The Adesha Reports
------------------------------

------------------------------
Scene: Introductions
Date: June 14, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University
Involved: Rhiems, Vivien, Kyle, Liete, Trael, Arnold, Khiea
------------------------------
The Road to Adesha: Outside the University

Rhiems carries his satchel over his shoulder and grins. "Ready to check in?"

Vivien smiles lightly faintly, and glances northbound, glancing curiously up at the University, "I suppose... Suppose we better check in, then..."

Rhiems readjusts the weight of his bag. "That sounds right. Did you want a hand?"

"I'm fine..."  Vivien shifts her own shoulder-hung bag lightly upon her arm, "Although..  I.. I fear to say I'm a bit uneasy about being in such a new place."  She frowns lightly, "I would prefer having someone else there when I check in.. Just to make sure I don't mess anything up or anything.."

Kyle steps out of the house he was assigned to, stretching somewhat. He smiles at the glorious weather and looks over at the two new arrivals, wandering over to greet them. "Hello there!"

Rhiems looks over from smiling at Vivien in reassurance. "Oh hello. Are you one of the teachers here?"

Kyle nods, "That I am. Kyle Rikoukaen, music teacher, at your service." He sketches a slight bow.

Liete walks about the town petting her cat while exploring.  She didn't have much of a chance to explore before and now she needs to.

"Music teacher...?"  Vivien's voice catches an edge of intrest, "Really?"  She takes a step forward, curtsying lightly, "Then I'm sure you'll see me quite a bit, Mister Rikoukaen.  I'm a flautist, you see."

Rhiems sets down his bag and bows neatly from the waist. "My honor. Rhiems Daw, at your service. I'm sorry we didn't get here sooner."

Kyle smiles, "An excellent choice of instrument, to be sure. I myself play the ocarina..." He turns slightly and waves to Liete, smiling warmly to her before returning his gaze to those closer, "It's quite alright. A few late arrivals are better than people not being able to arrive at all."

Liete waves to Kyle a bit nervously, and continues petting her little cat.  She tries to avoid looking at the other people though.

"I suppose that's true.....  Are.. Are there many students here, Mister Rikoukaen?"  She grants a pale smile and a wave to Liete as she walks by, despite how she seems to be glancing only to Kyle.

Rhiems turns and bows as well to Liete, but slightly so he doesn't startle her. "I hope we didn't miss the start of the session."

Kyle chuckles and nods, "A few... Please, call me Kyle outside of classtime. I'm only 19, after all." He shakes his head, "No, we're still in the 'settling in' stage... You should hurry and register at the reception office though, before they close. Would you like me to walk you there?"

Liete is a bit scared to move, and just edges along past them, she looks rather scared.

Vivien says, "Before they close?"  She pales a bit at that, "Oh, my.. I certainly wouldn't want to be any more later than I already am in applying....  I'd be more than grateful if you'd point me in the right direction."

Rhiems smiles at Liete but shoulders his bag again. "Professer, you don't know if the other Council members got here already do you? Their ferry should have made it earlier today."

Kyle smiles, noting that Liete seems rather nervous, and decides to just point you in the right direction. "Just keep going north, and you'll get there in no time at all." He frowns slightly, "I haven't seen them, I'm afraid. Trael-san at reception would know better."

Liete stops for a moment, "Hm....," she wonders if one of these two are her roomates.

Vivien curtsies once more, chiming out quickly, "Thank you very much, sir!"   She glances one way, another, towards a building, and then eventually glances up the path, "That..... -That- would be north.."

Rhiems nods. "Thank you Professor. We should be able to find our way. C'mon Viv, we need to find our room assignments." He nudges her and starts walking northish.

Kyle smiles and waves. "Take care of yourselves."

Liete decides it wouldn't hurt to talk, she needs practice if she's going to be LIVING with a student and in a classroom full of students...but she's so...scared.  She forces herself to walk up to the three...just as the students leave.  How fun.\

Vivien nods, and waves to Kyle, "You too, sir!"  And she then begins to walk slowly up the path.  And stops a moment and smiles at the girl edging up behind them, "Um.. You've.. you've already checked in here, right?"  She shuffles her feet a bit, nervously, "If you have..  Could you.. Maybe come with us?  I don't have a clue what to do and I'm kind of nervous.."

Rhiems turns around. He smiles. "You two might even be roommates. Would you mind terribly? We get lost easily."

Liete widens her eyes, 'Um...w-well, sure...though I don't know m-my way very well..myself, I can show you s-some things," she says, a nervous smile crossing her face.  Her roommate?  Maybe...she still hopes she doesen't have one.

"Wonderful!"  Vivien smiles brightly, "A tour of sorts.. In its own way.   Do lead the way, then, Miss... Um..."  She trails off lightly, "By the by, what -is- your name?"

Liete ohs and laughs nervously, "i'm s-sorry," she says, "I'm L-liete Algorim."

Rhiems bows officially to Liete. "Rhiems Daw at your service. It's not a bother is it?"

"Very nice to meet you.."  Vivien's tone is serene all the while, held calm..  Almost as if in fear to further startle Liete, "My name is Vivien.. Vivien Luc."

Liete blushes, "it's n-not, really," she says, then looking at Vivien, "it's nice to meet you V-vivien," there...talkings not so bad once you get used to it, right?  She smiles at Kyle, who helped her with some of this stuff.

Rhiems shrugs since he's still holding the bag up. "Shall we then?"
"You're -sure- its not a bother?"  Vivien tilts her head lightly, still smiling lightly, "Wonderful...  Then.. Yes.  Let's be off."  She shifts the bag she holds slung upon her shoulder once more, "Lead the way then, Liete!"

Liete nods at Rhiems, a bit startled, "Of c-course Mr.Daw," she says, then looks at Viven, "Oh...ok, t-then." she smiles nervously and heads off north.

------------------------------------------
The Road to Adesha: Outside the University

Rhiems follows last, carefully observing the school.

Liete looks around, "t-this is where a lot of the...stores...are," she says, pointing everything out, "w-well...I haven't been in them all...b-but I know...that's a...clothing store," she points at the clothing store.

Vivien blinks lightly, faintly, her gaze held more on the area around the University rather than the shops, "What are those metal.. things over there?  Between those shops?"  She walks on with her gaze elsewhere, barely keeping to the path in her lack of focus.

Liete shakes her head. "I-i....honestly...d-don't know," she says nervously.

Rhiems stops and frowns. "What *are* those things? Funny, we should check them out sometime. Someone might go climbing on them and get hurt by accident."

Vivien nods faintly, "And, even with the ivy and flowers.. Its not exactly scenic.  I wonder why they don't tear such ancient things down..."  She frowns lightly, her gaze still held off the path and away from the direction she walks in.

Liete crosses ger arms, "w-well....I don't know if we...sh-should..."
Liete corrects herself, "you know...,' she just forgets it.

Rhiems touches Vivien's arm. "We should check in before the front desk shuts down. Later maybe?"

"Huh?"  Vivien glances up at Rhemis as if, for a moment, she forgot he was there at all, "Oh, oh, of course.  Yes.  Plenty of time for wondering about things later.  Right now we have to check in.."

Liete nods, "I a-agree," she's glad they didn't raise a question, she didn't want to give a bad impression, after all...she doesen't talk to other people often, "sh-shall we g-go?"

Rhiems grins and waits for everyone, still at the back of the line.

Vivien nods lighlty to Liete, "Yes, please, lets go.  I'd hate to miss check-in.."

Liete nods and begins walking north.

---------------------------
Adesha University:  Outside

Rhiems slows down when he sees the chambers sticking above the wall. He doesn't say anything though.

Liete points at the university, "th-that should be...it," she says, "A-adesha Univers...ity."

"And more of those things.." Vivien points to the metallic chambers at the corners of the walls, "Wierd..." Slowly her gaze drags up to Adesha... And her eyes widen as she continues walking foward, her gaze held straight up at the University, "Its.... beautiful.."

Liete nods in agreement, "Yes...it is..."

Rhiems nods. "It looks wonderful. I think we'll *love* it here, don't you Viv?" He grins and follows. "A great place for the summer."

"Yeah!"  Vivien smiles brightly, "I can already tell this is going to be a -wonderful- summer...!"

Liete covers her mouth, "Oh yes...Mrs.T-trael is in-inside, she'll um...en-enroll you," she adds, though she didn't hear Kyle already say this.

------------------------------------
Adesha University:  Reception Office

Liete walks in leading Rhiems and Viviem, "over t-there," she says pointing a shaky finger at Trael, "th-that's M-mrs. T-trael."

Rhiems follows behind Vivien. He bows to Trael but remains silent until she speaks.

Trael sits behind the desk, humming softly to herself all the while.  She apparently is busied sorting through papers, which she is organizing and slipping into folders, and then into drawers in her desk.  For all appearances, she's apparently preparing to shut things up for the night.

Vivien walks.. slowly, almost nervously up to the desk, although a serene smile sits plastered upon her face all the while, "H-hello, Miss... Trael, is it?  Um.. We're.. here to register.. And I was wondering if you could, well, help...?"

Liete steps away from Viviem and Rhiems so they can do their buisiness.

Rhiems follows Vivien. "Professor Trael? Forgive the interruption, but I am afraid our ferry was late. May we inquire into registration or is it an ill time?"

"Eh?"  Trael half startles at the sound of entrance and voices, glancing up swiftly at the newcommers.  She then relaxes lightly- perhaps such a startling was but a sparking of some old soldier's reflex, as she calms into a bright smile, "A bit late, but you can't be blamed for the ferry.  Of course, I'd be glad to check you in."  She opens a drawer, shifting through the papers within, "Names, please?"

Liete continues standing there, watching this unfold.

Vivien blinks, apparently caught in her thoughts a moment as she watches Trael shift through all the papers about the desk, "Name?  Oh!  Vivien Luc."

"And Rhiems Daw. President and Treasurer of the Student Council, here to check in." His quick eyes catch the appropriate papers and a finger flashes out to touch them before they get shuffled back in. "Forgive me Professor. Here they are."

Trael blinks lightly, glancing down at the papers Rhiems gestured to.  And slowly, slowly, she picks them up, "Well.. So they are..."  She glances up at him with a smile, "Thank you."  She shifts her weight, skimming over the applications she picked up, nodding lightly, "Everything looks fine, Rhiems.. Vivien.  I wonder.. Do you know when the rest of the Student Council will be arriving?"

Liete still stands where she is.

Vivien frowns a bit, shaking her head weakly, "They.. haven't already arrived...?"

Rhiems frowns too. "Tammor and Fiada haven't arrived then? I wonder what's keeping them. They had to take a different ferry Professor, I hope they weren't also delayed. Will it be ill for them if they arrive perhaps tomorrow?"

Trael shakes her head lightly, "Not in the least.  Tommorow being Sunday, its not as if they'll miss any additional classes."  She smiles softly, and then sets the papers back down on the desk, "Anyway.  I'll make this quick, then.   Although I'm sure I do not need to point this out to our Student Council, your best behavior shall be kept at all times.   A school uniform must be purchased for your classes, which are held late morning or early afternoon, whichever is your preferance.   Curfiew is at 9:00, at which time no students will be let out of the reach of the gates around Adesha.  Any questions?"  She currently rumages through another drawer- this one filled with that particular chime that comes when one is sorting through keys.

Liete hopes neither of these two are her roommates...not for personal reasons mind you...she doesen't want a roommate ^_^;

Rhiems nods while watching the top of Trael's head as she searches. "We shall be on our best behavior, Professor. Let me thank you once more for admitting us to Adesha University. Viv, you have no further concerns?" He doesn't hold his hand out imperiously for the key but waits for it to be put down on the table.

Vivien shakes her head lighlty, "No questions at all, Miss Trael.  You can count on us to be wonderful role models for the rest of the student body as members of the Council..." She smiles brightly, "I'm merely honored to be here."

Liete still looks upon this scene with anticipation, she hopes Trael (OOC: GLARE) doesen't award one of them the key to her room.

Trael smiles, nodding lightly.  She then drops two sets of keys upon the table, "I'm sure of it.  Anyway.  As you may realize, you will be staying in the dorms here.  Each of you will have a roommate whom you will be expected to get along with.. The room can be decorated as you please, but it msut be shared."  She smiles, pushing the keys across the desk towards them, "Rhiems, you'll be in room #21 with a young boy named Arnold.   And Vivien, you'll be in room #13 on the Girls' side."  She then startles, a moment later, noting swiflty, "Oh!  And its unsuggested that you leave the island during weekdays.. It makes it so hard to keep track of the students..."

Liete sighs in relief, "W-well, Rhiems...Vivien...w-welcome...to Adesha," she says with a nervous smile.

Rhiems takes the keys delicatly. He hands one to Vivien. "We shall do our best to be easy to find, Professor. Thank you for taking us at such an hour. We apologize for bothering you this late." He bows to her and to Liete again too. "Upstairs?"

Trael nods lightly, and smiles, "Perhaps I'll see you later.  I teach Tactical War."

Vivien nods, "Yes, indeed, Miss.  We really do appreciate the trouble you took for this."  She glances over to Liete with a smile, "Where are the dorms, Liete?"

Liete points up, "they're u-upst-tairs," (OOC: glare at Trael), "th-third floor."

Rhiems rearranges the duffel on his shoulder. "Up we go then."

----------------------------
Adesha University:  Main Hall
Contents:
Arnold

Rhiems walks in from check-in, carrying his bag slung over his shoulder. He smiles upon seeing someone else here already.

Liete follows closely, "s-so....no-now what?" she asks curiously.

Arnold smiles and the new arrivals.  "Hi there.  I'm Arnold."

Vivien walks slowly in from the registration area, shifting her own bag lightly on her shoulder.  However, her focus is harldy on anyone else in this room.  Her focus drags about the area, and then falls eventually on the fountain, "Wooow....! Everything's so.. -pretty-..."

Rhiems sets down the bag to bow neatly. "Arnold? I'll be your roommate. Rhiems Daw." He looks away from Arnold to the surroundings. "It really *is* lovely here isn't it?"

Vivien nods lightly.  As always, she continues walking even though her focus is locked fully on the fountain.  In doing so, she quite nearly trips over the bag that Rhiems sets down.  Lightly startled, she gasps, focefully regaining her balence.  And she blushes lightly as she tries to look like none of that happened at all.

Arnold smiles at Vivien and turns to Rhiems.  He moves to shake his hand.  "It is nice to meet you."

Liete pokes out from behind Rhiems, "Um...," she seems pretty nervous.

Rhiems looks down at the hand that's being extended while he steps back halfway. Then he remembers himself and laughs. "Sorry about that." He shakes the hand firmly. "My honor to meet you. This is Vivien, we just arrived. We're on our way up to move in now."

"Heh, well, I was just a little distracted.."  Vivien offers her only excuse, then smiles at Arnold, "Hello, then.  I'm Vivien.  Nice to meet you.  And you are.....?"  She trails off lightly, "Or.. did you already say...?"  She frowns a bit, then shakes her head lightly, "Well, no matter.   It really is nice to meet you."

Arnold keeps his kind smile.  "it is alright we're all a little nervous.".  Arnold looks at Vivien and bows slightly. "I'm Arnold, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Vivien laughs softly and nods, "Nervous?  Oh, quite.. I've never been in such a huge and beautiful place... And there's so much to do and so many people to meet..."

Rhiems nods and slings up his bag again. "We'll see it *all* before we go. I promise. Third floor? Need a hand Viv?"

Liete walks off to the side and up the stairs quietly.

Vivien shakes her head lighlty, "No, no, I'm fine."  She pauses a moment, "Third floor?  All right.  I hope there aren't -too- many stairs....  I can't imagine going up a -lot- of them to get to class each day..." She wrinkles her nose a bit, and then breaks into laughter, "Anyway, I want to go see my room!"

Arnold says, "Yes, I want to go to the room anyways.""
Arnold has left.

Rhiems follows behind people and walks up.

---------------------------------
Adesha University:  Upper Hallway
Vivien has arrived.
Arnold has left.

Khiea half stumbles out of the Dining Room to the south, her steps uneasy for a moment before regaining normal balence.  She brushes a twig form her hair- wherever she got that is half a mystery, unless the young Solarian was sneaking out past curfiew- weakly, and then shudders softly, "Ow..."  She whines softly, cradling one of her hands weakly.

Rhiems suddenly stops as he sees the girl. He sets down his bag and rests on one knee. "Kh--um..." He looks up sheepishly at Vivien. "Are you okay... miss?"

Vivien reaches the top stair and glances lightly over to the girl.  She tilts her head lightly in curiousity, but remains silent, merely leaving the speaking to Rhiems.

"What...?"  Khiea looks up swiflty to Rhiems before smiling weakly, faintly, "I... I'm fine... Just.. A little burn, that's all..."  She shows her left hand to him lightly- a scaring of a dark burn etched across the palm of her hand, "Its nothing.. Nothing serious.. Just stings a little."  No surprise, at that, for a burn of that calibur.  She returns to cradling it.

Rhiems holds out his cupped hands, unable to resist trying. "Can I see that? How'd you get that thing?" Another look to Vivien and he mutters, "Me--um, *saw* her before. A long time ago. In passing."

Vivien blinks lightly, "Is that so...?"  She smiles brightly, and casts a concerned look to Khiea, "What a terrible burn....   Are you sure you're all right?  It looks horrible."

Khiea blinks lightly, offering the burned hand lightly, "I.. Its nothing, really.  It was just the strangest thing...    I.. I was clim-.. I was doing something and-....  Well..." She drops her voice to barely a whisper, noting lightly, "Promise not to tell?  I.. I snuck out for a few minutes.  And I had to climb down from the balcony by the Dining Room into the gardens.   And when I was coming back, I slipped a bit, and accidentally sparked a bit of ether and..." She flinches lightly, "I don't know why.  But that happened.  And its never happened before..."

Rhiems takes the hand carefully and turns the palm up. "Don't worry. We won't tell." He bows over the girl's hand and closes his eyes. His shoulders tense and his jaw seems to straighten out a bit--and then he yelps too, taking his hands away and jamming the fingers of one into his mouth. "Mmf! Mruf mm!"

Vivien gasps lightly, dropping her bag on the ground as she ruses the few steps over to Rhiems, "Rhiems!  Are you okay?  What happened?"

Khiea flinches lightly, turning away, and recoiling her hands back swiftly.  She frowns, those eyes of silver-blue flaring for a moment in worry, "A-are you all right....?" She frowns, deeply, resuming to rub her wounded hand, "So.. So it wasn't just a mistake.. Is it just..  I mean.. Why would Ether..." She frowns weakly, trailing off, most honestly confused.

Rhiems mumbles some more and takes his fingers gingerly out. "Mmf. Mm. I'm okay.." He winces and opens up his singed hands. "That was strange. The first bit of Ether and..." He turns his head up and looks to Vivien, ideas and formulations already beginning to birth in his golden eyes.

Vivien notices that spark of thought and her worry pales into a smile, "Well, you're lucky that you didn't try anything bigger, then..." Is all she comments, "Interesting."  She then smiles, and backs up a step, reclaiming her bag as she mutters softly, lightly, "-Very- interesting."

Khiea sighs weakly, "See?  That's what happened to me...." She sighs, shifting her weight weakly, "I'm sorry, Mister.. I didn't mean to hurt you, too.  I probably deserved this for breaking curfiew anyway, right?"  She forces a brighter smile, "So.. So its my fault.  I'm sorry."  She sighs, and backs towards the stairs, "Perhaps I should get to my room anyway...  Get some gauze or something..."

Rhiems stands up and grabs his bag again. He winces a little but slings it on anyway. "Best to be careful. Don't worry about it, it was my fault entirely. Let's rely on traditional medicine for both of us, ok?" He grins. "And some sleep too. We'll see you around later?"

Khiea nods lightly, faintly, "Y-yeah, I suppose that'd be best..." She trails off weakly, softly...  Its almost an alien thought... To stop using ether?  Ban it entirely?  Its as much a part of her as the heart beating with in her, in pulse with the very breaths she takes...  She shivers lightly, fainlty at the thought, although she covers it up with a returning smile.  Act.  Normal.  Its not that hard, "Anyway, I should be going.  Maybe I'll see you around later...." She waves faintly, "M'name's Khiea!"  And with that she turns and walks swiftly over to the stairs.

Vivien smiles lightly, waving as she exits so swiftly, "I'm-....   Well, never mind..." She laughs lightly as Khiea runs up the stairs, "Maybe later.   Anyway..  You sure you're okay, Rhiems?   That was a bit.. peculiar."

Rhiems examines his palms again. "We need to check this out. This is bad." He looks up to Vivien. "I don't have anything else otherwise. But why..?" He shrugs. "That was Khiea by the way. We told you about her right?"

Vivien nods weakly, "I think I recall something of her.  The confused little girl from Up There, right?  The one who played hopscotch in Nisan, despite her age."  She frowns lightly, faintly, "Even so..  This -is- peculiar.  What could be doing this to the Ether?" She shakes her head lightly, rather wearily, "Eh.. I suppose such a wonder can wait until tommorow, right..?  I fear I'm a bit tired right now..."

Rhiems nods and reaches out to grab Vivien's bag. "Let go up. Time enough to wait for the others tomorrow." He grins and trots up the stairs.

Vivien smiles and follows up the stairs.

--------------------------------
Adesha University: The 3rd Floor

Rhiems waves and gives Vivien her bag back.

Vivien smiles and takes her bag, "Thank you."  She smiles, "Well!  I guess I'm off to check out my room...  See you in the morning, Rhiems."

------------------------------
Scene: Opening Volleys
Date: June 15, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University, Strange Lift
Involved: Tammor, Trael
------------------------------

Tammor listens down the shaft. 

Sounds of machinery.. Although they're very, very distant.  Cries of gears shifting, but little more.  And that obnoxious smell of oil in the air..
 
Tammor sniffs... Wierd... 

Trael enters via the lift, which strangely dropped down to the bottom area and then rose with such a passenger upon it.
Trael has arrived.

Tammor is flat on her tummy in the bushes, peeking out from the lattice of branches and shadows.

The rising elevator.  It draws down slowly with that particular cry of mechanical nature.  Before rising with the slender form of Trael in toe.  She sighs, glancing around lightly, faintly, although it does little use in the dim moonlight.  A paranoid habit if nothing more.

Tammor narrows her eyes, but is experienced at keeping still and not making eye contact. She frowns. That's a bad sign, that paranoid motion.

Trael straightens lightly, hanging the keycard back around her neck with a smile.  And with that, she walks off calmly down the pathway, as if nothing in all the world was awry or up.

-------------------------
The Road to Adesha, South

Tammor ducks around the bushes and stalks Trael carefully through the foliage, bare feet making no sound. Although it hurts a lot.

Trael continues down the path.  And smiles once she reaches the brightly lit street.  Nothing is awry.  You couldn't tell that anything was up if you tried.  She merely tucks the keycard down her shirt and walks casually, simply into her house.

Note: Lost here is also Tammor spying on Trael reading and stalking her teacher around campus. No, no, it was to see where she stores the keycard and if she can break into the General's house somehow. Also lost is Tammor examining the lift and generally being a little terrorist brat. 

There are a lot of Tammor logs missing where she rappels around and sabatoges things, simply because most of it was in pages and in side conversations which couldn't be translated. So, most of the Vice-President's antics are lost to the world now. This seems like a good thing.

------------------------------
Scene: Milk and Cookies
Date: June 15, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University
Involved: Khiea, Fiada, Kyle, Liete
------------------------------
Adesha University: The 3rd Floor

Scribbling. Always scribbling in that notebook of hers, Fiada wanders the halls with one eye on her path and the other on her writings. As she notices Khiea's presence, she closes the journal with a mild thump. "Why, Khiea. Is your hand feeling any better?"

Khiea starles a bit, turning her attention swiftly to Fiada.  She blinks, slowly, lightly, "Huh?  Well.. Well, yes, a bit..."  She frowns softly, rubbing an arm lightly, while trying not to drop the kitten she cradles in her hand.  Small, tiny marks, like pale burns, lay scattered down her arm now as well, as if she had been caught under a shower of sparks, "But.. How do you know of that?  I don't believe we've met..."

Fiada smiles, bowing slightly while keeping her hands and the journal at her waist. "I was informed of your injury when I arrived this morning by President Rhiems and Treasurer Luc. I am Fiada Faet, Council Secretary. And you look as if you have hurt yourself more..." Her voice softens and she kneels down carefully, skirts spreading on the carpet. "May I see?"

"Oh... Well then, nice to meet you, Miss Fiada.."  Khiea blinks faintly lightly, tighting her arm a shade in pale display, "Its really nothing at all.  Nothing to worry of, at least..."

"It is a matter which I should worry myself very much, since it regards the student body and health concerns. For you as well, it seems to be an ongoing issue which is unresolved, and so could worsen." Fiada sets the journal and her pen down, leaning forward to examine the girl's arm. "My, my. Has the infirmary seen you yet about this?"

Khiea shakes her head weakly, "Its nothing bit at all.... I'm just being careless, that's all..."  She smiles lightly, faintly, drawing her arm back to her side, "I'm fine.  Its nothing to worry about in the least.  She turns her attention back to the kitten she holds, petting it lightly.

Fiada nods and reclaims her writing supplies. She stands up, brushing down a hand to straighten out the skirt. "Are you in the mood for a snack, Khiea? I was on my way to the dining hall to have a platter of milk and cookies myself. Would you care to join me? Your cat is welcome too."

Khiea smiles softly, standing up slowly, a shade uneasily, "...Really?  Thank you, Miss Fiada.  I am a bit hungry right now..." She smiles brightly, cradling her cat carefully all the while.  Which shifts.  And glances up lightly at Fiada with a set of silver-blue eyes twin to Khiea's....   With a calmness and intelligence caught to its eyes that make it seem not a cat at all.

Fiada nods. "Shall we go?" She seems not at all disturbed by the kitten's strange intelligence, but begins to walk towards the stairway. "I myself have a penchant for chocolate chip. If we are lucky, perhaps they will have ice cream?"

Khiea smiles as brightly as she can, "That'd be wonderful!  Lets go see."  She smiles and follows Fiada towards the stairway.

-------------------------------
Adesha University:  Dining Room

Fiada sets down her journal and pen upon an empty table, skirt swishing as she walks over to... however students get food, whether it be a waiter or a line. "Khiea, did you also want chocolate chip?"

Khiea enters slowly, following behind Fiada. She sits down at the table at which Fiada set her journal upon, nodding lightly in response, "Yes, please.."  Her kitten gives a tiny yelp and curls up into something of a ball... And yet Khiea just pets it.  Its happened before.  Will probably happen again.  And yet she's so.. confused...  Of Ether and everything so far..

Fiada returns with a silver platter with artfully arranged cookies, two frosty glasses of milk, a chilled pitcher, and a small dish of cream. She sets it down in front of Khiea and then hands her one of the glasses. She puts the dish to one side for the kitten and then sits down. She stands back up again to bow gracefully to Kyle. "An evening. You are another student?"

Kyle steps in from the balcony, thoroughly enjoying the feel of a bit of effort. Sure, he could climb the ivy, but jumping is better exercise. He waves and bows, "A fine evening to you. Hi oneechan." He grins, "No, I'm the music teacher. Either that or I'm the terror dispenser, seeing how some of the students respond to me..."

Khiea sets the kitten upon the table.. Frowning weakly as it stumbles lightly, walking only slowly, carefully to the dish.  Like something drunk but.. not.  She glances up at the sound of entrance, waving lighlty to Kyle, "Hello, Big brother!"  She blinks a bit, recoiling her hand lightly.  Burns and all.  And smiles.  Everything's fine.  Everything's normal.

Fiada bows deeper. "I am pleased to meet you, Instructor. I regret that I'm not in your classes." She sits down and pushes her journal away from the milk in case it spills, and then reaches for a cookie.

Kyle nods. "Well, not everyone wants to learn music." He frowns and crosses swiftly to Khiea. "Oneechan, what happened to your hand?" He notices her arm as well, and his eyes widen, "Those burns look painful..."

Khiea chuckles lightly, nervously, shaking her head, "No... No, its nothing."  She smiles, and takes a cookie, taking a small bit before repeating, a bit more quietly, "Nothing at all."  Her gaze is upon the cat.  Which has merely decided just to lay down on the table and shudder a small bit.  Before getting back up and going for the milk.  Its.. odd.

Fiada glances over and pushes the saucer towards the cat with one finger. "Your kitten should be seen to as well, Khiea. It does not look healthy, although this must be a recent occurance because its coat is still shiny and thick and it has proper length of skeletal development. Not a disease then?"

Kyle frowns, tilting his head to take in the kitten. Odd, his hasn't started acting that way... He shakes his head like a puppy, turning back to Khiea. "Well... If you say so, oneechan... But... here." He digs in his beltpouch and comes out with some burn creme, standard issue Solarian medkit fare. "Use this on it once a day, and it will really help, okay?"

Khiea shakes her head weakly, scratching the kitten's head with a single finger, "She's.. She's been like that since we arrived at Adesha....  I wish I knew what was wrong.  But she's not sick.  In any way.  She's just..." She frowns softly, her voice droping in volume, dawning in worry, "I.. I don't know.  I really don't."  She glances up at Kyle and shakes her head, "No.. I... I don't think it'll do any good."  She pauses and notes, a bit more quietly, "Its just Ether damage.."

Fiada takes a drink of her milk and sets the glass down carefully. "May I see the kitten for a moment?"

"Of course..." Khiea picks up the kitten, which mews weakly in protest, handing the tiny thing to Fiada... It squirms a bit, destesting other people, but, for a moment, to weak to really grant much of a protest.  She then resumes rubbing her arm weakly, lightly...  Its not much of a concious gesture.  But her arm -does- hurt...

Liete enters the dining room, and looks around.  She sees Khiea with burns on her and widens her eyes, did something HAPPEN in here?

Fiada takes the kitten by holding its ribcage carefully and lifts it up. She starts examining it carefully, looking at the eyes and parting its mouth to examine its teeth.

Kyle watches nervously, he hates seeing small animals, especially kittens and wolfpups, ill...

Khiea tilts her head lighlty, frowning, a worried look crossing her face, "Is she okay?"  She frowns lightly, still rubbing her arm faintly.

Liete is almost afraid to step forward...but...she just decides to swallow her fear and go ahead, "Um...excuse me?  Is e-everything alright, here?" she asks.

Fiada looks up, but allows the teacher to speak since he has greater authority.

Fiada hands the kitten back to Khiea gently. "Can you send her to relatives away from here? I don't think the climate agrees with her."

Kyle tilts his head, flashing Liete a brief smile. "Hi Liete-san. Khiea-oneechan's kitten is getting a checkup."

Liete ohs, but still glances wearily at Khiea, "W-why does she have....b-burns?" she asks in a stutter.

Khiea waves lightly to Liete, "Nothing's wrong at all, in the least!"  Odd for someone with so many burns to say, "My kitten's just a little bit sick.."  She smiles, and glances over to Fiada, "..-Family-?  I fear I have.. Have no place to send her, really..."

Kyle considers a moment, then smiles warmly, "Oneechan, why don't you send her to the Orphanage? Rani-chan willl take good care of her, and she'll be surrounded by children who will feed her and pet her."

"I.. I don't know..." She frowns lightly, "She isn't very fond of other people, but...."  She watches the cat weakly squirm and meow ever so softly in annoyance, or pain, "I can't stand seeing her like this..."  She sighs lightly and glances up to Liete with the best excuse for a smile she can grant.  Which still looks rather hollow, "The burns?  Oh, don't mind them.  Just a bit of Ether..."

Fiada primly dips a cookie into the milk and takes a bite. "It sounds like the best idea for her health. But if you want to keep her here, it's up to you."

Kyle leans in and whispers to Khiea quietly.

Liete blinks, "Oh, e-ether...," she closes her eyes slowly, then reopens them, "I was just coming to get s-something to eat...," she says out of the blue

Fiada slides the silver platter of cookies in Liete's direction. "Have some. Would you like some milk?"

Khiea sighs lightly, putting her kitten on her lap.  And petting it lightly.  She takes another cookie, eating it slowly, as if her mind were rather elsewhere.

Liete nods, "Yes, that...would be w-wonderful," she says, taking a cookie.  She bites into it almost immediately, "These are...very g-good," she says.

"The kitchen staff here is excellent." Fiada dips the rest of her cookie in and nibbles on it. "I can't wait until classes start. We should be in classes together, won't we?"

Liete nods at Fiada, "I h-hope so...I thought this w-would be a b-bad experience...b-but it's getting m-much better as t-time...goes by," she says, a timid smile on her face.

Khiea blinks lighlty, "I don't know..."  She pauses, biting her lip soflty in thought, "You know...  I can't wait until Thursday..."  It rather sounds out of the blue, really, as a smile crosses her face, "Did you hear?  There's going to be a festival!"

Kyle blinks, "Festival? I should come out from under my rock more..."

Fiada smiles encouragingly to Liete. "Yes, the festival should be a lot of fun. It'll be the first one that this Council has helped to put together, so we're quite nervous about it. Will you come?"

Liete looks at Kyle, "y-yes...there's g-going to be a festival on Thursday.  I h-heard there'll b-be dancing t-there...," she looks at Fiada, "s-sure, i'd l-like to."

Moonshadow climbs in through the open balcony window, mewing and hopping up on the table before bouncing to Kyle's shoulder to rest.

Khiea beams, "I'll certainly be there!  It sounds like so much fun....  I.. I've never actually.." She trails off lightly, the brilliance dying from her voice.  Is that... Something someone normal would say?  She can't very well stop mid-sentence, though, right? That'd be wierd, too, "I've never actually been to a festival before."  Her words are so swift and held quietly that its almost hard to follow, and she instead focuses on petting the still-shuddering cat.

Liete takes another bite of her cookie, "I...I h-haven't e-either," she says, stuttering all the time.  "t-this will be my...f-first one," she says, wondering what they must think of her...

Kyle smiles to Khiea gently, "I haven't been to a festival before myself... I wonder what this one will be like..."

Fiada drinks some more milk carefully. "It should be very low key, so it won't be too loud or frightening. The Council was hoping it would help more to introduce the students to each other than to be a party."

Fiada looks out at the balcony and then stands up. "Enjoy the rest of the cookies Liete, Khiea." She bows slightly to Kyle and walks south.

------------------------------
Scene: Another Dumb Jock, Right?
Time: June 17, 2000 (Midday)
Location Note: Adesha University: Reception Office
Involved: Tammor, Trael, Zaak
------------------------------

Tammor takes the stairs down two at a time. Somehow she manages to do this, in shorts with a volleyball under her arm, neatly. Just like wearing the school uniform as a demi-uniform and still making it look official. She grins as she sees Trael and bows. "Can I bother you, General?"

"Hm?"  Trael glances up lightly.  She apparently is standing, away from the desk, merely standing against a wall.  As apparently always, a few papers sits in her hands- scores and records of current tests in her class.  With a smile, she glances up at Tammor, nodding simply, "Of course, of course, you're never a bother, Tammor.  What is it?"

Tammor checks out the papers by looking at the backs, with that grin again that says she already knows the scores. Then she turns serious. "A health issue among the students was brought up to the Council the other day, and we were wondering if I could speak to you about it. It's not such a good thing, after all, when there's a student who we're not sure can't stop herself from getting hurt by this...."

Trael blinks lightly, dropping the arm that holds her papers to her side, her eyes wide in a sort of honest curiosity, "A -health- issue?  I've heard of nothing of the sort."  She crosses her arms weakly, the hand with the papers beneath, in her best attempt to not fold or bend them, "Of course that's not a good thing.  But..  Well, could you be more specific?"

Tammor takes up stance, putting the volleyball behind her back and folding her arms to keep it there, legs apart with an attention which smacks of something military. Maybe she's just responding to an unconcious dig at Trael's title, or maybe it's deliberately playing to it. "Student Khiea Dalant, General. She keeps burning herself through misfiring of Ether--she's rather talented in it but unfortunately doesn't have the maturity of control to keep it from harming herself constantly. In addition, her... cat seems to be suffering greatly from being on the island. While it's just a cat, she doesn't have anywhere to send it, and she's rather attached emotionally. Since the health both physically and emotionally of the student body is important, we were wondering...?"

