After a bit more shopping to round out their look with gloves, hats and other accessories, there was just enough time for a quick meal (where nobody looked sideways at Tasha for a change) and then on to the airfield. Once on the airship, Liza retreated below deck claiming a fear of heights. For Tasha, the Chronotopian design of the ship was unlike any other she'd been on, with the 'hull' between two envelopes on the sides, with large propellers on masts at the rear. There was no sign of it ever having used wind power.. and the whole thing felt slightly upside-down.. but from the deck the view was unbroken by rigging.
And the view was certainly a memorable one. At altitude the Forbidden Zone of Bosch took up much of the southern skyline with its colorful and chaotic aurora. And that spectacle would remain for most of the trip, as the vessel kept the Zone on the left as it followed its route towards Sylvania and Gallis before turning south past Himar and on to Abu Dhabi.
Tasha feel an awkward lack expectation as a passenger on an airship. Having spent nearly her entire life as a crewmember aboard The Rake, the ver-present feelings that she should be doing something gnaws at her. This isn't new; Many times in the recent past has she felt the sensation, leaving her antsy and with a vague feeling of guilt. The emotions no longer bother her like they once did, but a change does: She finds that she no longer feels as attached to them. They're fading, she knows, and they've never been weaker than they are now. Soon she expects she won't feel them at all, and resolution, she decides that it's for the best. She's someone else, now.
This trip could be called a failure, she realzies, but she's learned so much about herself and gained both a new companion and a great deal of wealth. Gabriel always told her she attracts 'mission creep,' and it's that creep that has turned what otherwise would be been a sheepish realization in to a succes-by-secondary-accomplishment victory. She mulls on this, standing with her hands behind her back as she stares off ahead of the ship on the upper deck. The wind through her hair feels good; Space travels lacks the feeling, and she suspects missing it is something that will never change.
The upper deck has two levels, resembling the layout of a fancy river boat more than an airship. The high-end cabins are on the first deck, and above them are the ship's lounge, dining hall and even a small casino. The command deck is above that, next to the smokestacks. There's a subtle engine vibration felt through the decking as well. The others milling about also seem well dressed. The more utilitarian looking ones are likely Chronotopians - especially the humans and Cervani, who tend to dress a bit like Tasha. The more colorful folk are likely headed for Gallis or Abu Dhabi. Airships seldom stop in Sylvania, where the lower altitudes and overcast make navigation almost as hazardous as a Forbidden Zone. A Cervani adolescent (female from the lack of antlers) looks out over the railing next to Tasha. "It's like looking into a Kaleidoscope, isn't it?" she says, her Standard having the typical accent of those who speak Bosch normally.
"It is, like a window in to another world," Tasha replies, turning her head to regard the girl and smiling. She isn't sure that Bosch isn't a window in to another world; According to the Source it was brough to Sinai through one, and strange floating snail-like being of Abbadon appear to have experienced the same. What may have come through this rift, she hasn't a clue.
"It is a window into Hell," the girl says, enunciating carefully. "Are you going to Amba.. ABOO.. ABOO DABBY?" she asks.
"Hell, huh?" Tasha turns and regards the swirling pandomonium, thinking that it could indeed be a hell of a sort. Realizing there are so many hells, just as there have been and will be heavens, she can only wonder in the awe of the diveristy of the universe -- and beyond.
After a moment of staring out across the ship in thought, she nods slowly. "To Abu Dabi, then to Gateway. Then home."
"Home? You are not of Sinai?" the girl asks. "Are you.. Off-World-Lee-John?"
Turning back to the girl, Tasha shakes her head. "I was born on Sinai, but it's not my home anymore. I'm an officer-cadet with the Joint Expeditionary Force of Abaddon, under the Abaddonain government. I was here to conduct research, but it's done now and Liza and I are returning." She then tilts her head and asks, "And you, miss ..?"
"Maadchen," the girl says. "Err.. Maddie," she then corrects. "Mine vater is to work for Emirate. He ist a ... contract lawyer. To review documents between the Emirate and the Lee-John and the Kampfgruppe."
"I'm Tasha; Aldara Tasha Argentine. It's nice to meet you." The hybrid woman gives the young cervani a nod and smile, then cocks her head the other way. "The Legion? Has something happened between the Legion and the Emirate?"
