3/9/99

You head towards the Research Library.

Research Library

With thick brown carpeting that seems to absorb all sound, the library is a haven of quiet compared to some of the more chaotic locations in the complex. What can be seen of the walls are tan in color, but the vast majority of two walls are covered with shelves and cabinets and cases, with data of all types inside. One corner of the room is partitioned off, plasglass walls enclosing the area with terminals available for public use at all times. Another section holds datareaders for the discs held in the cabinets. Actual paper books are carefully shelved, with screens to protect the documents from light and air. Small tables and cubbies provide places to read or take notes.

(OOC note: To set your room doing, try 'I'm <doing>'.)

A collection of terminals is located here that allows access to '+info'.

Contents:

Corian, standing by the door.

Kyara, reading- what else would one do here?

Albert, staring in awe at the extensive muscial archives

Obvious Exits:

Elevator Lounge

You arrive from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Corian glides lightly into the room, carrying her ever-present basket of paperwork and datacrystals. Whatever it is she's here to do, she's pretty focused on it, as she heads over to one particular section of the cabinets and starts to investigate them.

Albert is at a terminal near the door next to one Kyara is at, a mass of musical scores before him, both paper and on datacrystal. "Na, maedchen," he breathes in quiet dismay. "Such a sleepy face...as if you hadn't a bit of snooze recently."

Kyara pauses, mumbling something about learning German. "Yes, well, it's been a long night. They come frequently around here." Spotting Cori, she gives a cheerful wave, whether it's spotted or not.

Corian pauses a moment in her search, radar catching on that non-Standard word. Turning, she offers a smile that, while a bit vague and distracted, is still pleasant. "Good afternoon, Kyara," she adds, with a nod for Albert as well.

Albert chortles softly, regaining a modicum of good-natured humor. "So many long nights, I know this feeling," he offers in understanding reassurance, then lifts his brows at Corian's nod and clicks his heels lightly in a slight bow. "Madame," he greets.

Kyara mhmms. "Trying to figure out the meaning of life generally does that." She gives Cori a quick grin. "Cori, may I introduce Maestro Albert Kirchenbauer... he's with the Alliance Orchestra now. Sir, this is Corian Treston, linguist extraordinaire."

Corian offers a graceful bow, the smile that lights her face somewhat less vague. "Kyara flatters me," she says, with a quiet chuckle, and a flickered smile to that person. "Maestro, it is an honor to meet you. I have heard your name spoken, though I have yet to have the opportunity to see you conduct. Perhaps I will be able to remedy that, soon."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

"Neh, neh," Albert protests, although his face wrinkles impressively in a delighted grin. "It would be an honor to have such a lovely and talented woman as yourself at one of my humble concerts. It is, indeed, the Orchestra that works so hard. I just flap my arms at them," he explains.

Kyara giggles. "You're too modest, Maestro. As are you, Cori." She wags a finger at the translator.

Corian shakes her head fractionally at Albert's praise, a hint of amusement crossing her face. She starts to speak, but can't help but chuckle at Kyara's response. "I cannot speak for the Maestro, but I prefer modesty to its opposite. But sir," she adds, to Albert, "Were I to attend a concet, to see you flap your arms, the honor would be mine."

Albert splutters with the flattered cheer that only an adlepated old man can achieve, although his eyes are bright with mirth. "You should -both- come to the next concert then, das stimmt? I will ensure adequate seating. We...well, I haven't a clue what we'll perform," he admits, scratching at his head and boggling at the stack of scores.

Kyara oooohs, "That'd be truly a delight! If I can do so, I certainly will." She blushes slightly, glancing around. "I would always suggest 'Hall of the Mountain King'. Can't go wrong."

Corian murmurs softly, "Selbstverstandlich. Es ist eine Freude zum Beachten." (If that's really bizarre, blame the babelfish.) She nods thoughtfully at Kyara's choice, though she doesn't display much of an opinion about it.

Morrigan arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Morrigan has arrived.

Morrigan slips in, attention focused on a datapad. At the doorway she peers around, a little bemused by the people there. But then she sees the music section and she moves that way.

Face nearly dissolving into beaky nose and delighted blue eyes amidst a mass of moustache and wrinkled cheer at hearing his own language, Albert replies, "Und eine Freude fur mich am zu hoeren," he assures, then nods at Kyara. "A good piece, surely. And one I think to use later in the season. Maybe I am a sentimental old man, but I like a happy piece to open the season with."

