3/5/99

Clara walks here from the Central Atrium.

Clara has arrived.

Corian has apparently eschewed the offices, at least for the present, as she's ensconced in one of the comfortable chairs. She's got papers and datacrystals in a small basket on the table before her, and is intent on more papers, which are resting neatly on a clipboard.

Clara has an armful of her own folders and a medical clipboard holding charts, fairly absorbed in them. She gets past the chair holding the translator, then pauses and looks up before turning back in a double take that turns into a surprised smile. "Ms. Treston? Why, good evening! How are you today?"

Corian looks up with a blink, and then a smile of her own, though hers is more pleased than surprised. "Good evening, Ms. Aleron," she replies, voice holding a hint of humor. "I'm well, and yourself?" She shifts the clipboard somewhat, resting her hands lightly atop the papers.

Clara closes the folder, a gleam of amusement hinted at in the hazeled green of her own eyes. "Please, please...my mother is Ms. Aleron. Call me Clara. But I'm well. Wading through the masses of paperwork for physicals for all the new incoming personnel. I hope your quarters were adequate?"

Corian inclines her head, with a quick smile. "Of course, Clara, if you will call me Corian. And my quarters are lovely, yes--more than I need, in fact, though I'm not going to complain."

Clara starts to wave a hand airily, then quickly regroups as the mass of charts starts to slip, and fumbles to reshift them to a tighter grip. "Corian, of course," she agrees with a sheepish grin at the near shower of papers. "Excellent. I'd hoped you'd gotten diplomat quarters. Staff's a bit small, but comfortable. Some folk need more...conveniently sized furniture. Your brother, for example," she adds with a chuckle.

Corian lifts a hand rather instinctively as the paper slips, lowering it gracefully to her lap once more as the papers are rescued. How lucky for them. "My brother, yes," she agrees, with a soft chuckle. "I can generally get by with human furniture, but it is nice to have options." After a brief pause, she adds, "Speaking of my brother, he is well, yes?" Her gray eyes reflect her concern, as does a brief drumming of spidery fingers on clipboard. "He explained his... recent excitement, you see."

Clara glances back Complex-wards with thoughtfully, hugging the stack of charts to her chest. "Riley is far, far better than he was, oh even a month ago," she assures, then looks back with a smile and shifts her weight. "He'll be perfectly fine. He's even gained back a good five pounds already. But I'll admit that's all the excitement like that I'd care to see for a while. I saw enough of that last duty assignment."

Corian looks rather relieved by this particular news, a brief smile crossing her face. "Thank you. Riley said the same, but he also does not want me to worry." After a brief pause, she inquires, "May I ask what your last assignment was?"

Clara inclines her head, looking particularly relieved as well. She's grown accustomed to Riley, just a bit. "Riley doesn't want anyone to worry," she notes with amused asperity, then leans against the back of a chair. "The last? With the 8023rd MMU, primarily based on Cannerton IV. I did two years with them, around a year as a field medic at Golman," she explains as if discussing various types of ice cream rather than combat zones.

Corian's silvery-blonde eyebrows incline fractionally. "Ah," she says lightly. "This must be something of a switch, then. Though I get the impression," she adds, with a faint smile, "That combat experience would be helpful in dealing with some of the people here. The diplomats, for one."

Clara glances down at her charts, chuckling wistfully and shaking her head. "Unfortunately, yes. I'd never dreamed what I learned in the Infantry would come in handy here. Still, I hadn't meant to disturb you. You look as if you're hard at work. Perhaps we could meet for coffee sometime, though?"

Corian extracts her pocket watch and glances at it. "Actually, I am reminded that I should stop," she says, with a smile. "I had not intended to stay here so long, but the work captivates." She replaces the clipboard in the basket, adding, with a quiet chuckle, "I didn't mean to detain you, either. Apologies."

Clara rolls her eyes faintly and shakes her head. "Detain? Rescued, to be precise. Just a chance to chat is lovely after administering physical exams to so many new personnel with such exuberence. I imagine Riley's still on duty," she adds with a sniff of unsurprised wistful humor, "so I usually stay in my office until he's done. I thought I'd drop these carts off to be sent to Regulus though. Nothing earth-shattering, by any means."

Corian says pleasantly, "Riley works too hard, but that's nothing unusual for him. If you like, once you've finished, we could get that coffee. Or perhaps," she adds, with delicacy, "Perhaps tea."

Clara brightens significantly at the suggestion. "Tea would be splendid," she agrees, delighted enough with the suggested that a hint of accent escapes. "Let me drop these off with the mail clerk, and I'll be back in a moment," she offers, then turns to head into the AF area, disappearing for a few moments. Really.

Corian is still perched in that chair when you return, though the basket is now resting lightly in her lap. When you clear the door, she gets to her feet, shifting the basket to hold in one hand. "Are you ready, then?" she inquires pleasantly.

Clara brushes her hands slightly against her lab coat, trying to stifle a snicker as she emerges with a pure grin of michief. "Indeed, yes. Have you had a chance to explore and discover any place in particular that you'd like to visit?"

Corian shakes her head, looking somewhat curious at the snicker and the grin. She says only, though, "I haven't, no. I've been either here or in my quarters since I've arrived, between working and getting used to the time switch."

Clara waves a hand dismissively at the AF area, still smirking faintly as she answers the curiosity, "Just plotting with someone's wife briefly to ensure he doesn't miss his annual physical," she explains. "There's a sidewalk cafe in the java quarter that's nice. Fairly quiet at this time of night, too."

Corian laughs quietly as her curiosity is answered. "Plotting. How fascinating." With a brief nod, she settles her basket a little more securely. "And the cafe sounds very pleasant, yes. It will be nice to be outside for a bit, after being in here all day."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Clara pats at the buttons on her labcoat and starts for the doorway, nodding. "I hear it's simply lovely out tonight. One of my patients said the wind was off the ocean, distant as it is. That may just be poetical, but it'd be a nice taste of home," she decides.

[Travelspam to the Java Quarter deleted.]

