Eye of Providence, Grand Concourse
This large space is used for formal events aboard the giant ship, and also serves as a museum to the history of Clan Erinyes. Statues of renown clan members form the bases of vaulting arches, the tops of which are lost within a holographic representation of Known Space, with the worlds that Erinyes has had a hand in either founding or conquering highlighted. Displays adorn the walls, and the center line of the great hall holds many cases containing First Ones artifacts that the Clan has recovered. Banquet tables have also been set out for the many guests.

The main challenge in crossing the concourse to where the Celestials are is that it means passing through the bulk of the pilots - and the Vartan Ale they're passing around. But at least the quarry can be spotted; two rather small red-scaled Nagas in black uniform tunics marked with the golden spiral of the Celestial Empire. The third member of their group is off somewhere else, probably looking at the artifacts and displays.

Together with Dr. Yue Sen, 'Aldara Argentine, Khattan representative' makes an approach towards the two diplomats. This is largely a matter of propriety and respect, or so Tasha has been informed. Politics, as it happens, seems to contain a great deal of this very thing and if she's going to represent her ship, her mission, and a fictional Khattan House then she's decided she best get used to this sort of thing. And while she had some practice back on Sinai, now she's in Galactic Space with the big players and the stakes are that much higher.

"Hello," Tasha greets the two reptilians as she approaches them, Yue trailing behind and intentionally so. "We haven't met formally, but I'm sure you heard me speaking before the crowd. I thought I'd come and pay my respects, now that I'm able and, well, here you are!" She then gestures to the Human beside her, "And this is Dr. Sen, one of our many clients."

The Naga with the most decoration on its tunic seems relieved to see the odd pair - possibly because they are two of the shorter people here and don't tower over the captain. Also, almost unnoticed because it color matches the scales exactly is some sort of device over the Naga's left ear-hole. "Yesss, greetings. Yesss," the Naga replies. "I am Captain Hesh'siss of Basilisk. This is pilot-second Salamansset, my son-daughter. Presssentation of prizes very entertaining."

Tasha puts on the smile she practived with Katherine, polite, almost serene, and very Khattan. She's begun to appreciate the way the Khattans can both conceal their true emotions and maintain a polite and non-offensive air, something she used to look down upon and disingenuine, but after having to particpiate in any number of political gatherings, covert operations, white-through-black market deals and so much else, being able to go on political autopilot has come as a blessing. She's still not thrilled with the amount of half-truths and outright lies she needs to use, but the alternative is far worse.

Tasha begins to speak, pauses, then pushes herself to keep going like nothing had happened. Despite all the coaching, there are still a great many situations she feels inadequately prepared for, and new terms and foreign customs are one of the most common sources of problems. As a Khattan she should probably know a lot more about the universe than she does, but there's no time for her to learn everything. "Wwww-well, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I admit, I did enjoy reviewing the battle, and it's always interetsing to see new sights and new ships, not to mention the chance to meet potential new contacts and clients." Son-daughter? She wonders if its a poor translation, some sort of Clan special title, or what and determines to ask Yue after they've moved on. "And your ship is very fine indeed, but of course it's to be expected." If Tasha knows anything about Naga, which is admittedly not much, it's that as a culture they always seem to appreciate recognizing their intelligence and capability.

"Basilisk very old, very expendable," the captain replies, and bobs his(?) head in a Naga laugh. "Also very close. Luck! We get to go to big party. See Silent-Ones up close. They have good tails."

"My grandfather hass hearing difficultiess," Salamansset finally speaks up. "He wass too close to an explosion."

"Then that's something we have in common!" Tasha, having always been something of a loud talker due to years of ptera cries, which cracks, and yelling considers that she may have finally found a diplomatic situation where that habit is a advantage. It makes her wag her tail. She also knows a thing or two about having proximity to explosions, lifting her taloned hand up. "I was injured recently while piloting a Titan, and had been on leave until I was reassigned to a new project and a new role, which if why I happen to be here." She then nods to the Doctor. "And it helps our client was nearby as well." She turns back and glances between the two Naga, still trying to figure out the earlier term, but no more able to assess Naga than she ever has been. "I am also a pilot, although less so these days."

"Boom boom boom," the captain says, and then raps on his head with one fist, making a decidedly metallic sound. "What isss your businesss, Aldara?" He grins to Yue as well. Her gown does look a bit scaly.

