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[A bit was deleted from this scene. Anya sent Niko to get a soda or something from the dining facility. He had an... encounter along the way, off-camera.]

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:

Tara

Vendotron 3000

Obvious exits:

Atrium

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

Niko

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.

Niko wears the uniform of Alliance Security, and looks like he's
stepped out of a publicity photograph. The steel-gray pants are made of a durable material and are cut military-fashion, the creases irritatingly crisp. They are tucked into black boots, polished to an obnoxiously bright shine. The uniform's coat is the same gray as the pants with a military style raised collar and brushed steel buttons. His rank and insignia badges, placing him as a lieutenant and a security officer, are also annoyingly polished. A small label, above the right-hand pocket of his shirt, reads, 'Casymed'. A holster at his left hip holds a rather businesslike silver-and black plasma bolter. The odd snub-nosed design is characteristic of nerve-tanglers.

The skin around one eye is already swelling, and he's got a few scrapes
on his face and his knuckles. He uses his left hand with a bit of care. Oh, and he's covered in various cleaning products--soap, that sort of thing, and scouring powder looks absolutely lovely in his hair.

Niko ignores the various startled looks that his admittedly odd appearance earns him, instead heading over to the Vendotron. Perhaps the machine recognizes that today is not a good day to tempt him, as it coughs up a blue can without so much as a snide comment. With a pleased smirk, Niko heads towards the 'real food' area of the facility.

Tara is, well, eating. Eggs, toast, bacon, and lots of coffee, specifically. Glancing up idly as Niko passes, she pauses to stare. "Niko... Lieutenant... what heppened to you?"

Niko pauses to wave at the Security camera, the better to send Anya into fits. Tara's question, however, attracts his attention. "When arguing with a Sicilian," he says, quite calmly, "Do not choose the cleaning staff's storage closet as a venue."

Tara's eyebrows rise. "I'll, uh, keep that in mind, should such a situation arise." She pauses to crunch a slice of bacon. "Did you win your... argument?"

Niko, attempting to pick up the plate with Anya's request without actually touching the food--as he can only guess her reaction if he seasoned it with soft scrub--shrugs. "Depends on your perspective. Honestly, I don't much care." A quicksilver grin crosses his face. He -must- be in a good mood, for such an expression in Tara's presence. "Felt -good-, though."

Tara chuckles, amused. "I think I can empathize. Why were you arguing though?"

Niko says mildly, "A lot of little things, topped off by one particularly massive big thing." Oh, yeah, that was vague. "Basically, he deserved it, and he finally annoyed me enough that I -could- hit him."

Tara hmmms around a mouthful of coffee. Swallowing, she notes, "How gentlemanly."

Niko, waiting patiently for his own order to be ready, shoots a suspicious glance at Tara, as if in attempt to determine just how much irony is present in her statement. "Hey, I'm only human." As she's a human, too, it's a statement he can make without -too- much oddness. "I can only be pushed so far."

Tara nods mildly. "I'll admit, I'm glad I was wrong about you."

Oh, like Niko wasn't wary enough. "Excuse me?"

Tara gestures slightly with her fork. "I honestly didn't think you were the type to, well, stand up for yourself in such a manner. Glad I was wrong," she repeats.

Niko's brows lift slowly. Of course, as they've got soap in them, this is a really surreal thing. One almost expect a bubble to escape. "Actually, no, you weren't wrong."

One of Tara's eyebrows challenges Niko's in a climbing contest. "Oh?" She gestures toward the soap. "Not according to what you said a few minutes ago."

Niko's brows rise to the challenge. Literally! Of course, as there's -soap- in them, Niko realizes that he really shouldn't keep this up, and puts a leash on the brows. "I didn't say what it was that he did that finally got to me," he says, with a smile that -would- be pleasant in most other circumstances, but isn't quite. "Nor what the results of that action were."

Tara ahs softly, eyebrow triumphant. The crowd roars. "True enough," she allows, then hesitates before adding, "Y'all are /good/ at destroying illusions, aren't ya? Still, I suppose as long as you're willing to fight for /something/, you're not..." A smile drifts across her face. "Overly too nice."

Niko's brows sulk. It's the soap. It's their duty to guard their person's eyes, and one of said eyes is already in a rather ouchful situation, without the brows dropping their guard and adding soap into the bargain. "Destroying illusions?" the Keeper of the Brows asks blankly. "Excuse me? And there are things worth fighting for, yes. Of course."

Tara shakes her head. "The illusion that you'd pound somebody into the ground on your own behalf." Again, that drifting smile. "Of course."

Niko shakes his head, careful to keep the scouring powder in his hair, and not on Anya's food. He gets this feeling that she'd be annoyed if her food were, well, gritty and bitter--or however scouring powder tastes. "I'm not all that likely to do that any more, no." Carefully taking his own order, finally ready, he turns to head for the door. "You just have to know what's important."

Tara's other eyebrow joins the first as she mouths the words 'Any more?'. But she merely nods, watching him go.

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 2 (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 Dining Facility.

You push the button.

Niko pushes the button with his elbow, or something, as he's holding food for two and all. And his drink. Somehow. Talk about laws of physics going awry.

[Travelspam deleted. The scene resumes in Security.]

Niko heads over to Anya's desk and slides her food in front of her. Then he just waits. He knows she'll have -something- to say, after all.

And of course Anya does. She starts to look up to thank Niko for the food but then pauses. There's a beat, then two, then three. During this time her brows have slowly arched and she tilts her head to one side to regard the young man. Finally, she can't help but say it. "Cleaning up your act, Niko?"

Niko muffles a snicker. "That was -awful-." He drops his own food off at his desk, adding, "Mind if I go get cleaned up? Laundry won't be annoyed with me for -this-, at least."

Anya reaches for a fry from the plate, shaking her head. "I think going and getting presentable might be good." She pauses, looking for an exact way to phrase this. She's been able to infer a lot from Security cameras and the like. "The Chief wandered into his office, and I don't know that you're going to want to explain why you look like that." It's obvious she's terribly curious herself however as to why Niko finally had after Guido. "Do I want to know?"

Niko suddenly looks a bit less cheerful, casting a vaguely nervous glance towards the door. "I thought he was on a medical," he protests. Dangit, it's no fair if the cat comes back -while- the mice are playing. "And, uh, you probably do want to know, yeah, but I'd rather get presentable before I tell you, okay?"

Anya nods, "He is. Came in out of uniform and didn't say anything. His terminal's locked off, and his monitor, I figure he can't be getting into much trouble if any." She nods amiably, "Skeedle, go change, and be careful washing that stuff off."

Niko looks more than a little relieved to hear that Riley's monitor is not available to him. There's likely not security cameras in the -closet-, but he and Guido were likely seen coming and going, and the vastly different appearances, so he's just as glad that Riley didn't see. "I'll be careful, thanks. Back soon." And with that, he flees, clearly anticipating that Riley will emerge at just the wrong moment.

[Travelspam deleted. Time passes. Scene resumes in Security.]

Niko returns looking clean--very clean--and heads back to his desk, popping the top of his soda. "Well, now. That was an adventure."

Anya is still quietly eating her lunch and nods, "It looked like one certainly. Excitement, mystery, soap..." She pauses, "What happened, beyond the obvious."

Niko picks up his sandwich, munching to stall for time. "Well. How much of it did you see on the monitors?"

Anya snags another fry, "You and Guido leaving the closet both looking like you'd been through the war of the suds."

Niko actually cracks a grin at that. "Yeah, Guido and I are both out of the closet. Big news, huh?" He shakes his head, then. "He just went too far, that's all. Yesterday, he--well, I didn't have to take his suggestion, but he gave me some insanely horrible advice. And today he was snide about what happened."

Anya all but chokes on the fry at that, laughing quietly a moment. "Too far? Advice? Side?"

Niko just nods, clearly a bit unwilling to give details. That's squealing, after all. "That's right."

Anya however -really- wants to know, "Ni-iko, come on, cough it up. If it's enough to get -you- razzed enough to take on Guido..."

Niko munches on his sandwich some more. He can't talk and eat at the same time, can he? That's just -wrong-. "I'd rather tell the Chief, actually," he says finally. "Nasty comments are one thing, but what Guido did... well, much as I hate to say it, I think maybe the Chief should know."

Anya pauses. She may be itching to find out, but if Niko's wanting to tell -Riley-, obviously this is serious enough not to poke over. She nods, gesturing doorwards, "Well, he's in. And if he's doing what he's supposed to you wouldn't be interupting. And if he isn't he deserves to get caught."

Niko puts aside his sandwich, but exchanges it for the blue can. With a nod to Anya, he heads over to knock lightly on Riley's door.

There's a muffled call of, "Come in."

You walk towards the Chief Addison's Office.

Chief Addison's Office

This office is something of a haven from the chaos in security central. It only has one viewscreen, although there are controls to direct it to any of the observation lines. A large desk takes up the bulk of the room. It's a battered affair, and shows the signs of great age. It doesn't really fit in with the polished atmosphere of the Complex, but neither does the man it belongs to. Piles of paperwork, scattered datapads, and a lurking terminal take up the majority of the space on the desk, but somehow room has been found for several photocubes and a small plastic penguin. The floor is carpeted in institutional gray carpeting, and the walls are a slightly darker shade. It would be a dank hole of a room if it weren't for several large electronic maps on the wall, each aglow with various telltales and marker lights. In front of the desk are two uncomfortable chairs and one battered and exceedingly comfortable looking couch. A handful of bad noveldisks are piled at one end of the couch.

Contents:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Central

You walk here from the Security Central.

Riley is sprawled in his desk chair, booted feet up in one of the awful chairs. He has a half eaten sandwich sitting on the desk and a candy bar in hand. He's half sprawled and reading a thick guide to regulations. He turns at your entrance, "Heya Nick, thanks again for hel..." He trails off, "Did the vending machine mention your mother again?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko pads over to stand in front of the desk, his expression as serious as it can be with that garish bruise marring his eye. "Of course n--again?" He looks a little puzzled by that, then shakes his head. Time enough later to find out exactly what was said about his mother. "Actually, Chief, it's a relatively serious matter. You have a minute?"

Riley sets aside the guide, and with a touch of reluctance, the candy bar as well. Straightening up he nods thoughtfully, "Sure, of course. Have a seat on something that's comfortable, eh?"

Niko is more than willing to settle himself on that comfy couch. "You don't have to stop eating. Chocolate is a goodness, after all." He pauses a beat, then inquires, "Seen Guido lately?"

Riley looks a bit relieved and snags the candy bar again, nodding. "Literally it turns out. Half my problem lately's been the lack of it. Talk about a crazy old universe." His tone is thoughtful and he shakes his head slightly, "Not since yesterday."

Niko's soap-free brows arch a bit at the mention of lack of chocolate being Riley's problem, but he doesn't comment, instead nodding at the 'crazy universe' bit. "Yeah, well, that doesn't surprise me," he says blandly. "He..." He frowns, clearly a little displeased about what he has to say. His voice is clear and calm, though, even if it's a bit slow. "See, in the rec hall, I was explaining to Aliana how the firing range worked--my explanation, not the actual one. Guido heard me--no doubt about it--and encouraged me to go into the range. Specifically, he encouraged me to aim for you, -knowing- what would happen." And at that last phrase, the calm cracks. He's still angry, no doubt about it. Shaking his head, he takes a swallow of his drink.

Out of all of the things Riley could have been told, this is one he most assuredly didn't expect. He looks altogether floored in fact. Tara's comment the day before, and this particular bit of news really are not doing wonders for the foundations of Riley's existance. His people, his wonderfully perfect people trying to set each other, and him for that matter, up? He can't manage not to look shocked, and not a little horrified. "Knowing... Oh my."