Kyara looks amused. "I thought it /was/ a happy piece. Shows how much I know." She gives Cori a thoughtful look, glances at the info on her terminal, then spots Mori and beams. "Ah, my favorite cellist."

Morrigan glances over at the voice, before a smile lights her face, 'Hello Kya.' Her head tilts slightly at the compliment, 'Thank you.'

>>OOC: Albert falls over laughing and cries Mea Culpa, Kris. You said 'Hall of
the Mountain King', and 'Night On Bald Mountain' instantly started up in my head. That's why the confusion.

Corian returns Albert's smile, looking quite pleased with his response. "Then I shall surely attend," she says, slipping back to Standard to keep from embarrassing her player (and Babelfish) too badly. Morrigan gets a pleasant smile, and a murmur of greeting.

Morrigan offers Corian a graceful bow before turning to Albert with a deeper one,"Maestro" she says softly.

Albert beams over at Morrigan as well. "Good afternoon, my dear," he offers, then blinks down at his scores for a moment in thought, tugging one out thoughtfully. "Borodin is always good..."

Corian's brows lift fractionally at something, but she returns Morrigan's bow nonetheless, before quietly excusing herself and turning back to whatever it is she is seeking in the cabinet of datacrystals.

Kyara grins ruefully. "You just went right by my knowledge of music."

Albert flaps a hand in distracted good humor. "Mein schatz, I exceed my own knowledge of music all the time. It's called..." He cuts off and glances up, realizing he's amidst all young women. "Uh, er...making it up as you go along," he amends lamely, then snickers, pulling out a score. "I think we have a winner."

Morrigan pads towards the musical scores, offering softly, 'Or improvising?'

Corian casts an amused glance over her shoulder to Albert, but wisely doesn't say the particular phrase that -she- is thinking.

Kyara giggles, standing on tiptoe to try and get a look at the sheet music. "And who would our winner be?"

Moustache rippling as he exhales a pleased sigh, he holds up the chosen score with a smirk. "What better for such a conglomerate of a place? Gustav Holst. The Planets."

Kyara blinks, her expression blank. Apparently it's not something she's ever heard of. "Ah, I look forward to hearing it played." Keying her terminal, she clears the screen, and executes a half-bow to the assembled. "If y'all will excuse me, I'm afraid duty calls."

Corian murmurs a quiet 'aha', and pulls a particular datacrystal from the cabinet, taking up her basket once more as she moves to a 'reader. She murmurs a farewell to Kyara, lightly returning the bow, then smiles brightly to Albert. "A fine choice," she approves. "One of my favorites."

Morrigan nods her head as she over hears...then score already running through her mind.

Albert offers a kindly smile down at Kyara, nodding. "You'll enjoy it, my dear. It's a lovely work. Enjoy your duty, then..." he suggests, already flipping open the score and murmuring a greeting almost as if it were an old friend.

Morrigan smiles at Kyara, "see you later?'

Kyara heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Kyara has left.

Jay arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Jay has arrived.

Morrigan glances curiously at the newcomer...then goes back to her search.

Albert is all but humming along with a rather thick musical score, one hand unconsciously moving in a subdued pattern of keeping tempo, a rapturous expression in place.

Corian slides the datacrystal into the appropriate 'reader, skimming lightly along the text. She pauses a moment to watch Albert, a faint smile crossing her face, then pauses again to nod a greeting to the newcomer. She pauses a moment upon seeing him, expression mildly puzzled, then turns back to her work.

Morrigan pulls out a bound book and sets it carefully on one of the tables.

Jay seems to slide into the room, glancing around. He gives both Mori and the female librarian a charming smile, and his eyebrows go up. He never, after all, forgets a female face. Any female face. Then he spots the computers and his path meanders in that direction, drawling casually as he passes the linguist, "Heya, Cori. Long time no see."

Corian turns as she hears the name, gaze following Jay. She purses her lips for a moment. "It has been quite some time, yes." Long enough that she can't -quite- place him, though she's trying not to let that fact show.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay glances briefly over his shoulder with a grin. "You don't look too happy to see me... you're not still mad about me cutting your pigtails off, are you? I was only ten, for Pesht's sakes."

Albert is still half conducting to the music, flipping the page occassionally and looking about as happy as a cat that's found catnip.

That's enough to spark recognition. With a shake of her head and a short chuckle, Corian corrects, "They were not -pigtails-, Jay. And, just in case you feel the need to trim hair again, I prefer mine at its current length."