"Oh, courier services! Although, we can potentially handle a wider variety of tasks, which we can discuss with the client as the client and our own needs require." Tasha turns to Yue and asks, "Dr. Sen is one of our earliest customers. You've found our services to be very useful, yes Doctor?" And then she glances back to the Captain. "We try to be accomidating of the needs of all Galactics and species, though we do understand that's not to everyone's tastes."

"I have not heard of any private couriersss," Salamansset says. "How would you defend againssst Titanianss?"

"We can be ostentacious as well, if needed." And so Tasha gestures about her, indicating the party as well as herself. "But we consider it something of a special request." Her hands fall and her head tilts. She considers the matter of Titanians at some length, then holds up a finger and answers, "We have a special arrangement."

"Oh, maybe we do, maybe we don't," Tasha insists, hands out and moving up and down, as if weighing the possibilities. "That would of course be between ourselves and our clients. If we did, of course. I'm sure if that was important to a prospective client, then perhaps something could be arranged."

"That's a good question," Tasha remarks, turning to Yue. "I don't think we've decided on a name. It's not exactly the kind of service you put to the public." She then taps her nose and cocks her head, thinking again. "Our ship is the Dark Horse, so 'Dark Horse Shipping Services' seems appropriate. What do you think, Yue?"

"Or maybe just 'Dark Horse Services?'" Tasha offers second, head cocking the other way.

"It will need to be registered," Yue notes. "But shipping implies cargo. I think maybe 'Dark Horse Private Courier Service' or similar would be less ambiguous."

"But then it wouldn't always be courier work," the human notes with a nod. "So.. Private Services may be better. Chartered Starship? I don't know what all of the categories are."

"We wouldn't want to be ambiguous," the hybrid agrees with a knowing, not to mention lopsided, grin. "We'll have to go over it with the Captain, our contacts and the ship's AI." She nods, then turns back to the two Naga. "Enterprise? Dark Horse Enterprises? It does mena fewer letters in the ancronym, which will make our uniform specialists happy. Well, I'll put it to the others. For now, lets call it Dark Horse Enterprises."

"Once you have your cardss made up, please forward one to the Basilisk if we are sstill in port," the captain requests.

Tasha inclines her head. "We will. Thank you for considering our service." She then bobs her head as well before asking, "Did you have any other questions for me? About the service, or about the events? I can tell you where they keep the strongest liquor." She grins.

"Grandfather sshould not imbibe," Salamansset says quickly. "In all of the bussstle here, we have losst track of our ship'ss JOAT. He went to look at the hissstorical dissplayss. He losess track of time often."

"A common habit of scholars," Tasha notes with another nod. "I've seen it myself. If you like, we can go find him and see he returns to you. We should swing by the Vartan and Silent-One gatherings anyway, but I wanted to pay our respects to the representatives first."

The captain bobs his head again. "Do not get exploded again. It iss bad habit," he offers.

Tasha barks a laugh. "Any more explosions and I'll end up a full Vartan, which will really drop my value." She grins, then steps back and bows slightly, "And we can't have that. We'll have your JOAT here soon. Thank you for meeting with us."

And then it's time to head off again with Tasha taking the lead, eyes scanning the crowd. "Yue," she whispers, lower than she normally might as she's aware of the Human's superior hearing, "What did he mean by son-daughter? Did I hear him right?"

"I think what he meant was his son's daughter - his granddaughter," the human replies. "She referred to him as grandfather. I'm surprised you didn't ask what a JOAT was."

"It's a Jack-of-All-Trades, isn't it? I had the same designation when I was attending classes back on Abaddon, when I was still focused on being a JEF Cadet." Not immediately spotting the reptile, Tasha begins to slowly orbit the party, manuvering between groups of people, tables, and exhibits. "And how am I doing?"

"Considering how unprepared you are in terms of official.. anything.. quite well," Yue says. "Your youth and enthusiasm help of course. It makes you seem more honest and open. Also, if the Celestials have an official JOAT, it implies that they are undercrewed or working with just a skeleton crew."

It's hard to tell just who is who among the Vartans. There are those in uniform, and those in formal looking civilian wear, but who might be of higher or lower status.. assuming there is status.. within the clan.

