3/17/99

[The scene opens in Security Central.]

Riley arrives from the Second Floor Elevator Lounge.

Riley has arrived.

Niko looks up from his work as you enter, and pauses. "Should you be here?"

Riley offerz a rather zonked looking wave the the room at large as he enters. He shakes his head in a negative at Niko, "Lexington." He 'explains'.

A look of annoyance crosses Niko's face. "What's he done -this- time?" But then he shakes his head. "Look, whatever it is, it can wait, right? You don't want Vryce on your case."

Riley tugs a folded scrap of plasfilm from one pocket, shoulders slumped, too tired to try and contest Lexingtonage-evil. "Direct order to get my hide down here."

Niko mutters something under his breath about some sort of ancestral dallying with goats giving Lexington his horns. "Well, your office counts as here, too, right? Why don't you go crash?"

Riley re-tucks the film into his pocket, nodding. "Yeah, snag those reports and hit the couch." There's another vague wave, and an added rider. "Clara commed last night, she says to pass on her regards." And with that he heads into his office.

Riley walks towards the Chief Addison's Office.

Riley has left.

Niko looks after Riley with a nod, waiting until the office door closes before he gets to his feet and moves to attack the coffee. No, he doesn't shoot it--this time--he just snags a mug, anger gradually building in his dark eyes.

Niko finally gives up finishing his paperwork as a lost cause--even coffee can't make it go away--and gets to his feet, stalking towards the exit.

[Travelspam deleted. Scene resumes in 4th floor lounge.]

Niko knocks sharply on the door to Lexington's quarters.

After a pause there is an officiously called, "Come in."

You unlock the door and go into room K18.

Room K18

Contents:

Lexington

Obvious exits:

Out

You come in from the Elevator Lounge.

Lexington is seated at a luxurious desk. It, like everything else in here, is scaled down to size. The ceilings are still high enough thankfully. He replies crisply, "May I help you, Lieutenant Casymed?"

Niko has managed to throttle his anger and shove it into a very small box, but the lid to the box strains to open, as may be suggested by the brittle coldness of his eyes. "Chairman Lexington," he greets. "I was wondering why you found it necessary to order Chief Addison down to Security."

"He is the Security Chief, his job is in Security," Lexington's reply is smoothly toned, a hint of delight hidden beneath his words. "He has been markedly lax of late. There are reports I wanted this morning, I sent them down two days ago, more than plenty of time for him to return such simple affairs. They are vital, and I will have them."

That sparks a hint of anger, the coldness in Niko's eyes starting to dissipate--but not to a particularly pleasant warmth. "Two days ago," he reports, his voice bland only by effort of will, "We were dealing with the situation in the Underground. I would think that being caught an explosion would call for some sort of leeway."

A decided hint of a grin is apparent over Lexington's neat beard. "Come, come Lieutenant, exceptions simply cannot be made. The rules are the rules for everyone. I should think you of all people would understand that, having arrested the Security Chief when the situation demanded it."

Niko protests, his calm cracking briefly as he feels a twinge of guilt at the mention of the arrest, "The situation was different. You can't compare that to this situation." With an impatient shake of his head, he adds, "If you just give him a day to get back on his feet, he'll -do- the reports, and they'll be done better for him getting the rest."

Lexington shakes his head crisply, hands neatly folded, regarding you with decidedly pleased calm. "The reports must be done now. He will do them. How much less complicated can I make this for you, or are you perhaps slow?"

Niko straightens his jacket, tugging on the fabric with a bit too much force. "They don't need to be done now," he says flatly. "You're just using your power to make life miserable, just like you did by transferring Clara. Did you think nobody would figure out it was you that did that?"

Lexington's tone hardens a bit, losing some of its lighthearted tone. "I never signed any such order, to transfer Major Aleron." There's a pause, "I am not using my power to make life miserable, I am using my power to make life a walking hell."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko moves closer to the desk--so close, in fact, that he can rest his hands on the edge, which he does, leaning lower in unspoken threat. "Just because you didn't sign it doesn't mean you're not responsible." His voice is lower than its usual baritone, rumbling somewhat ominously. "Abusing your power like this is unethical and dishonorable. Stop."

Lexington doesn't stand. It really isn't going to help him any. You have the definate height advantage after all. "Why should I," he drawls slowly. "Am I supposed to be afraid of you child? I think not." His voice acquires a bit of an edge. "I have waited a long time for my revenge, and now that it is at hand I will enjoy it."

Niko, miraculously, laughs at your last statement, though the sound is utterly without mirth. "You make statements like that, and you call -me- a child? I've seen people less mature than you, of course--my niece and nephew, for example. They just turned three." Expression hardening, he adds, "And of course you're not supposed to be afraid of me. You've got all the power and I don't have any--right?" His tone is touched with irony. "Just don't push too hard, Lexington. You'd be amazed what seemingly powerless people are capable of doing." And the threat in his last statement can hardly be mistaken.

"I think you over-step yourself, Iolytus." Oh dear, he knows, and used, the first name. Lexington's tone is quite less than pleased. "Perhaps it is time for you to learn not to meddle where your attentions are not welcome."