Trael's pose almost straightens to something more militaristic in pose herself at the note of Tammor's pose, but... Somehow, it is barely a faint gesture.  A -concerned- frown crosses her face, although it does not feel truly honest as she speaks, lightly, her words quiet, uneased, "That really is quite an issue.  But.. Hurting herself with Ether?  Does she have no idea on how to control it?  I've never heard of Ether turning against the caster like that."  Of course.  A normal school like this has no ether problems, "And her cat, hm?  I'm afraid I don't know quite what to do about that..."

Tammor 's face simplifies in a focus on Trael, the same look she gets during class when she finishes a solution that no one else even imagined. "But General. With so many students noticing problems with Ether usage, and even experienced wielders not being able to control the slightest amount, it's strange that no one has brought this up before. Not the staff either?" She's perfectly innocent standing there, a model of attention and discipline. "Have there really been no issues with it before? Otherwise, if no one has any idea of why it's going on, we might have a... bigger health problem with Dalant. And without Healing Ether to help, then, well..."

"Exactly."  Trael smiles, a soft, kind gesture, "No one has ever reported such a problem- staff nor student faculty.  And 'so many students' have noticed such an issue?  Dear me..."  A troubled frown crosses her face a moment, "My, someone should have brought it up to me sooner!"  It could be an honest worry.  Her act doesn't break for a moment.

Tammor tilts her head off-center in a laxity that's a nod. "Which is why the Council thought it best to speak to you now, before something worse happens." Not that she'd be the type to cause it if she had to, no, not at all. Not by looking at her face at least. "The Council can't do anything more than direct the students to the infirmary. But since this issue is in your capable hands and the hands of the staff, I'm certain that a remedy will be found."

Trael nods lightly, simply, "I'm well aware of that.  And the Student Council's actions are correct and appreciated, as always... But.." She smiles, that soft, simple little smile.. Its completely innocent.  As if she had all the sympathy in the world for the student she was insulting in her next breath, "I really can't be expected to deal with the fact that a few students decided to use Ether in a place where it was unnecessary and managed to harm -themselves- with it, of course."

Parry, strike, parry. Tammor's eyes acknowledge being outmaneuvered by Trael's last statement but she sacrifices her verbal forces gladly to bow and agree, "This is an institute for teachers to educate, not to continually try and warn back children who insist on sticking their hands into fires. Rest assured that the Council is first warning students not to use Ether here at all, not when there's no need to." Rising up from the bow she catches Trael's eyes again and sneaks in lightly, "It shouldn't even be a worry. Except for the students who are so influenced by Ether that they hurt themselves without a choice."

Trael smiles.. uneasily.  That first bit of Tammor's response was a bit of a jab.  But even so, she manages, somehow, to maintain that smile, "Well, I'm glad the student council, as always, is doing its best to help the students."  The uneasiness fades from her face, and to a degree, so does that smile, as she grows more serious, "Khiea Dalant.  That's who you said had the greatest issues, correct?  We'll keep an eye on her, then.  But..."  That smile returns with a vengance, into a brilliant beam, "Today, perhaps, you should just calm a moment and enjoy the festival!  I'm glad that you brought such an issue up to me.  But you really should enjoy yourself on a day like this."

Tammor is sideswiped by the evilness of that... happy perky smile on Trael's face. Mention of the festival and the parties--going to be social is the last thing she really wants to do right now in the middle of this kind of conversation. She counters this by clashing with a suddenly serious expression. "Thank you, General. I'd been hoping to get in a few hours of study beforehand though--I'm still thinking about Problem Twelve during last class. I don't know why, but you didn't seem too happy with the solution I came up with. Was it because I used a platoon as a deliberate sacrifice early on, even though it was more efficient?"

Trael blinks lightly- a flutter as she is caught lightly off-guard.  A student who would rather study than go to the festival?  Well.  She's visually shocked.  And yet it pales back into a serious matching Tammor's as she notes, simply, "Well, you realize one of the greatest points in that lesson was an idea of realistically handling a problem.  In real life, I doubt that your commanding officer would appreciate you sacrificing off officers so early in the battle."  She pauses a moment, and smiles lighlty, weakly, "You really shouldn't worry too much about it, though."

Tammor settles back on her heels and frowns while she thinks. "But it caused overconfidence and drew out their forces into the pinion sweep. My statistics were higher at the end." There's that curse of forgetting that people aren't just numbers. Tammor almost sulks but shoves that away masterfully to smile back at her teacher with another thrust of, "You're right. It's only *tactics* after all, right?" She couldn't be grinning, since she's bowing so quickly. "Sorry to have bothered you, General. Maybe I'll ask you for instruction outside of class when there's not so much going on." Close of forces, and all's forgiven as Tammor smiles, honestly looking forward to the next discussion.

Trael grants a rather... uneasy smile.  Its a sort of blend of annoyance touched to an -attempt- of a smile, "Well.."  She really wants to rather frown right now.  But instead, she skips to the last line Tammor said and merely forces a brighter smile, "Its.. not a bother at all.  It never is.  But yes, yes, you needn't worry so much about class all the time...  Have.. At least a day off."  Its an attempt to be friendly despite her unease.  She does -so- hate being outsmarted...

Zaak comes in through the door, looking around seemingly amazed by his surroundings, he doesn't notice trael and tammor

Tammor takes the volleyball out from behind her back by hooking it in one hand. She waves with the other. "Have a good evening yourself, General. Don't keep to yourself too much." There's that laughter in her eye again. She turns around and starts to head to the beach, and then stops at seeing Zaak. "Hello there. A student?" Looking back, she steps aside tactfully so that Trael can handle this.

Trael turns her gaze lightly to the door at Tammor's words and casts a pale touch of a smile, "Oh?   Well hello, there, and Welcome to Adesha University.  You are....?" She trails off lightly, a rather light question.

Zaak notices lammor talking to him and in consequence, notices trael, he nods a greeting and says "um... sorry but I got this letter some time ago... telling me to come here... oh and i'm Zaak.

Tammor steps back some more and leans against the wall. She brings the volleyball around and holds it at her stomach while she waits.

Trael blinks slowly, lightly.  And slowly backs away a few steps and works her way behind the desk.  She opens a drawer and rummages through it, shifting through papers and applications and records, "Zaak, eh?   Last name, if applicable?"  She frowns a bit, still rummaging through the drawer.

Zaak approaches the desk a bit nervous "um... Seawild..."

"Seawild huh?" Tammor grins and catches Zaak's attention away from Trael to give the teacher time to catch her bearings. "What's that, a Nisan name? You from there?" She slaps her volleyball.

Zaak scratches the back of his head "not really, I'm from Dazil actually..."

Trael pulls out a form from the desk swiftly, beaming brilliantly, proudly, "Here we go!  Ah, you're one of the hired mechanics, are you?"  She smiles, "Well then, Welcome to Adesha.  We're glad to have you.  We'll supply you with the necessary information shortly, but.. For today, since its the last day of it.. Please enjoy the Summer Festival."  She smiles lightly, faintly.  With not a noticeable care to the world over the thought of why a -University- would need mechanics.

Tammor rubs some dirt off her ball. She looks down at it and just smiles a little when Trael mentions Zaak's position.

Zaak thanks trael and takes the papers, then turns to tammor "sorry, gotta go, talk to you later!"

Tammor glances at the form. Reflex from checking papers that are thin enough to let light through and show information through the back.

Trael swiftly tosses the form back into the drawer in the desk, pushing it shut in the span of an instant, "Peculiar soul, isn't he."  She notes with a smile.
Tammor glances back at the doorway in a smooth motion that just implies that her eyes were wandering. "Yes he was." A pause. "Installing an elevator?"

"Fixing one."  Trael's response is simple, bright, and as innocent as if it were the purest truth.  Of course she doesn't know that Tammor saw her using the Elevator.  Or that she saw the realm below, "There's a minor lift on the grounds that has been unopporational for years."

Tammor looks around the lower floor. Nope, no out-of-order signs on ominous closed doorways here. "That must be inconvenient. But at least that's what stairs are for, right?" She muses distantly and picks at one of the ball's lacings. "Otherwise you couldn't get from level to level--not very useful at all, having something just sitting around untouchable...All that dust."

Trael smiles softly, "You know.. It -would- be nice to install an Elevator in the school, wouldn't it?  But I fear this is such an old, lovely building that it would be a crime to shatter such by putting in a machine like that.  Anyway."  This conversation of Elevators ends. Now.  No suspcicion over the lift!, "I fear I must be going.  I have to mind the festival, after all."  She grants a brilliant beam and waves lightly to Tammor, "Do have fun at the festival, Tammor."  And with that, she walks off.

Tammor calls out as she leaves too, "I'll be looking for you there!"

------------------------------
Scene: Keeping In Practice
Date: June 17, 2000 (Afternoon)
Location Note: Adesha University, Southern Beach
Involved: Tammor, Fiada, Rhiems
---------------------------------

Tammor grabs a seat on a rock. "So. I bugged Trael today and saw her hire a mechanic named Zaak Seawind."

Fiada attempts to brush a stray lock of hair from out of her eyes. "Zaak? I believe I saw him a few times. He is from Dazil, correct?"

Tammor nods. "Yeah. He's important or something?" She watches Rhiems aim.

Rhiems holds his bow arched and fixes his gaze upon the target. Suddenly as a flicker of motion goes by, he knocks the aim up and loosens. There is a pained awwking noise and a seagull thumps onto the beach, pierced cleanly by Rhiem's arrow.

Fiada tosses her hair back, tying it neatly into place with a silken ribbon. "No. He is the obvious type. Easy to watch, and easy to track." The gull's death spasms draw only a mild attention from her, perched upon her own rock with skirts blowing free. "Do you have anything planned with those?"

Tammor vaults off the rock to kneel by the bird. "Clean shot. Good job." She picks up the bird and yanks the arrow out. Easy to do when they're round-tips. She stands up and hands the arrow back to Rhiems.

Rhiems smiles and takes the arrow back to wipe off the blood. "Not right now but there'll be a use found for it. Just like everything else in the end."

--------------------------
Scene: Another Song and Dance
Time: June 17, 2000 (Night)
Location Note: Adesha University:  Dining Room
Involved: Arnold, Rhiems, Fiada
--------------------------

Arnold walks into the nearly deserted ballroom.  He watches Rhiems and Fiada dancing and takes a seat at an empty table.

Rhiems whirls Fiada around the empty room. It's only barely formal since they're both in student uniforms and tired from the day's work. He sees Arnold and slows down the dance. "How have you been Arnold?"

Fiada 's long student skirts swish around her legs, also stopping to bow. "Good evening. Did you enjoy yourself this festival eve?"

Arnold smiles. "Yes it was quite enjoyable.  I was expecting a few more people to be here tonight though."

Rhiems lets go of Fiada and walks over to get a glass of water. "I think most of the students were down on the beach. I heard a rumor about fireworks and there was the barbecue of course." He turns and offers Fiada a glass.

Fiada trails behind Rhiems, accepting the proffered water with a slight smile. "It is also so quiet... Many students are late, and those that are here do not participate in ballroom dancing particularly. Do you?"

Arnold laughs.  "Me? No, I never learned to dance.  I was mostly coming to meet some more people."

Rhiems grins and sits on one of the empty tables. "It's not something that people usually learn." He sips. "So have you met the kind of people you're looking for?"

Fiada looks around for a chair, resorting to leaning demurely against a separate table. "Although this is rude of me to ask, Arnold, have you been experiencing Ether problems as well?"

Arnold rolls his sholders streching them out. "Actually I haven't been looking for any 'kinds' of people.  Just people.".  Arnold looks at Fiada strangaly, "What do you mean?"

Rhiems just takes another sip and lets Fiada talk.

Fiada sets down her glass upon the table behind her, lifting her hands to brush her loosened hair back. "You use an Ether of some sort, correct? Or have met students who have?"

Arnold grins.  "I'm flatered that you think I have Ether ability but...I don't.  There was this girl though.  Her name is Khiea and when I walked by her in the hall I got a strange sense of power around her. I don't know about Ether though."

Rhiems flicks hair out of his eyes. "Don't feel so bad. You must have a little, or else you wouldn't be able to sense Khiea's aura." He nods. "You've noticed how she keeps burning herself right?"

Fiada takes her glass back, and holds it carefully in her hands. Beads of condensing moisture drip down her fingers from the island climate. "It is nothing." Looking at Rhiems for a stern moment, she repeats, "Nothing to worry about. How have your classes been?"

Arnold widens his eyes in surprise.  "Burn herself?  No I haven't seen that.".  Arnold takes a deep breath.  "My classes have been very educational.  I'm starting to be gratful my parents sighned me up for this."

Rhiems nods. "Not many people make it into Adesha. It trains students to be the elite.." He trails off and rattles the ice in his glass. "Aveh, right? I've been through there. It's quite attractive."

Fiada settles back in the wicker-frame chair, laying an arm tired from dancing upon its rest. "Do you have any plans for graduation? Adesha alumni have an excellent accredation for further career plans."

Arnold smiles.  "Thanks, I would like to see it myself one day too.".  Arnold looks to the ceiling.  "No plans.  My parents probablly already got my whole future planned out for me.  I'm just trying to lead a good life."

"You've never been to Aveh?" Rhiems glances up to make sure he heard that right.
Fiada 's attention is gathered by a small knot of students walking past the wide, open doors to the dining hall. Their chatter drifts in faintly, mixing with the night air from the balcony. "Have you been away in other schools all your life then?"

Arnold returns his eyes to Rhiems.  "Yes, yes.  My parents are hust over protective.  I don't get to see much of the country you see.  Most of my life they have dedicated to making me a leader.".  Arnold leand back further into his chair.  "When they heard about this school they where /so/ excited they just sighned me up."

Rhiems chuckles. "You don't like that then. I can understand that." He nods to Fiada with a smile. "Parents who continually shape their childrens' lives can sometimes end up hurting them."

Fiada does not seem to find the same humor in the reference that Rhiems does, for she replies with a slight narrowing of her eyes, "It is a universal occurance." Drinking from her glass, she scatters the droplets on her hands over the floorboards with a snap of her fingers. "An Aveh leader? A very risky occupation these days. Tactics, then?"

Arnold grins.  "Aveh, maybe.  I really don't know.  My parents argue between themsleves about what I should do so much I don't know what they have planed.  But yes /I/ did choose tactics because they interest me."

"You're in Tammor's class then." Rhiems stands away from the table and paces over to get a good look of the balcony. "Only the practical stuff for you?" He laughs quietly. "I'm in the arts and music myself. Are you taking any while you're here?"

Fiada glances back up to the main expanse as more students pass by, full on the evening's roast on the beach, laughing in camaderie. She only takes another slight drink of water. "Your parents did not train you in direct combat then?"

Arnold looks to the floor.  "No, I'm not taking any art or music.  I'm taking tactics, diplomacy, social-politics, and religon.".  Arnold looks over at Fiada.  "The only thing I've learned is fencing.  My parents thought it was to dangerous but I did it anyways.".

Rhiems looks at Arnold at that. "That's right, I thought I saw you in my diplomacy class. Fencing? You do that too?" He knocks back another gulp. "That's great. We were wondering when we'd get competition."

"You are in my religion class. The front row." Fiada places her nearly empty glass of water on the table to her side. In response to Rhiems, she only shakes her head warningly. "None of that. Perhaps, Arnold, you would like to perform a demonstration during the various Talents that will be going on throughout the week?"

Arnold grins.  "I would love the competition.  It is one of the few things I really enjoy.  I don't think I would like to demonstrate though.  I do it for fun not for applause."

Rhiems reaches over and gives his glass to Fiada. He spreads his hands in front of him with the palms together, thumbs towards his face. "I'm afraid she's right. I won't be able to practice against you--I'm not allowed to for *health* reasons." His gold eyes glitter and then he puts his hands against the table he's leaning on. "But I'd love to see a measure of your skills. Maybe you should go against Fiada?"

Fiada tightens her grip upon Rhiems's water. "Against -me-?" Startled at first, and then she regards Arnold for a minute before shaking her head. "It would not be wise. Perhaps, Arnold, there is a sparring dummy we could see you upon?"

Arnold looks at Rhiem's hands.  "Really what happened to you?".  Arnold smiles at Fiada.  "I rather not if you don't mind."

Rhiems only shrugs off-handedly. "Don't worry about it. I enjoy myself these days with painting and I keep myself sharp with a bow instead." He leans over and takes his glass back for a drink.

Fiada rests her hands in her lap, chilled faintly from holding the glass of ice water. "Must you have a live opponent then?" she asks lightly. "It is a shame that I cannot either. I do not spar with live steel that is 'touch and go only' for enjoyment, not on an island where Healing Ether cannot work."

Arnold looks to Fiada.  "No, I don't need a live opponent.  I would just prefer not to."

Rhiems dips his fingertips in his water and flicks the drops at Fiada. "Relax Fi." He turns and smiles at Arnold apologetically. "Please do forgive us. We can get eager when we hear about fellow competitors, Fi more than most. We did not mean to make you feel uncomfortable."

Fiada bows while still sitting, a low incline of regret. "I also apologize. Please understand that it was meant to find a way to see the intricacies of your skill, since we cannot duel against you in sport."

Arnold smiles.  "No offense taken.  I understand your motives.  But anyways, why are you two here?"

Rhiems rocks the glass in one hand and lifts the other. He twists the fingers and his lopsided grin. "Similar reasons to your own. We attend Adesha to finish off our education while we've still the luxury." He shrugs. "It's a shame we didn't manage to get here earlier."

"I am here to finish my studies as well." Fiada folds her hands neatly in her lap. "Adesha offers many excellent venues of instruction, does it not?"

Arnold smiles.  "Yes it does. Why is that Rhiems?"

Rhiems finishes his water. "Why is it a shame? Because Adesha is the best." He says that simply and puts the empty glass down behind him. "Wouldn't you have wanted to come here for the entirety of your schooling?"

Fiada crosses her legs at the knee, running one hand down her skirts as she does to smooth them, remaining silent. As she glances out to the balcony again, the warm island breezes lift at her ivory hair.

Arnold grins. "I suppose your right.  Adesha does surpass any schooling I have had before."

Rhiems grabs his glass and Fiada's. He walk back over to the pitcher and sets them down with the other dishes. After he comes back to sit on the table he says quietly, "Tammor's late."

"Is she? But it is still early evening, correct?" Gaining a slight frown, Fiada risks a quick look directly outside to the sky, looking for a reference of sun or moon to count from. "Did she not say she would be here before the festival begins?"

Arnold relaxes in his chair not knowing who Tammor is.

Rhiems snaps open his pocketwatch. "Incorrect. It's early morning and the festival is already over." He hits one of the buttons with his thumb. "Fifteen minutes twenty seconds. Do you think she's already gone to bed?"

Fiada sets her chin upon her knuckles, a look of perplexion developing on her face. "Over... already. And I did not even get to attend. Arnold, have you seen Tammor? The Vice President. She wears a Cresting Wave as well and usually carries a ball or is otherwise involved in something athletic..."

Arnold shakes his head. "Sorry I haven't seen her."

Rhiems clicks the buttons again and then closes the watch. He puts it back in his uniform's vest pocket. "I saw her only briefly. There's the chance she already went to bed."

Fiada sighs, standing and again brushing her skirts into neat folds. "There is much to discuss about the upcoming events. Rhiems, could you join me at the balcony to do so? The night air is calming." She bows to Arnold. "Apologies for departing in this manner. But there simply is no rest for management."

Arnold stands and bows.  "It is no problem.  I was going to go to bed anyways.  I'll see you both later."

------------------------------
Scene: All The Pretty Masks
Time: June 18, 2000 (Midday, Early Afternoon)
Location: Adesha University: Fiada's Room
Involved: Fiada, Khiea
------------------------------

Fiada finishes folding down her sheets to perfect white flatness. She crosses to open her window, allowing the lovely island breeze to waft in.

Khiea hesitates outside of Fiada's door, staring at it before her as if.. It were something a bit more hostile than it seemed.  With a small sigh, she slowly raises a hand and.. Ever so timidly knocks upon the door, muttering softly beneath her breath, "I certainly hope this is the right room...."

Fiada turns away from the window as the tiny knock comes. "Come in," she calls, fussing the gauze drapes outwards to let the light in. She turns back to greet her guest with picture-perfect grace.

Khiea opens the door slowly, rather timidly, hoping for all the world that this -is- the right room.  She smiles weakly at sight of Fiada, waving lightly.  She doesn't move from where she stands just outside the door.

Fiada smiles, relaxing as she recognizes her guest. "Khiea. Do come in." She beckons to the girl with a wave, pushing out a chair in front of the window for her to take. "This is not a poor time for you, is it? And would you like anything while I get set up?"

Khiea smiles lightly, taking a few small, uneasy steps into the room... Shy as ever, and yet trying for all her worth to repress such an expression.  Her every moment holds not a touch of the grace that Fiada seems to carry with her everywhere.  Even so, she shakes her head lightly, "No, its not a bad time at all...  I had nothing to do anyway, besides that... festival."  She notes the word as if it were something to fear, "And no, its okay."

Fiada steps aside to let Khiea have access to the chair at the far end of the room. She examines the girl in passing with routine precision, to check her for new evidence of Ether damage. "Did you attend the festival?" she asks, kneeling to fetch her pad of paper and folded easel from underneath her bed. "I am afraid I was occupied with the dancing."

Khiea slowly makes her way over to and sits in the chair, folding her ever strangely webbed hands across each other and setting them upon her lap.  Rather a pity gloves didn't go with this means of an outfit....  She sighs lightly, shaking her head softly in response, "No, not at all....  I haven't done anything.  I've not gone to the fesitval nor the dancing... It all sounds kind of.. scary."

Fiada unfolds the easel and begins setting it up, first at one side of Khiea, and then the other with a slight frown. "Yes. So many strange people in such a small place." Setting the large pad against its support, she turns to choose between charcoal and soft pencil. "That is why I stayed on the second floor. Tammor did the barbecue on the beach, I believe. But is not your big brother here to protect you, should you fear?"

Khiea sighs weakly, drawing a strand of pale brown hair behind an ear.  She shakes her head lightly, her words falling quiet, "..'Big brother' is very nice, but... He's a bit.. -over- protective.  And I don't want him to know I'm afraid."  She sighs, allowing that one hand to fall back to her lap, her gaze falling to the ground a moment, "Because.. I'm always afraid.  And every time I am, he tries to do something about it.  And I... I know it sounds odd, but I don't -want- him fighting all of my battles...  So." She glances back up once more, sighing weakly, "I've just stayed in my room and read while the festival went on so far."

Fiada sets the soft pencil down and half-stands, tying back the gauze drapes as the wind tosses them out again. "I understand. He did not listen when you asked him to give you some space?" Sitting again, she studies Khiea with intent concentration. "There is nothing strange about wanting to handle your own problems. You have had to do so before him, did you not? And you are always free to come in here and simply read if you want."

"I'm kind of afraid to tell him, actually...."  Khiea's voice falls quiet once more, a frown casting across her face, "He's... so unecessarily nice.  Even before he knew who I was he did.  And he still doesn't know -me-.  Or anything about me.  But he's still so defencive.. I don't.. Want to hurt his feelings.  He knows I'm scared. He's only doing what he thinks is right..." She sighs weakly, shaking her head softly, "I'm sorry.. Sorry, sorry for babbling.. I must sound very strange.  But thank you, Miss Fiada.. You're very kind.."

Fiada smiles gently, one hand sketching out the first curves already upon the paper. "Does it frustrate you that he worships the image he made of you, and refuses to hear the truth when you try and speak it?" Her pinky brushes away an imperfection in the paper. "It does not sound strange at all, Khiea. And I don't mind your speaking to me. Not many people listen to you without trying to judge, correct?"

Khiea nods weakly, forcing a pale smile across her face, as hollow as it holds, "Exactly.  Everyone has..   a different idea of me.  Who I am, what I am, what I can be and what I should do.  And I can't be them -all-.   Kyle treats me.. As if I were a child.  A hopeless little girl with too many people interested in my dealings, who can't stand up for herself.."  That smile falls weaker still, "Which is perhaps the worst image of all he can hold.  Because I am.. am.. -not- a little girl.." That phrase seemed hard to utter at all, "I'm not defenceless..  And I only wish I were ignorant.  But I'm not a foolish child..."

Fiada focuses upon the smile for the moment that it is kept, scoring thin lines upon the paper. "It is hard to be continually thought of as an image that you have no control over. And you have certainly gone through enough that you should not be treated as a mere foundling." She studies the play of light through the window upon Khiea's jawline. "It is a matter again of finding your place. I wish that this island could be a refuge for you, but with the Ether problems... you have not had other injuries, I hope?"

Khiea shrugs softly, "It... it -is- something of a refuge.  I mean.. For once I have nothing in the world to worry about... No one will come for me here, no one will bother me here...  And its so -peaceful- here.  But it would be foolish to think that coming here could grant me an escape from -myself-."  She forces a smile, leaning back weakly in the chair, "So.. its okay.   I just wish I wasn't so shy.  And..  oh.. No, not really.  I've really been trying to be careful... And if I don't do much, I don't maim myself.. So there's another reason why I've just been reading... Although..." She smiles softly, "It.. it does -seem- kind of fun to go see the festival.. Or the dance.  Or anything."

Fiada finishes the angling of the neck, adding in the hair with careful arcs. "The Council is looking into a possible solution or prevention of such problems for you, so with luck you will no longer accidently hurt yourself... Could you lift up a hand for me? Thank you." With another slight, encouraging smile, she continues. "There will be other events, certainly. More chances for you to get out, and of course you can always attend myself and the other Council when we are around. How is your room situation?"

Khiea looks ever a shade uneasy as she shifts her hand... Lightly webbed as it is, its always been  a pale issue of unease to Khiea, after all, and its unlikely someone sketching her could over look it.  To overshadow this, she merely continues talking, "Its okay, really.. The Council doesn't need to bother with my little problem.  Its nothing serious, after all.....  And...  Well, my roommate still hasn't arrived.  So everything's been wonderful so far."

Fiada begins to clarify the turn of Khiea's wrist upon the paper. "We do not mind at all," she says distractedly. "You remind us of our sister..." Then, realizing how strange that sounded, she adds hastily. "Rhiems and I. We have a younger sister... Each, we have. Ah..." She starts on the bones of the hand to halt her sense of fumbling. "So that is why we appriciate your company, not because we have an overriding image of you ourselves."

Khiea merely smiles softly.  In so many ways, she -is- still that naive little child, "Really? A.. lot of people seem to think of me like that... As the little sister who needs that extra attention or thought..." She frowns a bit at the thought, actually.  Perhaps a bit of a teenager's spirit -has- bloomed within her heart, "But... Oh, you little sister must be darling..  I wish I had a sibling..."

Fiada glances up from her work on the sketch, one hand lifting to push a finger at the bridge of her nose. Encountering no resistance, she looks startled again for a minute as she pokes a smudge squarely between her eyes, hiding it behind brushing at her skin. "Siblings can be wonderful. I have heard people complain about theirs, but I am very grateful to have mine." She finishes one hand and begins another. "Rest assured that I, at least, do not think you incapable of your own judgement, or to smother you for protection."

Khiea smiles soflty, her focus off, her thoughts caught in the act of daydreaming over this wonderful issue, "I think it'd be wonderful.. I'm an only child, after all... So I've always been just a little bit lonely..."  An only child.  Without a mother or father or family or home...  Isn't saying she's 'lonely' just a bit of an understatement, "And thank you... Most people..  expect me to be a child.  I mean.. Perhaps I do encourage that thought of me being younger, more hopeless.." Because you are, you are, Khiea.., "But its nice that not everyone expects that little of me..."

Fiada lowers the soft pencil for a moment as she blanches. Rallying with a smile, she nods, "I do not know what it is like to be an only child, but I can imagine." Pausing a moment again as memories of certain things arise, but she works doggedly again on the sketch. "There is nothing wrong with childlike tendancies--childlike, not childish--but being judged on personal apperances -can- get a little grating, I know. Perhaps here is a place you can come into your own after all."

And just what's wrong with loneliness?  Khiea's lived her -life- that way.  Fleeing from one person to another's arms her entire life asking for appreciation and value and worth and finding herself led on yet another puppet's string..  Its so easy to be with someone and still be -lonely-, "I.. I really can't help being childlike.  But at the same time another part of me wants to be free of that.. Its odd..."

"Perhaps free of being judged that way?" Fiada pauses for a moment to compare Khiea to the half-finished sketch. "I myself hated being thought of as nothing more than a child. Yet once I become an adult physically, I found it was more tolerable to express the tendancies I still enjoyed, such as milk and cookies or sandcastles." Odd to imagine this model of delicacy getting down on her knees and playing with sand. "It is a shame that people too often hold the physical body as a strict rule upon the mind's development."

Khiea nods slowly, faintly, "I know..." She blushes softly, laughing ever so faintly beneath her breath, "I love playing games.  Like hopscotch.  Its just so much fun to be out with the wind about you, doing something under the vast lengths of sky, and..." She trails off, blushing deeper as she laughs weakly, this time more in embarressment, "I know I -shouldn't-.  But I can't help it.  For all the things I'm forced to do as I grow up, I don't.. want to leave some of what I was behind."

Fiada smiles, shaking her head a little while still focusing on her work. "It is all right to take the things which are important to you into the rest of your life. Not enough people remember the value of -play-. Too many simply dismiss such things as being worthless and childish, forcing themselves into a model of what they believe an adult -should- be like. By all means, retain that love of hopscotch. Perhaps we can find the rest of the Council and have a game?"

Khiea giggles softly at the thought, that pale shyness falling aside in small bits and shards, a brighter display of true happiness coming to her voice, "But wouldn't that look awfully silly?  All the student Council out playing..." She shakes her head softly, "Of course people think they need to throw aside everything of a child to be an adult.  Out with the old and in with the new.  Even if its wrong, even if it hurts..."

Fiada smiles, stopping to erase a few misplaced lines. "If they believe it is silly, then it is their problem. Playing is underrated. It brings bonds between people, lightens hearts, and reminds us all of a better perspective." Dusting off the paper lightly, she attempts to capture the fall of Khiea's left shoulder again. "Those who insist on only adult things will not have the strength of a child's virtues, and vice versa. It is a hinderance to assume that there is no worth in something. I know a man, for example, who insists that playing a game of pool assists in learning about troop movements."

"Really....?"  Khiea chuckles softly, "I never really thought of it that way....."  She smiles, a sort of brighter, deeper expression now that the majority of her shyness has fallen aside, "But even so... I've been trying to fit in....  And I'm not sure if.." She trails off, frowning softly, before noting, rather out of the blue, "I think.. later.. I'll go to the dance."

Fiada touches up the last few lines with her eraser, blowing softly on the paper to dust it away without smudging. "It will be nice to see you there. Try asking Rhiems to teach you how to dance." Her voice picks up a bit of a wry laugh at the second statement. "Unfortunately ballroom dancing is the only kind that we know. And there may be fireworks again on the beach."

Khiea nods lightly, faintly, "Well, that's okay.. Its just.. I've never danced before.   It'd be kind of fun to learn...  It... it looks rather like a game, in all the actions and movements it holds.   Just so much more complex and elaborate than what children do..."  Her face half lights up at the later mention, smiling happilly, "I love fireworks!"

"-Everything- is a game, after all. There we are." With a soft smile, Fiada takes the paper down and stands up, walking over to show it to Khiea. The sketch is an odd one; the image of Khiea looking slightly off center in the middle, one hand raised as if to accept something in her palm. It is a compilation of all the girl's shiftings, so that although she never assumed the pose, observation allowed the amalgamation. An odd wistfulness fills the pencil-Khiea's eyes, her jaw set with an adult's determination while a child's softness rounds her cheeks. The lines are primarily gesture based; one could see clearly how Khiea would move or breathe, while avoiding detail save for key aspects. The eyes, the hands, and the resolution of the girl's face--all the points which identify her as characteristics--are shown with a contrasting exactness.

Khiea has never been a critical soul.  And compared to her own scrawls and poorly drawn figures, this odd picture is a masterpiece.  She beams brilliantly, her eyes locked upon the picture with all the awe and appreciation she can muster for such a treasured piece, "Its -wonderful-, Miss Fiada...  You're so talented!"

Fiada glances down at the paper skeptically. "I am afraid it is not that good." She shakes it a bit to scatter eraser shavings, and then walks over to spread it on the bed. "If you'd like, I could do one for you to have."

Khiea shakes her head softly, "No, no, Its wonderful!  At least compared to my drawings...  I've never seen someone draw so well."  She smiles, "I'd love that!  If its not too much trouble, of course..."

"This?" Fiada looks back to the paper on the bed, blinking as the conversation slips out of her grasp again. "Another picture, of course." She sits back down at her easel and brushes down a fresh piece of paper. "Here, try turning to face the window. We can do a profile."

Khiea nods lightly, turning to face the window as said, silent for the moment, at least.

Fiada falls into silence as well as she sketches, the work going faster now that she has already studied Khiea's mannerisms. Outside the window a few clouds gather, warning rumbles echoing along the waves. Pausing for a moment, Fiada glances to the sky. "I hope it does not rain. Although it would be pleasant, that would mean the beach would be off limits."

"Oh, but it would be wonderful..."  A smile creeps once more across the young woman's face, her eyes locked upon the clouds outside, "Even if it does stop the fireworks.  Even if it does make it unpleasant to go outside... There's nothing, nothing more beautiful, more pure in this world than the rain...."

Fiada finishes off Khiea's delight at the rain, adding in the hint of a window and settings. "You think so too?" Her voice, soft and distracted again, lets slip, "It's nice to finally be able to see it..." The clouds roll in in force, darkening the horizon prematurely. "I am certain that Tammor will still try to have her volleyball game out in the rain. Rain washes the world... it is beautiful."

Khiea nods slowly, that honest glint of joy crossing her face once more, embedded deeply within her expressions, "I know...   Its the most beautiful display in the world.   Even though its like the sky is crying...   The rain coaxes the world and all the life within it to flourish and prosper and reach up to comfort the sky..." She trails off softly, smiling weakly, "Although.. I bet that sounds a bit strange..."

"That sounds wonderfully, actually. Poetic and true..." Fiada brushes down her paper, standing to walk over to the window for a moment. "It makes the world fresh again..." Rapping her knuckles on the windowsill to recollect her thoughts, she walks back and puts down the pencil. Tearing off the sheet and shaking it carefully, she hands it to Khiea. "Here you are."

Khiea takes the picture carefully, as if it were indeed quite fragile, smiling brilliantly at it, "Its wonderful, Miss Fiada..." She glances up at Fiada, beaming, "Thank you!"

Fiada nods back to Khiea before packing up her paper, lest rain through the window splatter upon the pad. She unfolds her easel and tucks her supplies neatly back underneath her bed. "Did you want to stay here and watch the rain for a time, or go out upon the balcony?"

Khiea chuckles softly, shaking her head lightly, "I wouldn't want to bother you anymore, Miss Fiada.  But I want to watch the rain from the Gardens...."

"The gardens? What an excellent idea." Fiada pulls the gauze curtains in front of the window, allowing the fresh breeze in without letting the rain possibly puddle into the room. "Shall we be off?"

--------------------------
Scene: Caught On Film
Date: June 18, 2000 (Afternoon/Evening)
Location Note: Adesha, PreDance
Involved: Amelia, Zaak, Trael, Tammor, Fiada, Khiea
--------------------------
Adesha University:  Reception Office
Contents:
Amelia
Zaak
Trael

Amelia walks over to the reception desk and zooms in on Trael and says to herself or the camcorder rather, "Oh...a teacher, and the first one I've seen too."  She just smiles and records her humming to herself, panning down to the insignia she wears.

Tammor comes in from outside. Her hair's wet and the start of rain was heard when she opened and closed the door. Island weather. She bows to Trael and then watches Amelia with her camera.

Zaak looks at tammor and nods a greetting, then he notices her hair is wet " ?... strange... it wasn't raining a minute ago..."

Trael glances up slowly at the faint catch of a voice, the opening and closing of the doors...  And blinks, slowly, casting a rather blankly curious glance to the camera directed straight at her, "Well.. ehm.....  May I help you, Miss?"

Tammor shakes her volleyball. "It is now."

Zaak shrugs "oh well..." he leans on a wall and whatches trael and amelia.

Amelia 's head comes from behind the camcorder with a smile on her face, "Just smile for the camera for a moment please, it'd be very helpful to me."  Forgetting the fact that she's here to check into the school, she goes back to just aiming the camera at her and zooming in on her face looking for that smile.

Trael blinks slowly, looking infinitely uneased by the presence of a camcorder in her face.  She smiles, of course, as easily as she can, but even so it holds that touch of unease to it all the while.  Softly, she mutters, "Is this.. really necessary?"