Morrigan has gone back to the shelves of sheet music..occassionally consulting her datapad before pulling out a piece.

Jay snickers, turning fully around to grin at Corian. "Pigtails. Cause you were hogging the holo. And how are we these days, Cori? My dear mother never mentioned you were in this area."

Corian shakes her head, not deigning to reply to Jay's first statements. "That's likely because she did not know I would be here. Most of the family on Kashid has decided that keeping track of my whereabouts is a losing battle. And I am quite well--how about yourself, and your parents?"

Jay shrugs cheerfully. "I always do well, though I must admit it's lonely at night without my cat." He casts a smile in Mori's direction. "And last I knew, they were doing just fine, happy to see me officially out and about on my own. Just one more to get out of the roost now."

Morrigan looks over in time to catch the smile and return it with a small one of her own.

Corian nods thoughtfully to that. "And you are here at the Complex, now." It's half a question. She doesn't quite want to say 'what are you doing here?', but that's implied. "Does Riley know?"

Jay shrugs carelessly. "No idea. I hope not. It'd certainly spoil the surprise." He glances around approvingly. "Yep, the Complex. The happening-est place to be."

Corian's brows lift fractionally, but she smiles nonetheless. "How wonderful to have you here," she murmurs. "I hope you'll be here long enough that we may catch up on what has passed since we last saw each other."

Jay folds his arms. "Ah, that all depends on you. I'm going to be here for quite a while, if I've my way and things work out."

Corian inclines her head. "As far as I know," she says, after a moment, "I shall be here for a year, perhaps more if I find it appealing."

Jay grins. "Plenty of time then. It's nice to know you might settle down a bit. Of course, you'll probably get a bunch of visitors."

Corian's brows incline very slowly. "Visitors?" Funny, she doesn't look thrilled.

Jay mhmmms. "Hey, /I/ was happy to see ya. Imagine how the rest of my folks'll react when I tell 'em you're here. Oh, you know, they'll say they're coming to visit me, or Riley, but you'll get targetted."

Corian ahs softly. "Well... it will be nice to see the family again, of course."

Jay grins. "Of course. You don't sound particularly happy about it though. Gone shy?"

Corian shakes her head, a quick smile crossing her face. "Forgive me, Jay. I am a bit short on sleep; ordinarily, I would be thrilled at the prospect, of course."

Jay frowns, concern in his expression. "Still not used to this place? Or is some lucky guy keeping you out late at night?" he grins.

Corian makes a graceful little gesture with one hand. "It is of no moment. I merely had that which I had to consider--a discussion with mother did not go well."

Jay's expression turns sympathetic. "Mothers ain't always the easiest of folks to get along with."

Corian shakes her head fractionally. "No, it was my fault. I brought up a subject that she did not wish to discuss. But I am sure it will be well."

Jay nods agreeably, leaning back against a terminal desk. "Sure it will. Always works out in the end, neh? So've you seen Riley yet? How's he doing?"

Morrigan finally finishes retrieving her scores and books and heads towards the desk to check them out.

Corian inclines her head, after a flickered glance to her terminal and the work there. "I have seen Riley, and he seems to be doing well, though he's had some difficult times lately, it seems."

Morrigan carefully slips the scroes into her case and offers everyone a quick smile as she slips out

Morrigan heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Morrigan has left.

Jay's eyebrows rise a few millimeters. "Difficult times?"

Corian inquires lightly, "Had you heard about the coup attempt, Jay? Riley was here during it, after all--but I am sure he would rather tell you these things himself." Sure, he would.

Jay nods. "Course I heard about it. The waves were burning up about it. Yeah, I'm going to have to find out how much was rumor and how much truth."

Ryoshia arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Ryoshia has arrived.

Corian nods her agreement to that. "And Riley would be just the person to ask. But could you forgive me, Jay? I need to get this translation finished today, so I'm afraid I need to get back downstairs." Ryoshia gets a pleasant smile.

Ryoshia steps in from the hallway, casting a quick glance around. She returns the smile to Corian and heads over to a terminal, getting herself comfortable.

Jay comes forward a few feet to peer toward Cori's screen. "Sounds like fun. It's good seeing you again, Cori." He gives the linguist a warm smile before his attention is distracted by Ryoshia, and he drifts in the latter's direction.

Corian murmurs a quiet farewell as she gets to her feet, claiming a printout of the data she needed. The room at large gets a bow, with a slightly lower one for Albert.

