvous Bar and Grill.

Riley has left.

Roland nods as he returns the greetings and watches them pass by.

You walk towards the Fruvous Bar and Grill.

Fruvous Bar and Grill

With the same charm as the Java Quarter itself, this restaurant is perhaps a bit small, and often crowded, but pleasant all the same. A large stage takes up the whole of the north side of the room. Elevated about six feet off the floor, it allows the stage's occupants to be visible even if the entire room is packed. A long bar runs down the whole of the eastern wall -- a near sea of polished wood. From the sounds echoing behind it, it would seem the kitchen is located behind the bar. A dizzying array of taps and bottles is located behind the bar as well, a veritable cornucopia of available alcohol. The western wall of the room holds a large fireplace. A few feet from the fireplace, a chalk line has been drawn on the bar's floor.

Near the southern end of the room tables have been set up. Each is small and covered with a printed cloth. Tiny candles are set in the center of each. The ceiling and walls have been painted black; the better to hide the various tiling that's been installed to improve the acoustics.

Contents:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Java Quarter

You walk here from the Java Quarter.

Clara walks here from the Java Quarter.

Clara has arrived.

Riley heads of course to the southern end of the room, wherein lie the tables. Finding one near the corner unoccupied, he moves to pull back various chairage in an attempt to be polite.

Corian gracefully takes one of the chairs, with a murmur of thanks to Riley. The bulk of her attention, however, is for the music. She listens intently for a few moments, head tipped slightly to one side, then turns back to the others with a smile, making her own attempt to be polite. "Apologies. They're very skilled."

Clara sketches a salute at the drummer of the band and gets a grin back for all that he's a little busy at the moment, then lowers into a chair while Riley seats his sister, inclining her head at the woman with a smile. "Aren't they, though? Excellent musicians. I've taken a few lessons from the drummer..." She gestures at Riley, er, wryly. "Niko's advice was sound."

Riley slides into a chair after making sure you're both settled, reaching for one of the pasteboard menus with a bemused grin. "They're rather good. Hence why the place keeps the draw it does. Well, that and the food's mot at all bad." He grins at Clara, "That's a goodness, and it sounds fun."

Corian's smile widens fractionally at Clara's words. "You're a musician as well? She didn't mention that. Good. Do you appreciate the music more, do you think, since you practice it yourself?" She reaches absently for one of the menus as well, movementt one of unconscious grace. (She needs a thesaurus, too.)

Clara does reach for a menu, but gives it no more than a cursory glance as she tilts her head to consider this, watching the bassist for a moment. He's singing, not because he's worth watching. Although he is. "You know, I'm not sure? I'd like to say so, if I weren't afraid of sounding bourgeiosie." She glances back from one sibling to the other, puzzled for a moment. "She?"

"Honalee," Riley says with an amused tone, "At least I feel safe in assuming. She keeps full and total track of her grand and great-grandkids. It's her job after all." He scans the menu a moment, setting it at last aside and beginning the search to make eye contact with a waiter.

Corian glances briefly at the menu, then looks up once more, with a fluid gesture of one hand. "Honalee, yes," she confirms, with a quick smile. "Of course. She's still on Kashid, of course, but perhaps..." A wistful look flickers across her face, and then she shakes her head, gaze drifting to the bassist as well--because he's singing, of course.

"I don't fall into either category," Clara notes, particularly amused as she peers down the items on the menu. "But she hired me to be evil to this man," she muses most innocently, then peers up with a hint of hope. "Perhaps?"

Riley is not at all interested in watching the bassist. He may be singing, but Riley's got the wring set of hormones to truly appreciate that for what it's worth. Although the orange shirt might appeal to him. He is far too involved in actually commandeering a waiter. "No, but see both Cori and I do. Hence the life of one must be explained at length to the other." He grins briefly before murmuring a quiet order.

Corian starts to say something in response to Clara's inquiry, but pauses to blink at Riley. "At length?" she inquires. "Oh... dear. Oh, dear." She murmurs something about reciprocation, then turns her attention to the menu, as the waiter must be here and all.

Clara ahs somewhat vaguely, not fully understanding but certainly trying to be game about it all. Not having siblings leaves one a bit out of familial understanding. She smiles cheerfully up at the waiter as she gives her own order, then tucks the menu back in the centerpiece.

Riley looks rather sheepish as he turns back from the waiter, "Well, at length if one's around to hear it. I've only spoken to her, oh, two or three times in the past several months. And two of those were, um, very short."