Niko takes another pull on his soda. "I'm sorry, Chief. I really didn't want to -tell- you, but I thought... if he did this much, he might do something else. Snide comments are one thing--he's made enough of them about me, after all. But this morning, he was just obnoxious. Smug son of a--" Yup, he degenerates into Hellenic again.

Riley doesn't speak Hellenic, but he can make a wild guess from the tone what the content is. "No Nick, I appreciate it. I know it's not an easy thing to come say." He munches on the chocolate idly, brows knitting as he tries to reconcile all this and determine a course of action. "This morning?"

Niko chooses his words very carefully, here. "He and I had... a discussion on the matter. He didn't seem very repentant. Actually, no, that's a really stupid way to phrase it. Not only was he unrepentant, he was smug and he was -pleased- about what happened. We didn't," he adds, rather dryly, "Mention the whole green bit, with the exception of a comment from his end."

It's not a good thing for Guido that Riley's still feeling the remains of the aftereffects of being tangled, even with chocolate to make the world better. That actually sparks a hint of anger deep down. "Pleased." It's not a question. There's no inflection at all in fact. "I do not approve of -anybody- setting up one of my people into a position that could potentially get them in trouble. Still, I can put up with a lot. Stuff happens. Folks make bad decisions. But to be -pleased- about it..." Oh dear, that's twice in as many days that Riley's been -really- angry. See, that spark's gotten well fed by this point and he's a cold presence of simmering fury.

Niko's own anger is quite well and truly dimmed in the presence of Riley's simmering fury. "That," he says carefully, "Is about what I thought, yes, Chief." He takes another swallow of his drink, then sets the can on the floor. There's still a flicker of anger in his eyes, but that's joined by concern. "I just... thought you should be told." He rubs lightly at the fingers of his left hand with the thumb of that same hand, clearly unaware of the gesture.

"And I appreciate that Nick," Riley attempts to restrain his temper in the face of Niko's discomfort. There's just a hint of hurt mixed in with the anger however, Guido's actions having damaged his world view all but beyond repair. "It's important. I'll take care of it. Thank you." And his expression is a little less evil, "For everything, last night, and the things you said to Clara, and being a hell of a lot of help. And for being a friend."

Niko offers a quick smile at that, rescuing his can from the floor. "Well, that's not really something that requires thanks--it's one of those natural things and all. And as for what I said to Clara..." He looks a bit abashed, with a bit of a shrug. "She wanted to go in. It was obvious. I thought maybe hearing that would help her do what she wanted to do. It seemed like the right thing to do."

Riley nods his thanks however, a bit too smacked with far too much of a welter of emotional miasma to come up with good words. "I...just... thanks." He's still -so- furious at Guido though, and it's quite obvious from the lines of tension in his body and the set of his jaw. "I'll take care of it." There's not much question as to what 'it' is.

Niko gets to his feet, then, blue can clutched in a rather talisman-esque manner. "All right. Yes. Of course. Is... is there anything I can do?" He decides that now is maybe not the best time to remind Riley that he's on a medical.

That would probably be bad indeed. It would be bad to tempt fate with Riley -this- angry. "No, you've been of enormous help. It's my ball now."

Niko's head bobs in a brief nod, and he beats a hasty retreat. "Yes, Chief."

You walk 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 walk here from the Chief Addison's Office.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko casts a wary look over his shoulder as he heads back to his seat. "Don't go in there," he murmurs to Anya.

Anya looks up, a bit startled. "Uh, check. Sure." She doesn't ask it, but her expression is definately saying, 'Why?'.

Niko picks up his abandoned sandwich and munches on it for a moment or two. He catches Anya's unspoken question, washing down the bite with a swallow of evil blue-canned soda. "I told him what happened," he says quietly, "And he's angry."

Anya's eyes widen. She knows what it means when Riley's angry. It's not happy. "Three times in two days. Armageddon's nigh."

Niko nods very slowly, turning back to his sandwich and his monitor and his paperwork. He casts a vague glance in the general direction of medbay, then, after another glance towards Riley's door, shakes his head. "Maybe later," he murmurs, "When he cools down a bit."

Anya's brows lift, "Maybe what later?"

Niko gestures in the direction he just looked. "I was thinking about seeing about getting Clara over here. Maybe not a good idea. I'm not sure."

Anya considers that a moment, "It might be a ...." She trails off, blinking. One hand goes absently up to her radio ear, and she tugs at her terminal, setting to typing. "Or maybe he's busy."

Niko's brows lift, and he shifts just a bit, though not so much that he can see Anya's terminal screen. "Do I want to know?"

Anya just shakes her head slightly, she's typing rather busily. "Transfer papers."

Niko blinks several times. "He's transferred Guido out? Already?" Of course, there's an element of relief in that, but he's still surprised.

Anya nods, still typing a mile a minute. "Yag, he's sending him to Corvil..."

Kyara arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Kyara has arrived.

Niko blinks twice, surprised relief shading to confusion. "Uh, fourth planet of the..." Then he spots Kyara, and his gaze narrows. Now he's not confused at all. He's coldly furious, so much so that he can't even speak. Without a word, he gets to his feet and moves to stand in front of Kyara. He bends down and picks her up by the lapels of her uniform--it's got lapels, right?--and lifts her so that she is eye to eye with him. When he speaks, it is very quiet, his chilling tone really not one to inspire confidence. "Welcome back."

Anya starts to answer, "No, not the -place-, his bro..." Then Kyara walks in and Niko greets her. Anya not only doesn't object, she looks like she wouldn't mind being in Niko's shoes.

Yep, lapels. The impending happy grin that had been threatening to burst out on her Kyara's face dies a quick death. Difficult though it is in that position, she sketches a salute and a squeak. "Er, thank you, sir. I think."

Niko does not look like he's going to release Kyara any time soon. He moves a few steps so that he can brace her against the wall. She's not heavy, mind, but he still doesn't want to drop her involuntarily. (Voluntarily, on the other hand...) Besides, he can loom more easily this way, and her feet are still dangling. "I would just like to know," he says, voice still very quiet and holding quite a lot of threat, "What in the name of -all- that is holy were you -thinking-, spiking the Chief's coffee with--" And then he rattles off that name. "And you'd better not say that you thought it would be funny."

Oof. Kyara's eyes widen dramatically, revealing well the delighted amusement in them mixed with /just/ a touch of wariness. "Is that what it's called?" She pauses to search for the right answer. "Very well then, sir. I won't say I thought it would be funny."

Ooh. Bad answer. Bad, bad answer. Or, rather, bad lack of answer. Admittedly, it's not all that hard of a shove, just enough to startle, but Niko does exert a bit of force on Kyara, pressing her against the wall. "I do not believe that you answered my question, private," he says, his voice icily precise. "Correct that. Now."

Anya pointedly doesn't notice this. Not only is a little hazing expected, she's not exactly thrilled with Kya's joke either.

Anya had to make a half angled Feintuch reference, sorry.

Kyara is slightly startled at the direction this is turning. "It was only a practical joke, sir," she stammers, "The Chief issued a challenge and I responded. The stuff's harmless. I mean, it's not as if I shot him or something." Another pause. "He did turn /green/, right?"

See, that's not kind. Niko can't loom and be intimindating when he's wincing, and he most definitely does wince at the talk of shooting. His expression hardens once more, though. He ignores the question, instead saying, very quietly, "First. You will apologize to Chief Addison for this incident, and you will apologize to Chief Aleron for the worry that you caused her." His voice sharpens, then. "Didn't you think that we might be -concerned- when the Chief randomly turned green?" Okay, it wasn't quite -random-, but Niko isn't going to say that. He's still trying to figure out why the tangler catalyzed the reaction. He'll be tangling cups of coffee later, and Anya will likely take pictures. "And then..." No, he's not done yet, he's still thinking of horrible evil things for Kya to do.

Kyara frowns slightly at the mention of Clara worrying, but otherwise merely answers with a soft, "No, sir," in response to the question and resigns herself to listening.

Niko considers that for a long moment. "And. For the next two weeks, you are in charge of cleaning the coffee mugs used in Security. They -will- be spotless." As Security goons are not known for rinsing their mugs, this is not the easiest of tasks. "You will also clean Riley's office." Aegean stables, anyone? "You will do this -without- disturbing him, and you will adhere to his requests as to where to put the contents of that office." He finally looks away from Kyara, towards Anya. "Any suggestions?"

Anya's still looking a bit startled and a lot amused at the whole cleaning of the office thing. She's all but snickering. "I think that should be a good start. While she's working on that we can work on some more ideas."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Kyara doesn't groan at Anya's response, but it's a close thing. Glancing down toward the floor, she mumbles a flat-toned "Aye aye, sir." At one point she gives Niko a startled, curious look, but puts off the question burning in her eyes.

Niko, on the other hand, nods at Anya's response. It's a very obvious thing that he has not yet begun to think of evil things for Kyara to do. He puts her down, finally, lightly flexing his fingers. With a curt gesture towards the coffee mugs abandoned by earlier-shift personnel, he says, "Get started."

Kyara glances toward the cups and nods, her tone a bit more resigned. "Aye aye, sir. Permission to report in to the Admiral first, sir?"

Niko, for a moment, looks sorely tempted, but then he shakes his head. She knows not what she asks. "Denied," he says crisply. "Get to work."

You communicated "Riley, Kyara's back from boot. Thought you might want to know." to Riley.

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Huh, hwuh...*pause while he gets his brain online* That's good, thanks, could you..." He pauses, realizing maybe seeing Kyara's not the best thing at this exact moment, "Belay that, thanks. Sorry, I was writing something up and had my brain keyed into that. When I'm done with this I'll hunt her up I guess."

You communicated "*wry understanding* Gotcha, Chief. Take your time." to Riley.

Kyara looks a little surprised at that, but doesn't hesitate, quickly ducking out- probably into Maintenance for cleaning stuffs- and back in. She doesn't even bother to sit as she labors. It doesn't take long for her expression to turn to one of loathing. This is, after all, a domestic chore- nothing /she/ was ever brought up to do.

And perhaps that was Niko's intention all along? We'll never know. He doesn't really pay much attention to Kyara, as his attention quickly focuses back on his work. Is there someone scrubbing dishes? If there is, he's certainly not going to acknowledge her. And if she seems to be having less than a good time, well then, that's as it should be.

Anya shakes her head, finally finishing her comment, "Not Corvil the place, Corvil his older brother."

Niko glances back over to Anya. "Oh." Ping! The light turns on. "And this is a bad thing?" He almost looks disappointed at this, as it seems, at least to Niko, who doesn't actually know Corvil, to be fairly lenient.

Kyara listens in on the conversations around her of course- she neither pauses in her work nor speaks, but them ears are a-perked.

Anya just pauses a moment, still a bit floored as she has no idea exactly what the situation is. "He's been put in charge of a low grav mining base temporarily while his ship's in refit there. Guarding rocks out in the middle of nowhere land and having to wear gravitic boots most places since there's hardly any artifical gravity on that rock."

Niko's brows incline very slowly, and then he nods, a glimmer of approval lighting his eyes. "That seems perfectly fair, considering what happened and all. And I don't mind saying that I'm a little relieved."

Anya has to ask, as well...she doesn't know see, "What on Linnae happened?"

Kyara's eyes flicker toward the pair at the words 'considering what happened'. Silently she blesses Anya for the question she dares not ask.

Niko casts a brief glance at Kyara, and pauses, debating how much to tell. "He instigated the situation," he says finally. "The misunderstanding was mine, but he played on it, intentionally, and encouraged--" Another pause, as he selects his words, "--my choice of targets."

