In the days following her meeting with the Captain-Astromancer, Tasha has been walking on air. She's been feeling more confident, daring and even playful. In response, Aaron has become more paranoid, worrying that Temple agents are following them everywhere, and Hakeber has become more engrossed in their research (although not so much to turn down an invitation to join Tasha and Gabriel for a night of experimentation).
Gabriel has taken advantage of the Vartan-hybrid's mood to charter a carriage for a scenic tour of the Rephidim countryside, including a drive-by of Golgatha - but not even Hakeber's credentials could gain them entry to the former Knights Templar fortress, now annexed by the Temple for their own purposes.
For the first time, Tasha got to see some of the estates and plantations outside of the city proper, which likely support a population nearly as large as the urban one. Eventually a message was delivered by Tashly, who looked nervous as always to be topside. At least she was wearing the outfit that Tasha had gotten for her, which actually fit. "The Rake is in port," the Khatta tells Tasha. "Desdi said to let you know when that happened."
"Thank you Tashly," Tasha says in good cheer, a smile on her face. She had been expecting the message to arrive some time today, and so has taken the last few hours to drink, recline, and otherwise enjoy the sun and the warm Rephidim air as she waited on Aaron's porch.
Even the curious stares of passers-by -- some likely to know the Lapi who ownes the residence -- weren't enough to put even a dent in her mood. She had met, discussed with, and shook the hand of the Captain Astromancer. For Tasha, her success and accomplishments have finally solidied as realin her mind; no longer are there the doubts, the nagging feeling her world was just a dream, the feeling of being Nora's shadow or a thousand other ghosts that said she didn't deserve to be where she is -- and thus cannot be. She has climbed the highest mountain of her home world; no longer can her doubts contest it.
Pushing her self up and standing, Tasha takes a moment to stretch, and seems about to say something when she pauses and gives Tashly a suddenly intent look over. "Before we go, Tashly, have you ever thought about what you're doing with your life? Dreamed of living a better life?"
"Well, I've got work now, and a place to sleep, and someone to watch over me," Tashly notes, still looking a bit twitchy. "So my life is pretty great right now, compared to when I was living in the gutter."
"I'm glad to hear my mother has been taking care of you. Before I found my path, I was in a similiar position, although I had been trained as a drover aboard The Rake and that helped both my employment and my confidence. It's not an easy job though, and it can be as bad or worse than the taverns, given it's a ship full of lonely men." Tasha lets her arms fall, rolling her shoulders and then laying her hands on her twin swords -- each part of a greater weapon.
"If you want some advice, I'd suggest spending that money I gave you and consider investing in some training. You don't have to be a drover, but keep your eyes opened for opportunities to learn and grow. Listen to what the ship crews say, they sometimes talk about open apprenticeships and such. And if you have it, take a chance. You never know where it may lead." Tasha winks, then adds, "Like, for instance, you could come with us! But nothing is free -- and it shouldn't be."
"You mean.. leave Desdi?" Tashly asks in a horrified tone. "I can't do that, not... not yet. You don't know what it's like, Tasha: I never had a mom, not really. I've been on my own for so long, that.. finally having something like a family.. it's too important. I can't go back to being on my own yet. And Desdi needs me to help her."
Tasha folds her arms, regarding Tashly a moment in a pose that has more than a passing resemblance to that of the older Vartan. "Well," she says, breaking the silence and cocking her head to the side, "I guess I'll just have to accept that. And if my mom is your new mom, then I guess that makes you my sister." She then suddenly grins, untwining her right hand enough to shake a finger. "But don't expect me to be a quiet one. I'll be keeping an eye on you too, in my own way. And if you ever come to Abaddon, you should come and say 'hi.' I may be far away some times, but I'll always be here if you need me, even if it's mostly in spirit."
"I.. thanks," Tashly says, sounding relieved. "I thought you'd be upset about me being with your mom. I don't know if I'll ever have the courage to go to Abaddon though! I'm still getting used to feeling safe."
"If working with my mom and the tavern is a feeling of safety for you, you've already got the courage to come to Abaddon. But believe me, I understand how jarring a lack of security can be. Maybe I'll tell you some stories of my adventures some time. For now though, just enyoy working with my mother and your life here. I wouldn't want to do anything to disrupt that. Now," she nods her head towards the docks, knowing their location by reflex after having frequented them so long, "Let's go see Captain Eyeshine."