"There are.. agreements.. contracts.. that must be renewed, and new ones made for each new venture," Maddie claims. "That ist mine understanding. They are.. ah.." She pauses to collect her thoughts. "Mercenary.. yes, mercenary in nature. Budgets and payments and low-jist-ics must be negotiated ahead of time."
"These must be exact, in both Bosch and Khattan," the girl notes.
"That sounds familiar," Tasha notes with a hint of wry exhaustion, having gone through a great deal of paperwork and logistical demands ever since she began her journey. No one ever mentions the paperwork when they talk about high adventure and exploration, she laments. "So, maintenance contracts and individual ventures. Does that mean the Legion is planning to conduct an operation on Sinai?"
"I.. do not think so?" the doe says. "I am not sure they are permitted. Zey are the Off-World Lee-John. But money and supplies must come from the Emirate on Sinai and the Task Force on Abaddon. Training is done on Abaddon, I think, but not.. ah.. operations."
"I see." Tasha reaches up and rubs her nose a moment, glanicng off in to the sky as she thinks for a moment more. Uncomfortable with the idea of trying to extract information from a child, she weighs distaste with the cold reality of necessity. The mroe she knows, the safer her commando team may be. Furthermore, keeping tabs on Kampfengruppe operations and connections may help her detect possible probelsm, such as contact with the Galactics, attempts to collect Markers, and other dangerous affairs. As she turns back, her eyes linger on the girl. A mile-long gaze worn by a frowning, trouble faced. And then it's gone.
"Maggie, maybe you shouldn't tell me these things. Your father works with the Emirate and the Legion and what he does is a delicate matter. Mentioning his work to strangers could risk his commission, or more. I'm sorry to have to tell you this, and for not saying so sooner," the hybrid woman explains, trying to be delicate and supportive in tone. She doesn't want the girl to think she's make a terrible mistake and alarming her could cause problems.
The doe looks shocked. "I.. he did not tell me his work was dangerous.." she says, sounding worried. "I haf never been to a foreign city, but I will be living in Aboo-Dabby now. I do not know much about it. It is Katzen and Hasenvolk and Ophidians.. I have not met any. Why is it dangerous to speak of such things? Are they not common.. business.. things?"
"Dealings between governments and other powerful groups and individualsful that aren't made public can all be delicate. The Legion is a mercenary group and represents a military force for both the the Emirate and the Kampfengruppe. Their activities aren't always disclosed to the public and they won't appreciate the details of their agreements being mentioned. I'm not a danger to you or your father, and while I don't like the Kampfengruppe I have nothing against the Emirate and the Legion. However, I do represent what you might think of as a competing power, both my organization and the governments I work for. What you tell me, I would need to tell them. I would be obligated to use the information," explains Tasha, feeling older for it.
"But.. do you compete with the Lee-John on the other Gateway Worlds?" Maddie asks, wide-eyed. "I did not know that was possible. They control the Gateway."
"Well, 'compete' might have been, um ... " Tasha pauses for a moment at thenagging feeling Nora's memories have a word to share with her, an appropriate word she would otherwise have never used. It comes to her in a flash, complete with an equally foreign example; Nora's concept of the word embedded in her mind, that she might comprehend it and therefor use it appropriately. A legacy of the PersoCom encoding of her brain. "Hyperbole. Excessive. The world are large and there are many ways to travel. How, well, that ... " She lifts a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture, " ... is not for telling." Then she winks.
The girl looks even more worried now. It might be due to the subject, or to her clearly not being entirely comfortable with Standard yet. So she immediately changes the subject. "You have been to the Emirate city, yes?" she asks instead.
Tasha knows the look; She's certain that she wore the very same one when she was first starting out. She consoles herself with the knowledge that it's for the best and that she didcn't take advantage of a child for a little bit of information, quieting the voice of anxiety that wonders if that information might have made all the difference. "I have. Abu Dabi is a beautiful desert city boardering the Sea of Sand. It's the center of trade for that entire area of the world and has a great many merchant houses, a large airfield, a Mages' Guild office and a great deal else besides. Just be careful, there are areas of the city that aren't safe to go alone. Listen to your father and try to be careful, okay?"
"I do not know if my parents will let me out yet," the girl says, and smiles slightly at Tasha - as if sensing she was someone who always found a way to get out. "Is there special etiquette to observe if one is to live there? Who.. who are the safest people to be with? I do not eat meat, after all, and there may be food-related customs I cannot follow."