Anya just pauses, looking almost as horrified as Riley did. "He -told- you to..." Suddenly Anya doesn't seem so confused about Guido's fate. "He oughta' be up on charges, not getting off light. Not only was that potentially dangerous, he was spoiling to get you halfblacked or 9080d even though the Chief'd never do something like that...other COs would though."

Kyara looks away quickly from the glance, which is probably just as well as she can't suppress a faint look of disappointment at learning, basically, nothing. Anya's words draw a slight frown- it's for the current mug, really.

Niko nods an emphatic agreement to Anya's words, thought not without a brief pause and a small wince for the mention of a 9080. "If this had happened back on Evinast..." He shakes his head, grim expression suggesting all sorts of evil things that would have happened. "Well, it would've been bad."

Anya nods thoughtfully, "Seriously, especially after the explosion and that woman showing up, and then Lexington -right- before..."

Kyara mumbles softly to herself. "One of these days I've /got/ to find out just how pudding managed to explode..." Clara's letters- very helpful in that regard. Not.

Niko nods once more at Anya--lots of nodding is being exchanged. "Maybe things will settle down for a week. Maybe we'll get a break." A pause. "Maybe the world will end." He shakes his head, then casts a sharp look at Kyara, as he catches only a little bit of her mumbling.

Anya shakes her head, see it's not a nod! "Hey, wasn't it just earlier I was saying Armageddon was nigh and all."

Niko actually chuckles quietly at that. "Good point. Armageddon... a week off from chaos. Same difference."

Anya scoops up a pile of papers she's generated, climbing to her feet. "It's been a half hour, I might as well take these on in so he can sign them and send them off. Half an hour's still ten to fifteen minutes safety margin."

Niko's brows lift slowly, but he nods. "All right, then. Good luck."

Anya nods, oh she's nodding again, "I'll need it." And with that she ducks into Riley's office. There's ominous silence.

Kyara glances toward the office, expression puzzled, and a bit worried.

Niko, after a few moments of the silence, flickers a glance at Riley's door. "That's ominous," he murmurs, before turning back to his paperwork.

Kyara nods, silent for a moment before venturing, "Lieutenant?"

Niko glances back up from his paperwork. "Yes?" He's still angry, but it's kind of a weary anger, downgraded to taut politeness.

Kyara gestures toward the office. "What's wrong with the Chief that y'all seem to be on edge?" Dozens of possibilities are running through her mind, each worse than the last. "He's generally not the scary type."

Niko turns back to his paperwork. "He's angry," he says simply. What a helpful answer. Isn't Niko just a fount of information?

After a bit, Anya returns, paperwork now in a thick envelope and sealed. She gives Kyara a sidelong look a moment, but decides there is such a thing as -too- cruel and hands it off to another Security type with quietly murmured instructions. She looks a bit shaken.

Kyara nods, practically needing chains to keep her eyes from rolling. "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir." Sweetness and light, she is.

Niko promptly leans over and swipes Anya's coffee mug, returning it filled. While it's possible that even coffee can't make it go away, coffee can't hurt, either. He offers her a look of sympathy and concern. "Y'okay? Is he?"

Anya slides into her chair, accepting the coffee with a nod of thanks. "I'm fine, that was just a bit odd. I don't think he's mad anymore. He's just not very...him. Maybe what with the compound situation and all I should've doubled my estimate."

Niko casts a look of decided worry towards the door. "Maybe I shouldn't have told him," he says slowly. "Or maybe I should've waited, or told -you- instead."

Anya shakes her head, "I think it'd have bothered him more if you'd just told me. And it's too potentially dangerous to have just left unspoken. I mean if he was willing to rig it so the Chief got shot, what else would he do?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko nods his agreement, though he still looks troubled. "Yeah," he says slowly. "That's why I told him."

Okay, /that/ breaks through Kyara's composure. Her head snaps up, face paling. "The Chief got shot?" She starts to put two and two together. "Somebody made Niko shoot the /Chief/?"

Anya's tone is dry, "A tangler's all." She's a little peeved about the whole situation though and continues, "And -that's- what triggered that little reaction you set up, on -top- of the mess from the explosion, it was -not- a happy situation. I'm surprised nobody hauled over to camp and dragged you out by your ears, Private Veh."

Niko just nods at Anya's words, a flicker of chagrin crossing his face, though that's rapidly replaced by a flicker of anger as he glances towards Anya. "Maybe," he ventures again, "We should let Clara know what's happened?"

Anya nods after a thoughtful pause, "Might be a good thought."

Kyara blinks at Anya's words, coloring. "Oh dear..." Her eyes flick from Anya to Niko and back, settling on Anya for a looooong moment before she turns back to her work.

Niko nods to Anya, then bends down to his comm unit. [To Clara.]

You say "Hey, Niko here. Are you busy?" into the communit.

"Yep Kya," Anya says, "You're doomed."

Your communit crackles to life and announces "Not particularly. Just going over the stats I got off Riley last night, why?" in Clara's voice.

Kyara turns a neutral look on Anya, calmly speaking. "I'll take your word for that, ma'am. Oh, with all due respect, I suggest the Lieutenant review Stilvanian nominative forms."

You say "I just thought you might want to be made aware of a situation over here." A pause. He's not giving any Stilvani a look, no, not at all. "Everybody's fine, for now, don't worry." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "Situation? What situation, Niko? Do you need a medic?" in Clara's voice.

You say "No, everybody's fine. It'd be easier to explain in person, though. Could you come over to Security?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "On my way. Aleron out." in Clara's voice.

Clara arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Clara has arrived.

Clara heads in the door, hands in her pockets and obviously both curious and concerned. She pauses at seeing Kyara, blinking in surprise, then turns her attention to Niko and Anya. "What is it?"

Anya -had- been starting to be in something of a better mood, but Kya's words -really- ruin that. "Noted, Private." This is grated out.

Kyara nods shortly, but her expression brightens at seeing Clara, though she merely continues to scrub mugs.

Niko gestures Clara closer, the better to explain the situation in annoying mutters that Kyara can't quite hear.

Clara does a double take at Niko as she moves closer in, brows lifting. "I hope the other party looks worse," she murmurs to him, folding her arms calmly. "Now what's up?"

Kyara is, indeed, annoyed, but she keeps her expression bland. All in good time...

Niko smiles faintly at Clara, mumbling something about it not mattering what the other party looks like, then downshifts to explanation mode. He mutters to Clara, "... but Guido... that... misunderstood how... firing... worked,... night,... specifically... I... him--Guido--this morning, and... was... what happened." He pauses, then adds, a bit more loudly, "The Chief's not what you would call thrilled with this."

Clara senses "Niko smiles faintly at Clara, mumbling something about it not mattering what the other party looks like, then downshifts to explanation mode. "See, I didn't mention it to Riley last night, but Guido -knew- that I misunderstood how the firing range worked, last night, and he specifically suggested that I aim for the Chief. I saw him--Guido--this morning, and he was downright thrilled at what happened." He pauses, then adds, a bit more loudly, "The Chief's not what you would call thrilled with this.""

"He -what-?" is Clara's instantaneous response. Unlike the Chief, the doctor isn't exactly slow to anger. In the instant blaze of outrage, she peers up at Niko intently. "I'm not exactly thrilled myself. Crikey, Niko...what were you, where is...how could..." She stops and takes a deep breath, mainly to stop abusing elipses. "Where is Guido now?" she asks in a low voice.

Niko says quietly, "I'm not even remotely placing the blame for this all on him. He suggested it, but I didn't have to listen." At the last question, he pauses a beat, glancing at Anya. "I'm not sure."

Anya offers helpfully, although she's still obviously seething at Kyara. "Probably staring at the pack of paper I sent him in horror. He's been transferred."

Clara closes her eyes for a moment, lips moving as she silently counts to ten in French, then reopens them to peer at Anya, a mirthless half grin forming. "Indeed? How...fortunate for him," she decides, then clamps down abruptly and looks towards the door. "How is he?"

Kyara is being very small and quiet. Better part of valor, and all that.

Anya adds, "To a mining station. Only partially having artificial gravity no less. He deserves charges, but I don't make the decisions." She shakes her head, "He's not really angry anymore, but," and she doesn't hold her tongue -this- time. Not after the crack about nomenclature, "After getting screwed by two of his people in one event, he's not exactly thrilled either. Two people he'd actually come to trust." This is said while watching Kyara with one raised brow. Anya's peeved.

Kyara's scrubbing pauses for a moment as she tries to decide whether those two include her. Then she winces. Hard.

Clara glances sidelong at Kyara, a curious expression on her face, no longer angry herself about the green, but certainly puzzled. "Welcome back, Private," she murmurs thoughtfully, then folds her arms and turns back to the other two. "This is good to know. But what did you need me for?"

Niko takes a moment to peer at Anya, his own thought processes very clearly following Kyara's. . o O ( Does she mean -me-? ) After a moment, though, he relaxes, and glances back to Clara. "Well, I thought... I thought you should know..." He falters a bit, gaze flicking towards Riley's office once more.

Kyara nods to Clara, mumbling an inaudible greeting, her expression heartsick. Those few simple words from Anya hit her far harder than years of scrubbing mugs could.

Clara considers this for a moment, eyeing the corner of a desk, then looks up to glance between Niko and Anya before nodding once and crossing between them to go knock on the doomful door. Yes, the door is doomful. Really.

I need to just make a trigger for this. There's a quiet pop as the switch is depressed that shuts off the silence field around Riley's office, and there's a muffled, "C'min."

Clara walks towards the Chief Addison's Office.

Clara has left.

Niko peers after Clara for a moment, then shakes his head. He mutters to himself, "... hope... can help..."

Kyara nods mutely, ducking her head.

Niko finally turns back to the paperwork, though he doesn't pick up his pencil yet, instead lightly massaging his left hand with his right. "If anybody can help," he says finally, Clara can."

Anya just turns to her own work, "Yeah, seems logical at least."

Kyara looks up for a moment. "I hope you're right."

Niko takes up his pencil finally, turning to his paperwork. He doesn't speak, but does flicker occasional looks towards Riley's door. With his vaguely distracted manner, he's likely putting all kinds of interesting information on the paperwork.

Kyara lets the silence grow for a long time. Then she looks over at Niko, calling quietly, "Lieutenant?"

Niko looks over with a mild start. "Yes? And you can still call me Niko, if you like," he relents. "It's not like we're big on titles and all, here, after all."

Kyara lets out a sigh of relief, smiling just a little. "Thank you." She gestures toward the office. "Is he angry with me too?"

Niko lifts his shoulders in the smallest of shrugs. "I'm not sure," he admits. "I think... well, a lot has gone wrong lately. I think if you'd done the trick without any of the rest happening, he might not have reacted quite so strongly. A tip for the future?" he adds. "Don't let a practical joke get out of your control. That's the way stuff like this happens."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Kyara nods, various expressions taking turns on her face. "I never, ever thought it'd result in this."

Niko nods very slowly. "Good. When you apologize to the Chief, try to make him understand that."

Kyara nods fervently. "You're bloody right, I will." She glances toward the door. "I suppose yelling at him's out of the question though, if he won't listen."

Niko blinks twice. "Um, yes. Rather. A lot." He pauses a moment, then inquires, "Where did you get that stuff, by the way?"

Kyara grimaces, but replies with reluctant honesty. "One of the Bonded Guildmembers helped me get it. She'd used it on her Guildmaster before."

Niko's brows lift very slowly. "Oh, really? Was this Guildmember aware what you intended?"

Kyara nods slowly, meeting Niko's gaze. "She, uh, helped me prepare the coffee."

Niko nods very slowly. "Who?" he inquires. He looks a bit more calm.

Kyara's tone is neutral, but it's quite obvious she'd rather not answer that. "Aliana, sir."

Surprise is not even the word. "Aliana," he repeats. "Aliana. Al-i-ana. I don't -believe- this." It could be said that he's angry again. "She was right -there-, she saw how worried we were, and she didn't say a word."