You head towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

[Time passes.]

You head towards the Dining Facility.

Dining Facility

Though the tan and white linoleum tiles of the dining hall are rather bland, the brightly-colored walls more than make up for that. The wall nearest the entrance holds vending machines for those on a budget, though the aromas of freshly-prepared food are tempting enough to make one forget finances. Cuisine from many of the Alliance's worlds is available, though some races are likely to find the food choices of their neighbors less than appealing. Plasglass windows in the next wall allow a view of the town beyond the complex, and a hint of the scenery beyond. Though the other two walls hold neither food nor windows, they have been painted with vivid colors, abstract murals that are occasionally interpreted by bored diners. Tables of varying shapes and sizes are found scattered throughout the room, with chairs that provide just enough comfort to allow ease of dining, but not so much that idlers are tempted to linger.

With the range of internal clocks of the complex's inhabitants, people of one form or another are generally found in the dining hall at all hours, though a seat at one of the many tables is usually available.

Contents:

Tarrant

Jay's Red Can

Jay

Ryoshia(#814PJOace)

Ebiannah

Kadre

Vendotron 3000

Obvious exits:

Atrium

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

Kadre looks a bit perturbed as the seat opposite Jay is next to her, but she says, diplomatically (again) "Of course, join us."

Tarrant lowers himself into the indicated seat with a nod of thanks and a smile to Jay. To Kadre's question he answers, "Originally? Michmil. Not the most lovely of places, rather like being in the refrigerator." It keeps the powder dry and the action quicker. "Although I have not been there in quite some time."

Kadre ahs, "I've heard of it. Not a soft sort of planet. Has it's good points, though, I suppose."

Jay nods pleasantly. "You don't seem like the chilly type." Spotting Cori, he gives a half-beckoning wave.

Ryoshia pops open the can of soda and takes a sip, glancing around her idly while her player does evil HTML.

Kadre snorts, but says, "Well, my planet is almost entirely what the Terrans describe as 'tropical'."

Corian, for once sans basket of work, rubs lightly at her eyes as she glides into the facility. She moves to claim some tea and fruit. Catching Jay's nod out of the corner of her eye, she smiles faintly and moves in that direction. She pauses as she sees his companions, one in particular, brows lifting in surprise.

A random Vidrian citizen comes along and bows deeply at the sight of Kadre.

Ebiannah looks at the Random Vidrian and says to Kadre, "Isn't that disconcerting?"

Jay rises a questioning eyebrow himself at Cori's surprise. "Cori? Work all done for the day?"

Kadre shrugs. "You get used to it." She continues to stare at the odd coat of the 'Stranger'. "What animal gave it's life for that fashion, um, statement?" She really wanted to say monstrosity, but she's being diplomatic.

Ebiannah shakes her head. She'd try to stop Kadre, but it wouldn't do much good.

Morrigan arrives from the Central Atrium.

Morrigan has arrived.

Tarrant nods briefly, "Cold and I do not acquaint ourselves often." Spotting Corian's entrance he looks rather startled for a moment as well, but offers a congenial smile. "Well, well, well, it is a small universe indeed, hello dear. It is good to see you again." He peers at Kadre, "Pardon me ma'am?"

Kadre points at his coat. "What animal are you wearing? That is some sort of leather, isn't it?"

Tarrant pauses a moment, and then comprehension dawns. "The lapels are, yes ma'am. Although I could not profess to know which type. Presumably some sort of beef animal, like a cow."

Corian gives herself a small shake, and nods to Jay. "Yes... work. It's all finished for the night. I thought I'd dine." She seats herself, and takes a moment before lifting her gaze back to Tarrant. "Yes," she agrees, with a quick smile. "Quite small." At Tarrant's explanation to Kadre, she falls silent, taking up her tea mug.

Kadre says, " Oh, by the way, to those I have yet to meet, I am the Ambassador at Large for the Republican Democratic Empirical Confederacy of Vidar, and heir to the Throne of aforementioned govermental body. Nice to meet you."

Kadre nods at the 'Stranger's' words. "An ugly animal. Okay."

Zyrianna arrives from the Central Atrium.

Zyrianna has arrived.

Jay glances back and forth between Cori and Tarrant. "You two know each other?"

Morrigan looks around for an empty table...and settles at one fairly close to Cori.

Zyrianna heads towards the Central Atrium.

Zyrianna has left.

Ebiannah nibbles at her cereal, careful not to dribble milk down her chin.

