After a conversation filled, not to mention dusty, walk back to the Academy grounds, the party finally arrived at the Academy. With Toby's help an additional room was arranged for Dr. Caravelli and Mage Neesa, leaving the other room for Gabriel Akkers, Tasha, and Toby, at least until Tasha asked the young human if she could have some time alone with her mate. With formality behind them, Tasha offers her report from the ancient captain's lap.

"I know it hasn't been very long, at least unofficially, but several important finds have come since we last spoke and you should know about them. Also, I needs your advice." Picking up her datapad from the bed stand, Tasha turns it on even as she leans back, tail wagging against his side. "Let me give you an overview and what I learned."

"The Magi class Gryphons were built by a sect of Khattan Progenitor Cultist who believed that the Seventh Heaven, the location of Adam's mind or spirit, resided here in the Sinai System. Each Magi has a corresponding species, pilot, Origin Marker, and mission outline in verse format. Each Magi has a code name that extends to their pilot: Melchior and I are the Bird of Hermes; Caspar and its pilot are the Serpent of Arabia; Balthasar's is Homogenie. One final verse outlines the ultimate goal of the Magi and how they should go about it. It, of course, being Adam."

"Of course, the Melchior's Marker has gone missing, and until very recently, I had no leads on the other Magi. That has changed. Thanks to Scholar Hakeber, I now know that the Caspar was berthed on the Imperial ship Lucifer, which was lost, along with its escort fleet, when it fell to Sinai. I also now know what it looks like: Caspar is a reptilian machine, much like the Melchior but green rather than black. This provides us with two good leads on where to recover our lost artifacts and brings us one step closer to the other artifacts, and ultimately to Adam."

After taking a moment to catch her breath and let it all sink in, Tasha studies her mate's expression as she continues. "You're smarter than I, so I'm sure you understand when I say that attempting to locate Adam is a serious matter. Miss Hakeber has explained that the Kampfengruppe have their origins with the Terra of your time, that they originate from a group called the Teutons, and that they colonized a world named Fafnir. On this world, they supposedly found Eve, the human progenitor, and with her was both the Origin Marker of Humans and information about Adam. I believe their purpose in joining the Expedition was in reaction to the Khattan search for Adam, based on their own findings, or both. And, all this leads to a number of problems."

Scooting to face Gabriel fully, Tasha puts her datapad aside and says, "Chasing Adam could lead us in to conflict with the Kampfengruppe. Further, it could be considered a deeply religious pursuit, which may be a path we're unwilling to follow. There are many reasons why I want to complete the mission that the Magi have set out for me, and yet there are also reasons why I shouldn't, the most important of which is you, Gabriel. I want to know your opinion, both as my mate, and as the leader of the JEF."

Gabriel runs a hand through his hair, and thinks in silence for time being, with his other arm around Tasha's waist. "Well," he says, "You do have a lead, at least. But it sounds like it's on Sinai, unless you intend to approach the Kampfengruppe? Officially, the JEF should try to open relations with them, pending approval from our sponsors in the Pit. If your Magi continue to follow the trend of Melchior and Caspar, then Balthasar would be for a Silent Ones pilot - taking the 'Homogenie' symbolism at face value, since they're a genetically homogenous race. Any Progenitor cult among the cheetahs would be deep underground though, I'd think."

"As for putting JEF resources into this search for Adam - that isn't a possibility just yet," Gabriel notes. "We don't have resources, or any charter that would extend to Sinai either. Following those leads would be a personal thing for you, officially. I can't speak to the religious issues, though. If there are still Progenitor cultists on Abaddon, they may seek you out if you make things too public, which I don't think is your intent - and I'd advise against it anyway. Right now, all you have are stories and references, but nothing beyond Melchior for actual proof, which is a blessing in disguise. Until you have proof - like an Origin Marker - then you shouldn't be seen as a threat by anyone with a stake in it all."

"As for the Kampfengruppe: if you think they are here to interfere with the Magi mission, then there should be some evidence in the records," the ancient Karnor points out. "We know that the Harbingers were reassigned to separate them from Melchior - but we haven't dug deep enough to know who was behind that yet."