Niko straightens instinctively at the use of his first name, especially in such a tone. But then his brows lower and he shakes his head, doggedly plunging onwards. "Riley is family," he says tersely, making an extreme tactical error if this information isn't already known. "Even if I weren't doing this because of friendship, family obligation would suggest it." He pauses a beat, then spells it out. "I'm not going to back down on this, Lexington. Leave him alone."

Lexington just gives you this amazingly nasty grin. A grin that can best only be described by a phrase that isn't polite to use. "I am afraid then we are at an impasse, as I am hardly likely to 'leave him alone'. I would suggest that you leave, before I comm up your own people to have you removed."

Niko starts to reply with some heat, then pauses as the grin registers, as does, perhaps, the awareness of what he has done. "Just think on the consequences before you do anything else to him," he says sharply, though his words fall somewhat flat. Turning crisply, he heads for the exit, already plotting how to break the impasse with some iocaine.

Lexington leans back in his chair, cackling softly as you leave, like a villian in a bad Dr. Who episode.

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

[Travelspam deleted. Scene resumes in Security Central.]

Niko looks somewhat less angry as he returns and slides into his seat. Matter of fact, he looks just a bit rattled. He doesn't say anything, though, instead tapping at his terminal to log on once more.

Anya just happens to be leaving Riley's office as Niko returns. She's not looking pleased, although Niko's attitude garners a questioning look. "Everything okay?"

Niko pauses a moment as if to figure out whether everything is, in fact, okay. "Why wouldn't it be okay?" Yep, it's a hedge. He gets to his feet to snag more coffee, inquiring, with a gesture towards Riley's office, "How's he holding up?"

Anya just shakes her head, "He shouldn't be in here." Hello obvious statements. She doesn't seem to be buying the shrubbery though. "You don't look like everything's okay."

Niko settles into his seat once more, sipping at the coffee then setting aside the mug. "He shouldn't," he mutters, with a glare upstairs-wards that gradually fades. He runs a hand over his hair, as if dislodging nonexistant dust, then offers Anya a small smile. "I don't? Sorry, I'll have to work harder at it, then."

Anya slides into her seat, "I'm not going to be able to torment it out of you, am I?"

Niko considers for a moment, then shakes his head. "Nope. Probably not. It probably doesn't even matter, anyway." Funny, he doesn't look too sure of that.

Anya just shakes her head, "I won't harass then, you look like you could use a break from being harassed. But if you decide it's allowable, I'd love to know."

Niko's smile is somewhat more genuine. He nods once, after a brief glance to his terminal. "Sure, Anya. I'll keep that in mine." There's a pause, then he tries a random and awkward segue. "So how's Addie doing?"

Well, at least it's an easy topic for Anya. She just -sighs-. "Driving the teachers bonkers at nursery school again. I swear, I get the most -creative- notes home as these poor people try and figure her out."

Niko can't help but grin at that. "She's making life, uh, interesting for them, huh? Not all that surprising, I guess."

Anya nods, shifting through a stack of paperwork. "They had the kids drawing their families. I don't think the teachers were expecting broken people, and penguins on skates, and talking sandwiches..."

Niko is silent for just a moment, hand lifting to cover his mouth, but then the snickering escapes. "That's great," he approves, amidst snickering. "Hey, it's -creative-. Can I steal her again some evening, Anya? She's such a great kid."

Anya just sighs quietly, chuckling. "My mother is so thrilled of course, she thinks Addie is suitable revenge. I may make her answer the letter I'm expecting this evening. Addie mentioned they intend to discuss careers, and what the kids will do when they grow up today. I forsee doom." She nods amiably, "She'd love that, although if you could refrain from major redecorating projects this time?"

Niko throttles another grin, and then nods, looking just a bit sheepish. "If we paint, we'll stick to paper, yeah. Hey, does she like cats?" No, the two statements are -not- related, he's not going to let Addie, no matter how cute she is, paint the kitten.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Anya's brows arch up, "Cats? Do I even -want- to know?" Yes, she's suspicious, she needs to be. She has to live with Addie.

Niko explains, with a look that's likely meant to be reassuring, "I got Ela a kitten for her birthday, see. Though Addie might be a little young for that, still--uh, visiting the kitten," he adds quickly, lest Anya get the wrong idea. "Not receiving one."

Anya looks a bit relieved, "She adores animals, she keeps suggesting I hide Pen in my jacket and bring him home. You'd just need to make sure she didn't try to abscond with said kitten."

Niko grins at that. "Can't say as I blame her--Pen's a great dog. We'll keep an eye on Scutter, though, make sure she stays where she should. She's little enough that hiding her in a jacket would be pretty easy, after all."

Anya, like everybody else, has to ask, "Scutter?"

Niko supplies, "Scutterbotch. She's about the same color as the pudding, see--that's why I had to get her."

Anya takes a moment at that and then laughs softly, "Only you two would name a cat that. It fits, all too well. A cat sounds like a good idea to me though. Pets are good."

