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In the dining hall.

Clara arrives from the Central Atrium.

Clara has arrived.

Riley arrives from the Central Atrium.

Riley has arrived.

Niko, despite the fact that he's on-duty, is nonetheless seated at the back of the dining hall, at one of the smaller tables. He's got a plate of what he must have had the other day--it's green--untouched before him, though he's contemplating it.

Riley comes padding in after Clara, looking not -entirely- pleased with being in the dining hall at an hour he usually avoids it. At this time of day it's heavily patronized by people he spends most of his time avoiding -- diplomats.

Clara heads in purposefully, Riley in tow, and smiles brightly at Niko and weaving in and out of groups of diplomats heading for the synthesizers. "Now...what do you like? Besides chocolate," she snaps in before that answer can be given.

Niko would not normally be aware of newcomers, what with the diplomatic traffic and all, but Riley's rather noticeable, and Clara's... well, Clara. He returns the smile, albeit tightly, and waves vaguely in the general direction of the empty chairs at his table.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Sidestepping a couple of chattering Stilvani, Riley all but harrumphs, "I can snag food on my own, promise. I'm not clueless, just time-deprived." He pokes at one of the units, dialing up a burger and fries. Niko's grandmother will just have to be offended, they're slathered in tzizki. He then moves to go begin negotiating with a vending machine for a can of soda.

Clara considers the selection with a faint smirk, and nods approvingly. Annoy them into helping themselves. Very satisfactory results. She starts to tap in a selection for herself, then pauses as her comm unit bleeps at her and peers down at it. "Ah, hells," she mutters. "Excuse me, Chief," she blurts and turns to pelt for the door, darting around delegates and waving rapidly at Niko.

Clara heads towards the Central Atrium.

Clara has left.

Riley manages to juggle folder, plate, and can, atlhough he nearly bobbles the lot in an attempt to wave to Clara. Heading over to Niko's table and sitting down opposite the other man he shakes his head, "This place is a loonybin, I swear." Reaching for a fry he peers at the plate of green, "What are you eating, or do I want to know?"

Niko shakes his head, voice light despite the hard glitter of his eyes. "It's green. I hope it's broccoli, but I doubt it. Some Edreeni made it." He prods the food rather experimentally, then asks, "How'd it go?"

Riley proffers the plate of tziziki smeared fries, "Have a fry? They're heretical mind, but good at least." He munches idly on a cucumber smeared fry, "Standard thing, I have horrible habits and should behave better, but all parts are still present and accounted for. Although I probably startled the poor woman when I cracked up laughing at your comment -just- as she was trying to do the whole 'breathe deeply while I listen' shebang."

Niko actually cracks a grin at the comment. "I'd apologize for that, but, well, I'm not one for lying, except in the line of humor." He shakes his head at the offer, though, eating the green stuff instead. A closer look would show that it is, in fact, broccoli, with green pepper, some green spices, and bits of green tortellini. Monochromatic, but not frightening.

Riley continues to pick at the spuddage, then moving to pop open his soda can, "What's up, Nick? You look...displeased." He tries to keep his voice bland, then sipping the stuff from the nice shiny red can with the swooshie on it.

Niko shakes his head. "Nothing important, Chief. One of the mothers of the Sectassian ambassador's horde--the ones who squished into the infobooth--came to complain about how I handled the situation. I'll recover. Remind me to grovel to Anya later, okay?"

Riley ahhs quietly in understanding, poking idly at his food. "Nick, don't worry about complaints. It doesn't matter if you do everything -perfectly-, someone's going to whine. It's the nature of the place and the job. We keep the peace for the masses, we don't make people happy."

Niko's head bobs in a short nod. "That's what Anya said," he agrees, drawing a furrow in his food. It's like one of those zen garden things, only with food. Edible zen. "And I'm not worried, Chief, just a little thin-skinned, I guess."

"If it helps any, -I- think you handled it perfectly." Riley uses his napkin to wipe the worst of the sauce from his fingers, "And it's my code on your paychecks, not theirs after all."