Corian looks just a bit relieved as she nods, giving her own order as well to round off the group. But, of course, she tsks quietly. "She didn't mention that. Perhaps we can drag you to Kashid for a visit, so you can greet her in person." Turning to Clara, she adds, again in that deceptively serious tone, "I have noticed that Riley tends to overwork."

Clara understood that perfectly, and looks thoroughly embarassed as she stares up at the band fixedly, murmuring a quiet apology to Riley and tucking a lock of hair behind one ear. At Corian's statement, she looks back and nods solemnly. "At times, yes. But that's not been as much of a problem recently."

Riley looks a bit confused at Clara's embarassment, make that a lot confused. Corian's comment gets an amused shake of his head, "I behave, honest. Well...sometimes."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian looks a bit puzzled by the embarrassment as well, but doesn't call attention to it. Of course, her decision to quiz Riley about it later is thwarted as his reaction is similar to his own. Kindly, she refrains from asking if Clara ties Riley to something to get him to rest, instead saying only, "Sometimes. And sometimes you don't. I've noticed that that particular sometimes seems to take precedence."

Clara doesn't explain her source of embarrassment, although having to do with tying Riley to anything at any time is likely a safe bet on the negative. Well, except for electrodes. "Medical leave works fairly well," she offers, composure recovered.

Riley perks up a bit from his confusion as food arrives. He murmurs a quiet thanks as he's handed a glass of rye and a basket of cheese and chili drenched fries. Well, it's fattening at least. "I flip a coin when I wake up. Will I behave today? Or not. It seems to work."

Corian echoes the thankyou as she receives her sandwich and tea--of the iced variety. With a quiet murmur about the possibility of slipping a loaded coin into Riley's stash, she nods towards Clara. "It would, yes. Though I'd hope they're not required -too- often." And the glance that she slants towards Riley is, again, a bit concerned.

"Is -that- it?" Clara exclaims, trying not to laugh so that she might nod thanks at the waiter for her own fried mushrooms and iced tea. "I should sneak into your quarters and liberate all your coins," she decides, then tilts her head with a wistful smile at Corian. "That's...difficult for me to answer. I've not been here at the Complex really long enough to judge."

Riley pauses a moment to count to himself, "Not that often in the grand scheme of things, nope." Hey, especially if you count it on the geological scale. He munches on a couple of fries. "So what brings you to our neck of the woods, Cori? Strange and sudden desire to learn to live in fear of explosing pudding?"

Corian's tea pauses midway to her lips, and then she carefully sets the glass down once more, hands folding lightly. "I get the idea that there are several stories to hear. Exploding... pudding. I'll watch my choice of dessert from now on, certainly." She's intruigued, though, as is suggested by her expression. "And I'm here for a job. I decided that I've had enough learning, so I've come to translate for your diplomats--the Turellians are the ones who asked me to come. I met one of their delegates... two years ago, perhaps?"

Clara listens with quiet interest, starting slowly on her dinner after murmuring something to the effect of gratefully escaping banana uniforms.

"The exploding pudding one is actually relatively humorous. Remind me to introduce you to Nick, who is technically your brother as well. Sort of. We're allowed to throw pudding at him." Riley snags another fry, far too entertained with life in general at the moment. "Translating's in quite the demand here last I heard it. So few folks bother with anything other than standard these days."

Corian casts a glance to Clara, too, reeling it in after a moment and inspecting the catch. With a mild shake of her head, she starts to eat, as if having reached a decision that she will never finish her meal if she pauses at every odd thing her brother says. "I'll be busy, then? Good. I'd hate to get bored." No, she's not visited the Complex for very long, why? "Nick... pudding. All right. Is it necessary that the pudding explode when we throw it at him? Somehow, that doesn't seem especially fraternal."

Clara can't suppress a laugh at that, reaching for her tea to quell the snickering. "If you toss exploding pudding at Niko, please let me be there to watch? I'll make sure to have a nerf on hand," she adds with a definite nod, then adds quickly upon realizing who she's speaking to, "A -Terran- nerf."

Riley stifles a snicker as he snags a fork, having run out of fries he can pick up without making a mess of his fingers. "Bored? Somehow I do not think bored will be an issue." He shakes his head, "No, regular non-exploding pudding. His lady informed us that she would appreciate it if we doused him in pudding regularly." He nearly chokes at Clara's comment, stifling a snicker with a bite of chili.