Niko nods his agreement, attention turning partly to his work once more. "She's fun. And she'll be there for company if one of us has to be gone--schedule weirdness and all." He pauses a beat. "Uh, that wasn't criticism, of course."

Anya nods pleasantly, "I understand what you mean though. Conflicting schedules, or being trapped in giant underground temples, things like this tend to interfere."

Niko nods his agreement, a wry smile flickering across his face. "That sort of thing, yeah." He shakes his head. "This job certainly isn't boring, that's for sure." His tone implies, though, that he's happy with the job.

Anya starts to nod, and then peers as a courier comes in, making her sign for a small package. Regarding it a moment she gives you an odd look and offers it.

Niko, looking a bit puzzled, finishes off the phrase he was typing and takes the package, with a murmur of thanks.

Anya turns back to her own work, although she regards the package a moment questioningly.

Niko opens the package and skims the contents. He blinks, expression holding no small amount of startlement, and reads once more. He might be reading it a third time--that's hard to tell--but he's surely staring at it.

Anya turns in her chair, brows lifted, and looking worried. "What is it?"

Niko says quietly, "I seem to have made a mistake." He offers the contents of the package, still looking just a bit floored.

Anya just looks confused, by accepts the package's contents, sorting through it. Her eyes just widen and her jaw drops, "What in the -heck-..."

Niko rouses himself enough to explain. "I... when Riley came in, it was just the last straw, I guess. I went upstairs to talk to Lexington about it." He passes a hand across his face. "Felt good, some of it, but I guess it wasn't the smartest thing in the world to do."

Anya just looks shocked still, "But, but, this is -insane-. No other duty assignment, no nothing, just nixing you from staff? Good thing you're staying with Ela, he's even re-assigning your quarters..."

Niko pauses at that. "To a closet?" he inquires, with a thin smile. "And Lexington doesn't seem to be the most sane sort, so I guess this is in character for him." He shakes his head fractionally, then rubs at his eyes.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Anya shakes her head, "To nothing. Non-staff, no quarters..." She continues leafing through the papers. "You're supposed to turn ID and weapon over to the Chief..."

Niko pauses a beat, with a quiet noise of displeasure that sounds rather like 'ack'. "He's not going to be at all thrilled by this. On top of everything else..."

Anya just nods, chewing absently on her lower lip as she reads through. "I don't see any loopholes, Niko..."

Niko shakes his head. "No, there wouldn't be." His jaw clenches for a moment, then he shakes his head, figuratively jumping up and down on the box that houses his temper, lest it fly open. "So I guess I'd better get this over with." With a tight little smile, he holds out a hand, apparently for the box's contents.

Anya sighs quietly, but returns the stack of paperwork. "It'll be okay, somehow, it has to be."

Niko, striding over to knock on Riley's door, says quietly, "Yeah, but it's the 'somehow' that's the kicker."

The light by the door blinks green.

You walk towards the Chief Addison's Office.

Chief Addison's Office

Contents:

Riley

Obvious exits:

Central

You walk here from the Security Central.

Riley is seated behind his desk, propped against it like somebody's stuffed toy set up to a tea party. He looks up from frowning at a report. "Hey Nick, what can I help you with?"

Niko is understandably--at least to him--fairly grim-faced as he comes through the door, though he does make an honest effort to appear otherwise. "How's it going? I've just got, uh, one small matter." He doesn't offer the paperwork just yet, though.

Riley regards the paperwork with the distaste it deserves, although he doesn't quite realize that. "It goes, it goes. Just working on these ridiculous things. I swear, this recquires (note extraneous c) a statistician, not me. What's up?"

Niko starts to explain, then shakes his head, moving to stand in front of the desk, the better to offer the paperwork. "I'd offer to help, but statistics and I don't get along very well."

Riley shifts up an arm to accept the paperwork, moving with slow care. Bringing it to the desk he leafs through it, eyes widening to the size of those neat little demitasse saucers people use in old movies. "What in Peesh's name?"

Niko's voice is quiet and level, but there's an edge to it that hints at his anger. "I crossed Lexington. This is his response."

And Riley's not exactly cheerful either now, anger slowly condensing into a cold fire, both burning and frozen all at once. "I will have the insane little midget's head. He has no -authority-..." Well he does, probably why Riley cuts off. "Admirality House is going to fix this, or they're getting me on their doorstep."

Niko shakes his head quickly at that. "No," he says flatly, before softening his tone somewhat. "Riley--please. I don't want you to get in trouble over this. I'll... I'll figure something out." He pauses a beat, then borrows Anya's phrase. "It'll be okay, somehow. It has to be."

"Nick, he's taken Clara, he's taking you." Riley's tone is intent, "What in the world worse could they do?" He nods at the latter, "This will be cleared up." He looks a bit sheepish, "Until then, well vacations are nice?"

Niko finally folds himself into one of the chairs, not seeming to mind that it's uncomfortable. He draws his tangler and reverses it, offering it to you. "I don't know what he could do, but I also didn't imagine that he'd do this. He could do worse. He's reveling in it, the pastry-headed bastard." His voice cracks with anger, then is smoothed with an effort. "But vacations... yeah. Nice." He'll just go stir-crazy.