Niko offers a wry smile at that, venting his agressions on the poor, defenseless tortellini. "Actually, that does help. Thanks, Chief. Just have to get used to the job, I guess." He considers. "Of course, it'd help more if I'd been able to..." He shakes his head, smile briefly turning evil. "Mm. Let's stop that thought right there."

Riley can't help but snicker at the brief glimmer of evil. "Probably your best bet to cut off any vicious nasty thoughts, yes. You really don't want to end up in my shoes after all." Even though the tennis shoes are probably more comfortable than uniform boots. "And once you get started on being a card carrying force for evil, well, it's hard to stop."

Niko nods his agreement to that, with a put-upon sigh that's mostly for show. "I -used- to have the card, but my membership was revoked a few years ago." Brows twitching with amusement, he adds, "Though you're likely well up there in the hierarchy as far as that's concerned, neh?"

"Let's put it this way, if sarcasm and petty revenge is as deadly a sin as I'm told, they're going to have to invent a new kind of damnation just for me." Riley pokes at his fries some more with a wry grin, "Although I am not as evil as they say, I swear. Although I am working very hard to become so."

Niko shakes his head. "I think you're underestimating yourself, Chief," he says, good humor gradually returning. "I've been hearing some stories from the others."

Riley pulls the top bun from the burger, snagging a pickle slice from beneath. "Others? If you mean the fourth floor fluffies, I deny it all. If you mean other security folks, I probably have to admit to whatever it is."

Niko shakes his head at the mention of the denizens of the fourth floor. "Hardly. I've been here long enough to figure out who to take seriously, Chief, and most of them don't fall into that category. Security folks, of course." Peering with veiled amusement at the burger, he adds, "Y'know, you might have more luck getting rid of that if you ate it, rather than picking at it."

Clara arrives from the Central Atrium.

Clara has arrived.

"You probably have a point," Riley notes amiably, plunking the top back on the burger. "Honestly though, half of what I do isn't ill intended. I just..have a very direct way of doing things. There's not enough time in a day to bother with not stepping on diplomatic toes if we want to keep them in one piece. The diplomats, not the toes."

Clara skims her way into the hall, weaving in an out between groups of chatting delegates and staffers, her hands shoved in the pockets of her uniform and a rather preoccupied look on her face as she heads to study the menus, fairly obvlivious.

Niko, as he's got radar, notices Clara, and watches her for a moment before turning back to Riley. "Hm? Oh... yeah, Chief. Toes. Toes are vital. Just got to be careful not to step on -tails-, that's all."

Riley goes about the process of attempting to pick up his burger, which is nowhere near as simple as it ought to be in theory. But burgers defy basic laws of physics. Eventually he gives in and accepts that he's going to make a mess and takes a bite. He notices the sidelong look of Niko's and casually turns slightly to spot Clara as well. Settling down the burger he waves with the hand that -doesn't- have mustard on it, "Heyla' Clara, everything all right upstairs?"

Clara finally taps in an order for more sludge and a ham sandwich before turning at hearing her name. She carries her tray over to the two security men and pauses by their table, glancing upwards. "Yeah. Yeah...just a...an accident. Everything's gonna be okay." She glances down at Riley's plate, then back up at him with a raised brow.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko gestures towards an empty chair, suggesting, "Join us, Clara? I was whining at the Chief, but I can stop and be civilized, now."

Riley looks at the plate of food, still mostly there, and looks somewhat sheepish. "I eat slow, is this a crime?" He shakes his head, "What happened?"

Clara slides into the seat and goes straight for a long drink of the sludge before chuckling. "Don't let me keep you from whining. It's a skill and an artform." She busily works on cutting the sandwich in two, shrugging. "Teenagers being silly and diving into the fountain down Java way. One of 'em needed his face reupholstered."

Niko blinks several times. "Wow. What a brilliant kid. Huh, I guess that monument is valid after all."

Riley pauses a beat, "Considering what that fountain's a mon..." He trails off at Niko's words. If the situation were less painful to the people involved, he's probably have fallen off his chair laughing. As it is he's just trying not to smile.