"You're as smart as always," Tasha says, leaning over to kiss her mate. Grinning as she leans back, she admits, "I'm not certain of anything right now, save that the Magi were created for this task, and with this intention. All else -- the details -- are a mystery. There is one more clue I missed, however: when you all urged me to meditate and make contact with the 'inner voice', the one Fred believes is a firewall, and Nora a magical construct, it gave as much of an intent as it ever has: follow the poem, find Adam." Glancing at her datapad, Tasha shakes her head, admitting, "And I want to, too. The more I look in to this, the more I feel pulled in by it. I just don't want to bring everything with me, if it all comes crashing down."

"Well, then I have to ask: what do you think your next move is?" Gabriel asks, putting a hand on Tasha's shoulder.

Looking back, Tasha replies, "Well, that depend son your orders for me, and the JEF's needs. But, I think you're asking, 'what would be your next step if you're free to chose,' and that would be to return to Sinai and attempt to locate the Origin Marker of Vartans, Caspar, or both."

"Oh," Tasha flicks her her ears, "I also wnat to bring Scholar Hakeber with me; she's an expert in current and Expedition-era Progenitor Cult matters."

"Hmmm, there might be more to learn here still," Gabriel suggests. "I'll have Mariel comb through the Orpheus records about the Harbingers for you. I'm sure you've made friends with some of the Silent Ones and Celestials by now, right?"

"Mostly the Silent-Ones, believe it or not," Tasha answers, smiling. "Archon Strength-of--Stones is my friend, and Tomorrow's-Hope is as well. They're both good men, and part of a group of Titan pilots that I was raised to as part of the ceremony mentione din my last report. As for the Imperials ... "The young woman squints, trying to recall, but has to reach for her datapad anyway. "Oh, that's right, Dr. Drasskessa'tek, or 'Kessa Drake'; she's one of the PHTO members; we met at the same time I met the Archon, and she seemed very friendly, as well as knowledgable. I'm less certain of the other PHTO Imperial mmeber, so, she's my best bet. Unfortunately I didn't have the same impact on the Imperial faction during my stay in the Pit, as I focused on the other three."

"If one of the Magi was with a ship of the Celestial Empire, they may know more about it," Gabriel points out. "The same for the Silent Ones, if they were given one of the Magi as well - although that would be something of a delicate topic to bring up, as a Progenitor belief is anathema to their religion - but it may be part of their pre-Star belief system."

"These are very good ideas, and I'll be sure to follow up on them when we return to the Pit. You'll be busy with politics, won't you? That should give me some time to work, if I'm not required for something-or-other, such as monsters, ancient space splitting machinery, angry planets -- you know, the usual." Tasha laughs, then noses Gabriel, leaning forward. "Maybe I should ask them to sign up on my itinerary, so disasters can make sure I have no free time at all?"

"Disasters can't be all that common, and they have been dealing with them since well before we showed up," Gabriel points out, tapping Tasha's nose. "But yes, I'll be tied up with the council most of the time. Now that Dr. Zerachiel has finished crunching your sensor data, it's time to see about acting on it."

"Oh I'm sure, it's just I seemed to fly in to them on a regular basis back there. Which reminds me ... " Glancing at her datapad again, Tasha untangles a hand to search through its menus, and then nods. "Do yu remember what I said about Abaddon? I've begun to wonder if Abaddon and Adam are not a seperate problem, and that understanding one may help with the other. Abaddon may even have known Adam, and there may be something between them that caused Abaddon's reaction to the Fleet species. Alternatively, being able to prove we are 'of Adam' may reassure Abaddon that we belong here." She puts the datapad down, and looks back. "It's just an idea, of course." After loking the man in the eyes a moment, she suddenly asks, "Do you think I should be the one to find Adam?"

"I think you shouldn't be looking to communicate with Abaddon again if you don't have to," Gabriel notes. "And it's probably too early to think about finding Adam. You needn't worry about that until you have your three Markers, after all. One step at a time, Tasha - if you look too far ahead, you may miss what's under your feet."

"I know," Tasha admits, shifting so she can lay against her mate's chest. "And that's what worries me. The poem isn't just a mission outline, it requires things of me -- it wants me to change -- and what it's urged me to become isn't a bad, but at the same time, it confuses me. How do you seek out a thing and yet not show ambition? I've checked my reasons again and again, and I think they're sound, but I wonder, too, if I'm not becoming obsessed, even cocky. I'm sure this is all part of its test, but ... " Drawing in a breath, she shakes her head, shifting the man's uniform. "I'm probably worrying so much, and here we're back together again, and I put more work in your lap!"