The captain's cabin of the Rake hasn't changed much since Tasha last saw it - certainly not in any way that symbolizes the newfound wealth from being the sole airship allowed to trade in Amazonian goods. The shiny painting of Tasha is still hung on the wall, next to a less suggestive one of Desdimona. The captain's desk is still cluttered as ever with manifests, payroll paperwork and rolled up charts and schedules. Eyeshine himself looks a bit better dressed though, at least, with a shiny satin shirt. The big Vartan looks at Tasha and Hakeber, and asks, "Surprised to see you, Tash - princess bunny said you were on Abaddon for good."
Ever since she entered, Tasha has done her best to pretend she doesn't see the wall and that embarassing painting. Instead she steps forward, her tone all business. "She's not wrong, Captain. I'm back on Sinai for work rather than pleasure, although I've managed to sneak that in too," she insists, pulling a chair and taking a seat. "Today I come to you not as an employee but as a representative of the Joint Expeditionary Force, of Abaddon. We have an offer to make and we would be pleased if you'ld hear it."
"You know I under contract now," Eyeshine reminds. "What your offer.. and is your friend okay? She's been staring at that painting and she not even a Vartan."
"Scholar Hakeber of the Knights Templar, also of Abaddon, is ... Well, she's never been exactly right," Tasha remarks, glancing at her companion a moment; a long, head shaking glance. Looking back to her former Captain, she explains, "Lets just say she's interested in our culture. Anyway, I know. But, we need someone we can trust. We'll be transporting sensitive cargo after we acquire and must -- in no uncertain terms -- see that it arrives safely to be shipped back to Abaddon. As I have the most experience with airship routes and policies, I have been asked to address this need."
Reaching over, Tasha pulls out a velvet-lined pouch tied in a nice, bead-woven leather cord. "We are prepared to offer this much for your services. You may also consider this a return of the favor that got you your current contract, and we believe Amazonia will understand. If you accept, I'll explain what will be needed."
Eyeshine eyes the pouch, but doesn't reach for it yet. "Where this stuff being picked up and dropped off?" he asks.
"Two locations which will need to be located, so there will be as little as five stops, and possibly more as we attempt to locate what we are searching for." Pulling a map out of her pouch, Tasha rols it out and smoothes it down with a hand. It's a nice map, professionally done, and it's clear to the Captain's keen eye she has a few more in the same container. "We will depart for Olympia first. This will give you time to talk to your shipping contacts there and allow me time to return to Amazonia. Once we're all done, we'll head here," she points to a familiar city, "to Abu Dabi to load up on supplies. You can also feel free to sell any goods recieved at Olympia, but the ship will need to be empty of trade goods when we leave Abu Dabi, as we will be heading in to to either the Himar to seek the first item, or to the Savan -- to search the Beast Lands."
"When finished, we will return to the Gateway to offload the items for transport to Abaddon," Tasha concludes after she lets their second target location sink in.
"Beast Lands?" Eyeshine bristles, his neck feathers poofing out. "You gone Kadie in the head, Tasha? No can's fly there! No ports near there either. And you not even know where things are?"
Hakeber squeaks at the sight of the puffed out bird.
Tasha is unmoved; she even leans forward. "Of course I'm right in the head. We're explorers, it's dangerous work. I've nearly been killed five times in the last two months alone! It's not going to get any safer," she insists, tapping the Beast Lands in emphasis with the pointer finger of her right hand. "What we're looking for is an Expedition-era ruin. A ship. We know it made planetfall in this area and we have the general GPS -- that is, coordinates from an old sytem of location to find it. We know it's there and it's not going to get any safer by waiting."
"Tssss," Eyeshine hisses. "You asking a lot, Tasha. What in Himar?"
"Himar's a lot safer," Tasha says, leaning back and smiling, albiet grimly. "We just need to search for local Vartan colonies and investigate their customs to locate something that was brought to the region long ago. It'll involve a lot talking and learning, and possibly another ruin in the form of an old ship, though not nearlly as large as the one in the Beast Lands."
"So, you no know how long that take," Eyeshine states.
