4/3/99

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:

Jay

Vendotron 3000

Obvious exits:

Atrium

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

Corian, datapad in hand, glides lightly into the room. She's got enough of her attention on the act of walking that she avoids running into anybody, but she still glances occasionally at the aforementioned datapad. Juice is apparently her goal for the moment.

Jay is at a quiet table away from the bulk of the crowd, a silly grin refusing to leave his face. A plate of what appears to be some sort of poultry drowned in melted cheese is slowly being consumed. He calls over cheerfully as his cousin passes, "Hey, Cori!"

Cori. That would be her. Corian pauses, juice in hand, gaze lifting from her datapad once more. "Ah, cousin," she says, a smile crossing her face. "You look rather cheerful today."

Jay nods amiably, still unable to keep the grin from his face. "Why wouldn't I? Life is good, life is great." Despite his expression, there's something intent in his gaze. He taps the table in front of the next chair over. "Why don't you grace me with your presence for a bit?"

Corian inclines her head, settling lightly into the indicated chair. "I have finished work for the evening, so I would be glad to do so." She glances at her datapad, then adds, with a quiet chuckle, "Well, I have mostly finished. Are you doing well?"

Jay mhmmms, gaze thoughtful as he chews. "A decided lack of sleep, but otherwise in tiptop shape." He eyes stray to your hands. "And you?"

Corian takes a sip of her juice then rests the glass on the table, hands curling loosely around the glass. "I am quite well," she replies pleasantly. "Ah, I spoke with Honalee, and she asked that I pass on her greetings. I did not," she adds, tone touched with amusement, "Tell her of your... attentions, however."

Jay's mouth curls into a wry grin. "You've my thanks for that. I'm sure she'll hear about it eventually anyhow. Should give her quite a laugh." He hesitates, and shakes his head, allowing his unspoken questions to hang in the air between them.

Corian regards you for a moment, with a quizzical smile. She doesn't seem to hear any unspoken questions, though. (Maybe speaking them would help?) "She has also said that she will consider a visit," she says, a rather wistful smile crossing her face. "If she is unable to do so, perhaps I will be able to visit her instead."

Jay allows his eyebrows to lift slightly in surprise. "It'd be good to see her again, sure," he remarks agreeably. "Would you be able to get away from work long enough for it?" A faint frown creases his brow. "You're not planning on leaving us behind once again, are you?" Unspoken questions are moved to the back burner for the moment. Of course, items left there tend to simmer into a boil.

Corian considers for a moment. "I am uncertain as to whether I would be able to gain time from work. I will wait to ask until Honalee is more certain of her own plans." She sips her juice, absently tugging her sleeve into place, then adds, "And my contract here is only for a year, Jay. Perhaps I will be asked to stay longer, but that is longer than I have spent in one place since I finished college."

Jay spears a chunk of poultry, looking down at his plate. "It's kind of nice though, isn't it? Settling down, even for a while, not having to worry about finding another place to run to?"

Corian's brows incline fractionally. "I do not consider my travels to be a form of running," she says, her tone as pleasant as ever. "I do enjoy having family near; I believe I will wait until my term here is closer to complete before I decide what I will do next. For all I know, I will not even be offered the option to stay."

Jay smiles wanly, waving his fork in a dismissive gesture. "Semantics." He scoffs at her last statement. "They'd be fools not to want you to stay on."

A hint of humor crosses Corian's face. Hands steepled around her glass, she observes, "As I said, I am uncertain whether I will be renewed."

Jay shakes his head, wagging a finger. "You should have more confidence. People pick up on stuff like that."

Corian's lips quirk. "Cha'leket, I was not referring to my own abilities, which are suitable for the job, but of the statement you made--that they would be fools not to want me to stay. Though I must say that the majority of my employers are quite canny, there are those who... are not."

Jay chuckles quietly. "Takes all kinds to make the galaxy go round, no? In any case, even if they're uncanny enough to let you go, there's plenty of opportunities around here for a translator, I'm sure. Or for a babysitter," he adds, amused.