"Most religions have a clause about showing humility as the path to enlightenment or salvation," Gabriel says. "It isn't anathema to ambition though."

"I'm sure wrestling with it is part of the quest," Tasha agrees. She closes her eyes, shifting until her head rests more fully against Gabriel's chest, tucked just under his head. She sits there for a long moment, seeming to be content to just rest there, snuggled close.

"It will be quite a wrestling match at that, when you return home," Gabriel says as he strokes Tasha's blonde hair. "I think you'll have a hard time staying humble to your family and friends.. but then again, if you did they might not recognize you."

"I know," the young Vartan whispers." She takes a deep breath, letting Gabriel's scent fill her nose, calming ... "The truth is, I barely recognize myself, either. I've kept together by focusing on what's infront of me, and what's ahead, and letting you, and the others, help me when I begin to lose my grip. Even they Mages ... They don't bother me anymore. It just happened one day. In the face of everything, the hate just ... didn't matter anymore." She silent again, letting the stroking continue, letting it ground her. "Even if they reject me, I'll keep going."

"Well, don't plan anything just yet," Gabriel says. "You still need a lead on the third Magi. Of course, right now you can be ambitious with me if you like!" And Tasha is being kissed, and carried to the bed. "Toby can wait a bit longer, right?"

Tasha squirms when kissed, giggling, and even yelps when picked up! "Oh I'm sure, he's a good boy -- and I am a very bad woman for what I am about to make him wait through." Her tail wags, muzzle splitting in to a wicked grin.

Imperial House of Pancakes
One generally doesn't associate cooking with Nagas, since they tend to eat their prey whole and alive. But the Jingai tend to be more omnivorous - and have certain limited social mobility in Imperial settlements. One family of Kiriga-like reptiles has relocated to Expedition City and opened a restaurant, specializing in breakfasts, even through they likely don't eat any of it themselves.

It isn't that far from the Academy to the IHOP, which is clearly a favorite of the students that can afford to eat outside the cafeteria. The establishment smells like a bakery, and is predominantly patronized by humans, but the smells of bacon, sausage and ham tend to attract a fair share of Karnors as well.

"Bacon," Remiel says, eyeing the mound of eggs and greasy meat on the plate before him. "I don't care what it came from.."

"That's a good poistion to take," Tasha insists, grinning over her bacon and egg sandwich made from two slices of buttered toast. She also has a few pancakes, a small army of different surups to try, and a beer!

"I've seen where it comes from!" Hakeber claims between bites. Her favorite breakfast, it seems, is sausage wrapped in pancakes. Neesa is having some sort of fried-bread and Gabriel is having eggs, potatoes and ham. "I should have gotten a waffle on the side," he laments.

Tasha eyes Gabriel's plate a moment, then, with a shrug, stands up and disappears in to the crowd.

At the long buffet, a Shiga-like creature stands by to hand out plates, and Toby is there filling his own with a stack of pancakes topped with fruit - possibly fresh from the Pit.

After fetching a plate and thanking the Shiga, Tasha joins Toby on the line as she searches for the waffles. "I hope we didn't keep you up last night?"

"Oh, nothing," Tasha replies, although her tail starts wagging for some reason. Spotting the waffle stack, she shoves two on to her plate, looking over. "What do you think of our guests?"

"They do, don't they?" Tasha admits, in a tone of surprise. "Maybe I should be jealous!" She barks a laugh and turns back towards their table, waiting for Toby to finish. "Miss Neesa is a Mage from Sinai; I believe she works with dreams or some-such. This must be quite a shock for her -- I know it was for me when I first learned about pther worlds."

"She seems very polite and ladylike.. compared to Miss Hakeber," Toby notes, adding whipped cream to his stack of pancakes. "Are they all coming to the Pit?"

"Miss Hakeber and I share a lot in common, but I don't know much about Miss neesa's background. As for the Pit ..," Tasha pauses long enough to sniff at the air, undoubtedly set off by the foamy white cream, " ... Yes, that's right. Gabriel Akkers, the older of the two men, is the leader of the JEF. He'll be involved in politics with the PHTO, as will I, most likely. I think Dr. Caravelli -- the younger Karnor -- is interested in the medical situation there."