"Unfortunately not," Tasha admits spreading her hands. "But it's important we find these things. This is more than a search for profit, this is a search back through time, to what may be the very origin of the Vartan people -- and for that matter, the Nagai people as well. There will be profit to be made, I'll make sure of that, but there will be a greater profit to the mind and soul. This is a chance to make history as much as it is to learn from it. In time, we will be able to release information about this journey. If profit and learning the history of our people aren't enough, when we can, will will tell about this journey -- and you will become famous on Abaddon."
"Being famous not do well for smugglers," Eyeshine notes, tapping a talon in his desktop (where there's a deep gouge, since this must be a habit of his). "Can't loiter like in old days. Can do this: Take you to Olympia, then Abu Dhabi, then drop you in Himar on way back to Rephidim, pick you back up on next leg.. give you about ten days in Himar to find what you need. Beast Lands.. sorry, can get you into Xenea, but Nagas pretty hard on unlicensed airships in Savan. Danger of being shot down on sight, think we funneling supplies to warlords. And if not by Imperial Navy, than by warlords. Can get you close, maybe.. but it overland from there. Know an old pirate hold on northern shore, can put you there. Less political mess that part of continent."
"Pirates," Tasha breathes, making the word sound like a curse. "I suppose if it is the best solution then we have little choice. I'd really prefer it otherwise, but I wasn't aware the situation in Safar had broken down that badly." The young woman then gives a shrug, and admits, "We could use the trip anyway. All this walking around on cramped ships have made my wings lazy."
"We ship out in two days," Eyeshine notes. "No rest for the employed, you know. You changed a lot, Tasha. A bit scary. What happened to sweet, crazy, carefree girl I take under wing, eh?"
"Never any rest," Tasha agrees. She settles back, folding her hands in her lap as she listens to how much she's changed, her expression shifting to intent but attentive to pensive as her father-figure points out how different she is. She doesn't answer at first, giving a few seconds to thought before she says, "Hakeber, would mind leaving us for a while? Ask Beaky to give you a tour."
"Huh, oh," Hakeber says, standing up. "A.. it was a pleasure to meet you, sir," she tells the captain, then scoots out to the deck and closes the door to give the pair some privacy.
Once Hakeber is gone, Tasha is quite for several seconds more, clearly thinking on what she should say and how far she should go. Finally, she reaches to unhook another case from her belt, this one different from the last, and place it on the table. That this brushes her cloak to reveal the grip of her swords does nothing to help the impression she has become scary.
"It started when I went to Amazonia," she says, looking up once she's gathered her thoughts. "I think I told you, I found something there. It was a ship -- an Expedition-era ship, and it came here with the Ark. Rephidim Temple. Inside, my mind connected with the ship, and I met a Kar- ... a Jupani for ages past. She taught me many things; she wrote part of her personality in to my mind. But I had been changing before that -- I had grown sick of my bragging and my bravado. I wanted to be a better person. Wanting to be a better person lead me to the ship, and to Nora Argentine, that woman in the machine. She was an officer, once. An officer in the Joint Expeditionary Force. And, wouldn't you know it, she told me there were others there, too? She taught me to wake up the thousand-year old crew, and take what I found to Sheol. To the moon of Abaddon."
"Incidentally, that's where I met Gabriel. He's old, you know? Thousands of years old. He came form Terra, the home world of the humans and the Jupani. He knew Nora when she was still alive; we look alike, you see." Smiling a little, Tasha rolls her gaze to the port side window, looking far out in to the sky. Looking far away. "We went to Sheol. We've traveled through space. We went before nations to build the Joint Expeditionar Force anew. We've met rulers, we've lived between the past and present, all to build a future. We're all ghosts of now and then."
She turns, watching her old Captain's expression. "So in a few months I've traveled through time and space, walked with Queens, and stepped on to the Bridge. It's been a long, long time since I was home."
"You.. mangled you spirit?" Eyeshine asks, sounding concerned. "You still Tasha though, really? I no sure the Tasha I remember would think so, if she met you. Too much change, too fast, can be bad for you, yah?"
Tasha spreads her hands again. "The truth is, I don't really know. Am I the Tasha you knew? I have all the memories, and I still think of this place as home. I don't dream of Terra -- not usually, at least -- but I know I act like Nora. I talk like Nora. I have the same role Nora once had. I even love the same man. Even if I'm not Nora ... I'm still Nora." Her head shakes. "I just believe that I'm me, whoever or whatever that is. I believe I'm Tasha because I chose to." She offers a smile. "I'm also very busy. We're too few for it to be otherwise. I've had to be politician, explorer, pilot, guide, soldier, scholar and engineer in the last few weeks alone. It was my decision to remake the JEF, and there's a world of responsibility on my shoulders. I even have a ship. Two of them, each with a mind of their own."