Kyara blinks. Okay, now she's the one surprised. "She didn't?" After a pause, she offers, "Considering the trouble she's had with her Guildmaster, sir, she may have been too afraid to say anything that would implicate herself."

Niko speaks very quietly. "I thought that -I- was the one who made him turn green, Kyara. She couldn't help but know that, and yet she still said nothing. That goes beyond self-preservation. That's just cruel."

Kyara searches frantically for some way to deny that statement. Finally she sighs. "Yeah, it is. Next time I choose my accomplices more carefully."

Niko gives Kyara a hard look. "Next time?" he inquires. "Next time, you should choose your victims more carefully, too. But, personally, I think there should not -be- a next time."

Kyara glances up with a grin. "Gotcha."

Niko shakes his head slowly. "I'm not joking, Kyara. If you can't keep a joke under control, you shouldn't -do- it."

Kyara nods, amused. "I understand. There won't be a next time. But I made you think there would be. So... gotcha."

With great ceremony, Niko wads up a blank sheet of paper, and pitches it towards Kyara, rapidly followed by another. That's exactly what Riley needs--to come out and find these two engaged in a paper fight.

Kyara giggles, catching the paper balls after they hit her, and returning fire. Not she was ever a good shot with a baseball, much less these lightweight missiles.

Niko, with a laugh, reaches to catch the paper balls, but doesn't quite get that far for the first. That one, he smacks with his open hand, not unlike some bizarre form of baseball. The second he catches, and reluctantly tosses for the garbage.

Kyara wrinkles her nose cheerfully, eyes following the smacked one as it flies by, well out of her reach. "Grand slam." Reaching for another mug, she realizes they're all done, and sinks into the nearest seat. "Good heavens, what a day."

Niko's lips quirk, rather drolly. "Mm. Yes, I think I can echo that sentiment."

Niko gets up to get the other paper ball, too.

Kyara nods, watching him. "I, um, don't suppose anybody got pictures while he was green?"

Niko gestures towards the photo board. "Upper right," he says, voice rather bland.

Kyara grins, spinning in her chair to peer at the board. An explosive snicker is quickly suppressed. "Oh my. I almost wish I'd timed it so I'd be here when it happened."

Niko is silent for a long moment. One can almost hear him counting. "No," he says finally. "No, you don't wish that."

Kyara glances toward him and, remembering the reception she got, understanding dawns. "Hmmm. You've got a point there." She shudders.

Niko nods very slowly. "Exactly," he says quietly, turning back to his paperwork. "My self-control might have slipped more than it did. My apologies for that, Kya."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Kyara's eyes widen in surprise. "No..." Shaking her head, she stands, drawing herself to attention. "No apologies necessary on your part, sir." And this time the title holds true respect, rather than regulated. "I understand perfectly. I'd probably have done worse in your shoes. I apologize for causing you further concern by my actions."

Niko blinks once, surprised, then shakes his head, a hint of exasperation crossing his face. "Now I know what Riley meant," he mutters. Then he raises his voice, saying rather plaintively, "If you really want to apologize, Kya, you can leave off the sir's. I appreciate the respect and all, really, but--" He cuts off his words, then, shaking his head.

Kyara blushes a little, sinking backwards into her chair. "I /am/ sorry, Niko."

Niko's head bobs in a nod. "It was the ultimate horrible ending to a pretty miserable experience. But, seeing as how it wasn't actually done to -me-, I'm also not the person who should be receiving the apology." He glances towards Riley's door, then shakes his head. "Later for that, though."

Kyara nods slowly. "That's gonna be interesting," she mutters.

Niko's tone brooks no argument. "Considering what happened, Kyara, it's the least you can do. Besides, imagine if we'd not been able to reverse it. Lexington would have had a -field day- with a green Chief."

Kyara grimaces. "I'm not arguing with you, Niko. I'll apologize, no problem there. And Lexington can go-" She glances around before finishing that statement in a mumble.

Niko grins a bit at that, guessing at the muttering. "Heh. Well, yes, he can, but be careful who hears that opinion, huh? Last thing you need is to annoy the wrong people."

Kyara nods a fervent agreement with that. "Can't let Riley get in trouble over something stupid I do."

Niko nods slowly. "Nor do we want -you- to get in trouble for something stupid you do. It'd take a lot less to get you kicked out, after all."

Kyara stares at Niko for a long time. "That'd be a bad thing," she finally allows. "Niko... what happens to me if something happens to Riley in the next four years?"

Niko blinks a few times. "Happens..? Nothing's going to -happen- to him."

Kyara inclines her head, acknowledging that. "Since I've met him," she says quietly, "he's been on enforced medical leave at least once for exhausting himself; he's been shot at more times than I care to remember; he's had one experience with an explosion," she can't mention the pudding for fear of cracking up, "And he's got a /lot/ of enemies, it seems. And that's just the stuff I know about. I'm scared for him sometimes."

Clara walks here from the Chief Addison's Office.

Clara has arrived.

Riley walks here from the Chief Addison's Office.

Riley has arrived.

Niko says quietly, with a veneer of calm to his tone, "Nothing's going to happen to him, Kya. He can handle things. After all, look how long he's already been--" He breaks off as Clara and Riley emerge.

Having been given no chance to answer, Riley can only look sheepish as he trails after Clara. He nods amiably to those in Security, offering Kyara a rather wry grin. "Heya' Kya, survive pushups then?"

Clara refolds her arms, a faint smile in place as she sweeps away from Riley and past Niko with a, "Get that man out of here and a few drinks in him, willya?" before flashing a smile at Kyara and the others and hurrying out, although pausing at the door to flash the Chief one final, bright grin.

Clara heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Clara has left.

Kyara's eyes are drawn immediately to the opening door, and at Riley's words- and the grin- her jaw drops. "You... I... Ri... yeah, I... damn, it's good to see you!"

Niko blinks after Clara, then, after a glance at his chrono, nods once. Kyara's greeting causes him to stifle a grin, carefully covered by one uplifted hand. "Not -quite- an apology," he murmurs.

Riley watches Clara leave, not bothering to refrain from the excessively sappy look her grin generates before turning to look down at Kyara, "It's good to see you too. Missed you around the place." He regards the uniform at length, "That suits you, eh?"

Kyara glances quickly toward Niko, overhearing him. Thankfully said uniform goes well with the blush that springs up. "Course it does," she answers, giving herself time to find the right words. She comes up with, "I'm, um, sorry. About turning you green and all, I mean."

Riley is quiet a moment, choosing his words carefully. "It was not perhaps the most well thought out thing you could have done. I was ... somewhat dissapointed. Still, we're all entitled to mistakes. It's okay."

Niko holds his tongue, gaze carefully on his paperwork. Then, as he actually looks at it, he frowns a bit, reaching for his pen to correct some of his more frightening errors. Requisitioning more tails for the Zaeltans, for example, would be bad. Their, tails, after all... well, you know.

Kyara nods, eyes on the floor. A shoe twitches as she represses the urge to scuff a polished toe. "No more practical jokes. On my honor."

"That's a bit extreme," Riley says mildly. "I'd just request you excercise better judgement in the future. The timing on this was...less than perfect." He grins rather broadly at that, shaking his head. "It's done. It's over and sorted out. No worries."

Niko, as he's actually the prime reason the timing was as it was, winces a bit at that, looking rather sheepish. He corrects the paperwork--goodness only knows what the Zaeltans are going to do with terra-cottta tiles, but at least they're not more tails. Then, finally, he lifts his head, casting an approving nod towards Kyara.

Kyara glances up, and finally looks up, up, up with a grin and a sigh of relief. "No worries," she repeats, beaming at Niko's nod. "Oh... I suppose it's a bit late for this, but... Private Frondeur Kyara Veh, reporting for duty, sir." She can't suppress the twinkling in her eyes.

Niko puts in, at that, "She would have been in to report earlier, Chief, but I wouldn't let her."

Riley nods to Niko, a rather thankful nod at that. He appreciates not having to deal with Kyara previously. His then frayed temper would not have held. He offers Kyara an Academy perfect salute, amusing insamuch that he never went to the Academy. He then glances to make sure Anya's left, "Welcome. A hint of advice though? Don't antagonize Anya. She's the real power in this place and she's still seething." Gotta love Security radios. He ambles to Anya's desk, flipping through the pile of messages.

Kyara winces slightly. "Too late."

Riley says rather wryly as he rummages, "I know."

Kyara eyes the Chief. "What'd she say?"

Niko casts a brief glance towards Kyara, then heads over to Riley. "You're off-duty, Chief. Remember? And I seem to remember Clara saying something about you getting out of here."

"I'm not at liberty to say." Riley's brows just arch and he starts to resume message rummaging before Niko speaks and he just looks abashed, putting them down. "Yeah, I guess I better before she comes back and threatens to kick me again."

Niko nods his agreement to that, though not without a mild doubletake. "She threa--never mind. Don't want to know. But avoiding kicking sounds good, yes."

Kyara shrugs, moving around the main desk to snag the duffel she dropped right outside the door. "I believe she said the same of you, Niko. Clara, not, Anya."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko glances after Kyara. "That's up to the Chief," he says mildly. "I'm off-duty, though," he adds, to Riley. "As of about half an hour ago."

Riley tucks his hands into his pockets, "I was thinking of heading to the Fruvous. Clara mentioned rye. A drink sounds -really- good right now."

Kyara glances over her shoulder. "Men's night out?"

Niko says affably to Riley, "I can understand that, sure." Kyara gets a quick, puzzled look, and no actual comment.

Riley blinks a few times, looking a bit sheepish. "I'd appreciate company, but I know y'all have other places to be and all."

Kyara laughs softly. "Not until you give me a duty list, I don't. And I can hardly ask you where you want the stuff in your office if you're not there."

Niko shakes his head smoothly. "I'm not to meet Ela til later. I can let her know, just in case we run a bit late." He grins impishly. "Might get to interrupt another meeting."

Riley pauses a beat, the past several days events having to cause him to search for the name. Sadly he comes up dry, and asks, "A meeting?" He nods to Kyara, "If y'all want to go then, we can go snag a decent table, make fun of passerby, and tell boot camp horror stories?"

Niko supplies, "She's part of the delegation from Hellas, Riley. You met her, but you were pretty zonked. That sounds like fun, though, just let me bug her and let her know?"

Kyara grins, nodding. "Meet ya there in a few? I hate this bloody dress uniform." Regretfully she examines the cuffs of her blouse, soaked in soapy water and coffee stains. "And I look a disgrace."

Niko, with a glance at Kyara, notes, "If neither of y'all are going to be in uniform, I'd just as soon change, too."

A clue hammers its way into Riley's brain and he nods his understanding, "Oh, I remember now. She's from Hellas? Ahh, a friend then? That's a good thing, eh?" He nods to Kyara, "Changing's good."

Kyara nods, sketching a hasty, if perfect, salute. "See ya there."

Kyara heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Kyara has left.

Niko nods his agreement, with a reflective smile. "A friend, yes. You could say that." With a grin, he heads for the exit. "I'll be right back. Going to take the access tunnels; maybe I'll beat Kya."

[Travelspam deleted. Niko goes to his room and returns.]

Niko pops his head into security, that stupid flower shirt looking all the more absurd when one considers that he's also got a black eye. "All set, here. Are we meeting Kya there, or here?"

Riley is still leaning against the desk. "Here I guess." He pauses a moment, glancing at the black eye and obviously having to fight the urge to say something. No official notice, that kind of thing. "It may take her a moment more, having just gotten here."

Niko nods his agreement to that. "Oh, sure. First day in the new room and all." He pauses a moment, expression thoughtful. "I wasn't sure about her in the AF and all. I think she'll do all right, though."

