A date, and a surprise

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1/18/99

Your communit crackles to life and says "Niko? It's Clara...you busy?" in Clara's voice.

You say "Hiya. No, not busy at all. Just hanging around Security--got off-duty a while back, but I figured I'd harass the poor souls who still have to work. What's up?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and says "You're an evil man, you know that? I'm not on duty either, and was wondering if you finally wanted to head out somewhere tonight. If you're busy, that's fine though." in Clara's voice.

You say "No, actually, that sounds like a good idea. Kaycen's going to hurt me if I bother him much longer. Give me a few to get out of uniform?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and says "Ack, don't let him do that! Then I wouldn't be off duty anymore. Yeah, that's fine. I'm still changing too." She just doesn't mention what she's changing in to." in Clara's voice.

You say "He says he'll refrain, but only as a favor to you. In other words, I'd better get out of here. I'll meet you in the third-floor lounge, then?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "Sounds good to me. Kaycen's a gentleman. I'll have to thank him next time I see him." in Clara's voice.

[Niko's desc, as it's not the usual one.]

Standing at around 6'4", Niko is muscular without being overly so, and
rather rangy. His black hair is fairly short, and looks to be at the long end of a military haircut; just long enough to curl, it hints at the riotous tangle that it will be if allowed to grow a bit longer. Olive skin is unmarred by freckles or blemishes. His eyes are large and dark, and would be bovine-esque if they held less intelligence, beneath brows that bear a disturbing resemblance to a pair of caterpillars. Besides the brows, his oval face is dominated by a nose that would be aristocratically aquiline if it hadn't been broken at some point in the past. His voice, a pleasant baritone, frequently holds odd inflections, remnants of an accent that he can't quite shake. He looks to be somewhere in his early twenties.

Casual without being overly so, Niko's clothing fits him quite well.
His long-sleeved rust-colored shirt, perhaps a cotton-linen blend, has tiny wooden buttons running down the front, starting at the Mandarin-style collar and disappearing beneath his vest. That vest is mostly dark golden-yellow in hue, with interlocking diamonds in rust, navy blue, and the dark brown of his pants. His shoes are the same shade as the pants, and are rather boring looking oxfords. The relative blandness of the outfit is spiced up by a fedora the same shade as the shirt. All his clothing looks neatly pressed, and his shoes -would- be shined, except that they're not the shiny kind of leather. The bows of his laces, however, are tied with almost compulsive exactness.

You leave the room, pulling the door shut behind you.

Third Floor Elevator Lounge

While it is as tastefully decorated as the other levels, this elevator lounge seems a bit more homey and less 'designed'. Perhaps it is because the occupants of this level, the Complex personnel, are less transient than the populations of the other two housing floors. Large area rugs are spread over the black marble floors to muffle the sound of footsteps. For some reason this level also lacks the occasional tasteful potted plants lurking in corners. A comfortable bench is set up along one wall, and over it is a corkboard of notices.

<< To see a directory of tenants, type +view corkboard >>

Contents:

Clara

Obvious exits:

Elevator

You leave Room N13.

Clara...that is Clara, isn't it? It seems to be, and she has her back to the lounge, peering over the various notices on the corkboard with interest and idly wrapping the strap of a small black purse over her fingers.

[Clara's desc. It's -definitely- not the usual one, woowoo! ;)]

Fairly tall for a woman at 5'9", Clara is nonetheless sharply slender, the type of shape defined as willowy by the kind, or whiplike by the easily intimidated. Unique coloration adds to the conspicuous form, with almost untamabley tight curls standing out at angles to her head in a reddish bronze halo. The face they frame is at odds, pleasantly heart shaped and the color of java with a fair amount of cream with deep set hazel green eyes under well manicured brows. A light dusting of freckles crosses a thin nose, above wide lips flexible in expression. She seems to have about 27 years, although one can never be too sure.

Completely out of military issue clothing for once, it's a fairly dramatic departure. Curls falling to her shoulders make it apparent that she's been wearing it up all the time by its very difference from that style. The dress she wears is equally civilian, a tailored affair in seamless burgundy lightweight velvet. Long sleeved and scoop necked, it clings to her figure to her hips, then flares to swirl down in loose folds to mid-calf. Simple black pumps complete the outfit, accessorized only by a thin gold chain about her throat.

Niko is whistling cheerfully--though softly--as he comes out of his room. Spotting you, however, he skids to a halt, the pitch of his whistling going up an octave, then stopping. "Wow," he murmurs. "Now I'm -really- glad I wasn't busy."

Clara glances over her shoulder at the whistling, then turns the rest of the way around with an equally appreciative smile. "Well, hello there..." she offers quietly. "Nice hat. You're sure you're not busy tonight?"

Niko tips the hat, literally unable to take his eyes off you. "If I were busy," he says, with quiet fervor, "I would become unbusy. But, as it happens, I'm not busy."

Clara's smile brightens considerably as she ducks her head a touch. "If you're sure. I just thought maybe a bit of spontanaeity might be fun. You...look...really nice. Very nice, actually."

Niko returns the smile with a decidedly pleased grin. "Thank you. So do you. Absolutely... wow, I need to learn more Standard. I can't even come up with a word." He finally does look away, grin turning sheepish. "Mm. We should probably start moving."