"We can always use more doctors," Toby claims, as they head back to the table. Once there, Hakeber waves a pig-in-blanket at Tasha, saying, "You gotta try one of these!"

"I can't say no!" Dropping back in to her seat beside Gabriel, Tasha tilts her plate, letting the stack slide on to his. She then gives him a big kiss before holding her plate out to Hakeber. "You're coming with us, of course? To the Pit?"

"Oh yeah, I wanna see your Magi," Hakeber notes. Then blinks and tells Neesa, "That is, her Gryphon, not you! Not that I wouldn't mind seeing more of you.."

At that, Tasha bursts in to laughter! "Oi!" She chokes, having to wipe her eyes, " ... aye ... That ... " She reaches for Gabriel's water glass, but coughs more trying to get it down.

"Anyway, I'm think there may be hidden markings on the hull," Hakeber says. "So I want to check it out from head to toe!"

Having finally recovered, Tasha nods her head. "I'd appreciate that. Pur engineer also suggests there may be numoerous black box systems, but we lack the equipment to examine it without damaging the hull. I'll show you the cockpit, too, although there isn't much to see if you're not connected." After trying a bite of the hotdog in a pancake, Tasha nodds in approval, smiling. "This is good by the way. Oh," she waggls the thing at her, "did you have any luck with your sources?"

"I haven't really tried them yet, was passed out most of the day yesterday," Hakeber admits. "I'll have to go to the Gateway to make contact, probably."

"Oh, that's right. I wasn't exactly awake yes-" Tasha turns and blinks at Gabriel, then 'oh's, an explains, "Miss Hakeber is a specialist with Progenitor Cuilt information. Naturally, she has several contacts with those interested in such things, including, I believe, the Kampfengruppe."

"We're searching for information and testing the wind," the young woman concludes.

"Speaking of.. I should warn you," Hakeber says, then leans towards Tasha, whispering "Pigs-in-blankets give most Karnor's gas..."

Tasha blinks, then eyes the foodstuff inher hand, slowly putting it down. "Thanks," she whispers back. When she turns to see everyone look and the two of them like they come from another planet -- and not in the literal sense -- Tasha slings an arm around Hakeber's shoulders and pulls her close until their heads bonk together. "This is Miss Hakeber, Scholar resident at the Academy, and expert on Progentior Cult information. We're going to be working together! Isn't she the best?"

"You never know! Well," Tasha waggles a fork at Remiel, "you would know, but you know what I mean."

"This is Dr. Caravelli, Miss Hakeber. He's an expert on Expedition-era medicine. Beside him is Mage Neesa, who works with dreams, I think? And, of course, the man beside me is Captain Gabriel Akkers, leader of the JEF," Tasha says, poiting to each person in turn.

"This reminds me of my last family reunion," Neesa says, although whether in jest or seriousness it's hard to say. She mostly looks confused.

"Oh, he's cute," Hakeber says, looking at Gabriel. "Good catch, Tasha!" she adds with a wink. "And a mage! But.. uh.. of dreams? What's that like?"

"And you know Toby," Tasha adds, nodding to the boy. Grinning, she then admits, "I can't say the same, of course my family is my mother, and she has a beak. But, she is like several people."

"Oh, dreams are very powerful," Neesa claims. "I mostly specialize in analysis and dream therapy, though. If you've ever had a really bizarre or disturbing dream, then I can help you to understand it."

"Getting him wasn't easy," Tasha asides to Hakeber, in mock-whisper. "I had to carry him down a mountain. I think he might leave me because I keep dumping responsibility in his lap, and of course, panic."

Tasha seems about to say something else, then suddenly pauses. He mouth closes, and she fixes Neesa with a very intent, considering gaze. "Hmm."

"What?" Tasha blinks at Gabriel, snapped out of whatever caught her attention, then glances at Hakeber. "He says I'm adventerous, but we both know that's a lie." She winks.

"I have this one where I'm tongue-kissing a guy with a squid for a head," Hakeber notes. "I get it after I have fermented eggs usually.."

"Well, if not young, then busy," Gabriel says with a grin, and gives Tasha a quick peck on the cheek.

The young hybrid blinks again. "Really? Mine usually give me advice. Well, when they're not threatening me. But that might be something else; the wires in my head seem to cause all sorts of dream interference." She pauses long enough to let Neesa speak, then refouces on hakeber all over again.