"All ships have minds of their own," Eyeshine notes. "Anything doted on develops a spirit. Ships are jealous things though, be wary. I not sure what to think about all this. You sure you up to all this?"
"Of course I am." Tasha says with an almost mischivious smile. "The question should be, is the future ready for me. I've accomplished great things, and I'm not done yet. These things we're looking for, they're Markers, said to have been made by our creators. We already have one; we know they exist. When we have all three, maybe we can answer one of the greatest mysteries of all: why we're here."
"What if you know like the answer though?" Eyeshine asks, but may be talking about something in his own life. "How your mother? You've seen her?"
"Then I'll live on. I'm an explorer, not everything is going to be as I expect. Besides, that would ruin the mystery," Tasha answers, then winks.
Leaning back, Tasha takes a moment to consider how to word her response before answering. "I have. Mom's doing well. She has a new serving girl she's taking care of and The Fallen Friend is keeping ahead of things. But that's not what you're asking me: you're wondering, what does she think of you? Is there ever going to be a chance that the two of you will be together?"
Tilting her head, Tasha asks, "Let me ask you this: Why do you think she's rebuffed you all these years?"
"She holding out for her prince to return," Eyeshine says bitterly, leaning back in his chair. "I no prince, but I real, and here. She just doesn't want to accept that your daddy probably doesn't even remember her."
Tasha nods slowly, but she doesn't otherwise react. The young woman has had her own battles with the father she never knew, but she has moved past it. "For what it's worth, I always wished you had been my father. But I guess then I wouldn't have this cute doggy head of mine and it's a lot easier to pronounce Expedition Standard with a Kar- ... Jupani head than it is with a beak!" She chuckles a moment, albiet a little nervously having just admitted something she had always been too insecure to say. "But you're right, at least partially. Mom had a dream of making it big, of escaping her life down here and ascending to a paradise that always seemed too far away. My father was the bridge to that paradise. But while your assessment is right, you failed to notice that you were also stepping on her dreams when you pointed out the truth. And by stepping on her dreams, you tried to crush her heart and her spirit, even if you didn't mean to. You became the very image of failure for her. Of giving up."
Eyeshine frowns. "So, what about my dreams?" he asks. "The Rake turning a good profit doing.. mostly legitimate business. Our cargo goes to nobles and wealthy merchants. Things looking up. You think I can never be her bridge then? She still have her dream, yah, whatever I said to her?"
"What I'm saying is, you won't earn any favors from people telling them truths they don't want, or can't handle. It's something I've learned in my travels; I know far more about these worlds and our history with them than most, but not everyone would appreciate that knowledge. For example, I onced offered to tell a wealthy business man the history of his people: where they came from, who made them, and why they are here. He refused me, because he would rather dream of what could be and ponder the mysteries than know. Love truth, but understand it is not always the answer." After taking a moment to catch her breath and think, Tasha offers, "Mom no longer holds on to that dream as she did, but she'll never stop wanting to rise farther. If you want my mother's affections, you'll recognize and nurture that. You've focused a lot on what you have, what you can offer, what you need. Think about what she needs, and what she can offer. Work together to grow, and give her the space and help -- subtly!" Tas
ha holds up a finger, "that she needs to grow on her own. In time she'll no longer need the old dream. She'll have built a new one with her own two talons."
"How can I help her?" Eyeshine asks. "I can't give her money - that isn't helping. What can I do that not just giving her something? Everything I do, I've done to impress her, you know. There just nothing I can do."
"Maybe you could stop trying so hard. People get stuck in their habits, especially bad ones, and if you push against them they'll perform them out of reflex. And besides, a lot of women -- myself included -- tend to look down on men who try too hard for our affections. They seem needy and desperate. I know that's not the case with you, Captain, I know you love her in your own way, but maybe some distance would help. Once you're no longer a 'sure thing' that will always be there to fall back on, mom will probably consider you more carefully and stop taking you for granted. The distance will also help her grow and will avoid getting her hackles up," Tasha offers.