Clara peers down and plucks at her skirt lightly, then back up with a slightly embarrassed smile. "You like it? This was the dress I was telling you about." She unwraps the string strap of the purse from her fingers and reaches out to press the elevator button, grinning. "Your Standard is fine, by the way. It isn't your first language?"

Clara pushes the button.

From the elevator, With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

Clara walks into the elevator.

Clara has left.

From the elevator, Clara has arrived.

Niko shakes his head. "Didn't start learning Standard til I was almost six. And... yes. I definitely like it. Makes you look even more beautiful."

[Travelspam deleted. Scene resumes in the atrium.]

Clara waves a hand almost dismissively as she steps from the elevator, although her expression is decidedly pleased, and certainly tinged with red. "Thank you," she murmurs, sidestepping other groups of people. "That explains the accent," she decides quietly.

Clara heads towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Clara has left.

Niko nods pleasantly to Samich, though, naturally, he follows Clara.

You head towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Massive Open Air Pavilion

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

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

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

Contents:

Clara

Obvious exits:

Bonded GuildHall Java Quarter Complex Gate

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

Niko nods his agreement, with a faint grin. "That explains the accent, yes. It's actually a lot better than it was. I'm told I was barely intelligible when I first got to Evinast."

Clara passes various stalls, actually being waved at by one of the booksellers, whom she sketches a light salute at out of habit and grins back before peering up at you with a sidelong amused look. "You've come a long way then. If it makes you feel better, I avoid my native accent too, although Standard is my first language."

Niko starts to say something about accents and such, then skids to a halt as he spots a display of T-shirts, spluttering with laughter. He reaches for your hand to catch your attention, waving at what has tickled him so--a bright orange shirt, frighteningly massive, that reads "Diplomacy is the art of saying 'Nice doggie!' . . . til you can find a rock." With a broad grin, he says, "The Chief. I -have- to. It's perfect."

Clara spins around, skirt swirling as her hand is caught, and laughs at the motion, although she doesn't reclaim her hand. She gives the shirt a quick onceover and loses it laughing, thunking her free hand on her forehead. "You most definitely do! Oh, that's just entirely too right...especially now."

Samich arrives from the Central Atrium.

Samich has arrived.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko dickers efficiently with the vendor, managing to get the frightening orange T-shirt for a price that's only a little steeper than it should be, as opposed to the exorbitant price originally quoted. "He'll never wear it, he's always in uniform or something involving penguins, but it really has to be done."

Clara watches the bargaining with an air of complete amazement, but manages a snicker at that, nodding in agreement. "True enough, but he can frame it and keep in in his office or his quarters to frighten people off," she counters, shaking her head with a grin. "How did you -do- that?" she asks as you drift away from the vendor.

Samich heads towards the Central Atrium.

Samich has left.

Niko mmms? as he falls into step with you. "What, bargain? Yet another advantage of living in Mathraki. Our economy was more barter than anything else, though the folks in the mainurb are working to change that. Comes from years of being sent to market and such when I was a kid."

Clara heads towards the Java Quarter.

Clara has left.

You head towards the Java Quarter.

Java Quarter

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

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

Contents:

Clara

Obvious exits:

Zimmies Bar and Grill Pavilion

You arrive from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Clara shakes her head again as the vendors fall into the background and the nightlife of the Java Quarter swirls by. "Remarkable. I don't think anyone in my family ever bartered for anything...is it as fun as it looks?" she asks, an impish grin in place.

Niko nods quickly, an utterly wicked grin crossing his face. "It was easier during that precious interval when I was young enough to look cute and pathetic, and they still hadn't caught on to me. More fun now, though. It's a skill. Besides, all those folks in the pavilion charge outrageous prices to folks from the Complex. If you -really- want a decent price, y'get a native to buy for you. They won't get bilked quite as badly." He pauses a moment as a trio of children dash through the quarter, muttering good-naturedly about bedtime, then continues through to the Fruvous. "Music might be loud," he warns.

You walk towards the Fruvous Bar and Grill.

Fruvous Bar and Grill

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

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

Obvious exits:

Java Quarter

You walk here from the Java Quarter.

Clara walks here from the Java Quarter.

Clara has arrived.

Clara follows you in, simply grinning wryly and shaking her head as the wall of music hits, definitely loud, but also extremely good. "I know," she calls up. "I used to come here as a cadet," she explains, gesturing at a group of young people in dark blue or green uniforms who seem to be laughing uproariously at each other. "Where did you want to sit?"

Niko, naturally, bounces a bit in place at the beat of the music. "Are they singing about a fish?" he inquires, pausing to listen to the lyrics. Gesturing towards a small table off to the side somewhat, but reasonably close to the band, he suggests, "How about there? And I should've known you've been here."

Clara starts off towards said table, casting a broad grin over her shoulder and nodding. "Bandit fish, no less," she agrees, holding her purse tightly before her to avoid jostling. "You've not been here yet?"

Niko, reaching the table, even holds the chair for you. Yes, he's definitely got many female relatives. "No, I've not been here. Never really found the time. Wish I'd come here before, though."