"So we put on our pirate hats and get a new ship, is that what you're thinking?" Tasha asks, brows going up and tail wagging, but then she sticks her tongue out and holds her hands up. "I know, I know, it's not what you're thinking ... officially. Or practically. Besides, they seem nice." She then smiles. "I do seem to have a lot of preperation for things I'm not prepared for, at least. I'm mostly going off of what Katherine and the others taught me, and what I learned from watching and listening to Khattan business people and attending other parties." She tehn reaches to scratch her nose, pauses, and lowers her hand grimacing. "Which is not scratching your nose. Let me know if you see the JOAT, or Lacci if you looked her up."

"I've been busy with the transfer to Amaterasu, Yue notes, but does tap Tasha's elbow and point towards a bright flash of red near one of the clan history displays. "I'm beginning to suspect everyone on Basilisk is related."

"I approve of a family ship," Tasha notes, turning to head towards the indicated direction. She doesn't see the figure at first, having been blocked by two particularly large Vartans, but soon spots the touch of red and so makes her approach. "We'll have to consider later how to handle Titanian interference. I think I can deal with it. I think."

"The easiest way to handle it is to not do things that would get their attention," Yue notes as she follows in Tasha's wake (which is much easier). "Artifact smuggling is considered piracy." Once Tasha is clear of the bigger Vartans, she can see the scarlet Naga before a display, and a young Vartan next to him pointing things out. She's not wearing armor, but it's most likely Lacci - she's got makeup on, her facial feathers and beak being dusted with different colors.

"Considering we're already doing it, we should probably consider it just one more artifact in the lot, one that comes with profit. It's probably inevitable we'll deal with the Titanians, so I'll look in to how to handle it when I can. I'll consult the Mauler. And here we are ... Three, two, one politics." 'Three, two, one, ... ' is one of Katherine's sayings, something Tasha heard her remark right before hitting the stage a month ago or so.

"Hello!" Tasha greets the JOAT in a cheery, friendly fashion. This isn't a meeting between representatives, but a group head approaching a ship's crewmember in casual company. "Your must be the Basilisk's JOAT. Your Captain has been looking for you." She doesn't greet Lacci immediately, uncertain if either party shuld announce having met just yet.

"Aaagh!" the Naga yelps and tries to hide in his coils. Lacci just freezes in mid discourse, unsure of what to do.

"I did not expect this reaction. Yue?" Tasha turns to the Human woman, hand on hip, exageratedly concerned and puzzled. "Did you expect this reaction? Because I did not."

"See I thought that too," Tasha notes with a slow nod, propping her head on her hand and contuning the exagerated facade. "Was I growling? Did I show too many or too few teeth? You're the expert on TerraGens, here."

"Aldara?" Lacci asks, snapping out of her shock. She leans down to try and help untangle the Naga. "Chelessan here has been around a lot of explosions."

"Am I an explosion? I distinctly asked my assistant to not make me look like an explosion." The hybrid shaks her head in slow, wide shakes before turning to the young Vartan. "Oh, hello Lacci! I didn't see you, hiding as you were behind being so extra-pretty this evening."

"You have to be as shiny as possible to get into the party," Lacci says, getting Chelessan's torso up off the floor. The Naga seems to be recovering. "Captain.. another accident?" he asks.

"The only accident here is my lack of foresight," Tasha assuresthe reptile, hunkering down to help him up as well. "Your Captain is looking for you." She then looks up -- has to really, Lacci is taller than she is by a good margin -- and notes, "See I should have done that instead. It'd have meant so much less evaluating and speech-writing."

"Looking for me?" Chelessan asks, still a bit dazed. "Yess.. I need to check in.. Where is captain?"

Tasha proceeds to describe the location of the two small Naga, and then also thinks to offer landmarks in case the sea of tall people makes spotting the Naga impossible. " ... and they should be by the service table with the Naga-centric snacks and table settings."

"Yess yess yess," Chelessan says, bobbing his head. "Thank you Misss Lucky for your teaching." He then slithers off toward his crewmates.

"Not all Celestials are fluent in Vartan or Standard," Lacci notes, as she straightens out her tunic.