Clara glances up from dousing the inside of the sandwich with pepper, blinking. "The fountain's a monument? I never knew that..."

"To people who've drowned in fountains over the years, yeah." Riley's words are without inflection as he maintains a serious expression. He decides to eat his burger, it's safer.

Niko nods at Riley's words, expression one of mild puzzlement. "And -I- thought it was a bizarre monument. Maybe there's something in the air, here."

Clara smirks a mirthless expression, taking a fairly rapid bite of the sandwich before shrugging. "Maybe. I don't think this kid was trying to drown himself, though. They were bungee jumping off one of the shop roofs nearby. Let's just say he'll be drinking mush for a few months. Most of the bones in his face were broken."

Niko winces broadly at that. "Ooh, ow. That's bad. Poor kid. Someone should teach him to duck and roll, or something."

Ebiannah arrives from the Central Atrium.

Ebiannah has arrived.

Riley winces at that particular description, setting aside the half a burger he has remaining. "There's a rule about being young that requires one also to be ... less than bright."

Ebiannah wanders in, on break, hoping to find food.

Kadre arrives from the Central Atrium.

Kadre has arrived.

Clara finally laughs, shaking her head. "Yea, verily, it is written. Thou shalt store they brain in a glass jar from they twelfth birthday through thy twentieth birthday." She glances at the half eaten burger and makes it a triple wince. "Sorry," she offers before casting a wave at the other uniformed woman.

Kadre comes in, grumbling about some fool named Lexington. She tries to find a place to sit, much easier now that she's in uniform.

Ebiannah waves weakly at Kaladreama.

Kadre waves back, as she heads for food, and finds a place to sit. "Hello, Gibb. I'm sorry, but I'm starved."

Riley waves a brief greeting to the supply officer and ducks a bit so as to hopefully not attrackt Kadre's attention. He snags a tziziki coated fry. "Still, that which does not kill us... I'm sure said kid'll never try it again."

Niko shakes his head at Clara, voice deadpan but eyes holding a spark of humor. "I stored mine in a paper bag, for easier transport." He nods emphatically at Riley's words. "Hopefully not, no." His gaze flicks briefly to Kadre an Ebiannah, though he quickly finds interest in his meal as he hears the L-word.

Kadre arranges her food in easy reach, looks over at Riley. She brightens. "Hey, Addison, how much trouble would I get into if I killed another Diplomat?"

Riley's ears all but prick up at the L-word. Kadre's direct question causes him to turn, setting the fry aside. "Which one, ma'am?"

Kadre sneers. "Lexington."

Ebiannah nibbles at some carrot sticks she's aquired from somewhere.

"Hey, I oughta try that," Clara murmurs to Niko, smothering a grin, then nearly splutters her java at the question and clarification before glancing inconspicuously over her shoulder.

Niko drops a forkful of green stuff at the question, then thanks the foresight that placed a napkin in his lap. He mutters to himself, "Don't tempt..."

Okay. Maybe the Vidrian's not so bad after all. Wishing to kill Alistair Lexington is certainly a laudable character trait. Riley's tone is dry, "Personally I wouldn't complain in the slightest. I'd even send you a thank you card. However, I think it's against the rules."

Kadre sighs. "Too bad. And I had such plans."

Riley lifts his shoulders in something of a shrug, turning back to aquire his soda. "He's a pompous little twit who wants us all to grovel at his feet, what's not to like?"

Kadre shakes her head. "He's got a bad habit of assuming people are naturally stupid, or maybe that's just my impression."

Clara coughs lightly and nods in reluctant agreement. "I'm afraid I'd have to try to rescusitate him too, ma'am. Sorry." She glances at Niko and drops her voice to a murmur. "He always this shy about how he realy feels?"

Niko nods, leaning closer to the doctor so he may speak quietly. He mutters to Clara, "From... always.... him... too far?"

Clara senses "Niko nods, leaning closer to the doctor so he may speak quietly. "From what I've seen, always. See why I'm concerned about him going too far?""

Blunt and forthright, perhaps Riley's not the -best- choice for Security Chief of an institution of diplomacy. Still, who else would they get to do this job? "He's been here forever, a fixture of the place."