Amelia nods slowly, "Mmm hmm..."  After a few seconds, she turns the camera off.  "Good, I got it all.  I wonder how it'll all turn out later on..."  She inspects the battery and film indicators on the small pull out screen.

Tammor finishes wiping off her ball on the corner of her Cresting Wave scarf. She grins, probably at Trael's discomfort since her eyes check out the teacher's reaction before leaning against the wall too.

Trael chuckles softly, lightly, forcing the unease from her face a moment as she glances up at Tammor, voice forced causually easy, unworried, "Well, hello, Tammor..."  She then shakes her head, and glances back to Amelia, "Anyway.. As I was saying...  Is there something I can help you wish, Miss?"

Amelia looks up from the camera and smiles, "Oh...how rude of me.  Is this the reception desk?  I was told to find it because that's where new students go first to check into the school isn't it?"

Tammor nods again to say respectfully. "General." Serious when she's being looked at and then gives up on the whole thing to wipe her face dry with her scarf. Trael has to check in another student after all.

Zaak yawns, hardly doing any effort to cover his wide open mouth, then he scratches the back of his had and sighs

Trael nods slowly, shortly, "Ah, you're here to enroll, then.." She offers a light smile and draws out a folder from one of the drawers of the desk, searching through the papers within lightly, "Name, please?"

Amelia walks up to the desk, "Amelia Sterling."  Waits for her papers to be found, hopes that nothing went wrong with the application.  (OOC: I freak out everytime they do this at school ^^;)

Tammor shakes out her scarf and ties it off on her arm for now. She looks over at Zaak but doesn't say anything. Not the best idea to make noise while the teacher's doing work.

Trael nods lightly and draws a single application from the mass of papers at hand, "Ah, here we go.  Amelia."  A quizzical glance crosses Trael's face at the note of where she came from...  Shevat..?  -That-'s... a new one..., "Well,  welcome to Adesha University, then!  For the note, you're in room #13.. Your roommate is a girl named Vivien.  And lesse..." She rumages through a seperate drawer, drawing aside a room key, "I suppose I ought to cover the rules.."

Amelia nods slowly, "Oh oh wait a minute..."  Turns on her camera and points it at Trael, "Ok ok...I'm all set here."  Smiles behind the camera.

Tammor suddenly looks up as the corner of her eye catches Trael's expression as it goes by. She hides the quick motion by stretching out her neck and rubbing at it. Stiff muscles from the game, and all that. While she's working at the muscle she watches discreetly for where the application goes.

Zaak looks at tammor for a second and then focuses on trael and, noticing another recording session is about to begin.

Trael blinks slowly, looking the slighest bit uneased by the camera being turned on her once more.  Even so, she chuckles lightly, rather nervously, and nods, "Well, then...   A school uniform can be purchased for class in the shops south of here.  Classes are held late morning or early afternoon, whichever is your preferance.  You're to be on your best behaviour at all times- of course, your room can be decorated as you wish, but do be considerate of your roommate.. And..." She pauses a moment, before recalling the final note, adding simply, "Curfiew's at 9:00.  No one is to leave the University past that hour."

Amelia nods slowly from behind the camera, "I understand."  She turns off the camera and smiles once again.

"Wonderful!"  Trael stands, leaning against the desk lightly, "Welcome to Adesha University then.  And well, nice to meet you.  I'm Trael, the Tactical War teacher."  She smiles brightly.  A strange brilliance to grant to the subject of war..

Tammor grabs her volleyball again. She walks forward but stops at a respectful distance from Trael. After the introductions are over naturally. "I can show her up to her room if that's fine General."

Trael grants a much calmer smile to Tammor this time, nodding simply, "That would be quite appreciated."

Amelia nods and grabs her baggage....wheeling thing...the name escapes me.  Whatever.  "It's nice to meet you Ms. Trael."  She looks over at Tammor still smiling.

Tammor offers a hand for the trolly or the camera, whichever's bulkier. "I can do that. Three flights of stairs. And... no elevator." Completely deadpan as she says that, even though she looks tempted to grin. She bows to Trael before leaving. "Let's go up?"

Amelia blinks and wheels the trolly (thank you) over to Tammor, "Sorry to burden you."  Her camera is once again active as she nods and says, "Ok, ready to go..."

---------------------------------
Adesha University: Girls' Hallway
Amelia has arrived.

Tammor wheels up the trolley and waits for Amelia to unlock room 13.

Amelia walks down the hallway looking at EVERYTHING with her camcorder and noticing Tammor stopping, she takes a moment to film the door with the number 13 on it.  "Wow...and here's my room which I'll be sharing with another student...exciting..."  She reaches out to the door and unlocks it, pushing the door open but filming every moment.

----------------------------
Adesha University:  Room #13
Amelia has arrived.

Tammor pulls in the trolley and waits for Amelia to pick a side. Two beds, desk and drawer for each, and that window. Which shows rain right now, but that's nice too. "Viv hasn't moved in fully yet. Which one, left or right?"

Amelia films the undecorated room and just says, "I'll take the right one please."

Tammor trundles the baggage over. Dunk the volleyball on the bed so it won't roll off and she grabs the luggage to set it on top of the bed. "I'm in the next room over. Tammor Ganaff, Council Vice Pres too, so I need to talk to you about some of the other school regulations." She hikes over to the empty bed and sits down on it.

Amelia walks over to her bed and nods, pointing the camera at Tammor now. "Ohhh the Council Vice President...an important figure within the university..."  she whispers to the camera.  "Ok."

Tammor looks like a deer in the headlights at that. "Uh, right. Important figure." She tries to fluff up the wet hair and straighten her shirt. She props her boots on the bedframe to rest her arms on the knees. "So anyway do you use Ether?"

Amelia shakes her head, "No I do not...I've never been very interested in Ether or anything that has to do with combat, except maybe the history of that combat situation."

Tammor tugs at the scarf around her wrist. Moisture trapped there itches the skin when it heats up from being indoors. "That's a good thing. Ether's not allowed in here anyway but we've been having problems with even healing Ether. People have been burning themselves by using it, so don't let anyone and warn people who are new." She unties the scarf and starts shaking it out. "I'm down the hall in 14 if you have a problem or talk to the other Student Council members. Or the teachers too. Any general questions?"

Amelia nods and adjusts the lens a bit, "Are all of us arrange in a specific class and grade?  And how long have you been a student here?  I'd like to hear how this school has been for you."

Tammor looks at the camera again but doesn't show any special fear of it. Not camera-shy, her, but she does stop to consider the machine for a minute. "We're arranged by classes and grades. Can't have a kid in the same criteria as a teen after all." She hangs the wet scarf on the edge of the bed. "I've had a great time at Adesha. Can't get schools like this everywhere. I came from Nortune, so this island is really a change of weather. What about you?"

Amelia smiles and peeks out form behind the camcorder, "I wouldn't know how the weather is.  I just came in from Shevat, there's hardly any weather there to speak of."

"Shevat?" Tammor frowns. "What do you mean? Is it in the desert?"

Amelia shakes her head but keeps her camcorder focused.  "It's above all the other countries in the world, well most of them."

Tammor scratches her chin. "So it's in the mountains? You must be hot down here in the islands now." She looks at the camera lens again.

Amelia nods, "Yes it is kind of hot down here...and no, it's not in the mountains.  It's up there."  She just points up.

Tammor looks up. "In the... sky?" All sorts of thoughts just go visibly running around at that. "And you don't have weather up there? Wierd."

Amelia shakes her head, "I didn't really get a good look from my shuttle and I only hear things about it, but where I lived was a city that floats in the sky.  They told me there would only be a few people who would even knew the name of our country on the surface."

Tammor looks back down and leans back on the bed. "That sounds great. Maybe I could visit someday?" It still doesn't look like she's imagining anything more than a little desert hamlet floating around in the clouds like a fairy tale. "Are you going to the festival tonight?"

Amelia blinks and peeks out again from behind the camera, then decides to turn it off.  "Festivel?"

"Yeah." Tammor leans forward and holds out her hands. "Hey, can I see that? So this is the last day, and the rain looks like it's going to keep the barbecue on the beach from going off but there's still going to be ballroom dancing and the game." She points at the ball next to Amelia . "Do you play?"

Amelia looks at the ball, "Play what?"  Doesn't really know what game that ball is for.

Tammor keeps her hands out for the camera. "Play volleyball or any other sports."

Amelia gives her the camcorder, "Oh sports...well...I'm not very good in activities like that..."

Tammor grips the recorder easily. It settles right into her hand, the weight not unfamiliar. "Hey, this is a nice piece of work. Want me to get you?" She flips out the display and starts reading the information.

Amelia smiles and nods, "If you want to, but I enjoy filming everything else other than me."

Tammor grins. Power up on the little handheld and she swings it easily around the room before focusing on Amelia. "There we go. Yeah, I love this model. Smile for the lens."

Amelia smiles happily for the camera, as if she wasn't smiling before.  "Ms. Trael said curfew was at 9:00.  If the festival is tonight, won't that cut it short?"

Tammor shakes her head. She's not an amateur and takes it away from the camera first. "No, it'll run until it peters out about midnight maybe." Adjusting the focus a little to better get the room, and she grins happily. "This is great! Hey, I needed to send back a picture of the university to my folks. Can I borrow this for just a few hours? Promise to get it back in time for you to get the festivities on tape."

Amelia nods, "Ok, until then..."  She unzips her baggage and reveals mostly video and audio equipment, "...I just use another one."

Tammor widens her eyes. "Wow, you brought an entire stash!" She climbs off the bed and goes over to admire it. "Double cables, a/v splicers, you've got great stuff in here." She gets over it and grabs her scarf off the bed. "Can we talk later? I love this stuff, but I have to run while there's still enough daylight in here."

Amelia nods and smiles, "Ok, I'll see you later Tammor."

Tammor heads out with a wave.

----------------------------------------
Beneath Adesha University:  Strange Lift

Tammor checks the cables first, though she probably can't tell much from up here. She starts climbing down again, handheld camera packed safely on her back, trying to check on the cables on the way down.

Tammor probably slips from the rain on the way though since she's rappeling down instead of up. Heheh. So she slips and gets messy and lands badly because she rolls to protect the camera.

----------------------------------------
Beneath Adesha University:  Control Room

Tammor gets down to the control room and videotapes the place quickly, focusing on the monitors and setup and anything that looks important that other people could figure out later. She also checks out places possible to hide. 

Tammor finishes up and heads back.

----------------------------------------
Beneath Adesha University:  Strange Lift

Tammor checks on the cables up and wraps the cloth with an end in each hand. She threads the cloth strip around the cable and pulls it outwards to give it tension, and then raises it up, planting her boots in the wall. So the cable is being pulled away from the wall, and she's going to try to make it up by the leaning-forward-yanking-up the cloth and then pulling it back quickly enough to get some tension. How badly does she take the first fall?

How about, at first, she merely does not draw it tight enough fast enough and slides down a few feet before managing to catch herself?

Tammor tries again. She wraps the cloth tighter with a spiral twist to give it a little more friction, and makes sure that she's presenting a dry surface to the cable instead of the smeared one.

Tammor also checks the lining of the walls for irregularities to prop her boots on better.

Tammor'll do fine for now...  

---------------------------
Adesha University:  Balcony

Zaak arrives from the dinning hall and looks around the area, admiring his surroundings, then he notices fiada (it's amazing that about 70% of the RPers in this muck are female!) "oh... hi there."

Fiada stands at the balcony, headless of the rain which even now trickles down from the sky, plastering her pale locks to her skin. Her hands rest upon the carved stone, staying there as she turns to blink water from her lashes and focus upon Zaak. "Hello..."

Zaak scratches the back of his soaking head. "are you going to stay out in this rain? you're gonna catch a hell of a cold...

Fiada looks back out into the sky. Shrugging with the lift of one shoulder, she raises a hand to brush the wet hair away from her forehead. "It should not be a problem. Thank you for your concern however."

Zaak blinks twice, he stands in his place for a moment then walks up to fiada. "listen I'm serious here. C'mon, get back in, it would be really bad if you got sick wouldn't it?"

Fiada turns her head back to look at Zaak, blinking. "The air is temperate and it is a warm afternoon. Perhaps when it grows colder from the evening, but it should not be a worry at this time. Again, thank you."

Zaak is about to say something but sneezes before doing so, he is used to the desert heat and his clothes aren't really made for rainy weather. "well, If it's that what you want, but If I were you I'd go back in.

Zaak then looks down at the gardens and keeps admiring them.

Fiada sets her hands back down, keeping her eyes ranging across the sky. "Perhaps you should take your own advice, sir. This is not Dazil."

Zaak widens his eyes and looks at Fiada "how did you know I'm from dazil?"

Fiada sighs, lifting a hand to point at his clothing. "Your appearance aided in this deduction. Similarly, I was told about your arrival by the other Council Members."

Zaak looks at hiself "oh... I was scared for a second there... well guess you're right, i'll get back in." he then turns around and makes way to the dinning hall, but stops before entering. "oh... by the way, what's is your name?"

Fiada replies without turning, "Fiada Faet, Council Secretary. A pleasure to meet you, sir."

Zaak nods "um... nice meeting you Fiada... and i'm zaak.... well.... i'm going back in. Bye." then he continues his way back to the dinning hall.
Zaak has left.
Khiea has arrived.

Tammor climbs up the balcony. She's drenched from the rain, has a cloth-wrapped bundle on her back, and looks muddy and in some places oily. To Fiada she says, "Nice dress. Don't. Not a word." To Khiea she grins and says, "I didn't climb up here. See you both after a good shower."
Tammor adds, "I like your dress too Khiea. Really pretty."

Tammor whispers, "I am never doing that again. Next time we get someone else to risk their necks." to Fiada.

Khiea blinks slowly, faintly, casting Tammor a most..  Quizzical and wondering glance.   That was peculiar.  She turns her gaze sheepishly down at her feet, apparently perpetually caught in the act of blushing... She -really- looks uncomforable in a dress.   Even so, she mutters lightly, "Thank you, Miss..."

Fiada glances at Tammor, looking into the dining room to see if anyone is within. With a quick motion of her hand, she gestures for her to go. "Quickly, Tammor. We can talk later." Also smiling gently, standing with Khiea underneath the overhanging awning for protection from the weather, she points at a few thunderheads. "Do you think there will be lightning as well, Khiea?"

Khiea timidly pulls her glance up and away from her feet, turning her gaze sky bound, allowing an uneasy smile to cross her face, "I certainly hope so.  Lightning's lovely, isn't it?  Dancing from cloud to cloud or sky to earth..."  She shakes her head lighlty, "Perhaps there will be some... But it doesn't look much like it yet.  There's not even the sounds of distant thunder..."

The winds stir up again, tossing the freed strands of Fiada's hair about. Looking out, she admires once more the path of clouds across sky, almost content that the horizon is unmarred by either of the floating cities which have plagued the two. "We can only hope. I did not wish the rain at first, but now it seems... as if thunder and lightning would be the perfect addition to this evening. Dancing while it rains only a window away..."

Khiea smiles lightly, nodding simply, "I...  I feel better knowing its raining, somehow.  Because.. Even if I'm nervous, even if I'm scared...  There's always going to be that music of the rain tossing itself upon the balcony, upon the University...  Its a reassurance, a constant, a distraction... I'm not sure what it is."  She smiles lightly, crossing her arms faintly, lightly chilled in the pale wind carrying the touch of the storm with it, in an attempt to still a shudder, "Its reassuring, somehow.  And the lightning is, too."

Fiada leans back slightly against the edge to the balcony doors. "It is very beautiful. People do not appriciate just how precious rain and weather can be..." At Khiea's motion she glances down in concern. "Shall we go inside and let the wind carry its message in to us? They have set out the refreshments."

"Hm?"  Khiea blinks lightly, drawing a pale smile, "Oh, I'm fine.. Just a little chill on the wind, that's all."  It could almost be omen, if not chimed so simply, so happilly.  And with that she backs up a step and nods, "But we might as well go inside anyway.."

Fiada nods and returns to the Dining Room.

-------------------------------
Scene: Shall We Dance?
Date: June 18, 2000 (Evening/Night)
Location Note: Adesha University, Dance
Involved: Rhiems, Khiea, Fiada, Zaak, Tammor, Amelia
-------------------------------
Adesha University:  Dining Room

Students already filling the hall with every manner of color and display, much like peacocks on procession. Several couples are already flocking to whirl along the waltz struck up by those students musical and kind enough to provide the tune. Fiada steps easily to the side, allowing Khiea a space to stand in without being pressed.

Khiea turns her gaze slowly about the room, for a moment frozen still in unease and fear of what to do.  Then, with a sigh, she finally steps into the room behind Fiada, pausing finally to watch those lining up already here.  And she attempts to ban that look of unease from her face, recalling the chime of the rainfall not but a few steps away, until she looks merely.. normally nervous.

Fiada glances down to reassure the girl, gesturing with one hand towards the refreshments stand already being mobbed by dozens of hungry students despite protocal. "Did you wish a little something, or to rest in a corner and watch for a time? I find it quite enjoyable to watch the dresses that some wear as well as the dancing. Is there one which particularly draws your eye?"

Khiea nods lightly and slowly makes her way towards the refreshments stand, cautiously making her way around the few which stand in her way, pausing a bit before the stand in waiting for it to clear up before she approached.  She turns her gaze back once more to the dancers, a pale smile crossing her face, "That catches my eye?  See that lady in that most ornate looking red dress?  With so much decoration upon it one wonders how she can move?  Behind her is a girl looking just as nervous as me."  Khiea smiles softly as she notes this.

Fiada follows Khiea. The crowd parts before the two as if the girl is the prow of a ship called the Council Secretary. She turns briefly to note the two that Khiea mentions. "Yes. Do you see how stiffly she stands at rest?" With a faint smile, she adds, "Those who wear the most glitter, after all. And there are indeed people as nervous. Do not worry about it."

Rhiems enters in evening wear.
Rhiems enters in very nice evening wear. He looks across the room and sees Fiada and Khiea. Couples move aside as he slips through the crowd towards them, turning down other invitations with a quick smile. "Khiea, Fiada. You both look stunning tonight."

Khiea blinks lightly glancing up at Rhiems.  She shifts her weight uneasily, merely noting, "Hello."  Before she turns her gaze back to those dancing, as if the touch and swirl of colors of dresses and suits was something of a hypnotic, entrancing effect.

Fiada folds her hands at her waist, exchanging a glance to Rhiems that speaks of reassurance. "Tammor may be joining us if she leaves the comfort of her shower." With that, she also watches the complex interweaving of the dance, a hint of something peculiar in her eyes. It is almost as if she would wish to participate, and yet acknowledges the value of waiting.

Rhiems walks around the two so he doesn't interrupt their viewing. He pokes at the punchbowl and turns down an offered cup. "Did you want to try a round with me Khiea?"

Khiea blinks lightly, a bit startled out of watching the dancers as she turns her gaze swiftly to Rhiems.  And glances away, shifting her weight lightly, weakly, that pale blush crossing her face once more- of that sort of embaressment of the words she's going to say, and nothing more, "....I... I can't.  I don't know how to dance..."

Fiada twitches her hands as they remain at her waist, the action speaking of the habitual writing that she has entertained so often of late. Eyes still marking the pattern of the waltz, she relaxes into the same lull that gripped Khiea earlier.

Rhiems smiles easily. "It'll be all right. They'll be ending this reel soon and should be taking a break. After that the floor will be empty for a time. A simple step to learn?"

Khiea blinks slowly, lightly, shruging weakly.  It seems the only action she -can- manage just about now, "I guess.."

Fiada steps back to wait at the quiet of one of the walls, lifting a gentle hand to motion to the band. The gesture is caught and the music winds down, ending the couples who scatter to rest between measures. As a filler, a few of the quirkier musicians start up a light, unconcerned beat of violin and piano duets.

Rhiems smiles down to Khiea and extends a hand. "Don't worry about it." Then gallently he arches the offer by half-bowing formarly, hand still offered. "My lady?"

Khiea laughs a shade uneasily beneath her breath, but still manages something of a curtsy.  And then she takes his hand, "I'll worry all I want to."   She notes simply, with a faint note of cheer in her voice.  Touched in nervousness.  This entire event is so... Terribly new.

Fiada will watch this, since she turns down the few offers to dance with a distant dismissal....

Rhiems lifts Khiea's hand and shepherds her through the parting group onto the cleared area of the dance floor. His touch is light and careful, not clammy or gripping like some. They reach the center and he bows again halfway and then places Khiea's hands. One on the waist and one in his own. "You'll lead. Now, step forward with your right foot--" he follows slowly. His presence manages to keep from being oppressive despite being so close. "Forward with your left, good."

Khiea awkwardly attempts to do her best to do as told, but all in all.. Khiea's not a very graceful woman.  With half the coordination of something more a child's, she follows the steps perhaps -correctly-, but without the faintest touch of grace.  Lightly, she mutters, a touch of distress caught at the back of her voice, "...I'm really not very good at this.."

Rhiems slows down and smiles to her. "Don't worry about it. You should have seen me the first time I tried." His hands gently dip and lead her forward into another step while making sure to move at her pace. "I tripped on my instructer and threw her into the refreshment stand."

Khiea giggles softly, a faint sound caught barely beneath her voice, "No kidding?"  She smiles faintly, still trying to do some means of a decent job.  She's at least getting the hang of it, now.

Rhiems lowers his voice conspiratorily. "And do you know what happened to Fiada?" He continues to coax her steps to settle into a relaxed pace. "She tripped over her skirt. She went flying into the arms of her teacher, one shoe slipping off to trip up me and Tammor. Her skirt ripped right off and tangled up the teacher's legs so everyone just crashed right down into a pile."

Khiea laughs at the very thought, although she does her best to stiffle such into something not quite as noticeable and more polite than merely cackling at the very image, "That must have been horrible!"  She laughs softly, quietly, "Although very amusing..!"

Rhiems 's shoulders shake faintly as he tries to hide a laugh too. "I could go on for days." The two finish the first revolution of the ballroom. He grins supportively as they start the second. "You wouldn't think it to look at us now, would you?" His eyes nod to Fiada as she stands near the drinks.

Amazing how, when one is distracted, the mind takes over near flawlessly?  Somehow Khiea's managing not to stumble, not to mix steps, and not to make a complete awkward fool of herself for the moment.  A relative miracle, taking her awkward start, "I would have never imagined...."  She smiles faintly, "I guess everyone has to start somewhere, right?

Zaak has arrived.

Rhiems nods and nudges Khiea gently to the right to start the actual slow whirl part of the waltz. He doesn't point it out but only draws her back carefully. "Everyone feels ridiculous when they begin after all." He smiles to her as the dance picks up. "Did you see that creature in red earlier?"

Fiada stands at the far wall behind the refreshment stands, glancing up to nod a greeting to Zaak. Otherwise she remains still, her hands folded neatly at her waist, turning down another offer to take the floor that is empty of anyone save Rhiems and Khiea.

Zaak walks up to fiada and nods her a greeting as well. "hi there."

Khiea smiles faintly, lightly as she slowly actually gets the hang of this whole thing, half the nervousness paled from her face.  She blinks questioningly at Rhiems, "Well, yes...Why?"

Fiada nods to Zaak, eyes still wandering among the crowd. "Greetings. Have you been enjoying yourself, despite the rain?"

Rhiems lowers his voice again. "Can you imagine her dancing?" He grins. "I think the weight of all that jewelry would come flying off on a turn and strike her partner." The two take another turn around the floor. "And she looked far too proud of herself to actually demean herself *dancing*."

Zaak nods. "yeah... the rain didn't really bother me.'

Khiea chuckles lightly, quietly, "True..   And yet with all the pride she holds herself with, can't you see her shuddering?  She's been standing back there nervous all the while.  And while she smiles and talks and boasts and flaunts, she's actually just too nervous to dance at all."  Khiea smiles faintly, weakly.

Fiada lifts a hand to brush back her hair at mention of the rain, long dried and brushed back into a gloss. "Perhaps there will be thunder."

Zaak raises an eyebrown "thunder? naa... It was rain not a storm."

Rhiems nods. "That's right. While those people happy enough to acknowledge occasional imperfection take the risks and dance the night along. " Wide smile alight, he nods to the orchastra as they pass and a robust full new measure starts.

Fiada shifts her head, looking out through the wide balcony doors. "It almost seems a shame that it is not such a storm," she muses.

Khiea chuckles softly, lightly, "I never thought of it that way.."  She smiles faintly, "That those with some confidence dance away while those paralyed in worry do not?  I don't think that hardly fits me at all, though..."

Zaak is again confused by fiada's words "what do you mean by that?" he then pulls up a chair "um... may I sit here?" he says after that.

The pair of Rhiems and Khiea set the standard of the dance while the other couples file onto the floor. They're the head of a comet of people moving around in the waltz, a comet of colors and swirling dresses. Rhiems continues to smile since the two are moving at the normal fast pace of the dance. "Call it the willingness to try new things maybe. You can be perfect and pristine or never go and do things that might seem silly to others. Like play hopscotch."

Fiada gives the barest hint of a nod for affirmation. "I suppose it would simply be pleasant to have a storm to watch while the festival ends."

Zaak nods slightly "yeah... makes sense..." he looks around the place and stands up "excuse me... I need to go..." he waits for her answer before moving away.

Khiea looks.. a shade startled at the referance to hopscotch, but makes no comment otherwise.  Coincidence.  It has to be.  As as she continues dancing, half oblivious to the others that have joined upon the dance floor, she notes lightly, her voice and expression held in thoughtfulness as if pondering something far deeper than a psychology of dancing, "And you're saying those who are perfect are those who do as they do?  And are not too held back by their fear to do what they believe is silly or disagreeable to others....?"

Fiada nods. "Enjoy your evening, Zaak."

Zaak nods to fiada and moves away.

Rhiems can't help but continue his grin. "Yes. Those who are willing to take risks and to try new things," he whirls her around casually in another step, "are the ones who can grow and change. If you trap yourself by sticking to your own limitations, then that's where you'll stay."

Fiada watches the rain fall in the meantime, expression calm and composed.
"But limitations were created to help people.  To show them how far it is safe to push themselves so they don't go over the edge and destroy themselves trying to do so much more...."  Khiea pauses a bit, distracted almost fully away from the dance as she talks, "Trying is no crime, of course, but those who know their limitations are never caught off guard."

Rhiems is distracted himself but habit lets him dance the step even backwards. "That's correct. And it is best to know your own limitations." His gold eyes twinkle with merriment. "But if it's only how you're percieved--such as the girl in red--that's holding you back, then you can become too afraid to try things that you're capable of anyway. Limitations are good but sometimes it's also good to push them. It's how you grow."

Khiea nods shortly, "Quite true... But... Just how can one test or try or push their limitations when.... Well, say perhaps another sees them in an outfit of red, adorned and hopeless, and yet in truth she is free and in blue?  Its hard to try one's limiations when the image that holds you back isn't your own.."

Rhiems leans back slightly against Khiea's arm at his waist as he thinks. "The best way is to demonstrate otherwise even though sometimes people just don't want to see. Unfortunatly there are some who are convinced so strongly of these types of images that they refuse to ever change their ideals. But are their conceptions holding you back so strongly from doing what you'd like?"

"I'm not sure.  But its not always kind to shatter one's image of what they think one may be..."  She trails off lightly, and then smiles, finally releasing Rhiems and backing away a few steps, backing slowly off of the dance floor, "But then again, there's not always a perfect road."  She smiles faintly, "Thank you for teaching me to dance, Mister Rhiems."  She smiles, and curtsies lightly.

Rhiems makes his way off the floor as well and bows once he's safely out of the way of the other dancers. "Thank you for being such a talented partner." He browses at the refreshment table for some punch.

Khiea waves lightly and slowly makes her way back through the crowds towards the balcony, the majority of her nervousness thrown off of her face, finally, merely a small smile drawn across her face instead.

Tammor shows up finally after a quick hot shower. Somehow she's made her way into a dress. She waves to everyone.

Fiada acknowledges Tammor's arrival with a nod.

Tammor yawns. "Fiada, you gonna dance or not? I think you'd do just fine."

Fiada tosses her head when she shakes it in the negative, sipping from her glass of punch. "I wouldn't believe so." As she sees the new arrivals she nods again to greet them.

Tammor shrugs. She props up a foot at the edge of Fiada's chair. "Don't really care. Hey there Zaak and Amelia. Thanks again for the use of the camera by the way."

Zaak looks in the direction of fiada and tammor "hi there!"

Rhiems uses the dipper to pour Tammor's glass and hands it to her. Then he pours one for himself. The dancers in the center of the room are in full-swing already. "I wouldn't mind if it turned into a storm though."

Amelia smiles and waves to Tammor, "No problem."  Despite her description she is actually wearing a plain blue dress, nothing too flashy hopefully.

Fiada sighs quietly, closing her eyes as the noise of the crowd invades at a stronger pitch. "Are the two of you here to dance as well?"

Tammor waves to them again. She takes her punch and drinks it. Dresses have never felt comfortable on her.

Zaak scratches the back of his head "...um... I don't know actually..."

Amelia smiles and puts her other hand up revealing a smaller handy cam thing.  "I think I'll just watch for now."  She turns it on and looks at the little view screen on the back and walks around filming.

Rhiems holds his glass and walks over to look outside the balcony. It's still pouring with the type of rain that says it's going to continue all night. "Enjoy yourselves though. Tomorrow it's back to studying."

Zaak smiles and sits on a nearby table "heh... there she goes..."

Fiada sips from her punch, cradling her own drink in her lap. "Do you... film everything, Amelia?"

Tammor grabs an empty chair and pulls it over. She sits down awkwardly in the dress. "She's great. I told you about her, she's got the whole works packed. Really nice stuff. I have to see it sometime later."

Amelia nods slowly, her eyes never leaving the camera screen as the lens moves over to Fiada.  "I like to think of myself as an artist that way." ^^

"Are you in art too?" Rhiems glances back from the brewing clouds. "I've always admired filmmakers to tell the truth."

Zaak just looks around the room, not doing much else.

Fiada blinks, pulling away from the camera's vision. "Please don't. The dancing is much more interesting, I mean."

Amelia shakes her head slightly, "Not really...I'm actually here to learn about history and archaeology.  It's so interesting to me to find such old things...but when you find them you can't keep them.  I guess this is my way of keeping things."  She peers at Fiada, "Hmm?  Oh I'm sorry..."  Smiles and turns the camera away.

Tammor grins at Fiada. "Still shy huh? Relax it's only a camera."

Rhiems crosses his arms behind his back and turns to face the crowd again. "I'm afraid I'm going to turn in early. Can I speak with you later about festival cleanup Fiada?"

Fiada nods, placing the empty cup in the trash. "Certainly. Go get some sleep then. Tammor and I will oversee the reparations."

Tammor tries to cross her legs and fails. She settles with crossing them at the knees. "Don't worry about it. Night Rhiems."

Amelia points the camera at Rhiems and waves to him, "Good night fellow student." ^_^

Zaak is starled by a beeping noise coming from his pocket "huh?" He takes out a little radio like device and gazes uppon it "oh damn it..."

Fiada stands, gracefully straightening her skirts. Waving, she leaves quietly.

Amelia looks over at Zaak, thought she heard something.

Zaak put's the device back in his pocket and stands up "excuse me, i'll be right back..."

Tammor shifts in the chair. "Go for it."

Zaak then walks to the exit

Amelia looks back a Tammor, "Why did Zaak go so soon?"

Tammor scratches her head. "No idea. Do you know what he does around here?"

Amelia nods slowly while she looks away from her camera which is filming the dancing group, "He told me he was a mechanic or something."

Tammor leans over and grabs some more punch. "Now what's a mechanic doing at a university? Aren't there normal staff to handle little problems like bathrooms?"

Zaak comes back in the room, his clothe are a bit wet and he is breathing heavily.

Amelia shrugs, "I guess everyone wants to do something different once in a while..."  Continues filming the room and stops after a few minutes, getting what she wanted.

Tammor eyes Zaak. "What were you up to?"

Zaak walks closer to tammor and amelia 'hi girls, sorry for going out like that."
Zaak raises an eyebrow as tammor asks him that question "oh um... there was a problme with my gear and I had to go check it, that's all.

Amelia walks over to a chair and sits next to Trammor, "Ohhh...I hope you didn't have too much trouble."

Tammor raises an eyebrow right back but doesn't say anything. Except maybe, "What kind of trouble? Must have been important."

Zaak actually it wasn't, the alarm sounded because it stayed... um... too far from my house in dazil for more than a day... I have to be cautious you know..."

Amelia smiles, "That's a silly thing to put on your gear."

Tammor drinks some punch. "So you ran out the door and ran to Dazil to put it back?"

Zaak shakes his head "well, for you it might... but it's really important for me."
Zaak looks at tammor "not really, I just deactiveted with my password" he then smiles.

Tammor shrugs and drinks again. "You have your Gear go missing a lot?"

Zaak shakes his head "um... no, it's just a precaution I say..."

Amelia reaches over to get herself a cup of punch as well while they talk.

Tammor nods. "Precautions are always good. So you're here to install an elevator I hear?"

Zaak says, "Pulls a chair and sits on it "elevator? yeah... um... that's what trael sayd."
Zaak has left.

Tammor kicks up her feet on the table while the dancers wander away. "A lot of documentation. Hey, do you have any tapes from Shevit? I'd love to see how it could fly like that."

Amelia sighs and looks at Tammor, "I wish I had tapes of it from the outside...but I'm not allowed to do that.  They say it's dangerous and the shuttles don't give me a good view.  I have a lot of tapes and disks of my house and my old school though."

Tammor grins. "Sure, can I see those? I'm just wondering how it works. Does it fly on a Gear or something?"

Amelia shakes her head, "No...I don't think so...but it'd be a really big gear if it did fly on one..."  Envisions a giant gear holding the city on it's back now.

Tammor arcs the empty cup into the trash. "So they sent you down here to study? Does it feel strange to be on the ground?"

Amelia nods, "It's very different.  There's so much here I've never seen...me and Zaak were on a...'beach' and there was this little creature walking about.  It looked kind of funny because it was only moving side to side so I tried to help it by pushing it forward...that didn't do much."

Tammor kind of stares at Amelia. For a long while. Didn't education in Shevat include nature as well? "Um... a crab? What did you learn instead?"

Amelia shakes her head, "Oh that's a crab?  We just hear about it, see some documentaries on it...but to see it in real life, in person...it's so different."

Tammor blinks some more. "What about the holo--I guess they didn't have those there." She scrubs her cheek. "Man, what were your classes about?"

Amelia says, "Mostly religion...but then I read a lot of old old books about history.  And there's a lot of talk going around that maybe all of this religion stuff isn't just nonsense or stories or whatever you make of it.  And no we didn't have holograms most of the time...being attacked constantly, we had to rebuild a lot so no one ever made anything too fancy that took a lot of time."

Tammor frowns. "You were attacked a lot?" She uses the back of one foot to scratch her shin. "Why?"

Amelia sighs, "They say it's from another floating country like our own...a bad place where they do bad things to people."

"More floating cities?" Tammor looks up at the ceiling. "Why haven't people noticed these before?"

Amelia smiles, "Shevat moves around a lot I hear...the other place they say no one can lay eyes on unless you find the secret...or something fun like that."

Tammor nods. "But at least you know how to find Shevat again." She hooks her arms around the chair and yawns. "That was the extent of your schooling huh? Gee..."

Amelia nods, "My parents weren't very rich...they got a chance to earn money here and there.  Then we heard about this place...and...after some persuation the Queen was so generous as to grant us a chance to come here by paying my tuition."

Tammor nods. "The Queen? You guys have a Queen? That's pretty impressive. I sort of got here on scholarship..."

Amelia thinks and nods, "I guess we both got a little lucky then huh?"

Tammor yawns. "I think I'm going to take a nap for a little. Let me get the camera back to you in a bit okay? Thanks again for it." She stands and starts walking out. Have to get out of this dress.

-------------------------------
Scene: More Spies Than Students
Date: June 20, 2000
Location Note: Adesha, Solaris
Involved: Rhiems, Tammor, Vivien, Amelia, Kiara, Julian, Luka, Kelvena
-------------------------------
Adesha University:  Main Hall
Contents:
Vivien
Tammor
Julian has arrived.

Julian looks about, making his way up the stairs, a small befuddled look on his face

Tammor bounces the volleyball a few times between her legs. Grins at the new people.