"Is a lecture any way to greet the oe of the speakers at this oh-so-very-exclusive party?" Tasha glances at Yue and, againw ith mock-exageration, asks, "Now is it, Yue? Because I think I'm very important. And as you'll note, I did indeed review the Titan battle and was indeed hired to provide awards and speaks, and so I am what I claimed do be and not some sinister and lecturable figure who tricks random young Vartans in to eating interesting lunches. Is that not so?"

"I.. lecturing is part of my job," Lacci says in her defense. "I lecture on Military History. Sometimes."

"Sometimes being a smartass is my job. It's definitely my sister's job. And speaking of people who are also smartasses, this woman beside me is Doctor Yue Sen." Tasha turns back to Lacci and gestures to the Human beside her. "One of our very special clients. I tease her because I care about our clients."

"Pleased to meet you, Historian Lacci," Yue says and gives a little bow. "My field is xenoarcheology. That's how I dug up Aldara here."

Lacci clearly isn't certain if Yue is being serious or not, but she does look at Tasha a bit more closely.

Tasha tilts her head up and bounces a little on her hooves. "I'm one of a kind, you know. An exotic blend of Vartan and Karnor physiology, Titan pilot, and a piece of history of both Vartan and Terran culture!"

"Well that, too. I mean, physically I represent those things. You know how we Khattans are, we like to sell things." Tasha gives a somewhat nervous chuckle, then shrugs her shoulder. "Uh, anyway, how are you? Fun party, right? Or ... Are you not enjoying it? Should I go?"

"I have to avoid the pilots," Lacci notes. "They get pinchy after a few drinks, even the women. So far I have mostly been giving Chelessan the tour, and haven't had a chance to eat or drink anything yet."

"Well, why not walk around with me? No one's going to embarass themselves infront of of one of the factional representatives, which is nominally me. Not unless they're drunk, of course, or afraid of explosions." Tasha waves Lacci to follow her, then turns to walk to the next exhibit. "Yue? If you like, you don't have to come with us and listen to us talk about ... Uh, whatever. We've made our rounds, so we're both free."

"Alright, I'll go spy on people then," the diminutive woman says, and slinks off into the crowd.

Tasha laughs as well, though for other reasons. "You know how Terrans are, they like to be play up being friendly and sneaky, and Yue is very Terran." The two approach the next exhibit, which the hybrid turns to inspect. "I didn't get much of a chance to look at the collection here other than getting a chance to meet a genuine Darkblazer and discussing that peculiar Flame. It's a bit intimidating, isn't it?"

"The Flame?" Lacci asks. "I just think it is ugly." The display Tasha is paused out describes a battle involving seven Clans coming together to form The Golden Fleet, which 'defended' a 'breakaway Silent-Ones colony' by blockading it against Silent-Ones military support. The blockade lasted until it became clear the colonists weren't under any pressure to abandon their planet, and didn't need any support. It led to the fall of House Tilieran, who went bankrupt trying to finance the fleet.

"I'm not sure I'd say it's ugly, but ... " Tasha lets herself trail off. The details of The Flame aren't for open discussion, at least not right now when there are so many otehrs close by. At least Darksight was off by himself, which she half-suspects may have been aided by the artifact's ominous aura. "Remind me to be careful which fleets I finance in the future," she remarks of the statue. It's perhaps less of an unlikelihood than it might otherwise be, given her life and times.

"Things were much wilder three-thousand years ago," Lacci notes, indicating the date on the display. "The Silent-Ones Star Empire was making a big colonization push after millennia of.. not doing that."

"Well, you can't blame them for wanting to maintain a place with -- or attempt to exceed -- the greater powers. They've always been the Galactic underdog, and if not for Terran decision making early on would have been on the the TerraGens' first Clients. Conversely, I've had it explained to me at length that being the underdog and not relying on pre-existing technologies or other such advantages inspires a people to excel in other areas." Tasha makes a shrug with her hands after turning to Laccim then moves on to the enxt exhibit. From the route, it's clear they're heading towards a cluster of serving tables and attendants. "At least that's what my Captain and other TerraGens officials have suggested. I've mainly focused on Expedition-era history, but my new role requires I focus on modern times and history as is useful and applicable."