"That.. sound lonely," Eyeshine sighs. "I gots excuse now though, I guess: lots of steady work. She know about your exploration plans?"
"Only briefly. I'm not sure how much I should tell her, especially about the dangers and how far I've made it. I don't want her to feel insecure around me. Mom and I have a lot in common, and I know I might feel bad if my daughter outshined me," the half-Vartan admit. Looking suddenly pained, she stares ahead and grimaces. "In fact, I know I would be. I have ... Well, I'll just say it. I have, and will have several more, adopted children. I'm dreading the day they replace me, and yet I know some day I'll have to step aside. I assume my mother is dealing with this, too."
"And now I have to be one to take you into danger, and get you out," Eyeshine says, looking stoic. "If I no bring you back, your mother never speak to me again."
"If it makes you feel better, if I die then a ship that can destroy cities will be without guidance and the JEF might well fall apart. Oh, and the Seraph ... " While trying to sound reassuring by means of mutual situation, Tasha suddenly finds herself feeling more than a little put upon. "Maybe those are bad example, " she hedges. "The point is, I'm doing risky things. They'll be even more risky without you. If I should die ... Well, I can't afford to die. I'm too busy. You will help assure my schedual stays on track." She forces a little grin to her muzzle at the absurdity of it all.
"Fine, but we get through this, I want you to arrange dinner date at least," Eyeshine says, then spits into his palm and holds it out across the desk. "Genoh?"
"Hmm, dangerous. But I can handle it." Tasha extends her hand across the table and shakes it. "Genoh! By the way," she nods to the bag, "you didn't even check the payment. We're paying in advance."
"Not seemly to see your captain drool," Eyeshine notes with a sparkle in his glass eye. "You learn, as a Vartan, not to look at the shinies before getting the rundown. People think they can trick you that way."
Tasha barks a laugh. "You can't blame me for trying, can you? I always wanted to play the game with the 'old man'," she admits. Reaching over she digs in to the ouch and pulls out a gem, crystal clear and sharply cut. "Sapphire," she explains, turning it this way and that. "Did you know they made buildings out of this stuff, long ago? They used gold for machines. It's really ... something." She looks hesitant, but then hands it over.
"Where you get it?" Eyeshine asks as he examines the bauble. "Not from grave robbing or anything I hope?"
"We're robbing our own graves," Tasha explains, somewhat grimly. "Not everything we bring back from ruins is valuable for historical, scientific or scholarly use, and some of it is valuable in this world, though in its own time it would have been as common as wood is to us. The rest of it comes from the PHTO Councl -- that's the Pit of Himaar Treaty Council, our sponsors on Abaddon. They in turn represent the Expedition, Silent-One, Celestial, and Confederate governments. We're essentially a pan-governmental para-military exploration and research group. We needed them for resources and infrastructure, and they need us for technological and historical help. Most of what we do is practical -- search for water and that sort of thing, but it pays for the rest. I actually have an offical rank and title these days: Pilot-Cadet Tasha, JEF."
"Not Captain?" Eyeshine asks, in mock surprise. "You get your airship though, like you wanted, I guess."
"I know it may sound like bragging, but I want you to know where I'm coming from. Maybe you more than anyone. Because you know me, and you know who I was; you're also a Captain and understand the burden of duty. I've risen so high and changed so much, it's become hard to relate to anyone. I sometimes fear I'm drifting away from the people I know, and that some day, someone who's not a friend -- and maybe not an enemy -- will realize how much power I've accumulated, and then I'll never be able to live as a regular person. I won't be able to walk down the street like I used to. I'm dreading that day," Tasha admits, head shaking. "I want you to know who I am and what I'm about, so someone remembers, and so I remember, too." She then reaches over to her bag and pulls out a notebook, sliding some pictures from it why she hands over. "My ship is ... It's more of a position of teaching than of Captaincy. There's no one else on board, and it's alive. It thinks. It's older than the Ark, and every time I ste
p on board, I feel a little further away."
"Very pretty," Eyeshine says, apparently familiar with photographs (or faking it well). "Found it then?"