Clara even knows what to do, and lowers into the chair gracefully, folding the purse down onto her lap under the table and beaming up at you before glancing over her shoulder at the band. "It's a wonderful place. I hadn't even thought of it until you suggested it back when you did."

Niko folds himself into the other seat, with a pleased grin. "Well, I'd heard rumors that it was good, and then Anya the perpetually-right confirmed them. I figured... why not?"

Clara can't hide a grin at that, eyes dancing. "Anya is always right," she confirms cheerfully. "I'll have to get together with her about babysitting once the Denner problem is contained. So how long were you at that adorable stage where you could pull off such good deals?" she asks, resting one arm on the table.

Niko's tone is droll. "Only a few months, unfortunately. Mathraki is too small. Then I started exploiting Aspasia, though, which gave me a few more months. She mastered the cute and pathetic look almost before she could walk. And I'm sure Anya'd appreciate the babysitting help. Maybe you should try to get that set up before I head off to the wilderness?"

Clara shakes her head in amazement, absently reaching forward to straighten the net covering on the candle, then tugging it crooked again. "I need to nudge my mother into producing a sibling or two for me. She's...well, okay. Maybe she isn't young enough anymore." She glances up from the candle, surprised. "I should?"

Niko suggests, with a smile, "Adopt some siblings. It's more fun to choose 'em yourself. And... well, any kid near two is a handful, and Addie's not your standard kid, from what I've heard. I -know- you're sure that you can handle her, but I'd still rather be around, so you can harass me instead of calling Anya back, if the kidlet -does- give you a hard time."

Clara glances back over her shoulder as a slower song with something about sitting in the front row quiets down the place, although not much, then chuckles, shaking her head. "Okay, if you say so. I still can't see how much work one kid could be, but I'd rather call you than Anya or Riley."

Niko suggests, with an amused grin, "Trust somebody who -does- have experience with kids. They can be a -lot- of trouble." He pauses a moment, murmuring, "Nice harmony, there," then adds, "I have to say that I'd rather you call me, too."

Clara peers down at the table top for a moment to listen to the music, a faint smile on her face before she sighs happily. "The percussionist in this band is phenomenal. I think I'd have given a stripe or two to take lessons from him in school."

Niko watches and listens silently for a few moments, then inquires, with a smile, "Is it too late? I've heard that they're nice guys and all. You could see if he's willing to sideline as a drum instructor." Yes, this is definite proof that he's not posessive.

Clara glances back at the percussionist thoughtfully, then back with a thoughtful expression. "I suppose I could always send him a message and see if he's willing to take students." If she notices that said drummer is particularly good looking, she doesn't pay attention to it. "It's been years since I've had a real lesson, although Grandpa paid for them while I was at Kensington."

Niko says amiably, "There's something to be said for self-taught musicians, too, but, hey. It'd be relaxing, I'd think, and that's -always- good. And it can't hurt to try."

Clara nods with a grin, tilting her hand back and forth. "Half lessons, half self-taught." She then glances up as a waiter finally tears away from the group of cadets, rolling his eyes with relief and grinning an apology for taking so long and asking for a drink order, and lifts her brows at you in query.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko shakes his head at the apology, reassuring, "No worries. We could see they kept you hopping." He runs a few drink names past the poor server, getting blank looks in response, then finally says, "Just an iced tea, please--preferably the kind that isn't loaded down with sugar."

Samich walks here from the Java Quarter.

Samich has arrived.

Clara listens with equal noncomprehension at the name, then offers up an absent, "House white," in addition before folding her hands on the table as the waiter heads off. "Were those drinks from Hellas? I don't think I've heard of any of those."

Samich sits at the bar and orders a drink

Niko shakes his head, then amends, "Well, the first one was. Others were from Evinast--did a bit more drinking there than I did on Hellas." Between the crowd and the music, he doesn't notice Samich except to offer a nod in passing.

Clara has her back to the bar and the stage, and hence has a pretty decent view of...well, the rest of the restaurant behind Niko. She murmurs up thanks to the waiter as he returns with said drinks and vanishes politely again. "Is this where you tell me you weren't always the perfect soldier?" she asks with a grin, eyes glittering with amusement.

Samich is simply listening to music and siping a purple drink

Niko's tone is pure innocence. "Not always the perfect soldier? I? I think you've been listening to the wrong people." He winks, then, and nods. "Well, rather, yes. I was just a bit young for it on Hellas, that's all--and gigia didn't approve of more than wine, so I'm generally pretty alcohol-free when I come home to visit."

Samich finishes his drink and leaves the bar heading for his apartment and bed

"I've been listening to you, actually," Clara counters, finally taking a sip from her own glass and sighing happily. "I imagine you were. You were...what, seventeen? Eighteen when you went off to Evinast? I came here to Linnae at seventeen."

Samich nods to Niko and Clara on his way out

Samich walks towards the Java Quarter.

Samich has left.

Niko nods once, tentatively sampling his tea. "Seventeen," he confirms. "Did you come here directly from the colony, then?"

Clara nods affirmatively, toying with the stem on her wineglass. "Mmm, that I did. Oh, I managed a quick two weeks back at home, but I can certainly say it was a -real- relief to get on the shuttle, and an even bigger relief to board the liner. My great-grandmother was...vocal about military service for ladies."