"Tarrant Wilkes Czolgosz," Tarrant returns by way of introductions. "A civil servant." He nods to Jay amiably, "The esteemed Ms. Treston and I have some prior passing acquaintance, yes. Quite the linguist."

Kadre looks over at Corian. "Really? What sort of languages do you speak?" She seems genuinely interested.

Ryoshia hmms to herself and pulls out her PocketPad and goes back to reviewing the information on it.

Zyrianna arrives from the Central Atrium.

Zyrianna has arrived.

Corian nods in response to Tarrant's explanation, with a quick smile for his praise. Kadre's question draws a blink, and then another smile. "The obscure sort, mostly," she replies.

Morrigan begins to eat slowly as she listens to the conversations around her.

Ebiannah ooos happily. "Obscure languages are the most fun, don't you think?"

Jay ahs softly. "That's two for two today, Cori. Join us?"

Tolu arrives from the Central Atrium.

Tolu has arrived.

Corian gives Jay a puzzled look. Seeing as how she's already sitting at their table, that look shouldn't be surprising. "Of course, cousin," she says lightly.

Zyrianna smiles when Tolu enters and moves quickly over to him. "Well its about time you got here!"

A melodious voice says, "Welcome Zyrianna Cyrin Tarele."

Tarrant takes a long sip of the contents of his glass, a sweeping gesture returns it to the table. "What brings you to Linnae, Miz Treston? The mass of diplomats and their swirl'a languages?"

Kadre mutters. "Swirl, that's the word for it, in Session."

Corian nods to Tarrant, deftly peeling her orange. "Just so," she says, with a quick smile. "I'm here as... staff translator, I suppose, would be the word. It seems like the employment will prove quite fascinating."

Kadre says, "Well, perhaps you could translate something for me. The Galzian Ambassador seems to think, "Please turn down that noise you describe as music" means, "Turn it up louder and flip me off please."

Ebiannah hides her snickering behind her cereal spoon.

Ryoshia mms. "Nice guy," she notes softly.

Jay doesn't hide his snickering.

Corian laughs quietly at Kadre's words, casting a sympathetic smile in her general direction. "The Galzians do have rather... unusual taste in music, yes. I cannot tolerate much of it, myself."

Tarrant offers Kadre a wide grin, revealing quite white f/a/n/g/s, errr teeth. "A swirl indeed, but quite fascinating." He nods to Corian, "I hope you discover much luck then, darlin'." There's a pause, "What kind of music is it?"

Morrigan winces as she over hears that, then rubs her temples at the though it it.

Kadre doesn't notice the teeth/fangs. "It's a long, very long, series of bangings on large pieces of metal with absolutely no rhythm."

Tarrant pauses, brows furrowing, "Do they yell 'Gaia' a lot too?"

Morrigan mutters softly, 'Painfull'

Corian starts to reply to Tarrant's kind words, but then she hears his Gaia-related comment and has to pause, one hand lifting to hide her expression. Are her shoulders shaking? Her eyes are decidedly amused, that's for sure.

Kadre looks at Jay's snickerings, but is distracted by Tarrant's question. "Not that I've noticed. Although, today, he did yell, "Hey, don't break my Metal hitting stick!"

Kadre says, "That'll teach Andorual Macgarp to disturb my naptime.

Tarrant looks perhaps a bit disturbed a moment before chuckling, "As long as he did not yell 'Gaia', I think you can be considered safe, lovely lady."

Morrigan asks quietly, 'WHy would yelling Gaia be a bad thing?'

Ebiannah sighs and decides not to mention that Macgarp has ordered more hitting sticks and more large pieces of metal.

Tarrant gestures with a sweeping flourish, "Because performance art does not have to be good." He attempts to consider further, "I associate arrhythmic beating of metal with a particular piece of said...art involving found object sculptures and two individuals who must have been on unapproved chemicals. They yelled Gaia a -lot."

Ryoshia hmms as she glances up from her pad. "Where is this Gaia reference coming from?"

Kadre looks at Tarrant. "Where did you see this monstrosity?" Well, there went diplomacy.

Corian puts her orange peel to one side, slender fingers carefully sectioning the fruit. "In the instance during which I witnessed it," she offers to Mori, "It surely was. Though I suppose there are occasions when yelling Gaia would be appropriate." Her eyes gleam with mirth at Tarrant's words.

Ebiannah says, "Hey, if you want to see good entertainment, I could try to book my brothers here with the Alliance Entertainment Corps. They're great!", says, the proud little sister.

