Once all of the animals have been petted and adolescent energy has been run down, Gabriel suggests checking out the Junior Club to see just what it's like before letting the girls loose upon it - partly to gauge their reactions, since they really aren't used to be around a lot of other children. Both girls have powers that they may not be able to control well under lots of stimulation, after all.
And so Tasha makes her way along with the two girls in hand, trying to reassure them. "Well, I'm sure there will be a lot of kids around your ages, and they'll be very normal, except perhaps some cybernetics. You already met one, so maybe he can show you around? Help you adjust?"
"Adjust?" Pheeny asks.
"Adjust to... here." Tasha looks around, indicating this place. "This place, this world in space, and to the reality of it all. That we are, as a family, each very different and often quite unique, and that while we may resemble the beings here, we may not be quite like them. They with their own capacities, and we with ours. It's important to learn local culture, traditions, and limits if you wish to get along in any civilized place. Even more so, if you travel a lot, and may need to meet new peoples regularly."
"And.. not incinerate them, right?" Pheeny asks. Whisper has discovered the Junior Club, which is not anything like a club that Tasha is familiar with. The holographic map (complete with tiny representations of the visitors) shows something more like a park. There are various activity and play areas, food vendors, amusement-park like rides and even a water-park with pools and slides. Tia notices something right away though: "They have a pizza bar."
"It's just like playing with the Kobolds, I bet," Whisper proclaims.
"Kobolds, but less subservient, usually. They are their own people, with their own ties to family and culture. And yes, no incinerating. I'l teach about that when we're in a better place to do so, but this floating cylinder is, at least for now, a peaceful place for us and we're not in any immediate danger, though we must always watch what we say and mind the rules of this place." Tasha then glances to Tia and mouthes "pizza bar" at her, nodding. "Why don't we head to the pizza bar, and we can use that as a point of gathering and reference?" She does not mention she wants pizza, assuming everyone will assume that anyway.
It there were more adults, the group would probably draw more attention. They pass an arcade and a roller-rink before getting to the food court. There are a lot of mascots roaming around that are obviously programmable-matter constructs keeping an eye on things. After all, they weren't required to sign any waivers when they entered, so there must be a lot of built in safety systems.
Tasha plops herself down on a bench, patting for the children to join her. "Tia, would you mind ordering for everyone? You know what we like, and clearly you want some pizza." She winks, then she smiles at the two girls and leans in, gesturing around herself. "Soooo, does this look like fun?"
"There are a lot people, and some of them are littler," Pheeny notes. Whisper seems fascinated by the Bumper Bubble attraction next to the food court.
"Yah.. and we too big for the rides," Vasha laments to Gabriel.
"There are adult rides," Tasha says with an eye roll. "We can go on those later, this is about the kids. Now," and here Tasha finds a nearby child who looks significantly younger than the girls, "Size can often indicate age, but you'll notice traits that suggest when someone is younger or just short. You should treat younger children with care, they're delicate and often know less than you do, so watch out for them, be nice, and if they seem to be in trouble, ask them if they need help. Older kids will see you in the same way to a point, but once kids get around your age, they tend to start becoming more like adults and need less help and supervision. Anyway, any other questions? Or would you like to learn the adventure way?" She smiles; she is, after all, known for learning the 'adventure way'.
"What's the adventure way?" Whisper asks. "Do we get swords?"
Tia arrives with pizza around then, and has de-aged herself a few years along the way to match Pheeny and Whisper. Her clothes still fit though, of course.
"The adventure way is going in to something new, and living it. Try new things, learn from experience. Fall on your face, get back up, and try again. See the sights with your own eyes, the smells, the tastes. It's being there rather than hearing about it or reading. Different from study our tutelage," Tasha explains. "There a lot of self-confidence to be found in learning to do and overcome on your own, without relying on assistance. But, often you will need assistance, and things you can't get through adventure alone. And that's why we get on with others and civilization, and why we read and be taught. And-" Tasha pauses at Tia, tilts her head, blinks, then continues right on. "Well you're never too old to learn new things, nor to have an adventure."
"Learn by living, that makes sense," Pheeny agrees, bobbing her head.
"Hey, you're cheating, Tia," Vasha says, but still accepts her slice of pizza.
"I never had a childhood, so I'm allowed to learn by living too," Tia counters. "And I can keep Pheeny and Whisper from using their powers."
"Be nice, Vasha. You should think more about someone's reasons for doing something before saying the first thing that comes out of your beak. And you know better in this case," Tasha chides her sister, accepting two slices of pizza for this noble defense of Tia. "Anyway, I think we can feel safe with Tia looking after you two. So! Once you're settled in, the rest of us are going to leave, and we'll be back by the end of the day."
"When's the day end?" Whisper asks. "When we get tired?"
"Yes, or when... " Tasha sets her itinerary through the optical overlay, touching phantom buttons in space, "Six hours. Tia will be your pizza with chaperoni."
Tia groans at the pun, while Gabriel and Vasha snicker.
"Teenagers," Tasha aside to Gabriel at Tia's disapproval. "Anyway, we're going to eat our pizza and then you're rid of us for six hours."
This makes the girls eat faster, as if this would make the adults eat faster as well. Well, Vasha eats fast anyway, and Gabriel eats like a wolf.
Tasha eats like a dainty wolf, which is to say, she's neat but she can consume a pizza like she breathes air. She's done after Gabriel, but she's done quickly enough. "What fast eaters, well, I'll take the hint. Have fun, you two, I love you, sweetie." And the girls get a hug, each in an arm, and Pheeny gets a kiss on her head after "I love you sweetie".
"Don't get into trouble.. auntie Tasha," Tia says by way of farewell, while wearing a big grin.