Julian smiles and bows, "Hello, ummm....I'm afraid I'm a bit new, which way to the Boy's Dorms?"

Rhiems stretches and bows. "I can show you the way if you want." He turns and looks to Viv and Tammor to see if they still need him.

Vivien currently sits upon the edge of the fountain, mid-way through some small tune upon her flute.   She glances up at Julian as he questions, but never halts her playing, merely glancing over to Rhiems with the faintest shake of her head- the song barely wavers at the gesture.  But then again, Tammor may have something at hand.

Tammor shrugs. "Go ahead Rhiems. I'll keep Viv company."

Julian looks up to the young man the other two called, 'Rhiems', and nods. Most certainly the feature that first strikes anyone is Julian's apparent -age-, he looks to be at least 21 or 22, but most shrug it off. He smiles and is oddly silent

Rhiems has left.
Julian has left.
Amelia has arrived.

Tammor keeps sitting on the edge of the fountain. Bounce the ball back and forth restlessly, since the nets are being repaired. She waves. "Hi Amelia. How've you been?"

Vivien only glances up lightly at the mention of Amelia's name...  Ah.   So -that's- her roommate?  A nice enough looking soul.  With merely a flash of a greeting in her eyes, she resumes playing the song upon her flute- however, mid-measure she apparently has lost track of what tune she was playing and has caught off on a similar sort, but quite different song.

Amelia steps down the hall from the western classrooms after a grueling music class, she seems very tuckered out by it.  Music class is usually easy unless it's easy so it probably makes one wonder why?  In her hand is her video camera carrying case and a staff book.  She looks up at Tammor and smiles, "Good evening fellow classmate."

Tammor grabs the ball and holds it for a while. Easier to talk without echoes through the hall. "You look tired. What's up?"

Amelia shakes her head, holding the smile in place.  "It's nothing, I was in music class with Mr. Rikoukaen just now."  She glances down at her staff book, "...um...it's nothing really.  Maybe I just didn't sleep well, too excited."

Vivien lets the flute drop slowly, drawing her music to a soft stop as she sets the flute lightly in her lap, "Excited?  I can see why.. So much to do, see, get accustomed to in this school..." She smiles brightly, "Isn't it a marvel?  Pleasure to meet you, Amelia.  I don't believe I've had the honor to speak to you in these busy days.  I'm Vivien."

Amelia turns her glance over at Vivien and smiles, bowing slightly in greeting to her.  "Oh so you're Vivien?  I'm glad to finally meet you.  I hope you don't mind...I picked the right side bed in the room for myself already and I haven't finished unpacking my equipment.  I hope you didn't trip over any of it."

Tammor nods eagerly. "Yeah this place is great isn't it? I love it here, there's so much to see. And classes are really exciting too." She shuts up and lets the two roomies get acquainted, and spins the volleyball instead in her hands.

Vivien nods lightly, "Oh, its quite okay, Amelia...  I fear my side of the room isn't all that much in order.  I merely find it a wonder that we're roommates and yet have managed to avoid each other for so long..." She smiles faintly, shifting the weight of the flute in her hands, "So you're in Mister Rikoukaen's class, too?   Isn't he peculiar?"

Amelia nods slightly and looks at the time, "After dinner, I'm to meet him again for another session.  I guess it's just more vocal training..."

Tammor picks at a lacing on her ball. "You sing? That's great! Do a vocal for us sometime please?" She grins while begging.

Amelia looks over at Tammor with a partially unsire look, the smile is still there though as usual.  "...well...I guess......"

Vivien chuckles softly,"Oh, yes, you will have to sing for us sometime!  I'm sure you have a lovely voice.  If.. If you're okay with that, that is."  She smiles, tilting her flute lightly, "I'd be glad to accompany you on this as best I can.  Perhaps drag a few other students in and hold a concert of sorts.. A nice way to draw together the music students.."

Amelia 's eyes widen at the prospect of singing within the presence of all those people.  "Oh...no that's too much...and I'm much too busy with my other hobbies to worry about this.  Maybe...some other...time."  Just picturing the event in her mind is making her very uneasy.

Tammor nods. "Yeah Viv, you should play with her. Don't worry about it Amelia." Propping her boots on the edge of the fountain she leans back a little. "Did you see those guys that just came out of the classrooms? Are they new?"

Vivien shrugs softly, "I've never seen either of them before.  One of them headed towards Miss Trael's room, however."  She rubs a spot off of her flute with a frown.

Amelia looks at Vivien and then at Tammor, "Was one of them...well...strange?  There was a boy that wandered into our class earlier and he was looking for the Registration office.  Ms. Trael came and found him not too soon after."
Tammor frowns. "They're a little old to be here aren't they? Strange..."

Vivien blinks slowly, "That boy that Rhiems took up to the dorms... He looked a bit too old to be here, didn't he...?" She trails off, shrugging weakly, "Another wonder of Adesha, I suppose.  Or perhaps he just looks old for his age."

Tammor shakes her head. "And they came in late. I wonder what their story is." Grinning wickedly at the headache Trael must have gotten she adds, "Can't imagine the teachers are happy. Maybe they had a long way to travel?"

Vivien nods lightly, "Exactly.  After all, it took us a few extra days to get here due to the storms the ferrys got caught in.  But even so, they're -awfully- late.   And 'wandering' into class?  Miss Trael must have had a fit..." She giggles softly, raising her flute to her lips as she begins a rather simple, but bouncy little tune.

Amelia says, "Well, maybe they're just late students like you said.  You can't blame them for the storm I suppose.  Maybe we could go meet them later and try to help them out while they get adjusted here."  Smiles.

Tammor grins. Trael and fits aren't really bad things to put together. Just walking into class though... "Sure. Maybe one of them is rooming with me? I've had an empty so far. Maybe they play sports too."

Amelia blinks, rooming with Tammor? "Do they allow girls to room with boys here in this school?  Isn't that a little...in appropriate?"

Tammor shakes her head. "The girl. Maybe I'll be with her."

Amelia turns a bit red from embarrassment, "Ohhhhh." ^_^

Vivien lets the flute drop a moment before noting softly, her voice as faint as the song of her flute, "I heard she was rooming with Khiea.  But..."  She shifts her flute to her mouth once more, "Just a rumor."  She continues playing, continuing the measure she left off.  And then trails off on a completely different tune.

Tammor pokes at her volleyball. "Khiea? Anyone seen her lately? I hope she's not hurting herself some more."

Amelia blinks and looks up remembering Khiea, "Oh that's right!  She is rooming with Khiea!  I was in the garden earlier filming the flowers when I saw them talking to each other.  The new girl is from Nortune she tells me and actually she's in my music class."

Tammor looks completely lost. Must be the hour because she just didn't get that. "That new girl walking around? That's great, we're from Nortune." She nods to Vivien. "Maybe she's from our neighborhood. But more likely the one across from it, you know?"

Vivien lets her flute fall once more, laughing softly, "With all the ways Kislev's divided, I'm sure we're no where near each other..."  She tilts her head lightly to Amelia, "Filming the flowers?   How delightful!   There are some very lovely flowers about the gardens here....  I'd imagine that was quite a lovely trip.."

----------------------------------
Adesha University:  Boys' Hallway
Julian has arrived.

Rhiems stands to one side and lets Julian find his key. "You are recent then? I haven't seen you before."

Julian keeps a short distance away from the boy, pulling out the key from his pocket engraved with '23'. He nods, looking up with his piercing eyes, "Yes, transferred in from A.U. this evening"

Rhiems waits politely. "A.U.? I do not think I've heard of that. But my manners are terrible tonight. Let me introduce myself once you get settled."

Julian pulls a hand through his hair before setting the key into the lock. A smile crosses his lips, "Sorry, I'm a bit far from home.....Aveh University, in Bledavik"

Rhiems nods. "I have never been to Bledavik myself, although I've always wanted." He waves to the bag. "Would you like a hand?"

Julian opens the door with only marginal difficulty, narrowing his eyes, "No, no I have it covered here, please...." he indicates the room with a nod of his head
Julian has left.

----------------------------
Adesha University:  Room #23
Contents:
Julian

Julian throws the bag onto the bed, taking a look around for a moment, walking around to inspect the new digs, "Bland isn't it?" he laughs

Rhiems only takes a step into the room and stays at the doorframe so as not to be rude. "Many students end up decorating theirs. It could be worse. Have you recieved the informal speech to the university yet?"

Julian chuckles to himself, flopping down on the side of the bed, beckoning with his hand for Rhiems to enter, "'fraid not"

Rhiems comes in slowly and sits down on the other bed. "I should introduce myself. Rhiems Daw, Student Council President." He bows from the waist, or as much as he can while sitting. "First off, do you use Ether?"

The question seems to disturb Julian, his eyes blinking a few times, before he stutters, "W-well, Trael had informed me of that........." he says

Rhiems smiles a little while his golden eyes shine. "We've been having problems with it. I'd recommend not using it if possible since it seems to turn on the wielder. You've seen the girl around here, the one named Khiea? She in particular is being harmed. We haven't found a reason or a way to stop it yet, but it seems serious."

Julian silently nods, not wanting to get too much into it, "Sure, got it"

Rhiems stands up and walks over to look out the window. "Onto happier matters though. Have you decided what classes you'd like to take?"

Julian leans back on the bed, resting his arms behind him, "I majored in Military Intelligence at A.U., I'll probably do the same here" he smiles

Rhiems twitches the curtain aside. "It looks like rain again.." he murmers and then speaks at a normal volume again. "You'll be with Tammor then. She's also an excellent tactician. Professor Trael and she do not often get along, which is a shame."

Julian 's brows knit as he scratches his head, "What is it with Trael, she seems so.......detached?" he asks

Rhiems pushes open the glass and props his elbows on the windowsill. "Professor Trael, I believe, is an ex-General of Aveh. Or a General, we're not too sure. She is withdrawn.."

Julian hrmms, looking down towards the door, thinking to himself, "Really? Under Shakhan?" his eyes light with a small curiousity

Rhiems leans a bit over the window's edge. "This is only rumor though. Either way, she is very well trained in tactics so she's not just an average graduate. But you must have been trained to work under Shakhan, right Julian?"

Julian laughs, "Can't stand the ass myself, I'm for the reinstitution of the Fatima Dynasty myself to tell the truth" he smiles, "Don't spread that around, or I'll be in some deep.....well you know" he winks

Rhiems turns around and leans on the backs of his arms. "Are you planning to go back there once you graduate here then? Trying to undermine the system from within?" He chuckles.

Julian shakes his head, "I'm afraid I'm not to sure where I'm going to head off to, home bores me to no end" he sighs, "but, I hear Kislev pays well" 

Rhiems grins. "Not that well. I'm from Nortune myself." He absentmindedly hooks up his pocketwatch and sets the timer running. "The military is not all that it could be these days."

Julian smiles, "Really? Which block?" he jokes, "I've been there a few times myself" he looks around, it was really bland and remained that way, standing up he walks over to share the view out of the window, "Hrmmm, looks like I get the room to myself for a little while at least" he laughs, "hrmm, so what do you guys do for fun on this island?"

Rhiems moves over to give Julian the other side of the window. "A, second quarter. It's nice there but I think I like this weather more." To accent his words, the breeze picks up again. Rhiems frowns a little. "It's been very rainy though. Storm again tonight maybe. A lot of students are involved in physical games, like Tammor and her volleyball. I know my roommate Arnold fences. I do a little archery and some painting." He pats the strung bow around his chest. "Have any hobbies?"

Julian nods and moves back to his bed, "Computer work, piloting, and pistol shooting for the most part" he grins, then taking another look around, "How do you guys stand it on this one tiny island all the time?" 

Rhiems clicks the stopwatch off. "Fifteen twenty. I don't know. I rather like the quiet and the privacy here, not like Nortune at all. But if you pilot, it must feel constrained on here. When you can't take your Gear out whenever you want to either.."

Julian knits his brow at the stop watch, silently wondering, "Afraid my Gear isn't here, although it would be nice to have it.......ah well" he smiles, then nods, "Quiet is always good"

Rhiems starts the timer again and watches the numbers spin. "She'll be back to you eventually. I think everyone needs to remember to have some quiet. It's good for the soul and you look like you could use some too."

Julian grins, his face shining with jovialities, "What makes you say that?" 

"Just an impression." Rhiems looks up from his watch and grins behind the shades. He clicks the stop again. "Body language and the rest.. Am I wrong?"

Julian scratches his head, "Quiet? What's that?" he grins, "Oh, and what's with the watch?"

Rhiems starts off a third round of timing. "It's relaxing. Everyone has their little quirks.. I'm sure you could analyze this later if you wanted, and be able to write a huge discussion on it but it's just soothing. You've got your habits too right?"

Julian blinks, and runs a hand through his hair, "Not really" then quickly bursts out laughing

Rhiems chuckles and mimes stroking a beard. "More people should watch themselves. You notice things that way that you might not otherwise. Do you have any hobbies?" He pauses and reddens. "Wait, forget I asked that. Sorry, I remember."

Julian smirks, "Yes, yes you did" he laughs, standing up to take a look around, "So, what about showers, etc?"

Rhiems slips the watch back into his pocket and hangs the chain out. "Down the hall. They're not private, but they are well constructed. Meals are on the second floor in the dining room. They don't serve around the clock, but there is a raidable pantry if you're polite about it. You know when and where your classes are, right?"

Julian pulls a small note out of his pocket, "Right, got them here actually" he looks towards the door then back at the young man, "Say, does your hospitality cover showing me around a bit, maybe introducing me to some of the classmates?" he smiles

Rhiems closes the window and nods. "It's my job. And I like meeting new people myself." He follows Julian towards the door. "If we go back downstairs, we might be in time to catch Tammor, Vivien, and Amelia."

Julian nods, "Right then"
Julian has left.

---------------------------
Adesha University:  Main Hall
Contents:
Vivien
Amelia
Rhiems has arrived.
Julian has arrived.

Rhiems walks beside Julian down the stairway and finishes pointing out the classrooms. "And these stars of our school are Amelia, Vivien, and Tammor," he bows to each while managing to descend stairs at the same time. "This is Julian, our latest addition."

Julian smiles, his blue eyes sparkling charmingly, bowing to each in turn, "My pleasure, I assure you" 

Kiara has arrived.

Tammor bounces the volleyball off her wrist. Can't get it in the fountain, but she catches it on the down arc. "Hey."

Kiara smiles to Amelia as she enters the main hall. "Amelia! Can we have a rematch at chess? I know I can beat you this time."

Amelia nods, "Alright, but after dinner and after my next music session."

Vivien finally sighs, putting her flute back into its case, "Well, dinner is soon enough."  She glances up at the newcommer, smiling lightly, "Nice to meet you then..." She pauses a moment, as if she had already forgotten his name, "Julian."

Julian hrmmms for a moment, "Chess, I love chess but I'm afraid I'll be unavailable later........" he sighs

"Have you met Kiara?" Rhiems unfolds a hand in her direction and walks down the stairs to stand near the fountain with everyone else. "And why don't we grab some dinner?"

Julian shakes his head, walking over to Kiara with an outstreached arm, "Julian Dalore, a pleasure" he smiles

Kiara looks up, surprised. "Oh, nice to meet you. I'm Kiara Minamoto. I'm a transfer...so I don't really know anyone."

Julian nods and blinks, "Really? So am I, just got in from A.U. this evening, you?"

Kiara grins. "Transfer from K.U. So I guess we're supposed to be enemies, right?"

Tammor rolls her volleyball. "Don't mean to interrupt too much." Sure, right. The day that she learns tact is the day Trael becomes a basket seller. "Kiara, what's your room?"

Vivien slowly stands up, her flute case carefully at hands, "I wouldn't mind catching a bit of dinner.  We can all get aquainted there, correct?"  She offers a light smile.

Julian grins, "Only if you beat me at marksmanship" he laughs

Kiara smiles at Tammor "I'm Khiea's roommate." She thinks for a second. "Yeah, dinner sounds great, but I think I left my backpack in Amelia's room. Can you help me get it, Amelia?"

Rhiems toys with the chain of his pocketwatch. "Kislev University?" He chuckles. "You must have had to suffer Professor Davvi as well. Terrible, that.."

Julian looks up, "Is it heavy? Can I help?"

Tammor snaps her fingers. "That's right Amelia. I have to borrow those dubbing cables. Can I come up with the pack to get them? Promise we won't trample your room too much."

Kiara grins at Julian. "Trying to come on to me, eh, Julian? A little Montegue/Capulet thing?" She shrugs. "Well, if you want to lug around my heavy pack, you can, Julian."

Julian blinks a few times, trying his best to look blank but not stopping a short look of "what the fu....". Ever the charmer, he smiles,  "What light on yonder window breaks? Tis' the east! and Kiara is the sun!" he laughs

Kiara shakes her head. "Goofy, but I like it." She looks expectantly at Amelia.

Rhiems holds out a hand to Vivien to escort her up. "Why don't we go up and place the order? Kiara, Julian, Amelia and Tammor, what would you like us to get for you?"

Kiara thinks for a second. "Just a soup and salad. I'm not that hungry."

Julian nods to Rhiems, "Entree and salad if you would"

Tammor clambers off the fountain. "Soup. I feel like eating light for now." Might as well grab the cables now and enjoy dinner later. She bounces the volleyball a few times and grins at Amelia.

Julian turns back towards Kiara and clutches his chest, "Goofy? Me? Naw, you hurt me milady!"

Vivien softly tries to not each one of these in her mind, although ever unfocused, it seems hard for her to sort, "Lesse... A salad, soup.. Um...  Another salad.. and...." She blinks softly, words quiet all the while, "What was that first request again?  Oh... Um..." She shakes her head softly, "Well, Rhiems will mind the orders."  She smiles brightly.

Rhiems smiles reassuringly to Vivien and guides her up the stairs with his hooked arm. "I know what you like to eat. We'll wait for everyone upstairs. Don't take too long, or we might come looking for you.. the cooks hate seeing food wasted."

Julian nods and smiles, "Right then, see you in a bit"

Rhiems has left.
Vivien has left.

Tammor scuffs the floor and waits.

Amelia sighs and glances around the almost empty hall and then looks towards the rest of the students standing there silently.  (OOC : only posed to make us look like we're doing something ^_^)

Tammor dribbles her volleyball and gets the wierdest feeling like she should have a headache.

Kiara smiles. "So let's go get my pack now!"
Julian nods, "Right"
Julian has left.

---------------------------------
Adesha University: Girls' Hallway
Julian has arrived.
Kiara has arrived.
Amelia has arrived.

Julian looks around idly, waiting on the others

Tammor waits behind everyone else and pokes at her volleyball.

Kiara smiles, waiting for Amelia to open the door.

Amelia steps into the hallway in front of them and opens the door to her room (is that right?)

Kiara walks into the room with Amelia.
Amelia has left.
Kiara has left.

Tammor yawns and waits for Julian.

Julian has left.

-------------------------------------
Adesha University:  Room #13(#4714RCJ)
Contents:
Julian
Kiara
Amelia

Tammor yawns in the doorway. "Two sets of avs for me could you?"

Amelia smiles as she walks into the room, seeing Vivien has already done her half of the room.  She's a bit embarrassed that her side still looks like a junk yard of video tapes and cables.  "Hmm?"

Julian looks from Tammor to the cables, "Ummm, I'm not sure which are which........ummmmm, maybe you should take a look"

Amelia walks over to her cables and just as easily picks them out from the mess of coils, "Here you go."

Tammor looks at Julian. "She knows what a/v cables are. She's an expert at this kind of stuff." She holds her hands out for the coils. "Thanks. Now let's grab the pack and go, the others are going to be wondering."

Amelia nods and hands her the cables, taking a smaller handy cam in her other hand.  "Ok, all set."

Kiara nods. She then suddenly reaches into the small of her back and draws a pistol, training it on Tammor, switching back and forth to Amelia. "Both of you, hands up and silent. Julian, close the door. If either of you makes any sound at all, I shoot the other one. Got it?"

Amelia is taken completely off guard by Kiara's sudden change in attitude.  "O...o-oh my god..."  she stammors as she takes a step back from the gun, "What are you...???"

Tammor shrugs and bounces her volleyball a few times. She walks into the room and leans against the wall. "They're spies and not very good ones."

In a page-pose, Rhiems knocks on the door.

Julian blinks, having just shut the door and pulling his own pistol, "...K-Kiara?"

Kiara shakes her head. "No, we're not spies." She trains the gun on Amelia, and tightens the trigger finger. "I thought I said no noise. This is the last warning. Now, both of you on either side of the door. Julian, put away your pistol, and open the door." She moves so that she cannot be seen from the doorway, her pistol still trained.

Amelia steps back near her bed, almost tripping on her camera cables.  She seems genuinely afraid for her life at the moment.  Then she hears the knocking on the door which she'd very much like to answer right now but fear stops her in her tracks.

In a page-pose, Rhiems knocks on the door again. "Food's getting cold."

Julian nods, placing the gun under his jacket and turning around to open the door

Kiara gives the cut sign to Julian, and whispers, "Stop!" She calls out loudly. "We'll be there in a minute!"

Julian stops, hand on knob

Tammor shrugs. "Sure. Whatever." And ignores Kiara anyway and tosses the volleyball on the bed.
 
Kiara shoots the volleyball, the silenced pistol making no more noise than a soft swish. The volleyball bursts quietly. "No more."

Amelia looks over at Tammor and shakes her head in a pleading way, despite what Kiara or Julain may think she really isn't a spy and she's REALLY scared to death right now.

Julian looks over the scared girl, nodding and giving her a small look of encouragement, he really didn't like doing these types of things, then looking over his shoulder at the door then back to Kiara, "...Captain?"

Rhiems pages, "Well, the door's being opened." 

Kiara quickly slips out of the door, leaving Julian in charge.
Kiara has left.

----------------------------
In a page-pose, Kiara calls out, We'll be there in a minute! Just finding some cables. Start without us."

Rhiems glances over. "I'll open the door. I'll take whatever hits first, since I'm not any good without Ether. Follow up behind me when I get hurt." He tightens his grip on the knob.

Vivien blinks soflty, and merely nods, shortly, "Very well."  A short, simple answer to his command.

Kiara has arrived.
Kiara smiles, as she comes out of the door. "Hi, Rhiems."

------------------
Julian 's eyes shift from one girl to the other, then on a second thought he retrieves his pistol and places his weight against the door

Amelia walks over to Tammor worriedly and glances at Julian, whispering to her.  "What do they want with us?  Are they going to kill us?"  Obviously panicked.

Tammor just looks up at Julian. Grins from the eyes look odd when said eyes narrow. She says quietly, "I don't care. Banescore. Don't involve me in this. I'm on vacation. I want my dinner."

Julian blinks, "How in the holy hell do you........" it then dawned on him, as he aimed the pistol at her, "Shut up and sit down"

Amelia sits and tugs on Tammor's arm, "L...let's just do what he says please...before he really hurts us..."

Tammor yanks her arm away and then automatically shoves the girl. It's her palm against Amelia in a vicious motion. "Don't involve me in this," She repeats quietly. "Move away from the door and let me go have dinner. Now."

Julian holds the gun up, "I'll repeat: Shut up and sit down, I have the gun and you don't"

----------------
Rhiems glances in as the door opens. "Do you need a hand with the cables?"

Vivien looks a shade confused as Kiara suddenly exits, blinking those pale, lost looking eyes, "You've been in there so long..  We were wondering if you needed any help moving the cables, like you said.."

Kiara shakes her head as she quickly closes the door behind her. She had only opened it a crack. "No, we don't. And we haven't been here any more than five minutes!"

Kiara says, "We're just looking for the right ones."

Rhiems seems to consider a few things and then reaches for the doorknob. "Then could you get Tammor out here? I need to ask her about the next Festival before I finish studying."

Kiara smiles. "Sure. Come on in. You can help us find the right cables too." She goes in after Rhiems and Vivien.

Vivien nods softly, granting a chime of a smile as she enters, "We'd be delighted to help!"

Vivien has left.

Rhiems opens the door and stands aside to let Vivien enter first. He stops and looks back at Kiara, taking off his shades and folding them into his vest pocket. After a minute he walks in too.

----------
Vivien has arrived.

Amelia falls to the side of the bed after being shoved away by Tammor, yelling out by accident.

Rhiems has arrived.
Kiara has arrived.

Kiara closes the door behind her draws her pistol again, training it back and forth against all the people in the room. "All right, everybody on the bed. Now. If any of you make a sound, or try to resist, I shoot you. Starting with Amelia."

Julian blinks, looking back and forth between all the arrivals, "Captain?" he prods uncomfortably, this was getting waaaay too big

Amelia backs away near the window in fear and mummbling to herself, "Oh no...this is not happening..."  She stares at the barrel of the gun and just thinks that this might be the last moment of her life.

Vivien does not, apparently, look started...  Rather, she blinks, rather blankly at the gun left shifted at the lot of them.  And shakes her head softly, somehow, somehow resisting some means of an urge to...  To... -laugh-?  She almost looks amused, in her own way, muttering softly, quietly beneath her breath, ".....Threatening to shoot half the entire Student Council.  Really.  In one enclosed University, just how well do you think you can -possibly- pull that off...?"  Its almost a taunt, almost a dare.  And its so very, very quiet that its like the hint of a wind beneath her breath.

Rhiems looks similarly amused. He grins and shakes his head, and then walks over to sit on the bed and pats it. In a low mutter he says, "Come on. Let them have their fun first." He stretches out and leans against the wall so that he looks more like an idle playboy than a hostage. 

Tammor hesitates and looks at Rhiems as if saying "Yeah?" She still doesn't look like she cares about the threat but's more concerned about if she gets permission or not. From him. Then she grabs a seat and looks bored.

Amelia wonders how they can all remain so calm while she is being rather cowardly at the moment.

Kiara keeps the deadly Gebler pistol trained on the people on the bed. "All right. Julian, gather the recording equipment. and the tapes. Tammor and Amelia, you're coming with us. The rest of you, stay."

Julian looks around and spots the mentioned equipment, he goes about picking up the various items

Vivien casually makes her way over to the bed, her steps falling in a sort of rigid order that the wandering, half-focused girl never seemed to walk before.  She sits on the bed in sort of a lazy manner, one foot upon the floor and the other with the heel upon the wooden base beneath the matress, rather a... Bored expression.  At the mention of taking Tammor, she glances up at Rhiems, her eyes the color of a darkest brown more similar to the black of midnight, as if wondering of his reaction, and sparing no words herself.

Amelia watches Julian pick up her tapes and video disks, "Please be careful...oh no that one is important don't lose it!  NOt like that you'll mess up the film!!"

Kiara nods. "Julian, let her pick them up."

Julian backs off, with an encouraging smile to Amelia.

Rhiems turns his head lazily to meet Vivien's look. He looks back slowly to Kiara and his eyes are as pitch black that they lose the pupil entirely. "Leave Tammor, Captain. She's not of any use to you. And we aren't a part of your business here." A pause, and he adds in perfect Solarian, "Please. Now."

Kiara shakes her head. "I'm afraid we can't do that, Rhiems. You see, Tammor is our insurance that you won't sound the alarm."
Kiara aims the pistol toward the doorway, motioning to Tammor and Amelia, who would have the equpiment together now. "We're going. Now."

Amelia is in total confusion at the moment.  First Kiara turns out to be some kind of super spy that's trying to take her films and now Rhiems seems to be speaking in an alien language.

Tammor shrugs but lets Rhiems talk. She prods the deflated volleyball. And grins at Vivien a little to signal not to worry too much. "Don't worry about it. We'll get around again." She yawns and stands up.

Vivien sighs softly, crossing her arms faintly.  Her voice is held in that tone of that ultimate boredom and impatience that adults hold with children who simply -do not get it-, "And how do you know we wont when you leave with her?  It really has the same ending no matter what you do.  Don't you... even understand -that-?"  As if it were the most obvious fact int he world.

Kiara smiles at Amelia. "Amelia, please pack up your recording equipment the way you want to. Don't worry, nobody's going to get hurt," She glances at Tammor, Vivien, and Rhiems. "Unless someone does something stupid."

Amelia does as was told to do, quite quickly.  Maybe the other university students are well trained in combat or something but not her.  She'd be lucky to kill a house hold kitten.

Kiara looks at Vivien and shrugs, not being the type to reveal all her plans to the 'good guys.'

Rhiems watches Kiara. "But something stupid has already been done." He leans forward and shakes his head at Vivien. "The ending is the same. We already stand at endgame. Want to go finish the salad afterwards?"

Kiara grabs Amelia's keys off the dresser and motions them out.

Amelia picks up her video equipment and slowly starts walking out, wondering what she did wrong.

Vivien sighs lightly ,"Very well.  But its so...  utterly -foolish- to allow something so miserably -illogical-."  She shrugs, blinking those midnight-black eyes, "But I suppose it -is- all the same in the end.  Very well.  It'd be nice to go finish off that salad, even if it is a bit cold by now..."

Julian meanwhile binds Vivien's and Rhiems's hands and feet with the AV cables.

Tammor wanders out of the door, looking exactly like she's just out for a walk. Never mind the threats of the gun.

Rhiems smiles in a slow, very slow malice while he's still looking at Vivien. "Easy does it."

Tammor has left.
Kiara has left.
Amelia has left.
-----------------------------

Kiara radios, "Ma'am, I have with me two suspected Shevat spies, the recording equipment and the tapes, the data on the building, and General Trael. Am returning ASAP." to Luka

Luka radios, "Two?" to Kiara.
Luka radios, "Excellent. Does anyone suspect or have they been wounded?" to Kiara.

Kiara radios, "Yes, ma'am. The one who owns the recording equipment is from Shevat, and there is another. Nobody has been wounded, but yes, it is suspected. We're going to have to leave the people who barged in on us locked in the room." to Luka.
Kiara radios, "However, only two people know of it. The alarm has not been sounded." to Luka.

Luka radios, "I thought there was only one... Two of them are fine. Make sure they're not harmed and that no one suspects. I'll meet you in the interrogation rooms. Good work." to Kiara.

Kiara radios, "Ma'am, I'll admit that I haven't had much training in counterintelligence, so these are my best guesses." to Luka.

-----------------------------
Rhiems shakes his head, rich amusement finally, _finally_ bubbling through to the surface. He flexes his wrists. "Tight... very tight. Viv, could you reach my cell phone in my pocket?"

Vivien mutters softly, darkly to herself, "Foolish, foolish, foolish!  Who in the world would do anything so illogical?  Tieing us up so close.. Hmph..." She edges over the small bit, contorting herself in a way that can not -possibly- be comfortable as she struggles to reach his Cell phone.. With a weak grip, she removes it from his pocket, muttering lightly all the while about how accursedly illogical it is.

Rhiems tosses his head back, unable to hold in the bittersweet amusement. "Do you think they would have reacted better if I'd revealed my identity to tell them to stop?" He nods, leans down, and then pauses. "Do you think I could manage enough Ether to set my hands free through conductive burning of the area? I'd have a nasty mark, but... I don't know when we can grab help down here."

Vivien sighs weakly, "Probably not." There's a bit of annoyance to her voice, an insult to the people who are not there, "They probably would have turned on their superior, too, knowing those illogical fools.  What do they think will happen when so many turn up missing?  Anyway.   Ether is risky, but I'll try and shield the phone..."

Rhiems grins, the expression turning into a rueful look. "Thanks. I don't care about pain but I care about the phone." He rolls off the bed and kneels on the ground, touching his hands to his feet. Closing his eyes and gritting his teeth while jacknifed, he summons the fire, counting upon the damage to himself instead of the usual glorius fire. It hurts. A lot.

Vivien holds the phone behind her back, watching Rhiems with all the patience of a hawk.  More intrested, apparently, in whether he burned away the bonds without potentially setting fire to the entire room or killing himself, rahter than in the pain he's apparently held in.

Well, it's only pain. And pain isn't worth that much in the end. Rhiems loosens his hold over Ether, slumping back to tug and pull at the bonds. Not enough to destroy them, but enough to have the plastic melt. On his hands, but... Enough to yank his hands free through the slippery bonds. Was that blood? Doesn't matter. His hands are free, and he reaches up first to loosen Vivien's before his legs. "Here, let the blood make it a little more slippery. You're all right?"

Vivien somehow manages to free her hands, with the loosening of the bonds, and promptly goes to loosen the bonds about her feet, "I'm quite all right.  Will you be able to continue on normally with a wound like that?"  More for efficiency than for pain.  Irrelevant pain.  Her eyes are still held night-black, as she frees her feet from the bonds.

Rhiems suddenly narrows his own black eyes. He rips the cables from around his ankles. "If they've locked the door... do you have your gun? Remind me to thank your instructor for teaching his students how to conceal those things." He shakes a wrist, splattering a few drops on the ground. "I'll be fine. Just need to wrap it. Let me call." He fumbles for the phone, wrists shaking slightly in a basic response to pain.

Vivien nods softly, "Actually... yes..." And with a yawn, she almost seems a bit surprised.  She stands, going over to the door to check if it's locked or not. Rattling the doorknob a bit, she sighs, "Oh, daaarn!  They -did- lock it.  What -did- they think they were doing?  I'm not even on their side and -I- knew they messed it all up!"  Its almost cooed like a child as she draws a single gun out from somewhere upon her outfit, drawn in such a flash that it seems it came from the air.  A simple gun, with a faint crack down the handle, for a reason or another, which she aims at the lock, "Silly, silly thing!  Anyway, tell me when.. I don't want to scare half the University while we're still in here.."

Rhiems leans on the bed and dials up. The little phone rings. Once. Twice. Then a connection picks up. "It's me. Yes. Yes. No, don't worry about it. No, they didn't have to learn anything. Maybe.." Glancing up, he nods to Vivien. "When. So they're there and gone? You'd be amazed at how foolish.. anyway, we'll get to them... Don't worry. She's fine? Good. Good. I'm more glad that they didn't drag you into this. You too."

-------------------------------
Solaris, Gear Dock West: Level 2
Contents:
Kiara
Trael
Chisaka (Gear)
Desert Star (Gear)
Nirvana (Gear)

Kiara smiles. "Welcome to Solaris, General." She looks around and phews, glad to be back. "We're all going directly down to interrogation."

Trael blinks...slowly.. Looking absolutely in -awe- from the moment she exits her Gear, "Where in the... What in the... World.." She blinks, slowly, looking.. Ever so confused.

Tammor gets off Chisaka and tags along beside Trael. "Nice digs, eh General?"

Kiara has left.

--------------------------
Solaris, Containment Cells
Contents:
Kiara
Luka
Trael has arrived.

Julian arrives behind Kiara, carrying a big bag. "The recording equipment, ma'am."
Amelia has arrived.

Luka folds up a small radio, regulating it back into her pockets. Seeing Kiara and Julian arrive, she stands. "Excellent work, Captain, Cadet. What did you discover?"

Tammor kind of slinks in then and looks for a chair.

Amelia is led in, having no idea where she is and what she did.

Kiara introduces Trael to Luka. "Ma'am, this is General Trael, the person you asked me to offer a comission in Gebler to." She looks at Tammor. "This is Tammor, a university student, who has military training and I expect to be a spy. Amelia is the owner of the recording equipment, and she is confirmed to be from Shevat. This is a map of the university I made." She hands a disc to Luka. "And, by the way, ma'am, it's Major. My promotion went through before I left for the university."

Trael walks.. ever so slowly in the area, her steps slow, uneasy, as she looks absolutly -spooked- about being in such a bizzare and peculiar place as this.  Even so, she tries to keep her emotions quiet all the while, merely looking.. uneased.  She nods simply to Luka, unsure of what else really to do.

Luka bows gravely to Trael, gesturing towards a seat. She smiles warmly to Kiara. "Excellent work then, Major." Turning to the three, she focuses on Amelia. "And is she truly a spy, or a mere student from Shevat?"

Tammor turns the chair around and straddles it.

Kiara shrugs. "I'm not sure, ma'am. I had very little to go on, once the plan fell apart and I had to act decisively. So I went with my best guesses. Besides, even if she's not, she's important to have because Julian would have accidentally destroyed the video equipment if she hadn't intervened."

Amelia glances down and shuts her eyes, thinking to herself 'this is not happening...this is not happening...etc.'.

Kelvena has arrived.

Trael nods simply and takes a seat rather uneasily in the direction where Luka gestured.  Looking.. Freaked.  All the while.  She's in the middle of some bizzare place that she's never heard of and seen.. Surely Kiara was making up all that 'Holy Empire' crud.. I mean...