Riley shifts forward enough to accept the tangler, thumb absently double-checking the safety in long ingrained habit as he sets it down onto the desk with a quiet thump. "I've a scheduled meeting with him this evening. Scheduled meaning it'll be recorded and public record, he won't be able to just play light skip and jump with the situation. I'll see what I can do."

Niko fumbles for his security ID as well, then, with a hint of reluctance, the radio. Those are offered as well. "I would rather you didn't, Riley."

Riley accepts the ID, but opens his mouth as if to object to the return of the radio. But he closes it again, accepting it as well, setting the tree objects together. "But Nick, this can't be allowed to be!"

Niko says, with a faint smile, "Yeah, I agree with you, there. It's wrong. But I'd rather that things stay as they are rather than getting worse." He doesn't look at the radio. He's not pining. Really. He's just angry--still--as the furrowing of his brows shows.

Riley just shakes his head, "It'll be sorted out." And that, in his mind, is that. He gestures to the radio, "Those aren't security only you know." He offers it, "I'd really appreciate it if you hung onto it."

Niko pauses a beat, then takes the radio with a nod. "Thanks. I can do that much, at least." He replaces the radio, settling it carefully, then inquires, with one of those segues he does so awkwardly, "How are you feeling?"

"I have felt better," Riley admits, looking pleased that you took the radio. "Reports, I swear." He shakes his head, "Howbout you, get some sleep and something to eat and all?"

Niko's head bobs in a brief nod. "All that, yeah. And hot water, besides--that was very good." He pauses fractionally, then adds, "I told Valentine that I'd let her know what we learned about the cause of the destruction of the temple. Maybe Kayce or someone can handle that?"

Riley nods to that, slowly beginning to re-arrange the papers on his desk. "Yeah, although there's not exactly much to report just yet. They're still down there investigating, and trying to suffer through the archeologists spazzing."

Niko snorts quietly at that. "I'd thought it would've taken them a bit longer to get down there, but I guess I should've known better."

Riley's half-smile is rather wry. "They're being very picky about how we're allowed to investigate. Quite the pain, still, they're contributing decent excavation equipment to the effort."

Niko nods thoughtfully. "That's got to help, at least, despite the pickiness." He starts to add something, then shakes his head, with a small grimace. "Must be fascinating for them, though."

"They were telling me earlier how danged lucky we were to get out of there at all." Riley explains quietly, still slowly sorting through pages. "They were excavating along our tunnel for a while."

Niko nods firmly at that. "We -were- lucky. All that falling rock, then coming back out through it... bad stuff, that." He pauses a moment, then gets to his feet. "Anything else you need, before I get going?"

Riley shakes his head only slightly, movement kept to a minimum. "No, I'll let you know as soon as I know anything."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko's head bobs in a brief nod. "Thanks, Riley. Just... don't do anything that'll get yourself in more trouble, okay?"

"I shall attempt to endeavor not to do so," Riley agrees quietly.

Niko murmurs a quiet farewell, and heads out to Central.

You walk towards the Security Central.

Security Central

Contents:

Cartoon

Tally Board

Obvious exits:

Chief's Office Brig Elevator Lounge

You walk here from the Chief Addison's Office.

[Travelspam deleted, time passes. Scene resumes in Ela and Niko's room.]

Elasia comes in from the hall, a massive carton of files in arms. She manages to drop her keys in the dish by the door kept for that purpose.

Niko is curled up on the couch with the kitten. Scutter seems to have done something to help him get back his equilibrium, as he only looks mildly irritated, and even manages a smile as he sees you. "Need a hand?" he inquires, getting to his feet and scooping the kitten up with him.

Elasia looks somewhat startled, having not expected you here. She dosen't look unpleased by any means however. She shakes her head, moving over to drop the box off onto the coffee table. "Nah, but thanks. Putting it down wasn't the hard part. Getting it up here was." She reaches up to scritch the kitten in your arms. "They let you off shift early?"

Niko shakes his head, returning to his sprawl on the couch. "Nope." He pauses a beat, then decides just to say it. "I've been detached from Security. Got Lexington annoyed with me."

Elasia starts to follow you to the couch and then just stops dead for a moment. "Detatched? Huh?" She decides to follow the rest of the way, sliding in to sit close. "Annoyed Lexington?"

Niko explains quietly, one hand running absently along Scutter's fur, "He ordered Riley down to Security this morning, even though Riley was supposed to be recovering from whatever he did to himself in the temple. I... got angry, made that clear to Lexington. So now I'm without a job here." His smile is thin. "Hey, at least I'm still AF."

Elasia acks quietly, attempting to edge in close. She may not be a kitten, but maybe she can be comforting too. "What's going to happen?"

Niko slips an arm around you, apparently taking comfort in your presence. "I don't know," he admits. "Riley said he'd try to fix things, but... well, he couldn't keep Clara from being transferred. And Clara didn't actually do anything to Lexington."