"What, me? Shining role model, I am." Tasha leans over and tries to pat Tia on the head. "Take care now you adorable little tyke." And then she stands, using Tia's head as something to help herself up with. "Everyone ready?"
"Yeah, need some beer to wash that down with," Vasha claims.
"We can drink later," Tasha insists, then starts waving people off before she has to explain beer to the kids. "Come ooonnn."
Once outside the park, Tasha gets a ping on her datapad.
Tasha makes a noise a lot like a canine trying to say arf, but questioningly. She then peers down on her datapad, brows up, ears forward.
It's a call request from Katie! Not a message, but a live call using their encrypted channel.
Tasha forwards it to her earpiece and enables the encryption, then pretends to be doing something else for a while, which is mainly walking.
"Hey Tash, in a safe space?" Katie asks over the earpiece.
"Walking through the main concourse, just left the Youth Club; Pheeny, Whisper, and Tia stayed behind for a few hours. It's just the adults and Vasha now," Tasha replies.
"And Vasha, huh?" Katie replies. "Well, this isn't exactly secret info, since it was available on the pubnet, but the big gold pyramid - on a private island - owned by Pharaoh Enterprises, of course. No way to tell if the owner is in town or not though, but there's supposed to be a museum that's open to the public at certain times."
"That's very interesting, although it could just be a marketing gimmick or company styling. Still, worth investigating. I don't suppose the museum is open now, is it?" Tasha smiles at Gabriel for some reason.
"You need to make a reservation, since they only allow in small groups - there's a curator that guides them," Katie notes. "We could all go in our separate groups, just not all together at once."
"That seems best. Please make the reservations, I'd like to see what they have." Tasha gives Gabriel a thumbs up, for some reason. "I may as well go first, just to be safe, unless you think a scouting party is the best bet?"
"Given the surprise invitation last time, who knows what'll happen when you walk in," Katie admits. "Not sure it will matter if you're first or last. How about in the middle? The tour groups are around twelve people, so it's not like we'll stand out too much mixed in with others."
"Let's try that, see what happens. I can't always throw myself in first, others need to learn this stuff, too." Tasha winks at Gabriel, for some reason. "I'll leave it to your expertise to arrange parties, this seems like a good chance at social engineering and spy work practice. How to seem the least stand out in a small crowd."
"My thoughts exactly," Katie replies. "And to see how well we can detect security measures."
"You may be dealing with security beyond the norm, including enhanced persons, including supernaturally so, as well as other powers. A good test, indeed," Tasha sends. Gabriel gets Tasha sticking her tongue out at him, for some reason.
"I'll let you know when your slot is up," Katie replies.
"You're the best. Smooches," Tasha says, essentially signing off after everything is sorted, and letting Katherine do her thing. To the others, she says, "Looks like we might have a tour! It's being arranged now, and Katie will call and explain once she's arranged things."
"A tour?" Gabriel asks. "Tour of what?"
"It is a brewery?" Vasha asks as well.
"Oh, the pyramid has tours. Pharaoh Enterprises hosts them. Should be interesting." Tasha inclines her head just so, brows raised, at interesting. "And no, at least, probably not. I wouldn't suggest drinking a lot before you go, either."
"So.. best get all the drinking done now right?" Vasha asks, grinning.
"Yes, maybe! Just don't over do it or you're getting left behind." Tasha rolls her eyes to Gabriel; how does she put up with herself?
"Well, I can go drag Shojo and Lacci out after their play," Vasha says. "Lacci be all excited to see old crap in a pyramid, just be easy to get her to party a bit!"
"I'm also interested in seeing old crap in a pyramid," Gabriel notes.
"Who doesn't want to see old crap in a pyramid?" Tasha wags her tail. "Well, Katie's arranging the groups. I probably won't be going first this time, so, whoever heads in first, keep an eye out, and listen to Katie's rundown. So you get the most out of your time."
"Will there be lots of shinies then?" Vasha asks. "You don't put non-shiny things inside of a giant shiny building!"
"I'm sure some percentage of them will, in fact, be shiny," Tasha assures her sister, making finger pat gestures to try and calm her. "And the building is shiny so, by size alone, you're already ahead by going."
"It's lonely being the only Vartan that appreciates shinies out here," Vasha sighs. "But, means I can have them all to myself!" She laughs, which causes her light-effect necklace some trouble keeping her chest covered.
"Never change, Vasha." Tasha reaches over and pats her sister, then says the others, "I saw a drink bar near the lake, let's go there. Lots of lounge space, umbrellas, and fancy colored drinks."
So several hours are effectively spent lounging on a beach, being served drinks by progmat robots and watching games of beach volleyball. "That play gotta be over by now," Vasha says. The drinks were mixed perfectly to generate a buzz without getting anyone drunk, which seems miraculous giving the diversity of drinkers. "Maybe they'll be hungry."
"Maybe," Tasha has said, which has been a lot like everything she's said in the time lounging. Lots of "mmhmms"s, "uh-huhs", and "is that sos" to mix it up. What she's actually been doing is going over things and revieiwng her time with the kids, if she's doing everything right, comparing, and then letting her brain unwind as she takes some time to just relax and be.
"And I hook up with Lacci, you can't peek," Vasha says, just to see if Tasha is listening.
"Is that so," goes Tasha, who has her drink on her chest and is just staring out across the lake, watching the waves slowly lap, the soothing sound of the wind, the occasional mostly naked beach goer knock a ball across her vision.
"Same goes for if she hooks up with Shojo," Gabriel adds, while also watching the players bounce around and sipping from his own drink.
"Mmhmm," goes Tasha, who then sips her Daiquiri with the languid pace of someone truly at ease. She really likes waves, she decides, and can see why Gabriel is so fond of boats. It's all very soothing. A breeze wafts by, and she leans her head in to it.