"Of course they'd have to say that in order to make it seem like it was the morally superior choice, because they simply could not afford superior Galactic technology," Lacci claims. "It gives them an advantage under the Articles of Combat, since it forces technologically superior forces to fight on their level." The next display is a before-and-after of worlds that Clan Erinyes have overseen colonization for, with the before pictures being rather alarming. There are apparently a lot of Abaddon-style worlds out there.

"Which is technically a demonstration of a form of superior cunning, I admit. If an opponent can't use their full powers, those powers may as well not exist for the purpose of the immediate conflict. The strategy negates superiority through, uh, social and political pressure I suppose." And while Tasha can't quite believe she just said that, she also realizes she just taught herself a lesson about politics and political strategy based on a historical lesson. She thinks Hakeber would be proud, just as soon as she got done with her disbelief. After a long moment of studying the new exhibit, she remarks, "Colonization, politics and profit aside, is hard to argue against. The every growing expansion of our collective peoples is maybe one of the strongest indicators of the succes of the Galactics as a whole. From what I've heard, previous iterations of the Galactic powers far exceeded our own reach and quite likely our technology. If we're ever to exceed them, we must keep in mind growth, but also the

possibility of cooperation and mutual profit, lest we end up facing the same fate as they did."

"Well.. the Articles only work in sanctioned conflicts," Lacci notes. "It's actually a lot more complicated because of alien technologies than if everyone was using the same equipment. The Terrans, Silent-Ones and Confederates are very difficult to rate in space combat situations. So the Articles almost always end up being applied to ground combat."

"It's certainly complicated, which helps make me feel more at ease knowing I will be fighting less and acting on behalf of more peaceable interests more. It's still something to keep in mind, of course." Tasha taps the side of her head, then turns to move on. This time they approach the serving tables, the shorter of the two women having learned to wait for attendants to approach her without offerings rather than beelining for the food tables and carts. Apparently the more prominent your position, the less permitted a VIP is to do anything themselves! "By the way, did anyone give you a difficult time after I left you? Were you able to meet Kem?"

"He was busy painting a portrait by the time I showed up, and his dolphin.. secretary.. seemed rather insistent that he was too busy to see me," Lacci notes, eyeing the buffet. "It was almost as if she was jealous."

A server eventually comes by carrying a tray of fluted glasses filled with wine. No ale for VIPs!

"Almost exactly as if she were jealous, I think." Tasha glances over and gives Lacci a knowing looking. "Of course with how you look right now, I'd be jealous, except you stand no chance at all against me with my mate." She grins, then turns to gesture as one of the attendants comes over.

"Lacci here was just showing me some of the wonderful history and culture of Clan Erinyes, but I fear I've neglected to eat and, well, I can't very well run her ragged without proper dispensation, can I?" The glass of wine is accepted, with tasha gesturing Lacci should take one as well, before asking, "Would you mind fetching us something to eat? Lacci was just etlling me about these other exhibits, and I'd hate to miss anything."

"Of course, ma'am," the Vartan server says, and taps his collar. A moment later he says, "Someone will be here directly." Then he goes on circulating after the wine is handed out.

For her part, Lacci seems a bit embarrassed after Tasha actually mentions her name.

"And there we are." Tasha turns to Lacci, but this time gestures her to lead. "I'm sure you have your favorite exhibits, or at least the ones you feel are noteworthy. Unless, of course, there's something else you would like to see or do..?" After taking a sip, the hybrid notes the taste, or rather notes she has no idea what it is and is at a loss for how to classify it. Still she keeps sipping, if just not to be rude, and to give it a fair chance. She also notes Lacci's embarassment, and so asks, "Are you uncomfortable being seen with me, Lacci? I feel like you're not used being in the 'spotlight,' as the Terrans say."

"I'm not used to it," Lacci admits. "So I am sure the server will pass it along that I am giving tours to the guests." A second server arrives with a platter of finger-foods, since the women only have one free hand. There are a lot of colors that Tasha would not normally associate with food.. not even after dining on Abaddon's blue canal meat.

Deciding that in these matters a wide selection is best as it shows interest, allows for an exploartion of new foods, and provides alternatives should one item or the other prove unpaltiable, Tasha selections a few different looking items before passing the server's attention on to Lacci. It's still strange for her, to be a VIP, but increasingly she's finding herself becoming used to her station. Still, being served first and in favor over people she thinks are just as worthy as she is takes some getting used to. Once they both have their meals, the hybrid follows after Lacci. "I hope I'm not getting you in to trouble. If it becomes a problem, I could speak to your Captain or other superior officer. I imagine they're wondering if you have some sort of objective -- or if I do."