Corian nods equably. "There are, most certainly," she says, though not without a hint of amusement. "Or as a tutor, yes. I have served in that capacity in the past."

Jay nods, smiling amiably. "Now why doesn't that surprise me," he asks rhetorically. Again he pauses, only to ask, looking annoyed at himself, "Are you sure you're alright?"

Corian looks just a bit puzzled. "Of course, dear. I'm perfectly fine." With a quizzical smile, she adds, "Do I look unwell?"

Jay shakes his head, looking mildly embarrassed as he gestures vaguely upwards. "The other day in medbay... Well. Privacy curtains don't really allow all that much privacy, y'know?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian doesn't bother to explain, instead shaking her head, with a quick smile. "There is no need for you to worry, cha'leket. I am quite well."

Jay shakes his head, raising his hands helplessly. "Sorry, Cor, I can't help but to worry when I hear stuff like that. It's a major responsibility having the most beautiful lady around as one's cousin," he teases gently. "Speaking of which, that gentleman you were with the other night..."

Corian inquires curiously, "What exactly did you hear, Jay?" There's a brief pause before she acknowledges your last statement. "Ah, yes, Tarrant." A brief smile lights her face. "He is a dear friend. We worked together in the past, and have known each other for quite a few years."

Jay gestures toward your hands. "Something about losing feeling in your fingers? Tarrent, yeah. So... it wasn't a /date/ date, just a couple of friends keeping each other company at the ball?"

Corian wiggles her fingers in a graceful little gesture. "They are perfectly fine," she reassures, with a smile. At your question, she nods, with a brief smile. "He is my van'chela, yes. Nothing more." For some reason, though, that phrase makes her smile turn just a bit amused.

Jay nods firmly. "Good. He's too old for you." Protective? Jay? Naaaaah.

Corian's lips curve into a quizzical little smile. "Too old?" she echoes. "Cousin, how old do you perceive him to be?"

Jay shrugs. "I never was good at guessing ages. It's the way he /acts/, not how he looks."

Corian seems to be rather puzzled by that. "He always struck me as a rather childlike man--not childish, mind. Besides," she adds, with a chuckle, "I was recently informed that I was forty at age four." She shakes her head, then. "But it is of no moment."

Jay tut tuts. "No age will ever mar your beauty, Cori, physical or otherwise. Though you /do/ remind me of my mother way too often."

Corian blinks at that. "Aunt Kareen? Oh, goodness. And thank you, Jay. I do appreciate the compliment." Though, as her tone suggests, she thinks she's just being humored. After a brief pause, she adds, "I am uncertain as to whether I mentioned it to Aunt Kareen or not, but there was a planet, perhaps five years ago, on which I was called Kareen, as the people were unable to pronounce my name. I found that most entertaining."

Jay's eyes widen slightly, and he tries to stifle the laugh, but gives up. "That would've been most unsettling."

Corian nods at that, expression decidedly amused. "It was that, yes, especially when the children addressed me."

Jay's eyes twinkle. "Let me guess- they addressed you as 'Aunt'?"

Corian shakes her head. "Fortunately, they did not, but 'Miss Kareen' was close enough to that, for me."

Jay chuckles. "Mother'd be honored, I think."

Corian's lips quirk. "Perhaps I shall endeavor to remember to tell her, then." She sips lightly at her juice once more, then inquires, "What have you been doing with yourself lately, cousin? We have not had much of a chance to talk."

Jay's mouth quirks. Swallowing the last of the poultry and reaching for his red can, he leans back to relax in his chair, crossing his legs at the ankles. "Actually, a better question would be, what has Ryo been doing with myself lately. And the answer is, driving me crazy." He chuckles softly.

Corian looks briefly puzzled for a moment, but then her expression clears. "Ah, the first of your dates to the ball, yes? She seemed a pleasant young woman."

Jay nods, that silly grin reappearing. "Pleasant isn't the word. She's absolutely gorgeous, and she's got the art of teasing down to perfection."

Corian is actually as innocent as she looks in some things, and romantic entanglement most definitely qualifies as one of those things. "It is a friendly sort of teasing, then?"