"They have sailboat rentals," Gabriel notes. "Need to get one. We can sail out.. then have sex until we pass out. Or until you pass out, anyway. Will need to bring some backup girls for that."
"Uh-huh," Tasha replies, her ears flattening, tail swaying slowly. She has another sip. She hopes Pheeny, Whisper and Tia are having a good time; she forces herself not to contact Tia and ask. It's a challenge. She has another sip, and the wind is nice.
"So, who should I invite?" Gabriel says. "Those girls playing volleyball are cute."
Tasha closes her eyes, she lays her drink on her chest, and then... Well, she doesn't do much at all, not even respond.
The red woman may have fallen asleep.
She doesn't get very deep into this state of relaxation before her alarm goes off, indicating it's time to go pick up the girls.
Tasha's blink awake. She sniffs, eyes lowering to her drink, then she tips that back as she reaches for her datapad. "Tasha to Tia, how are things looking down there? We'll be headed over soon to pick you up." Then she remembers that maybe people were talking to her? Are they still around? She looks.
The reply isn't immediate. "Oh, Tasha.. is time up already?" Tia asks.
"My information plane is saying that it is. Why, do you want to stay longer..? I can arrange for you to stay until we return to the hotel. Is everything alright, there? As long as you're all having fun, learning something, and think you can handle it, I don't mind you staying a bit longer." Tasha yawns, cavernously, then reaches up and waves for the not-people to bring her another, while also seeing if the others abandoned her to, perhaps, lounge forever on this artificial beach.
It wouldn't be so bad at all, really.
"Well.. there is definitely learning going on," Tia replies. "We met up with Vist and went dancing. Aquilan dancing is pretty weird. Then we went with some other guys to the water park. Whisper was very curious about how boys were different, and since nobody had bathing suits that seemed like a good opportunity. I made sure that Pheeny didn't insta-dry her feathers after getting out of the pool, and I'm monitoring her excitement level."
"Please tell me they're not having sex already," Tasha sends, making a 'hurry up' motion at the ProgMat Person because she may very much need that drink sooner rather than later. "Are they getting along? No extraneous power usage, nothing to alert the mascbots?"
"Nothing worrisome yet, since nobody knows what they're doing and after the initial exploration phase they move on to other things," Tia replies. "I can't be sure if Vist was flirting or not with the dancing. Dancing is a major form of courtship among avians that I'm familiar with, and he hasn't tried singing, so I don't know what to make of it. Whisper and her friend devolved into giggling pretty quickly, and the boy I'm with is just happy to touch my boobs. Should I start us heading back to the food court? There's more to the park yet, but we'll have time for that after a good night's sleep."
"Whisper thought about showing off a few times, but I changed her mind," Tia continues. "I mean literally, so I don't think she noticed."
"You might as well head back. We have a tour of the pyramid coming up, and, well, we're not sure how it'll go. I've had encounters while at resort towns -- one of which was you by the way -- and there's enough suspicion here to be concerned. Earlier teams will head in before me, and to be safe, the children should be with the others. And thank you for stopping her, but I don't think it's good to force them to change. I agree we have to avoid a conflict at all cost, especially with them involved. We'll work on making them more aware of the consequences of showing off." Tasha sits up, stretches. She had been enjoying her nap, but back to work.
"Ugh, you're moving," Gabriel notes, and so gets up as well. Vasha has vanished, probably returning to her own hotel to meet up with Lacci and Shojo. "Time to pick up the kids?"
"Time to pick up the kids," Tasha confirms. She dusts sand off herself, yawns again, and then stands. "Well," she says, still partly yawning, "... that was relaxing, at least. It should be time for our tour, too, sooner or later."
"After dinner, I hope," Gabriel says, standing up. "That was a lot of alcohol, or whatever it was. Need some meat to offset it."
"Always do," Tasha agrees, then she hooks her arm in Gabriel's and they start walking. "I think I saw a Terran steakery not far from here. Something about 'locally produced and harvested meats'. Lots of Karnors. Lots of Karnors."
"Mmm, beef," Gabriel says. "Haven't had that in 5000 years."
"Real beef. A legend from lost memory, an ideal worshiped by the Karnors of eld," Tasha says with reverence. "I've been told I shouldn't meet my heroes, but this time, this time I think it'll be different." And so they begin that way, walking arm-in-arm. "This should be a good chance to see if Karnors react to you."
They reach the food court before the girls return. But the girls show up soon enough, skipping and laughing (and with slightly damp hair in the case of Tia and Whisper).
Tasha smiles knowingly as the girls approach. "Hey there, looks like you three had a good time. I'm sorry to make you go, but there'll be more tomorrow."
"We're hungry again," Whisper claims.
"That's the spirit. We're going to try some real steak. Not fabricated steak, but the mythological Terran-sourced real steak steak called beef." Tasha stands up again, nodding towards the exit. "Then back to the hotel."
"I've never had beef," Tia says. And she's been around. Whisper, presumably, can make cows if she knows how.
"Then we should have some, and Whisper, pay special attention. We could have cows. Cows. And they are beef." Tasha pats Whisper's head. "And then we're a step closer to paradise."
The tour group that Tasha gets into leaves early in the 'morning' by the station clock. Hers is the only one with children, and the others are a mix of wealthy business people or scientists putting on their best 'give me a grant please' outfits. They assemble at the mainland side of the bridge, waiting for the tram from the pyramid island to arrive.
"Well, another day, another mysterious geometric shape full of some unnamed horrrrrr-" Tasha begins to quip, but then realizes in what feels like the hundred time she has children now, and a daughter no less. It feels so sudden, entirely because it has been "-rray for adventure!" And then she's patting both kids on the head and smiling a bit too widely.
"You must be excited to see the collection," a Human man next to them says to Tasha, and taps the side of his face where Tasha has her golden Eye of Horus makeup. He's clearly some sort of scientist, since he does not wear his clothes very comfortably.