Corian lets the basket swing lightly from one hand as she walks along the cobblestone pathway. "This really is a rather lovely place," she observes, "For the most part." Of course, she's also not looking too closely at those alleys, which likely implies her awareness of their presence.

Clara's hands are tucked into her pockets as she lets her eyes drift over the scenery as it passes. "Isn't it, though? I used to escape her whenever I could in college. Ah, here we are," she notes, beaming at a small place with wrought iron tables and chairs beneath a largish tree. "Just stay out of the alleyways, and it's perfectly quaint."

Corian gestures towards one particular table--one that allows a fairly nice view of both the passers-by and the sky, without being especially the way of other coffee-goers. "This one, perhaps? And you studied here on Linnae? So this is something of a... homecoming, perhaps?"

Clara nods affably and heads for the suggested table, pulling out one of the chairs and settling into it after unbuttoning her labcoat. "Somewhat? I attended the AF Academy, actually. From seventeen on till my first duty assignment...it really did get to be home. Had you visited Linnae before this?"

Corian folds gracefully into another chair. "I don't know that you could quite call it a visit, any of them. I've managed to have passage on ships that stop here, a few times--an hour, perhaps two. Long enough to torment Riley a bit, but not nearly long enough to do any sightseeing."

Clara leans back, crossing her ankles easily as she scouts for a waiter, then laughs softly. "Riley Torment is a vastly worthy activity. I think it's often the high point of my day. There really is a lot to sightsee here. There's a lake just outside the Steading that's simply perfect for skipping stones."

Corian pauses at that, a bit puzzled. "Skipping stones?" she inquires. "Ah... the throwing, to make them jump, yes? I've not actually seen that done. Perhaps I'll have to investigate this lake, once I've gotten settled in a little better." The corners of her eyes crinkling, she adds, "And Riley Torment should be the high point of your day. Have you ever... but no. That would not be a good thing to start. Not this early in my stay, at least."

"Oh, now you -can't- start that and not finish," Clara pleads, delighted by the prospect of possible torture ideas. "Have I ever...?" Unfortunately any response is cut off by the appearance of a waiter, to whom Clara gives a brief order, then waves a hand at her companion.

Corian puts in an order as well, then shakes her head, her expression apologetic, if a bit amused as well. "I cannot, really. If I tell you this... well, there is balance, you see. And that has a way of getting out of hand. I would like," she adds, with a faint smile, "To get at least -some- rest before starting something like that."

Aliana arrives from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Aliana has arrived.

Aliana pads thoughtfully in, making her way through the people until she comes to a spice vendor.

Clara heaves a sigh of mock-dispair from her seat at a small table in a sidewalk cafe with Corian, shaking her head as a pair of Zaeltans pass by, tails aplume and awave, very much part of who they are. "Alas, I'm constrained to my imagination then. I'm really not all as evil to him as he probably says, though." She tilts her head with a faint amount of concern and clinical evaluation. "A lot of time in FTL transit?"

Corian watches the Zaeltans as well, with a murmur of appreciation for the tails. Yes, she likes Zaeltans' tails. Not that there's anything wrong with that. She smiles as she happens to notice Aliana, but shakes her head to Clara. "Just this last jump. I try to avoid FTL when I can, unless I'm going somewhere whose languages I already know. It doesn't give me nearly enough time, you see."

Aliana pauses midselection as she sees the two, smile warming her face as she pads over, "Hello'

Clara starts to reply, but only manages to get in a bright grin at Ali before the waiter returns with the orders. She murmurs a vague gratitude, then begins to stir a small amount of milk into her tea, a rather dark and strong Assam. "Enought time? To learn the new language?" she asks, somewhat surprised. "How long does it t-..." She peers up with a smile at Ali as she comes closer. "Evening, yourself. Out shopping?"

Aliana nods her head quickly as she indicates a less than half full pack. "Am I interrupting?" She asks quietly.

Corian offers Aliana a pleasant smile as she takes her own tea--mint, from the aromatic smell. A bit of sugar, and then she replies to Clara, with a quiet chuckle, "I am not so skilled. Longer transit does, however, give me long enough to learn the important phrases. There is time enough for the rest when I am on-planet." Her smile widens a bit at Aliana's question, and she shakes her head. "Not as far as I am concerned, of course not."

Aliana tilts her head as she asks,"You learn the language while travelling there?"

Clara waves at an additional seat, nodding in amiable agreement. "Me either, for that matter. Have a seat if you like?" She quirks a grin at her cup, tapping a bit of sugar into it as well. "Excellent idea. Where is the washroom? Which way to the nearest calzone stand? Take me to your leader."

Aliana smiles gratefully at Clara as she settles down. Her attention immediately goes back to the linguist.

Corian nods to Aliana, echoing Clara's sentiment with a graceful gesture to an additional chair. She sips carefully at her tea, and considers for a moment. "It will serve," she decides. Bringing herself out of tea-contemplation, she adds, "And I learn the language while I am there, yes. It's the easiest way for me to learn--having no other choice." Clara's comment gets a quiet laugh, and another brief nod. "Exactly. And, of course, 'My pencil Elizabeth is big and yellow.'"

A puzzled look fills Ali's face,'You name your pencils?'

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Clara bursts into laughter, quelling the sound with a sip from her own, eyes bright. "Which is about the extent of my knowledge of most Terran languages, Edrilac, Stilvani, and Zaeltanish. My grandfather used to be a translator, though." The smile fades as she deadpans at Aliana, "Don't you?" An irrepresible grin shows she's teasing, though.

Corian shakes her head, expression serious despite the humor in her eyes. She takes another, rather reflective sip of tea, then sets aside the mug, folding her fingers around it. "That is a phrase that is generally used to puzzle natives, make them wonder about the crazy person and whether they should have hired her after all."

It takes a moment for Ali to realize this fact, and her cheeks have turned a nice pale shade of rose. Her nose wrinkles as soon as she figures out the joke.