Kyara arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Kyara has arrived.

Riley starts to reply to Niko, but Kyara's entrance forestalls that. He turns to head out the door, groaning, "Great, as soon as I get to be a dad, my kid gets a tatoo. Her mother'll -kill- me."

Riley heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Riley has left.

Kyara blinks, blushes, gives Niko a weak grin, and goes to follow.

Kyara heads towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Kyara has left.

Niko does a mild doubletake at that, trailing behind as well. He mutters to himself, "... not telling... where -my- tattoo..."

You head towards the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

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:

Kyara

Riley

Obvious exits:

Elevator General Housing Library Security Maintenance Medical

You arrive from the Security Central.

Kyara wags a finger. "Badge of honor."

Riley rolls his eyes at that, "Kids, I swear... Borrowing the skimmer, getting tattoos, turning their parents green." Snickering he goes to poke the button, "Let me guess, you want to get a nose ring and be in a band?"

Riley pushes the button.

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

Riley walks into the elevator.

Riley has left.

From the elevator, Riley has arrived.

Kyara walks into the elevator.

Kyara has left.

From the elevator, Kyara 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:

Kyara

Riley

Obvious exits:

Doors

Riley pushes the button marked 1.

The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Kyara wrinkles said nose. "That sounds rather painful. And I'm a lousy musician."

The elevator glides downward and goes "ping" as it reaches floor #1.

With a ping, the doors slide smoothly open.

Riley has left.

From outside the elevator, Riley has arrived.

Kyara has left.

From outside the elevator, Kyara has arrived.

You leave the elevator.

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 open) and appears to contain no people.

Contents:

Kyara

Riley

Sevann

Obvious exits:

Elevator Arch Out Rec Hall Dining Meeting Hall Spaceport

Niko snickers quietly. "What, and tattoos -aren't- painful?"

From the elevator, The doors slide shut, soundlessly.

Kyara snickers. "Well, yes, but so's boot, and... well, there's an analogy in there somewhere."

Sevann is playing with some strange toy in the soft grass, he hears voices and his wings go up as he's surprised.

Riley starts to say something and then stops at Niko's comment, snickering. "Hey, can I have a shot at the timeshare braincell once and a while?" He rolls his eyes at Kyara. As they pass he offers a wave at Sevann. He's been here years, he

Riley starts to say something and then stops at Niko's comment, snickering. "Hey, can I have a shot at the timeshare braincell once and a while?" He rolls his eyes at Kyara. As they pass he offers a wave at Sevann. He's been here years, he's seen it all.

Sevann hasn't been here for years. His skin changes colours slightly, attempting to blend into the grass surrounding him, watching the new people with childlike innocence.

Niko echoes Riley's hand-lifting. His nonchalance may be feigned, but it's still there, nonetheless. "Hiya," he says pleasantly, before flashing a grin at Riley. "Sure, you can have it on every third weekend.

Kyara rolls her eyes, amused. "I can have it removed. Of course, /you'd/ be the one paying for that," she notes drolly to Riley, giving the winged person a nod as she passes.

Riley pauses to give this due consideration, "That suits," he agrees at last. "Most of the time I don't really need it anyhow." He hmphs at Kyara, "Hey, I'm not gonna complain. I just have to torment you about it."

Niko comments idly, "Bet Clara could do it. -She- wouldn't charge."

Kyara snickers. "Like you don't have enough to torment me about already. Ack! Niko, don't suggest it to her."

Riley makes his way towards the arch into the Pavilion, apparently as relaxed as ever.

Riley heads towards the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Riley has left.

Sevann calls in a soprano, and rather screechy, voice. "Me Sev." How's that for a royal introduction? Scaled skin changes a little more. "Who you?"

Niko shakes his head affably as he trails behind Riley. "Only if you want it." He calls over his shoulder, "Niko." Only he's got to follow Riley. He's a flunky. Royalty understand about flunkies.

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:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Steading Gate Bonded GuildHall Java Quarter Complex Gate

You arrive from the Central Atrium.

You will now hear atrium.

Kyara arrives from the Central Atrium.

Kyara has arrived.

Riley heads towards the Java Quarter.

Riley 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:

iley

Obvious exits:

Zimmies Bar and Grill Pavilion

You arrive from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Kyara arrives from the Massive Open Air Pavilion.

Kyara has arrived.

Riley walks towards the Fruvous Bar and Grill.

Riley has left.

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.

Contents:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Java Quarter

You walk here from the Java Quarter.

Kyara walks here from the Java Quarter.

Kyara has arrived.

Riley makes his way in through the crowd, seemingly relaxed despite the mass of people. Finding a miraculously unclaimed table in one corner, he makes his way to it and into a chair.

Niko, yup, trails after Riley, sliding into another chair. Naturally, he starts to bob a bit, to the tune of the band's music, which is loud, but not so loud that it would hinder conversation here at this table in the back. There are a pair of really obnoxious people dancing near the front, obviously paying more attention to each other than to the music, or to the people whose toes they're squishing.

Kyara drops into the chair on Addison's right, turning it slightly so she can see the door. "First round's on me. What'll y'all have? You said something about rye, Riley?"

Riley blinks a few times at Kyara's offer, "I can snag it. I'm the one who hauled you guys out here after all." He nods, "Rye's a goodness. It's one of the finer things in existance, although being alcohol it's inherantly chancy."

Niko flashes a quick grin to Riley. "With the chanciness of alcohol in mind--" And the fact that he doesn't know how much Riley's going to drink. "--I think I'd rather take on some of their tea. Not the scary, chewy kind with too much sugar, though," he adds, with a lifted finger and an amused laugh.

Kyara chuckles, nodding to Niko. "We'll keep an eye on ya, Riley. Soda for me. You know how long it's been since I had some?"

Riley manages to torment a waiter into coming over and places the order. Niko's probably safe considering Riley's extremely moderate drinking habits, but of course Riley doesn't realize Niko's train of thought. "Six weeks?" Riley hazards as a teasing guess.

Niko inquires, "S--oh." He peers at Riley. "Is it your turn for the braincell? Sorry."

Kyara giggles at the both of you. "Three and a half, actually."

Riley snickers quietly at Niko, "Sorry, I swiped it when you weren't looking." He nods to Kyara, "Far too long in the grand scheme of things. So how was boot?" As he asks this the waiter returns, distributing drinks.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko murmurs his thanks to the waiter, then flashes a grin to Riley as he takes his drink. "Aha. Well, then, I'll just have to wait for my opportunity to take it -back-." He chuckles quietly at Kyara, murmuring, "Awww." He actually does look a bit sympathetic, though. He, after all, had his fun month in the wilderness sans hot showers and real food.

Kyara latches onto her soda, gulping half of it down before answering. "It's a little Complex." She taps the table. "Everybody taking sides, fighting for a little bit of power. Amongst us, I mean, not the DIs and all, of course. They were... fairly reasonable." She grins at Niko, not quite sticking her tongue out at him.

Riley sips his drink carefully, resisting the urge to down it. Obviously however the taste meets with his approval from the brief expression. He nods thoughtfully, "Sounds bass ackwards."

Niko nods his affirmation to Riley's words, wrapping his left hand around his glass. "Wasn't quite like that on Evinast," he comments. "Though," he adds, "I'm learning that Evinast was different in quite a few ways." Yes, that's chagrin, painted all over him. It's a shade lighter than vermillion.

Kyara gives Niko a curious look, but nods to Riley. "Oh, most of 'em straightened up about 2/3 through. Some didn't," she notes, her expression neutral, then she adds, "You're famous, by the way."

"The point of boot is that they make you so miserable you learn you can work with anybidy if the situation's awful enough." Riley's reply is relatively quiet. Relative being the key term considering the room's volume. He sips at his drink again, blinking, "Famous?"

Niko ignores that curious look from Kyara--if he doesn't see it, he doesn't have to deal with it. Riley knows what he means. His brows lift at the f-word, too, but he doesn't echo it. That would imply too much braincell-sharing.

Kyara nods, mouth quirking. "You were on the news last... no, weekend leave before last, shown in a rather favorable light, I might add. Some sort of documentary-ish thing."

Riley manages not to sputter rye, instead downing a measure more of it. He's still only emptied half the glass however, being very careful. "The -news-? A documentary??"

Niko has stopped drinking his tea altogether, instead peering with rather puzzled curiosity between the pair. "Hey, can we get a copy of that, d'you think? Anya'd -love- it." With a glance at Riley, he adds, "Seems a bit rude, though, that -you- didn't know about this."

Kyara mhmmms, folding her arms on the table. "They called it 'Life at the Alliance Complex' or somesuch." Niko's words garner a shrug. "They used footage from an old State of the Complex address."

Niko mumbles, mostly to himself, "Wonder if there was any pudding in it."

Riley makes a sound that sounds like he's just had a ferret crawl up his pants leg and try to steal his shin. "What's Clara's phrase? Saints add preservatives? Anya and a documentary, please... talk about private hells." He pulls a candy bar from one pocket, and for once doesn't look the least bit guilty. He's almost smug about it in fact. Unwrapping it he sighs, "Lunatics."

Niko says thoughtfully, "Most folks are lunatics, though, Riley. Sanity is relative." And I originally typed 'sanitary', which is just disturbing.

Kyara chuckles, eyes on her soda as she swirls it. "One or two recruits thought you were rather funny-looking. Called you a fluffhead."

Niko bites his tongue. This is literal, so he also mumbles an 'ow' and takes a swig of his tea before curling his left hand around it once more. He carefully doesn't comment, instead slowly shaking his head.

Riley swirls the remains of his drink a moment, allowing the rye to breathe. "Just what I always needed. Raw privates mocking my hair. I think this adds flavor to my existance."

Kyara shrugs slightly, smiling at the memory. "I convinced them that wasn't the wisest thing to say."

Riley consumes more alcohol. Considering how many poses he's been doing that, it's pretty amazing he's still got a quarter of a glass left. But then this is a guy who tries not to drink often, but obviously enjoys rye. Making it last is habit. "I'm sure that went over like a lead brick on a feather bed."

Niko just shakes his head, gaze flicking away from the others and towards the band--more specifically, the drummer. No, guys, he's watching the drummer's -technique-, not the drummer himself. (Not that there'd be anything -wrong- with that.) "It's easy to judge by appearances," he says mildly.

Kyara nods, looking around for the waiter as she finishes her soda. "That was the big showdown." She blinks at Niko. "But it's wrong."

Riley would be worried if, for example, Niko was thinking about giving the drummer some. "At the OK Corall?"

Niko nods to Kyara. "Didn't say it was. I just said it was easy." His gaze, still mild, flicks to her. "I've never equated 'easy' with 'right'." He smiles.

Kyara peers at Riley, following off the Ladder. "Beg pardon?" Niko gets a confused look too. "What /are/ you talking about, Niko?"

Riley finally gives in and drains off the rest of his glass, although when the waiter comes at Kyara's behest he orders a glass of water instead of another. "Old joke."

Niko regards Kyara for a moment, then shakes his head. "Never mind." He turns back to watching the band, not even remotely considering the possibilities of the drummer getting some. He shakes his head slightly to the waiter, indicating his mostly-full glass. "I'm fine, thanks."

Kyara asks for a Shirley Temple and, nodding to Niko, sends the waiter off. "Old jokes are the best ones... when one understands the punchline."

Riley toys with his empty glass a moment, contemplating its former contents at length. He sets it aside to munch on the candy bar a moment. "So, did you learn anything at boot, Kya?"

Kyara nods, chuckling. "Of course. That's the whole point, isn't it? Are you speaking of inter-AF relations or the... what's the term... book-learning?"