Corian takes a moment to -stare- at Clara, as, of course, she assumed the Edreeni translation. Then, at the clarification, she laughs quietly, and nibbles lightly on her sandwich before nodding agreeably to the other woman. "Of course." Mulling over Riley's comment, she says thoughtfully, "It would surely be an interesting way to greet him. Memorable. Or perhaps not, if pudding usually explodes, here."

"If it involves you ribs again, Mr. Addison," Clara begins, waving her fork in mock-warning at Riley, "I'd just as soon you not experiment further with exploding pudding. Or Niko's legs for that matter, although I imagine he'll be a regular customer of my regenerator shop."

Riley shakes his head, leaving off on the consumption of fries and instead taking his heretofore untouched glass in hand. "Not normally. We had some terrorists import some explosives with a batch of it is all. The phrase, 'butterscotch boom', got bandied about a great deal after the fact. It is exceedingly difficult to interrogate people when you're covered from head to toe in dessert." He grins ruefully at Clara, "Hey, at least we all walked away from that one, more or less. And the stories now..."

Corian's brows lift just the slightest bit at Clara's words, expression mildly curious, but she doesn't voice any of her questions, instead nodding her understanding to Riley's words. She considers her brother for a moment, then says finally, "I do hope there are pictures. Though I can't say that I'm sorry I missed the adventure."

Clara ducks her head with a faint smile. "A point. The incidents you fellas walk away from are far preferable," she agrees. "Although not many of us have much of a taste for butterscotch any more. I must say I'm certainly glad it wasn't chocolate pudding." Catching the curious look, she ventures a wan smile. "My apologies. I'm generally the doctor that patches these fellows up when needed."

"She's the only one who can put up with our whining," Riley explains after a sip of his glass's contents. "We're violently obnoxious you see. It's in the Security charter. Torment Medbay. Make them wish to surrended the hostages they've taken. Evil penguin thieves." He's in such an insanely good mood this evening. "And pictures we have, yes. Anya has vast numbers of pictures of any number of embarassing things I'm afraid."

Corian, with another of those elegant little gestures, shakes her head to Clara. "No need to apologize. But... Niko is Nick? They are the same person? And does he break often, then?" Riley's words draw an amused smile, the gesture warming her gray eyes. "Tormenting the ones with the sharp objects? My brother, you are braver than I'd imagined."

"Niko is Nick, and breaking is something he does well," Clara explains wryly, almost as if she wishes she were incorrect. She glances sidelong at Riley, spearing another mushroom with her fork. "I have stolen nothing," she notes with aplomb, then notes with mock suffering to Corian, "He's evil to me on a regular basis. I lead a tortured life."

Riley is cruel and evil and inflicts, "Iolytus Nikolaus Casymed, Nick, Niko, Junior, Galahad." Just what the poor lady needs, hosts of names. "Same father as I had. It's a small world after all, yes?" He hmphs softly, "Other than my heart, no you haven't. But you keep Honalee's hostages for her." He nods to Corian, "Long standing tradition."

Corian offers to Clara, tone quite that of one offering another glass of tea, or something equally casual, "Did you need assistance in tormenting him in return? I've got some practice at that." She pauses to take note of all the names, then nods. Poor Niko will likely get them all rattled off to him at some point. At that particular news, however, she looks a bit interested. "Does mother know that?" she inquires, with a hint of care.

Clara couldn't begin to pronounce most of Niko's name if she tried, so she doesn't. Instead, she tilts her head thoughtfully at Corian, then nods in equally composed casualness, "That might be useful, yes. New ideas are always appreciated. And they're not hostages," she adds to Riley, eyes dancing before she falls quiet to finish her dinner at the final question.

Riley erks quietly, "She doesn't need aid, I promise. She has me tormented quite effectively. Promise." He raises an eyebrow, "Not hostages? Not hostages against my good behavior? So I can go about being evil now?" He nods slightly to Corian, his tone a bit reserved. "I wrote her, yes. She didn't mention anything about it in her reply. I haven't brought it up again."

Corian nods to Clara, though her manner is more thoughtful than anything else. "Probably best that you not," she tells Riley, fingers curving lightly around her mug. "She didn't mention it to me, and I managed a stop there right before I came here." Her shoulders lift lightly in a small shrug, and she tucks that thought neatly away. "And there is no such thing as enough torment, but it's a goal we can certainly hope to reach, with enough effort."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Clara leaves the discussion of the pair's mother to them, quietly finishing her own dinner and even seeming more absorbed in the music than the conversation until she's addressed again. "I've attempted learning to shove him off the couch, but he's a bit bigger than I am," she notes, almost mournfully before casting a quick wink at Riley.