Tasha cocks her head to the side, uncertain how to answer the bevy of questions. Until very recently she never gave any thought of custom, doing things her own way and that was that. She can't say that she's changed all that much, including in the matter of custom, and so can only admit, "I'm sorry, but I don't really know. I think you know," and here the woman gives teh girl a sidelong look, "that did my own thing, and that hasn't changed much even though I have. All I can tell you is that you should listen to the advice you're given while trying to balance what you want and need. There will be people who do know the detals and you should listen when they speak. I will say this, though: For business Khattans often favor heavy courtesy and poetic compliments in their, um, discourse. They'll shower you wth compliments to try and flatter you in to purchases, but also as a way of life. That's about all I can offer except that maybe your father can afford a tutor, and he or she will teach you
what you need to know."
The doe actually blushes. "I had better watch out then," she admits. Then bows a bit to Tasha. "Thank you for talking to me. I am trying to practice my Standard and I saw you arrive with a Hasenvolk, so I thought you must be safe to approach."
"I'm only a danger to myself, I promise you," Tasha says, then she puts her hands together and offers the girl a very Khattan bow, adding, "May the richness of the sky embrace you and may all your affairs have the luck of the gods, O doe of the land of nourishing rain." It comes with another wink.
Maddie seems to be repeating that under her breath in order to memorize it. "Thank you, Miss Cadet Argentine," she replies with a smile.
"You're welcome. Have a good flight," Tsha bids the girl, giving her one last smile before she returns her gaze to the clouds and the future.
The sun sets, leaving just the chaos-glow and the Procession to vie for dominance. The dinner bell is being rung as well.. but there's always the option of eating on deck or in one's cabin (plus Tasha had a meal before boarding). There's still no sign of Liza on deck though.
Wondering just how she's going to acclimate Liza to space if she has trouble with airships, Tasha decides she may well have to attend to herself for the rest of the trip. Her old airship instincts urge her to eat when she can whenever it's offered, but she resists -- at least somewhat. A small bite to eat wouldn't hurt, she muses, pushing off from the railing and turning towards the lounge. She isn't in a hurry to go inside, after all, she so rarely gets to feel the wind in her face anymore, but without Liza she's on her own.
The upper deck has a large open area for dancing or other outdoor activities. There's also a small buffet set out there, with various finger-foods. Chronotopian fare seems a bit bland when it comes to the meat - not a lot of different seasonings, but plenty of cooking styles. There are also meat pastries and pies. The buffet is split, with the meat dishes on one side of the deck and the vegetables on the other. A Gallisian couple (both black poodles) seem to be filling up on appetizers, including the stuffed potato skins - one of the few items that appears on both buffets, but has bacon bits on the carnivore side.
Deciding the Gallee have a good plan, Tsha follows suit. She makes an adventure of the meat-side buffet, taking a leg here, a few appetizers there, and more than a few slices of meat along with way. Inevitable carnivore entre hunting parties collide and she's standing next to the couple. "Enjoing the flight?" She asks conversationally as she looks over the table, seeing if she missed anything and feeling she ought to be friendly.
"Yes," the female Poodle says with a big grin. "Chronotopia was very interesting, with all the clocks! Such a big change from Rephidim."
"It is, isn't it?" Tasha says with a smile as she leans over and scoops up two meat-filled pastries she's never seen before, adding to the diversity of her plate. "Much more, um, austere than Rephidim, and the weather is very different too. Not a lot of rain on Rephidim due to the Sifran artifact induced weatehrfront -- although you can say that for where Rephidim travels over."
"Still, it will be nice to return home," the man says. "We have to transfer in Gallis though. Hopefully it will not be too awful."
"They are such.. snobs.." the wife notes, a bit disdainfully.
Tasha holds her tongue about Gallisan snobbery. It isn't that she hasn't experienced it, she has, and in spades, but she's moved on and doesn't feel the urge to complain. Then again, she doesn't feel the urge to be charitable about Gallis either. "It's, um, been a while since I traveled to Gallis. I hear the Gallee circles are different than those other people travel in, although it can be difficult for canine-frame sentients of all types. Or so I've heard." Moving on also means she doesn't roll her eyes.