Jay chuckles. "Not teasing like Riley and his hair-ruffling, Cor. Teasing as in stringing me along, making me want more until I just /have/ to see her again."

Corian's expression is rather reflective. "And you enjoy this?"

Jay laughs wryly. "Are you kidding? It's the most fun I've had since I made old Mrs. Avarian's computer sing lewd songs in the middle of trig class."

Corian tries to make her expression severe, but the upwards curving of the corners of her lips gives her away. "Cha'leket, you are incorrigible." There is, however, still a hint of thoughtfulness about her.

Jay attempts a mock-innocent expression. "Me? Now, Cori, wouldn't life be so much more boring if I wasn't?" He takes a sip of soda before inquiring quietly, "Giro for your thoughts?"

Corian can't help but nod at the first question, amusement touching her features. She hesitates, however, before answering the latter. "I was just considering the most recent conversation that Honalee and I had."

Jay arches an eyebrow, and nods encouragingly. "Was it insightful? What am I saying, we're talking about Honalee here. Of /course/ it was insightful."

Corian doesn't answer the question, instead murmuring, after a sip of her juice, "She seems to think that I need to have some form of romantic relationship with someone, that it will take one to make me happy." Her shoulders lift in a very small, light shrug. "I believe I am happy now."

Jay ahhhs softly, picking his words carefully. "Romance is fun, but a romantic relationship- that's not what I'd call /necessary/ for happiness. It depends on the person, I think."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian inclines her head, with a quick smile. "Honalee seemed very insistent on the point, though. I promised her that I would keep my eyes open, at least." She shrugs once more, this one somewhat deprecating. "I suppose I shall see what happens."

Jay gives you a long look. "Oh, I see. You're a silly goose, you know that? Is that why she sent you that fabulous costume?"

A gleam of humor lights Corian's gray eyes, despite the faint blush that colors her cheeks. "I believe that is not the case, cousin," she replies. "If it were, would Hona not have sent me a goose costume?"

Jay rolls his eyes, snickering. "I saw all those guys staring at you at the ball." A blush creeps up over his face. "You could've had 'em all, if you wanted. Well, excepting me and Nick, I suppose."

Corian blinks at that, her blush darkening. "But I did not want them all, cha'leket--most especially not Riley," she adds, with a quick, amused smile. "I do hope you intended him on that list, as well."

Jay blinks, then grins. "Got him too, did you? Wish I'd seen that."

Corian shakes her head, with a faint smile. "I do not believe I 'got him', no, though he seemed surprised to learn that I was the one in the costume." With another shake of her head, she adds, with the quietest of sighs, "That, however, did not surprise -me-."

Jay's eyebrows rise, then his lips curve in a smile. "It /was/ a very distracting costume," he temporizes, "But I think his attention was much too focused on Clara for him to notice much else. Not that I blame him."

Corian blinks at Jay, expression somewhat startled. "Cousin, I may mistake your implication, but I most certainly did not intend to attract Riley's attention. I was unsurprised that he mistook me for someone else," she clarifies. "As the costume was most unlike my usual mode of attire." With a quick smile, she nods slowly. "Clara looked lovely, yes."

Jay blinks back. "That, uh, wasn't what I was implying, Cori. Definitely not. That'd be, uh, a bit too much even for me." Eyebrows lift. "Who did he mistake you for, exactly?"

Corian makes a graceful gesture with one hand. "I do not believe he took me for anyone in particular, merely for 'someone else'--not his sister."

Jay ahhhs. "I can understand that, certainly." He thinks back to the ball, and murmurs, "Oh yeah, heck of a surprise."

Corian's tone is just a bit embarrassed. "The costume was Honalee's idea," she is quick to say. "I did not wish to wear it, and certainly did not intend to deceive anyone."

Jay cocks his head. "Hon, I understand that you wouldn't want to hurt Honalee's feelings, but if you didn't want to wear it, why /did/ you? And you're the last person I'd suspect of deception, dear."

Corian's brows lift somewhat, and it looks for a moment like she's suppressing a smile. "Why, I told her that I would, so I could not do otherwise. Not when Honalee is concerned. If nothing else, she is most gifted at getting me to admit that which I would rather not."