"Is that where Grandpa picked it up? Usually his pencils were always blue, though. 'Meine Bleistift ist groBe unt blau.' A scary phrase even if you don't understand it." She murmurs a quick apology at Ali before another sip of her tea. "How is Islien this evening?"

She being Clara, that is.

Corian nods seriously to Clara. "Linguistics 305," she murmurs. "Confusion and distraction tactics when one isn't quite sure what one is saying." The doctor's inquiry to Aliana, however, gets a pleased smile, and an attentive look to the Bonded.

Aliana takes a moment to absorb this, even going to the point of repeating softly to herself, "Confusion and distraction tactics when one isn't sure." As the question does finally settle in Ali rewards Clara with a warm smile, 'She is doing very well this evening. She had a very successful hunt and is now sound asleep.'

"Good for her!" Clara replies with sincere enthusiasm. See, the dragon got to fly, not her. Other beings flying is peachy keen if she doesn't have to be involved. "I'm not quite certain what sleep is, but it sounds intriguing at least," she notes with a grin at both women.

"Sleep is for those times you can't think of anything better to do" Ali offers with a quick smile.

Corian murmurs, after another sip of her tea, "The curse of the Complex--the absence of sleep." She shakes her head, expression amused, then adds to Aliana, "I haven't forgotten about the stories. In another few days, I should be settled in, and I'll be sure to find you, if you're still interested."

Aliana nods her head quickly, 'Now wouldn't be a good time for me either. Islien is looking forward to hearing them and right now nothing could keep her awake,'

Clara can't repress a faint smile, although Aliana's first comment does get a blush from her as she studies her tea. "Sleep is a good thing to do," she murmurs quietly, then hushes to listen to the discussion of stories.

Corian nods to Aliana, a quick smile crossing her face. "Of course. I would regret it if she were to miss them, as I would regret the opportunity to meet her. But there will be plenty of time for stories." Clara's blush draws one faintly-inclined eyebrow, but no comment. Whatever is the source of the blush is not likely to be her business, after all.

Aliana raises a brow quizzically at Clara obviously baffled by the blush, then realization strikes bonded and her own cheeks colour, 'I didn't necessarily mean...' words trail off as she turns back to Corian and changes the subject, "Are you settling in alright?'

Clara can replace missing arteries in a patient, but can't control her own blushing mechanism. Very sad in a woman of her age and profession. Still, she lifts her eyebrows at Ali's question to Corian, looking interested as she wraps her hands about her mug. "And is there anything we can help with in the settling?"

Corian blinks once as, suddenly, she is the center of attention. "Oh, quite well," she assures Aliana. "My quarters are comfortable, my work is interesting, and I am finding friends as well as brothers. What more do I need?" And, in fact, she looks quite content.

Aliana smiles quickly, 'Indeed...what else is there.'

Clara thinks this over seriously, then decides with finality, "Gyros. You need gyros to go with that. Although not at this time of night. I doubt I'd have survived college without raiding the vendors in the Pavilion, though."

Corian returns Aliana's smile, though Clara's words draw a rather puzzled look. "Gyros?"

Aliana grins at that, 'George makes the /best/ Gyros...even better than mine.' She adds generously.

Clara gestures with her hands, opening her mouth to begin to explain, then pausing in puzzlement for a moment. "You know, I'm not really sure what all goes into them? It's sliced beef with lettuce and tomatoes in a pita with a yogurt sauce. But I don't know how the meat is spiced. They're heavenly, though. And Ali, yours are -certainly- better than George's. Just don't tell him I said that."

Aliana would purr were she Zaeltan, but that doesn't stop Ali from looking very well pleased with herself.

Corian ahhs softly, head lifting and falling in a slow nod. "Food, then. One can never tell." A quick smile crosses her face, and she shakes her head, assuring Aliana, "I'm sure you underestimate yourself. Cooks often do."

Clara grins faintly, sampling her tea. "Ali really is a splendid cook, too. She just about kept me fed when I was waiting for Riley to regain consciousness after his surgery. And since I burn toast, it just keeps me all the more in awe of such a skill."

Yep yep, Ali does look well pleased at the compliments. She simply notes. "I like to cook." A pause as she offers Clara a quick grin, "I like feeling useful'

Corian nods thoughtfully to that. "It is good to have a skill that you value, and that is valued by others." What a gem of wisdom. Finding that she has somehow managed to finish her tea, she starts to attempt to locate another waiter.

"It's amazing how few people value a yearly physical though," Clara notes, rather amused. "I offer and offer, and always get looks of horror. It's not as if I'm a vampire or something," she adds in mock wounded innocence.

Aliana obligingly winces at the thought of a yearly physical, 'I don't like to be prodded.' She shares with the other two.

Corian apparently gives up on finding a waiter, contenting herself with arranging her hands around her mug. Clara's comment gets a look of mild amusement, and a murmur in what sounds to be a combination of Standard and Edrilac. "Nor do I," she assures Aliana. "In fact, I don't know of anyone who actually -enjoys- being prodded."

Clara ducks her head, although she seems to file away the Edrilac for future attempts to pin down Riley and torture a translation from him. "I don't prod people," she notes ruefully. "Well, not -much-," she adds with a faint grin.

Aliana clears her throat slightly, "Well" She says slowly, "Clara at least doesn't prod very hard."

Corian says, apparently quite thoughtful, "That must be quite a consolation for those who -do- come in for their yearly physical, all enthusiastic." She traces one thin finger along the design in her tea mug, then lifts her gaze to regard Clara for a moment, one brow lifting as if she is about to ask a question. She does not, however, actually say anything.

"There's a few that do that," Clara agrees, somewhat pleased. At the look from Corian, she tilts her head slightly and offers and encouraging smile. "What is it?"

Corian shakes her head, returning the smile. "Nothing important," she decides.

Clara inhales a slightly amused sigh, then drains the last of her own tea which is likely cold by now. "If you insist," she agrees affably, eyes fondly following a group of cadets crossing by and laughing, then wrinkles her nose as the group vanishes down an alley. "Ack. That's a demerit or two for that lot."

Aliana blinks, "Why?"