Niko's brows lift fractionally. "Sounds like she'd get on well with gigia, hm?" Finding the tea to be of appropriate sweetness, he sips once more, then sets the glass aside, attention caught by the music. "I know this one, I think. Yeah. Though I heard it with piano, too." The band, blissfully ignoring the chatter, keeps singing about tossing horseshoes.

Clara turns back in her seat, balancing an arm on the back of her chair to listen as well, stifling a quiet sigh at the song and smiling slightly. "It's a good song," she agrees. "Pretty accurate too, if you know the words." She peers back at you over her shoulder. "Where did you hear it?"

Niko considers that for a moment. "I'm not sure," he admits finally. "I guess it -must- have been on Evinast. I didn't stop in Hellas City long enough, and this is definitely not the style of music found in Mathraki."

Clara laughs and turns back to resume twirling her glass in a slow circle. "We had it in Kingston. Oh, not this song, but music like this. Saints, -any- music was available in Kingston, though. They had this instrument, of all things made from a sixty gallon steel drum. They play the top inverted with mallets like a marimba, almost."

Niko inquires curiously, "Marimba? And that sounds... interesting. Seems like the tones would be a little flat-sounding, though. Or am I misunderstanding?"

Clara searches for an alternate term, then lights upon, "Xylophone? Only the xylophone is too metalic sounding. The steel drum almost sounds like bells, since it has such a huge resonating chamber. And depending on where you hit depends on the note. A whole band of them is like listening to Carribean angels," she adds, almost reverently.

Niko's expression clears at the second term, and he nods. "I'll have to see if I can locate a recording somewhere. Maybe in the library."

Clara nods affably, sampling her glass again. "I'll bet they have one there," she agrees before her attention is snapped back to the band, cheerfully singing about troglodytes, although she seems focused on the drummer. "This song has the most -amazing- percussion..."

Niko nods as well, though it's more of a bob, as he's bouncing in his seat--just a bit, but it's noticeable--in time to the beat. "Amazing vocabulary, too. Alliteration--wow, that's great. Have to see if they're selling recordings of -these guys- somewhere. Probably one of the sharks in the pavilion has 'em."

Clara glances back with a bright-eyed grin and nods. "I'll lay odds they do. We could never afford them as cadets since they kept our funds from home locked up, but we might be able to find them now." She says nothing about the bouncing...then again, you haven't seen her play the drums, either. She may not even think twice about it.

Niko casts a quick glance about the bar, as if seeking a particularly ambitious vendor, then shakes his head. "I'll hunt around for 'em, when I've got a bit of free time. The prices might not even be too high, local band and all."

Clara gasps in amusement, stifling a laugh as she twirls her glass about again. "You have free time? Why, Officer Casymed, that's completely unacceptable! We'll just have to find other duties for you to attend to!" she teases.

Niko chuckles quietly at that, turning his attention back to you, and away from the banjo music and singing about elves that distracted him. "I didn't say I'd have free time -soon-," he murmurs, with a quick grin. "Nah, Anya's actually pretty kind to me. Easy on the new guy, all that."

"Anya's always right," Clara intones at you, but returns the grin before letting her eyes drop to her glass. "I can't say they've been easy on you, but at least they didn't load you with something silly like guarding a monument or anything."

Niko nods emphatically at that. "I've not drawn guarding the grass yet. I'm just -waiting- for it to happen, though."

Clara blinks in amazement, then bursts into delighted laughter. "You're joking, right? You fellows don't actually have to guard grass? Where in all the spirits of space would it -go-?"

Niko shakes his head very slowly back and forth. "We guard grass," he says solemnly, despite that gleam of amusement in his eyes. "Maybe you haven't seen 'em, but there's always a security guy standing watch over a particular bit of grass. Apparently, the first bluebells of the season came up there at some point in the past, and the then-head Diplomat ordered that it be guarded, so nobody stepped on the flowers. Of course, they're not there any -more-, but we still have to guard the spot."

Clara rolls her eyes, shaking her head in utter mirth. "Oh, that's lovely. Bureaucracy at its finest. Although I know the Council handles things daily that are a bit more important than who guards grass...but still. How hard would it be to reverse the order?"

Niko says only, "It'd have to go back through the Council. The Chief says he can't get anybody willing to start the motion."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Clara ahs softly and nods, then suddenly shakes her head wistfully and takes a small sip. "Why are we talking about work?" she asks, almost rhetorically.

Niko considers that, loosely settling his hands around his glass. "Well," he says, deciding to answer the question, "It's either that or talk about our families." A quick smile crosses his face. "I'll change the subject, though. Why did you want to come to the Academy?"

Clara chuckles, shaking her head. "You didn't have to...but because of my grandfather. He had all these wonderful stories of being in the service, and I wanted to be just like him." She glances back up wryly. "Turns out I'm more like his wife, and I'm not even related to her."

Niko moves the glass, then drags one finger through the ring of condensation on the table. "How d'you mean?" he inquires curiously. "She's... what, working for some Guild, you said? With your aunt and uncle and grandfather? Lot of family in one area."

Clara takes another sip, considering the question and how to answer. "Gran's a medic, although she's not a doctor. I'm not sure how she pulls it off, though. Actually, none of them talk about their work much...they just always seem to be glad to be on vacation. Some power company, I think. Grandfather's the only real family, though. My aunt and uncle he sort of adopted, so they aren't my real aunt and uncle."