"Oh, it's a bit of a fashion accessory. I suppose we do have a certain fascination with old Egypt, and other lost cultural wonders. It's a style that's always had a certain mystery, ancient and unknowable. And my dear little birdie, isn't she just the sun itself?" And so Tasha gives Pheeny a snug in the crook of her arm.
Pheeny smiles to the man and says, "I've never seen artifacts from a civilization that's 20,000 years old." Probably because she never really got out much.
"Not to mention the pyramid itself. It does make a statement, especially from the air," Tasha remarks, nodding. She can't, of course, say too much about her interest here, so she'll just have to be the vapid mezzode for a while longer. "I've even heard some of my kind have been modeled after the gods of old."
"Well, Terra does have the largest selection of demi-Human deities," the man notes, just as the tram car arrives. It's also stylized, looking like Ra's celestial barge (according to the talkative man). Gabriel smiles just because he likes boats.
"Getting boat style ideas, Gabriel? This will require a bit more work than the current idea." Tasha moves to board, girls in tow. "And I hadn't realized Terra had so many demi-human deities. Shades of things to come, or things gone by?"
The barge is clearly hiding some hidden technology, since there isn't any wind as it zips across the causeway to the island. A Karnor guide is waiting for them at the far end. "Welcome to Pharoah Island," she says perkily. "Please be aware that all electromagnetic transmissions are blocked within the pyramid, and exhibits are kept behind shields that prevent photo and videography. I'm Dr. Penny, your curator this morning. Please follow me, and don't wander. There are crocodiles."
"How can we not wander when there are crocodiles?" Tasha asks Gabriel. "I've never seen a crocodile up close, and it's not like there are anthropomorphic versions of them walking about, just like the box turtle -- I did enjoy the turtle." But she does follow along, content to play the rich, empty headed tourist, playing to her appearance and 'creation'. "Have you worked here long, Dr. Penny?" This, to the Karnor in question.
"I move around between exhibits and research sites, so my tour here has been 20 days, with 10 left to go," the guide answers. "Mr. Pharoah is a patron of archaeology, on Terra and across Known Space." She guides them along an avenue bordered by tall pillars covered in hieroglyphics and painted statues of animal-headed gods. The entry to the pyramid is ahead, an arch build of black basalt blocks with golden cartouches.
"Before asteroid mining, gold was valued highly for it's rarity, malleability and because it didn't oxidize," Dr. Penny notes. "Ancient cultures measured wealth and influence in how much gold they could use for decoration."
"A patron of archeology across known space, she says," Tasha murmurs to Gabriel, raising a subtle eyebrow. But she doesn't add anything more, and so walks between statues, frowning at Horus and Thoth, then to Mafdet, and all the others, casting curious looks at the ones whose counterpart she never had a chance to meet, if indeed they ever existed at all. "I'm partial to gold myself, and yellow," she remarks at the explanation of gold.
"Gold is the way to a woman's heart," Penny claims. "Well, at least Vartans like it." The pass through the entrance, and through several security scans that are hidden in the walls, but which Tia notices and reports to Tasha via ansible. Pheeny's crest rises up at one point and Whisper rubs the back of her neck. The black stone continues into what is ostensibly a museum. The lighting is odd, with a bit more ultraviolet than typical - probably to accommodate some other species. The chamber otherwise looks like it was carved directly out of basalt, with carved gods acting as pillars that seem to hold up the ceiling. "This site is devoted exclusively to Terran antiquity," Dr. Penny explains. "Egypt, Mesopotamia, Mesoamerica, Indonesia and the Far East and some Slavic cultures, as well as some artifacts recovered from sunken and frozen ruins."
"What cultures are the sunken and frozen ruins attached to," Tasha inquires as she has a tourist's look around. She certainly feels a familiarity in the stonework, if not a connection to styles she's familiar with. Too few eyes, and the gods depicted are too humanoid, not to mention the lack of death traps and dessicated, ancient beings. She does her best not to acknowledge the scan, at least not openly, only messaging a confirmation and a inquiry as to the scope of the scans and how much Tia thinks they could glean.
"They were looking for technology," Tia assures Tasha.
Tasha sends, "Good, we're not exactly high on implants or hidden technology, and I assume you're fabricating a result. I think I may be the only one with hidden implants, which feels surprising given how exotic some of us are. We're strayed from technology's metal embrace." Once again Tasha finds herself standing before a statue of Horus, and she can't help but wonder how the old bird is fairing. They never did work things out. He called her his jailer, something which sat poorly with her. And now, she's far removed from his flock -- her own Progenitor. And Thoth... She hopes they managed to work things out. Lost in a battlefield void is not the best place to repair a family, even one made of energy and concept.
"Unknown! Terra has had many severe shifts in climate over it's history, even over Human history and pre-history," Dr. Penny explains. "Civilization clustered along shorelines and river valleys, and rising sea levels at the end of the last great ice age and the accumulation of silt have buried many of them. Even inland, nature itself has buried many of which we have only references to from other ancient cultures."
Along with the statues are displays of burial treasures, including elaborate death masks made of gold and precious stones. "While gold was very valuable, the most unique treasures were made of iron. This is because the technology for extracting iron from stone had not been developed. This iron hunting knife is made from a meteorite, the only accessible source of iron in that age."
"Ah, meteoric iron." A source of iron on Sinai as well, though she now knows some of that is spacecraft debris. "A practical treasure, useful, if not as showy. I can imagine a lot of significance was placed on the fact it came from the sky, which would link it to sky gods, I'd imagine, like Horus."
"There are many sky gods in Egyptian mythology, and sometimes they switched places as the culture evolved," Dr. Penny notes, and tries to keep them moving along.. to the canoptic jar exhibit, explaining which organs went in which animal-headed jars. "Another burial treasure was honey, which was still edible 5,000 years after it was buried."