"If you ask me, the only decent Poodles are Rephidim Poodles," the woman claims. "Gallis is just so.. monocultural," she adds. "I mean, that's normal for all surface nations, but they just seem so defensive and extreme about it! And the stratification.."
"Well, I'm glad I don't live there. I will eat their food though," Tasha notes, picking up what she'ssure is a Gallisan flakey bread pastery. With her meal rounded out, she nods towards the tables. "My ship's loaded, would you like some comapny for dinner? My maid is afraid of heights so maybe you can save me from dining alone?"
"The mimes," the husband laments. "But yes, the food is decent.. wouldn't want to eat it all the time though!" he says, and pats his stomach. "We are the Vastens of Rephidim, Gale and Leslie," the man introduces himself and his mate. "You have the bearing of a seasoned traveler. We'd be glad of the company."
There are a few small tables set out, along with braziers to keep things warm at the higher altitude. The main dining area can be seen through the glass doors as well, but seems crowded.
"Great," Tasha enthuses, gesturing ahead of her so that the man can lead, suspecting he'll want to pull chairs for her and and the other woman. I guess I'm not totally hopeless when it comes to culture, she decides as she follows after.
Suggesting an outdoor table to keep things private and cozy, Tasha has her seat after the man's wife, sitting across from the two. "Since we're seated I'll return the introduction: I'm Pilot-cadet Aldara Tasha Argentine, out of Abaddon. Here on research, presently returning. My maid, Liza, is down below hiding from gravity."
"You have a maid?" Leslie (the wife) asks, looking impressed. "I did not realize a Cadet was an officer."
"The maid is my person maid," Tasha explains, then realizes that just makes her situation sound more indulgent. "Maybe I should call her my personal assistant? I hired her to help me with, um, domestic work and to help me keep my schedual on track. I got the idea from a friend of mine, Katherine Vesuvius. She's an Abaddonian celebrity and has an entire team of assistants including a manager, and I thought, I could use that. I have so much to do and I don't have the time or experience needed to do it all right. I'm usally busy in the field, or trying to learn." Deciding there's a missing explaination, she also adds, "Oh, I'm a cadet but I'm actually a founding member. We're small right now, so I have a lot of duties and my travels have been succesful."
"Ah, I remember when I and some partners started our business," Gale says, smiling. "Accountants! Not very exciting, but I feel it is a necessary role to keep society functioning. And it did introduce me to Leslie.." He reaches over to pat his wife's hand affectionately.
"I'm a hair-dresser," the woman confides. "This is our first real vacation in years. We once hoped to visit Babel, but.. well, that was a long time ago, before the war and all the troubles."
Tsha grins widely at the affection, it reminding ehr a great deal of her own relationship. Realizing that's a great segway and point of similiarity, she shares. "I met my Gabriel the same way! Of course, I, well, I rescued him from the ruins of his ship along with several of his offciers, but together we've been able to rebuild the dream and now we've returned to active exploration under charter with the Abaddonain government. We're very happy." She then turns to the wide and explains, "I'm an explorer myself, though lately I've had to fight, speaking of war. I remember that war too; I hadn't found my way yet and the ship I was raised lost a lot of profit when the ports became too dangerous to risk."
"It seems so strange," Gale comments. "Those who travel for business seem happy at being able to settle down, and those that work in one place look forward to travel! Although it seems strange to me that anyone might tire of exploration! You're young though, so probably have a long time before worrying about any of that!"
"Abaddon.. didn't our neighbor just return from there?" Leslie asks. "He seemed so intent on settling down, and just seems to be traveling all the time instead! Perhaps it is not something so easily grown out of afterall."
"Well, between you and me, I doubt I'll be settling down any time soon. Although, my Gabriel does head our organization and he's largely based in the Pit of Himaar. Once we have our own base of operations, you might say that I'll have my place to settle down -- although I expect I'll be returning to wander time and time again, not unlike now, really." Tasha gives a good natured shrug, them promptly spears a slice of sausage before popping it in to her mouth, grinning as she chews. After swallowing, she says, "Lucky for me Gabriel is ex-military, so he's used to his mate -- or himself -- constantly coming and going."
"So your organization isn't military then?" Leslie asks. "I worry that too many Jupani end up in military roles on Rephidim."