While Hakeber begins pantomiming, which involves pressing her palms to her cheeks and wiggling her fingers, Neesa asides to Tasha, "Is it good advice?"

Turning back to the mage, Tasha nods. "Yes, it's usually in the form of reflection and enforced introspection, typically occuring when I find myself in doubt and need answers. The entity, who seems to be a part of me, helps me find the answers within myself, and rarely provides direct advice. Actually ... " As she trails off, Tasha fixes Neesa with that locked-on avian stare, and she can almost see the gears turning in the young woman's mind. After several seconds, she asks, "Could you help me understand some of my dreams?"

"I've never heard of ones that seem so.. directly helpful," Neesa notes. "So yes, I'd like to observe such a thing, if you don't mind. I've done similar with Remiel already.."

"Well, that's good," Tasha replies, with the air of someone who hadn't expected interest. "Um, yes, that will be very helpful, thank you. We believe they may be some form of firewall, or spiritual -- as in /magical -- influence, perhaps even both. I also have an interface that allows me to speak with machines, and we think that might be a source, as well." To help explain, Tasha reaches and pushes her hair up, turning her head so Neesa and Hakeber can see.

"Really.. hmm," Neesa says, staring at Tasha's head as if trying to see through her skull. "So you think the machine part may be controlling the dream somehow?"

"It's possible. The machine may be organic, as well, formed from an upload directly to my brain. In the dream, the entity urged me to consider it as part of myself, just as I considered the Melchior an extended part of my being. It may even be correct," Tasha explains.

Glancing over, Tasha offers, "It's a Khattan neural interface -- a BCI," to Hakeber regarding the studs.

"Oh, um, well it's a brain-computer interface. I'm wired for direct interface with my machine at the deepest level, and also the Peripheral nervous sytem. I have tatoos wired across my body, and wires directly in to my brain," the pilot explains.

"I control the Melchior with my thoughts and subtle motions of my body," Tasha adds, hoping that will help.

"You could say the Melchior becomes an extension of my body -- a large scale cybernetic," she finishes.

"You've got tattoos?" Hakeber asks. Even Neesa looks curious. It's been long enough that Tasha's fur has grown back out a bit, after all, so the tattoos aren't as obvious unless they're lit up.

"Oh yes -- body wide. They're not normal tattoos, they're actually a kind of wiring that connects with to my nervous system and muscle, like circuits in a circuit board. Here," Tasha leans forward and turns her right hand over, showing the glittering silver threads across her palm and fingers. She then flattens her fur up her arm, showing how they continue on. "I'm a cyborg, if that word has any meaning for you."

"Hmmm, I may need to examine you from head to toe as well then," Hakeber notes.

"I think I can handle myself," Tasha says, winking at her mate. To the two other female Karnor, she offers, "Why not do this while we're traveling? It'll be a long trip, and not very comfortable, so a distraction may be in order. It'll give you time to examine my markings for any clues, Miss Hakeber, and Miss Neeesa can examine my dreams."

"In a moving... train?" Neesa asks. "Well.. I could try, but.. it was difficult enough on the airship. I assumed you'd want me to try in the Pit, where magic may be more readily accessible."

"Oh, well, if that would be better? I know ... Well, I know nothing about magic, really. Until recently -- and I'm sure you remember -- I wasn't even comfirtable with the idea of it, so, this is all new to me. Although, in all honesty, I;m beginning to realize magic and the technology of the Sinai System may not be distinct, and that magic and technology may just be different faces to the same artifice, and, well ... I may be rambling. Wjat I mean is, we'll do it however you feel is best." Tasha smiles, then admits, "I sometimes forget people aren't used to living on a moving vehicle, that's all."

"It's noisy, smelly, and loud, like being in a metal box that speeds across the landscape," is Tasha's explaination.

"Well, I brought earplugs," Remiel notes, with a grin. "Prolonged exposure to noise like that can cause hearing damage and physical stress.."

"Do they serve food on the train?" Neesa asks. "Or does it kill your appetite? I've had that problem on some airships.."

"I'm used to it," Tasha admits, grinning. "The roar of the air, the shouting of crewmen, the spin up of internal gyros and the blast of plasma jets -- machines and I get along just fine!"