"I found it floating above Abaddon, near a Forbidden Zone. It had just destroyed something the size of Rephidim before it noticed me. Those were ... those were very anxious hours," the young woman admits, ears canting back. "I convinced it -- her -- to my way of thinking. But I'm never sure what she is truly there for, nor what she thinks of me. And the temptation ... " Tasha pulls in a deep breathm running a hand back, pushing her hair aside. "The temptation to use it. It almost got me. I thought 'I could end the wars of this world and make it peaceful, create a new age of prosperity and learning' all at the tip of a sword. And I could do it alone; I didn't need help, I had all the pieces. And I was afraid." Reaching over, taps the picture of the Harmonia. "I restrained myself, but it's always there. In some ways my title and job are a show. I have power enough to conqueror both of these worlds by myself. I have to force myself to my knees and remember I love people, and I can't help them at the poi
nt of a sword. Do you understand?"
"Hmmm," Eyeshine ponders. "Old saying, Tasha: fortune easily found is easily lost. You no build the ship, or give it power.. you just found it. No sacrifice or hard work or years of effort, like I put into Rake, and others put into their ships. Don't take it for granted. If it alive, it can decide not to listen to you too. Don't feel too proud, I saying. Power is with ship, not with you. Don't forget that. Mugger in alley no care, and if you think you invincible that be it for you. Power is what you can do, on your own. That power you can rely on."
"Always think of that first: what you can do, on your own, when facing challenge," the Vartan continues. "That the power you always have with you."
"I like that saying," Tasha decides, nodding. "And I agree with what it means. I knew you'ld understand and help me find some perspective in this, because while I'm confident, this is place I never expected to be. I think it wouldtry anyone, the power t rule the world. I like to think I've been a good steward, and that it's a good sign I prefer to remain Pilot-Cadet Tasha. I haven't abused my power, but that doesn't mean it ever stops being there."
The young woman pauses to listen and smiles. "Well, I've come this far. I've done great things without any help at all, and even with the knowledge Nora handed me, and the power I've found, it was always my choice in how to use it. I bettered peoples lives, found love, improved thefuture of the Pit of Himaar and created an organization with positive values, and I didn't do it with weapons or threats. And, I hope Harmonia does disobey me some day. I've tried to help her be her own person, and that means making her own decisions. Even if I lost everything, I could still achieve things. The JEF exists now because of me, not me because of it."
Tasha pulls in a deep breathm exhaling in an unabashedly relieved way. "Thank you, Captain. I feel better about some problems I hadn't yet resolved."
"Hope you no have lots of luggage now," Eyeshine quips. "Still not lots of room for passengers. You and you mate need private space? And how many coming - you're shiny-lust Jupani friend too?"
Tasha chuckles, spreading her hands. "I admit that I've given in to the temptation of at least some luxury in life, so we do have a small pile of items to bring with us. Half of it is research equipment and supplies that need to be handled carefully, and the other half is our personal things. Along with myself, there will be my mate Gabriel, Joint Expeditionary Force Captain Gabriel T. Akkers in case you wonder why I call him Captain as well; the Jupani woman is Hakeber, our Knights Templar scholar. There will also be Aaron, the Lapi man you may remember? He's our guide and supplies expert. I'm also taking the lead for security on this trip, so if there's any concerns like that, come to me. Gabriel is out leader, so feel free to approach him with questions or concerns as well."
"Ah, the sane bunny," Eyeshine says. "Good, you gots one person who will yell at you. I feels better about this now. You can bunk in my cabin then, if you all fit."
"I am blessed in having a great many people who yell at me and inform me of their opinion about my situation and concerns," Tasha agrees with a amused grin. "While I've accomplished a lot on my own, I'd be lost without them. I know I focused on myself here, but that's because I was having concerns about my relationship to these things as an individual. There are many people who guide and assist me in making the right decisions, and as much as anything, they're my real power."
Tasha leans back, drumming her nails a koment on the table. "Anyway! I'll take that offer. I'd also like a hand at captaining the ship. This might be my last chance at it, and I'd like to show you what I can do. And there's one more thing." Tasha leans in, brows raising. "Can I call you dad? Lets forget my real father, we both know you're better than him and no one else was more there for me than you besides mom. I know you resented me, but lets leave that in the past. How about it?"
"Hah, you ask lots, eh?" Eyeshine asks with a chuckle. "Be weird to be called dad, but.. not gonna say no. As for captaining.. you gots to review, and show me you still know how the ship runs."
"Didn't I say it? I'm a politician now, asking a lot is all part of the job. Just be glad I'm being direct!" Tasha winks, then offers her hand. "I accept your terms. Dad."