"I'm the historian, so it should not be unusual," Lacci says, moving towards a less crowded area. The first bite Tasha takes of her food.. is odd. It's a colorful cube that seems to meat and vegetable.. and probably fruit as well, suggesting it is something fabricated instead of natural.

If Tasha were a snack, she decides she'd probably be whatever it is she's eating now. She makes a note to serve something like this to guests, to highlight the ship's broad culture and species choices. "Have you given any thought as to my offer, speaking of my sinister plans?"

Lacci takes her to an artifact display. This one is.. something metal that looks like a legless crab. "A Kdatlyno death mask," the girl says. "We think. If so it is one of the few surviving depictions of a First Ones species. And.. well.. I need a bit more information to bring to my family and superiors."

"A depiction of the First Ones ... " Tasha leans in, tapping the side of her face and thinking. She searchs through her memory across all the faces of the Progenitors she can still remember, and across all the various depictions (and specimens) she's come across. "And a death mark. Things like this always tug at my heart, and a death mask is more appropriate than most for the First Ones civilizations." Her head shakes and she leans back, turning to Lacci. "What sort of information is that? Would you like to meet a depiction of ancient pre-modern Karnordom? That's not me."

"More like your ship registry and what you actually do," Lacci asks. The mask shows something like a mouth, but no nose or eyes. Possibly something insectoid or at least with an exoskeleton.

Nothing Tasha remembers. She isn't sure how many species evolved without the need for Progenitor interference, but decides there must have been quite a few. "We're still assembling and handling registration as I was only given the go-ahead recently after discussing it with my contacts and crew, not to mention recieving my ship. The truth is we're a broad enterprise that mostly focuses on courier services, with special options as needed by the client. We are open to all Galactic powers, though we reserve the right to discriminate among sub-factional powers if they prove to be against our greater interests. We're generally interested in promoting unity while turning a profit, and, well, we may understake other tasks as required by my patrons that I may or may not explain to the crew."

"But nothing illegal?" Lacci asks. "What do you need with a military historian though?"

"I can't comment on the legality or illegality of anything we do. It's really a complicated matter and Galactic politics can change things." Tasha works her muzzle a moment, glancing off for a long moment before turning to give Lacci her full attention. "Maybe I was wrong. Lacci, it's not what you do now that interests me so much as what I thought you could become and the type of person you are. I was impressed that you stood up to that man and I liked your reasons. The universe is always changing, and may change more soon -- and I am looking for people who can fill diverse rolls and, and more technical or professional ones. But it's as much what they might be as what they are. And, if they can handle it. What it takes. How much it migth ask of them."

And so Tasha leans in closer, stutding Lacci's eyes. It might be intimidating, were Tasha taller. As it is she has to look up, but there's no sign of intimidation in reverse. The peculiar representative's gaze is consumed by something that wasn't there before, something that doesn't belong on a merchant adventurer or public relations icon. "Maybe you belong here, Lacci. No more charm from me. I won't ruin you for my own interests."

"I'd still like to know more," Lacci says, trying to keep her hoof in the door. "I don't know how long we'll be posted here. But probably as long as the Silent-Ones are. So I could have time for maybe one trip?"

"It's good you're still pushing for it. If you had agreed with me, I'm not sure I'd have permitted it." And so Tasha leans away, the smile back on her face along side the mask. "You'll find we're an interesting group primarily made up of Terran-stock crew members, with one Vartan and one half-Vartan. I'd like to balance the crew more to avoid being accused of favoritisim, but no one would be surprised a Terra-primest vessel would have a significant Terran crew. And, besides, they were the most available and they're all very competent." She pulls in a deep breath, stepping away and exhaling as she makes a slow circle, hands behind her back, stretching wings and arms. "But there's a point of no return with us. Some of what we deal with is sensitive, so once you're in you might have to stay in."

Lacci's neck feathers puff out. "Are you trying to scare me or entice me?" she actually asks.