Tarrant blinks at Corian a moment, "After -that-, y'can still allow for the possibility, darlin'? You're most assuredly a more forgiving sort than I am." He turns to Ryoshia, smiling brightly. "Originally? It's a Terran word.

Morrigan asks again, 'But why is it a bad thing?'

Kadre says, 'It was probably yelled in an inappropriate manner," she says to Morrigan, "Wouldn't you think?" She asks Corian.

Corian laughs very quietly at Tarrant's words. "And this is just more proof of that," she murmurs. She nods at Kadre, smile warming. "Just so. Quite inappropriate."

Ryoshia blinks at Tarrant and thinks for a moment, then ohs suddenly. "I remember seeing it now. Gaia was a word to describe a god or a name?"

Morrigan nods, 'An old earth term for Mother Earth.'

"In this case it seemed t'be a moaned expression of their lunacy," Tarrant drawls quietly, amused at the memory. He nods to Corian, "Ever as always."

Ryoshia nods her head in comprehension. "And some religions from way back in the day consider the Earth to be a god in itself. Make sense."

Ebiannah continues on about her brothers. "They sing great. **to the tune of the BeeGee's 'Tragedy'** Imagin'ry...When you can't see or feel... Imagin'ry....It's cause you're not real....Imangin'ry..."

Kadre looks at Ebi. "Gibb, if you promise not to sing anymore, I'll book your brothers for the Vidrian Ball, okay?" She sounds strained.

Corian nibbles neatly at her orange, nodding a devout agreement to Tarrant's first statement. "It is surprising that more spectators did not choose to depart early." Kadre gets a quick smile. Nah, no gratitude there.

Ebiannah stops in midnote. "Okay."

"The voice of an angel." A dead angel that's been beaten with a metal beating stick, but it's oh dear, what's my name again...Tarrant! It's Tarrant's job to say things like that. "Perhaps they had been brainwashed, or paid off."

Ryoshia just giggles softly as she listens with one ear and reads with both her eyes.

Ebiannah begins to make notes on her ever-present padd. "I'll write them a note tomorrow. Last time I talked to them, they were going to play Hoder. The whole planet." She looks up. "They have this really cool imaging system. You can see the concert from anywhere. Helps keep them from getting mobbed, too."

Corian says seriously, with a nod to Tarrant, "Brainwashing or bribery. Of course, I'm sure that is the reason." She delicately wipes the citrus juice from her fingers, casting a curious look at the bespurred one. "Are you here long?" she inquires of him, voice lowering a bit.

Tarrant neatly tucks his booted feet beneath his chair, the spurs jangling melodramaticly. Melodramatic he can do. "I'm assigned here for the moment, it's a comfortable berth, I have no complaints."

Kadre tries not to sigh too loudly, as she decides to listen to Tarrant's and Corian's conversation instead.

Corian chuckles quietly. "How specific," she murmurs. "Well, it will be an adventure to have you here, I'm sure, for however long that may be."

Tarrant gives a sweeping bow, or as much as is possible from his seat. He even doffs an imaginary hat. "I do ever strive to provide adventure." The last word is drawled out even more so than the rest.

Kadre looks down at the metal jingly things. "If those are what I think those are, I hope you left your horse outside."

You whisper "" to Watcher at #1039.

Jay's eyes flick to rest on Tarrant. "I suspect you succeed more often than not."

Ebiannah looks at Jay, "Well, it all depends on what you consider adventure. He may be a reckless fool, by some standards." She looks up at Tarrant and beams, "Not that you are, mind you. Want front row tickets to my Brothers concert? I'll bet I could get them to play two shows here."

Tarrant's grin widens as he straightens up to nod to Jay, "Of course, of course, I can but try." He lets the boots settle flat again on the floor, once again causing them to clank. "I left the horse back worlds ago, but I find they have a certain ... historical appeal." He blinks at Ebiannah, "Your kindness is startling, deah, but I appreciate it."

Ebiannah grins widely as she goes back to her planning. "I haven't seen them in *months*." She sighs, and in that sigh you can tell she comes from a close family.

Corian glances between Tarrant and Jay for a moment, and a quick smile crosses her face. She shakes her head fractionally, taking another segment of orange and nibbling lightly on it.

Jay nods slowly to Ebi. "Those would be some rather odd standards. Never pays to be reckless."

Morrigan finishes her dinner and slowly begins to work on her hand exercises as she listens to the conversation at the other table.