"So was I," Gabriel whispers to Tasha.
"I know," Tasha tells Gabriel, and gives him a wink. She does then examine the jars, finding it strange people put organs in jars, and then she tries to decide which organ her head would match to a jar, and she thinks Gabriel would joke it's the stomach or the boobs. "Did anyone actually eat the five thousand year old honey?"
"Yes, that's how they knew it was still good," Dr. Penny says. "They didn't all of it though."
There are a lot of exhibits before they get out of Egypt and into other areas. There are a lost of small carved fat women that are supposedly fertility symbols. Eventually a break is called, as they reach a small restaurant, featuring dishes from the cultures they've just seen.
"Delicious discoveries, some of the best kind." Tasha beams, then she heads to the next thing to look at, remarking. "I wonder what the gods of such specific things do while not tending to organs. With such a small portfolio, what fills their time?"
"I imagine there were lots of people dying all the time that could afford elaborate burials," Gabriel suggests. "Or they had other functions."
"That makes sense. Sometimes I feel the gods are only considered for their utility," Tasha admits, and then she falls in line for the next exhibit.
A Human woman in a black suit, interrupts the party, and offers Tasha a black card. "Mr. Pharoah invites you to a viewing of the private collection, Ms. Argentine," she says, and then vanishes into a dark corner.
Tasha eyes the black card; she remembers being handed another such card, not so long ago. So, she decides, it may well be true. Did you catch that, Tia? I think I'm about to get a talking to. She pokes Gabriel with her tail, tips the card so he can see it, then nods off in to the temple, indicating she needs to go.
"That was fast," Gabriel notes with a sigh. He nods to Tia, as if suggesting Tasha try to take her with her.
Tasha locks eyes with Tia. I don't know if you'll be able to join; if who I think is calling wanted to speak to us both, he would have called us both. It may be he cannot fully sense you, which may be an advantage, and drawing attention to your presence may work against us. I leave the decision to you, as it's your life to risk. Just know that his power is both magical and mental, and his power is beyond us in both. And ... And so Tasha's gaze drifts to Pheeny. If it is who I think it is, he may want her back. Protect our daughter. Protect Gabriel. Protect Whisper.
"I want to know about my mother, I expect you to ask," Tia replies. "I'll be watching."
"Please do." Tasha pats Gabriel's arm, then she steps away from the group, walking towards the shadows. She expects she'll be shown the way, one way or another.
She wonders what Hastur makes of these meetings.
She wonders what Hastur thinks of her stealing away the Phoenix.
The card must be the key to some entrance they'll come across. There may be a clue in Dr. Penny's lectures, or something more obvious. It must be something soon though, and where the others won't notice one of their small group going missing.
One of the black pillars near Tasha has an Eye of Horus symbol (or possibly an Eye of Ra) on it. But it's only visible through Tasha's third eye.
Tasha frowns at the symbol, which means she frowns at an nondescript pillar to most people's eyes. Sensing that if she doesn't come the one she thinks is waiting will find some other way to bring her, she reaches to touch the pillar. Best, she decides, not to tarry.
It feels like cold stone (but had to have been imported), but from her position she can spot another marker further towards the wall.
Glad to not be absorb in to a pillar and for something banal, Tasha heads along the pillared path. Banality is not normally of her interest set, but with a being such as this, banality may as well be, well, here. A vacation. She wonders why so many of her vacation spots have him there. Is it a coincidence, or something more?
At least the beach resort only had one eldritch nightmare episode. As Tasha follows the breadcrumbs, she actually comes to a door. It looks like smooth stone, but is the only smooth thing she's come across.
Tasha approaches the door expecting it to open, or if not, she's prepared to touch it. She isn't sure quite what to expect this time; hostility seems obvious, but cannot be assumed. A being as he, where ancient is but sad misunderstanding, who stands across all reality, can have plans, wants, desires, that transcend mere mortal understanding. Yet, his malice is well known, and so that can be counted on, even if it is a malice that choses to take no immediate expression.
The door opens silently, revealing a dimly lit elevator car.
"Mmmh," goes Tasha. An elevator. Well, it's always interesting. She supposes the building is still mostly mundane, after all. She steps inside and checks her control options.
There are no buttons. The doors close and the lift ascends. Not very far, from the feel of it. She doesn't feel a change in the centripetal momentum. It then opens onto a gallery. It's similar to the public one, but smaller. The exhibits are very different too, as are the patrons. Like the ones at the party on Yggdrasil, they look entirely too wealthy without being obvious about it. And all of them have little shadowy companions that Tasha can just make out with her third eye.
"I've arrived in a gallery what feels like a few floors above where we were; the gallery's filled with patrons, those patronized by him. I can see the literal form of the figurative devils on their shoulders, different from the imbuements of the last set of wealthy patrons. Like before, they al look rich and powerful enough to know how to subtly project it." Tasha steps out among the people, and her bearing and expression changes to a neutral mask, not believing she can match their casual aura of wealthy power, she instead relies on her sense of direct power and astonishing accomplishment to set her bearing.
She gets friendly nods, and a flute of sparkling wine is handed to her by someone. Most of the people gravitate to specific exhibits, many of which are Sifran crystal or twisted black stone artifacts. There are also skulls on display, of unfamiliar species save for two: a unicorn and a dragon.
Tasha, likewise, tours the exhibits with the cool aloofness of a career murderer; she doesn't like showing this side these days, but surrounded by these types, she decides she can't afford to show weakness. At least she looks like money. The nods are returned, the fluted glass is sipped at. She walks among exhibits, making an effort not to over focus and maybe tip her hand.
Tasha wonders if she started her own gallery if it'd look something like this; in fact, she's rather sure it would. Unsettling.