"Well, I'm looking forward to seeing the Pit of Himar," Gabriel says. "Abaddon is a fascinating world, but I miss seeing the color green.. and the stuff oozing out of monsters just isn't the same."

"The plate-like creature oozed a sea of purple goo. It even glowed," Tasha offers, grinning with mischief. "You'll like the Pit, though, just don't leave the city limits without some kind of weapon or body guard, and watch what part of town you enter. Also, keep in mind everyone thinks we belong to one of the nations, and won't expect we're aliens -- at least those of us who are aliens to this world."

"Oh, that reminds me! You were asking about my necklace when we were, um busy, Gabriel. You said it looked like frozen beer?" Fishing in to her uniform, Tasha tugs out the bizarre, oily-looking amber crystal. It's tied with a cheap leather thong, resting around her neck. "Eli and his, um, assistant should have some data back on that, as well."

"That would be all of us," Remiel notes. "Except for Hakeber here. I think." He looks over the scholar a bit suspiciously.

"I've no idea what that stuff will mean for the JEF yet," Gabriel notes. "I'm not even thinking about it until the good doctor tells me there's something to think about."

"That's probably wise; trying to figue it out gives me a headache, but I like keeping it around because it's shiny," Tasha agrees.

After breakfast, Toby led the group (sans Hakeber, who had to go gather up her research and pack) on a tour of the Academy, including a visit to the observation tower - the tallest point in Expedition City - with its commanding view of the area. Caravelli and Akkers both pointed to various structures, commenting on their familiarity and trying to guess which ship they were originally part of. They even managed to identify some of the escape craft from Orpheus!

The medical facilities and some of the computer systems were still in good shape, and Remiel talked to the medical technicians at length. It was clear that the more advanced regeneration and cloning equipment was nonfunctional, either due to failure of the computer systems or missing parts: quite a lot of tech had been stripped and scavenged after the landing.

After rejoining Hakeber, the group purchased several pizzas and some beer to take on the train, which was scheduled to leave in the evening. Toby was only able to get one booth, however, since more people tended to flow into the Pit than out of it, so the six of them were a slightly cramped three to a bench, although that wasn't too bad at first, thanks to the beer. It made sleeping through the night difficult though, and during the day when the temperature tended to rise it was very close in the metal room. The noise made it all but impossible to hold conversations, though, and in the end Neesa tried to perform some magic anyway - to let them sleep through the rest of the trip!

Arriving at the station was an opportunity to stretch and air out, while Toby brought the steam-powered vehicle to bring them the rest of the way. Neesa and Hakeber where very impressed with the elevator ride, which had a good view of the Pit, and less so with the jarring, bouncy trip to Elamoore. It was quite a relief to finally make it the Council buildings, where Tasha could thank Toby for his aid.

"It is good to be back," Tasha declares as they walk up the steps. Turning, she smiles at their hard working guide, and says, "Toby, you've been a great help to us. You're reliable, dependable, and smarter than you think you are -- and I'll tell anyone in the Knights who asks. If you ever need any help in kind, please, ask us."

"It was a nice break," Toby says. "If you ever need a ride, call on me," he offers, before climbing back into the drivers seat of the steam-powered death-mobile and driving off in a cloud of vapor.

"The ground isn't moving," Neesa says, with great relief. "I therefore love this place."

"I'm going to miss him. He really was a good man," Tasha laments as the boy drives off, head shaking. Taking a moment to wave, she then turns and holds her hands out to her side, guiding people in as she walks. "Well, no use being sad, we're finally here, after all! Let me introduce you to the PHTO Council's primary hub! This is where the Council chambers are, cafeteria, joint offices, and residential space for non nation-aligned functionaries, like ourselves." Pauing to hold the door open, she adds, "Dr. Zerachiel and I have rooms here, and it shouldn't be difficult to get another for you and Miss Neesa, Remy."

"Oh, of course! The entire complex is a rennovated pre-transition Elamoorian structure, so, it has all the modrn amenities." Stepping inside, Tasha leads the party to the reception desk and says, "Hello, I'd like to register several guests of the PHTO Council, including one or two rooms. Miss Hakeber," Tasha glances back, "do you want a room here? I can probably list you as part of my staff, but if you want a room in the city, you'll have to fund that yourself."

"Fund? Uh, a free room is best," Hakeber claims. "Otherwise I'll have to find the Templar station and hope they have an extra cot.."