Jay rolls his eyes heavenward, asking for patience. "See, you shouldn't have /told/ her that you woul... Oh. You told her that before you saw the costume, didn't you?" At that last, he snorts in amusement, noting wryly, "She's had a lot of practice."

Corian nods her agreement to that. "She is gifted, yes. She has my best interests at heart, though; that was most obvious, when we spoke. She wants me to be happy, that is all. We just define the word differently."

Jay chuckles, drinking more of his soda. "Of course. Begging your pardon, but there's nobody with a bigger heart than that lady." His tone on the last word almost makes it a title. In any case, it's definitely respectful.

Corian inclines her head. Tone most definitely wistful, she says, "I do hope she is able to visit, as I am uncertain as to whether I would be able to do so."

Jay cocks his head curiously. "You said yourself that your contract's up in, what, less than a year? What'd prevent you from visiting at that point?"

Corian smiles at that. "I do not believe that anything would, unless I have another job by then. But, you see, I wish to see her -now-."

Jay mhmmms. "Sure, we all do..." He looks up at you, expression suddenly intent. "You seem to feel quite strongly on that point."

Corian inquires, "That I would like to see her now? Is that a surprising thing? I love Honalee dearly, and it's been far too long since I've had a visit with her."

Jay shakes his head. "Not surprising exactly..." He finally shakes his head. "You've an air of desperation about you on the subject, is all."

Corian shakes her head fractionally. (There are no lives of quiet desperation here.) "Please forgive me, cha'leket. I did not intend that. I miss Honalee, that is all."

Jay gives you a faintly dubious look, but nods. "Corian Treston, you've got to be one of the most unassuming, unpretentious, apologetic people I have ever met."

Corian's cheeks color just a bit. "Thank you? I would apologize for that, but, well, I suppose that would just be silly."

Tarrant arrives from the Central Atrium.

Tarrant has arrived.

Jay snickers softly, agreeing, "Yes, it would. And knowing you, it'd make for an unbreakable loop." He spots Tarrant and offers a fairly friendly nod.

Corian, catching the friendly nod, turns to see its recipient, and casts a pleased smile towards Tarrant. Her cheeks are still somewhat pink, but she looks amused. "I would hope, cousin," she says to Jay, "That that would not be the case, but I fear that you may be correct."

Tarrant ambles in, swagger and generally pleased air firmly in place. Acquiring a bottle of water and some odd sort of packaged pastry which he pockets, he moves as if to leave. However his carefully measuring gaze spots Jay's nod as well, which he returns cheerfully. Then spotting Corian the grin widens, less polite, more genuine, and he directs course to head that way.

Jay mhmmms, looking amused for some reason. "Of course. I'm always correct, Cori, remember?"

Corian offers Jay an amused smile. "I had heard that always-correctness fell under the duties of one of the Security officers. I suppose she will not mind the competition." As Tarrant nears, she offers him another smile, and a pleasant, "Good evening, van'chela."

Tarrant offers a sweeping bow, doffing his hat, a real one this time. "Good evening, Corian, Master Lasher, I trust it's a pleasant one?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Jay grins. "Sounds like a lady worthy of me. I might have to hunt her up. I don't suppose you've got her comm number?" He gives Tarrant an affable wave. "Please, it's just Jay."

Corian casts a level, though amused, look at her cousin. "I had also heard that she is married, so I do not believe I would give you her comm number, were I in posession of it. That would hardly be appropriate." With another smile to Tarrant, she nods. "Jay and I were chatting, so it was certainly entertaining. Would you care to join us?"

Tarrant nods to Jay, grinning, "Normally I would probably persist in formality, I'm terrible that way, but all too recently I have had an object lesson in preferred forms of address." He nods to Corian, dropping with, if not grace, smoothness, into one of the chairs, taking it and making it somehow wholly his own. "I would certainly find no objection to pleasant company."

Jay looks only faintly disappointed, mock-sighing. "Married. Poor woman, to be deprived of me in such a manner." He gives Tarrant a grin. "A lesson I'll be grateful for then. And, as Cori's here, the pleasant factor of present company is guaranteed."