Oh dear, the evil t-word. Elasia attempts to wrap her arms around you in return, resting her head against your chest. "How can he -do- this, it's insane."

Niko bends down to kiss your hair, his head resting there for a moment. "It's insane," he echoes. "He's a vindictive bastard." He just sounds tired and unhappy as he says that, though. "He flat-out told me he was using his power to make Riley's life hell."

Elasia takes a long breath, not about to let you go anywhere, "They're not going to transfer you though, are they? Like they did Clara?"

Niko hesitates for a moment. "I don't know, hon. He hasn't yet. I'm not going to harass him any more--at least, not any time soon," he amends. "So I won't give him any excuse to do that. But... well, like everybody's been saying, he's insane. If I am transferred, though, I'll argue it."

Besides, if Ela has anything to say about it, they'd have to drag her along too. Which is pretty evident seeing as her arms are locked tight around you. "Something needs to be done about that ... that inbred self-gratifying son of a illiterate scythian ape."

Niko nods his agreement to that. "Somehow, getting through his term is sounding less and less easy."

Elasia curls her legs up, all but in your lap. "You are not just whistling a quaint regional ditty." Ahh, language shift. "What are you going to do?"

Niko settles Scutter into your lap, the better to wrap his arms around you and hold you close. He rests his head lightly against yours. "I'm not going to do anything, today. Once I hear how Riley's meeting with Lexington goes tonight... I don't know. Filing a protest wouldn't do me much good."

Elasia uses the opporunity to scootch into your lap. Now see it's a layer cake, kitten, Ela, Niko. "Meeting tonight?" There's a pause, and memory hits, "Oh yeah, one of those official ceremonial ones. They've been getting things all set up downstairs, there's a bunch of those on tonight."

Niko nods his affirmative. "Official ceremonial, yeah. I just hope... Riley's gotten enough hell from Lexington. I don't want any more to happen, on my account."

Elasia shifts to petting Scutter. This kitten is going to end up very laid back at this rate. "I'm sure everything will be fine. I'm sure he doesn't want any more hell either."

Niko nods his agreement to that, still clinging to you. "I'm sure he doesn't, either. Might get it anyway, but he doesn't -want- it. Just... Lexington can say things that are really tough not to respond to."

Elasia snuggles in closer, questioning softly. "Is that what happened to you?"

Niko nods once, expression a little sheepish. "I was already annoyed when I went up to see him, but yeah, mostly. He's obnoxious."

Elasia brings one hand away from the kitten and up to your shoulder, gently rubbing at the muscles there. "He has quite a knack for offending people, yes. It's his gift. Hopefully things will work out, it will get sorted out. The AF has to be annoyed by now with the interferance."

Niko offers you a small smile, kissing your cheek gently. "I hope they are," he says, casting an annoyed look towards Lexington's quarters. "He's certainly done enough to deserve that." He mutters a few choice insults.

Elasia sighs softly, discontent with the situation, but not her position or the kiss. It is very difficult to be upset with the world when it's so comfortable and Niko-ridden. "I can ask around in the morning. Their offices are at the end of the hall, if there's anything to be heard, that's the place to hear it."

Niko nods agreeably. "I'd appreciate that, love. Riley can be kind of closed-mouthed at times, after all. Though I might end up just going down there, myself."

"That might be in your best interest," Elasia agrees quietly, "If you don't at least protest it..."

Niko, with another nod, murmurs, "They might think I agree. Which I don't. Not even remotely." He shakes his head, a hint of anger touching his tone as he says, "Should've -known- he was going to do something like this."

Elasia continues rubbing at the shoulder, working her way up to your neck. "It is certainly his style. He likes to pull people up from their roots."

Niko seems to be relaxing somewhat under your ministrations. At the very least, he sounds a little less grouchy as he says, "This time, though, it's not going to work. I'm not sure what's going to happen to keep it from not working, but it won't."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

"It won't, it can't." Elasia seems firmly convinced of this, bringing up her pther hand to work on your other shoulder.

Niko offers you a crooked little grin. "Well, then. We're in agreement, so we -have- to be right."

Elasia nods emphaticly, "Exactly," she agrees. "Wanna lie down so I can get to your back better?"

Niko ponders that for a moment, then nods. "Yeah. I'd appreciate that, hon." Of course, assuming you're still in his lap, he can't move -just- yet.

Elasia slips from your lap, letting the kitten down on the floor. She slides to her feet.

Niko stands as well, taking a moment to claim a hug before he does anything else. "Thanks, hon."

Elasia returns the hug with an intent one of her own a moment before she slips clear and heads towards the bed. "Not a problem, I think you could use it." She offers an impish grin, "Besides, any excuse to have my hands all over you is a good one."

Niko grins as he heads over to the bed as well, sprawling on it in a physics-defying maneuver that manages to take up an obscene amount of space. "Aha, now the ulterior motives come clear."