Corian seems content to go with the segue, her gaze flickering after the group. "For going down an alley?" she inquires, gaze returning to the others at the table.

Clara exhales a sigh and shakes her head, eyes still on the alley. "Cadets are forbidden from the Underground. Too dangerous, not to mention it's far too easy to drink too much at the Vault for a young person. If an officer catches them...well, it'll teach them a lesson."

Aliana is still at a point when the danger is something implied, not real...Like watching a scary movie in the dark, alone. "I didn't see them, were they wearing thei uniforms? That would be bad"

Corian, shifting so that she may watch both the alley and the others, nods slowly, expression thoughtful. "If it is dangerous there as has been said, it seems there are harder lessons that they could learn by being there than receiving a few demerits."

Clara steeples her fingers, still watching the alley thoughtfully. "Day khakis, yes. Normal workaday uniforms for them. I even still have mine in my closet." She grimaces slightly, then sighs. "I probably should at least alert Security to keep an ear out."

Aliana nods her head, 'Maybe ROland can go and keep an eye out for them...that way it wouldn't draw attention to them'

Corian nods her agreement to Clara's statement, then casts a curious glance at Aliana. "Roland?"

Clara pauses in lifting her wrist to use her comm, blinking. "DeMario? If he's not occupied, that might not be a bad idea. Still, our folk need to know just in case. Better for a Complex officer to read them the riot act than an Academy DI."

Clara says "Hey, mister. It's your favorite sawbones. You on duty by any chance?" into her communit.

Aliana nods to Corian, "A bounty Hunter actually...and a good friend of mine."

Clara's communit crackles to life and says "... or sort of." in Riley's voice.

Aliana nods to Clara before starting to hunt through her pack for something...finally she emerges victorious and holds up a small battered communit.

Aliana says "Hey you, Busy?" into her communit.

Through the static on Aliana's communit you hear: You hear Roland's recorded voice say, "Siamo spiacenti. CommUnit(tm) l' utente che state provando a raggiungere attualmente non disponibile. Prego prova ancora successivamente." This messages is then followed by a beep and then the transmission is cut.

Clara says "You should be asleep, silly.' Still, her tone is fond. 'Just wanted to let you know there's a group of cadets that just went headed towards the Underground. Maybe headed for the Vault?" into her communit.

Aliana just stares at her communit in complete non-comprehension for a long moment.

Clara's communit crackles to life and says "... general direction.... in." in Riley's voice.

Corian offers to Aliana, with a smile, "He is unavailable, but try again later. Approximately, at least." With a shake of her head, she adds, "That seems a rather... inefficient message."

>>OOC: Corian snickers. This is the Babelfish translation: We are spiacenti.
CommUnit(tm) the customer who been trying to catch up currently not available. I pray test still subsequently.

Clara says "Uh, yeah. *hesitation* Be careful?" into her communit.

Clara's communit crackles to life and announces "... do,... down..." in Riley's voice.

Clara purses her lips at her comm unit for a moment with a troubled expression, then sighs and leans back in her seat. "You know some of the Terran dialects then?" she asks of Corian with interest, trying to distract herself from her worry.

Aliana watches Clara with a thoughtful expression before asking quietly, 'Is there something going on...other than some cadets going where they shouldn't?'

Corian pauses a beat as she catches the troubled expression. She nods in answer to Clara's question, but doesn't elaborate, perhaps in the hopes that Aliana's question will be answered.

Clara shakes her head slightly at Aliana, the troubled look returning briefly before being squashed back. But not with a nerf. "No, not really. I guess...I just get a little nervous at the thought of Riley going to the Vault. I shouldn't, I know. He can take care of himself."

VAULT> Riley walks here from the Underground Causeway.

"Guido is no longer around." Ali assures her with a confident tone.

Corian offers a reassuring smile. "Riley -can- take care of himself," she agrees. "And he has friends and family to help him where he needs it." She pauses, inquiring, "Guido?" She really is good at repeating names, isn't she?

Clara can't suppress a smile at Corian as she nods gratefully. "We most certainly will, yes." At the mention of the former officer though, her smile scatters away like ice shooting across a kitchen floor. "Guido is the person who shot Riley. And it was in the Vault."

Corian nods thoughtfully. "Guido," she repeats quietly. "I will remember that, thank you. Does Guido have a last name?" This, it seems, does not bode well for Guido.

Aliana says softly,'It was not the places fault...just Guido's'

In the sky, The humid air seems to hold you to the ground, as the breeze dies down.

"Sarducci," Clara replies quietly, folding her hands. "Sounds like a blasted priest, which he most certainly isn't. Thank goodness he's already been incarcerated and is awaiting trial...last I'd heard." She nods at Ali slowly. "I know...but I still worry. Seeing him like..." She cuts off and shakes her head with a faint smile. "Well, it's all over, and life's back to normal. Even the Sectassians have been pleasant lately." Her nose wrinkles as the breeze dies. "Bother."

Tara arrives from the Dark Alley.

Tara has arrived.

VAULT> The group of cadets has taken over a pair of tables scooted together. Most have obtained bottles of ale or the like, others with shots of wicked looking drinks. They seem to be having entirely too much fun, and don't notice any senior officers at all. It's well known that officers are dull and spoilsports, and are afraid of the Underground anyhow.

Corian murmurs her thanks to Clara, though there is a hint of calculation about her manner. As she shakes her head, though, that calculation disappears, to be replaced with a fairly pleasant expression. "He is well, now, yes. Though it seems like having pleasant Sectassians would imply that all is -not- normal," she adds, with a note of humor. "Sectas is not a pleasant world, after all."

Aliana tilts her head, 'The whom?" Ali asks with obvious curiousity.

Clara chuckles faintly, shaking her head, seated at a table in a sidewalk cafe with Corian and Aliana. "Our beloved Secatassian ambassador. The man has five wives and a frightening amount of children. All the more frightening if half of them need to be treated for Teltruvian pox at five in the morning."