Niko waggles a finger, with a sudden grin. "See? Adopting family -is- the way to go. And that -is- kind of odd, being a medic without being a doctor." He shrugs a bit. "Guess it works, though, else she wouldn't be doing it."

Clara can't help but return the grin, holding up her hands in surrender. "You've got me there. I can't remember a time when I didn't know them, but then I was a little, little girl when Grandpa went to work there. Why, did you manage to pick up extra family along the way, too?"

Niko nods at that. "Sure did. Eleni's back on Evinast, still--second-year. She's from Hellas, too, though not from Mathraki.

Clara's brows lift in amiable interest as the band flies into something about royalty from some Terran principality. "Sort of like Rhys is to me?" she asks, fingers idly running along the base of her glass.

Niko can't answer for a moment, he honestly can't. He has to listen, and bounce just a bit, and say, "-Listen- to them." And, naturally, he's got to join in with the crowd-response bits, so it's only when the song is actually over that he remembers the conversation. "Hm? Oh... Rhys, yeah. People made the same mistake about us, too. Leni's a sweetheart, but I definitely don't think of her in that way."

You hear a soft purring noise from... somewhere. Maybe there's a Zaeltan stuck in a wall. But if there is, Riley didn't put it there.

Clara joins right along, seeming to lose perhaps seven or eight years and retreat to that careless cadet that she was so long ago. Finally turning back and bright-eyed with laughter, she nods cheerfully. "Rhys and I -still- get that occassionally. Actually, I think he would ask me out if I'd let him, but I just can't imagine it."

Niko says drolly, "I know you two still get that. I'm one of those who thought it, for that matter." His attention is caught only briefly by the discussion of green eggs and ham on the stage, then he adds, "I know what you mean about not imagining. Going out with Leni would be like... I don't know, dating Aspasia." Yes, he definitely shudders. "And that would be -wrong-."

Clara's brows arch at that in utter amusement. "You didn't...really? Oh, goodness. Yeah, you're right. I mean, I don't have any brothers to compare him to, but I -think- that's what it would be like. Still doesn't mean I'm going to pass up his lasagna. Where's Eleni now? In the Fleet too?"

Niko admits, with a short chuckle, "I did. So did the Chief, for that matter--he used it to nudge me towards asking you out. And she's still in school, says she's going to be a doctor. You'd like her, I think."

Clara smirks faintly, shaking her head. "I'm not even going to tell you what Rhys thought. I nearly threw a book at him for it." She lifts her glass to the light, chuckling. "Med school...bless her heart. I hope she's got a lot of patience."

Niko just looks at you for a moment, a curious grin crossing his face. "That's just not fair," he mutters. "And she's exceptionally patient. Puts up with me, after all.'

Clara snorts, shaking her head and looking simply exasperated. "I told him he couldn't ask me out because I already had a date lined up, and he decided the Chief had beat him to the punch. The kid gets the bizarrest notions." She nods approvingly. "She'll need to be. It's a -lot- of studying. I had literally no social life during that time."

Out of the corner of your eye, you see something moving. You get the impression that it's very, very cute.

Niko starts to say something, then pauses, covering his ears to block out the music and, apparently, listening intently. "I'm sorry," he apologizes. "I've got to head back. Anya said not to do this when I was on call. Guess I should've listened."

Clara starts slightly and nods, expression flashing back from idle enjoyment to professionalism herself as she starts to gather herself together. "Is anything wrong?"

Niko shakes his head. "They just need another body, that's all. Stay, if you like. Enjoy the music." He gathers up that orange shirt, leaving a few giros on the table.

Clara rises as well, shaking her head firmly. "No, I'll head back with you," she offers. "I need to check on a patient, actually, so it's good timing."

Niko smiles at that, offering a hand. "I can't say as I'll mind having your company on the way back."

Clara takes the hand with a smile brightening again and swings in close on the way out the door. "It'll be a nice walk," she agrees. "Lead on, sir."

Niko manages not to stop, as the band starts to sing about psycho killers, but instead picks his way through the crowd, finally reaching the exit.

You walk towards the Java Quarter.

Java Quarter

Obvious exits:

Zimmies Bar and Grill Pavilion

You walk here from the Fruvous Bar and Grill.

Clara walks here from the Fruvous Bar and Grill.

Clara has arrived.

Clara follows out, fairly easily even considering the heels and manages the cobblestones without problem. "Whew...a lot quieter out here than before. We'd probably better hurry though, or someone will be unhappy about not having extra personnel."

Niko nods his agreement. "I really am sorry about this," he reiterates, as he makes his way towards the pavilion. "We'll have to do this again--sometime when I'm -not- on call, maybe."

You head towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Massive Open Air Pavilion

Obvious exits:

Bonded GuildHall Java Quarter Complex Gate

You arrive from the Java Quarter.

Clara arrives from the Java Quarter.

Clara has arrived.

Clara smiles slightly as she follows on, nodding. "I'd like that," she agrees quietly. "Maybe when you get back from the Monoliths."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Out of the corner of your eye, you see something moving. You get the impression that it's very, very cute.