"Maybe both, maybe neither! The universe is big and scary," Tasha replies, holding her fingers up a little and wiggling her fingers. "Aren't there a lot of young women to protect, isn't that what you said? What do you think Vartans should be, Lacci? Where do you want to go and what do you want to be? If Horus was here right now, what kind of person would you want him to think you are?"

"Horus?" Lacci asks. "Why would.. I don't understand. I don't know how to answer all of that yet. I'm.. still young."

Tasha turns around and, hands folded behind her back, peers up at Lacci. "Are you calling me old?"

"Maybe?" Lacci replies. "You seem older than you should be," she admits. "I've lived my whole life on this ship. Studying history instead of thinking about the future."

Tasha leans back. She unfolds her hands, placing her drink aside so she can get a better hold of her finger food selection, then tosses one in the air before snapping it up. The woman grins as she chews, then says, "The cost of knowing is measured in years, I guess, whether actual years or not. There's always some sort of price." She then thunbs over at the death mask. "In knowing and in not knowing. I am as old as I look, but if you come along you might end up just like me. Older on the inside. And you're right, I am trying to scare you -- even trying to see how you deal with random worries and other things. I just wanted to see how you'd react." She then waggles a finger at Lacci's beak. "If you wanted to be more. More than a historian, more than the past. More than 'trade goods.'"

"Of course I want to be more," the Vartan claims quietly. "But.. part of that is having control, isn't it? Are you offering me control, or just choice?"

"It seems like a lot to offer someone who doesn't know any answers. The problem with control is that it's the same as power. With power you have options, and when you have options everything you have control over is your fault -- whether you act or not." Tasha pops another snack in to her muzzle, glad to be away from the main party so that she can do things like toss food in her muzzle. "So, what do you want to control? Tell me. Maybe I'll give it to you."

"You are beginning to sound like one of the Khattan's djinns," Lacci says a bit nervously. "Offering wishes that end up damning those who take them up on it. What do I specifically want control of? Maybe that's the wrong question, if I think about it. I want freedom from control. To no worry about what others may decide for me."

Tasha cackles at being called a djinn, because she once was portrayed as something like one in a painting inwhat feels like ages past, and because it really does highlight the nature of her comment about power. Power, she's decided, is a djinn itself -- and she must be one for being able to offer it in turn. She knows it's felt like a devil's deal for her, in the past. "Maybe I should make the djinn my heraldry. I know several of the crew would think it was funny." And appropriate! "If there's any damnation to be had, it was already there, or maybe already in you. It's easiest to not look and keep silent, but that doesn't mean the scary things aren't there." She then considers the request, popping another morsel in her muzzle and deciding she likes these mixed treats, and that Liza should learn to make them. She studies Lacci's face for some time, then straightens. "Being free means not having your Clan to decide what you need or want. It can mean walking alone, even if you're surrounded by people.

TIt means guilt, and responsibility. And even with us, I can't let you do anything -- or I can, but I might have to destroy you." She bites her lip, then cocks her head. "Still sound nice? Want my shiny wishes?"

"I'd.. like a second opinion, I think," Lacci says, but grins slightly (it's a subtle thing for Vartans). "Is there someone in your crew that I could talk to who.. has been with you for awhile?"

"Oh is there. See, he even knows me from when I was more like you." Tasha reaches over and taps her talon, seeing this as an excellent time to try out her new spray on eye HUD and integrated control tattoo. Were they back on Abaddon -- or worse, Sinai! -- this could have taken her an hour or worse! "Oh Gaaaaabrieeeeel!"

It takes a moment before Tasha hears her mate's voice in her earpiece. "Yes? Are you drunk?" he asks.

"Drunk on power," Tasha assures her mate, her smiling face appearing in the corner of his vision. "I am doing the usual recruitment scare-and-confuse, but Lacci ... " She shifts her taloned hand just so, and so Lacci's confused young face appears beside Tasha's, " ... has asked for another opinion from someone who has known me a long time. You'll come join us, won't you? We're by the wall displays. I can set a guide through the ship's visitor systems."

"Wouldn't the rabbit be better?" Gabriel says. "I'm sort of in the middle of something, could you arrange a meeting later? You still have the Confederate meet tomorrow."

"You're shooting me down?" Tasha puts a hand over her heart, mock-hurt. "I guess that's a captain for you. Alright, if you say it's important I'll um ... Aaron. Aaron can do it." She glances to Lacci and shrugs a little. "He's busy."