Kadre mumbles something about redecorating. She begins to eat her meal.

Clara glances up from her leaned to the side towards Niko position and nods at him seriously before straightening up and blinking at Riley. "Who, Kens-, uh, Lexington?"

Riley nods picking through his fries again, "Well, insamuch that 'forever' is a very relative term in the Complex. So few people stay here long, it doesn't take too long to get classified as a fixture."

Ebiannah nibbles a bit more at her food, anxious to learn everything she can.

Niko regards Clara for a moment longer, then turns to polish off the last of his green stuff. Getting to his feet, the better to dispose of the dishes, he moves to torment a drink out of one of the machines. His can is blue. He's an infidel.

Clara absent mindedly nudges a small dish of lemon slices at Niko for the blue can while thinking this over, then simply nods before poking at her sandwich. "I can see why folk come and go, but it's a good post. Better once I find a decent trap set."

Ebiannah pipes up. "I wanted this post. I'm a bit suprised I got it. Well, I was till I got here and looked at the backlog here."

Niko peers quizzically at the lemon slices as he takes his seat once more. "Trap set? To -really- make sure folks come in for physicals?" He flickers a faint smile to Ebiannah.

Riley's can is red, and has a swooshie. He's not an infidel. "It's not a bad place, I've enjoyed being here." He pauses, "Trap set?"

It's the amazing security chorus, see them next week for Christmas carols and a highstepping routine!

Kadre heads for the drink machine and finds a white can with maroon decorations. It has the wondrous DDP letters on it. "Umm, marvey." She turns to Clara on her way back to her seat. "Trap?"

Everything's better with lemon, though. Even Christmas carols. Clara nods vaguely. "Mm-hmm. Trap set," she confirms, then grins over at Ebiannah. "Which department? I'm beginning to think backlog is the SOP here." She blinks at the other, then laughs, waving a hand. "Trap set. Drums. Musical instruments. Loud."

Ebiannah says "Supply. I think the post's been open for awhile. Some guy from Catering was running it. He was glad to see me.""

With an amiable nod, Riley agrees, "Backlog is. I have this great idea about us all bringing the outdated paperwork and piling it in once place. Then we could bronze the whole stack and make it a monument." He ahhs, "Loud."

Kadre shakes her head at the Terrans. "Y'all are such interesting people."

Niko grins suddenly at Riley. "Another odd monument. Just what this place needs." Gaze sliding back to Clara, he inquires, "Have any advice on loud presents that a pair of two year-olds can use to torment all and sundry? I've decided against the Sectassian rhythm set."

Niko also beams suddenly at Kadre. "Thanks!" She used his word. Even if he's not a Terran.

Riley would object wholeheartedly to being referred to as Terran were he capable of knowing Kadre thought of him as such. "Odd monuments are -good- things."

"So long as you don't bungee jump face first into them," Clara agrees with a grin, then beams over her shoulder. She's quite Terran, even if the planet lays no claim to her. "Thanks, ma'am. We keep ourselves amused." She tilts her head thoughtfully, then looks over at Ebiannah. "What do you think? Any loud toys in supply? Maybe a toy drum set?"

Ebiannah says, "Not at the moment, buy my brothers are singers. In fact, one plays the drums. I could get you such a deal."

"If you're looking for an offensive instrument as a gift, you want something that -looks- innocuous. Like an accordian, or a violin....Instruments that normally are fine, but in the hands of the unskilled..." Yes, Riley is evil.

Niko grins brightly at Riley, but amends, "Y'have to remember that the twins are only two, though, Chief. A violin might be a little much. Accordion, though... that's got possibilities." He casts a thoughtful look at Ebi.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Riley finishes off his soda. He sets the can on his tray and pushes the things slightly forward so he can rest crossed arms on the table. "Or a harmonica..."

Clara nods in agreement, eyes dancing. "They'd likely just snap the strings on a violin. But a good accordion is nearly indestructable, and annoying as anything." She peers over at Ebiannah hopefully. "A toy set or a real set?"