Riley nods his thanks to the waiter as the individual returns. Snagging his glass of water he regards it a moment before shrugging and taking a sip. "Anything, I was trying to be conversational, sorry. My social skills are a bit bogged down this evening."

Niko casts a glance back to Riley, the faintest of grins crossing his face. "I think that might be a bit contagious, Riley."

You communicated "So, uh, I guess you wouldn't be too keen on me ducking out on this, hm? She... doesn't seem to want me here. Or maybe I'm just reading things into other things. Seems to me that you're the one she wants to talk to, though." to Riley.

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Hey, no feel free to duck on out. It's okay. I'm fine."

You communicated "Maybe. Think I might get a drink first, at least. Tea is dandy, but liquor is quicker." to Riley.

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "*chuckle* Alcohol's good. Very good."

Kyara grins at both, fingers flicking in gesture. "Well, let's see. I've learned that sergeants don't appreciate sarcasm. I can recite the CMJ backwards, strip a rifle in the dark and put it back together again. I can still shoot at expert level. A lot of the old skills came in handy."

Niko lifts a hand to catch the waiter's attention. He has to request a few drinks before he actually gets one that the waiter recognizes. He murmurs his thanks, turning attention to the tea. Can't have two drinks at once, after all. His head bobs once at Kyara's words, but he doesn't comment.

Riley takes another sip of his water, crumpling up the remains of his candy wrapper. "That's good. And no, sarcasm is not a desired AF skill. Just be glad you didn't go for the Navy. Sarcasm in boot's a crash landing offense."

Kyara takes a blissful moment to enjoy her drink. "Crash landing?"

Riley nods amiably as he finishes off his water and peers between his two empty glasses. "The thirty-one crash landings. The thirty one ways you can be kicked out of the Navy, although once you're out of boot there's only twenty one."

Niko murmurs his thanks as the waiter returns with his own drink. What an attentive guy, he's gonna get a helluva tip. Good timing for Riley, too. Of course, Niko's drink is a little odd. The color surely isn't natural. He sips at it tentatively, then nods his approval, before nodding once more, this time at Riley's words. Chatty today, isn't he?

Kyara should've tattooed eyebrow on. A blink will have to do. "Good gravy. I'm glad, believe me, I'm glad."

Riley doesn't order another drink however. See, he -wants- rye, but he knows better than to drink it. So he just peers at the glasses. "The Navy's a little stricter about some things."

Niko scratches lightly at his cheek, just below that black eye. "It's not just a job," he murmurs, "It's an adventure."

Kyara's mouth quirks. "And has a much longer boot camp, yes. But all turns out well in the end, neh?"

Riley mmhmms amiably, "Everything always does. Still, the AF's the AF for all intents and purposes."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Kyara chuckles. "That's right, suppress that inter-service rivalry before it starts."

Riley flashes a bright grin, "Oh the Navy's superior Oh Evil Groundpounder." He winks.

Niko nods his agreement to Riley's words, lifting his glass in a salute. "Everybody knows that."

Kyara snorts softly, eyes twinkling. "Prove it."

Riley sets the smaller glass in the larger, pushing them to the center of the table. "Maybe some day that isn't at the end of a week this bad, eh?" He climbs to his feet, "Y'all have a nice night, eh?"

Niko's brows lift, but he nods to Riley, murmuring something in Hellenic before saying, "You, too, Chief."

Sevann walks here from the Java Quarter.

Sevann has arrived.

Kyara blinks, fingers fluttering a bit, but she nods, offering a soft, "Good night, Riley."

Areania walks here from the Java Quarter.

Areania has arrived.

Sevann walks in with Areania, eyes wide, he looks around curiously.

Areania mirrors Sevanns reaction

Riley walks towards the Java Quarter.

Riley has left.

Niko shakes his head fractionally as he takes up his glass once more, idly swirling the liquid inside before sipping. "It's been a week," he notes, nodding politely to the pair.

Areania whispers to Sevann "Now what?"

Sevann shrugs to Areania. "Introduce yourself.." he suggests, he already sorta kinda introduced himself when they passed through.

Kyara nods to the children, not really seeing them, before she turns to Niko. "Okay, so it's been a week, to paraphrase, but I've never seen him that tired."

Kiwani walks here from the Java Quarter.

Kiwani has arrived.

Niko asks quietly, "How tired would -you- be, if you'd gotten tangled and turned green, three days after you'd had your ribs broken--and nearly gotten a lung punctured--in an explosion? Not to mention having to deal with Guido. I think he's entitled to be tired.'

Sevann glances behind him as someone else enters, finding it's not his aehallh, he relaxes a bit.

Your communit crackles to life and blares "Hey, Niko? I hate to bother, but are you busy?" in Elasia's voice.

Kyara ahas, finally getting a name to work with. "What's the problem with Guido? Or... is that the one who convinced you to shoo..." She trails off at his communit blares.

Niko nods to Kyara, also nodding a wary greeting to Kiwani of the Denner-flinging. He lifts one finger, a pleased grin crossing his face at the comm-communication.

You say "Nah, what's up? Is the evil meeting over?" into the communit.

Kyara sits back, sipping her drink as Niko converses with his communit. Seeing Kiwani, she fears.

Sevann peers from person to person, this is odd.

Kiwani traipses into the restaurant, happily jostling random people around her and accusing them of bumping into her. Sometimes, when it doesn't look like she'll get in trouble for it, she adds an insult to the package deal as she shoves people. The wary greeting gets a bright wave, as does Kyara of the fearing -- Kiwi is in a good mood at this moment. Not that such doesn't mean she won't still be annoying, of course.

Areania looks at Sevann wondering if she should interrupu to introduce herself

Sevann hurriedly scuttles his tiny form out of the entering's way, pulling Areania with him. "Watch out!" he calls up at the tall figure, frowning.

Areania smiles her thanks and looks up at the big person

Your communit crackles to life and blares "Finally, yes. It was truly obscene. I was in it up to my elbows most of the day. I was thinking of tossing some food on, and I figured I'd poke and see if you were interested in being fed." in Elasia's voice.

Kiwani's hands go to her hips as she arches her brows down at Sevann and Areania. "Really? Isn't it you who should be watching out, children?" She makes a tsk-tsk'ing sound. "After all, it's much easier for *me* to miss seeing *you* than it is for *you* to miss seeing *me*, don't you agree?" She makes a shooing motion, "Now run along and play now, kiddies, and remember not to talk to evil-looking strangers like me."

Kyara mutters into her drink, "Whatta ya mean, evil /looking/?"

You say "That actually sounds like an excellent idea. It's a little late for catching a sunset into the bargain, though, hm?" into the communit.

Sevann places his hands on what appear to be his hips, kind of copying. "Prince and Princess, tall one." he declares, flickering his wings.

Your communit crackles to life and blares "Yeah," There's a chuckle, "I'm afraid so. The sun's been down a while." in Elasia's voice.

Areania ruffles her wings too for infasis

You say "So where should I meet you, then?" into the communit.

"Oh, right," Kiwani adds in a mock-apologetic voice, "I *am* evil. Sorry about that." Then she blinks towards Sevann and Areania. "Of what, FairyLand?"

Kyara gives Niko a horrified look. "There's /children/ here," she hisses. "And Kiwani. Leaving me amongst them counts as cruel and unusual punishment."

Sevann flickers his wings more in frustration. "I am Prince Sevann Golchild of Yhea, learn your respect, being."

Your communit crackles to life and blares "My place? Do you mind? Fourth floor, E Hall, number 16." in Elasia's voice.

Niko tosses back the rest of his drink--not at all a good idea, from his sudden blinking. "Sorry, Kya," he says, with a sweet smile. "I promised Ela I'd meet her. Can't go back on a promise to a lady, especially not Ela. She knows -stories-."

You say "I don't mind in the slightest. That sounds grand." into the communit.

Areania nods "And I am Princess Areania Crelesantie oh Yhean, Learn your respect!"

Your communit crackles to life and says "Great. I'll stuff the gyraki in the oven then." in Elasia's voice.

Kyara blinks, then nods with a slow grin. Slugging down the rest of her drink, she gets to her feet. "I do believe I hear mugs screaming my name. Have fun, Niko."

Niko looks absolutely thrilled at whatever the comm-unit says, a delighted grin crossing his face. "Don't have any concern about that, Kya. Fun is a given." He gets to his feet, scattering a few giros on the table. "Have a nice evening, folks." And with that, he flees.

You say "Oh, wow. I'm definitely on my way, then." into the communit.

You head towards the Dark Alley.

[Travelspam deleted. Scene resumes on the 4th floor lounge. There was a pemitted message to Ela about a knock.]

There's a muffled call, "Heya' Come on in."

You unlock the door and go into room E16.

Room E16

This oasis of practical comfort may not be as large as other suites on this floor, but it is organized to make the most of the available space. The furnishings are tastefully bland, but they are standard equipment. A long sofa wraps around the bulk of the small living room, and a low pine colored coffee table is perched in front of it. The floor is of a substance that looks just like hardwood, but does not quite make the same echoing sound underfoot. A rug of rich royal blue covers the floor in front of the comm and holounit, and is a decided splash of color amidst the sea of tans and creams. The walls are a soft cream, but they've been liberally littered with bright photographs of friends and family, as well as the occasional framed print of Hellenic scenery. A nearly non-descript screen of taupe cloth conceals the exceedingly comfortable sleeping area, and a small door leads off into a bathroom of creams and tans. The one point of size in the room is the dining unit, it would appear more at home in one of the larger suites down the hall.

Contents:

Elasia

Obvious exits:

Out

You come in from the Elevator Lounge.

Elasia is rummaging around in the kitchen portion of the apartment, rattling around with pans and dishes and generally making a racket. "Heya Niko, come on in and have a seat?"

Niko lets out a low whistle as he comes into the room, tugging lightly on his silly t-shirt. "Suddenly," he murmurs, "I feel underdressed. Gorgeous place you've got here," he adds, at a normal conversational level. He doesn't have a seat, however, instead drifting over to peer at the pictures. "Ooh, these are great. And the food smells -wonderful-." He enunciates each syllable of that last word.

Elasia flashes a grin back your way, "I like it. This whole floor's amazing. This is one of the smallest places on the hall, and it's twice the size of anyplace else I've ever lived. It's kinda wild." She pads to the fridge, pulling out a couple of onions and returns to the counter. "I'm glad it smells good. After a day like today, cooking's just a good thing. Reminds me of home."

Niko bites back a comment on the relative size of diplomats' rooms verses personnel rooms. Size doesn't matter, right? He abandons the pictures in favor of padding over to the counter. (Clearly, he's forgotten that black eye, or he wouldn't even remotely do that.) "Rough day, huh? I'm sorry--those're going around lately." And despite the possible flippant nature of his words, his tone is sympathetic. "Anything I can do? Murder poor, innocent vegetables? Be a sounding board?" He finally does move into view, now, which would explain why your reaction to said evil black eye has not caused conversationus interruptus.

Elasia sets about chopping up veggies, her eyes on that task for a moment, "Nah, I've got it. I just need you around to feed so I don't have to..." She trails off, having looked up and spotted the shiner. "Iolytus Casymed, what did you get into -now-?"

Niko winces, ooh, you used the evil I-name. "Just a discussion that got out of hand. It's fine, really. You should see the other guy," he adds. That statement, after all, is required. He adds, with a shake of his head, "Besides, he had it coming."

Elasia slices at the onions again, long habit and the occasional glance down keeping her on track despite the fact that she's watching you. "What did this other person do?" She questions, sounding a bit bemused. "Make fun of your shirt?"