VAULT> Riley isn't looking very officerly at the moment. He's dressed in his more Underground appropriate flannel and denim. He does however wend his way over to the cadets table. Leaning low so as to rest his hands lightly on the table he says quietly, "Why don't you kids run on to where you're less likely to aquire demerits, hmm?"

Tara strides through, obviously bent on a purpose, only to spot Ali and change direction to approach the Bonded. Clara gets a nod in greeting as the smuggler's eyes flick over the other woman at the table calculatingly. "Ali? Got a minute?"

"/5/ wives" Bonded turns rather red as she considers this, "How does he..?" mouth snaps shut at that and her necklace suddenly captures her attention.

VAULT> Most of the cadets respond to the voice alone, straightening sheepishly and offering affirmation sandwiched in between the word 'sir' several times, although one of the young men leans insolently back on his chair, lifting a brow. "We ain't botherin' no one," he protests. "Besides, ain't none of the brass comin' -here-."

Corian nods her agreement to Clara's words. She is saved from answering Aliana's question, however, by Tara's appearance--and a good thing, too, as Corian -would- answer, and then poor Clara would blush. She nods to Tara, with a friendly smile, then politely glances away to give the semblance of privacy.

Aliana seems almost grateful for the distraction as she turns to Tara, "Of course." She turns to Corian may I introduce a friend of mine <ow ow..kitty clawing>

Aliana continues once kitty is on lap, "May I introduce Tara Valentine?"

Clara nods slowly at Tara, although without a smile, although the look is still pleasant. "Five," she assures. "I seriously need to discuss family planning with the wives," she mutters, faintly amused.

Corian, at the introduction, nods politely to Tara, with an unfeigned smile. "A pleasure to meet you. I'm Corian Treston."

VAULT> "Ah, see, now that depends on how you define 'brass'." Riley's tone is still relatively pleasant, although there's a decided hint of superior to junior in it. Not quite condesending, it borders on a more formal tone of the concept. "You're not altogether likely to see any of your instructors in here, no. See, they possess sense. But there's other AF types on Linnae, some of whom have official business down here. So you might wish to be careful what you assume. And you really might want to find a nicer bar."

Tara gives Ali a somewhat surprised look, but glances over at the translator. Eyebrows shoot up at the name. "Addison's sister? Oh, very nice to meet you indeed."

Corian's smile widens fractionally. "Ah, you know my brother?" If only she knew. "I'm Riley's sister, yes."

VAULT> A rapid, whispered conversation crops up amongst a few of the cadets, although mister insolence chuckles and takes a pull from his bottle of ale. "Naah, I doubt it." Yes, this kid isn't the world's brightest. One of his compatriots is nudging him though, trying to mutter something urgently, only to be disregarded. "Oh, right. Like we're gonna see anyone with stars down here," he scoffs at his friend.

Clara folds her hands again on the table, the very picture of professional poise as she simply watches, neither offering extra information nor interrupting.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Tara smiles, a touch grimly. "Oh yes, the Admiral and I are well aquainted. Kya said you're going to be around for a while?"

Corian nods, after a brief pause at the grimness in that smile. "As it stands just now, I will be here for a year, yes."

Aliana settles back in her seat before remembering something, "Tara? You asked if I had a sec...What can I do for you?'

Clara stiffens slightly upon realizing just who Tara's getting her information from, then purposefully relaxes and shifts her gaze to the folk passing by on the street, idly people watching.

VAULT> Riley can't help it. He prefers not to mention his rank, but this is really one of those moments in life one just -can't- pass up. He pats at his pockets, "Stars, stars..." He scoops out the contents of one pocket. As he names off objects they're dropped to the table next to mister insolence's elbow. "Candy bar wrapper, rubber band, decoder ring, wallet," The wallet is dropped so that it falls open to Riley's AF ID, name and rank displayed above a typically awful picture. "Aha! Stars. One. Two Three. Four." As each is named the silver insignia piece is dropped with a quiet clatter amongst the rest of the junk. "Now where were we, kids?"

Tara nods, a winning smile gracing Corian. "I hope you find this place all you hope for and more." She nods to Ali. "Seen Roland? Got a job for him if the kittycat's done with him."

Aliana shakes her head, 'I tried to comm him a while ago.' Her gaze darts to Corian as if in confirmation of this,'But it said that he wasn't available to come to the comm.'

Corian murmurs a polite thankyou to Tara, though she doesn't expand on that, as she sees that some sort of business is being conducted. "That it did," she murmurs to Aliana, with a smile, before falling silent once more.

VAULT> Myriad sounds of panicked dismay emerge from the other cadets, right along with the sounds of scraping chairs on the floor and jackets being pulled on, ties being straightened. Our soul of galactic brilliance stares at the objects in puzzlement for a moment. "Admiral Add-..." he starts to repeat at one his companions, cutting off with an oof as he's elbowed by a fleeing cadet. "Where'd you get them stars, mister?" he asks, almost accusingly, evidently missing the ident in the wallet. "Those belong on an Admiral, don't you know that?"

Clara turns quietly to Corian, pulling up a semblance of a smile. "Despite all the madness, this really is a lovely place. You'll enjoy your year here. Also, seriously, if you need any medical assistance, I'd be delighted to help," she offers. "I even hand out lollipops."

"You do?" Ali asks with something akin to a pout.

Tara's mouth quirks at Clara's words. "The doctor here has one of the local boys absolutely adoring her after she gave him candy." A nod and a slight grimace at Ali's words as she makes herself welcome to a seat. "Ah well. If you see him before I do, send him my way, eh?"

Corian laughs very quietly at Aliana's inquiry. "I'm sure I will have a wonderful time here, yes," she says. "And if I am in need of medical assistance, Clara," she adds, decidedly amused, now, "I will surely contact you."

Clara inclines her head smoothly at Tara. "He was a brave lad. Chocolate was quite thoroughly deserved. How is the little urchin, if I might ask?"