Ebiannah ummms. "An accordian. Yeah, Maurice knows some people who could manage it. Child sized? Or adult?"

Riley's brows drop lightly, the name 'Maurice Gibb' ringing quite a bell. He knows fear. "Or you could just get them toys with sirens in them. Or one of those toys they sell in the Pavilion of a roaring dragon? The ones that sound like someone beating a cat?"

Niko muses thoughtfully, "Harmonica. Accordion. Oooh... beating a cat." He beams. "I think I should send a few toys. Cip and Stavros are going to -hate- me. Too bad they're far away."

Ebiannah ahs. "Yeah, the ones that make 14 different roaring sounds."

Niko casts an utterly delighted smile at Ebiannah.

Ebiannah says, "I have several nieces and nephews. The loud toys are the best. Of course, I have to duck a lot at family reunions."

Kadre giggles.

Niko nods a droll agreement to Ebiannah. "I have to do that already, though. A few toys won't make it that much worse, and it's for such a good cause."

Riley grins, "And besides, the kids'll love you for it."

Ebiannah nods. "Of course, you'll be their favorite uncle."

Clara listens with utter fascination, well out of her depth here. "And kids really like these loud toys? Huh...you'd think their parents would be pleased. I mean, fostering musical ability and all..."

Niko says brightly, "The fact that I'm their only uncle has nothing to do with it, of course." He smiles at Clara, amused. "Mm. You really need to find a kidlet to look after for a bit, Clara. You've been deprived."

Riley muffles a quiet laugh, climbing to his feet and taking his tray. "Clara, I promise, if you have to listen to the same thing over and over and over... You don't care -what- it fosters, you want it to shut up."

Ebiannah nods. "You'd think, especially my brothers. But when I got them a model of an Alliance Fighter with real sounds, they got a bit unhappy."

Riley nods at Niko's comment, adding. "You need to meet Anya's little girl. Sweeter than is legal, but still...well, she's almost two. It's trying."

Clara nods eagerly, obviously having no clue what she's getting herself into. "I'll have to talk to Anya about it. "Do you think she'd let me babysit for an afternoon? I don't think Honalee would mind letting me have a day off..."

Riley disposes of his tray, returning to spread the contents of the folder in front of him. Biting back on a laugh, he nods. "Oh, Anya's always looking for someone to watch the kiddo when she can. Her schedule being as hectic as everyone else's and all."

Niko casts a curious glance at the contents of the folder, then grins brightly at Clara. "You should try it. Everyone needs the experience at least once, or so Cip tells me. She talked me into taking the twins for a couple afternoons the last time I was home. It was... interesting."

Clara nods affably, all at a go for this until that finally descriptor. She blinks, then narrows her eyes with a hint of suspicion. "Sometimes I worry when you use that work, Niko," she decides, then brightens again. "Well, if Anya will agree, I'm game for it." She grins at Ebiannah. "I'm sorry...did you mention if that drum set you could order...was that toy or real?"

Riley tugs a pen from a pocket and sets about filling out various items of paperwork. "You uh, might want backup though. If you've never kidsat a small child... They're an adventure."

Niko, the picture of innocence, says mildly, "It's just a word, Clara. Well... several words, but it's the same difference." He nods at Riley's comment. "Good suggestion, yeah."

Clara waves a hand dismissively, wrinkling her nose. "Oh, pish-posh. I'm a grown woman and a doctor. If I can patch together a soldier's innards, how hard can taking care of just one small child be?" she asks serenely.

It's a really good thing Riley has long since finished his soda. As it is that'a really suspicious coughing fit he's dropped into, isn't it?

Niko stares at Clara for a moment, then scratches the end of his nose, covering his mouth in the process. "Mm. Well. Yeah. Feel free to give a yell, though, should you need a hand or something." He gestures vaguely towards his comm-unit.

Zen'Chi arrives from the Central Atrium.

Zen'Chi has arrived.

Zen'Chi wavies

Zen'Chi has a seat at an empty table.