"Paramilitary. Gabriel was with the Terr-, excuse me, the military just like his officers and my sister. It seems like wheer ever you go, we Karnor are associated with war. Just like we Vartans," Tasha laments, lifting her mismatched hands as if she were a living symbolisim of the Vartan-Karnor unity in war. "At least it means we can protect ourselves and handle danger. Maybe some day, more of our people will be able to be free of war. I'm not sure that day will come soon, though; At least Gabriel and I fight for knowledge we share with our world. We've even worked with the Rephidim Bridge towards diplomacy, so we do a lot more than just fight."
"So long as you don't have to fight in any wars dear," Leslie says, and reaches over to pat Tasha's arm. "It's better for you to grow up and be happy."
Tasha smiles, although she can't quite give it the enthusiasim the gesture deserve. Deep down she knows she's going to have to fight again, she just isn't sure what or when. And while she doesn't fight in open wars, she does fight in many secret ones and the road of the explorer is lined in danger. It's only been a scant few months and she's seen more hospitals and medbays than she'd like. "Well, it's for a good cause, right?" Is the best she can offer in return.
Being a last-minute reservation, Tasha and Liza have a below-deck cabin, which means it doesn't have a window. Although there is a lower-deck lounge, with a thick glass floor (and railing around it) for those that want to get a view without being exposed to the elements. Tasha finds Liza there, and the Lapi is very apologetic about abandoning her employer. "I am not used to air travel, and I did not want to embarrass you if I fell ill," she claims contritely. Their cabin is small, with a fold-out bunk that is big enough for both of them. Liza goes about preparing it for Tasha, and asks, "Is there anything I need to know about our final destination or modes of travel?"
Thinking of her maid, Tasha had brough the woman a meal just in case she couldn't bring herself to leave the cabin. She leaves it nearby, where it can be eaten or quietly abandoned without fuss. She's seen her fair share of airship sickness cases, and so doesn't find herself put off by the turn of events; Amused being more accurate, although she makes pains to hide the fact. She doesn't want to embarass Liza any more than Liza wants to embarass her.
"We'll be switching to a smaller airship after landing, a commuter flight to the outter Gateway city as we won't be staying longer in Abu Dabi than we must. From there we'll be passing through the Gateway to Abbadon, that might be unpleasant. Abaddon itself is a cold, dusty world with little vegetation outside of a few areas, many of them dangerous. Our trip to the Pit will take many hours, and it will be loud, so be preared," she explains as she starts removing her coat.
"So.. much like Titanic?" Liza asks as she smoothes the sheets of the bunk and makes sure there aren't any unwanted guests lurking in them. "Will I have any difficulty going unnoticed on Abaddon? I'm used to it here, but I do not know if there are Lapis there."
"There are very few foreigners of any type past the town outside of Gateway. Primarily there are Jupani -- which we call Karnor -- as well as Humans, Nagai, Savanites which are known by their original name of Silent-One, the various flying species of the Confederacy, and a few others who are primarily Client-based races. By that I mean subservient to their Patron race," Tasha explains, having removd her coat and palced it neatly aside, followed b the rest of her outfit leaving her in her underarmor. She leaves that on, for a number of reasons. "I'll explain more as we go. Abaddon is very different than Sinai, a red barren world for one, but also the races of people tend to group together in to various nations. As outsiders, we can move between them but have a harder time fitting in to any of them. My organization is multiracial, however, so it's not a problem internally." She sits herself down on the bed and yawns, feeling tired despite having done little during the day.
Liza goes to help Tasha take off her boots. "Will there be situations where you need me to take attention away from you?" the doe asks. At least hooves don't smell like feet..
"I don't think so," Tasha sayss as she lifts her legs, bemused for a moment as she realizes she now has someone to take off her shoes. I've come a long way, she admits to herself in a wry, amused tone. My mother would never let me hear the end of this. "Awrk! You too good to take off shoes? Maybe little bunny carry you every place too, yah?" Her mother was never one for decadence, but the young woman knows that's mainly because she couldn't achieve it. "On Abaddon I have some authority and I'm known in certain cities. I have the backing of the major governments, so we're a lot safer and better supported there. Also, Liza I want you to make a point of studying Abaddon while I'm in the field. I'll also ned you to study other matters, but that can wait. One big step at a time."
"I promise to learn as best I can," the doe claims, and helps Tasha with the rest of her outfit as well. "Do you need anything before bed? Water or milk?"