Corian looks somewhat pleased as Tarrant joins the table, then slants an amused glance at her cousin, one that shades to embarrassment. "Jay," she protests quietly.

Tarrant just nods to Jay, his grin seeming to widen without doing so, "And a point you have there, Jay." He uncaps the bottled water, considering a moment before her takes a sip. He smiles to Corian, eyes regarding her fondly. "He is evil and a line-thief, but he's correct, Corian."

Jay just grins at Cori, and expression that broadens at Tarrants words. "Hah. You're outvoted, Cori."

Corian shakes her head, expression utterly serious until her eyes are seen. "I have three votes, you see, so I win. But thank you both for your kind words."

Jay snaps his fingers, looking amused. "Darn, forgot about those extra votes they get along with that extra X chromosome."

Tarrant inclines his head in an amused bow, "True enough, you always win, Corian." He nods to Jay, "An egregious error on our parts, forgetting." He drains off more of the water, "Has it been a pleasant day?"

Corian casts a brief smile to Jay, decidedly amused, then extends the smile to Tarrant. "See that you do not repeat the mistake." Of course, her tone is anything but severe. At the inquiry, she nods. "Quite. I have nearly completed my work for the day, and spent an entertaining hour with some of the young Sectassians this afternoon. They're quite eager for stories."

Jay chuckles quietly. "Certainly started off pleasantly, and it's only gotten better," he answers Tarrant, then gives Cori a fond look. "You've the patience of a saint."

For some reason, at the mention of telling stories to Sectasslets, Tarrant perks up, looking devious. "Stories?" Uh-oh. What kind of stories would he tell these poor kids?

Corian shakes her head at Jay, with a dismissive gesture. "Patience is not required, when one is sharing with them something that they enjoy. And," she adds, amusement touching her tone, "-All- of the young Sectassians were not present, merely six or eight of the lap-sized ones." And they all likely wanted to occupy the lap at one point or another, how's that for an image. Casting a look to Tarrant, she laughs quietly. "They like stories, van'chela, but one must exercise common sense in choosing just what to tell them."

Tarrant sighs, as if Corian has taken away a particular fun toy, "Corian, now where's the fun in -that-?"

Jay shakes his head. "Listen to her. 'Merely six or eight'." He gives Tarrant a curious look.

Corian looks decidedly amused by Tarrant's response. "It depends on who you are, I suppose. But as the mother of some of them is among my friends, I would prefer that they not be exposed to -too- much just yet." With a chuckle at Jay's words, she observes, "When there are... goodness, I've lost count, but there are over thirty of them, so six or eight is hardly very many."

Tarrant tries to look appropriately chastised, but the devilish glint in his eyes perhaps spoils it. "I shall endeavor not to so traumatize the children of your friend, my friend." He regards Corian briefly, an unreadable look glancing past on his face before he nods to Jay. "She has more patience than us mere mortals."

Jay's eyes widen. "Th-thirty? I can't handle /one/ much less..." He just nods in amazed agreement with Tarrant. "Knew she was a nymph."

Corian's expression makes it clear that she is not even remotely fooled by Tarrant's chastised manner. She does, however, return the bow, as well as one can while seated. "Many thanks, van'chela." She blinks at Jay, somewhat startled. "Nymph? Oh, goodness, I do hope that is not the case. And the friend in question has four co-wives, so she has some assistance with the children." Maybe Jay should turn Sectassian...

What, and be limited to five women? Too constricting. :)

Tarrant starts to make a comment and then looks perhaps a bit startled at himself, cutting it off with a sheepish glance Corian-ward. He looks in her direction often. "The Sectassian people are prone to such hordes, and bred to understand dealing with them as well. Ever been to Sectas? or one of its colonies? It's wild."

Jay chuckles, shaking his head. "I just bet," he remarks in amused response to Tarrant.

Corian's smile is rather distant. "Sectas was a pleasant planet to visit," she murmurs. "Ximena's father was a good employer, and the children were wonderful."