The secretary smiles and writes things down, asking, "I assume you want the rooms near your own?"

"On the list you go," tasha says with a grin. Turning back, Tasha tells the secretary, "Yes, that would be best for keeping things efficent. The guests are Captain Gabriel T. Akkers, leader of the Joint Expeditionary Force, who will share my room. Doctor Remiel Caravelli and Mage Neese will need a room and, finally, Scholar Hakeber will need a room as well, and you can register her as being part of my staff with clearance to approach the Melchior."

"I'll have a special badge issued for her," the secretary notes, and hands over two room keys. "They'll be across the hall from you and Dr. Zerachiel."

"Excellent! Thank you." Tasha takes the keys and distributes them, then turns back and adds, "You can inform the Council that we're here, too, and let the defense force know I'm back in case of emergency. I'll just show everyone their rooms, now. Have a nice day!" Tail wagging, Tasha heads off, waving the others to follow. After a few minutes of walking, she pauses and knocks on one of the doors. "Eliiii?"

The door opens, and a somewhat unkempt-looking Dr. Zerachiel blinks. "Tasha? Captain? Remy?" he asks. "Didn't you just leave, Tasha?"

"I don't let time get in the way of things," Tasha insists, grinning. "Oversleep? Say hello, we all missed you!"

Behind her back, where Eli can't see, Tasha waggles a hand at Hakeber to come forward.

"Sleep? But I haven't.. oh, I must have forgotten to sleep. That would explain the singing frog.." Zerachiel mutters. "Well, welcome everyone..." he says, before closing his eyes and falling forward into Tasha's arms. He's soon snoring.

Tasha strokes Eli's head, shaking her own. "He certainly knows how to get in to his work. Why don't you all settle in. Gabriel?" Tasha untwines an arm and fetches her own key, handing it off to him, "Go ahead, I'll tuck Eli in."

"Thank you!" Tasha noses the door open with her muzzle, then turns and drags Eli back in to his room, using her foot to close the door behind her.

"Mmmmrrr," Eli mutters. At least he's already got his shoes off. He also smells like he hasn't bathed in awhile, and there are a lot of cafeteria dishes with half-eaten meals spread around the place. The walls are covered in incomprehensible symbols and equations as well.

If Tasha hadn't found her disgyst with magic suddenly quashed, she might have described the room as looking distinctly ritual. After removing move of the man's clothes, she gently lays him in to bed, and pulls the covers over him before kissing him on the forehead. "Have good dreams, Eli," she whispers. Turning to head out, she pauses at the plates abd active computer systems. deciding touching the computer is a bad idea, she instead fetches all the dishes and piles them in to a rather large stack, which she carries out and off to the kitchen. It's a good ten minutes before she's finally back and entering her room. "Whew!"

"Is there something you want to tell me, Tasha?" Gabriel asks. He's sitting at the desk, and.. well, the room looks a bit neater than she remembers leaving it, except for the bed. Something seems missing..

"Besides the fact Eli needs a secretary or girl friend? I'm hoping for Hakeber ... " Tasha closes the door, walking in and looking around. "Why? Is there something wrong? It's very clean in here and ... Oh!" She sweeps her gaze around, then frowns, walking towards the bed. "Did he leave already?" She plucks at the sheets.

"Well, just a minute ago," Gabriel notes. "He was rather surprised to see me, and.. seemed a bit drunk? Has Mr. Lightfoot been staying with you long? I sent him over to Hakeber's room for now. I don't think she'll hurt him, but she's probably never met a Lapi so it could be fun for her."

"Oh, Aaron's been staying with me after he suffered serious injuries to his, um, special region. I'm partly to blame, so I didn't mind that he ended up wandering in here and sleeping the days away. I had to leave him alone during the attack on the dam, and he was injured during the return." Tugging her bed back up, Tasha turns around and holds her hands out. "If you're wondering if we did anything, no, we didn't. He's been drug addled for days. To be honest, I'm worried about him here. Worried about Layth, Aisha and Calli, too. It's not obvious, but, one of the meats served here, it's, well ... it's bunny."

"I've noticed that as well," Gabriel notes. "Well.. I was just a little worried there," he admits, then grins. "I mean, Aaron is a bit old for you, after all.."