One of the exhibits looks oddly familiar: a large black Naga with multiple arms, its scales inlaid with gold and silver patterns. Its cobra hood especially resembles one of the burial masks of a pharaoh. It reminds Tasha of the giant statue of Ahriman from the wreck of the Lucifer.
A statue, Tasha has since assumed, that resembles the actual exploration body of the attached Vril'ya. This may be the actual travel body of the attached Vril'ya, though she would have expected it to be larger, she doesn't know the full properties of their bodies, nor what Vril can ultimately do. She studies it a while, wondering what ever happened to Ahriman.
"Hello, Misss Argentine," the 'statue' says, turning out to be an actual live Naga. "I'm glad you could come."
"Hello yourself," Tasha replies, nodding to the statue. "And whom do I have the pleasure of speaking with? You know me, it seems." She can guess, but now she's more uncertain. In the past he has been entirely more hostile and dismissive. But then, he can be almost anything, and wears a thousand faces, or so someone once told her -- an aspect she's understanding more and more as the days go on and she becomes multitudinous.
"I am Mr. Pharaoh's local aspect," the Naga says. "Tharsis, at your service." He bows his head and takes Tasha's hand.. but just flicks his blue tongue to touch the back of it.
"He's just a Naga as far as I can tell," Tia whispers in Tasha's head. Of course, Tia is 'just a Human as far as anyone can tell' so that may not be an accurate assessment.
"And an interesting aspect it is," Tasha replies, letting her hand be taken and nodding respectfully. She does study his face, such as it is, and consider his 'just a Naga' existence. She, too, has elements many cannot perceive -- not even Galatea can detect her spore-element, let alone her magic. "Might I ask why you've summoned me..?"
"You were here, so I assumed you wished to sssee me," the serpent says. "But you have changed in subtle ways, and travel with three true dragons, the Phoenix, a Sidhe and one of Kainudy's broken angels. That isss a certain way make to... curious."
"You know me, I associate with a wide variety of beings, from across the far-flung places I travel." Tasha takes a moment to look around, casually, as seeing the gallery anew. "A giant golden pyramid is likewise eye-catching, and I sensed something here, so naturally I came. I suppose we're both drawn to the other's flamboyant curiosities."
"But there two notable absences," the Naga says, and begins slithering towards.. well, a golden throne covered in Egyptian symbols.. and some clearly inhuman ones as well.
"Oh?" Tasha walks along to follow, in the manner of two people having a roaming conversation, and does not trail behind so much as walk beside. She can guess who he means, of course, but more are missing than two, and which he may find notable is interesting for her to know.
When they reach the throne, Tharsis gestures for Tasha to have a seat. "My former servitor and the old goddess," the Naga explains.
"He certainly knows a lot about us," Tia notes to Tasha. "And I'm not really broken am I?"
Tasha arches a brow at her taking the throne, which is not want she expected. "Former? I didn't take you for the kind of being to have a former anything, in the grand in unknowable stretch of unlinear and manifold space-time." She then approaches the throne, which feels strangely monumental, even if it may just be a act -- or not. She's jokingly taken a throne before, but in good company, never among others. "He can see right through us, Galatea, or close enough to not matter. He is a pillar of reality, and weakness is his feast, and he sees beyond time in to manifold eternity. And besides, you're only as broken as you choose to be." She ascends the throne, turns, and with her wings fanned and out, takes the throne. "And which goddess would that be? Kainudy, I believe you know the location of, unless you've gotten bored of her..? The Dreamlands are in disarray, incidentally, but you knew that."
"The battle goes on," Tharsis says. "And no, I mean Lilith, the old goddess that she bound into serving her. You didn't believe her when she claimed to have once been just a human, did you?"
Tasha crosses her legs, then plants an elbow on the throne, jaw resting on her knuckles as her brow furrows. "Lilith... Who are we speaking of? That once was human?"
"Galatea, do you know who he means? I have a bad feeling about this. Did Kainudy ever claim to be just a human..? Daniarood never claimed as such, and neither have any of the others... Unless he means Kai?" Her tail sways; something is off, here, and it makes her uneasy.
"He could mean Kai," Galatea answers, sounding neutral. "She survived being attacked by an Ophanim. She could be a resurrected Human, or something else. Lilith is a Terran myth that has many interpretations, from a demon to a goddess."
"What iss your connection to Kainudy, Tasha?" Tharsis asks. "Have you contracted with her, or another entity?"
"She told me she was a fragment of Kainudy's consciousness, not a enslaved separate being. I've seen her alternative forms. Lilith is a name that shows up beside Eve, but there are more than one version of deities, as we found out with Thoth. And who is to say which is the original, if there ever was one." Tasha's ears perk, and tilts her head to the left and the right, mulling over the question. "I would think you know the answer to that. You know of Hastur, and my obligations there. As for Kainudy, I suppose that's what it is. An obligation. A connection." She does not add like family, nor fondness, as she does not at all feel comfortable revealing who she may or may not care about here. "As for this goddess... I suppose that would explain a lot. A mighty power, indeed."
"Not so mighty anymore," Tharsis says. "Perhaps one of Kainudy's practice pieces, before she went on to become a godkiller. Dragons can be cruel. But that is hardly important while the outcome of battle is still uncertain. I am curious as to your plans. One does not simply accumulate such powerful beings without a purpose."
"The Ogdoad are to be expelled, defeated, and if such were possible, destroyed. But they do not live, and they are not 'they'. Yet, their minions remain partly real, and so they may be dealt with. I thought you knew this?" Tasha arches a brow. "Unless you suspect some other purpose, and feel that I'm ingenuine in my aims..?"
"There are no Ogdru-hem here, though," Tharsis insists. "I can't help but feel targeted. My aspects in this realm are many, but they are not in the same class as Nyarlathotep, and you have one of Kainudy's creatures with you. So, are you here to destroy me?"