Luka stands, walking to the door and sealing it again after the Element arrives. "Thank you for responding, Kelvena. Please take a seat." Sighing, she returns to her side of the desk, but does not sit. "Last... did you also discover the workings of the machinery?"

Kiara shakes her head. "No, ma'am. That was a restricted area, and there was no way I could get in there."
Kiara adds, "Without setting off the alarm, which would have precluded completion of any of the other mission tasks."

Kelvena nods towards the general direction of Luka, but declines her offer of a seat, leaning poisedly against the wall.  "Are these the results of the spy mission?" Her slender hand lifts, indicating the three prisoners.

Luka nods gravely. "Thank you then, Major." Looking suddenly very tired, she sits upon the table. "You and Cadet Julian have performed within the excellent standards I have come to expect from you. I am afraid that I must speak with these three with Element Kelvena's support. Enjoy a well-deserved evening off."

Amelia utters in a very low tone of voice, "Can...I go...now...please...?"

Kiara looks a bit surprised. "Umm...Ma'am? Shall I take General Trael to Gebler headquarters?"

Luka closes her eyes, shaking her head faintly. "I need to speak with the General for a time. Since she is a major figure at the University, she must be returned before they become agitated. The more informants there, the better." To Amelia, she murmers, "Not yet."

Trael blinks slowly, lightly.  She's being returned to the University?  Somehow, a smile manages to weave its way onto her face at that very thought.  Even so, she remains silent.  She doesn't know -who- she's in the prescence of, or -where- she is at all.  So she just remains politely silent.

Kiara nods. "Yes, ma'am. I'll go file her information at Gebler for her commission, for when she returns."

Kiara crisply salutes, about-faces, and walks off.

Luka salutes back. "Thank you again, Major."

Amelia sudden tears stream down her eyes as she looks up at Luka, "What....what did I do...please don't kill me, I just want to go back...you can have my tapes I don't care!"

Kiara offers a gentle smile and a wink to Amelia as she walks off.
Kiara has left.

Kelvena says rather softly, "We have no intention of killing you.  Relax."

Tammor kicks her feet against the chair and smirks at Luka.

Luka falls into her seat, sighing. "We do not have any intention of killing -any- of you. First I must apologize, Amelia. I had wished them to bring the tapes or to destroy them, bringing you only if you were a spy." Looking up, she focuses on the terrified girl. "You're not the type that Shevat turns out these days. But what am I to do with you now?"

Tammor smirks some more!

Amelia kneels down and sits on the ground, glancing down.  So much for just going to school normally like other people.

The sound of a communicator chiming rings from Luka's pocket, and she draws it out quickly. Opening it, she murmers, "Yes? Two, the girl, and the General. Hurt? I'm sorry. Anything slip?" Nodding, she sighs, moving the phone away from her ear for a moment as the sound of a gunshot rings forth. Then she continues. "They've already left. Do I really want to know?... No. You're fine though, right? Excellent. Take care of yourself."

---------------
Vivien sighs, and focuses in on the lock, "Now? Now?  Are you done talking to her? Is everything fine?  Oh, no matter..." She blasts the lock with one well-aimed shot, shattering it in a small mess of metal.  In a flash, she runs to the lock, examining it lightly, "Geez.. My aim's -still- a bit off...."

Rhiems grins and puts away the phone, almost letting it become a grimace as he starts wrapping up his wrist. He tears pieces off the charred uniform, since it would need to be replaced anyway. Then he examines the door as well. "Still a perfect shot. Luc says everyone is fine for now, but they're already up there. Can't do much now about it... Tam has her tape still. Let's get out of this room and go pretend to be wounded students who just got in the way?"

Vivien nods lightly, tapping a finger against the gun all the while she listens to him.  She then puts away the gun, sliding it apparently in her vest, although.. its completely unnoticeable after she slides it away. A trained sniper, somehow, through and through and with a smile, she nods, "Wonderful idea."  And with that she leaves the room.
Vivien has left.

---------------------------------
Adesha University: Girls' Hallway
Rhiems slaps his head and winces anew. "Your room! I'm so sorry, Viv."

Vivien sighs softly, "I had nearly forgotten that..  Oh, my..." She shakes her head softly, her voice paling once more into calmness, even though its a sort of.. hollow change, which settles only weakly upon her peculiar mix of emotions, "Its quite all right.  Just gives me a reason to be here and paniced because a bunch of Soldiers off'ed with my roommate.  Not like I had anything of value in there anyway...."

Rhiems cradles his wrists carefully. "Yes, but your lock... I should have just stopped them at the beginning. Do you want to stay with Tam in the meantime? And... why don't we finish dinner. May as well.. Get some fluids, blame it on wanting to hide somewhere off the main hall. I don't hear noise around here, so there won't be much point in lurking in the halls..."

Vivien nods lightly, "Good idea.. And its not a bother... I'll just blame it on Kiara and have them replace the lock."  She smiles softly, lightly, "Why don't we go get some dinner while we still can?"

Rhiems looks at the ceiling. "Speaking Solarian didn't stop her... I wonder if she'd have shot me even knowing who I was." Walking close to Viv for support and reaffirmation emotionally, he starts sulking down the stairs.
Vivien has left.

---------------------------------
Trael sighs, shifting her weight lightly in the chair, "I'd.. Really appreciate knowing what's going on.  I was told of some kingdom, told of being recruited to something and that girl spoke of -nothing- else.  Really..  if you're going to have a spy, do it right..." She mutters softly beneath her breath, trailing off at that, in case she had spoke too much already..

Tammor drums her fingers on the table. Bored bored bored. "Hey can I at least grab some coffee? Some for the General too."

Luka nods, rubbing her fingers to the side of her head. "Again, I do apologize. Rest assured, General Trael, that we have every intention of allowing you your University as well as your proper rank. Let me first finish with Amelia..." Slumping back into her chair, she looks at the girl. "In apology for this, you shall get your equipment back intact and return to your classes. Allow us to duplicate the material first, if you could. However, stir up a single hint of trouble at Adesha or let slip of this event, and I am afraid I cannot be so lenient afterwards. That may as well be where it stands for now."

Amelia stays silent and just nods idly, she'll be lucky if her parents will allow her to go back if they ever found out what happened.
Amelia has left.

Luka pours a cup of coffee, sliding it down the table to Tammor. Pouring another, she offers it to Trael. "General Trael. I'd wanted to speak with you for quite some time."

Trael takes the cup of coffee, cautiously smelling it a moment as if in absolute, paranoid fear.  She watches Luka over the rim of the cup, "Is that so?  How is it that you even know me..?  Well.. No matter.   I would appreciate some means of an explanation, though.."

Tammor grabs the coffee and drinks.

Luka nods slowly. "I am aware of your tactical knowledge, General. Shall we say simply that you are a person I wish on my side?" She adds her own cup of caffine to the stack, signaling to one of the guards to bring tea for Kelvena. "How would you react if you were given back your rank and power? Under a different government, of course... and if you were given Adesha again."

Kelvena stirs her tea gently, blowing wisps of steam off of it.

Trael cautiously takes a tiny sip of the cofffee.. Looking a bit pleased once she doesn't drop dead because of it, "My rank and power?  Admittedly, it would be tempting to be back at the front of true tactical thought and the game of war, but...  Someway or another, I do feel that I have some loyalty to Aveh."  She takes another sip of the coffee, "Even if they -did- strip me of my job and ship me off to retirement so another could take my place."

Luka smiles. "They did. And they've left you there in Adesha to rot, haven't they?" Although her words could be biting, they're presented in the soft tones of someone who -understands-. "Adesha is a brilliant place, but not in their eyes. It's only someone easy to put people out to -pasture-." She takes a calm sip of coffee. "Rest assured, however, that I wish for your loyalty to be primarily for your school. The concern of nations can be secondary at this time..."

Tammor kicks at her chair leg and looks for sugar.

Trael nods softly, lightly, "Understood... Well.  They don't treasure Adesha, perahps.  But they really know nothing of it."  She sips lightly at the coffee, absentmindedly, "Its a lovely school.  A beautiful school... And its so.. Unique.  And for all the things in the world, its mine." She shrugs softly, "But even given such a lovely thing, its annoying to know I was given it out of the idea that I was on the losing end of the deal."  She sighs lightly, faintly, "So.  What exactly do you want?"

Luka nods slowly, watching Trael. "You understand." Turning light again, she stirs up her coffee and slides the sugar bowl across to Tammor. "The school is yours. What I require is information and your loyalty to -me-. The latter is not so bad, General, for we do have similar needs. In exchange, you may have rank here at any time if you wish, and privacy and space to shape Adesha how you wish."

Trael frowns weakly, lightly, "Part of the worldly charm of Adesha is that it is -neutral-.  I would suppose then that this connection that... I may end up having here would be in secret?"  She frowns lightly, casting a glance lightly around the room once more, "And.. what -exactly- -is- this place, after all?"

Tammor stirs in sugar and drinks some more coffee.

Luka shakes her head. "I intend to keep Adesha neutral. Your tactical knowledge and skill is in a separate division from your managemental skills of the University." She glances up to the General, words intense. "Adesha remains neutral. That is an absolute. Its students will not be pressed into service of this country, nor will it be used as a battleground." Relaxing, she drinks some more caffine. "There may be others who seek Adesha from this country, but I cannot navigate through them so specifically without laying a political claim to it. This is the nation of Solaris. You may have heard of it and the Gebler...."

Trael nods slowly, lightly, "Anyone in Aveh has heard of the Gebler.  But the Nation of Solaris?  Never a word."  She frowns softly, "Even when arriving here..  It was peculiar.  It feels all terribly wrong about here, and...  In the sky or something of the like..." She sighs, "Is this place.. Just another name for Shevat or something of that sort?"

"Shevat?" Luka cannot help but straighten faintly in the chair, shaking her head. "No. Solaris is a country hidden in the sky as well, but which is Shevat's rival. Hence why the concern over Amelia..." She makes an embarrased wave at where the girl had stood. "I can give you the overview and information you will no doubt require compiled later. First, do these terms sound well to you? Understand that loyalty to me is indeed a little thing... I do not require you to go slaughtering children, nor endless hours on patrol. Only information."

Tammor stands up to grab Luka's spoon. She uses it to stir up the dregs in her coffee.

"Information?  Merely about the goings on at Adesha, I suppose?"  Trael pauses a moment, shifting the coffee cup within her hands, "Well.  Nothing else to lose and so much to gain.   All right... Very well."

Luka smiles mildly, wrapping her hands around her own cup. "That is not so bad, is it? And it isn't as if I had not already recieved some of my own..." She stands up, holding a hand out expectantly to Tammor.

Tammor grumbles and searches around her shirt. She yanks out the wrapped bundle tied to her stomach. "Idiots could have shot me and damaged this thing. It's queued up, just hit play." She hands it to Luka and grins at Trael. "I really admire you by the way, General. You give me a lot to study."

Trael turns her gaze swiftly, lightly to that held bundle, a flicker of wonder crossing her face, "What on earth is..." She pauses, dismissing that question before its breath has even finished, instead gliding to another, that critical, paranoid tone caught at hand, "...A lot to study? Whatever do you mean?"

Luka slips the videotape into the flat processors of the interrogation room, turning on one of the monitors. The screens show first a shot of Trael's house, the professor bustling across one window and then another. "Tammor, I thought you said this was ready to go."

Tammor grins. "Oops. Just forward that a little past the General could ya? Thanks." She sits back down again next to Trael. Just another day at the park, having material around to spook paranoid professors. "There you go. There's the lift down." The camera swings around and videotapes the long hallway leading to the control room.

The Teacher's eyes shoot open in sapphire shock, she flies to her feet clasped in surprise.  Half-gawking, she merely watches, her eyes alight in stun and a snap of paranoia-gone-true, "What is.. What is that... What is the -meaning- of this?" 

Luka shakes her head kindly, tone firm. "Please relax, General. As you can see, I already have had a bit of information regarding Adesha. While visiting the university, I met with Tammor here," a hand gestures in the other woman's direction, "who was enthused by studying under you. It was only a simple matter to bribe her with -your- renewed status in exchange for a little information."

Tammor nods. "What can I say? I like Adesha too General." Coffee keeps the cell from becoming too cold. "It seems like everything worked out in the end but now I have to find a way to keep the other Council members from being suspicious."

Trael frowns weakly, softly, settling uneasily back down into her chair, "Enthused..."  She notes the word with an edge of scepticism, although its a faint touch on her voice at best, "So you turned a student to spy upon me?  How kind.  But there's nothing in the University to your intrest.  Even we haven't found a use or a name or a meaning to all that yet."

Luka finishes watching the tape, nodding at last and setting it to rewind. "I am afraid that the recruitment of information is what I do best. No, all the secrets of Adesha have not yet been discovered. But they will be. Adesha holds two valuable assets. The first is yourself, General. The second is the technology there. Of course you must have already thought upon the connection of the underground constructions and the strange Ether problems..."

Tammor shrugs again. "Sorry General, it's true. But a pretty good turn of tactics around right?" She grins some more. "I'm not really their agent but I helped them out in support of the University."

Trael sighs, drumming her fingers softly, lighlty against the arm of the chair, her cup of coffee all but forgotten by now, "Well, of course there are some theories on that....  But the technology is -old-.  And with all the effort we've sent to repair it, we still haven't been able to restore it to a decent condition.  Perhaps it is a defence system.  Or a weapon.  Or something.  But there is no other reason for the Ether to go awry there..." She sighs weakly, nodding lightly to Tammor, "Of course, of course... Its all right, Tammor.."  There's very little heart in her words, though.

Luka nods, returning to her seat to think. "One advantage to allying yourself with me is that more work can be done to restoration and analyzation of the technology. What have you managed to discover so far?" Unfolding her notes, she scribbles down another line. "It does sound like a defense system, due to the bubble effect and localization. If it is a means of protecting Adesha, then it should certainly be restored."

Tammor slouches in her seat. "Sorry." Just like a child getting told not to throw the puppy off the roof. "I really meant to help out. But it's better this way than to get found out by someplace else and have someone crueler do this right?"

Trael sighs weakly, leaning rather irritably back into the seat a bit deeper, "A defence system, then.  We've not been able to discover much of anything.. We've merely had a small set of Aveh mechanics on hand, after all.. And it had to be kept somewhat covert.  Its... old..  Old as anything mechanic in this world, and we've got it working well enough... We're merely afraid to give it a test trial, in fear of gathering attention.  Or effecting students like Khiea further."  She shrugs softly, weakly.. That's a secondary concern, "That's all we can know so far- it apparently distorts Ether."

Luka scribbles down another set of notes, rolling out the monitor of her computer tablet. "I shall send a team of mechanics down at your leisure then, appropriately garbed as Aveh workers. I would like to see it myself, if possible." Absently she drinks from her coffee. "Until it is either stabilized or understood, more attention will be gathered from reactions such as the one with Dalant. You can, of course, see just how valuable a tool this could be? And I am certain that you and I have the same wish for it--to remain quiet and discreet, keeping Adesha free of political ties and such rubbish."

Trael nods simply, shortly, "Of course.  I wish only for Adesha to remain as it is..." She pauses a moment, "Even if it is only in appearance and name.  And very well, thank you...  I, myself would like to see what that machine truly is."

Tammor keeps straddling her chair and rests her chin on the back.

Luka looks up from her work, allowing a smile to cross her face. "General," she says softly, "I have a great love of places such as yours. Where knowledge can be spread and where wars are not fought, in places remote and secure. This alliance is one which is not to be with a nation, but one between people. I support Adesha being able to stand on its own. We are not so different, are we?"

Tammor pokes at the table.

Trael remains still, silent a moment, merely shaking her head ever so lightly, "Perhaps we are.  Perhaps we aren't.  But..." She trails off weakly.  There's something -about- her that seems untrustable.  Although its more likely just the fact that she's in a strange room in a strange country in a strange place that she's never heard of before until ten minutes past..., "I merely hope that this alliance of people, then, brings no chaos to Adesha.  Technology is as useful as it is a temptation.  And is it so easily coveted..."

Luka sighs. "I cannot say that Adesha will be safe forever--no, not even from my own nation. This is why I hope that we can solve its mysteries as soon as possible. With luck, I will be able to forestall any interest towards the University, but..." She shakes her head, another sigh forming, "There is little else we can do at this time. I shall send you back to Adesha, General, and send the crew shortly afterwards. Tammor will return with you as well, since she is indeed a student, and her dedication to the University is impressive. Feel free to rely upon her, since the two of you will be my contacts there."

Trael nods slowly weakly, a flicker of a frown crossing her face, but little more, "Very well, then.  Understood."  All the touches of military upon her voice.  Perhaps she does enjoy this thought more than she's revealing.  Although, heart to heart, she'd rather her University not be in the line of thought at all.  Well.  You can't win them all.

Tammor gets up and spins the chair back around to fit under the table. She grins at Trael but looks a little sad. "Sorry this happened this way General. Could be worse though."

Luka retrieves the tape, sliding everything together. She leaves the cups and coffee to be cleaned by the guards, readying the room for the next person to be questioned. "The both of you, please be careful." She bows crisply before leaving, and then is gone.

-----------------------------
Scene: Various Apologies
Time: June 21, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University
Involved: Rhiems, Amelia, 
-----------------------------
Adesha University:  Garden

Rhiems makes his way through the garden while the evening is still young. He plays with one of the flowers awkwardly with bandaged fingers. As he sees Amelia, he looks over with a hesitant smile. "Amelia, it's good to see you back again and well. I wanted to speak to you about that."

Amelia walks into the garden slowly with her camera equipment in a nice carrying case.  Her thoughts were focused elsewhere for a moment before the sound of Rhiems' voice breaks her train of thought, prompting her to look up.

Rhiems lets go of the petals and walks over to her. He looks at her first to check for injuries physical and then at her face to check for emotional. "Are you all right? The Council wanted to apologize for not being able to stop them.."

Amelia shakes her head and smiles her usual cheerful way, "I'm ok...I don't know why I was taken away from the school but I'm ok, really.  But I was very afraid yesterday...I hope that doesn't happen to me again..."

Rhiems sighs. "If we have anything else to say about it, you should be fine." He winces as he shifts on his feet. "I wanted to also apologize myself for acting so strange, and Tammor wanted to say that she was sorry for pushing you. The Council was trying to draw attention away from you and onto ourselves, but..." He gives an awkward shrug.

Amelia shakes her head, "You did your best...and frankly I'm very jealous of how well you all know how to handle yourselves.  Everyone here is so different than I would have expected..."  She sighs lightly, "...but it's really ok.  When I left home to come here...mom, dad and everyone told me it would be dangerous and that's how I have to face it."

Rhiems nods. "Shevat is very protected. Beautiful because of that, but the difference between a sky-city and the earth.." He trails off and turns to brush fingers at another flower. "Back there at least, you shouldn't have to worry about things like that happening again."

Amelia smiles once again, "I'm not concerned about it...please don't feel too bad about it.  Everyone tried their best, I'm not mad at anyone at all."

Rhiems tries to pick a lilly and gives up. He turns back with a smile. "We're glad you returned safely. And.. there were a few other problems in your room. We can room you with someone else while the door's being fixed?"

Amelia walks over to Rhiems and kneels down to the lilly he tried to pick up.  She pets it's pettles as though it were a real animal, "Sorry about this...but you'll grow again soon..."  she says and she carefully lifts it, breaking it off the stem and standing up with it in hand.  She holds it out in her hands for him, not really caring for what happened to her room so much.

Rhiems takes the flower carefully by lowering his cupped hands below hers so she can place it in. "Thank you. Did you need a hand with bringing your equipment back upstairs or is that already done?"

Amelia says, "Actually, I was just hoping that the garden was empty...because....well..."

Rhiems nods and holds the flower at his stomach to carry it back. "I understand. Maybe I'll see you at dinner?"

Amelia smiles and nods slowly, "When is dinner ready?"

Rhiems starts walking out the main exit to the garden. "I think it's going on now, but it should continue for a few hours." He smiles and waves carefully. "There are weeks before the end of the quarter. Everything should be fine now."

Amelia shakes her head, "Oh...then I should really go have dinner now.  The sooner I finish eating, the more time I'll have to practice later..."

Rhiems grins. "I'll try to be by. And I'm looking forward to hearing you sing." He bows halfway and then heads out.

-----------------------------
Adesha University: Main Hall

Kelvena waves slightly to Rhiems as she enters the hall.

Rhiems looks up from sitting on the edge of the fountain. He holds the recently-picked lilly carefully by holding it in the cradle of his hands. "Hello. I haven't seen you around before. Another.. transfer student?"

Kelvena rubs her chin.  "I'm a new student, actually.  I just recently moved into the dormitories..."

Rhiems shifts on the seating and nods. "Have you settled in well? And has someone given you the introduction speech?"

Kelvena fidgets nervously, crossing and re-crossing her hands over the pristine white of her skirt.  "Well, I'm having a little bit of trouble getting used to dorm life.  But thank you for asking..." Though her words sound oddly stiff, her entwining fingers suggest at something like nervousness.  "I'm afraid I haven't been given the introduction speech yet.  There's still quite a bit I need to do..."

Rhiems smiles. "Not many people adjust quickly. Here, I may as well do the honors. My name is Rhiems Daw," he offers a bandaged hand with a grin that says he knows it shouldn't be taken, "and welcome to Adesha." He nods. "Hello Khiea, how have you been?"

Khiea slowly enters, her steps uneasy and focus quiet elsewhere... Dragged off to a thought of her own so deep that she almost looks startled to have someone mention her name, "Eh..? Oh.. Oh, Hello, Mister Rhiems.." She grants a light smile of greeting, blinking curiously at the other person a moment.

Kelvena has left.
Kelvena has arrived.

Kelvena enters the main hall again, carrying a few schoolbooks tucked beneath her arm.  Her gaze darts lightly about the room for a minute, fixing upon Khiea at last.

Rhiems is still sitting on the edge of the fountain and holding the lilly. He sees Khiea and smiles, half-offering it to her by pushing out a cupped hand. "How have you been Khiea?"

Khiea casts her gaze lightly to Rhiems, shrugging softly.  For all the effort she puts into that responding smile, that scar across her face seems to betray it and her words all in its mere existance, "Oh, I've been fine...  And you?.."  Yes, she caught note of the bandages.  But.. Its a polite question, still.

Arnold walks in with his average smile.  "Hey Rhiems,  How are ya?  Looks like you ran into some trouble."

Kelvena hastens over to Rhiems's side, glancing down at the young girl.  "Are you Khiea...? 

Rhiems looks over to Arnold. "You missed the fun last night." He grins sheepishly and motions at the bandages. "We had some people come in and try to attack us."

Khiea blinks lightly, glancing curiously up at Kelvena a moment.  With a bit of a quizzical glance on hand, she responds simply, lightly, rather timidly, "W..well... Yes...  Are you new here?"

Kelvena nods.  "Yes, I am.  Would you mind stopping by my room a bit later?"

Arnold smiles.  "Dang I miss all the fun.".  Looking at Khiea and Kelvena he says, "I don't beleive I've met you two.  I'm Arnold.".  He bows slightly.

Rhiems smiles too and waves a hand towards the two. "Arnold, meet Khiea and K--" he stops himself and turns confused eyes over to Kelvena. "I don't think I caught your name. Sorry?"

Kelvena smiles softly.  "Hello, Arnold.  Pleased to make your acquaintance."  She licks at her bottom lip slightly before continuing.  "Was there really an attack here...? I was told this place was extremely safe..."
Kelvena nods gently.  "Kelvena."

Amelia steps down the stairwell preceeded by her light humming.  She has a booklet in her hand which she is paying close attention to.  It seems like she is rehearsing for something and for once does not have her video camera case with her.  The voices ahead prompt her to become quiet again as she tries to slip by.

Khiea nods lightly to Arnold, casting the best means of a grin she can manage, despite the recently-touched scar across her face, "Nice to meet you, Mister Arnold."  She then turns her gaze quizzically back to Kelvena, blinking slowly, "Kelvena?  I've heard that name before.. I.. I'm sure of it.." She muses over that a moment, before shaking her head faintly, "Oh, its probably nothing... Um.. S-sure, I guess.."

Kelvena gestures slightly to Khiea's wounds.  "Oh, dear... what happened to you?"

Rhiems shakes his head. "I thought Adesha was safe too. But..." He shrugs and mutters something quietly under his breath while sounding disgusted. "Completely incompetant." He unhooks the gold chain of his pocketwatch and clicks the timer on.

Arnold grins. "I'm glad to meet you two.  My gosh where you envolved in the fight too?".

Amelia stops some distance away from the group and listens intot he conversation...

Khiea blinks softly at the.. moderatly shared question of Kelvena and Arnold, merely shaking her head swiflty, "No, no, no!  Oh, its nothing, I didn't even see the fight... Oh.." She smiles softly, as if it could make her words all that more true, "Its nothing.."  As if the burns across her arm, hand, face were exactly that.

Kelvena peers curiously at the gold watch.  "By whom were you attacked? Or have they not even told you that much?"

Rhiems clicks the watch and looks at the result. He sighs. "Tammor, Vivien, and myself were caught up in their attack on Amelia. Good thing no one was badly hurt. Has it been getting worse Khiea?" He says this while completely ignoring what he looks like.

Arnold sees Amelia trying to listen in.  He shouts "Hi!" while waveing in a friendly manner.  "I haven't met you either.  I'm Arnold."

Kelvena peers at Rhiems again, re-adjusting the books beneath her arm.  "Excuse me... do you know who it was that attacked? I'm... rather worried now."  She closes her eyes again, shuffling hair away from her forehead.

Khiea casts a gaze to Rhiems out of the corner of an eye, shaking her head faintly, "No.. No, not really...  I was just a little fatigued yesterday and..." She wiggles her fingers lightly in some means of a display, giggling softly after, "It wasn't much fun.  But I'm fine."

Amelia was in mid though as the loud voice coming from Arnold shatters her momentary silence.  For a moment she seems startled, but quickly recovering her composure and putting on that cheery smile of hers.  "Oh...hi there.  Sorry for staring...I was just on my way to...um...the garden..."  And with that she begins her trek to the doorway. 

Rhiems cheers up and grins conspiratorily back to Khiea. "Okay." He nods to Amelia. "Hello again Amelia. Have you met the new student yet?"

Amelia turns around, caught in mid flight... "Oh...I'm sorry, again I'm being rude to a peer."  She walks back to the group a bit reluctantly.

Khiea blinks lightly, taking a few steps from the rest of them to cast Amelia a quizzical sort of a glance, "Is... something wrong, Miss Amelia?"

Amelia holds her smile in place and looks down at Khiea, shaking her head.  "Nothing is wrong...nothing at all."  hides her song staff book behind her back and glances around.

Rhiems smiles kindly. "Don't worry. We won't keep you from enjoying the gardens for too long, I know how important time alone can be. I just wanted to introduce you to Kelvena here." He nods to the blue-haired young woman.

Kelvena manages a light laugh.  "Oh, thank you..."

Amelia 's right hand appears from behind her back and waves to Kelvena, "Good evening fellow classmate." ^_^

Kelvena waves back.  "I don't believe I've caught your name yet.  You are...?"

Amelia says very plainly, "Amelia Sterling."

Rhiems tries to fit the freshly-plucked lilly into his coat pocket with the watch.

Kelvena smiles again.  "Pleased to make your acquaintance..."

Rhiems pokes at the flower in a failed attempt to make it look jaunty again. "Kelvena, you've been told about Ether problems on here right?"

Kelvena glances idly at the half-crushed flower.  "Yes, I have.  It was one of my initial doubts about attending this school... I prefer to use Ether in combat, rather than physical attacks.  But I finally chose it for the academics..."

Khiea wrinkles her nose lightly, faintly, at the mention of Ether.  And yet remains completely silent, despite that faint flinch.

Rhiems frowns suddenly and looks at Khiea. "Khiea? How has your cat been?"

Khiea sighs softly, weakly, "Sleeping."  She pauses a moment, realizing how, in all her childishness, that could be taken in the grimmer sense of the term, "I mean... She's been very weak.  So I just leave her some milk and some scraps and she manages them when she can...  Its not like I have anywhere to send her, and, well...  There's not much longer to this semester anyway."

Kelvena notices Khiea's silence, taking note of the reaction and yet saying nothing.  "You keep a cat here? How nice..."

Khiea nods lightly, faintly, "Y-yeah.. Although... She's not been doing well ever since I got here, though, for some reason.."

Rhiems takes off his shades and sticks them in the pocket too. "She should do better once she's away from Adesha. Thank goodness that this quarter's almost over, even though I wish it would stretch on forever." He chuckles.

Kelvena inquires, "What are you feeding her? Is she an indoor or outdoor cat? Perhaps I could help you..."

Amelia nods slowly in agreement with Rhiems, "I've only been here for a short time and..."  Despite the incident last yesterday, "...um...well...I still love it here so far."

Khiea clasps her hands weakly behind her back, blinking lightly, "Recently I've been feeding her mostly scraps from dinner, merely because that's all she can stomach recently...  Miss.. Miss Fiada looked at her and said she wasn't sick or anything... Apparently she just doesn't do well here in Adesha..." She sighs soflty, "Indoor cat, all her life."  Of course.  It was a present from Solaris.  Can't very well have an Outdoor cat there...

Rhiems swishes the tips of his fingers through the fountain. "Anyone here like the idea of a camping trip for the end of the quarter? The Council was wondering what we should do."

Amelia 's face lights up in a smile and glittery eyes to match, "Ohhh...a camping trip?  Roughing it in the natural wild of our lovely world...sounds very interesting."

Khiea blinks lighlty, casting a half-curious, half-stunned glance to Rhiems, "A -camping- trip? Really?"  She shifts her weight lightly, weakly, turning her gaze softly to her feet, "Well.. I suppose that sounds fun, but..." She trails off weakly, wrinkling her nose a bit.  The idea scares her, honestly.  But then again, a lot of things do.  Act Normal, Khiea.  Its not that hard, right?  And no one else would protest.  So she silences there.

Arnold smiles ear to ear.  "That would be great!"

Kelvena blinks a bit.  "I've never been camping before..."

Rhiems splashes the water a little. "Well, we shouldn't go out in the real wilderness of the island. The teachers would be as much in favor since there's the machinery about. Why not have it here and treat the university campus as the setting for a search for treasure?"

Rhiems grins at Kelvena. "Never been camping? Do you come from Nortune as well?"

Arnold smiles, "Camping is a lot of fun Kelvena."

Kelvena shakes her head.  "Nortune? No... But I've simply never been on a camping trip.  Is it uncomfortable?"

Rhiems shakes his head and then considers. "It depends on where you go. If we'll be inside it shouldn't be bad at all." He blinks. "Where did you sail in from then? You don't look like a resident of Dazil.."

Kelvena shrugs lightly.  "Oh, I'm from somewhere in Aquavy.  It's a very small town... I'm afraid I've lived a rather sheltered existence."

Rhiems nods. "Beautiful weather down there isn't it? I've always wanted to stay in Aquavy. How do you like being out then, if you could consider Adesha some form of larger world?"

Khiea blinks softly, a flicker of a smile drawing to her face at that mention.  Softly, as if her words were held quiet in order not to bother the lot of them, she notes meekly, "Aquavy...  Oh, all that -water- and so much rain... Its the most beautiful place in all the world..."

Amelia sighs quietly to herself, having not seen much of the world yet with her own eyes but through many many pictures and some holographics maps.

Kelvena smiles thinly.  "It's... interesting.  It's much more crowded than anything I'm used to..." Then, turning to regard Khiea with careful demeanor, "Yes, it's beautiful.  Are you from Aquavy as well?"

Khiea chuckles softly, weakly, shaking her head ever so fainlty, "No.. Oh, I wish I was, though..  Aquavy's the most wonderful place I've ever been to."  She grants a pale trace of a smile.

Rhiems smiles and shakes off his fingers from dipping them in the fountain. "I wonder if it will rain again tonight.." He says to no one in particular.

Amelia looks at her watch and glances up at everyone, "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you two...but I really need to get to the garden because I...left some tapes back there.  Yeah...see you all later."

Rhiems waves to Amelia. "Have a good night."

Arnold says, "Bye.""

Kelvena waves back, though she pauses to inquire, "Tapes of what?"

Khiea waves softly to Amelia, a faint smile across her face, "Goodbye, Miss Amelia."

Amelia looks at Kelvena, "Of..............some film I took earlier of the flowers..."  Actually didn't leave anything there at all, just needed an excuse to go there and hope no one comes with her while she practices for music class.  "Good night Khiea."  She smiles and waves to them all, quickly leaving now.

Kelvena steps back slightly as Amelia leaves, waiting a moment before inquiring, "So... what is everyone else studying here?"

Arnold sits by the fountain.  "My favorite class I'm taking is War tactics."
Rhiems fiddles with the chain on his watch. "Art, music, diplomacy... I take tactics as well, but only to pass the time. You?"

Khiea shifts her weight softly, merely shrugging in response, "...Art, Religion, Languages, Diplomacy... Just a bit of this and a bit of that for the curiosity of it...  They're all interesting in their own way, really... I'm just not very good at any of them."  The faintest trace of a sigh.

Kelvena shifts her books again, bringing them to rest in her other arm this time.  "I'm particularly interested in history, myself, although I'm also quite fascinated by machinery... Has anyone else noticed all the odd things lying about the island?"

Rhiems glances at his hands and chuckles. "Although I can't actually attend two of those classes now. The machinery?" He can't help but grin wider. "Impressive aren't they?"

Kelvena nods emphatically.  "I've been trying to figure out what exactly it is and if it still functions, but it's very unlike anything I've ever seen..."

Arnold sits up "Yhea I've seen them about.  What exactly are they?"

"Peculiar little things, aren't they....?"  Khiea shifts her weight back on her heels, then to the balls of her feet, half rocking in a sort of muted way, "No one really knows what they're used for...  Everyone around the University treats them like they were any other piece of decoration on the island."

Kelvena manages, a bit unsurely, "I... I'm not sure what they're used for.  I suppose everyone else is so used to them that they never think twice about their function..." Another pause, and then, "Has anyone seen that odd sort of elevator?"

"The lift behind Professor Trael's house?" Rhiems nods. "Yes although it's dangerous to frolic around, I'm told."

Khiea nods shortly, "Has to be, otherwise they wouldn't shoo the students away from it like that.  Its odd, though, for all the worry you'd think it'd be rusted over.  But it smells of oil..." Her eyes widen at her own words, a sort of faint startle, as she offers soflty, "Not like I would know, but... I've.. I've heard as much."

Arnold says, "Strange, I haven't heard anything about it until now.""

Rhiems plucks at one of the bandages around his wrist. "There was a mechanic hired recently, right? I think his name was Zaak. Has anyone seen him lately?"

Kelvena shakes her head.  "Perhaps they use the lift for something? Maybe it goes to some sort of storage room..."

Khiea shakes her head weakly, "I haven't seen him since the storm...."

At mention of the word, thunder booms in its first appearance of the night. Rhiems looks up and nods. "I thought it would. The rainy season of these islands.." His hand clicks the watch open and he checks the time. "But everything that the teachers need for classes is already stored on the first level."

Kelvena smiles faintly, that ever-present, calm, bemused little look.  "I enjoy rain.  I'm used to it..."
Kelvena offers, "Janitorial storage, perhaps? Groundskeeping?"

Arnold smiles, "I enjoy it too but its because I'm not use to it."

Khiea shrugs weakly, offering merely, quietly, "Why would a University hire a mechanic?"

Kelvena re-shifts her book again.  "Well... I doubt I'm the only one who's had the idea that the machines might be connected to the strange Ether effects on this island..."

Rhiems shakes his head. "An open-aired lift that goes down from a ground level would normally flood. If it didn't, then the supplies kept there would be vulnerable to rust and decay. So it can't be books, and it can't be a janitor's keep because then it would be inside the University gates and also open to more people."

Khiea frowns weakly, that very thought just worrying her softly.  Turning her gaze to her feet, she traces a line down the floor with a foot, a nervous, although childish gesture, "A machine that messes with Ether?  I've never heard of anything like that, though..."

Kelvena states in a rather low voice, smile dissipating, "I have."

Rhiems looks at Kelvena and keeps silent so she can continue.

Arnold sits back and listens to the conversation.

Khiea blinks lightly, faintly, "Really?"  She's a dim child.  She silences at the note of everyone else offering no words, however.

Rhiems waits for Kelvena to explain.