VAULT> It's a good thing Riley is patient, and easily amused. He straightens up, seemingly pleasant. His reply however is edged with steel, the voice of someone well accustomed to being obeyed at a moment's notice. He also straightens to his full height. "Cadet, I would respectfully suggest you pull your head out of your anal vortex and pay attention to what your mates have already realized. I -am- an Admiral. Admiral Riley Gregor Addison, perhaps you've heard the name before? Chief of Security for the Alliance Complex? Late of the Taggart, late of the Kinzel, late of the Aslan." If you're going in for a sin, you might as well go whole hog, yes? "Or perhaps you think I'm a creative impersonator." His tone edges out of command and into a rather devious insinuation. "Perhaps you'd like to bring me before Base Commander Jerrel for impersonating an officer. I'm sure he'd find your attitude enlightening. It would make quite a showing on your record."

Aliana nods her head quickly, 'I most certainly will.'

VAULT> Bright boy simply stares up at Riley for a long moment in thoughtful speculation. "You -might- be a phony. I hear Addison's..." He trails off, realizing all of his mates have indeed fled the facility most wisely, his brows furrowing. "Hey now, where'd they go?" Suddenly the suggestion to go before Jerrel filters through, and -that- gets our junior hero up on his feet and gulping down the last of his ale. "Yes, sir! Uh, I mean, no sir! Leaving, sir! Right away, sir!" Zoom. All that's left is a flash of khaki colored dimwittedness before he's out the door.

Tara chuckles. "G'ben's doing just fine. One of your officers... Vryce? He removed those stitches, giving me baleful looks all the while. G'ben /doesn't/ like him, I'm afraid. The kiddo's learning to read and write now."

VAULT> Riley looks entirely delighted by the reaction. Whistling in cheerful amiability he scoops up the contents of his pocket from the table and returning it to the jeans pocket. Offering an innocent look in return for the sidelong ones he's receiving from the patrons of the underground bar, he turns to head out the door.

Clara steeples her fingers, looking frighteningly like a psychiatrist. Can't imagine why. "Vryce is an efficient physician." Say that three times fast. "And those are excellent skills for the lad," she allows, then explains to Corian, "The boy in question is a full of spit and vinegar as I've ever seen a fellow. If he can keep his nose clean, he'd likely make a splendid Fleet man someday."

Corian somewhat belatedly makes a face of mild distaste at the mention of chocolate, but doesn't actually comment, gaze instead flickering between the others as they speak. As Clara addresses her, she smiles, with a murmured acknowledgement.

VAULT> Riley walks towards the Underground Causeway.

The previous group of cadets comes heading back out of the alley, looking perhaps a little startled.

Corian somewhat belatedly makes a face of mild distaste at the mention of chocolate, but doesn't actually comment, gaze instead flickering between the others as they speak. As Clara addresses her, she smiles, with a murmured acknowledgement.

Aliana peers over at the Cadets, eyebrow arching slightly, 'I wonder what happened to them'

Tara pauses for a moment before offering a watery smile. "He'll make an excellent engineer. That's what he wants to do, anyway, after he got a look at the Phoenix's engines. Really has a knack for it, he does. Not sure he's likely to enlist, however." Not if she can help it. Tara eyes the cadets with a raised eyebrow.

Clara's brows quirk as the cadets flock past, making nervous noises of conversation at each other. Shaking her head with definite amusement, she shifts her cup from side to side. "They're frightened. It's a common enough state for cadets." She lifts her brows at Tara and notes calmly, "The Academy has an excellent engineering program."

Riley arrives from the Dark Alley.

Corian casts a glance after the cadets that mingles amusement and curiosity. Then she turns and sees the source of their fear, and offers her brother a smile of unfeigned delight. "That must be what happened," she murmurs, with a sly wink to Aliana.

Riley comes ambling out of the alley as well, dressed in battered clothing appropriate to having just emerged from the Underground. Despite the lateness of the hour he seems to be in quite a good mood. Even a truly evil day is easily fixed by being able to scare the wits out of a few unsuspecting cadets. Spotting familiar faces his face lightens still further in a grin and he changes direction to head towards the others. "Evening folks, how is everyone?"

Tara nods, comprehension dawning as she glances after the cadets. "Addison can be rather scary when he wants to be," she notes wryly, and nods to Clara. "Indeed." She even gives Riley a nods in greeting as well as a slight smile. Why not be polite?

Aliana ohhs, "Riley frightened them? He is always so...nice"

Clara tears her eyes from the fleeing cadets at Corian's murmur to look in that direction as well, an equally delighted mixed with affection. "Must be. He's terrifying," she notes to the other women, certainly loud enough for Riley to hear, then feigns surprise. "Why, Addison! What are you doing out and about this time of night?"

Riley is all innocence, pulling a chair away from an unoccupied table and bringing it to the occupied one. Sinking into it with a faint air if relief he maintains the innocent look. "Me? Scary? I'm not scary." He glances towards the fleeing candidates. "Why is it that people see folks running away and assume it's my fault?"

Corian suggests to Aliana, "Perhaps he will tell us how he frightened them. It must be quite a story." Eyes shining with mirth, she offers Riley another smile. "My brother, I will refrain from answering that question." Her tone implies that she could list a few examples of this happening in the past. But she won't tell. Isn't she evil?

Tara snorts softly. "You're scary when you want to be," she remarks pleasantly.

Clara isn't afraid to answer though and folds her hands in her lap serenely. "Maybe because you're just a scary guy? Or maybe because that's the lot I asked to have chased back to school? Bet the DI catches 'em with alcohol on the breath," she notes in amusement, perhaps even nostalgia.

Riley lifts a hand to his heart, as if to indicate he's wounded by Corian's words. He is still entirely innocent. "In all truth all I did was empty one of my pockets on the table. The majority of them were indeed quite horrified and fled. Perhaps it was my decoder ring." He pauses with due solemnity, "I hate to see what they would have made of the yo-yo." He grins at Clara, "I buzzed the Academy. They're expected."

Aliana peers closer at his pocket, even going so far as to lean over,'What do you have in your pocket?'

Tara shakes her head. "Poor kids."

Corian smiles suddenly at Aliana's question. "Handses," she murmurs. "Ah... and you even have a ring, Riley."