Elasia slides onto the edge of the bed, sitting crosslegged next to you. "Hey, you can never trust an altruist. Somebody with a nice trustable ulterior motive on the other hand..." She chuckles quietly, hands moving to knit out knots in your lower back.

Niko pillows his head on his folded arms, apparently relaxing somewhat. "Well, I trust you," he says lazily. "Whether you've got an ulterior motive or not."

Elasia starts to work her way up your back, eradicating knottage with a firm gentleness. Hi, and welcome to confusing phrases. "Besides, a relaxed Niko is a good thing. Hi Scutter." This last is as the kitten jumps onto the bed. "She's mastered leaping I see."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko turns to peer at the kitten, offering her a greetingful grin. "Hi, Scutter. Her name seems confusing to folks--at least, her nickname does. She's a good cat. And being relaxed is very good, yeah." He pauses in his jumbling of conversation to add, "Oh, and I asked Anya if I could steal Addie, maybe bring her up to see the kitten."

Elasia continues working her way up your back, chuckling as the kitten paws carefully at you. "Helpful kitten." She hmms, "Well, seeing as a scutter's a nickname for a maintenance droid and all. Addie? That sounds neat, y'all going to paint our walls?"

Niko muffles a snicker. "Good Scutter," he murmurs, watching the cat for a moment before adding, "And I told Anya that we'd keep our painting on paper, if we painted."

Elasia chuckles quietly, giving a particular knot close attention. "Probably best, although it would certainly be festive. Keeping an eye on Scutter would be good though, she's still learning, wouldn't want Addie to get scratched." Actually the cat will need to be saved from Addie. Ela is innocent.

Niko is relatively innocent in the ways of Addie-evil as well, and so says only, "Anya just said to make sure she didn't swipe Scutter. That would be bad. I'd rather have our kitten -here-, after all."

Elasia's fingers continues to work slowly upward. "I have to agree. I'm decidedly attached to the little butterscotch colored beastie. Even if she did nearly make me late for work this morning."

Niko inquires, moving to play with the kitten's whiskers, "How'd our little Scutter do that, hmm? Such a good Scutter kitty.

Elasia snickers softly, "Remember her previously mentioned fascination with the shower? She got a little too investigative this morning and got soaked. I had to find a towel and rescue the poor dear, although to do this I had to manage to stop laughing first. She looked so non-plussed..."

Niko, snickering as well, shakes his head. "Poor baby. I can only imagine. That had to be pretty weird for her." He rubs at the kitten's face with one finger, looking decidedly amused.

"She also seems to have an all ecompassing need to know what's in the laundry chute, so keep an eye out." Elasia's hands make their way at last to your shoulders, where she begins work on them.

Niko mumbles a vague affirmative, eyes closing as he relaxes. He's still very much awake, though, as proven by a muffled snicker. "Imagine the notes from laundry if -that- happened."

Elasia's fingers work gently but persistantly at your shoulders. "They would certainly be startled. Of course they

Elasia's fingers work gently but persistantly at your shoulders. "They would certainly be startled. Of course they'd probably send her back with a note saying they couldn't get the butterscotch stains out."

Niko murmurs an amused agreement, shifting somewhat. His eyes open enough that he doesn't accidentally squish the kitten. "Good thing, too. I like Scutter -with- the butterscotch stains, and would be really annoyed if they sent up a little white kitten."

Elasia chuckles quietly, murmuring a sound of agreement. "She'd probably be quite annoyed too. She's rather proud of that fur of hers I think." Fingers keep working their way into knottage.

Niko muffles a yawn as he nods. "She should be. It's gorgeous fur. S'why we've got her. I'd just about decided not to get a kitten when I saw her."

"Where'd you find her, love?" Elasia continues, trying to work you into a nice pudding-esque puddle.

Niko is pretty darn close to pudding. "Place in the Quarter. It's not a pet store, but they had a cat who had kittens."

Elasia ahhs quietly, looking altogether pleased at your puddingdom. "She is without a doubt perfect." She leans down to brush a gentle kiss on the back of your neck.

Of course it is at that -exact- moment that an alert tone goes peals from your comm-unit and another one, slightly different in pitch, on your ear-radio.

Niko acks at the varying tones. "Ack!" See? He ack'd. "Evil timing. Shouldn't be -getting- those any more." Looking vaguely annoyed, he half sits up.

You communicated "Riley? D'you know what's up?" to Riley.

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Sorry, yeah, we have a situation. Seems Lexington's dead."

You communicated "*long pause* Proof in the power of prayer, dang. *briefer pause* Okay, thanks for letting me know. Let me know if there's anything I can do?" to Riley.

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Will do, yeah. Shuttle blew, like Maosun. They're dredging up pieces now."

You communicated "Huh. Well, there's consistency at least." to Riley.

Niko, after a moment of listening, blinks. "Lexington is dead," he reports slowly. "Shuttle explosion."

Elasia just looks startled, "Seriously!?"

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "S'crazy. Thank goodness for once nobody's trying to blame us. Beyond security slackness."

Niko gestures vaguely towards his ear. "Got it from Riley." Of course, Riley said that it -seemed- that Lexington was dead, that being the operative word.