"They have wonderful playgrounds on Sectas," Tarrant muses absently, sipping at his water. "Terrfic swings."

Jay blinks at Tarrant, then glances toward Cori. "I take it back. He's ten."

Corian nods at Tarrant, with a warm smile, then can't stifle a laugh at Jay's words. "Not quite, cha'leket. One need not be a child to enjoy a good playground." Gaze moving to Tarrant, she inquires, "Have you seen the one near the Java Quarter, van'chela?"

Tarrant's brows lift neatly, looking decidedly amused and curious, "Ten?" He shakes his head, although fox-like, his ears can be almost seen to perk up at the mention of a playground. "There's a playground in the Quarter?" His words are drawled, but he sounds decidedly interested.

Jay chuckles quietly, leaning forward to gather his dishes together. "We were discussing your age earlier," he tells Tarrant, giving Cori a thoughtful look. "And when's the last time you enjoyed a good playground, cha'leket?"

Audity arrives from the Central Atrium.

Audity has arrived.

Corian nods to Tarrant, with a pleased smile. "Perhaps I may show it to you? It is not quite in the Quarter, but it is a close walk from the bakery that I have yet to show you." At Jay's question, she chuckles quietly. "I went with the younglings... perhaps two months ago? I did not stay very long, alas."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

"I would appreciate that. I would indeed appreciate that very much," And from the barely veiled intensity of Tarrant's reply, hidden beneath the drawl of his words, it seems that would be an understatement. He ahhs to Jay, "I see." Before he can ask a question however the light on his comm unit goes off, and with barely the semblance of a polite farewell he pelts out of the room with speed surprising considering his limp, nearly running into Audity as he leaves.

Jay's eyes are on the woman who just walked in, and he barely hears Cori. "Huh?" He tears his gaze away to peer at his cousin. "What? Oh. Two months, huh?" He nods to Tarrant. "You should take her..." He blinks as a third of the conversationalists disappear. "Good impression of a doctor, that."

Audity quickly ducks out of the way as she slips in, heading for a seat but not before offering a wave and smile to Jay and Corian.

Tarrant heads towards the Central Atrium.

Tarrant has left.

Corian's brows lift fractionally as Tarrant pelts out of the room, and her manner is, briefly, quite alert. As she first offers Audity a smile and then turns back to Jay, however, her expression is her standard one of pleasantry. "Quite," she murmurs noncommitally.

Jay glances back over at Audity, returning her smile with a charmingly disarming one of his own. "What line of business did you say he's in anyhow, Cori?"

Corian takes the final sip of her juice. "Oh, did I say?"

Jay thinks back, and finally shakes his head. "Come to think of it, you didn't."

Corian inclines her head as she gets to her feet. "While I am up, would you like anything?"

Jay shakes his head, gesturing to the remains of his meal, and goes along affably with the non-answer. He'll just ask his computer later. "Can't eat too much, or I'll spoil my 99-pound-weakling image."

Corian chuckles very quietly, then tugs down her shirtsleeve once more. The bruises there are faded nearly to the point where they wouldn't be noticed, but they're still there. "I always thought it was ninety=eight pounds," she observes. "Perhaps you are a bit heavier than the average weakling." Still chuckling, she moves to dispose of her glass.

Jay chuckles, eyes widening slightly. Despite staring at a computer screen twelve hours a day, they're still pretty sharp. "It's all Mother's fault, her and her cooking."

Corian returns back to the seat, sans glass. "Still, you should be sure to eat enough, cha'leket." Yes, pot, kettle, hi. She sounds amused, though.

Jay laughs. "Depends on how you define 'enough', Cori. If you're counting milkshakes, I consume more than my fair share."

Corian shakes her head fractionally, hands resting lightly on the table. "Milkshakes are good, cha'leket, but they are not quite nutritious. Perhaps you will join me for dinner some evening, so I can assure myself that you're eating properly?" Her reason is, of course, a jest, but her offer seems sincere enough.

Jay's eyebrows rise. "Real homemade food? Cori, I take it back. You're not a nymph, you're a siren. Evil temptress," he grins.