"Yes," Tasha replies. She fishes out her datapad, which may surprise Lacci by llooking to be a museum piece in itself, and then shows her. A particularly large Karnor -- or maybe a Titanian? -- stares back at her wearing some approximation of a TerraGens captain's uniform. He must be taller than many Vartan men! "Captain second, though." She then kisses the air above the pad. "My mate first."

"He looks.. very large," Lacci says, then glances to Tasha. "And.. mature." She doesn't come and say 'old enough to be your dad' but the expression is there.

"He's not my father," Tasha insists, holding up her hands and thus hiding the image. "Though ... Sometimes I suppose he acts like one. Because, um, sometimes I need it? Needed it." Sensing she may ahve been put on the defensive, the hybrid quickly shifts mental stance and adds, "But he's very loving and we've been together for a while now. If I need someone closer to my age, I have several women." And then she grins. Toothily.

"Not even a blink." Tasha's head shakes disappointedly. "But you probably figured it out, right? Oh well, how about ... You wanted freedom ... " The datapad gets held up again, this time displaying more Karnor, the familiar Liza, and Dr. Yue Sen. One of the Karnor women is stuning, while the other is stunningly short.

"Was.. that a bunny person?" Lacci asks, before the pictures of Katie and Hakeber get her attention. "I have not see two more different Karnors than those two."

"The first one is Katherine, she's recently joined us but I've known her for a while. As you can probably guess, her area of expertise is in public relations and other socically related pursuits. She's, um, well you can see her. And she knows what she looks like and she is trained to use it." And so Tasha gives Lacci a brow raised, don't-say-I-didn't-warn-you look. "Katie's also sort of my second mate. It's complicated. Anyway ... " Shevtaps her finger over the image of the second Karnor. "Hake-bea-- I call her Hake-bear, Hakeber is a scholar like yourself. She handles some of our mroe obscure research and other things like that. You two would probably get along, maybe become friends?" Tasha looks up, hopefully. "Of course I had hoped we'd be friends, too."

"Ah, but I can probably relate better to another scholar!" Lacci says hopefully. "She looks shy too."

"Not that shy," Tasha insists, ears perking. "Believe me. But she does keep to herself and she doesn't get out like I do, or Katie, or Gabriel. She also could really use getting out, so I will assign her to meet with you ... " She pauses, head tilting. "When would be good?"

"I still have a few days of shore leave, so.. when is good for her?" Lacci asks.

"Why not ask her? It'll be a good introduction." Tasha puts her datapad away, then taps something out on her taloned hand before wiggling her fingers. "Hake-beeeear."

"I am not drunk!" Tasha schoots Lacci a 'see what I have to put up with' look, then argues with her hand some more. "Well, maybe slightly. You know I haven't recovered entirely from being blown up. Anyway, meet Lacci. She's a scholar, you're a scholar, talk at each other and tell her how amazing I am." And so the hybrid looks up again. "Connecting you two now." And then the datapad gets lifted.

"Hello?" Lacci says to the tablet. "I'm Lacci, a military historian. Aldara has invited me to join your crew, but is very.. mysterious about things."

"She's crazy, I should know," Hakeber claims. "But also fun and.. well, if you come aboard expect to have everything you think you know turned inside out, quite possibly including your own mind. I don't know what the job pays either. I don't think I've been paid, and I'm also a research historian."

"I like to think I'm intriguing," Hake can hear Tasha insists from beyond her view.

"Would you like to meet on Caltrop for some.. uh.. donuts?" Lacci asks, figuring donuts are safe enough.

"I love fried things!" Hakeber says. "How about brunch, when the place won't be packed?"

"You could take her to the place Aaron, Liza and I went," suggests the off screen crazy person.

"Wonderful. Thanks, Hake-bear!" And so Tasha leans over the top, her payment being Tasha's smiling face.

"What was that? Yeah, I'll get Aaron to show me. He's always up early," Hakeber replies.

After Hakeber disconnects, Lacci's brow furrows a bit. "Was Dr. Sen not joking about spying?" she asks Tasha.

"Who knows how Terrans think, they're incomprehensibly alien," Tasha insits, grinning that decidedly Karnor grin of her's. "But I do see that hasn't kept you from talking to me further."