"Ah..." Tasha's head bobs slowly, there it is. She scans the otehr patrons, wondering what they might think of that comment. "Well, I had wondered how long it would take before the question finally came. Am I here to destroy you. Am I..." She purses her lips. "I should, by all accounts. Many among my group would say the same. Yet, to what purpose? Ultimately you are a pillar of reality, and were you to fall, so, too, reality. And you have done me no direct harm, though attacking Kainudy in the wake of my failing was something of a backstab, aimed at the one I'd injured unduly. What am I to make of all of this?"
"And what do you make of all of this, Galatea? What would Kainudy say, Thoth? This moment is a turning point across all our lives. Are you, that is, we declaring war on Nyarlathotep, on a god most high? Though, perhaps not the highest, if Samael is to be believed."
"And... what do you think, Hastur..? Are you watching still..?" That to herself, through the color of Yellow, unto the universe.
"It's only an avatar, here to spread Thotep's corruption," Galatea says. "I have a strong urge to destroy it, but I am questioning such urges for obvious reasons. We do not know what the fallout would be, Mr. Pharaoh has influence across Known Space. Influence we may need. Influence we do not want turned against us."
"That is my thought as well -- he is a powerful enemy, omnipresent, relentless in cruelty, beyond time and space. And even if we prevail, even should we destroy him utterly, by some miracle or other, the consequence will be more dire still, than war." Tasha taps the side of her head, her eyes never leaving the avatar. That she sits on a throne judging a being's continued existence is not lost on her. "The alternative is to leave him be, or accept his ongoing assistance; the former is neutrality such as we can manage it, and the latter is help, but his help is rarely free, and his plans extend beyond the places and times we know. He is, as you stated, corruptive, and that is a serious danger."
"I have noted all of the guests, and can have Katherine identify them later," Galatea notes. "It is highly probably at least one of them will be involved with Daltoona in some way. Thotep may have an avatar there as well."
"So, what's your judgment, then? War? I'll need you to shield the others, if it comes to that, and divert enough power for me to destroy everyone here... Unless we hold them for inquiry." Tap. Tap. "My thought is to leave things be for now. We have our enemy. But, we should make it clear this is not exactly peace, and noninterference is a must, as our hostility is restrained by but a small margin -- if how long it's taking me to answer wasn't indication enough. Tap. Tap. "I wonder if Kai is listening to all of this."
"She would advise a course of maximum chaos, which may be what Thotep wants," Galatea replies. "I do not advocate war against a god, or the elite who have some sort of contract with it. He is not an Ogdru-hem. Not our enemy at the moment."
"I concur." Tasha finally lifts her head. "No war, no chaos, at least not in this and not today," Tasha declares, turning a clawed hand upward, as if to hold the matter in hand. "You are not our immediate enemy, and you are acting according to your nature. So long as we are not engaged directly, we won't seek you and yours out for destruction. I would appreciate, now that you've had your fun, returning Kainudy intact. Her being engaged is distracting, and it's not helping our relations. A bad turn could stain our regard, and then you have only yourself to blame. The 'angel' would never forgive it, and that would be a problem for me, and then you. All of you." And so Tasha raises her gaze to the others, if they are listening. "All of you."
In that lifted hand, fell and ruinous light coalescences, running like wax in to the space above her hand -- forming the shape of a sword of Yellow.
The other act as if they can't see Tasha. There must be some sort of privacy technology involved. "Lilith has gotten to you, I think," Tharsis says. "Still, we would appreciate knowing your plans. We may wish to remove out assets if necessary."
"How so, in my hesitation to inflict violence, or something else? 'Lilith' hardly seems inclined to mercy, so perhaps you mean the threats. Better threats than murder. But they do not see, and they do not hear, and that is for the best." Tasha waves the hand, and all the blades vanish. She takes a sip, inclines her head in appreciation of the drink, and adds, "We move on Daltoona. Ideally, we will work our way through the House, but you know more than anyone plans can fail, and chaos can reign, and so I warn you."
"Interesting," Tharsis says. "A place we have no direct influence over. Our avatars do not go there."
"Any particular reason? We know they deal in artifacts, a considerable amount of them in fact, moved by secret methods. They conceal an Ogdru-hem... The secret of stators. Markets may be disrupted. A House may fall, or change hands. Something momentous may occur -- or not." Tasha looks out at the crowd. "Perhaps some of your patronage know or buy from these channels. I find it very interesting you have no presence there. It is a place ripe with secrets."
"An artificial world that depends on stators," Tharsis notes. "It is... unpleasant to us. There is little room to ply our trade."
"That tightly controlled, is it? Do you feel they are aware of your... Influence? Of powers, beyond that of the Ogdru-hem? Of the greater reality?" Tasha taps the armrest with a hand, thinking, sipping. "I'm curious if they have wards, how much they know. If they can ward even you, that is something."
"House Khomen is ambitious, and has no need of my influence," Tharsis claims. "Their machinations are entertaining though. Who else would try to use Sifran magic and attempt to take over the Star Empire of the Silent-Ones? It is almost as if they are desperate."
"A fascinating insight... Why go so far? Well, we know the young Khomen had a certain desperation, a ploy to rule, to perhaps gain influence in his House, or take it over. Gaining an entire Empire, even the weakest of the Empires, would be quite a feat. As for the rest of them, I have thoughts. Perhaps they are influenced, by the Ogdoad. Perhaps they know what's coming. Or perhaps something more banal, some business failing, a internally unstable House." Tasha's muzzle twitches. "Khattan politics irk me, but I've gotten better with them. I am one, these days. Apparently, we can corrupt ourselves. Well, perhaps that's what they did -- corrupted themselves. We both know artifacts come with their dangers. Their influences."