Niko doesn't see anything cute, which is a very good thing. He's not armed, but he can still kick, to send the critter airborne. "Sounds like a plan," he says, though not without a brief look of disappointment. "Give me something other than hot water to look forward to," he adds, with a quick grin.

You head towards the Central Atrium.

Central Atrium

Filled with greenery and assorted plants from a hundred different Alliance worlds, this massive atrium is a chaotic and interesting place. The room itself is round, with evenly-spaced archways leading to the other areas. Each archway is color-coded, with a label telling where it leads in standard and the languages of each of the major races. For those who pause to look upwards, the escheresque upper levels of the complex may be seen, as the atrium reaches through the entire complex, with a plasglass skylight at the top through which Linnae's sunlight may filter. Paths wend their way through the carefully tended gardens, and small placards label the groups of vegetation and their homeworld. Some are labeled with the universal symbol for danger, be careful, they bite. Groups of benches are located here and there for the comfort of passing delegates and those attempting to lobby them.

The elevator is at floor number 1 (the doors are closed) and appears to contain no people.

Obvious exits:

Elevator Arch Out Rec Hall Dining Meeting Hall Spaceport

You arrive from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Clara arrives from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Clara has arrived.

Clara snickers, shaking her head. "I'm not going to comment on that," she decides, heading for the elevator and shifting her pocketbook a bit more firmly under her arm. "You'll miss a lot more out there, trust me."

[Travelspam deleted.]

You leave the elevator.

Second Floor Elevator Lounge

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

Contents:

Clara

Obvious exits:

Elevator General Housing Library Security Maintenance Medical

From the elevator, The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Niko says affably, "I'm sure you're right. I'm going to try to pick and choose what I miss, though. Hot water seems a safe bet." He pauses, gaze flickering briefly to security, then adds, "Have a good night, hm?"

Clara follows the glance and nods almost reluctantly, then manages a warm smile upwards. "You too, okay? Take care of yourself and try to get some sleep when you can. I'll see you tomorrow..."

Niko hesitates for a long moment, then returns the smile. "Tomorrow. Yes... of course. Say hi to Kramer for me."

You head towards the Security Central.

Security Central

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

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

Contents:

Tally Board

Obvious exits:

Chief's Office Brig Elevator Lounge

You arrive from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

2FLOOR> Clara watches the door hiss shut into Security, blinking slowly at it before she pulls her hand back in and hurries off to Medbay, a preoccupied expression firmly in place.

2FLOOR> Clara heads towards the Medical Bay.

2FLOOR> Clara has left.

Niko exhales heavily as he comes into Security, then heads over to find out what, exactly, caused him to be brought back. It's likely some form of practical joke, but his player's too out of it to come up with something. He's still got that orange shirt, though.

Riley walks here from the Chief Addison's Office.

Riley has arrived.

Riley comes ambling out of his office, looking pleased despite the hour and vague state of his uniform. He doesn't seem to be paying that much attention as he's leafing through several thick manilla envelopes as well as a sheaf of crisp white plasfilm sheets.

Niko shakes his head, casting a vaguely annoyed look at Kaycen, who was the source of the call that hauled him back from the Fruvous. "Well, no, I -don't- think it was very funny... oh. Hi, Chief." That last is said as he glances over his shoulder. Niko's manner becomes a bit more chipper as he catches sight of that scary orange shirt again.

Hearing a familiar voice, Riley glances up with a quickly repressed grin of delight. "Evening, Nick. How coherant are you?"

Niko looks a bit puzzled. "Uh, pretty coherent. I remember my name, radio channel, that sort of thing. Why, -is- there something up?"

Riley just flashes a purely professional grin. Despite the overlaid professionalism there's an overlay of miuschief behind his expression. Dropping most of the manilla envelopes to a nearby desk he tears the top off one. Upending it carefully to spill the paired silver bars inside into his hand without disturbing the paperwork he shakes his head. Setting the envelope with the others he says, "Nothing at all..." The silver bars are tosses towards you, presumably he expects you to catch them, "Lieutenant Casymed." This last is accompanied by an Academy perfect salute. Quite a trick, since Riley never went to the Academy.

Niko does manage to catch the silver bars, though he's clearly a little surprised by their presence. "What?" he manages. He does have the presence of mind to return the salute, bars, t-shirt, and all, but not without a bit of confusion. "That is, thank you, sir."

Riley grins in rather rueful amusment, "Don't thank me Nick. I promise it's not something you want to be thankful for. Still, you deserve those pips and I'm glad for -once- the Powers-That-Be agreed with me on -something-." He scoops up the manilla enevlope and offers it. "The paperwork. Yet another joy, eh? Still, none of this is too surreal."

Niko takes the envelope and extracts the paperwork, squinting at it for a moment before replacing it. "Not too bad, yeah." His own expression turning amused, he offers the shirt. "Clara and I saw this, and thought you'd appreciate it. I guess now's as good a time as any."

Riley's brows quirk in mild confusion as he belays scooping up the other envelopes to accept the proffered shirt. Unfolding it to read the printed words he all but chokes trying not to laugh. Eventually he gives it up as a bad cause and splutters quietly with amusement, "A really -big- rock. That's a riot Nick, I like it. Thank you very much." Placing one spread fingered hand over his heart he performs another of those near bows.