Kelvena shakes her head lightly.  "Merely rumors I've heard.  It's been said that the Ethos has, or excavated, a machine from an ancient civilization, one that can amplify and enhance Ether powers..."

Rhiems stands up carefully. He's still charred after all. "I must beg to get some rest. Sleep well, everyone, and I'll see you tomorrow."

Arnold stands, "Yhea I got to sleep too. See you all later."

Khiea nods weakly, waving to Rhiems as he stands, "Good night, Mister Rhiems!"
Khiea adds swiftly, "And you too, Mister Arnold."

----------------------------------
Scene: Temper, Temper
Date: June 22, 2000
Location Note: Solaris, Luka's Waiting Room
Involved: Luka, Julian
----------------------------------

Julian knocks lightly on the door, poking his head in, "Hullo?" he scans the room, "Hey...." a smile breaks out on his face as he invites himself in

Luka glances up from her ever-present tablet, setting her mug down upon the table. "Julian, have a seat. What is on your mind today?"

Julian nods and walks over, seating himself comfortably, "Well, just was in the neighborhood, thought I might stop in for a chat" he smiles

Luka nods, sliding her slim computer along the cushions next to her. Turning back to Julian, she cradles the cup between her hands, absorbing the warmth through her palms. "How has Jugend been?"

Julian runs a finger under the tight collar of his uniform, could they ever make these things comforatable? A small smile spreads across his face, "S'good so far, although it's a bit hard for me, being the oldest cadet there" he laughs

Luka shifts her eyes to the side, focusing upon the data on her screen. Rolling her hand over the trackboard, she sets it back onto one of its infamous screensavers. "You seem... suited for combat missions. Are they giving you the same class track as the others?"

Julian leans back, crossing his arms, "'fraid not, I'm mostly out on assignment with Kiara, although I'm in class more often now because of her recent promotion..." he sighs, "Other than that, really a ton of Maths, and mostly Sim, although I wish I could go out on a few missions alone, it'd prove my worth faster" he smiles

Luka taps a finger on the ceramic of her mug, frowning slightly in thought. Then, shaking her head faintly, she returns to the conversation. "Since Kiara is your direct officer, she would be the one to speak to about solo missions. However, there are not so many assignments of late which would be appropriate. And is it not it also best to learn how to work with your fellow classmates and as part of a unit?"

Julian shrugs a bit, "Well, of course.........I dunno, the only real classmate I've become aquainted with is Fas, and he's a bit of a hot subject" he recalls having to talk their way out of Jugend earlier in order just to show him Azazel. Julian utimately sighs, it was really lonely sometimes, but hell, did he really have time for friends?

Luka sips her coffee. "Direct aquaintences are valuable, but so is cultivating the mindset which allows you to depend upon others and allow them to depend upon you. If you observe trained soldiers in a unit, you can see that, despite personal indifferences, they will work efficiently in almost clockwork precision."

Julian nods, "Well, it's different for me, I've been alone most of my life and.........well, to be brutily honest, I'm not 'Solarian' enough for most of my classmates, they all consider me a Lamb" he shrugs, although it was definately not a bad thing to be a Lamb, it was bad in the fact that it was intended as an insult. He grins, "But I understand what you mean.......however, isn't a little differant for us Airborne troops?"

"Not at all," Luka replies distantly, taking another reflective sip. "In fact, airborne troops must often depend on each other -more-, due to the precarious nature of their equipment. Fuel, status of the Gear, and proper cover--all are factors which can err with a higher frequency than one's own feet. In addition, it is more difficult to conceal and explain a Gear than it is to change one's clothing. This is why the partner system is common in the lower ranks, and in the general troops. No one works in a void."

The young man takes in the words, accepting them because of the truthfulness. Leave it to Dr. Kelval to be pointed and 100% accurate, he laughs at the thought of that. He smiles, stretching a bit in the chair, "Well......tell the truth, I still don't know why I was assigned that particular mission out at Adesha" he chews the bottom of his lip, "I'm not a spy, nor would I make a very good one! You yourself saw that a few weeks ago, Kiara too...." he chuckles

Luka glances back down to her tablet, the slight frown appearing again. "Yes. Both of you are suited to direct missions more than the subtle..." Trailing off, eyes narrowing faintly, she leaves that statement to drift. "However, Kiara is quite skilled in her combatitive arts. Certainly you seem to follow in that path. While I rally quite ferverently in training soldiers in basic espionage, Jugend favors a traditional education--which I cannot, in the end, fault."

Julian shrugs, "Well, maybe we were the only ones around I guess" he smiles and laughs a bit, stretching back and folding his arms behind his head, "So........where's Har been? He's been scarce lately"

Luka falls silent, leaning forward to place her coffee back on the table. Recovering her thin computer, she activates it once more and clicks through the files. "The Major's career path is, unfortunately, mirror to my own at times. He is currently on assignment to evaluate the tactical defenses of a certain location." Pausing, she nigh glares at the screen. "Although his work has been placed on hold, and possibly even aborted altogether due to... interference from other agents who were in the same area. I have been thinking about insisting on his return to better treat his injuries."

Julian blinks a few times, returning to sit upright, "...i-injuries? no......." Har was about the closest thing to a friend he had here, and this was certainly bad news, "....what's going on Luka, I really need to know if I can help........please?" 

Luka closes her eyes, shutting the monitor of her tablet with a precise care. Carefully she sets it to the side, reaching forward with blind assurance to take back her coffee. She sips it, seeming about to speak and then refusing at the last moment. "Har..." Shaking her head as a rush of temper hits, she grips the mug tightly. "Har does -not- fight. He -should- not. He... requires Drive to use Ether at all, and..." Standing in a rush, she stalks to stare at the far wall. "Idiots. Idiots! I cannot believe I had the ill judgement to assign people who would ignore him in the field..."

Julian blinks and stammers for a few minutes, he looks down, holding his head in his hands, "....Har..........." for a time it is quite silent in the room, however it's broken as the young man looks up, the look of vehemet bravery that once was a common look on the man's face, there once more, "....Luka.......Send me out, I'll bring him back" he quietly asks, his eyes showing a bit of apprehension, however

Luka whirls, her eyes burning an enraged gold. "You'll bring him back?" she snaps, voice rising. "Har was stationed on Adesha. Because of the suspicions you helped stir up, his location and activites were compromised. He had to use Ether to try and--Ether -and- Drive. On Adesha! Where he cannot even be healed save through rest and a standard medical kit. Him! Drive is terrible for Har, but he insists on staying there to finish evaluating the island!"

Julian runs a hand through his hair, this wasn't easy, "..don't start Luka, if it were up to me, our activities would have gone completely unnoticed......." he growls, "It was Kiara's dumb-ass idea to strike when we did!" he stands, he wasn't going to sit and take abuse, "I care about Har too, he's probably the first person in a long time to actually be a friend......." he sighs

Luka shakes her head angrily, muttering. "I blame -myself- for the entire situation in the first place..." Striding back to the table, she slides the cup upon it, catching up her tablet. "And it's my issue still to address. I'll be pulling Har back to Solaris in a day or two, regardless of his personal wishes. Everything major that needs to be accomplished there has already been done."

Julian sits down, "That is -if- he has a day or two and -if- he wants to comes back......." yup this was definately hard, but did he have a real choice? Har was in danger, and there was no time, "..I'm leaving for Adesha post-haste, I will make no contact nor will I 'stir' up any trouble.......there's no use arguing, I'm sorry" he stands and walks towards the door, looking back he adds, "...either with me or against me, but for Har's sake, I'd recommend with me"

Luka slaps her hands together, gripping and interlocking her fingers in frustration. "He is no longer in life-threatening danger, Julian. He -is- fully trained in undercover operations requiring tact and stealth. By all means go there, but be aware that his removal before the cover of the graduation may complicate matters unnecessarily. Expect to be -moral- support, perhaps, but... I truly hope that there is no longer instance for violence there." Pacing the room for a few moments, she finally adds quietly, "And... bring one of the medkits. Something for burns."

Julian nods shortly, "I concur, violence I don't like" he says simply then nods again, "Right, medkit...." he stops for a few moments, obviously the Doctor had better intentions than most, "...when is graduation? and where?"

Luka sighs, tossing her tablet back onto the cushions of the couch in acquisence. "If you can manage to go back there and simply be another student, then that of all things would be best. Consider it a vacation in another educational setting..." Eyeing her coffee where it lurks upon the table, she adds quietly, "Graduation will be at the end of this week. It should be in front of the university. Since the cover he is using may be required later, please do not let it be compromised or suspected."

Julian runs a hand through his hair, this was though but he knew Har needed him. Saluting he turns, "yes ma'am" he says as he leaves
Julian has left.

---------------------------
Scene: The Last Light of Stars
Time: Sunday, June 25, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University, Southern Beach
Involved: Tammor, Rhiems, Vivien, Khiea, Amelia
---------------------------

Tammor kneels on the sand. So much wood on this beach, easy to grab enough for a fire even though it rains so much. She starts piling the teepee formation for a decent campfire.

Vivien sits upon the beach, her gaze turned towards the shifting sea for a moment.  She casts a glance and a smile over at Tammor as she goes about gathering wood, before turning her gaze faintly back to the sea, a sort of way to pass the time while waiting for others to arrive.

Rhiems finds a seat on one of the larger boulders lining the beach. He shifts the bundle of fireworks from the canceled festival onto his lap awkwardly, since he's still managing with his bandages. "Did someone remember to bring the food?"
Amelia is busily preparing a tripod and her video camera near the path where she can get the best shot of just about anything on the beach.  Sitting next to her is her handy carrying case and a plain dark green book bag.

Khiea slowly makes her way onto the beach, making her way down from the north and the University, her steps slow, almost timid.   She grants a pale smile to those already at the beach, granting little more than a half-muttered 'Hello'.  With such, she continues down onto the beach, her eyes quite swiftly locking upon the ocean beyond, the faintest of a smile crossing her face.

Tammor jams the sticks together. Newspaper, newspaper... forgot that, might as well use these... test papers. With a grin she yanks a folded handful out of her back pocket and starts crumpling them up. "I forgot the food, someone else remember? C'mon, I brought the lights."

Vivien blinks, the faintest cry of a blush crossing her face as she notes, weakly, "Well.. I brought some marshmellows... But...  I.. I thought someone else was going to bring something more..."

Amelia blinks and peers from behind the camera, picking up her bookbag.  "I have..."  She says while digging into her bag and finding a small box wrapped by a yellow cloth and tied at the top, "...a few snacks I was going to share with you all later...but that's it..."

Khiea smiles softly, rubbing weakly at her face a moment, along the burn which arcs beneath her eye.  Nearly forcefully, she tears her glance away from the ocean, as if it did her harm to even set her gaze upon its shifting waves, as she glances back up to Rhiems and Tammor, noting weakly, "I... Didn't know I was supposed to bring food.. Um.. I'm sorry..."

Rhiems shakes his head. For once the dark shades are in his pocket with his watch and his coin-colored eyes blink against the setting sun. "I carried the fireworks." He turns his head and smiles at Amelia. "Thank you. That's very kind, and don't worry about it at all Khiea. Here, why don't I go back to the kitchens and find the packages.. Tammor, did you leave some sticks to toast the mallows on?"

Tammor glares at Rhiems. "What we've got is fine, we don't need to grab more. You stay put." She shakes the sand off a few long twigs and starts passing them around. "Let's get this puppy on fire!" With a wide grin she strikes the match and sets the testpapers-turned-starter-paper alight and then prods the flaming mass at the teepeed sticks.

Amelia connects the camera to the stand and let's it run on it's own while she walks over to where everyone else is currently, placing her bag and her case down in a spot nearby.

Vivien chuckles softly at Tammor's enthusiasm as she turns to face the new-born fire, taking a twig with a grin.  She conjures up the bag of marshmellows, offering the bag to no one in particular, more a form of display, "How quaint that you make such good use of your tests, Tammor.." She shakes her head weakly, a smile ever upon her face.

Rhiems puts the wrapped bundle of fireworks carefully atop the rock and goes to kneel down next to the fire. He takes a marshmallow from Vivien carefully and fits it onto the stick. "Has everyone had a good time at Adesha so far?"

Khiea walks over near the fire and takes a seat by it upon the sand.. Although she keeps a cautious few feet away, as if in light unease by its very flaring existance.  Finally, she drops her hand away from her face, not really wishing to draw attention to the wound.  Perhaps she only raised her hand to the pain, not of concious descision, "Of course, Mister Rhiems..  Its been really.. Interesting.  Although a shade different from anything I've ever done, too."

Amelia finds an open spot among the group and places a towel neatly under herself and sit on top of it.  She glances around for a moment and then towards the fire, opening her bag and pulling a smaller camcorder out which she may or may not use.  "Does anyone want to talk about anything?  I think now is a good time."  Smiles.

Tammor grabs a mallow and eats it sans-toasted. "Mmf mrar." She swallows. "Yeah. I have to say it's been great." She starts toasting one for real. "Glad to get some of us off this place though. Good to have Ether healing."

Vivien sets the bag of mashmellows down, taking a single one and roasting it above the flames, "Its been wonderful.. And fun.  Unpredictable, too.  So much left to wonder about this place.. It'll be a shame when we graduate, wont it..?"

Rhiems only widens his eyes slightly as his stick dips too far and singes his mallow. He takes it off and puffs on it to cool the bruised sugary treat. "Tammor, did you want to stay and apply for an introductary teacher position after all? We'll miss you if you do.."

Amelia reaches over and takes a marshmellow form the bag.  She smiles and looks up dreamily, glittery eyes and all.  "I love it here, it's been so much fun.  And Mr. (fit Kyle's last name in here ^^) is such a remarkable teacher..."  She sighs quietly after.

Khiea sighs softly, the faintest echo of a sound at best, lost half way upon the wind.  She holds her knees to her chest lightly as she sits upon the sand, leaning her head lightly against her knees, "I don't want to go home."  She notes weakly, lightly, such that its faintly audible.

Tammor munches on her marshmallow while it's still hot from the flames. She wipes her mouth with the pad of her thumb. "Dunno. Maybe, maybe not." She shrugs. "Depends on where else might need me. You going to stay Amelia?"

Amelia nods, "Oh most definitely.  I still have much time here, unlike all of you I assume.  Everyone I know is older than me here..."

"I have a few things to attend to...  But I may come back for another semester."  Vivien takes her marshmellow away from the flames, frowning weakly as her focus, shifted more to talking for the moment, caused her marshmellow to be parially burnt.  She lets it cool a moment with a frown.

Rhiems replaces his marshmallow with a new one and hands the charcoal-tinted version to Tammor, since he knows her tastes. He reaches in the bag again and offers a fresh one to Vivien. "Why don't you go traveling with us, Khiea? You don't have to go home if you don't want to, remember? Do what you want to do."

Khiea shrugs softly, weakly, glancing away from the fire as her glance settles almost instinctively upon the sea, "I don't really know what I want to do.  This place is lovely.. But.. I don't really do well here, after all."  She wrinkles her nose softly, a small gesture of annoyance, as she rubs a scarred hand, rather subconciously, "I don't want to go home.  But I don't exactly want to be a burden, either."  She sighs, shaking her head ever so weakly, "No.. I don't know what to do.   I guess I'll decide after Graduation..."

Tammor finishes her marshmallows and stirs up the embers with the end of her stick. She jabs it out in the sand as it smolders. "I think I want to come back here. But I want to get out and see how everything else is doing," she nods to Vivien, "see people I haven't seen in a while. Way too easy to get lost in here where it's peaceful."

Rhiems stands up and props his twig in the sand, mallow-coated point up so that it doesn't pick up grit. He finds the bundle of fireworks and unrolls it on the rock. "Should we set these up now?"

Vivien eats her mashmellow, even lightly burned, after its cooled, smiling over at Rhiems, "Sure!  I didn't get to see many during the festival..."  She smiles, wiping her hand off lightly before taking another marshmellow.

Amelia puts her marshmellow on a stick and holds it up to the fire quietly, wondering what she'll do when everyone else gets out at the end of the semester...

Tammor finds a rock to put her stick on. Sand and marshmallows, two great tastes that don't go together. She gets up, dusts herself off, and walks over to Rhiems. "Let me set those off. I'm better. Khiea do you want to fire the first round?"

Khiea glances over at the fireworks and rather timidly shakes her head a few times, "N-no.." She shakes her head once more, "I'm.. Not very fond of things that explode..."  She edges away a bit from the fireworks, despite the fact she's quite far away enough as it is, "I'll just watch..."  She offers a pale smile.

Rhiems lets Tammor take the explosives and sits back down. He rests his arms on his knees, and glances at Khiea with concern. "We don't have to set them off if you don't want to."

Khiea blinks a bit, swiftly shaking her head once more, "Oh, no, that's not it at all!"  She attempts to manage something of a more brilliant smile, noting cheerfully, "I just am a bit scared of setting them, that's all... I've heard a lot of bad things can happen if you do something wrong."  Of course, taking how far she's been cowering away from the fire all this while, there's probably more to it.. Just the simple fear of handling any means of a fire, "I don't mind watching, though."

Tammor grins over her shoulder. She plants the first row of fireworks down cheerfully and makes sure to point them at the furthest angle from Khiea. "Amelia, you want to set the introductions off then?"

Amelia shakes her head and just smiles like her usual self, "Oh no, go ahead and do it for me.  If I set them off I wouldn't be able to catch them on film correctly.  Besides I just like ot watch as well."  Prepares her camcorder.

Rhiems glances around. "No one wants any more marshmallows for now, do they? We need to get the fire down to coals to have it record right..." He kneels by the fire and collapses the already-weakened structure with his ex-mallow stick, next starting to bank it down to embers.

Vivien shakes her head lightly, "Oh, no, that's quite okay."  She smiles, grabbing the bag of marshmellows, taking one right out of the bag and eating it, "I'd much rather see the fireworks, myself."

Tammor grabs a stick quickly from the fire before Rhiems puts it out. "Okay... sit back and watch the fun." She goes down the first line and touches the flame to the fuses. The hiss of burning, and suddenly five rocket off into the sky before exploding in a fury of greens and reds.

Khiea watches the display attentively, flinching ever so weakly at the crack of the explosion, although she keeps her eyes locked and alight upon the brilliant and colorful display.  A trace of a more honest smile crosses her face as she watches.

Amelia puts in a brand new disc into the camcorder and points it towards the area the fireworks were set up.  Her lens follows the fireworks as they shoot up and explode, smiling behind the camera.  "This is a great shot..."

Rhiems leans back against one of the jagged rocks and winces before he readjusts to better watch the sky. The colors shine across his face and he squints at the brightness, smiling at the embers which rocket across the sky.

Vivien turns her gaze sky-bound, still eating a mashmellow or two now and then as her gaze traces the colors through the sky.  Silent besides, she just grants a grin.

Tammor lets the first round die off before setting the second off. These are in purple and yellow, grouped against each other like flowers. Long trails streak through the sky, fizzing off into spirals instead of the usual firebursts.

-------------------------------
Scene: I Knew It All Along
Time: June 27, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University
Involved: Trevel, Rhiems
-------------------------------
The Road to Adesha: Outside the University

Trevel has arrived.

Trevel walks stiffly towards the huge doors of the univerisity, his hands deep within his pockets and a knapsack on his back. He keeps looking up and down, his mannerisms seem hauntingly familiar although you're sure you've never seen his face before. He smiles and waves, abeit nervously as he continues on.

Rhiems waves back a little gingerly. "New student?" He calls and sets down the arrow he was examining on the bench next to him. "Or have I only missed you before?"

Trevel stops dead in his tracks, turning with hestitantly towards the voice. Smiling he runs his hands through his hair, "Naw, I just came in the other day, seems like I'm a little off-time for the new semester though" he laughs, "I still can't figure out if I'm late or early!"

Rhiems adjusts his shades with a bandaged knuckle. "Pretty late then if you're trying for the summer semester," he chuckles too, "but the second summer should be starting soon. Too bad you missed check-in. I can get you your papers if you need them since it's so late, but you'll still need to talk with Professor Trael."

Trevel blinks a few times, "Professor Trael? -THE- Trael perhaps?" he grins, "Wow, I heard she taught the Military Discipline here, but I thought it was a nasty rumor" he laughs, an idle hand scratching the top of his head

Rhiems raises an eyebrow but smiles. "A *nasty* rumor? Where are you from then that you've heard so much about her?" He watches Trevel continue to brush his hair back and forth.

Trevel laughs, his upper torso bending back a small bit with the force, "Nortune I'm afraid, I'm supposedly a mortal enemy then." he grins, holding out a hand, "Trevel Rao, at your service sir"

Rhiems extends a bandaged hand and grins. He doesn't take Trevel's hand for a shake but shrugs at not being able to. "Rhiems Daw. Have you come recently from Nortune? I come from there too. I don't recognize your accent... Section A15?"

Trevel considers the hand, then retracts his own, smiling. He shakes his head, "I've only lived there a few years, I'm afraid the accent hasn't kicked in yet" he chuckles, looking around, "So....care for a little food then?" he nods, indicating the bandaged hand, "Can't heal with a decent meal..........hey that rhymes!"

Rhiems nods and stands up. He balances the arrow between his stomach and one hand, and points towards the University. "Want to find some dinner? It's a good idea to come in now, since the curfew's going to close in soon. Ready?"

Trevel nods shortly, "Right" he smiles
Trevel has left.

-------------------------------
Adesha University:  Dining Room
Trevel has arrived.

Rhiems heads into the hall and puts down the arrow on one table. He then pokes around the larder. "Want some fruit? There are cheese and crackers in here too."

Trevel takes a small survey of his surroundings, with a small look of satisfaction at the emptiness he nods to the young man, "Sure" then with another look at his bandages he notes sharply, "So, you look like your busted up your hand pretty good there, what happened?" he inquires with a look of only mild curiousity

Rhiems comes back with a tray laden with a few apples and other edibles. He puts it down on the table and then goes back for a carafe, two mugs, and milk and sugar. After he sits down at last, he pours coffee in both and adds some milk to his. "The hand? And the other one," he grins and gestures with both bandaged mitts to his stomach and then his legs. "And the rest of it? A careless accident," he says while glancing at Trevel. "A few stupid things. How's Nortune these days?"

Trevel takes an apple quickly off the plate, crunching into it with a look of distraction, "Dunno, I haven't been there in 3 months" he doesn't bother to smile

Rhiems stirs some sugar into his mug. "I think I miss it. It's a great place, after all, with the way the streets fog up at night from the steam." He puts the spoon down by the side of the cup. "Do you know what you want to take yet?"

Trevel leans back, crunching into the apple again, "Well, I'll tell you what I want to learn" he smiles darkly for a moment, "...and that's what the hell is going on"

Rhiems chuckles with a rich amusement. "Everyone wants to know *that*." He pokes at a cracker and decides to stick with his coffee. "Want to narrow it down a little?"

Trevel finishes off the apple throwing it into the bin, "Don't play coy, I don't have a lot of time" his face grows darker yet, "..if you want to know the truth, my loyalty to the 'Empire' grows thinner each day, although it was never as strong as I let on." he reaches out, retrieves a cup of coffee as well, choosing to sip at it black, "..they tell me nothing, yet expect me to fight this war which I know is wrong.........all for what? A place to store my gear, and the chance to get out of a jail cell " he looks up, "which, my brother put me in!"

Rhiems shakes his head and still smiles. "I'll have to wonder why you're angry at *me* though, Jul. Calm down and have some coffee. Come on." He adds another splash of milk to his mug and watches the color turn a proper hazelnut.

Trevel takes another sip of his coffee, "I'm not mad at you, what gave you that idea then?"

Rhiems grins. "You ordered me not to play coy." He shrugs with one shoulder although the motion is stiff. "You know I'm in favor of looking at situations without a head full of steam. Take a minute to breathe. Running off half-cocked never helps."

Trevel laughs and nods. He stands, starting to pace, thinking to himself with a look of deep confusion while he idly chews on his apple, "It's enough to make a sane man mad you know, the war" he shakes his head and is silent for several moments, "I have half a mind to run off and spend a good portion of my days in Aquavy if I didn't know they would find a way to track me down"

Rhiems plays with his spoon. "The world's enough to drive anyone insane. Sometimes, it seems, no matter what you do." He drinks some more coffee slowly. "Everyone has to do things they'd rather not or become something for a time they hate. But patience helps through it. You've got many more options open than a lot of people I know."

Trevel nods, "True, true, however it'd help if I didn't have quite as many 'enemies'" he chuckles, taking a seat and downing the last of his coffee, he considers the bottom of the cup for a moment, twisting and turning an idea into form in his head, "..say, one thing that has puzzled me, how did you know who I was? I mean, how did you know my last name and all that? I'm not that famous, well, hopefully not"

Rhiems offers the carafe for a refill. "Easy. Your wristband remember? I couldn't find anything under the number on it either though, sorry." He grins.

Trevel blinks, very confused for a few moments...........-long- moments, "........ye gads!" he smiles, "Har?"

Rhiems breaks out laughing and slaps his hand on the table. He regrets that immedietly as he curls up the bandaged mitt and takes it away from further impact. "You didn't know? I thought you'd figured it out a long time ago."

Trevel shakes his head, sighing a loud sigh of relief, "Amazing! No, I thought you were Zaak............." he grumbles to himself, before smiling again and making his way over, "Well, 'Sir', I've come as moral support, as Luka calls it" he laughs again, his face obviously showing 

Rhiems laughs some more and leans against the back of the chair. He crosses his arms and finally sputters out his chuckles breathlessly. "*Zaak*? The mechanic?" He shakes his head. "Sit back down and have some coffee. I need the conversation. How's Solaris like?"

Trevel smiles, embarassed as his sits back down, "Boring, quite boring to tell the truth, although I'm used to having a breeze and dirt under my feet, unlike most Solarians" he laughs, "..so, what's going on, and don't skip over any details, I've been told little if anything at all"

Rhiems nods. "A lot's classified but there really isn't much at all to know. I was here to check out Adesha in case we'd need to attack or defend it. Let me say," he shakes his head with an almost serious frown, "I hope we don't have to defend it. Too easy to take it down. Although I think Luka's finished up with the political ties but she didn't sound happy either when I talked to her. No solid information here it seems. After graduation in a few days I'll be free to go back up to Solaris.. though I've liked the little vacation down here."

Trevel blinks a few times, "Political ties? What?" he grimices, "See what I was thrown into, I have no clue what you're talking about yet I was assigned here......" he sighs, "...oh yes, and it wasn't my idea to strike that early, it was Kiara's, and let me make an official complaint against her dumbass for that!" he breathes, feeling good that he has finally ranted off about Kiara

Rhiems chuckles a little. "You *both* need to go through espionage training. But since it's not what either one of you really does there's nothing wrong with how you behaved." He adds a spoon of sugar and stirs it up. "The political ties are what Luka's using to make sure that Adesha doesn't get taken by some other country. I'm sure it'll all work out fine. Looking forward to a few days of rest for the summer?"

Trevel grins and nods, it felt good to sit down with an actual friend. Glancing at his hands again he notes, "I brought a medpack with me for that......you really shouldn't use -drive-, it stunts your growth you know?"

Rhiems brightens at mention of the medpack. "Thanks, the resources here are good but not that good. And I can't find an Ether healer.. You heard about my little problem then?" He grins. "I'm trying to quit I tell you. I think they have these patches you can wear.."

Trevel nearly falls over laughing, finally sobering up some to pour another cup of coffee, "Heheheh, that's great.......heh" he chuckles a bit, finally gaining control of himself, he finally nods, "Miss Kalval told me to bring along a medkit yeah, it seems she was quite angry at our behavior the other day......ah well, but I insisted on coming down again and helping out" he smiles and traces a small fake scar down the right side of his face then gestures at the numerous blemishes, "Good job on the mask eh?"

Rhiems studies Trevel's face carefully. "It *is* a good job. People who know what to look for'll be able to spot you right out though. It's the way that you carry yourself and your voice too. Also your facial structure." He taps his jaw. "There are tricks you can use to make it seem like your bones are higher or your face is longer. Mostly the body language though." He shrugs again and grins. "Thanks for coming down. Adesha's a great place though isn't it?"

Trevel nods and idly runs a hand through his hair, then suddenly stops, looking up at his hand then gives the man a knowing nod, "It is, except for the ether-lock thing...........it feels a bit confined without being able to use it" he smiles, then notes, "Oh yes, about this 'Amelia' what's her doss?"

Rhiems nods to Trevel and pretends to pat an imaginary beard as he puts his hand back down on the table. "Amelia's story checks out. Her accent and mannerisms place her in Shevat all right, and she's only a student. One with the habit of liking to record things, but that can work on both sides and she hasn't gotten her hands on anything she shouldn't. She also likes music and is attached to one of the teachers here... the music teacher, Kyle I think. She moves like a fourteen-year old fresh out of Shevat and there aren't signs of concious body language shifts, so she's actually exactly what she says. Funny, huh?" He grins.

Trevel smiles and shakes his head, "Not particularly, I found her to be rather sweet" he grins and takes a sip of coffee, "So who -is- a spy here and has your cover been breeched?

"Sort of." Rhiems finds a cracker. "Good thing graduation's soon. I've had to field a lot of questions but thankfully I managed to cover up enough. No pun intended." He tugs at the wrap on one wrist. "I knew Tammor was a spy from the beginning since we were working off the Good Student/Bad Student routine for the Council. I'm not cleared about anything else I'm afraid. Of course I've got enough training to have a good idea.. Who do you think out of curiosity?"

Trevel strokes an imaginary beard of his own, "I haven't been too close to anyone myself, however Zaak seems suspicious now that you mention it......" he thinks for a moment, "One of the reasons why I thought he was you was because of several items in his room, including a short wave raido and a pistol"

Rhiems munches on the cracker and cheese. He takes a drink of coffee to clear his throat. "Good observation. Zaak should really learn how to hide those things better.. Let's put it this way. He works for the Ethos and was sent on a mission like this before I think. He's fun to watch." He takes another drink and refills his mug before offering more to Trevel. "He's also here to repair the machinery and is doing a terrible job of hiding it. So he's either here on direct orders from the Ethos or picked up the job on his own.. both ways the information he gets goes back to them. Good thing that's covered too."

Trevel nods and accepts the cup, taking a look at his watch idly, "Right....that's the only thing I've noticed, so Zaak is in a roundabout way on our side then?" he grimices a bit, "Well, on this side at least, I don't want to include myself like that" he frowns
Trevel has disconnected.

------------------------------
Scene: You're Attacking What?
Date: July 22, 2000
Location Note: Solaris, PreAttack
Involved: Dominia, Luka
------------------------------
Solaris, Dominia's Quarters
Contents:
Dominia

A chimed request-to-enter sounds at the door.

Dominia currently sits at the back of her room, scanning over, for a few final times, the plans of attack on the University.  All the while a frown gently touches her face, but its not a bitter sort of expression.. After all, its actually a decent assignment, unlike the minor patrolling she's been doing now and then.  But a.. -University-?  It seemed rather bizzare to attack it just for having a single, run down weapon.  But, well, question not your orders if they mean nothing to you either way...  She blinks a bit, glancing up faintly as she notes, simply, "Come in.."

Luka enters, the doors sliding open and then behind her as the Doctor strides briskly into the room. Looking rather displeased herself, she paces back and forth before officially greeting the Element. "Good afternoon, Dominia. Did you get a proper review of Adesha?"

Dominia simply taps the papers she holds at hand twice, noting simply, "Of course.  Basic explanations of the justification, systems of the island, predictions on what to expect... Lots of uneasy, unfinalized information.  A bit sloppy for Solaris, by my knowledge."  A pause, and then a more possitve comment, in case the other words could be held against her, "But fully complete attack plans.  So it should be a simple enough attack."

Luka sighs, shaking her head and muttering, "At least we have a full tactical report. That says that Adesha has no real defensive capabilities save for its machinery..." Pacing again, she continues to frown. "You're assigned to the Secondary Wing, with Krelian's forces as the Primary. This means you're with me. Is this all right with you?"

Dominia nods simply, lightly, "Of course.  Although, with no disrespect...  What's the use of an attack this large when they apparently have no Gears, no fighters, and nothing but one machine, of which we know barely anything of, to counter us with?  Wouldn't a smaller force and a demanded surrender be more practical?"

Luka finally stops, throwing up her hands in frustration. "You are correct, Dominia. And Adesha is already in -hand-." How exactly it is is unsaid. She shakes her head, glancing about discreetly for coffee to calm herself down. "It makes no sense. I suppose a certain group of scientists simply want more subjects and an excuse to test out the new breed of Wels."

Dominia nods once, rather carelessly, as if it was all just the same to her anyway, "Well, that sounds in-character enough for them.  Can't keep them from their toys.  Although... Its a bit of a pity.  I heard Adesha had a pretty campus."  A shrug, "Well, its something to do.  And its more dignified than patrolling."

Luka sighs, slipping off her glasses to rub at her temples. "We'll have enough time to see it when it's being burned, I suppose. At least," and she tries to smile, "you are getting out and about. And everything was going so well, too... Do you mind if I use your food processors? Ever since the coffee machine's been down, the Lounge has no decent caffine source."

Dominia blinks lightly, faintly, "Well, of course.  Help yourself.  They still haven't fixed the coffee machine?"  Ah, greatest tragedy to Solaris.  You can kill its people and destroy its Gears, but God Forbid you hurt its Caffinee source.., "Anyway, I suppose I have nothing to complain about.  Its a respectable assignment, for a change, even if it is a bit rediculous...  And, after all, I'm not paid to give opinions on what I think of the jobs.  So it all works out well enough.."

Luka smiles, crossing eagerly to fix herself a hot cup. The first in a long, long series for this evening. "It'll be complicated on other fronts. The spies who need to get recovered, and the test subjects that I have to be a part of supervising the capture of..." Again, she looks frustrated, watching the setbacks roll out in her plans and plotting. A shrug. It can all be dealt with in one way or the other. "Did you want to be directly involved during the actual combat? I'm sure you can be spared for part of the time... and I might have to land on the grounds briefly to supervise anyway."

"Actual combat?"  There's a flicker of sarcasm to the Element's words, "-What- actual combat?  If you mean the slaughtering of students, I'd rather not.  I think the Wels can handle that chore well enough.  But, as always, I'll do whatever's requested."

Luka lowers her coffee from her lips, sitting down finally to sigh in a chair. "You think so too..." Keeping her glasses in her pocket, she lets her gaze wander across the room. "I hope there is no call for actual fighting. Although one of the music teachers there...." And she trails off, tapping her hand on the mug. "And to kill some of the best and brightest minds from around the continent. What a waste."

Dominia shifts her gaze to Luka, sapphire eyes held, for the moment, in the faintest flicker of an honest curiosity, "What about one of the music teachers?"  She pauses, and nods, shortly, "And I agree fully.  Students are not exactly the sort of thing one kills, usually...  Its not like any of them could defend themselves, much less against Solaris' troops."

Luka takes a thin drink of coffee. "Kyle Rikoukaen. He is familiar with Solaris, and tends to be a little..." A strange look crosses her face, of annoyance mixed with an amused tolerance. "Shall we say, he is practiced in fighting and can be a little rabid in his beliefs." Then she sighs again, shaking her head faintly before drinking from her cup again. "There really was no other alternative. Adesha was already fully under control, but perhaps this will provide a bit of incentive... as well as driving home the point of its risky position."

Dominia raises an eyebrow softly, "So.. he's a violent, extremely anti-Solaris fighter, in short?"  A cast of a frown and the touch of a shrug.  She can't say she shares the dislike towards another when she's never met the guy, "But what do you mean, specifically?"

Luka glances towards Dominia quickly, and then regards her coffee. "My agents had already gathered Adesha's authorities under Solarian sympathies. Unfortunately, this agreement doesn't seem to have been communicated to Krelian..." A strained lightness is in her voice as she speaks, "However, the University seemed too confident in its ability to hide from the world, which I warned against. I only wonder if they've developed their defensive capabilities to the point where they can defend themselves. Another reason why I'd prefer you to stay off the Island's radius and up with me..."

Dominia makes a.. bit of a face of irritation, perhaps disgust.. Either emotion could be found upon her face, but neither are terribly clear.  Neither is the subject she frowns in responce to.  Finally, with a bit of a half-hearted shrug, she notes, "Fine with me."

Luka notices the expression, glancing to the Element again. "What's wrong?" she inquires gently, setting her cup on the table beside her. She has already devoured over half the cup--her nerves on even higher edge than usual.