"Influence indeed," Tharsis notes. "From within, I suspect. Not every Ogdru-hem is dormant, and they have built their home and mercantile empire around one."
"And for some time, in fact. The stator trade is long, well beyond five thousand years. And as we both know, beings like that can take a long game." Tasha has another sip and mulls. What else to ask. "I don't suppose any of your patronage has an 'in' with the station? Or better yet, you might consider abandoning your battle with Kainudy? The know-it-all witch and the second son of Hyperborea, among others, are having quite a time moving for the throne, but I assume you know this, and are perhaps amused by it, to return and crush their hopes as they... " And so she gestures at the throne she sits on, "... ascend? And I'll have you know, having an entire realm secretly peeved at me for your heading out is something I could do without."
Tasha says, "Sent through Discord"
Tharsis grins a bit like a dragon. It's odd to see an expression on the reptilian face. "We are all curious to see the outcome. The man that cannot die against the woman who can kill anything. It is so chaotic. We thank you for the oppourtunity. But you are under the misapprehension that Nyarlathotep can stop the battle."
Tasha's muzzle cracks in to a grin as well, and she resumes elbow to armrest, head on her hand, resting on the knuckles, palm down. "So that's what a Naga grinning looks like. Like a dragon." But then she sobers a bit, drawing in a breath. "So Kainudy won't let it go. Or for some reason neither can stop. And I do admit, watching those smarmy demigods have it out is entertaining, even if they're running roughshod over my favorite cat city. Well, if they ever find out my role in things, I can tell them I did try and see your return, though I doubt that will mitigate much." Head tilt. "So, is he really the last of the original men? And I'm surprised you don't consider kill-anything woman more concerning than Kainudy. Though, now that I think about it, the power to kill anything is rather useless against that which cannot die, does not live, or whom otherwise is unphased by the affliction of being killed."
"Banishment is what Nyarlathotep would suffer, until he can be reconstituted," Tharsis says. "And the woman who can kill anything is Kainudy. Or rather, she is the Queen of Demise, who will fight to the last. Sometimes you have to let beings like that let loose."
"Catharsis in apocalyptic form. I think I can relate on a lesser scale. Well, so long as she isn't destroyed, or irrepairable. If she becomes too much of a problem, I'll go and deal with it myself," And so Tasha gives a shrug; somehow. "I actually thought you were talking about the last man and the know-it-all witch. Well, their fight should be something. In fact ... I'd like to know when the ancient man goes to war. I'd like to see that fight. As an observer. The witch... The witch I have no interest in. We both have too similar of a smug personality. And she wanted to trade my wings for a secret I could hunt down myself. I won't forget that." But then she refocuses on the being before her, frowning. "You refer to Nyarlathotep as an avatar... I had always assumed that was your name. Do you have some collective name you prefer, or will any avatar's name do?"
"In this plane, Thotep is our collective name," Tharsis notes. "As for the dream realm, it has only ever been a plaything. We do not know the outcome of the battle with Demise, however. It may be a long time before Nyarlathotep can return to the Dreamlands."
"And so the throne will become occupied, in time. Hopefully whomever sits in it won't be a problem... I mislike the options presented thusfar, but it's not as if your own avatar was somehow of a lesser darkness. Nightmares... I wonder what the next occupant will bring." And so, another shrug. "I suppose we could go kill them. Your army's still at the throne, for as long as it holds out? An empty throne would create more chaos, and keep the Dreamlands free. Something to consider."
"It is not your problem, or do you have interests in the Dreamlands?" Tharsis asks. "Our view of it is clouded without our avatar in place."
"I suppose I've become a bit fond of it, but you're right, it's not my problem. I will avoid interference unless it becomes so. Well then." Tasha sits up, tips back her drink, and nods. "Shall we consider this audience complete, unless you have any further questions..?"
"And you, Galatea..? Last chance," the red woman sends.
"Don't tell him that you unleased Daniarood upon the Dreamlands," Galatea suggests. "The Sifran artifacts are inert. The others have semi-Todashian origins."
"I won't. And good to know, what's a Todashian?" Tasha waits patiently for any further question from the avatar, sipping, paying polite attention.
"The Ogdoad, Thotep, the whole lot," Galatea says. "It is what the Stelya-rhyan call the void between realities. I've passed through it, so I recognize the resonance of it."
"I assume we don't need any of them, then?" Tasha inquires.
"No, they are dangerous," Galatea says. "The Sifran crystal seems to be inactive."
"Then I suppose with no further questions, I have a tour to continue. Do reach out if there are matters to discuss in the future," Tasha bids the reptilian avatar. "And the wine was lovely." And so she unfolds her legs and moves to stand.
"Made from local grapes," Tharsis says. He then offers one of his hands to help Tasha up from the throne.
Tasha accepts, not wanting to be petty, despite it all. "So, do any of them know they have a little demon on their shoulder?" This said quietly, just in case.
"It is what they agreed to when they contracted with Mr. Pharaoh," Tharsis says. "You have a spirit in you which brings you a benefit, do you not?"
"In a sense; I ate the original's heart, and the lingering spirit works with me. I assume their contract was more contractual." And then it's Tasha's turn to grin. It was a sad, vicious fight, and one she sometimes regrets, but part of her also enjoys knowing she ate the heart of a dragon and beat one up in single combat. Not her finest hour in many ways, but a success is a success.
"You wouldn't eat MY heart, would you?" Galatea asks. Tharsis is escorting Tasha to the elevator.
Tasha does not linger; she's said her piece, and she assumes these people have plotting to do that does not involve her. "Oh come now, Galatea, I had the chance -- and sometimes it feels like you'd appreciate being heartless. But I won't. I know what's in it. And I care about you." She steps on the elevator, and heads down.