Niko inclines his head in response, clearly pleased with the reaction. "You're welcome, of course, Chief. Too bad we can't get more, use 'em as part of the uniform." He murmurs something about bulk rates, then shakes his head.

Riley snickers quietly, eyes lighting at the suggestion. "I'll put -that- in the budget report. I'll specify orange even." Grinning all the wider he asks with quiet casualty. "You wouldn't know where Clara was offhand, eh?"

Niko gestures towards Medbay. "She said she had to check on a patient. And you should -see- this dress she's got on." He lets out a low whistle, clearly approving of her apparel.

Riley's brows lift almost questioningly and the grin just broadens a hair, "Shall we go see if she can spare us a second?"

Niko nods quizzically. "Sure, Chief. If you like." He moves to fall in step behind you, ever the good flunky.

Riley scoops up the remaining envelopes, good humor entirely irrepresable at this point despite his general dishevaled state. "I'm going to -enjoy- this."

Riley heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Riley has left.

Niko gets a bit of a clue, and grins suddenly, traipsing after Riley.

You head towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Second Floor Elevator Lounge

Contents:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Elevator General Housing Library Security Maintenance Medical

You arrive from the Security Central.

Riley heads towards the Medical Bay.

Riley has left.

From the elevator, With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

From the elevator, Ryoshia has left.

Ryoshia has arrived.

You head towards the Medical Bay.

Medical Bay

Even the circulation of air can't quite keep the antiseptic smell from this room. Immaculately clean, the tiles of the floor are the same pristine white as the walls. Gadgets and gizmos abound. The highest medical technology available for all the races that might conceivably come to the station are present. A pair of beds near the door provide places for emergent cases, their bioscan devices ready for monitoring. Door lead to rooms for surgery, short-term care, and long-term care. (OOC note: To set your room doing, try 'I'm <doing>'.)

Contents:

Niko, standing by the door.

Riley, standing by the door.

Clara, standing by the door.

Obvious Exits:

Chief's Office Elevator Lounge

You arrive from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Clara is at a wall unit, tracing various monitors with a stylus and pausing to tap in commands here and there, eyes flickering from a chart in one arm to the wall and back.

Ryoshia arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Ryoshia has arrived.

Ryoshia follows everybody in. She's always attracted to a crowd.

Riley comes traipsing in, for once as if he actually belongs here as much as anywhere else in the Complex. Rumpled enough to look like he's had an attack of the anti-iron his carriage is still as professionally crisp as his uniform is not. He glances around, looking for the target of his search.

Niko, trailing a step or two behind Riley, just looks tickled. He can't quite resist the urge to stagewhisper, "See what I mean about the dress?"

Clara glances back at the sound of footsteps and turns lightly, heels clicking slightly at the tile as she does so. "Riley? Niko?" She glances behind at the young woman from the examination earlier today and nods pleasantly, but gives the men a puzzled look. "What's wrong?"

Ryoshia waves half-heartedly, she's giving the men a puzzled look also.

Riley does not respond to Niko's comment, he's a man on a mission. His eyebrows however are somewhere near his hairline and he looks decidedly impressed. Almost taken aback, he is still however able to bluster on somehow although the first words trip over themselves a bit. "Not a thing at all." Tugging the top from another envelope he repeats his earlier gesture, tossing Clara a set of Major's pips. Notice how vague that is? Cause I have no idea what they'd look like. "Major Aleron." This last is accompanined by another salute so sharp you could cut yourself on it. Riley's having -fun-.

Clara tucks the stylus in behind her ear as she continues to regard them with puzzlement, then snaps a hand out to catch the insignia as her eyes widen dramatically. She stares into her hand for a moment, then transfers the leaves and returns the salute just as sharply, regardless of lack of uniform. "Major? I...didn't know I was up for it?"

Ryoshia smiles widely. "And mom always said it was impolite to follow folks. But if I didn't, I'd miss events like this."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Riley proffers the envelope of paperwork, "The odds and ends you'll need." He shakes his head, "It's kinda practice around here not to warn folks. Rude I know, but as often as the Powers-That-Be ignore reccomandations, it's turned out to serve us better than I'd like."

Niko flashes a bright grin over his shoulder to Ryoshia, then murmurs his congratulations to Clara, still looking pleased as punch.

Clara inhales a slow breath, still taken aback as she moves to set the chart and stylus on a desk and accept the envelope, knowing the paperwork procedure. "Thank you, sir," she offers, finally managing a brilliant smile upwards. "Thank you very much."

Riley tucks the remaining envelopes beneath one arm, grinning broadly. "My congratulations and condolences to you both. If y'all will excuse me though, I had better turn in. It's been a full five shifts. I just couldn't resists the chance to do those while the opportunity allowed."

Clara nods vaguely, then blinks. "Both?" she murmurs, peering back at Niko questioningly before snapping a look at Riley. "-Five- shifts? Addison, bed. Now. I swear I'll drag you up there myself if you don't haul both you and that uniform up there pronto," she adds, dropping back to her normal threats.

Niko would grin at Clara, but he's also heard the f-word, and is murmuring something about scheduling evils. He does have a manilla envelope, though, so 'both' is likely applied to him.