You communicated "That's a relief, I guess, yeah. You'd think they'd be more original about it, though." to Riley.

Elasia just stops a moment, stunned. "Wow, downstairs must be a madhouse. Bet I get called any minute. Wonder if I can pretend I don't exist. But that's -terrific- news." She looks sheepish, "I mean..."

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Least it finally seems to prove Maosun was killed, I'always said he was killed."

Niko nods his understanding, a wry grin crossing his face as he gets to a full, upright and locked position, legs folding tailor-style. "I know. It's not good that he's dead, but if anybody had to die..." He pauses for a moment to listen, then adds, "Good that it was him."

You communicated "An extra bonus. *wry chuckle* Can't really say that I'm going to miss him." to Riley.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia reaches to huge you, chuckling ruefully. "Hopefully this will clear things up, for everybody."

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Me either. Not missing, nope. Little bastard's gone. Good riddance. Yeah."

You communicated "So you can catch some rest now, right? You sound like you could use it." to Riley.

Niko slips his arms around you as well, looking chipper, if somewhat thoughtful. "We'll see. It'll be interesting to see who's elected -now-."

Elasia slides easily into your arms, "Mind if I switch on the closed circuit channel downstairs? To see if they're trying to run electionage?"

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "When I get a chance. Sorry. I'm not as tired as all that. I was getting my dress uniform on, which ruins though processes. These little buttons. Tired though, very much so. But if they're gonna elect somebody else, I hafta be there."

Niko shakes his head. "Don't mind at all, love." He pauses to snag the remote, offering it to you. "There y'go."

You communicated "*muffled snicker* Lexington's last bit of obnoxiousness, timing his death like this. Well... I'd say that I hope they'll be quick about it, but I know better." to Riley.

Elasia accepts it with a nod of thanks, keying on the channel. "Oh wow, they are in a hurry. Like as not we'll have another chairman tonight. The tried this when Maosun died, y'know."

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Not likely. Maybe they can tie me to a hatrack or something."

Niko shakes his head. "Didn't know that. It didn't work then, though, right?" He's still vaguely pudding-esque, despite the surprise of the alerts and the noise.

You communicated "Ack, now there's an image. Ela says they're in a hurry, at least. That sounds promising." to Riley.

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Yeah, I gotta get on down there."

You communicated "*sigh* Good luck, Riley." to Riley.

Elasia curls up against you, "Nope, it didn't. They got to it, but it got tabled at the last."

Your ear receiver beeps, followed by Riley's voice, "Preciate it, first thing I'll attack whoever it is with is getting you re-assigned back."

Niko shakes his head, bending down to sneak a quick kiss. "Think that'll happen this time?"

You communicated "That'd be great, Riley. Thanks a lot." to Riley.

Elasia is more than willing to allow kisses to be appropriated. "I don't guess so, there's fewer candidates now and all. Folks got out of the race."

Niko murmurs, "Good. Maybe it'll be quick this time, so Riley can get back to rest. He said he'd see about getting me reinstated to Security, though, which is good."

Elasia nods amiably, reaching up to swipe a kiss of her own. "It'd be a good move of whoever to try and get Security on their side after this, so there's a good chance."

Niko nods his agreement to that, with a grin for the kiss. "Sounds like a good plan to me, the new Chairman getting Security on his or her side. It'd surely make life happier if I got my job back."

Elasia gestures to the screen as Riley shows up on it, padding to his position and looking beat. "Voting can start now. Give it less than six hours from now, maybe closer to four."

Niko grimaces a bit. "That'll put it past midnight. Riley... well, he has to be there, but it'd be nice if he didn't."

Elasia nods to that, hugging you close a moment and the shifting down to sprawl on the bed, teasing at a kitten paw as she does so. "He ought to get an XO."

Niko nods his agreement, curling on his side next to you on the bed. Absently ruffling Scutter's fur, he adds, "That'd be good, yeah. He does too dang much."

Elasia mrhrrms sosftly, watching you and the kitten with an absent grin. "He's not the only one. The lot of you work too hard. Maybe the new chairman can be pestered for a better budget."

Niko, scooping up the kitten and petting her into a semblance of purring submission, shakes his head. "That would truly be a miracle. I don't think it'll happen, though it's a nice thought."

"Yep, she has you well trained." Elasia nods, "Hey, if we're thinking positively, we might as well think -really- positively."

Niko looks up from the cat with a grin. "Hey, kitten-petting is therapeutic, for both of us." Keeping up with the petting, he nods, adding, "Really positively, sure. I'll mention it to Riley, see what he thinks."

Elasia looks a bit sheepish, gesturing to the channel. "Maybe waiting a bit. With all that and all..."

Niko nods emphatically to that. "Oh, yeah, I didn't mean -now-. Was thinking after everything settled down and all. Besides, I'm petting Scutter right now. Can't do anything else." He's joking, of course.

Elasia laughs quietly, shaking her head, "-Very- well trained obviously. And you only had dogs as a kid?"