Corian shakes her head to Jay, looking decidedly amused. "My dear cousin, I am neither evil nor a temptress. I would, however, be more than happy to cook for you. Perhaps we can even have Riley join us as well, if I make more lasagna."

Jay looks rather happy at the notion. "Cha'leket, I'd be in your debt."

Corian shakes her head at that, with a warm smile. "I prefer not to dine alone in the evening, so there would be no debt. I would be most glad to have you." She takes out her pocketwatch and peers at the face for a moment. "Goodness. I suppose it shall not be tonight--ah, yes, you have eaten. Shall we find a date now, so that we will not forget about this?"

Jay spreads his hands. "Sounds good to me. I'm at your disposal, Cori. Schedule's not a problem for me."

Corian takes up her datapad and taps through it. "I have meetings that may run late for the next several days," she says, apparently checking her schedule. "Perhaps in five days? Would that suit you? Though, unfortunately, there is a meeting that -may- be rescheduled, so I may have to rearrange it."

Jay automatically glances toward his chrono, then taps at it, and looks up at you with a smile. "I'll be looking forward to it with bated breath. Now, now, don't go out of your way. I can be patient, really."

Tarrant arrives from the Central Atrium.

Tarrant has arrived.

Tarrant returns, looking perhaps a bit rumpled, but calm demeanor and ambling movements returned, he weaves his way back to the table and his abandoned bottle of water which he reclaims with a murmured apology, "Work called." The bottle is all but drained, and he's still slightly breathless.

Corian nods to Jay, with a quick smile. "I will not go -too- far out of my way, cousin, but, to share a meal with you, some inconvenience would not be too much." As Tarrant returns, however, her smile shifts briefly to an expression of concern, before returning to pleasant once more. "It often does," she murmurs. "Welcome back, van'chela."

Jay's eyebrows rise as Tarrant returns. "I'm glad I don't have your job, I think." He just /beams/ at Cori. Cousin or not, any beautiful woman saying something like that is likely to be adored.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Tarrant settles the now empty bottle aside, smiling in wry amusement, "You are probably correct in your thinking, Jay. It is a job that demands somewhat odd hours occasionally." He smiles to Corian in rather bemused fondness, "Thank you, I must apologize for the rudeness of my exit, things occured perhaps faster than I'd'a thought they would."

Corian returns Jay's beam with a pleasant smile, expression fond. As Tarrant returns, her gaze lingers on him for rather longer than it usually does, something not-quite-readable present in those gray eyes. "There is no need to apologize, van'chela," she says, with a warm smile. "After all, work sometimes necessitates haste." She pauses a beat, then adds, "Even in my profession."

Jay glances between the two of you thoughtfully. "Playground."

Tarrant finishes off his bottled water, returning the cap to the bottle with care. "It is often so, yes." He offers Corian a grin, perhaps intended to be reassuring, but it falls flat. He blinks a moment at Jay, "Excuse me?"

Corian casts a puzzled look at Jay. "It is somewhat late for that, cha'leket. Perhaps another time." At the flat-falling grin from Tarrant, she pauses a moment, a flicker of something in her eyes.

Jay starts to gesture toward the door, only to lift his eyes heavenward at Cori's demurring. "Never mind, never mind..."

Tarrant looks quite puzzled now as well, but simply tucks his hands in his jacket pockets, rummaging lightly in the left one a moment. "Perhaps I am intruding, I am sorry, a pleasant evening to you both, and my thanks for your company."

Corian looks just a bit confused by Jay's heavenward eye-lifting. "Cha'leket, it -is- late," she murmurs. As Tarrant speaks, she shakes her head quickly. "Perhaps you missed it in your hurry to depart, van'chela. Jay had suggested, I believe, that we visit the playground. But you were certainly not intruding." After a brief pause, she adds, "I do think, though, that I should take my leave. It is somewhat late, and I have work yet to complete before I sleep."

Jay looks amused. "Best time to play on a playground, I seem to recall from earlier years, is in the middle of the night. It's empty then." He gestures toward Cori. "What she said." Rising hastily, he reaches out in an offer to pull out Cori's chair for her. "Why don't you see her home safe?" he says casually to Tarrant.