Riley laughs quietly, backpedalling towards the door in mock fear, "I am going, and -was- going of my own free will. Don't abuse me oh vicious medical lady, please?" His tone is pleading, but his expression is highly amused. "Night folks."

Ryoshia has, uhm, nothing, and she's not even Complex staff. So 'both' definantly wouldn't apply to her. "Five shifts?" she asks with inredibility. "No wonder you always looked a bit grouchy when you had to drag me back home..."

Niko flashes a quick grin to Riley. "G'night, Chief. I'd tell you to sleep well, but somehow I don't think that'll be a problem."

Clara is unable to suppress a laugh, waving a hand. "G'night, Chief. Sleep well," she offers, then starts to step towards Niko before kcatching sight of Ryoshia again and backpedaling, even blushing a hint. "Single silver or double?" she asks of Niko quietly.

"I also roll over and play dead on cue," Riley murmurs dryly as he ducks out the door.

Riley heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Riley has left.

Niko lifts two fingers, still looking a little floored about the whole thing. "What a day," he murmurs.

Clara takes a step back to lean against the desk in utter surprise. "Lieutenant? Oh, Niko..." she breathes. "That's
-wonderful-...congratulations."

Ryoshia glances around, takes a look at Nike and Clara and almost seems to come to an understanding. "Well, since it seems like most of the excitement is over, if you'll be excusing me..." She grins as she silently slips out the door.

Ryoshia heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Ryoshia has left.

Niko lifts a hand to wave after Ryoshia, then says brightly, "Thank you. And congratulations to you, too, major."

Clara casts a wave after Ryoshia as well, then makes a face. "Oh, no you don't. You didn't call me captain, so that's no reason to call me major," she notes firmly, then sighs and turns to shut off the wall unit and put away chart and stylus. "At least I don't have to salute the dog anymore," she adds thoughtfully.

Niko says whimsically, "I'm rather glad he still ranks me. Means I still have to throw the ball for him." He glances briefly around medbay, then inquires, "Should I clear out? You said something about looking in on a patient?" And, despite the adrenaline high, he's starting to look a bit tired.

Clara shrugs slightly, shaking her head. "She's fine...I've already checked her status. I was just doing a bit of research, but I think I'm done for the night. Headed upstairs?"

Niko nods at that. "Yeah. Turns out they didn't need me in Security after all, so I figured I'd hit the hay."

Clara scoops up her pocketbook and the envelope and gestures towards the door. "Mind if I walk with you? I've got an 0800 shift that's going to come early."

Niko considers that for a moment, then says, lips curving fractionally, "I think you can generally assume that I don't mind you walking anywhere with me." Especially when she's in that dress.

Clara chuckles quietly and starts for the door, shaking her head. "Unless I'm headed into the operating room," she counters. "C'mon, lets at least get away from the smell of antiseptic."

Clara heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Clara has left.

You head towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Second Floor Elevator Lounge

Contents:

Clara

Ryoshia(#814PJOace)

Obvious exits:

Elevator General Housing Library Security Maintenance Medical

You arrive from the Medical Bay.

Clara offers another smile at Ryoshia and a wave of the hand she's carrying an envelope in, and heads towards the elevator.

Ryoshia is idly watching the plants fro

Niko echoes the wave, trailing behind Clara. He really is -good- at walking behind people. "Getting away from the antiseptic smell is good, yes," he murmurs.

Ryoshia is idly watching the plants grow a fro. Yes a fro.

Clara pushes the button.

From the elevator, With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

Clara walks into the elevator.

Clara has left.

From the elevator, Clara has arrived.

You walk into the elevator.

Elevator

The elevator rides up and down in a glass shaft, overlooking the foliage of the atrium below. The motion is smooth, and each floor is marked with a delicate "ping" as the elevator arrives there.

A bank of round blue buttons on either side of the door has the numbers 1-4, and a button labeled "Below".

The doors are currently open, the direction arrow is pointing down and the dial above the doors points to 2.

Contents:

Clara

Obvious exits:

Doors

Clara pushes the button marked 3.

The elevator direction light changes to UP with a ping.

The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

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

With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

Clara has left.

From outside the elevator, Clara has arrived.

You leave the elevator.

Third Floor Elevator Lounge

<< To see a directory of tenants, type +view corkboard >>

Contents:

Clara

Obvious exits:

Elevator

From the elevator, The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Clara takes a moment to slip both oak leaves and envelope into her pocketbook, then grins up quietly again. "Well...goodnight again, I suppose. Sleep well?"

You hear a soft purring noise from... somewhere. Maybe there's a Zaeltan stuck in a wall. But if there is, Riley didn't put it there.

Niko nods, a slow, thoughtful smile crossing his face. "I think I can handle that. You, too, hm? And congratulations again." He hesitates a long moment, then finally turns to head into his room, soft whistling trailing behind him. Yes, he's whistling Pisco Bandito, and he'll be whistling this song constantly until he leaves for the Monoliths--or until one of his fellows makes it impossible for him to whistle. Only time will tell.

You unlock the door and go into room N13.

3FLOOR> Clara watches the retreating form with a faint amount of thorough bemusement, then just shakes her head with a faint smile and heads down the hall to her own room.

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