Tarrant finishes draining the contents of his glass. "Recklessness is in the eye of the beholder, like so many things." There's a pause, "What is it Miz Treston, Flaran cha'menthi?"

Kadre stands up, abruptly. "Well, it's been enlightening folks, but I have to go."

Kadre has left.

Corian echoes softly, lifting her mug lightly, "Flaran cha'menthi. Just so." And that gets Tarrant a bright smile.

Ebiannah eeps and follows, padd in hand. "Wait, Ambassador, I need to know if they need to wear anything special." She leaves at a run.

Ebiannah has left.

Tarrant leans his chair back, the folds of his coat draping back so that they nearly scrape the floor. His be-spurred boots are set to rest on the bar beneath the table. "It is all situational. One is only reckless if one fails after all."

Jay's eyebrows rise at Tarrant's choice of words. "Interesting perspective," he murmurs.

Tarrant offers Jay a dazzling grin, "Everything's a matter of perspective. History is written by the winners after all."

Tolu begins chomping down upon a super extreme deep-dish new yorker pizza

A melodious voice says, "Welcome Jimmy Messier."

The Vendotron emits a snort. "Well, it's your giros."

Vendotron 3000 dropped Tolu's Cheesy Poofs.

Corian rubs lightly at the bridge of her nose with one finger, then curls her fingers around her mug once more. "Of course, that also is a matter of perspective."

Tolu begins to eat moldy cheesy poofs and keels over dead

Jay grins lightly. "True enough, I suppose. A very twisted volume it is, too."

Tolu heads towards the Central Atrium.

Tolu has left.

"History... history is a funny thing." Tarrant notes thoughtfully, "But as you say Miz Treston, all is a matter of perspective. S'a funny world, but certainly not a dull one."

Corian nods her agreement to Tarrant, after a light sip of her tea. "Especially here, or so I have been told. Though perhaps it will be calm for a while, after the excitement before I arrived."

Tarrant casually questions with arched brows, "Excitement?"

Jay gestures slightly. "You didn't hear about the terrorist takeover, sir?"

Morrigan shudders as she draws her arms about herself, 'I heard it was total chaos here'

Tarrant ahhs in understanding, "Oh, the fourth fleet, yes. That would indeed classify as excitement."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay mmms, "Sounds rather scary to me. There's just something about the idea of possibly getting shot that dampens my taste for, ah, excitement."

"Being shot certainly would not seem to improve a day." Tarrant agrees amiably, "But as I heard it there were no real injuries?"

Corian nods fractionally at Jay's words. "Getting shot--or even the possibility of such--seems negative, yes." She nods to Tarrant's words. "So I was informed, yes."

Ryoshia shakes her head. "A bunch of Edreeni were a bit unconfomfortable near the end, but nope, no serious injuries."

Jay glances toawrd Ryoshia. "Edreeni? I heard the Stilvani were even /more/ uncomfortable," he snickers softly.

"Then what of this discussion of shootings?" Tarrant's expression is almost of distaste. He doesn't yell Sic Semper Tyranis at -all-.

Morrigan asks, "Were they shot?"

Jay shrugs in answer to Tarrant. "Heard there was some shooting, not that folks were shot. Not sure I would've wanted to risk it anyhow."

"Shooting is so often fatal, or nearly so, it would seem a fate best avoided, certainly." Tarrant agrees amiably.

Corian casts a brief, rather intent look at Tarrant, then shakes her head to Morrigan, finishing off her tea. "I think," she says lightly, "That I should return to my work. If you all would excuse me, please?"

Tarrant rises to his feet, not it seems to follow Corian, but rather to bow sweepingly to her, once again doffing that imaginary hat. "It was a pleasure to once again make your acquaintance Miz Treston."

Jay nods to Corian, waving with his soda can. "Later, Cori."

Morrigan smiles as she offers, 'Good Night!'

Corian gets gracefully to her feet, murmuring something about getting Tarrant a hat. "A pleasure, yes," she agrees to Tarrant. "Do let me know if you learn how long you will be with us, here, please? And we must talk, perhaps, later." The other two get pleasant smiles, and then Corian turns to leave.

Ryoshia smiles and waves to Corian.

Tarrant offers Corian a grin from the depth of his bow, rising to nod. "Certainly, darlin'." He slides back into his seat with a jangle of spurs.

You head towards the Central Atrium.

[More time passes. Corian is in the Diplomats' Hall.]