Tarrant has already clambered to his feet, straightening and bowing sweepingly, removing his hat as he does so. "Then a pleasant evening to you, Corian." At Jay's question, one brow lifts, but he seems more than amenable to this sugestion. Indicating Jay he offers to Corian, "May I have the honor of escorting you home?"

Corian peers between the men, somewhat puzzled, though she does return Tarrant's bow with one that is far less sweeping, but likely somewhat more graceful. "If you like, you may, van'chela, though I doubt that anyone will accost me between here and my quarters." She casts a look at Jay before adding, "And a good evening to you, cha'leket."

Jay nods affably, retaking his seat. "Y'all enjoy the night, y'hear?"

"Accosting or not, your kinsman's suggestion has merit, it is only polite after all." Tarrant drawls, looking somewhat amused. He tips his hat briefly to Jay, "Good evening Jay."

Corian is fortunately too innocent to get from Jay's suggestion what her player did, and so she merely smiles at her cousin, nodding as she heads for the exit.

[Travelspam deleted.]

Fourth Floor Elevator Lounge

Eloquently appointed, and impeccably arranged, this elevator lounge serves as a waiting area for the diplomatic level as well as for the lifts. Unlike the lower floors, the marble here is a blinding white, veined lightly with silver gray. Heavy rugs are strategically arranged and each depicts the symbol of one of the Alliance sectors of space. The walls are paneled in a lighter colored wood than the levels below, and sport brass fixtures. Tasteful potted plants lurk in the corners. A receptionists desk and security station are set up for those seeking information, but no traffic is impeded. A carefully engraved listing is available of all the diplomats maintaining offices on this floor.

<< To see a listing of offices maintained here, type +view listing >>

Contents:

Tarrant

Obvious exits:

Elevator

From the elevator, The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Tarrant pads along a polite distance behind and to the left, the perfect gentleman, and the position of an escort, or perhaps a bodyguard. Upon reaching the door he stops politely, heels clicking and half bowing, "Your rooms, madame."

Corian is still looking just a bit bemused by her cousin's odd behavior, but your manner draws a smile that is warm, if puzzled. "Would you like to come in, van'chela?" she inquires.

Tarrant glances to the door, grinning. "I would very much like to come in, but the hour is late, and you mentioned work to complete before you may sleep, and sleep is good. Perhaps instead I may abduct you for your company some time tomorrow?"

Does Corian look disappointed? Perhaps. In any event, her gaze drops briefly before she looks up at you, pleasant smile firmly in place. "I should complete my work, yes," she agrees, though nit without a small sigh. "I would be most glad to spend time with you tomorrow, though. Perhaps we may even venture outside?"

Tarrant really obviously would rather stay, but he brightens at that last, nodding. "There are places we intended to visit, yes? And this playground seems worthy of investigation."

Corian nods her agreement, with a warm smile. "I believe you would like the playground, yes--and the bakery. And may we go to the toy store as well?" She actually seems almost as young as she looks, at this point. She -likes- toys.

Tarrant nods quite emphatically, eyes lighting, "The toy store we must indeed visit, it's glorious, a whole wealth of things to examine."

Corian's smile is rather delighted as well. "Wonderful. Then it's a... thing that we must do." Yes, that's definitely a change of words in there. "I generally have a bit of free time in the afternoon; shall I contact you then?"

Tarrant nods, tipping his hat, "I'd appreciate that. Tommorrow afternoon should be free for me with no difficulties."

Corian pauses a moment, smile fading a notch. She doesn't ask whatever question is plaguing her, though, instead saying, "Rest well, then, van'chela."

"And a pleasant night to you," Tarrant half glances towards a security camera and mike meaningfully, "And on the morrow we can examine more open surroundings." Hallways are bugged, he can't answer if you asked.

Corian inclines her head, smile returning somewhat, though still not quite as strongly as before. "That sounds most pleasant. Dream sweetly, Tarrant." She doesn't even glance at the Security camera as she turns to go into her quarters.


Back