"Nothing."  Dominia's response is short-cut and simply stated, so blandly noted that it could be seen as both a thoughtless response or a display of mildest irritation.  She turns back to the orders, skimming over a few lines before noting, a bit more calmly, "Is there anything else you need to discuss, in that case?"

"Yes..." Luka leans back against the chair, rolling her fingers in a drumming motion across the armrest. "Dominia, if I need you to -stop- a few Wels from mindlessly wiping out the island's population, and tactfully so to avoid Krelian's displeasure, would you be adverse to that? Perhaps we can try to save at least some of the students from immediete death." Tactfully omitting that to do so might simply add them to Third Class fodder... although most of them would be bright enough to win positions in Solaris afterwards.

"Me, being adverse to someone dealing something minorly spiteful to Krelian?"  Dominia notes the comment as if it were midly amusing, although grants no response either way, "Stop a few Wels?  Well, as long as -I- don't get any unfavorable attention from Krelian for doing so, fine.   Is there anyone in particular you mean to save, or is this request just for the general morality of the event?"

Luka takes down her hair, shaking it loose so she can begin the process of repinning it again. "Krelian should not mind--if he does, I'll deal with him. A few Solarians are down there, and while there are people assigned to recovering them before they become snack treats, they may fail. One is the Major Har, who Julian had been assigned to before his untimely defection. And the other," she adds lightly, "is Kelvena."

Well, Dominia's attention was caught at that.  She blinks a few times in a sort of muted shock, pale sapphire eyes wide for a moment, "Kelvena's down there?"  She doesn't seem to give much of a care about the other Solarian mentioned, for the moment, "I heard she was away on an observation mission of sorts, but..."  She trails off, leaves it at that, shakes her head lightly a moment, "Of course.  No harm will come to Kelvena.. or the other Solarian."  Its tagged on to the end.  After all, there's a bit of a difference in priority over saving one's friends and saving one's fellow soldier.

Luka starts to smile, but glances away to the room in a renewed worry. "If Adesha still will not let people use Ether, then Kelvena will be in an interesting situation. Thankfully, she will have at least one person aware of her safety, worry not about that." A pause. "I do not plan to let Kelvena come to harm either, never fear. Have you seen Tolone and Seraphita, though? I doubt that we will need them--you are more than capable of the entire mission on your own, but I am curious if they have been well."

Luka glances at her watch, and then stands. "We should depart if we're to arrive on time. I'll meet you there, Dominia."

<Solaris> Krelian:  All Solarian, the time is upon us, begin massing outside Adesha.

Dominia stands, nodding simply once in response.

------------------------------
Scene: Burn Adesha, Burn
Date: July 22, 2000
Location Note: Adesha, During the Main Attack
Involved: Dominia, Luka, Krelian, Clarth, Talon, Rhiems, Tammor, Amelia, Trael, Kelvena
------------------------------
Location Note: Adesha University:  Outside

Step by slow, slow step Trael approaches the pedestal upon the Graduation Platform, head held high in all the florishing pride the Teacher can hold.  For a variety of reasons.  She adores her school, she adores the thought that she alone gave them such a place to learn and thrive, for knowing that she's made them all a niche in society, in a way or another.. Well, its all a set of selfish thoughts.  But they draw a smile across her face nonetheless.  In a finest and overly ornate rendering of the Adesha teacher's outfit, she pauses at the pedestal, clearing her throat softly, "The final day, the final moments, the final steps of school.  The final paces through a trial of hardship and unexpected challenges, working with those from about and over the world..." She continues on, sprouting some happy, joyous and overly optimistic view of Teamwork and Friendship and moving forward in life.. All in all, its rather unoriginal and not terribly inspiring.

Rhiems walks up to the edge of the platform as the General starts to wrap up her speech. He slowly raises his bow and pulls back the string. His fingers are still bandaged, but he can manage targeting the single arrow easily. With not even a twang of the bowstring the missile flies out, a whisper of air as it passes to sever the string keeping the cage closed. The doves, freed, flutter upwards in a rush of white song as the band plays the University song in accompaniment.

----------------
<Solaris> Krelian:  All Solarian, the time is upon us, begin massing outside Adesha.
----------------

Amelia has the video equipment set up opposite of the podium with some help.  While she begins recording the ongoings of the first Adesha graduation ceremony she's here to witness, another student behind her kneels down to check the audio equipment.  With a slight nod of approval, she quietly films the preceedings...imagining a few years down the road how her own graduation will be like.

Tammor looks awfully cross in her pretty little official Uniform even though she doesn't have to wear a skirt. That's what happens when you take away her sports equipment, comb down her hair, and make her sit still for a while like this. She looks like she's just waiting for it to be over.

Khiea looks softly at unease through the entire proceedure, a smile ever cast across her face, but a brilliance of nervousness held to her heart.  She watches the doves with a flare of intrest, listens to the speech with perfect focus.. All in all, she's as excited and nervous as any would be at their Graduation.

--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha, Southern Grasslands
Contents:
The Ezekiel
Kurohito (Gear)
an Finely Carved Wooden Sign
The BladeGash Gear has arrived.

<Solaris> Luka: Primary Wing, with Krelian, checked in. Secondary Wing, Dominia and Dr. Kalval, checking in. Emperor's Wing, Kiara, please affirm your status.

The Ezekiel hovers silently into the area, it's pace slow and menacing.

Proteus (Gear) flies into view, taking up position behind Bladegash to wait.

<Solaris> Luka: Negative status for the Emperor's Wing then. Ezekiel, all other forces assembled and ready at your command.
<Solaris> Krelian: Hmmm, insinifigant that the Emperor's Wing is not here, but no matter. Prepare yourselves, we must break the Ether shield before any attack can happen.

The Ezekiel moves back to a distance where it can fire on Adesha and then move out to a safe distance from their defenses.

--------------------------
Location Note: Proteus (Gear): Inside
Luka turns to Clarth, sighing. "Your specific orders--and Kiara's too, if she were here--are to attend the Wels and any ground forces we might have. We'll be picking up students as well, so if you see any student exhibiting powers or forces that Adesha might want, please capture them so that the Wels do not eat them. In specific, there are two officers on Adesha during the Graduation who must not come to harm--although you should not break their covers by doing anything other than treating them as other students, and understanding that they must react against you similarly. One of them is the Element Kelvena. The other is the Student Council President, Rhiems Daw."

--------------------------
Location Note: Proteus (Gear): Outside
Proteus (Gear) pulls back to hover further away from Adesha, since it has no decent weapons.

The BladeGash Gear falls not to the problem of lacking defence nor a manner of attack, merely remaining, rather simply still, a bit back and away, near Proteus.  Rather still.  As if waiting for a signal of sorts.

--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha University:  Outside
Trael grants a proud little smile at the fanfare, the doves...  All in all, its going flawlessly.  And its a nice enough situation for her in the first place.. So the pride of the moment merely floods across her face.  And then, she continues, voice full of a vibrancy so seldom before caught at her words, "And with all of that most important facet of life being said, I present our Student Council President, Rhiems Daw."  She backs away from the pedestal with those words.

Rhiems walks up to the pedestal and puts down the bow next to him. "Well, I--" he clears his throat as the mike squeals. "Sorry about that. What I'd like to say is that Adesha has been quite the experience for me, as well as everyone else here I think. Here are gathered the best and the brightest of Ignas's schools. Here are gathered some of the finest teachers in the land. What we learn here is what we'll carry with us for the length of our lives. And many of us will be forever changed by our time here," he turns his golden gaze across the crowd before continuing sadly, " And I'll miss all of you. And I wish everyone the best."

--------------------------
Location Note: Proteus (Gear): Inside
Clarth nods, "Very well, what is the alias by which miss Kelvena is operating?"

Outside> The Ezekiel begins to crackle with energy as it charges for a beam attack. Streams of lightning as it seems dance about the outside of it as energy gathers. The energy moves off the surface and begins to gather at a single point a few meters off of the Ezekiel. With a pause, and then high pitched beam sound, a blue stream of ether hurls itself at the Adesha School.
---------------------------

Amelia focuses her recorder's lens and quietly watches.  She turns her head to see if everything is ok, getting a nod and a thumbs up from the boy with wires.  She also notes that the other two helpers of hers seem to be yawning out of bordem which she kinda motions to them to be quiet.  They shrug and do so as she returns to her job at hand.  The student behind her suddenly jumps up and grabs her shoulder, pointing to the blue object that's moving towards them, "...huh?"  she replies quietly, not really knowing exactly what it is.

Khiea was rather happilly listening to Rhiems' speech, granting a chime of polite applause in response to his words.  A brilliance of a smile, an unease to her poise.  Its all so exciting and stressful and then... Well, the beam of Ether shoots towards the University in full.  She lets out half a scream in pure surprise, silver-blue eyes held in shock as she rather instinctively ducks.

Tammor gets a horrified look on her face. She stares up at the approaching blue flare. And then she dives forward immedietly to grab Rhiems and tackle him away from the pedestal. Yeah, like that would help with an attack of that magnitude, and it's not like he's not already hurt. "Everyone, get down NOW!"

Kyle turns at the scream, and blinks, hair 'toing'ing out in alarm as he realizes what is headed this way, and makes a hasty peace with the world. Ducking is kinda useless, with THAT much power...

"What..?!"  Trael pauses from being ever so proud of the event and Rhiems when her attention is torn to the panic and the ducking and the screaming, and, eyes wide in horror, she leaps off the platform, placeing her head over her hands...  And then it strikes.  The beam strikes the highest bit of the University, sparking terrible cries of breaking wood and falling stone, as fragments of the school cast to the areas below, "What the -hell-?"  Trael grits her teeth softly, pushing, forcing herself to her feet.  And with that, she -dashes-, for all she's worth, for all she can, southwards.  In hope she can get to the shield generator before she's killed by one means or another.
----------------------

Luka shakes her head. "Kelvena is using her own name, I suspect. Observe the standings, and try to capture them with the rest of the test subjects. In addition, if you see the student named Khiea--small girl, webbed hands--then attempt to recover her as well?"

Outside> Proteus (Gear) hovers innocently as it records the results of the attack upon the island.

Clarth nods, "Very well, also I noticed that the Kurohito left the Ezekiel before the attack heading in this direction, is it possible that Talon is here?"

Luka scrubs at her head. "Yes. Yes, there is the chance that he is here. As soon as Krelian finishes, I'll drop you off for ground work. Keep me updated by radioing back to me, all right?"

Clarth nods again, "Yes mam."

Luka strolls back to the central room where Clarth is sitting, finding her cup of coffee before all hell breaks loose. "Good luck, Clarth. Radio if you need anything."

Clarth salutes, grabs his rifle and sensor helmet and heads for the exit.

Luka says, "Wait, wait."

Clarth stops, and turns, "Yes?"

------------------------
Rhiems gets tackled to the side by his Vice President. His wounds flourish bright spots of blood on his stomach and he lies there, breath knocked out of him. He gets a great view though as the beam of energy streaks overhead. He turns his head gingerly to see Trael go running and coughs, "Tammor, keep the students from panicking."

Amelia ducks in panick, knocking her camera to the floor with a crash as it breaks.  Her classmates who were helping her also jump to the floor in fear as the school is impacted by the huge shot of ether.  She covers her head and cowers fearfully as some of the other panicked graduates run by and knock over a few junior classmen.

Kelvena bats hair out of her eyes, feeling the power crackle like static in the air around her.  Her position behind a group of clustered students fortunately spared her from the brunt of the attack, although she remains slightly dazed, a condition in no way alleviated when a panicked student nearly bowls her to the ground in a mad dash.

Khiea merely whimpers in purest fear, her hands held over her head for a moment...   Students rush and run about her, students threaten half to run her down in their fleeing.. But she doesn't move.  Not an inch.  She just kneels there, praying for all the world that nothing falls on her, daring only half a glance to the chaos of the situations about her.

Tammor gets up and grabs the mike. "Everyone, STOP MOVING!" she bellows. "Team Captains, gather your people immedietly! Everyone else get to your grade leaders and pull back to the University! NOW!" Whatever messed up hobbies the Vice President and champion of Tactics Class has, it includes ordering around the sports captains. The Softball and Swimming Captains are the first to nod back to the Vice President and start getting their team members together in an attempt to get calm back.
-------------------------
Luka points outside the main windows, since they're still in midair. "We'll parachute you down after the Wels are released, unless you want to be devoured by them in the first wave?"

Clarth inwardly curses, "Sorry."

Luka smiles, nervous herself, although for different reasons. "Have you had jump experience before? I don't know if I'll be able to land Proteus properly."

Clarth nervously chuckles, "I've only made two..."

--------------------------
Kyle , noticing that the council has the students in a vague semblance of order, spies Trael headed down the south path. Recalling the strange lift behind her house, he pulls a logical conclusion, and decides to give a hand... err.. feet. Calling up everything he can manage, he grits his teeth as his legs literally catch fire, the anti-ether shielding kicking in and turning him into a human bonfire. With an inarticulate howl, he leaps, grabbing Trael gently into his arms and sprinting for all he's worth. 

Kelvena kneels down in front of Khiea, half-shielding her from the frenzy of stampeding students.  "We have to go somewhere safe," she intones in a quiet voice, though each breath brings in the scent of burning and destruction, skewing her own concentration more and more.

Well, while Trael was certainly surprised as hell at the help given to her, it certainly gets her to the Command Center beneath the school all that more faster.  A pause, chaos and half held attempt at calming the population reign for a moment more... And then it flares to life.  A crackle in the air, a flare across the skies above Adesha, doming the area in a cast of energy a pure gold in hue, uneasy, flickering from moment to moment, but remaining stable enough to look like its a manner of honest defence.

Rhiems pulls himself up by using the pedestal. He lets Tammor yell instructions, since he's still trying to get his breath back. He clutches the bandages at his side, and mutters something in the Vice President's ear before stooping painfully to get his bow. One hand pulls an arrow slowly out of the quiver he brought for opening ceremonies.

Rhiems whispers, "Solaris is going to utterly destroy everything. I don't know if we can keep you from getting killed. Please, Tam, get out of here while you can and don't worry about me." to Tammor.
---------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Ezekiel, the shield has been activated. I repeat, the shield has been activated.
---------------------
Amelia peeks out as she hears the announcement.  However scared she is, she finds enough courage to glance about as panick rages around her.  First frowning at her camera which was trampled on, she then glances behind her to the boy that was helping her with the recording.  "Hey a-are y~...!", stopping midsentence as the boy lays motionless behind her.  It didn't look like anything flew in their direction, he was probably trampled by the crowd.  Tears slowly form in her eyes as she realizes there's a small trickle of blood near his ear.  Being totally clueless as to what to do, she pushes his form over and starts dragging him away from the crowd.  "Help!!"  she tries to yell in vain, her voice drowned out by everyone else's.
---------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: And so it begins.
<Solaris> Clarth:  Ready to start operation on orders to.
----------------------
Khiea casts an absolutedly spooked glance up to Kelvena, nodding once, simply, uneasily, in resposne..  She stands uneasily.  Then, the Anti-Ether field kicks in.  With a yelp of pain, she clasps her hands together in a manner of dealing with the spark of absolute agony which sparks through her at the moment the shield arises, a fire through the blood and a strike through her heart.  Although her nails dig deep into her skin, it seems to last but a moment.  And after the initial pain of the rising Ether shield, she grants a piteous sort of a whimper.
--------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: Start operations.. Now.

Luka slides back the hatch, having given Clarth a parachute. "Remember, keep me informed."

<Solaris> Clarth:  Affirmative moving out.

Clarth nods, "I will." He leaps out the hatch wepons in hand, helmet on and parachute ready.
Clarth has left.
--------------------------
Location Note: Proteus (Gear): Outside
Clarth has arrived.

The Ezekiel fires a few short ether beams at the shield, they splash off. It seems it is going to overwork the shield generater by sending too much power at the shield.

Clarth is seen leaping from the Proteus, when he reaches the right altitude pulls a ripcord as he falls a parachute opens and he slowly floats towards the ground.

Clarth lands on the ground, pulls his rifle out and begins to slowly advance towards the waning shield ready to move in immediately.

The Ezekiel charges once more and releases line after line of beams at the shield, it looks like one whole stream because the energy fires so fast. You can only tell the different bursts by how the shield pulses.

--------------------------
Tammor gives up and finally turns the mike up on full feedback blast for a long minute. A really long, really LOUD minute. It's an auditory shock to the crowd to snap it out of panic temporarily. Then she cuts it off. And yells in a voice of pure authority, "I repeat, gather to your grades and retreat to the University! Team Captains, divide up to your assigned sections." She scans the crowd and glares at Rhiems.

Kelvena blinks slightly, reaching out to place a supportive arm on the girl's shoulder.  "Khiea? Are you all right?"

Kyle says a few silent prayers as Trael disappears down the lift, rolling on the ground and methodically beating out the fires in his clothing. Seeing the absolutely astonishing sight of the shield going up, he runs at a slightly less insane pace back to the gathering, thankful that he wore boxer shorts today. Ducking into his house on the way, he comes out with his first aid kit, to see if he can lend a hand.

silently a shape in a back corner watches all the events, shaking his head, (Damn you Krelian, why here?)  Talon nearly yells this out loud but refrains from doing so.

Above the gatherings, the shield is fired at a number of times more, catching, deflecting off the golden shield above with a brilliance of crackling and force as such blasts are repelled away, as might deflect two magnets of the same polarity.  The shield crackles a few times in protest, flickers once or twice.. It doesn't seem the sturdiest thing in the world.  But to this moment, it stays.

Rhiems supports himself carefully on the pedestal and draws the bow. The tip of the arrow is held steady and above the crowd as he sweeps the field. "Tammor, they're going to be slaughtered."

Khiea manages a trace of a smile, it exists across her features for only the faintest breath of a minute, "I'm fine.."  She manages, steading herself, managing yet to stand after the shock of the Ether field, "I'm fine." She repeats, this time with a bit more certainty.

Kelvena inquires softly, "Can you walk?" Above her head, golden lightning ripples in waves as two attacks are deflected-- for now.

Amelia is trying to follow the announced orders as well as she can while dragging the boy who might very well be dead now.  She doesn't seem to care at all though, amid all the chaos around her.  Her head turns all around, looking for her grade leader but not finding them.  She tries to yell for help once more but she's stopped as a one of the few still panicking students suddenly runs into her, toppling over her causing both to fall down.  She takes the blow especially hard since, banging her head on the floor besides behind kicked in the head as well since she was half hunched over trying to drag her classmate.

Kyle comes up from the south, weaving through the chaotic mob carefully, giving orders here and there to get the students into some semblance of order, before he spots Amelia. Kneeling down next to her, he begins to check on her, dragging both her and her charge into the lee of a building for a bit of shelter from the milling crowd.

Khiea nods a few short times in response.. She's still uneased, frightened, the faintest bit of the pain still caught through her form, "Y-yes.."  Its barely squeaked.  Her focus,  for now, remains in the shield above, shuddering under the force of the barrage from outside, "What's.. What's going -on-?  What's happening... Why..."  Too many questions in too short a time.  Too much panic, too much chaos to answer even one...  Too much in too little time.  Which only draws panic dearer to the heart..

Tammor has to stop yelling because she's going hoarse. She coughs and looks for the water that was intended to refresh the throats of the speech-makers. That's good enough for now and she resumes calling out instructions. The Sport Team Captains look strangely prepared for mob-control instructions and take up positions with the grade leaders at opposite points on the field. Tammor's messed up tactical games paid off in the end.

Kelvena wraps an arm around Khiea's, trying to help her along.  "It's an attack by Solaris.  The shield won't last forever, so we need to get somewhere safe..."

Amelia 's hand grabs at Kyle's shirt, however it doesn't seem to be on purpose.  Her eyes are half shut and the top of her forhead was cut due to the fall.  She seems unresponsive at best though she's still alive.  Confusion, pain and daziness hamper her thoughts.  As hard as she tries, she can't seem to focus in on who is around her.

Suddenly, it begins.  A barrage of blue-hued Ether upon the shield that rain upon it so violently that the sheer violence and powers of conflict at work above the University is quite nearly deafening.  Not once does it seem to stop, to halt; the attack sounds like it continues forever... And then, in that darkest moment, the shield fully shuts off in a crackle and flare of energy.  Deep in the heart of the underground controls, Trael shrieks in a response of fear and horror, bashing a fist into the side of the machinery angrily, condemining it, begging it, praying it to work.  And tampers desperately with all she can find in an attempt to restore it... 

-----------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Ezekiel, the shield has dropped. Deployment of Wels and of Specimen Teams, on your mark.
<Solaris> Krelian: Deploy.
-----------------------
Rhiems keeps the sweep of his bow moving. "Tammor, get them moving into the University. They'll panic again when the shield goes down. Don't let them see."

Kyle sorts through his medikit swiftly, giving Amelia a sedative after making sure that it won't put her into a coma, then checking the boy. Finding him dead, he grimaces, and lifts Amelia into his arms. Cradling her close, he feels the shield drop and says several words that he shouldn't use in front of students, and his battle aura snaps into place. Small fires ripple along it, but it provides him with enough protection from the crowd to get Amelia into the building, setting her down on the desk before returning to help get people inside carefully.
--------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  Affirmative, specimen team is moving out.

The Ezekiel ducts on the sides of the Ezekiel open and Wels from it's labs pore out onto the island.
--------------------------

Khiea blinks a few times, eyes widening in shock, "Solaris?  But why...?"  Students swarm about, and at the shattering of the shield, she clasps her hands desperately over her ears in an attempt to block out the horrible sounds of the ether striking the shield to nothingness, cutting her words off in the middle, rendering them irrelevant to answer in the chaos about.

Tammor kind of looks over at Rhiems and says out of the corner of her mouth, "Uh, too late bro." She howls into the mike with renewed force. "Into the University NOW! Move it! Team Leaders, stay with me and let the Grade Leaders take them in!"

Clarth has arrived.
--------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Wels deployement, affirmative.

The Ezekiel releases a silent radio wave, only detected by the nanos in Talon's body.

Proteus (Gear) changes altitude slightly to start a circling motion over the University, scanners routinely monitoring the crowds of people far beneath.
--------------------------

In the distance Wels approach followed closely by Solarian Soldiers advancing quickly towards the university.

Kelvena shakes her head frantically.  "I... I don't know."  For the first time in a long while, a trace of helplessness touches her voice.  "The Commander never said..." The flickering of the shield, the crackling of Ether above her head, diverts her attention, and she gives Khiea's arm a rapid tug.  "I'll explain later.  We need to move! Now!"

Rhiems draws in his breath as his eyes widen at the numbers of hostile forces. He keeps his bow up bravely, and then adds his own voice to draw the students' attention back to face the University. "Listen to Tammor! Move!" He keeps the arrow ready, the string pulled back to full extension..

Khiea doesn't grant a question nor a debate to those words, the sheer panic on her face replaced with a sort of shock and worry all its own.  She doesn't even bother to nod to Kelvena, desperation so kicks in and takes hold of her heart.. Instead, she gets tugged.. And she runs in whatever direction Kelvena does guide to.

That silent figure in the corner suddenly doubles over in pain, holding his head as he is forced to the ground by an unseens force.

Kyle 's eyes widen as he sees the Wels coming this way, and pushes his way through the crowd to the edge, yelling for the kids to get a move on as he tries to figure out SOMETHING to delay the mutants. Finally deciding on a plan, he drops to one knee, pulling on a move he rarely uses. His fist meets the ground and a crack forms in front of him, before the earth ripples and explodes upwards, forming a trench and mound of earth that will hopefully slow down the advancing horde. Staggering, he moves back, urging the students onwards frantically.

Kelvena runs towards the University main building, clutching Khiea's hand, trying to avoid the milling throngs of students surrounding them.

------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: Destroy everything that will pose a threat to Solarian society.
------------------------
Tammor growls and rolls up her sleeves. "Rhiems, we're gonna get mauled. Let 'em take the first strike down--my athletes are only going to be able to hold them back for so long." As if there were soldiers here? Hah! A few people on the Fencing club brought their foils as part of the graduation ceremony display and stuff like that. Tammor looks around quickly for anything that could even resemble a weapon. And then remembers that she's supposed to be shouting. "Grade Leaders, once inside, move people through the University! Don't let them group up!"
-------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Understood, Minister. Specimen Team, please report.
-------------------------
The wels seem to not be effected and easily move through the trench, though they are slowed a little, the troops however lead by Captain Clarth Raylin however find it very difficult to maneuver and are thus slowed. "Remeber your orders, capture as many that will benefit Solaris, no unnecessary deaths!"

Khiea runs on towards the University, barely dragged on by the nearly painful grip Kelvena holds.  But panic is alive and well in her mind, and pain is but a distant and minor concern, she continues on towards the University, casting but a single, utterly paniced glance over her shoudler before being convinced, at the sight of Wels, to turn her gaze back forward and run all that faster.
------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  One of them has created a trench and bunker somehow managing to use ether, the soldiers are having trouble but the wels are continuing on easily.
<Solaris> Krelian: Does the bunker require a strike from the Ezekiel?
------------------------
Burning scorching pain greets Talon as the change begins to occur again, (How....How is this happening?)  Obviously he thought he got rid of it, but tono avail.

Rhiems smoothly releases the first arrow with a sniper or a master's precision. It cuts through the crowd towards the Wels. "We have to hold them off for a while longer, Tam. We can't pull back yet, or the students will break again. Go find Trael." He fits another arrow to the string.
------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  WE are able to climb over it, no assisstance is necessary at this time.
------------------------
Amelia lies very much unconscious now along with many other frightened students in the main hall as more waves of people push through the main doorway while the loud shouting and battling outside can be clearly heard.  Some of the injured are places beside the main desk and behind it where she lays, apparently taking that it may be a sign that this is where all the injured need to be placed for now.
------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: I will be monitering.
------------------------
Kelvena abruptly stumbles and falls to the ground, a soft grunt of pain escaping her lips at the impact.  She gets to her feet slowly, shakily, brushing dirt from her now-scraped knees, and-- in a terribly uncharacteristic moment-- the word "Damn..." escapes her lips faintly.  "Why is Lord Krelian sending his troops? And the /Wels/, of all things..." The words die into a low hiss.  "He must be mad..."

Kyle staggers up the podium steps, bracing himself on one arm as he coughs up blood, assessing himself. <Lung punctured, two ribs cracked, one broken, burns over your entire body... Jeez man, you sure know how to screw up right, anyway...> He puts the thoughts aside, easing gingerly to his feet and making his way over to Tammor and Rhiems. "How's it going so far, you two? Everybody inside yet?"

One of the wels is hit by the arrow and is stopped but more seem to come, Clarth and his troops manage to finally making over the trench, Clarth stops and takes aim at Rheims, knowing exactly who he is and fires at the bow to knock it from the boys hands before another shot can be fired.

Tammor growls aloud. It's magnified by the mike but she ignores that. And she fights the order. "I'm not leaving you here to get ripped apart by these freaks." She tries to calm the crowd by her voice again but it fails as the first wave of Wels reaches the lagging students. And her precious Softball Captains. She blocks out the sound of screams and of impromptu baseball bats being used as weapons. "Can't do it Kyle. No can--hey!" She throws her weight into Rhiems for the second time today, taking the shot herself rather than let the only weapon the two have get destroyed.

Khiea nearly falls herself as Kelvena stumbles, releasing her hand just in time to not fall down with her.  A blink. Another, rapidly.  And a mixture of emotions flashes across her face in such a mix that not one is distinguisable from the other, "Krelian....?"  The name is noted half in wonder, half in horror, as she turns her gaze through the open double-doors of the University, focus locked upon the Wels for a moment, cast up at the Gears and the Ezekiel in the distance.  And she bites her lip ever so softly, in wondering of something.  She takes a single step towards the doors she just ran through.

Talon stands at full height, the black creature seeming to be a wel, no one but Kyle actually knows what it is here.  The creature immediately enters the fray, filled with bloodlust.
------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  Minister Krelian, something odd has just happened...
------------------------
Rhiems 's second arrow goes wild towards the group of Wels when he's knocked away. He curls up and coughs again, and squeezes his eyes against the half-healed burns. "Tam, you all right?" He pulls himself to one knee and shakily tries to reaim.
------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: Explain it to me.
<Solaris> Luka: Report.
------------------------
Kelvena nods hastily.  "He was the one who gave the order to attack, I'm certain of it..." She indicates the University doors with a motion of her hand.  "Hurry, head that way... I'll stay behind you in case any of /those/ come after us."
------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  I can't explain what the thing is, it's black, has spines and a bladed tail...Is it a wel or something else?
------------------------
"But, I..." Khiea hesitates for the first time in this chaos, focus locked on the approaching Wels, the chaos through the front Gardens.  There she pauses, unease and expression faded and mixed.  And she can't really seem to decide just -what- to do at all.

The wels continue to approach plus the new odd looking creature that has joined them, Clarth curses however having missed and potentially killing a person who could be useful.
------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: Hmm.. Ha..haha.. It is Talon, the nanomachines have worked.
<Solaris> Clarth:  You mean that _thing_.....?
<Solaris> Luka can be heard halfway accessing another channel. "What? Khi? Clari--" Static crackles, and Luka returns to the Solarian channels. "Specimen Team, request status and location of subject Khiea."
<Solaris> Krelian: ..Yes...
-------------------------
Kelvena intones, "Hurry.  Get inside the building... please..."
-------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth pauses for a second then regains composure, "We have not sighted her yet, we have affrimation however on the location of Rhiem, we'll have to prceed further into the courtyard.
<Solaris> Krelian: Keep me updated on you progress.
-------------------------
Kyle kneels down shakily, checking on Tammor as he swings the first aid kit around, just in case. "Dangit, kid... If you got yourself killed, I will PERSONALLY find a way to make your afterlife a living hell..."
-------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  Yes Minister.
-------------------------
Tammor drops down behind the pedestal while clutching her arm. She grits her teeth against the pain and the shot's impact. "Sure, right. Just fine for now. Stay DOWN and come over here to aim that thing." Painfully she yanks the heavy thing over to guard Rhiems from the side, yelling without the mike, "Team Captains! Move it! Retreat and take up defenses inside the University!" Screams show just how many of those captains are in no condition to respond.

Hesitation yet.  And Khiea swallows weakly.  And takes one step towards Kelvena and the masses of fighting before, noting weakly, softly, "But.. But I can help.. Right?  I... I can help stop them....."  She doesn't really seem all that convinced of her own words.  But she still remains with her back to the University doors.

Kelvena sighs wearily.  "Do you think you can...? Do you think you can do it without getting killed in the process, yourself?" Her voice is cold seriousness, chilled as a glacial lake.

Orders are bellowed from several of the commanding officers in the Solaris troops, Clarh and four others advance into teh fray as well looking for two other designated targets and anyone else who happens to be of use to them.

Rhiems glances at Kyle. "We need to hold the last line. Where's Trael? Can't anyone fix the shield?" He looks upset at himself after he said that though, and starts searching through his pockets. After finding a half-wired phone and hiding fully behind the pedestal, he opens up the communicator and starts muttering into it. "Fiada, listen.."

Kelvena shoots a hasty glance at Rhiems, reluctant to leave Khiea unguarded.  "I could... try to fix the shield," she manages, swallowing uneasily.

Talon bounds forward ahead of the wls making for the university itself, as if given an order to enter.

Kyle hands Tammor his first aid kit as he hears the screams, quietly talking, "Get them inside, and safe. I'll see what I can do about the Wels." He turns, stepping off the podium and walking forward, weaving amongst the attacks with an icy calm that belies his usual hot blooded attacking style. Reaching the vague epicenter of the attacks, his aura flares around him, a final, stunning lightshow as Adesha tries to snuff out the white light of his power. "See you in hell!", he screams, as his body overloads, detonating outwards in a rolling firestorm that washes over the advancing Solarians in a ravening wave of death.

Khiea casts a smile to Kelvena, noting lightly, "It'll be okay.  I'll be fine!"  So much forced enthusiasm and optimism to her voice.. It doesn't for a -moment- sound honest.  And then, she blinks.  Her expressions go pale.  Her eyes of silver-blue widen, catch tears a moment, and she merely shrieks out, "-Big Brother...!!-" Desperate, pained, cloaked in simplest fear..

Kelvena turns, eyes widening in something almost like shock at the girl's desperate scream.  "Khiea...! Khiea, what's wrong?" And then the aftershock of the Ether detonation flies past her like a luminous wind; she winces slightly, closing her eyes against it as her hair flies around wildly.

Clarth and his men are busy trying to catch some of the students when suddenly some of the wels scream in pain, "Sh- run back to a defensive line now!" Clarth sprints being that he's lighter and more athletic than some of the other soldiers he's faster and manages to get into a trench and remain safe, "Damn it!" he mutters.

Tammor yelps and ducks back behind the battered pedestal as the wave of power strikes. And howls privately as her fellow team leaders, most of them already shredded, burn as well. She covers her face. "Rhiems, I need you to judge this for me!"
-----------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth can be heard gasping and shouting orders as an ether explosion occurs, then after that he's silent for a moment, "Minister, one of the faculty must be very powerful in ether...he jsut commited a kamikaze attack that wiped out most of our force.
-----------------------------
Rhiems loses his connection in a burst of static. He closes up the communicator and shoves it back into a pocket. "They'll just use greater force now, Tam. They've got their Gears." He grimly finds the arrow he set down. "The students are sitting ducks in the University like this. They'll be crushed under rubble."

Talon sees the explosion and is struck by it, throwing the large form backwards, for a moment he seems to revert to normal, but then something causes his body to immediately shift into it's more hideous form.

Kelvena whispers, "What is Lord Krelian thinking... how can he do this to his own officers?"

"KYLE!"  A moment passes.  One would think that Khiea was screaming out in a hope to get a response.  Any response, a smile, a glance, a breath.. -anything-.  A pause.  And nothing but the inhuman cries of Wels tossed upon the wind.  A pause.  And she doesn't seem to care that touches of the explosion and fire brush against her skin.  And nothing, "Big brother...?"  Its barely auidble.  Weak.  And tears catch at her eyes.  Until, with no more to bear, those eyes seal shut in a moment of pain..  And her hands grasp to fists, nails digging deep into her palms. 
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Luka is silent for a long time, static crackling over her side of the comm channel. "Report, Clarth. Status of Khiea."
<Solaris> Clarth: One moment...
-------------------------------
Clarth looks over the top f the trench half his forces gone, or dying, he immediately takes out his comm unit after hearing Khieas scream.
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  She's alive, I can't find a definite point, but apparently she knew the person who destroyed themself very well.
-------------------------------
Tammor looks at the University. And bleeds some more but ignores that part. No time to open up the kit and treat it now. She peeks around the pedestal and grits her teeth some more after seeing the blackened ash that used to be the Volleyball team. "Damn. Khiea?" Quickly she looks back around and tugs on Rhiems's arm. "We're between a rock and a hard place, bro. C'mon!" She eyes the side treeline away from the two forces in a hopeless wish for cover.
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: ...
<Solaris> Krelian: ...Khiea.
-------------------------------
Rhiems closes his eyes and whispers something to Tammor. Then he gently pulls another arrow onto his bow and draws the string back, with his back still pressed against the pedestal.
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: Continue with the mission, guard Khiea.

-------------------------------
The black creature eases itself to a standing position, burn marks from the explosion as well as some cuts from the impact, it sniffs the air for a moment, something makes it stop and look around, for a moment some form of humanity in it's face.
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Clarth:  Sir?  Very well.
-------------------------------
Clarth clarth pulls himself out of the trench scanning the area for khiea, and Kelvena, he orders his troops to begin capturing sudents and faculty members while he himself searches for the pair.

Amelia is now surrounded by more injured students, being tended to by her grades leaders.  The injured seems to have grown in number vastly, prompting for them to move most of them to the back hallway to alleviate the initial congestion of students.

A step.  Another.  And one more after that.  Khiea makes her way towards the battlefield ever so slowly, progess unhindered by anything for the moment, taking it seems the rest of them are recovering from the force of the blast.  Then, she stops, nearly between the Wels and the University.  And she turns those silver-blue eyes upon them, still caught in the midst of tears, "He's.. gone..?"  She raises a hand, bruses the tears from her eyes, "And in the end, when all is said in done, isn't everything..."  Loud enough to be heard, but of little sense in either case, "But no more.. I can't let you.. I wont let you...  Even if all I can do is not enough, KRELIAN!"  An accusation for Kyle's death.  Her words rise and rise but word by word in volume, until she half screams across the battlefield.  And with that, raises her hands, clasps her hands together.  And her form in full begins to glow, ever so softly, ever so faintly.