Niko mmhmms. "No cats. Dad's allergic, I think. There was -some- reason, as I remember an argument when I was about ten--Cip wanted a cat."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Elasia ahhs in quiet understanding, "Still, very wel trained for a newcomer to the art."

Niko ruffles Scutter's fur one last time, with a smile, then finally stops petting. "Scutter's worked very hard on me."

"Things always seem to happen in waves here." Elasia pauses, "Do you think, maybe, now that Lexington's gone, Clara can come back?"

Niko blinks at that. "I... I don't know. Lexington said he didn't do that, but I still wouldn't be surprised if he did. That's definitely something to check on, though."

Elasia teases at a kitten paw into chasing after her finger. "Yeah, it'd seem to be. So many things he's messed up."

Niko nods his agreement to that, absently watching the kitten-teasing. "He really was a bastard." Sounds like he's making a comment on the weather, as his tone is a bit abstracted.

Elasia lets Scutter conquer her evil fingers. Spoiled kitten? Not at all. "Things will be better now." She sounds quite assured.

Niko casts a grin towards you, then slides closer to steal a kiss. Sneaky, isn't he? "Things will definitely be better now. No more low ceilings, probably get my job back... yes. Much better."

Elasia doesn't seem to object to your sneakiness, instead beaming at you. "Although that shake got rid of the ceilings. Scared some folks witless, the ceilings coming down."

Niko doesn't look especially surprised by that. "It was pretty scary from my end, too, yeah. Were you okay?"

Elasia mmrhrmms quietly, resting her chin on crossed arms. "Startled, and quite a mess. I had to drag poor Scutter from beneath the bed though."

Niko acks softly, taking a moment to pet the kitten. "Poor kitty." He shifts closer to you, slipping an arm across you. "Well, hopefully there'll be nothing quite that earth... er, Linnae-shaking for a while."

Elasia edges in close to the arm, looking content. Nice safe Niko arms are good things. She glances up at the flatscreen a moment, "That would be good to avoid. All that fallen plaster was less than cheerful. Not to mention you being squished down underneath."

Niko says automatically, "But I didn't break anything." He's really far too proud of that fact, isn't he? He peers towards the screen a moment, without much visible interest, then turns his attention back to you.

Elasia understands what the little screen is saying, see, and hence is interested. "None of the blocs have voted yet." She nods, "This is a good thing. I like my Niko unbroken."

Niko murmurs his thanks for your explanation, then adds, with a grin, "I like your Niko unbroken, too. Being unbroken is a much happier state."

"Yeah, I can't do -this- when you're broken." And at that Elasia shifts and pounces upon you with a snicker.

Niko makes a purely undignified sound, halfway between an ack and a squawk, but sounds decidedly pleased. "Remind me never to break, then. Mmm."

Elasia then goes about stealing a quite thorough kiss. "Good," she says, sounding satisfied.

Niko, naturally, objects quite a lot to the kiss-thievery. Really. He does. Matter of fact, he finds it necessary to swipe a kiss in return. "This is much better than being broken," he decides.

"I'm glad you like it," Elasia asserts in an amused tone. "I work very hard at being better than being broken." She grins, "It really is good to have you back. Even if it does mean you had to get un-assigned to have some time off."

Niko nods his agreement to that, with a pleased smile. "Yeah. I don't know, part of me is hoping that maybe I'll get a day or so before I have to go back. But Riley needs the help and all." He sneaks a quicker kiss, then adds, "I hear there are some folks out in the Quarter who play chess, up on the hill. I was thinking about checking it out sometime." (So he can break something playing chess, of course.)

Elasia squeezes you in a hug before sliding down to curl next to you. "Time off would be nice. Maybe off someplace, just us." She ahhs, "That sounds like fun actually."

Niko looks a bit hopeful at that. "Going away? Going away would be nice." He curls mostly around you, muffling a yawn. "And chess is fun and exciting." Yes, he's serious.

Elasia curls up inside your arms, all but mimicking the kitten's purring in her contentedness in being in your arms. "Very nice indeed. Tired?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Niko mmhmms. "Got up too early this morning," he says, a bit sheepishly. "Guess I'm not quite caught up from that evil in the temple."

Elasia tugs on a blanket edge, "Why don't we get some sleep then? Sleep is good for you."

Niko mumbles a vague affirmative. "Will you wake me when they've done voting?" he inquires, dark eyes fogged with sleep, but still alert enough.

"Of course, hon." There's no question that Ela'll stay awake to watch that. She's a diplomat, it's in the rules.

Niko yawns hugely, then curls a little more closely around you. "Thanks, love. Sleep is good. Sleep is very good. Maybe I'll have a job tomorrow. Love you."

Elasia mrrhrms softly, "Good night Niko, I love you too. Sleep well."

Niko murmurs something vague, letting his eyes close. "Maybe get a -good- chairman this time," he adds drowsily.

"Let's hope," Elasia agrees softly, curling to watch the flatscreen from within your arms.

Niko drops off to sleep fairly quickly, though he doesn't move away from you at all, instead clinging fairly closely.
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