Riley has obviously found the correct hall at last, ambling through. Heading through to the offices at the end he chunks a stack of letters into a jet black container designed for holding them. Returning through the hall he spots a familiar face and offers a brightly grinned greeting, "Cori, you're working late."

Corian is seated in 'her' chair, though, as it's so far after hours, she's relaxed somewhat, posture-wise. She's still jotting absently on her clipboard of doom, though the movement--unusual, as it's nearly midnight, catches her eye. She looks up, and offers a cheerful smile. "Hello, Riley."

Corian adds, setting aside her writing utensil, "And it's late, yes. I thought I would be able to finish this tonight, but I do not believe that will happen."

"Time has a way of getting away from us, yes. I've noticed the tendency." Riley seats perches on one of the chair's opposite. "Settling in all right?"

Corian nods pleasantly. "Oh, quite," she says, with a smile. "I've met some fascinating people." She pauses a beat, then adds, a bit more slowly, "I had an interesting discussion with Kyara the other evening. She wished for me to explain melant'i." She doesn't elaborate, instead watching you carefully.

Riley is quiet a moment, mentally reviewing his conversation with Kyara. "Ah, yes. I apologize, I did not mean to confuse her and hence have her seek you. I well understand how difficult attempting to explain melant'i is to one not raised to it. Not exactly a casual language lesson."

Corian makes a brief, dismissive gesture. "Think nothing of it, brother. It is not the first time I have had such a conversation; I hardly think it will be the last. There is no need to apologize. She says," she adds thoughtfully, "That she understands the concept. I am not so sure. I do believe, though, that I managed to stress its importance."

"My appreciation then cha'leket, if she does understand, or for that matter even if she does not." Riley sprawls back into the chair he's chosen. "I have a demonstrated lack of ability to communicate with the young woman." He grins wryly, he's well named. "I never was cut out to be a father."

Corian offers softly, "She is concerned, and wishes to make the situation right. I but did what I could to assist her, little though it was. If it assists you as well, as is my hope, so much the better." After a thoughtful pause, she adds, "She does wish to please you, Riley--or so I believe."

Riley nods after a pause, "It is my understanding that she does wish to do so, yes. She just has a lack of self restraint, and I am not, and never have been a drill sergeant, to give a rigid set of discipline until it becomes a natural force. And yet she cannot survive in this world without self-restraint."

Corian nods thoughtfully, one hand lifting to rub at the place between her brows. "You are not the person for that, no," she agrees quietly. "Perhaps another environment--though she has often said to me how much she has grown to love this place." That hand lifts further still, gesture apparently encompassing the Complex.

Riley leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees. "I know, which is why I acquired this sinecure for her to begin with." He glances up towards the frosted glass and black doors. "I have already been dealt punishment for her activities once."

Corian purses her lips at that, head turning slightly so that she may follow your glance. After a moment, she says slowly, "That should not happen again." She's pretty smart, isn't she? "Though I cannot claim to know the situation well enough that I may offer an alternative as to how."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Riley simply nods at that, absently shifting his shoulders. "And I think I have as much information as anyone does, and I can see no good solution either. Hopefully Kyara will have one, I do not want to send her away. But if I must I will. Her attitude's done nearly irreperable damage to my discipline situation in Security."

Corian observes quietly, "I believe that she intended to consider that situation." She shakes her head, then. "But it is not for me to judge--in fact, I fear even to advise." She pauses a beat, then inquires, in a segue that weariness makes less-than-smooth, "Perhaps you and Clara will join me for dinner some evening this week? If I offer tea, will you say yes?"

Riley offers a wry grin, "Your presence is bribery enough, although I would not turn down tea. I'll certainly attend. Clara I shall have to ask."

Corian inclines her head. "As that should be, yes. There is no need to hurry upon doing that. As you see, I find plenty to occupy myself." She gestures gracefully towards her basket, then adds, with a faint grimace of apology, "Brother, this is not polite, I know, but may I ask you to excuse me? I had an... interesting conversation with Mother last night, and as such am feeling a certain need for sleep, as there was not enough of that following the conversation."

"The hour is late, and sleep is logical, cha'leket. Please, sleep and dream well." Riley offers a half bow, though he does not get up from his seat.

Corian, on the other hand, does get to her feet, gracefully managing the appropriately deep bow. "Chiat'a bei kruzon as well, cha'leket, when you seek your bed. And give my greetings to Clara." With a smile that, though tired, is fond, she turns to leave.


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