Riley nods to Corian, finishing off the last of his drink. "Turns out he was rather prolific, and kept to his MO. At least three of us I know of offhand. I wouldn't want to hear updates on him either I suppose, in her shoes." He's just glad she puts up with him, under the circumstances. "I am most assuredly well and truly tormented." A hint of accent leaks its way into his words, the combination of someone from home being present, and the exceptional lateness of the hour. "Hey, plenty of room for everybody on the couch."

Corian purses her lips briefly at 'three', but keeps any comments to herself. "Just a bit," she murmurs to Clara, lips curving into a brief smile once more. "You can use his weight against him, though. There are tricks... but if he's willing to -share- the couch," she adds, at Riley's last comment. There's a quiet chuckle, and then a fractional shake of her head, then one hand lifts to rest beneath her chin.

Clara finishes her tea as well, then quietly tilts the glass from side to side, the ice clinking noislessly in the sound of the band. She snickers lightly, shaking her head. "He only does because it's a remarkably large couch. Speaking of sofas, I'd best be getting home and a bit of sleep. Oh-dark-hundred shift again in the morning. If you two could excuse me?"

Riley glances at his comm, peering at the time. "The hour has most assuredly slipped from beneath us." He glances around, "Final call was forty-five minutes ago. Although they never really close per se."

Corian tugs her watch from her pocket and studies it for a moment before replacing it. "My time sense is all turned about," she observes, with a quick smile, "But it's most definitely later than it was when we started. Riley, if I could convince you to give me the number of the room that is theoretically ready for me, I'll stop by the Urverianen to get my belongings and then make my way there."

Clara pauses in climbing to her feet, brows raised in surprise. She very evidently expected the pair to natter the night away. "Should I wait?" she murmurs at Riley, almost inaudibly.

Riley is not even remotely set up for nattering the night away however. In fact, getting back home will be challenge enough from the look of it. He murmurs into his wrist unit a moment, "Yeah, they've got one set up for you. With the rest of the folks serving the fourth floor. Y hall, room 8." Why eight? Why not? He clambers to his feet, sliding his creditchit into the table's reader and tabbing in the tip. "F'you don't mind love? We could all walk back together."

Corian murmurs something towards Clara about long days and travel and not being as young as one used to be. Of course, the glint to her gray eyes suggests that she's joking about that last bit, but the care with which she rises suggests the truth to the former statements--though, of course, she doesn't look as beat as Riley. That takes talent. As the name of the room is given, she nods, with a quiet, "Thank you, and to Arthur as well." As Riley pays, though, her lips quirk fractionally, but she does add another thankyou.

Clara continues rising as she nods reasonably, straightening her jacket before pushing in her chair. "Don't mind in the slightest," she offers up with a quietly fond smile, which quirks into a headshake and a grin at Corian. She doesn't believe the other woman's elderly status for a moment. "Lead on, sir and madame. I'm willing to harbor a guess it's been a frighteningly long day for us all."

Riley snags one last, now cold, fry, before he heads out into the world. Having abused commas, he's geared to leave.

[Travelspam and a few travel poses deleted.]

Riley pushes a button, "Staff's on three, you'll be on four Cori. The rooms up there are pretty nice. But let me know if there's a problem?"

The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Corian nods agreeably, tucking the bag that she got from the spaceport (really) under one arm. "Of course. But I'm sure it will be just fine."

Riley pushes the button marked 3.

The elevator direction light changes to UP with a ping.

The elevator glides almost imperceptibly upward and goes "ping" as it reaches floor #2.

Riley mmhmms quietly, leaning against the elevator wall. "Give me a buzz tomorrow perchance? We really need to get caught up, eh?"

The elevator glides almost imperceptibly upward and goes "ping" as it reaches floor #3.

With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

Riley has left.

From outside the elevator, Riley has arrived.

The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Clara simply smiles somewhat sleepily and inclines her head. "A pleasure to meet you. Goodnight," She offers.

Clara pushes the button marked 3.

With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

Clara has left.

From outside the elevator, Clara has arrived.

Corian offers a quick smile, after nodding and murmuring acknowledgement to Riley. "And you."


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