Riley once again empties his pocket, tugging free the paper ball, the rubber band, the decoder ring, the wallet, and then of course the four silver stars. These are all arrayed neatly in front of him on the table. "Not so fearsome is it? See, I -am- innocent." He outright beams at Corian. "I only wish it made me invisble." He comments not to Tara.

"Evil, evil man," Clara murmurs, complete approval in her tone before she shakes her head at Tara. "No, -lucky- kids. It's a whole spiel better they get caught now than later when it can do serious damage. Lessons must be learned." A snicker escapes unstifled at Ali and Corian before she smirks at the stars. "Innocent. Uh-huh."

Tara shakes her head slowly, not at Clara's remark, but when she spots those stars. "Oh, the Underground has its own way of teaching people lessons. Ask Kya."

Aliana leans foward to carefully examine the contents, picking up the decoder ring,'Hey cool'

Riley scoops up the remaining contents of his pocket, returning them to their rightful place. At the comment in regards to Kyara it's all he can do not to bristle. Instead he nods to Aliana, "Vital piece of Security equipment."

Corian shakes her head at Riley's statement of his innocence. Clearly, she knows better. At Clara's comment, she nods, expression thoughtful. "Do all Security officers have decoder rings?" she inquires, clearly amused.

Clara doesn't bother not to bristle, smile fading as her chin drops. "And what lessons has our Kyara been learning in the Underground?" she asks pleasantly enough, although with a sligh emphasis on the pronoun.

Tara waves a hand toward an alley. "Oh, she was down in the Vault one night... maybe a month or so ago? She attracted some unwanted attention of the male persuasion. That's how we met."

Aliana nods absently in response to Riley's question. Instead her attention seems to be focused on the conversation as she idly slips the ring on and off. "Is there something wrong with going down there?'

Riley is well aware of his position, and the limited nature of the involvement he can get into without his motives being called into question. Instead he nods to Corian, "Truly vital. How would we survive without them. And the yo-yos of course."

Corian glances towards Clara, perhaps as she gets poked by a bristle? In any event, she glances, and then to Tara, then Riley, then Aliana, for good measure. Might as well include everybody. "Decoder rings and yo-yos," she murmurs, after a thoughtful glance at Clara. "The keystone of any good operation."

No one ever said Clara always thought before she spoke, and this is likely a good thing. They'd be lying if they did. "And of course you impressed upon her what an inappropriate place that was for recreation for a girl her age was," she decides approvingly, then shrugs at Aliana. "It depends."

Tara laughs, shaking her head. "No, but I did make him leave her alone, and I made sure nobody in their right mind will bother her down there."

Aliana decides not to point out the fact that she and Kya are almost the same ages. Instead she picks up the yo-yo and begins to play with it, a delighted smile coming to her face as the yo, yos.

Riley nods his thanks as a waiter brings over a cup of tea. Riley drinking tea? It happens. He's rather accustomed by now to Kyara pushing the boundries, he gets enough lectures on it after all. Tara's complicity in the task does not surprise him, it's another thing he hears quite vocal lectures on regularly. Instead he just continues on the previous thread. "Can't run a security station without toys."

Aliana nods her head in agreement with Riley, 'Do you know how to do any tricks with these?' For all Ali seems to be able to do is make it go up and down.

Clara mutters something about Nerf bats at Riley as an aside, although her gaze is still on Tara for a long moment. "I see. And what about the folk that aren't in their right mind?"

Corian's brows lift fractionally at Tara's comment, but she doesn't respond verbally to it. Clara's use of the N-word gets the briefest of doubletakes--it always does--and then a faint smile crosses her face. She doesn't watch Tara and Clara, though she's obviously listening.

Riley nods rather vaguely, setting aside his mug of tea and reaching out a hand for the toy.

Aliana hands the yo-yo to Riley, the string all nice and wound up even before she settles back into her chair.

Tara grins slightly. "Show us, Addison."

Tara grins slightly. "Show us, Addison." She glances toward Clara. "In that case, they'll answer to me, and I've made sure Kya's got protection while she's outside the Complex."

Corian leans closer to Riley, speaking quietly to him in that mix of Edrilac and Standard that she used earlier. There's a brief apologetic look to the others--she's aware of the rudeness, of course.

You whisper "You look tired. If you're going to start calling people, instead of writing letters as you have been, perhaps you should start getting to bed at sane hours?" Pot, kettle, yeah. "Especially as, if I recall correctly, you were up early this morning, on little sleep." to Riley.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Clara seems particularly displeased with Tara's answer, but finally has the sense to shut her trap and turn away to finally realize that Riley has a yo-yo in hand. She blinks for a moment, then leans back in her seat with a grin. "Just don't break anything," she suggests, then falls quiet for the discussion in Edrilac, offering a reassuring smile at Corian.

Aliana is used to people using their native tongues around her...and so much the better cause then she knows they are not addressing her. She does seem rather delighted by the yo-yo.

Riley slips the loop over his finger, setting the yo-yo to zipping up and down a moment. Then in a calculated flurry of movement he tents the string, setting the yo-yo to rocking in between the formed triangle. This is done neatly, and with no excess movement. It's nice to be one eight Edreeni, even if yo-yo tricks is all you use it for. He mutters softly to himself, "...like...runs the place... rude awakening...newbie." His brows lift at Corian's comment, and he looks rather sheepish, unfolding the string construct to let the yo-yo zip back up. He replies in kind.

Riley whispers "I probably ought to, yes. Crazy day. But um, leaving Tara and Clara at each other's throats might be bad."

Aliana chews her lip as she watches carefully, hands moving as if trying to mimic his movements.

Corian can't help but nod at Riley's response, though she carefully doesn't glance at the others. She continues the conversation in the language in which it started.

Tara smiles slightly, looking rather /pleased/ with Clara's reaction. "Mmm, not bad, Addison. Can you walk the dog too?"

You whisper "And, of course, Clara would object if you suggested that she join you." There's a quiet chuckle. "Speaking on her, is she usually subtle if she wants something? I am trying to decide if I am seeing questions that aren't there, but I would prefer not to ask her." to Riley.