"And you know how I like older men!" Tasha grins, then takes a seat on the bed, folding her hands in her lap. Looking a touch more sober now, she admits, "I've been wondering when this conversation would come up. I know I haven't been very loyal in past relationships, and you have every right to doubt me, but no, I didn't do anything with him, or anyone else." Glancing towards the window, she admits, "I won't say I wasn't tempted. I've had more good men -- and one woman -- approach me in the last few weeks than I have in the entire rest if my life. But, "she turns back, spreading her hands, "even though the temptation was there, it was never enough to make me doubt."

Gabriel's eyebrows rise at the revelation. "Well.. uh.. was the woman cute?" he asks.

"Hakeber?" Gabriel asks in surprise. "I was clearly born in the wrong generation. How is Eli?"

"You don't like Hakeber?" Tasha sounds surprised, but answers, "He seemed overworked, and I'm sure he's been awake since I left. Something must have caught his attention, because he usually isn't this... self-destructive about his research. I mean, he stays up too late, but this seemed a bit worse than normal. I put him to bed and cleaned his room a little."

"Oh, she seems.. well, she reminds me of college freshmen, really," Gabriel says with a grin. "Maybe if the bed here was bigger.. but, aside from that, I'll have Remiel look Eli over in the morning. I expect I'll need all day with him tomorrow if he's recovered - lots of things to go over before seeing the Council. What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Unless I'm needed, I was going to take Hakeber to see the Melchior, then let Neesa examine me, probably before bed. That leaves me with a good chunk of time, so maybe I'll try and visit the Archon and Miss Drake for research purproses, and to be cordial. They're both very nice people, so it should be enjoyable and productive," Tasha replies.

"Alright, I should be okay on my own," Gabriel says. "Well, with Remiel's help. If I need you for anything, I'll call over the comm relay, so long as you have your pad with you."

"I almost always do. It's like my second brain," Tasha insists, patting the pouch where she carries it. "Keep in mind the politics of the region, that the PHTO is made up of political outcasts, and that the region isn't unified undr the Council, and you should be fine. I've done what I can to help our case, but the rest -- the hardest part -- is up to you. I wish I could do more, but I'm better at winning hearts than minds."

"I should be able to handle things with Eli and Remiel's help," Gabriel claims. "Especially if you keep Neesa occupied! I suppose now we should see about dinner though. Is the cafeteria food decent here?"

"It's not bad. However, if you want better, you'll have to use your political ties ... which I just so happen to have. How about asking if the Archon -- or any of the Council, really -- would enjoy sharing dinner? Unless, of course, you want to eat at the Bloody Duffle." Tasha guffaws at the personal joke, remembering the acrid smell of food there.

"After riding in a hot train car for 40 hours, I don't think I'm quite presentable," Gabriel notes. "I'll need a shower at least, which is probably what Remiel and Neesa are doing now. So maybe the cafeteria is good enough for tonight."

"Hokay! Just putting the ideas out there. Actually, having an Imperial dinner would have been best anyway, to balance things out. It'd also show we're not forgetful of our favoritisim, but, it's not that big a deal!" Standing, Tasha gestures towards the bathroom. "Hot running water! Don't drink it, though. Oh, and speaking of dangerous things, I'd suggest you request a body guard from the Knights. I think this will server to acknowledge them, as well as help keep you safe. There are areas in the Pit that are extremely dangerous, and even in the city, there are bad parts of town. I noticed Eli's lax on security, so I thought maybe you and the rest of the Elite had different ideas on safety."

"Can you arrange the bodyguards for us then?" Gabriel asks. "I don't know who the Knights liaison is.."

"That would be Amabassador Smith for the Terrans and, um, ... Promise-Keeper? ... For the Silent-Ones. And for us, well, I suppose it's me, so I'll get to that tomorrow," Tasha agrees. She pulls out her datapad and enters that on her itinerary. "Anything else? I'll note the Winged Citadel has quite a library, if you're interested."

"I'll want to visit, certainly, once I have the free time," Gabriel says. "For now though, I'd like to take it easy the rest of the evening and relax.."

"Relaxing sounds wonderful! Just tell me what you want and I'll go get it; anything at all! I'm just glad to finally have you here -- it's really nice to have us all together again." Tasha looks down at herself, then shakes her head. "I think I'll change, too. How about I run the bath, and we can have dinner after? It'll be a nice, quiet evening."