Clara nods affably at Niko and wraps her hands about her mug. "I will, but I'm sure everything will be fine. How hard can it be?" Oh, those famous last words. She glances back at Riley, moderately dismayed. "Hey, take it easy. You're not coming down with something already, are you?"

Zen'Chi orders a cheeseburger, french fries, a large coca cola, and a small coffee.

Zen'Chi waits for her order.

Riley is very quickly the picture of innocence, "Who me? No, no, no... I'm fine. But Niko's right, if you should need any help...feel free to call. Or let Addie call. She's figured out comm codes. Anya was not thrilled."

Zen'Chi is brought her cheeseburger, fries, and coca cola, but is informed(by a different member of the staff)that the coffee machine is out of order

Niko, after a pleasant nod to Zen'Chi, resists the urge to suggest that Riley needs another trip to medbay. "Poor Anya," he murmurs, his sympathy purely feigned.

Zen'Chi says "drat."

Zen'Chi munches on her fiood quietly.

Zen'Chi says "oh, no! the ppl at customs have caught me!"

Zen'Chi says "i'm doomed!"

Clara nearly does a double take at that. "How old is this child again?" she asks dubiously after a nod of greeting at Zen'Chi. "I promise to call if I need help, though. I really can work the comms myself," she adds, smirking. "Scare today, comm tomorrow."

Zen'Chilaughs.

Zen'Chi gets a doggie bag, and puts her fries and the rest of her burger in it, and takes her coke with her.

"She'll be two in a month." Riley trails off at Zen'Chi's words. "Pardon?"

Zen'Chi walks out mumbling something about the people at customs.....

Zen'Chi heads towards the Central Atrium.

Zen'Chi has left.

Niko peers after Zen'Chi, brows lowering a bit. "Interesting," he murmurs, predictably.

Riley pokes at his comm-unit a moment. Presumably he receives a suitably reassuring response as he returns to his array of paperwork. "Somebody pick a number."

Zen'Chi arrives from the Central Atrium.

Zen'Chi has arrived.

Zen'Chi walks back in, puts her doggie bag on the table, takes out her food, and starts eating again

Clara glances back at the outburst, blinking, then shrugs. "Customs must be on a rampage. Kramer was handing out analgesics right and left when I left medbay. Forty-eight."

Riley nods his thanks, resuming the process of filling out the form. "The radio's been nuts half the afternoon, but so far there've only been a half dozen impounded packages."

Zen'Chi finishes her food, and sips at her drink as she looks out the window.

Niko polishes off his infidel beverage, setting the can aside. He eyes the form with a slight shake of the head, then stretches, with a rather guilty glance upwards.

Clara rises to dispose of her dishes and returns with a refilled mug. "Only a half dozen? The way a few of them have yowled, you'd think it was several."

Riley grins amiably as he starts another form, "Well, admittedly, there've only been a half dozen impunded... But there've been thousands to inspect. It's not a pretty job."

Niko nods his agreement, shifting in his seat for a moment. He mutters to himself, "... Anya... called... on-duty..." Shaking his head, he gets to his feet long enough to dispose of the can.

Clara bolts down the last of the java and nods thoughtfully. "You have a good point. And if I stay down here much longer, Kramer's going to call and have someone drag me back up there." She rises, taking the mug along. "If you gentlemen will excuse me?"

Aliana arrives from the Central Atrium.

Aliana has arrived.

Niko nods to Clara, with a quick smile. "Sure. Have fun. Hopefully you won't have too many customers."

Aliana saunters in, gaze moving over the crowds of people before she heads over to the vending machines. They are peered at with great curiosity as she considers the choices.

Riley waves distractedly to Clara and Niko, "Evening folks, see you round." He pauses, "Niko, if you're heading upstairs will you tell Anya I'll be up in a few?"

"I can say the same for you," Clara replies with a lopsided grin before turning to head towards the door, waving airily at Aliana on her way out.

Clara heads towards the Central Atrium.

Clara has left.

Niko nods to Riley, grin a bit rueful. "That transparent, huh? Sure, Chief, I'll tell her." Passing Aliana, he indicates the blue label with the white lettering. "That stuff's good, ma'am. The red one's just odd."

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