Clara carefully turns her attention away from the conversation to watch the street for a time, tapping silently at the rim of her empty mug.

"Only if I bring the frisbee with me." Riley replies evenly to Tara. Not to mention walking the dog on cobblestones would be -hard-. Instead he sends the yo-yo up and down a few more times, then skipping it up to roll up the back of his hand and then down again, dropping to the end of the string. "Can't do any of the terribly complicated stuff." He offers the yo-yo to Aliana again.

Riley then replies to Corian in that mind-numbing mesh of half-familiar language.

Riley whispers "I don't know, she very well might. Very jumpy about things like that." He shakes his head, "There very well may be lots of subtexts. She's very complicated sometimes. Aristocratic background, quite the mystery."

Aliana accepts the yo-yo with obvious delight as she starts to attempt some of the tricks that she had just watched Riley perform with much less success. But none of that seems to dampen Ali's delight in the attempt.

Tara grins at Ali. "Now I know what to get you for your birthday."

Clara finally rises slowly to her feet, inclining her head in a pleasant, if slightly tight smile at the others. "Ali? My best to Islien, if you will. Corian, thank you for the lovely evening. We must do this again. Valentine. Riley," she adds in the collective farewells. "If you'll all excuse me?" Oh, yes, there's more than a touch of suppressed Mount Vesuvius there as she buttons her coat and turns to head off.

Riley whispers "Or then again..."

Riley clambers to his feet as Clara makes to leave. "Mind company heading back?"

Corian's brows lift somewhat at Riley's words, and she nods. "You would know, of course," she murmurs, lapsing back to Standard. She nods to another quiet comment from Riley, adding in more conversational levels, "And my thanks for your lovely company, Clara."

Aliana watches the yo-yo spin at the end of its rope then grins at Tara, "I love these things. " She turns to Clara with a quick nod. "I will.." Words trail off as she notices her expression.

Tara nods to Clara. "Catch ya later, Doc."

Aliana ohhs as she quickly wraps up the yo-yo, 'Riley..don't forget your toys'

Clara pauses at the edge of the cafe, then turns a perfectly pleasant smile back to Riley. "Only if you're headed that direction. Otherwise, please stay and enjoy yourself."

Clara heads towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Riley gestures absently to Aliana and the yo-yo, "Keep it if it gives you joy." He starts to reply to Clara, and then has to all but jog to catch up. He offers a wave to the others as he dashes out after.

Riley heads towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Tara glances after the couple with a slight sigh. Turning back to the others she offers Corian a smile. "Kya says you're a translator?"

Aliana watches the two leave with a rather thoughtful expression, 'That was interesting.' She notes softly.

Corian allows a brief look of satisfaction to cross her face as Riley leaves. She mutters to herself, "... perhaps... sleep..." She glances to the other women, then, expression perfectly pleasant. She's rather good at looking like that. "I am that, yes." Aliana gets a faint smile, and a brief nod.

Tara nods in response to Aliana's remark, grinning. "Wasn't it though?" She glances back toward Corian. "This is certainly the place for it. Looking for a job then, or working on a thesis, or...?"

Corian's smile remains in place, though it edges away from her gray eyes. "I have a job, thank you," she replies pleasantly. "And, though this would be an excellent place to gather material for a thesis, I have long since completed my formal education." Even though she looks like a particularly tall fourteen year-old.

Aliana injects smoothly, well, smoothly for Ali, "I think she works for the Alliance, Tara"

Tara chuckles. "I wasn't looking to hire you. Merely curious." A nod at Ali's words. "The Alliance pays well," she murmurs.

Aliana inquires in a musing tone, "Is that all you consider..how much money is involved?"

Corian starts to say something quietly--perhaps about how her needs are met, which is what matters--but pauses at Aliana's comment, a faint smile flickering across her face. Her chin lowers to rest lightly in a cupped hand, fingers splayed across her cheek.

Tara laughs ruefully. "Not at all, you know that, Ali. It is, however, a high priority."

Aliana glances at Corian for a brief moment, then Bonded heads on heedless, 'What else counts among your priorities?'

Corian maintains radio silence, though the flicking of her gaze between the others makes it apparent that she is following the conversation. It could be that she's not commenting because she is tired; now that Riley and Clara have left, she is starting to look rather drained.

Tara slouches back in her chair. "Weellll... when it comes to a job, my ethics come into play more often than you'd think. Kya's a high priority too, but I think you knew that already."

Aliana nods her head slowly, "I know that." Ali pauses to toss the yo-yo a few more times before asking quietly, 'What happens when Kyara finds someone else?"

Corian inquires curiously of Tara, "Are you and Kyara involved, then?" She must be tired; this is ordinarily not a question she would ask.

Tara points out, "She already has, Ali- Roland. But it's not exclusive." Eyes flicker toward Corian. "I'm not sure 'involved' would be the correct term. We have fun together."

Aliana nods her head slowly, 'He is a good man...one of my best friends.'

Corian, rubbing her eyes lightly with two fingers, nods slowly. Then, she offers a small smile to the pair. "If you will excuse me, please? I suddenly find myself rather tired." She pauses, though, to settle up with the waiter.

Aliana offers Corian a quick smile as she offers the woman a quick bow, 'Rest well, please'

Tara gestures to intercept Corian. "Ah, let me get that for you."

Corian gives Tara a puzzled smile. "My thanks, but, as you said, the Alliance pays well." That said, she pays the waiter, then returns Aliana's bow with one of her own, smile turning pleased. "Many thanks. I am sure that I will." Mainly because she's quite tired, and likely to fall asleep as soon as she gets home. With a murmured farewell, she takes up the basket that she brought with her, which has a tidy stack of papers and an equally tidy stack of datacrystals.

Tara nods pleasantly. "Do have a good evening then."

Corian inclines her head, settling the basket. "I surely will. You do the same, please." With a pleasant smile--my, everybody is very pleasant tonight--she
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