"No, but thank you Liza. Lets get some rest, we'll be glad we did tomorrow." Tasha waits for Liza to lie down first, then setles in herself. She takes the outside of the bunk to have room for her wings, but that's not the awkward part -- sleeping beside Liza is. She decided some time ago she wasn't going to let her professional relationship with Liza degrade in to a mroe personal one; She likes things as they are and doesn't want more complication behind her relationships. Her reluctance and concern make their current arrangement more uncomfortable than it needs to be, and Tasha knows she should just relax and go to sleep. She's determined that nothing will happen; It's her fear of complicating two good things that keeps her back and apart.
Still, it is a bit like cuddling with a large, warm plush toy. At least the doe's nightshirt is anything but sexy. It's even got pockets.
Tasha grows a bit more comfortable sharing space with Liza over the next few days. She does this by focusing on comfort specifically, which Liza seems to encourage. She hasn't asked the doe about her past yet, since the Lapi seems to always be asking Tasha about the future instead. The hybrid begins to realize that this may be deliberate - a subtle reinforcement of their professional relationship by making the only personal elements about Tasha herself. There's one awkward moment when the doe is clearly frightened by the Gateway (and the masked, armed humans that seem to regulate it) and nearly passes out upon arrival on Abaddon (Lapi biology makes it very hard for them to vomit, apparently, so the stress can build without any sort of physical release). She's very subdued for most of the train journey - the Abaddonian rail service being a bit less comfortable than the Trans-Nordikan one.
By the time they step off the train, it's been nearly sixteen hours of pure travel. Tasha looks worn and she's used to heavy travel. Her new personal assistant looks about ready to collapse again, leading Tasha to break the master-servant flow of things by stating flatly, "Alright. I'm tired, it's late, and we still have a drive in to the city to go. If you can close your eyes and pretend we're back in bed, I'll just pick you up and fly you and our things in to the pit. I can't gain altitude with both of us and our things, but I can glide and I know the Pit well, even at night. Well?" She looks to Lisa, hoping the Lapi is can endure a little longer. The hybrid resolves to give her tomorrow off as well.
"I.. trust you," the Lapi notes. And it's not like she weighs much, being a normal Lapi and not one of the 'denser' Amazonian sorts. She also hasn't been eating much recently due to the stress of travel. Liza makes sure their belongings are secured together, and then holds her arms out and closes her eyes.
"I'm glad, otherwise this whole trip would be problematic to say the least." Tasha hooks her halitool's straps on, then slings it between her wings and tightens it. It's a very uncomfortable arrangement, but it's only temporary and she'll take brief discomfort for getting home quicker. The rest is strapped or slung, and then finally she scoops Liza up. "Eyes closed," she reminds her, then pushs her head against her shoulder to make sre she'll be staring at that even if she does dare to look. "Off we go." And with that she breaks in to a sprint, catching ehr second wind with the thoughts of home and of Gabriel.
It's not long after that she's leaping off the cliffside, dropping in to a shakey glide and soaring out over the city. She aims for the front landing and the main entrance.
There are a few other flyers out, but they don't cause any traffic issues. The Lapi is certainly glad to be on the ground again, and tries to look less exhausted before they enter the building. "Thank you, Miss Tasha," she says.
"Lifting things is my speciality," Tasha offers by way of a 'you're welcome. She opens the doro and heads inside, gesturing around as she makes her way towards the front dsk. "This used to be Elamoore city hall before the boomer hit, now it's the Pit of Himaar Treaty Council headquarters and accomidations. Council meetings are held in here, and my quarters are in the residential wing. Speaking of which ... " As she approaches the desk she lifts a hand in greeting. "Hi, it's me. I'm back again, can I get my key? This is Liza, my new personal assistant," she explains to the receptionist.
"I was wondering if you'd bring another bunny, eventually," the receptionist says with a grin and a wink. "You don't have any mail. Welcome back!"
Tasha smiles back despite her exhaustion. The quip and the welcome home really hit the spot, doing much to help her mood and her energy level. "It's good to be back. If you're in tomorrow, why don't you talk to Liza here? I'm sure she'd be glad to hear about the city," she tells the receptionist as she accepts her key, then adds, "I'm 'in' for a few days yet if anyone needs me. I'll be taking tomorrow off, ut I might be out and about. Liza will stay with me for now, we can work out the rest later. We're tired. Anyway, have a good night." She givs the receptionist one more smile, then turns and wanders down a particular hall. "Second floor, third door, east wing," she recites as she heads that way, "Gabriel is fourth. He stole half my room. We'll be seeing him first."