Niko stifles a snicker at that. "Uh, no. I don't get angry at that. He..." He considers the best phrasing for this, then shrugs. "He played on a misunderstanding that I had, and basically got me to fire on the Chief. Live weapon, even though I thought it wasn't. That would be bad enough, but he got smug about it this morning. I shouldn't have lost my temper, I know, but this on top of all the other crap he's done... well, it was the anvil that broke the camel's back, so to speak."

Elasia is not so startled by your explanation as to cut herself, but a few of her otherwise neatly diced section of onion are looking a bit ragged. "Fire on the chief? Smug?" She finishes off the veggie, gathering up a cloth to wipe your hands. "Niko, if you've not noticed, you've had an awful week."

Niko tips his hand back and forth. "The low points were very low," he admits, "But, then, the high points were very high." He grins a bit, then, murmuring in an obvious quotation, "And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia flashes a grin at that, moving to scrape the onions into a pan with some chunked potatoes. Pouring in a cup of some broth and sprinkling it with chopped herbs, she sets the whole mass to simmering. "Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must," she murmurs. "Still, it does sound wilder than usual."

Niko can't help but drift closer to the food--or maybe to you, who can tell? In any event, he's closer. "It was," he concurs. "Between the pudding and all that stuff with shooting Riley and him turning green, it's really been a bizarre week. I'm hoping for a little relative quiet. Paperwork doesn't sound nearly so boring."

Elasia stirs the mass on the stove, checking beneath another lid. As she lifts it a thick smell of crisp chives and random spices wafts more thickly through the air. It's the sauce for the gyraki from the smell of it. "Paperwork and daylong meetings suddenly do sound nice, yes. No shootings, people turning green, or explosing pudding." Realizing you're closer she turns long enough to give you a sunny grin before stirring some more.

Niko's stomach quietly voices his approval off the more intense smell. "Oh, wow, that smells good," he mumbles. He does, however, feel the need to point out, "It wasn't the pudding -itself- that exploded, though, see. Otherwise I'd likely develop this odd and random phobia of desserts. But -paperwork-, as we both know, is likely to explode only figuratively, and that's a lot more pleasant than the literal variety." He returns the sunny smile in kind, really looking pleased with the situation in general, despite the small symphony coming from his stomach. In A minor.

Elasia can't help but flash a grin back at the various stomach noisery. "Wanna do me a huge favor? Could you snag some plates and such out of the third cabinet? And if you want something to drink, I've got soda in the fridge. And on top of the fridge I have a bottle of Ouzo somewhere if you'd rather."

Niko is nothing if not obediant to a woman in a kitchen. He agreeably heads over to the appropriate cabinet, taking out plates and silverware-esque things and then moving to set the table, chatting conversationally as he does so. "Ouzo... I've not had that in a while. Likely a bad idea, though. They'd actually heard of a goldfish fusion down at the Fruvous. I only had one, though," he adds quickly, with a grin. "Limits, all that."

Elasia's brows lift as she sends another grin headed your way. "Probably bad to be mixing the two, yeah." A buzzer sounds quietly and she rummages for pot holders, leaning over to pull the tray with its host of small golden brown pastries from the oven. "Soda's a better bet." She snags a bowl and neatly lifts the pastries from the cooking tray to it. "Timing was almost perfect. Just a minute or two left on the potatoes."

Niko's attention drifts rather obviously towards the host of pastries, and he has to give himself a shake to remember that, yes, finishing off the table-setting is a good idea. He snags a few napkins, too, even, folding them neatly. "Not mixing 'em sounds good, right. Soda... mm. I really am -glad- you can cook, Ela. This all looks and smells ever so much better than the disturbing stuff downstairs. And the atmosphere's decidedly better, too."

"I always used to maintain," Elasia says as she empties the sauce into a second bowl, taking both to the table and setting them down, "That if I flunked out of school I'd try cooking for a living. Don't know if I'd be any good at it, but I'd sure enjoy trying." She returns to the stove, poking at the potatoes long enough to decide they're done and empties them into a third bowl.

Niko heads over to help carry various bowls to the table--see? Well-trained. "Tell you what," he says cheerfully. "You can develop the menu for a restaurant. I'll even volunteer to taste-test all your dishes. It's a great sacrifice, I know, but if it would make you happy..." Yes, there's an element of humor to his tone, there.

Elasia slips past you to the fridge to aquire a couple of appropriately colored cans of soda, poking you lightly in the ribs as she passes. "Oh, the sacrifice, the horror...the misery. Such a martyr." She offers a grin, heading for the table.

Niko deposits the bowls on the table, his expression shifting from amused martyrdom to mild pleasure as he spots the blue can. "Ooh, thanks." He waits politely for you to seat yourself before doing the same. Presence of a lady, all that.

Elasia settles the cans on the table and slips into one of the seats, grinning up at you. "Nah, thank you for coming. I could've never eaten even half of this, and there's only so long leftovers'll last."

Niko folds himself into the other seat, expression amused. "No, thank -you- for having me. It was a little weird at the Fruvous, and I was very, very glad of an excuse to leave, especially to come to such better company. And," he adds, unable to help himself, "Such -food-."

Elasia nudges the bowl of pastries in your direction before scooping out potatoes for herself. "I spent the last three hours of the meeting trying to pick out something to eat. It was less tedious than figures being recited in an attempt to prove that we need fewer shipping routes."

Niko is more than willing to take the bowl of pastries, taking a good-sized portion for himself. "See, now, I'd -prefer- exploding pudding to something like a boring, three-hour meeting. I'd fall asleep or something--like in that philosophy of science class-and that would just be bad."

Elasia chuckles quietly, eventually snagging pastries and sauce as well. Poking at it a moment with her fork she scoops up a bite. "I don't know. It was at least a source of entertainment for the -rest- of us when you fell asleep." She chuckles, "And a lot of meetings are longer than three hours. Then tend to fall in blocks."

Niko waves a serving spoon towards you, in a mock-threat. "Hey, now. I didn't snore -that- loudly. The professor only caught me that -once-, though I daresay that one evening alone was enough entertainment to last the entire semester." He shudders at the mention of longer meetings, finally getting his food situated so that he may eat. He forgets his beverage for now, but he'll likely remember it soon enough.

Elasia munches a few moments in companionable quiet. It's been an obscenely long day and she's hungry. After a while though she just shakes her head, "It was pretty priceless. I did have to keep Aris from using a molecular bonder on the back of your shirt though. I didn't think you really wanted to be stuck to that seat."

Niko puts the companionable silence to use, neatly inhaling some food. His contentedly mumbled compliment breaks off at the mention of the molecular bonder, however. "Yack," he decides. "That really would've been evil." As he considers it, though, he laughs quietly. "The look on my face would've been entertaining, though."

Elasia looks pleased that you're inhaling said food, obviously more than a little thrilled to have someone to force food upon. "True enough. Not to mention there'd've been those of us distinctly pleased to see you have to take off your shirt and all to get out of class. Still though, it seemed potentially dangerous."

Niko pauses a beat at your words, fork actually halting for a moment. He's got a fan club? Do they have cards, and elected officers, and a secret handshake? "Just a bit, yeah. Like if Aris missed my shirt and got -me- instead. I might have objected just a bit to that--though it would've woken me up, at least." He doesn't even mention taking off his shirt for a roomful of people, though he does start to shade pink.

Well, the handshake at least. Elasia nods amiably, so enmeshed in carefully eating that she doesn't notice your reddening. "It would not have been pleasant certainly. There've got to be better ways to wake up."

Niko watches you eat for a moment, really trying not to be too obvious as he thinks of a much better way to wake up. Then he ducks his head over his food, good food, tasty food, and nods. "Oh, yeah," he agrees. "I can certainly think of one or two. And none of them," he adds, "involve pudding."

Elasia finishes off her potatoes, setting the fork aside and snapping the top on her can. "Pudding is right out, yes. Lovely as it smells, I'm sure you'd really rather avoid it altogether at this point. I resisted the urge to toss some together."

Niko stifles a laugh at that, your can-popping reminding him that he, too, has a soda. "Thank you," he murmurs. "I do so appreciate that." Then, lifting his can, "A toast? To old friends, and new beginnings."

Elasia speaks quietly, a grin that is not easily readable playing across her features. It holds memory, and wistfullness, and comfort and delight, but it is not singularly any of these. "Friendship makes prosperity more shining and lessens adversity by dividing and sharing it. Old friends, new beginnings, certainly." And with that she touches her can to yours.

Niko clinks cans, with an amused little smile for the sound, then sips at his soda. He puts down the can, the better to take up his fork once more, then picks at his food for a moment before saying, "About what you told me the other day. I've been thinking about it. Rather a lot, in fact, especially as I come to some realizations."

Elasia settles down her own can, looking a bit apprehensive at your words. The remains of her own meal get shifted forward slightly and she rests her crossed arms on the table. Her reply is tentative and quiet, hopeful and terrified all rolled into one, "Yes?"

Niko puts down his fork. He can't eat and talk at the same time, after all, and decides that doing the latter is preferable, especially as pausing to chew just wouldn't be kind. "It's really kind of silly that it takes nearly being blown up to get me to see this, and to say this," he says slowly, "But I don't really like being alone. This is the first time I've really had major chunks of time all to myself--siblings at home, roommates at school, that sort of thing. Much as I dislike it, though, if I don't have anybody to talk to, I end up thinking a lot more." His lips quirk. "Not necessarily a bad thing, though." He regards you for a moment, then says slowly, "This is probably really coming out all wrong, but Clara -wasn't- right for me. She implied it, and I finally realized it the other day. You, on the other hand... you..." And isn't he evil? He can't say it, mainly because this pose is gawdawful spammy as it is.

Yep, that's evil. Leaving Elasia on tenterhooks is cruel and unusual punishment. She does not fidget, that would require effort and right now the bulk of her energy is being taken up by her mind going a mile a minute attempting to process any and all implications of your words. Up this possible avenue, down that one to find a dead end and back again and all around. Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for. And hope, as always, springs eternal. She reaches past the bowl, placing a hand over one of yours, but not saying a word. She probably couldn't if she wanted to.

Niko takes a moment longer to collect his thoughts, though he does shift to sandwich your hand between his. He likes that particular method of hand-holding, see, as obnoxious as it is when one is trying to walk and hold hands at the same time. "We've shared so much," he says softly. "There's so much that we've done together, where I don't think 'I'--I think 'we'. There are parts of my life that I couldn't ever, -ever- imagine without you. And this is one of those parts." He takes a deep breath. "I can't guarantee that I'm going to stick around here forever, as I don't have all that much control if the powers that be decide they want me somewhere else. But the Chief would stick up for me, if I wanted to stay--and I do. And a lot of that is because -you're- here."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Blink, blink, blink. Elasia is stunned for a moment, even though she'd hoped to hear that, it's still vastly startling. But then delight and more than a hint of wistfulness creeps into her expression, and eventually she finds her voice. "Niko... I..." She hasn't found words though, that takes another moment. "Thank you. I think I suddenly really know what they mean by the phrase 'to sweep someone off their feet'. I suddenly feel as if everything's flying by, and I want to hold onto this moment forever. I want so much to be a part of your life."

Niko says softly, the barest hint of amusement mingling with the affection in his voice, "Ela... Ela, you -are- part of my life. You're my dearest friend, and I can see the possibilities for -so- much more." He gently squeezes your hands, then. "But there's no need to hold on to this moment. There'll be others. There'll be -lots- of others." He pauses, then, brows quirking fractionally. "Of course, I could get a broom -anyway-, if you like."

The concept of 'so much more' causes Elasia's face to light up even further, as if somebody'd flipped a switch. Her hand held between yours squeezes the hand she's covering gently. "Lots of others. We've world enough and time." She quirks a grin, all but snickering, "Nah, as much as I'd be impressed by a guy who knows how to -clean-," she teases, "I think we can give that a miss."

A slow smile crosses Niko's face as he sees your face lighting. Of course, what he says is, "I can clean. My quarters're clean." And he just brawled in a closet in which he got covered in soap, talk about clean. He chuckles quietly and segues, then, asking almost shyly, "But... you're happy with this, then?"

Elasia cannot even -begin- to express how hapy she is, although her face manages the job pretty well that she can't do with words. Delight, joy, a bit of fear, and a lot of hope war for equal time. (Equal time for equal emotions!) Eventually she manages to speak, but at first not with her own words. "I certainly wasn't happy. Happiness has to do with reason, and only reason earns it. What I was given was the thing you can't earn, and can't keep, and often don't even recognize at the time; I mean joy." There's another pause, "Which is to say, I think this is a situation that transcends the word -happy-, it just doesn't manage to say -enough- about how wonderful I feel about this."

Niko shifts somewhat, the better to lift your hand--well, and his, as they're cupped around your hand. "I'm most glad," he says softly, attempting in his tone to convey just how glad he is. Assuming you don't stop him--and, come on, at this point you're not likely to do that--he lifts your hand to his lips, gently kissing it, then repeats softly, with a bit more space between each word, "I'm most glad." He's got a quiet delight about him, almost deceptively calm, until you get a look at his eyes. And there's nothing calm about -them-.

Melt. If Elasia on the -outside- were doing what she was doing on the -inside-, she'd be in a puddle on her seat. As you're holding her hand, it's just evident that her heart is all but racing. In fact, I'm just going to repeat the word 'melt' a few more times. Melt, melt, melt. Okay, this is -just- starting to get the meltage factor across. This woman's got her heart's desire across from her, and holy cow the things he's saying. A single tear, most assuredly -not- one of sadness, brims out of her eye and down her cheek, although a couple more are waiting in the wings and threatening emergence. "Niko, I... I just can't believe how wonderfully lucky I am."

Niko looks just a bit concerned by the impending waterworks, and promptly gets to his feet--not, it might be noted, releasing your hands--to walk around the table, the better to hunker at your side. Just think how much more suave this would be if he didn't have the shiner. "Hey," he says softly. "Ela, hon, you don't have to cry. It's all right. I'm just sorry it took me so long to come to my senses. And as for luck..." A slow smile crosses his face. "Well, I think I came out ahead in that particular department." Yeah. Not only did he not get blown up into a million pieces, he didn't end up court-martialed for tangling his CO and accelerating photosynthesis, but, dang, he's just in this amazing situation, just now.

Elasia uses her spare hand to brush the tears from her eyes, chuckling almost raggedly so struck is she by emotion. "I'm sorry, I promise I'm -not- upset." She brings that hand up to gently brush through your hair seeing as you've so kindly put it in stroking range. "And I think your timing was just perfect. Absolutely perfect. Even if it was inspired by exploding dessert products."

Niko did, it may be noted, get all the scouring powder out of his hair, something for which he's profoundly grateful at this particular moment. "See?" he asks, with a quirked grin. "Even exploding pudding isn't so bad. I'll have to suggest to the Chief," he adds, in obvious jest, "That we explode dessert products more often. Who knows what other revelations I can accomplish?"

Elasia hmphs softly in mock indignation, "No blowing up food products if you're going to break legs, hmm?" Her eyes do flash however and she traces a hand through the hair behind your ear, fingers featherlight, "Although the smelling of butterscotch was a lovely side effect."

Niko closes his eyes for a moment, firmly concentrating on calculating the square root of of 256, and proving, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that it is, in fact, sixteen. Yep, he does this in a moment. Smart guy, inn't he? "I will try my hardest not to break any more legs," he promises. "It's a decidedly unsettling experience." At the mention of butterscotch, he chuckles quietly, adding, "I meant what I said about that cologne. If there's anything you'd like that -wouldn't- make Pen attempt to dine on me, though, I'm amenable."

Elasia's fingers maintain their quiet trek through your hair and across the nape of your neck, simply delighting in having you so close to hand. "Aww, but half the fun of it is that lovely slobbered upon by puppy look." She grins again, simply far too pleased for words. "The way you smell normally is just fine. It's you, and I've never wanted anything like I've wanted you. Hence it's the most wonderful smell in the universe."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Ooh, math, math is really a wonderful thing. And he's going to have to move on to calculus before too much longer. The integral of e to the x... no, wait, that's -not- going to work. He concentrates on your words easily enough, though, with a reasonably stunned smile. "Ela... I'm really -not- fishing for compliments here, I swear, but... me?" Yes, he really is that modest.

Elasia ought to go in for a professorship if she's inspiring this much scholastic merit... Those fingers work their way down through your hair and onto your neck. "Yes you, and nobody else -but- you. You're funny, warm, kind, a gods-be-danged -knight-, and extremely cute to boot."

Niko shakes his head just a bit, though not so much that he moves your hand or anything. That's something he most definitely does not want to do. He does, however, look decidedly embarrassed, a slow blush traipsing gleefully across his face. "I..." He looks for a moment like he's going to argue some of those points. "Well. Thank you. That really is good to hear." His lips quirk just a bit. "I could compliment you, now? See if you blush, too?"

Elasia laughs quietly, a sound made almost musical by delight. "That's okay, I know I blush. Rather efficently as I recall you noting before. Although you're not a bad hand at it yourself." Her fingers maintain their gentle patterns, "I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Niko shakes his head very slowly, that slow, delighted smile crossing his face once more. "No, it's all right. You're allowed to embarrass me. I officially give you permission." He chuckles quietly, adding, "I can get it put on a card or something, and stick it on your door, so everyone will know it's all right."

"Now -that-'s tempting," Elasia's grin is vastly amused. No really, just the grin. "Or maybe a card I could carry around with me in case of torment emergencies. 'Sorry folks, stand aside, I'm liscensed to torment this man.'." Rather sadly she glances at the floor, "As much as I love having you there, that can't be a comfortable position."

Niko peers down at his knees for a moment, then nods slowly. "Well, no," he says, with vaguely amused candor. "Not especially. But I didn't think that that was really the moment for pausing to drag the chair all the way around the table." He takes a moment to gear up for the fun and delight of standing upright, then does just that. "Ah. Much better, yes. Though I suppose I could've just sat down, instead."

Elasia slides to her feet as well, slipping lithely from the chair and standing just before you. "We could go sit on the couch?" She suggests. "It's better than the floor." She then pauses, suddenly cognizant of the time. Looking rather markedly saddened by the realization she explains, "Or what with it so late and all, you'll probably be wanting to head off to sleep."

Niko considers that for a moment. "I very likely -should- go sleep," he says slowly, clearly not especially keen on that particular option. "But," he says, "I likely wouldn't sleep for a while. Too keyed up, y'know?" Glancing across the room, he adds, "Actually, another thing I should help you do is clean up all this. You cooked, after all. At the very least, I should help."

Elasia shakes her head slightly, "I'll get it in the morning. If you want to stay, that's fine. But all I'll do is stuff the leftovers in the fridge for now and toss the dishes in the sink. Not a complicated endeavor."

Niko takes a moment to reconcile 'in the morning' with 'you can stay'. After that moment ends, he shakes his head, fairly sure that you didn't just suggest what he thought you just suggested. "Whatever you'd prefer," he says affably. "Aunt Eleni's not one for anybody else cleaning up, either." He casts a markedly tempted look at that couch, then shakes his head again. "But you've had a long day, that evil meeting and all..."

Elasia catches at your hand, nodding. "A terribly long day that you have just made the most wonderful day in my life. I'm in no hurry to cut it short." She chuckles quietly, "I just don't want to keep you up to all hours. You'd likely end up breaking something else."

Niko is more than willing to have his hand caught, and finally does move over to that couch. "I'm glad I could help," he says, with a quick smile. "And I don't break things just because I'm ti--well, no, wait, there was that one time, and since you were -there- for it and all, I likely shouldn't try that."

Elasia stifles a quiet laugh, moving over to the couch as well and folding herself down onto one part of it. With one leg tucked beneath her, the other hangs off the side to the floor. "I don't think I'd like to have to explain that to your parents. See, Mrs. Casymed? Niko stayed up at my place til an obscene hour and then went out and got broken."

Niko rather tentatively settles an arm about your shoulders, though he does not, it maybe noted, do the whole yawn-stretch thing--even though he does actually look tired enough that the yawn could be believed. "Mom understands about me and getting broken," he says drolly. "Really. The whole family does. I think Losi gets disappointed if too long passes without some form of breaking, as she likes to hear the stories as to how it happens. Evil child."

Elasia settles in close beneath the arm, providing something of a prop as well as getting to rest her head against you. "Siblings are supposed to be evil though. It's required. If they weren't evil, they'd be friends, not relatives."

Niko considers that for a moment, then nods. "Well, yes. It's a lot more fun to pick people and inform them that they're your sibling, though I daresay my sisters would smack me--again--if they heard that."

Elasia laughs softly, one hand absently tracing out to rest on your leg. "Oh dear, that sounds like a story."

Niko nods once at that. "Several stories, in fact," he quips. He peers down at your hand for a moment, smiling fondly. And he's tired enough that he doesn't have to think about math. So much for Ela getting that math chair at Harvard. A yawn is caught by the teeth, as it were, and Niko shakes his head. "Ela, I'm afraid I'm going to have to flee, after all. I have to work..." He frowns, trying to remember when. "Uh, tomorrow. Sometime. Have to check my schedule. But being late would be not the best of things."

Elasia squeezes the knee her hand rests on lightly, nodding. "Yeah, I figured as much." She offers a grin, "Thank you Niko, again... And again, and again. Sleep is good though, you look like you're a fair bit behind."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko nods, though his reluctance is still clear as he gets to his feet, replaced by a smile at your words. "Ela, you really don't have to thank me," he says softly. "Or, rather, you already thank me, every moment that I'm with you, just by being yourself." He reaches for your hand, smile turning fond.

Elasia slides to her feet, prepared to acompany you to the door. She's more than content to allow her hand to be captured, "Niko, if you keep saying things that wonderful, I'm going to turn into a puddle on the floor," she cautions teasingly.

Niko can't help but chuckle at that. "Well, no, we can't have -that-," he says. "That'd be more for you to clean up, only since you'd actually be part of the mess, you cleaning might be a little rough. And speaking of explaining to parents, yack, that'd be a little terrifying."

Elasia laughs again, clearly amused at -that- mental image. And wouldn't you be? 'Um, hi... err you're daughter's in a bucket.' As you both reach the door, she pauses. "Umm, this is goodnight then I suppose. Sleep well?"

Oh, dear. It's the goodnight, and the moment of wondering what, exactly, is an appropriate farewell. And this isn't even really a date, though it's not like these two haven't ever spent an insane amount of time together, as long as they've known each other. Niko nods his agreement, though, murmuring his own soft, "Goodnight." He takes a step closer, to give you a hug. That much, he figures, should be acceptable, though he's fairly sure that Galahad wouldn't kiss on the first date.

Elasia slips her arms around you, seemingly quite content with this as a farewell. Resting her head on your chest, she squeezes you carefully. "Goodnight Niko. Be careful and all, avoid desserts with a chip on their shoulders."

Niko likes this, this is particularly nice. Only one problem, though, he does actually have to leave. With a soft laugh as he extracts himself from you, he says, "I think I'll be able to avoid kamikaze sundaes on my way downstairs. Sleep well, hon, okay? Sweet dreams."

Elasia disentangles herself just as reluctantly, chuckling quietly. "It's the ones with cherries on top that will get you every time." She nods, "Sweet dreams to you as well. Nights candles have burnt out, and good men should seek their rest."

Niko nods at that. "And good women," he murmurs, casting a sweet smile over his shoulder. "Good night, Ela." And with that, finally, he leaves.

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