"Will I be staying with you and your husband then?" Liza manages to ask.
"I have my own quarters, you'll be staying there. He's not my husband. It's complicated. Gabriel just stole half of it because his own room isn't enough. Apparently running a multinational organization requires a lot of space." Tasha gives a 'who knew' sort of shrug, having enough energy for the comic gesture, then approaches the aforementioned door, which she raps on. "It's me Captain."
The door opens and Gabriel smiles, wearing a bathrobe and smelling recently cleaned. "Ah, you must be the girl I ordered from room service..." he says to Tasha before noticing the smaller woman next to her.. and then looking embarrassed.
Tasha just stares at Gabriel, expression flat, then she turns around and says, "I mentioned we're together? We're very together," by way of explaination. Turning back she steps up and gives the man a hug. "Hi, Gabe. What a trip, right? This is Liza."
"Hello sir," Liza says, and bows. "And don't feel embarrassed. I've been the room service girl a few times. I am Miss Tasha's maid."
"Maid?" Gabriel asks, looking between the two. "What a trip indeed! And you look exhausted. Is it alright if I attend you tonight instead of Liza?" he asks.
"Oh?" Tasha glances back, not quite willing to let Gabriel go. She doesn't have time to inquire further when Gabriel asks his question, which she nods to. "Of course you can! Let me set Liza up in my room, and then I'll be back." Only then does she let go.
"Don't worry about keeping me awake," Liza whispers to Tasha as the go next door. The doe taps her ears. "Working in a hotel teaches you to sleep through anything."
"I apologize anyway. It's my fault, really." Tasha unlcoks her door and steps inside, gesturing to the room as a whole with her free hand as she removes her key from the door. "Put your things anywhere. That side," she points across the room with her key, to the bed and the clearly different furnishings, "is effectively mine while the rest is officially mine. The desk is Gabriel's as is most of the paperwork, filing cabinents and -- Are those shelves new? -- all of the strange looking equipment. You probably know better, but to be safe: Don't touch any of it. They're computers. I'll explain computers tomorrow. The bed is all yours and feel free to use the shower and borrow my clothes if you need them. I'll be back in the morning. Lock the door after I go." And with that the young woman turns, patting Liza's shoulder as she passes on out and back to Gabriel.
The door does lock behind Tasha. Gabriel is a bit more subdued when Tasha returns, but happily hugs her. "Ready to report," he asks. "Or want to rest up first?"
"How about both?" Tasha considers gesturing towards the bed, but can't muster the energy so instead points her muzzle at it instead while being hugged. "Help me over?" She leans in, walking with the man until she's down, where she promptly flops back on to the bed and lets out a very death-rattle exhale. "I am so tired," she admits, turning to look up at Gabriel. "But I did promise a report, didn't I?" She sucks in a breath, then says, "Hokay. Short one now, long one in the morning: I'm rich now, found treasure. Spoke to Source, learned more about Harrowers, Outsiders, Sifras and more. Donated part of fortune to Stormbreakers, they're doing okay. Didn't get metal; Got advice instead. Hired maid; Tired of being dirty and living rough. Trip back uneventful. End report." She doesn't quite leave it at that though, because she reaches in to her side bag, fishes around, then promptly puts her tiara on her head and points at it. "I stayed in nice hotels," she explains. "I like it."
"You look nice in your outfit," Gabriel admits. "Professional. Not much happened officially while you were gone, but I'm sure the Sisterhood of Scary Women will want to talk to you soon."
"I really love this outfit. Liza made it. It makes me feel grown up and professional, like you said. I think I'm changing." Tasha takes the crown off, putting it on the end table. Alone, gabriel can see it's a yellow metal, and inset with what are clearly diamonds. "I think the Sisterhood is going to induct me. I feel scary these days. I bought you a matching watch. I can't move. Can I sleep here?"
"You don't have to ask for that," Gabriel says..
"I feel more polite for some reason. Come here and cuddle me, I smell like adventure. I'll be fun tomorrow, today ... " Tasha pauses to make a cavernous yawn before promtly rolling over. "Today is over." She doesn't talk much after that. Undressed and in bed minutes later, she's asleep before she hits the pillow.