Kelvena has a sense, a sudden premonition, of what was going to take place on the death-littered battlefield-- and runs up the steps into the dark doors of the University, at once somewhat ruing her own selfishness, but not in any condition to attempt to stop Khiea.
--------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: ... request status of Kelvena.
<Solaris> Clarth:  I have found both of them, Kelvena is fine but Khiea....She's planning on doing something it seems, orders minister?
<Solaris> Luka turns down the volume from her relay. Muffled swearing and pounding noises can be heard.
<Solaris> Krelian: I'm on my way.
<Solaris> Clarth:  Your what!?

Judah (Gear) has arrived.

<Solaris> Luka: Do you desire backup, Minister?
<Solaris> Krelian: No, it is fine.

--------------------------
Clarth is suddenly shocked as minister Krelian is coming here...

Tammor 's eyes go completely open and she looks around behind her. Wels and people ready to shoot her and Rhiems. She looks at Khiea. And then she curses her helplessness. A lot. And grabs Rhiems around the shoulders to crouch between him and Khiea.

Krelian walks up the tattered road, his arms hidden within his cloak. "As I am told, Khiea is preparing to do something drastic?" he says, not really affect by the battle raging on.

Talon hisses for a moment seeing Khiea, then winces in pain from the cuts it has from Kyles little trick.

Clarth shakes his head, "Yes minister." Motions towards the glowing body of Khiea.

Rhiems smiles. He puts his bow down, the arrow next to it. "Hold on, Tam. Hold on." He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath.

Khiea notices not Krelian.. His entrance is low-key enough and in the distance enough that her focus remains but to the task she holds at hand.  Screw the Wels, Talon, whomever still stands to face her.  It doesn't matter.  It just doesn't -matter- when she's faced with the death of a hundred innocent schoolchildren and one of her makeshift guardians.  It doesn't -matter- anymore.  And that glow about her form but brightens, engulfing her in full..  Her eyes remain touched in tears and a slowly dawning hatred.. And not for a moment does she resemble the precious girl she holds so close to heart.  And she shudders, weakly, softly. The ether shield is far from completely down, after all, and the Ether drawing within her, burns within her..  Softly she shudders now, like a leaf to the wind.  And it just doesn't -matter-.

Tammor looks a lot like a deer in headlights as big as the sun. But she listens to Rhiems and holds still, instead of breaking like a rabbit and bolting. She can't run fast enough to get out of the radius, and not trying to protect him too.

Clarth levels his weapon at anyone foolish enough to approach the minister, him, or the oddly glowing Khiea.

Krelian continues up the path, now visible by all in the room.. He stares at Khiea, her glow... "This is not good," he says. He stares, almost mesmorized by her ether induct. "Don't do it Khiea," he says softly, almost father like.

Talon sees Krelian, a small part of him feels betrayed, heck Krel promised that the nanos wouldn't do this to him.

Rhiems opens his eyes slowly. Peacefully. "Count down the numbers with me, Tam." His fingers have started to bleed from the impacts he's taken, the wounds from misplaced Ether usage soaking the bandages. He sets his hand to his mouth and starts to breathe in a regular pace.

Blink.  Just once.  Those eyes of silver-cast blue catch confusion, shock a moment.  And then all those emotions melt and fade away into a glare.. Such an expression looks so utterly -wrong- on the generally childish expressions of Khiea, and yet they seem so dark, "Quiet!"  One to demand things of the Solarian Minister.  Brave little soul, "Its all your fault.. All of it and every last bit of it...  The death, the damage, everything and me..."  Each thing she lists, her voice draws more to anger, choking half on tears in the process.  And she unclasps her hands just to reclasp her hands against her arms, painfully tight in absolute pain as the aura she holds draws but brighter still.  And the tears caught at her eyes, the shuddering of her form betray just how much it indeed hurts and agonizes within.

Tammor closes her eyes and calms down. She mutters, "Ten Prime Nine. Nine Prime Eight..."

Krelian takes a step towards Khiea, disregarding the violence around him. "Khiea, is destroying all your friends really worth it? Do not do it, your pain can be ease," he says, "Do you remember when you were under my care? No pain? A nice room?"

"..Surviving off of a false joy and a false love day by day, only to have my heart torn to shards to find it was all a Lie?  It doesn't -matter-...  Nothing in this world can piece together shards of a lie, nothing in this world can glue together back hope..."  Khiea trails off a moment, half in pain of emotion, half in pain of the Ether, before continuing, with a shuddering breath, "Its come and past and come and gone!  Lies are as mortal as the rest of us..  So why should I turn to that?  Why should I care?  All this pain, all of this is because of -you-..."  What the.. Is that a smile played across her face?  So pale and yet so sweet that it seems the chime of a childish smile, in full contrast to the fury which holds her eyes, "Of course its worth it."  With shuddering hands, she draws her hands off of her arms, leaving trails of blood from where her nails dug deep to her skin behind, drawing them so slowly, so painfully before her, eyes catching a silver-blue light, "So very worth it..."

Kelvena clenches her hands into fists, ducking behind the shelter of the doorframe.  "Khiea, don't do it.  You'll destroy /yourself/..." And what of Lord Krelian, she wonders? Why is he facing down the impending threat of an Ether detonation with such unblinking calmness? Did the man not even fear for his own life, his own safety?

Krelian holds out his hand to Khiea. "You have so much pain and wish to be rid of it by destroying yourself and everyone else here.." he says, "There is another way, it may be a world of lies, but.. what are lies if they bring neverending happiness? What are lies if they make you feel better than the truth?"

Rhiems puts his hands down on his knees. His head's tilted back against the pedestal while he waits, eyes barely open. He can hear the soldiers searching through the bodies for any survivors behind him, while he hides behind the blackened pedestal with the Vice President.

"I've had enough of lies.."  Khiea's voice seems weaker now, shuddering with the sheer effort to maintain the Ether and talk all at once, "I've lived nothing but a lie, breathed lies for my whole life...  I'm sick of it.  So, so.. SICK of it..!  Lies end in pain... And if happiness is but a lie, what is its point?  No."  Her final world is solid, sharp, as she draws her hands close together, the brilliance of Ether couring through her, nearly blinding now...  Her breaths are deep, shuddering, painful, tears of a doubled pain stream down her face quite freely.  And somehow she manages to still smile, an expression of such joy that one could think she's fallen insane, "Then, be this it.  Good-bye, father."  Irony for that to be the last word she spares to him, smile still cast across her face with all the joy of her 7 year old form rather than her teenage hatred.  And with that, she raises her hands above her head, and in a brilliance and a flare, all the collected ether drives in vastness, like an explosion of sapphire hue, about her, in a vastness that only clashes and crackles and is enhanced by the ether shield which still reflects a breath or two of the power.. A wind follows, cries with the blast, carrying only with it the scream of absolute pain of Khiea's, force and power doubled up and upon herself than upon the field and the Wels and the creatures and the -Krelian- within her spell's reach.

Krelian smiles lightly at Khiea's words.. as her ether bathes the whole area in it's power.. All he can say is, "..Khiea." before the power is to bright to seem him anymore.
---------------------------
<Solaris> An explosion then static crackles over the comm system from both Clarth and Krelians communicators.
------------------------------
Rhiems opens his eyes with a laugh. The wave of power floods towards him and Tammor and he throws his arms around her as they kneel. A fragile bubble pushes back around the pair. It crumples almost immedietly under the force of Khiea's power, but Rhiems tosses his head back in a voiceless howl. The shield appears again as the shockwave floods past, before Adesha's antiEther backlashes and fills his body with power twisted. The two Council members vanish in the brightness, even the flicker of Rhiems's protection lost against the light.
------------------------------
<Solaris> Dominia barely responds, barely notices the crackle and horrible notes of sound across the comm system, her gaze located upon the explosion of blue that catches the vastness of the front of the school, "...What in the -world-..?"
<Solaris> Luka: Report, Clarth. Clarth? ... Dominia, follow me down.
-------------------------------
Talon covers his eys as the energy sweeps over him, bathing him in it's light, his human form seems to appear as the light sweeps over the area, till it engulfs him.
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Dominia: Y.. *A stutter.  And with that, she shakes her head sharply, drawing out of the faint shock of the sight* Yes.  Understood.
-------------------------------
Proteus (Gear) lands on the beach as the explosion disperses and the doctor leaps out, barely waiting for Dominia.

Luka snaps out the thin electric wand as she runs towards the University, far too panicked for even the implications of a mission gone awry.

Dominia blinks a bit to the cast winds, squinting against the fading brilliance of the blinding spell..., "Kelvena.. you -better- be all right.."  She merely mutters beneath her breath as she lands, having jumped from the palm of the swiftly lowered Bladegash, taking off at a sprint, following Luka,  the moment her feet hit the ground.

--------------------------
Krelian is still blanketed in the light .^_^

Slowly.. How slowly does the light and the force seem to fade, dispersing away faintly through the skies.  In time, the light does pale, the spell does stop, and after such an impressive display, it seems its end is more destructive than not.  The land lays burnt and ether-scorched away in a ring about Khiea, the winds and air itself seem reluctant to calm, still touched with the force of her ether..  And there, at the heart of that explosion of power, lies Khiea, sprawled across the ground.  Amazingly, she is in one piece, although whether she still draws breath is a question whose answer isn't clear..  Burns lay in scores across her form, she looks torn and raged to shards by her own ether.. But, a way or another, a ghost of that sweet smile still holds on her face, despite the agony her form seems to have endured.

Clarth and some of his troops lay battered and bruised in one of the trenches, the wels are gone, seemingly erased from exitence.

Rhiems reappears as the light dies. The opaque shield shatters to reveal two singed Council members. Rhiems is curled up on the platform, the color bleached from his rich blue hair to turn it into a ragged brown. His clothes look completely shredded and blood coats Tammor, who he held protectively while trying to use whatever Ether he could against Adesha and Khiea. Utterly unconcious, he twitches faintly from the electrical backlash of the Ether he had held.

Kelvena emerges from behind the shadow of the doorframe, running across the ring of scorched earth with a desperation that belies her usual cool image.  Ether borne of unrestrained emotion crackles about the edges of her form, making her hair rise and stand on end, and she pauses, drawing a deep breath of the heated air, redolent with the scent of burning, as she collects herself.  Deep breaths.  Finally, she kneels on the ground beside Khiea, whispering something beneath her breath.

Talon lies upon open ground seemingly unconciouse, must be from the ransformation back, his lip is cut open and many burns and other numerous cuts work their way over his body, the two scars on his face reopened and bleeding.

Luka runs up the path at a breakneck pace, ignoring the soldiers she pushes out of her way left and right--even stepping on, in a few cases. Immedietly, she dashes towards the crumpled Khiea and Kelvena... but then, she sees Krelian, and stops to scan the area while she searches through the wreckage of the graduation.

Tammor falls over Rhiems halfway, also jolted by the power that ran through her. Twitch. Twitch. She's too out of it to check up on what's going on around her.

Amelia regains a bit of consciousness, but not much else.  All she knows is that there's a lot of people huddled around her.  Some students run around to tend to all hurt in the chaos outside in the back halls.  They only notice the rummblings during and after Khiea's huge release of ether of course they're still oblivious to what has happened outside...more worried about what they're going to do since their leaders haven't returned yet.

When no response is forthcoming from Khiea, Kelvena touches a few slender fingers to the girl's neck, feeling for a pulse.

Clarth coughs a little in pain, he tries to sit up but can't, he's covered in dirt, his right arm in to much pain for him to bare.

Dominia merely runs up and northwards behind Luka, following her trail through aside and over the soldiers in their path.  And just a bit behind her she stops, drawing to a sharp halt, catching her breath for a moment..  Apparently she ran the full of the length from south beyond the school to here.  And there she pauses, sapphire eyes half wide in wonder as she skims over the battlefield, barren of anything but a few shuddering, a few in pain, a lot of dead..  And she says not a word.

Khiea lives, in a manner of speaking.. Just somehow, someway.   She does not stir nor open her eyes, she does not move nor grant any sign of being able to note anything about.  Unconcious, perhaps.  But perhaps much more.  Her pulse is faint, faint indeed, betraying her as only barely alive.

Kelvena glances briefly to Dominia.  "She's alive, but barely.  She needs medical attention as soon as possible..."

Rhiems stirs. His skin pales again and he rolls onto his back, bleeding freely from the dozens of open cuts into his body. Hair turns to dark blues again and he groans.

Krelian seems to have dissapeared, the only thing left where he was standing is... An autographed picture of himself! No No, there lies a pendant.

Luka walks slowly to stand upon the ruined Graduation platform. Slowly, she clenches her fist and trembles as she sees the damaged Council members, turning to add the prone Khiea and Clarth to the list. Automatically she fumbles for her communicator. "Request medical teams, immedietly. I repeat, request medical teams, site of Adesha."

Talon makes no move from his spot, he breathes, but still it doesn't change the fact that theres blood pouring out of nearly every orifice in his body. (Don't get perverted on me now.)
--------------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Request medical teams, immedietly. I repeat, request medical teams, site of Adesha.
--------------------------------
Tammor shakes Rhiems. "Wake up, idiot!" Slaps his face a few times even though it gets her hands all bloody. She's covered anyway, what's a little more? Her face when she looks up at Luka is desperate.

The pendant laying on the ground seemed to be some sort of ether defensive device shaped into a Nisan cross.. But.. Where is Krelian?

Dominia only manages a nod in responce, an uneasy sort of gesture as her gaze still skims the area, "Wasn't Lord Krelian down here...?"  She notes, quietly, not as much worry in her voice as there is just.. wonder.   She doesn't sound much like she cares, her voice still touched in seeming merely.. stunned, lightly.

Kelvena casts a silent gaze to the pendant coiled on the cracked ground.  "He /was/....." is all she can manage right now, without her voice shaking.  Deep breaths again; the Ether is refusing to calm.

Rhiems opens his eyes. "Six? Two.. go.. work." he whispers, before falling completely unconcious.

Luka watches the medical teams storm in. One attends to Clarth and his soldiers, and the doctor points a crew to deal with Talon after a moment of thought. "Dominia, come help me with Khiea. We need to get her back to Proteus for immediete transport," she manages to say through a whisper, walking away from Rhiems and Tammor. Partway there, she kneels to touch the pendant, frowning.

Kelvena motions over to Luka's side.  "That appears to be a Nisan religious symbol..." she remarks, breathing deeply again.  "But why would Lord Krelian have....."

The pendant sputters and rises again, a faint image of Krelian takes shape and dies once more.

Dominia nods once, simply, walking over to where Khiea lies, steps held back from being at a faster pace merely because her attention is so torn and distracted over so many ways, between so many people and things that are scattered about.  Noting Kelvena's words, she blinks lightly at the cross, confusion touching her eyes a moment.. But that's it.  For once the Earth Element seems lost to words.

Kelvena steps backwards.  "A hologram...?" she murmurs, the words almost unheard.

Tammor stands up and lifts Rhiems in her arms. Her fancy dress uniform's all ruined. The effort hurts, but she muscles her way over to one of the Solarian medical crews. They've got the better equipment, anyway. "Give me that, you," she growls and sets the President down to tend to him.

Far down the path Judah opens once more and Krelian steps out, he walks up the path, his eyes on the pendant. His face is in somewhat of a smirk, though, the destruction of his pendant unnerves him.

Clarth stirs a little once again and is assisted by a member of the medical crews, he stands up with the persons aid and gets medical attention.

Luka frowns suddenly, lifting the pendant. "Hurry, Kelvena. Dominia, can you stay and watch over the cleanup here? I -know- I can trust you." Turning, she sees Krelian... and holds out the pendant for him to take.

Kelvena frowns slightly.  "Lord Krelian, is this your pendant?"

Some students peer out of the doorway and around in utter shock at the carnage.  Most of the students watching this are the older graduates, some of the younger students try to get a peek but are immediately pushed back.  Rumors start passing around inside the main hall, questions such as "what are they going to do to us?" spread around quickly since most of the students huddled inside are those incapable of fighting or are injured.  A few of them still at the doorway take a few steps out, one running towards Tammor and Rhiems.  Others glancing down at the bodies of friends they once knew...once loved.

Krelian stops before the pendant and picks it up, tucking it in his cloak pocket. "Yes it is Element Kelvena, I had hopes that I could stop Khiea, but then.. my doubts outweighted him and I sent an hologram... Hmm.. not strong enough to live against that ether.. A pity."

Kelvena murmurs beneath her breath, "A rather unusual choice of projector, if you ask me..." before trotting off to join the Solarian medical team assisting Khiea.

Tammor stands up from bandaging the bloody Rhiems. She takes an angry step at the students and yells, "Get back in there! Come on!" A last look at Rhiems while he's getting tended by intimidated medics and she remembers her job. She jogs painfully over to rejoin the students and to try and keep them under control.

Dominia nods slowly, "Of course, Luka.." Her words are quiet, almost a shade too solemn to seem to be of Dominia's voice, but such pales away to a moment, her expression irons itself over into apathy once more, banishing the unease and the wonder and the conflicts of emotion from her expressions.  She snaps a few short commands to the medical crews, simple demands at best, to hasten and to divide their efforts between the Solarian soldiers most hurt.

Luka calls for a gurney for Khiea to be transferred onto. Quickly, she says to the Minister, "I will bring her to the Ezekiel medical bays at once, Lord Krelian. Kelvena, will you come with me?" Stepping back, she watches the students clamor. Then she leans over, mutters a few instructions to Dominia to give her a direction for the time being.

Kelvena turns away from directing a second medical team towards a group of injured students.  "Yes, I will... Dominia, you will see to it that all the injured are gathered up?"

Krelian opens the pendant, inspecting it with his eyes. He then crushes it and throws it aside, "I will make a better one next time." Turning he says to the remaining Solarian forces, "Finish up here, this place becomes history soon."

Luka whispers, "Please don't let Krelian dispose of the wounded here yet. Those two survived Khiea somehow... Make sure they're brought too? Thank you, Dominia." 

At Tammor's request, a few return to the safety of the University.  Others however are more unwilling.  One such student kneels before what was once most likely his beloved girlfriend.  Garnering his anger, he immediately picks up a stick and starts batting away at a Solarian corpse nearby even though it's a totally futile act.  Others are simply too shocked, dragging back a corpse or taking from them a necklace or a ring...trying to cope with their very sudden losses.

Talon remains on the ground unconcious.

Dominia nods in response to Luka's comments, casting a glance and another nod to Kelvena.. Its an awful lot of requests and commands for Dominia to deal with at once, but... In light of the situation she doesn't protest, she doesn't even raise a word of her own.  She merely can nod, before she goes back to directing the medical crews, taking a bit of a breath before she turns back to this task of dealing with so many, many injured..

Tammor stops walking after the students once they obey. She turns around and bites her lip in anger. Then she returns to protecting Rhiems in a hopelessness that's almost like she understood Krelian's words even though they were in Solarian.
--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha, Southern Grasslands
Proteus (Gear) powers up, flying towards Solaris.

Luka powers Proteus down, gesturing for Kelvena to give her a hand with the gurney.

Kelvena lifts up the other end of the gurney, feeling slightly more controlled now.
-----------------------
Location Note: Ezekiel: Gear Bay
Kelvena has arrived.
Khiea has arrived.

Luka wheels the gurney down with Kelvena's help, heading towards the medical labs.
-----------------------
Location Note: The Quiet Ward
Contents:
Kelvena
Khiea
a Glass Chamber

Luka wheels Khiea over, having authorized Kelvena's presence and transferring the girl to the glass chamber. Immedietly she signals for medical technicians to attend. "Kelvena... was I right in thinking that Kyle died?"

Kelvena lowers her gaze to the prone form of Khiea in the bed, remembering the girl's vivid scream of agony... At last she produces, "It would seem so.  It appeared that he overloaded his own body with Ether before... detonating." 

Luka motions for Kelvena to take a seat, dropping down into one herself while she waits. After a thought, she pulls out her communicator and opens it up to recieve Solarian frequencies. "Thank you for being at Adesha, Kelvena... I appricate it, especially since... Khiea."
----------------------
The Ezekiel gains altitude as it positions itself nearer to Adesha. It charges up once more, much like it did in the beginning. Instead of one bolt, the energy breaks into many spots and fires many energy bursts from all around the Ezekiel at Adesha, pounding the main part of it.

<Solaris> Dominia: A pause, a pause, and Dominia rips out her radio, half snarling into it, "What are you -doing-?  There are injured Soldiers down here.. -I'm- down here!  Cease your attack!
----------------------

Kelvena frowns slightly, and murmurs, glancing down at Khiea, "It was a shame she was so psychologically unstable... there was so much potential present.  Lord Krelian--" And she quickly cuts that thought off, banishing it from her mind as she closes her mouth.

<Solaris> Luka: ... What?

Luka eyes Kelvena after sputtering a, "-What-?" into the communicator as she hears the report of Krelian firing upon Adesha while Dominia is still there.

<Solaris> Krelian: Move out, and be quick, the next blast should destory the school.

Kelvena moves a bit closer to Luka.  "...What is it? What happened?"

<Solaris> Luka pleads. Yes. Pleads. "Dominia, please pull the subjects out."

Luka pleads into the communicator, "Dominia, please pull the subjects out." Frantically the doctor stands, running towards the door. "I can't let them -die-."

Ramsus has arrived.

Luka bowls Ramsus over on her way out.
--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha University:  Outside

Proteus (Gear) flies the slender Gear directly into the scene, ignoring the crews. Landing the Gear, hair whipped by the winds, Luka screams at Dominia, "Get in! Take as many people as you can, just load them up in here!"

Tammor doesn't argue but slings Rhiems into her arms and pulls him towards the strange Gear.
----------------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Recovering crews immedietly, Minister.
----------------------------------
Rhiems gets dragged then..

Ramsus casts a silent gaze to the wide swath of destruction, muttering something-- a curse? a word of despair?-- beneath his breath.  His gaze lingers upon Dominia, finally.
-------------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: Have you pulled out yet, Element Dominia?
-------------------------------
Proteus (Gear) continues to hover, motors running. Luka leans out the cargo door, accepting soldiers and students indiscriminantly. "Ramsus! Krelian is going to destroy this place in half a minute... come -on-! Dominia, jump in and I'll give you a ride to Bladegash."

Dominia casts a glance to Luka, expressions still held in a brilliance of a rage that half catches in teh air about her, characteristic of the Element in her darkest emotions, "But, the Bladegash..." Its a weak sort of debate, as she notes, simply, "I can get more people out of here if I use the Gear as well, after all."  She casts a few more desperate cries, pleading and demanding and screaming haste all at once, a final attempt to get as many away from here before the place is reduced to ashes.  She curses at her radio, just softly, and spins southwards, almost looking off guard as she notes Ramsus.  And then, with half a muttering of 'Commander..?' beneath her breath, she shakes her head lighlty, taking off at a run towards Proteus.
----------------------------
<Solaris> Luka: Commander Ramsus has just arrived, Minister...
----------------------------
Ramsus mumbles, "Damn it to hell...! Damn /him/!" He scowls darkly at a body, bloodied and torn, lying beside his foot, as if cursing it even in death for being helpless against Krelian's machinations.
----------------------------
<Solaris> Krelian: I saw him leave on my view screen.
<Solaris> Dominia: A few casts of curses are heard, but they're faint enough to be beyond understanding, "Pulling out now..."  Her words are rather darkly venemous, anger catches in her every word.
----------------------------
Proteus (Gear) hovers. Luka screams above the roar of the motors, listening to the Solarian channels hum, "Come -on-, Kahr! Jump in, let's go!"

Tammor looks up from trying to bandage Rhiems. They're packed like sardines in here.

Ramsus takes off at a run, coat trailing behind him.
--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha, Southern Grasslands, inside Proteus
Luka hovers the Gear next to Bladegash, sliding the side door out again at the level of the cockpit. "Come on, come on."

Tammor swears. "Damn, I forgot a Shevvite!"

Dominia doesn't wait a moment more, she leaps from the Proteus and makes a dash for her Gear.

Tammor swears again. "Damn, I forgot Trael!"

Outside> Wyvern (Gear) contacts Luka over the communications channel.  "Luka, is Dominia with you?"

Luka screams, "There's no time! Trael's underground, and Amelia's inside!"

Outside> Proteus (Gear) radios back, "Dominia's safely in Bladegash. Let's lift off."

<Solaris> Luka: All evacuated, Minister.
<Solaris> Krelian: ...Shopkeepers, did you capture the shopkeepers?
<Solaris> Luka: No.. and I left a.. Wait! Stop! Please, hold on, Minister!
<Solaris> Krelian: I am holding, I want the shopkeepers.. And their signs too.
--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha (Pathway)

Luka whirls, trying to scream through the packed masses of the students and soldiers. "Tam! The shopkeepers are still down there. Go get Trael and make sure to get Anna and Paul too!"

Tammor rolls her eyes and jumps out.

Tammor has left.
Wyvern (Gear) has arrived.

<Solaris> Krelian: Contact me when firing can commence.
<Solaris> Luka: Waiting on the shopkeepers, Minister...
<Solaris> Luka leaves the channel open long enough to register, "..."
Outside> Wyvern (Gear) has arrived.

Tammor pushes Trael towards Proteus.

Proteus (Gear) radios on a Gear-to-Gear frequency... "Commander?"

Wyvern (Gear) replies, a bit impatiently, "What is it...? Has the attack begun yet? What does that man think he's doing..."

Proteus (Gear) transmits static for a bit while Luka pounds the panel. "We need to return, Commander. We'll debrief you later."

<Solaris> Luka: Signs and shopkeepers... retrieved. Pulling out.

Tammor has arrived.
Desert Star (Gear) has arrived.

<Solaris> Krelian: Excellent, good work Luka, I am impressed.. I knew you would succeed.
--------------------------
Location Note: Adesha, Southern Grasslands

The Ezekiel with another final blast, The Ezekiel devestated the school with a stream of blue ether.

<Solaris> Luka: Everything's ready, Minister. Returning to the Ezekiel medical bays.
--------------------------
Location Note: Ezekiel, Gear Bay
Wyvern (Gear) has arrived.

Luka radios, "General Trael, everything fine?" to Trael.

Trael sounds so weak, so distraught, yet somehow manages a means of a response, "Yes.."

Luka radios a sigh, "Transmitting instructions at this time... Accepted. General, we'll talk soon. Thanks to Tammor, the students should be all right... you're cleared for Solaris entry. There should be an escort to meet you there, and show you to a place to rest." to Trael

Trael radios, "Understood... *Her voice attempts to hold a formality of apathy to it, but sounds so.. sorrowed all the while* If... If you wouldn't mind, miss... I'd like to watch the end of my school.." to you.

Luka disembarks, and begins to call for soldiers to send the contents of Proteus to either the medical bays or the barracks. The students all are sent to the medical bays for now...

Luka radios, "... Of course. I understand." to Trael.

------------------------------
Scene: Post-Op Worries
Date: July 22, 2000
Location Note: Solaris, Dominia's Quarters
Involved: Dominia, Luka
------------------------------

Luka raps on the door instead of ringing.

Only silence responds for a moment, until the cry rings of the sound of the Element kicking a wall with some force.  Than a pause, a deep breath, and the Element responds, a shade irritably, "What?"

Luka sighs, replying flatly, "It's me." The sound of angry pacing resumes.

"Come in if you want.." Sharply stated, swiftly stated.  Such anger clings to her words that it seems that Dominia simply can -not- contain the fury which sparks and burns within her.

Luka barely waits for the door to slide open before she strides in. Her jacket was long discarded back in her quarters, boots thudding against the floor as she matches the Element's pacing. "I cannot -believe- he fired regardless," she growls, before replying back in a greeting.

"What was the -use- of it?"  Dominia snaps out, a snarl catching her face a moment, seting her eyes alight in the darkness of anger, spoken so swiftly and sharply as if Luka's words were only the trigger to Dominia's ranting, "The attack itself was next to purposeless!  Why, when all was said and done, did he have to go and do something so utterly -foolish-?"  It doesn't matter that she speaks against the Minister of Solaris.  For this moment alone, it doesn't.

Luka shakes her head, hissing a snarl out from between her own teeth. "There -was- none. Save that Krelian decided that such technology in the hands of Lambs was -inappropriate-." She brushes her hair back, pacing to Dominia's food processors without asking first for coffee. "And then to decimate it again... That was a -nightmare-." Breathing carefully, she remembers just how close she came to barely escaping with the officers she needed.

A peculiar cry of sound.  As Dominia drives a fist rather in anger against a wall.  Taking the walls are metal, that probably hurt the Element more than anything else, and there, in that poise, she freezes, words quieter now, yet just as venemous, "I was down there.. He started firing when was -down- there...  He quite nearly killed sets of Solarian soldiers and me... -Me-, an Element, without a second thought...."  Her hand drops, she spins, crosses her arms, leans her back against the wall she just struck, "He's insane."  Its barely muttered, barely managed beneath her breath.

Luka calms herself forcefully by a drink of her coffee. "He almost killed the General I had recruited, a Major who was undercover, -and- both of the Elements I had brought. Not to mention that..." Taking a few steps away from the wall, she squeezes her eyes tightly shut. "Total extermination of those Solaris finds displeasurable. Sweeping the land with fire and with pain, as even those innocents who try to flee are struck down to die."

"They were just students.." Dominia's voice is still held quiet, but dark, layered and dripping with a vastness of the emotion that clings to her expressions and words, "They couldn't defend themselves.  They couldn't fight back.  They didn't do -anything-.  If he wanted the technology, he could of demanded surrender.  He could have... he could have done a million things differently!  This was all so totally -unecessary-..."

Luka wanders, stalking randomly through Dominia's room as she drinks coffee frantically to calm herself down. "They were -children-. Children who, if any survived, will go into government and promote anti-Solarian sentiment." Pausing, she holds her foot at point as if dancing. "But that's never really been any of Solaris's concerns, has it? Age and innocence, nationality and peace... burning from fire and extermination of the land, regardless of if it is -needed- or not."

"What does it -matter-?  Solaris already is cloaked far and away from the knowledge of the Lambs.  It controls their lives, guides their thoughts, limits what they do and can't, limits what they know and don't.  Is it really necessary to kill them the moment they pose a threat, too?"  Anger still flourishes in her voice, but it seems to grow calmer as she rants on and on, "Adesha -wasn't- a threat.  They couldn't even hold out an hour against our troops.  And if it wasn't intimidation of the Lambs that motivated this attack... Then what?  Did they just feel like killing a few hundred of them for the joy of it?  I just don't understand..."

Luka finishes off her first cup of coffee in one long pull, walking back to refill it. "Because something was in the hands of Lambs? Or because it was an accepted method of working off aggressive tensions in the troops? Perhaps because Krelian wanted to test out his new Wels..." Luka calms as well, although it softens into a tempered, utterly even voice. "What I find interesting is how easily the action was pulled off. So... -routine-."

Dominia just.. sighs.  And casts her glare to her feet, muttering simply, "On second thought, I think this entire job -was- as degrading as patrol work..  And even more pitiful"  Her words are spiteful, almost childish, now that the majority of the fury has fallen from them, "And yet no one questions it.  No one wonders that 'Lord Krelian' nearly killed Solarians as easily as Lambs.  Its... confusing."

"And why not, Dominia?" Utterly reasonable as her voice is, Luka's eyes glitter with challenge. "Every soldier that falls, Solaris can replace with two from the surface. The students who we saved from being destroyed with the University will suffer the same fate--unless I can enroll them in Jugend, and even then there are no guarentees. Even you and are are considered expendable. Even our traits are only minor oddities that may or may not be useful to the Gazel Ministry."

Dominia just.. sighs rather irritably at that comment, looking rather offended at the comment of her, even her, an Element, being expendable, irrelevant.  She lets it slide, "Yes, yes, what a delightful city it is."  She shifts her weight lightly, eyes glittering with a pale and still kept annoyance, "Do you have anything else to say?"

Luka watches Dominia before replying with, "I had come to check on how you were doing. I would offer you to spar sometimes with a few soldiers I had noticed..." Cryptic as that is, she shrugs and prepares to leave. "Kelvena is fine. Thank you for coming on the trip... it kept it from becoming a total travesty," she mutters under her breath.

-----------------------------
Scene: Picking Up the Pieces
Date: July 22, 2000
Location Note: Adesha University, PostAttack
Involved: Sigurd, Bart, Emeralda, Elly, Amelia, Citan, Fiada, Roni
-----------------------------
Adesha University:  Outside

There are about thirty four and counting now that all alive.  The rest were crushed under the debris.

Emeralda shakes her head, and walks into the ruins, hands elongating as she begins to work in the smaller areas, debris flying out as she digs and tosses, in imitation of Crescens' work.

Andvari explodes onto the scene quite suddenly, hovering just high enough off the ground to miss the rooftops of the houses on the way to the university. It's boosters send ripples through the sky from their intense heat, blurring all that the gear passes. It immediately halts, and kneels down when it reaches the other gears, and Bart /leaps/ out of the cockpit almost as recklessly as he flew here. He glances around the scene, and throws a hand in the air. Snarling, he kicks Andvari's foot, turning around once again to face the rubble. "Alright, Who the /FUCK/ did this?" he screams, sliding his whip from it's loop.

Fiada struggles out of the woods. She's covered in dirt and mud, and it looks like a large cut across her head is still bleeding. The Gear appears and she falls down the ground with a terrified cry, expecting another attack.

Elly hears the cry, glancing towards the direction it came and seeing the collapsed girl.  She stands up and pats Amelia's shoulder gently before walking slowly towards Fiada holding an aquasol in hand in hopes that it isn't too late for her too.

Emeralda can be heard inside the small 'tunnel' she is creating, before a minor explosion and flash of light fills the darkened passage. A few moments later, she clambers out, carrying another survivor in her arms and... a lot taller than when she went in.

Bart grits his teeth, tearing off his gloves and throwing them onto the ground. "Who the hell do they think they are?" he asks to the air again, cracking his knuckles. Spinning around, he jumps off the rubble, fists still clenched. "I'm going to kill Solaris. Now. I'm going to kill her." He's all worked up. Part of the being all worked-up is not making much sense. It doesn't seem to stop him though.

Fiada watches everyone, terrified that they might be more soldiers come to kill off the students. She looks around frantic for people she might recognize. "Amelia? Amelia, are you ok?"

Elly stops and glances back at Bart, "We have to stay calm, don't frighten the children here or the others in fact.  We...we should have room back in the hideout for the injured shouldn't we?  Leaving them out here like this will do them no good..."

Emeralda wanders over to where Bart is pontificating, and taps on his shoulder none too gently. Once she gets his attention she asks, in a far-too-sweet-to-be-good tone, "Bart... If you would stop ranting and HELP US DIG, we would be EVER so grateful..."

Amelia is kneeled down hugging her video camera, totally out of it.  The shock hasn't passed and it probably won't anytime soon.  "...they...they all died..."  She peers over at Fiada with a stream of tears at her eyes.

Bart snarls at Emerelda. "Use your goddamn ether or something, kid." He starts storming towards Andvari, noticing Sigurd's gear as he goes. Glancing over his shoulder, he screams "Hey Sig, goin' to kill Miang 'n Ramsus. Back later."

Emeralda scowls at Bart's retreating back, visibly repressing the urge to rip Andvari into pieces just to spite him, Crescens half-turning in response to her anger before it returns to searching, cooly and methodically as she reins in her temper, returning to work with the injured.

Elly sighs quietly, looking towards Emeralda.  "Maybe we should just started loading them up into gears...somehow and bringing them back to the hideout for treatment.  Some of them will require much more than an aquasol..."

Fiada makes her way to Amelia before sliding to the ground from horror. Her pretty eyes are wide before they suddenly fill up with tears and she starts to sob uncontrollably. "Everyone? No... not everyone. Please say it isn't true Amelia. What happened? Why did the University break apart like that? Why??"

Oh THAT gets his attention, and Adauchi immediately powers down, a very annoyed Sigurd hopping out. He couldn't find any more survivors anyway. "You will do -no- such thing, Young Master. Stay and help with the survivors, that is our immediate problem."

Emeralda nods to Elly, sighing, "I have a bit more healing power than I did a few minutes ago, but... They really, truly need a doctor..."

Citan arrives at a jog, picking his way through the assorted rubble of what was once a thriving island. The wreckage almost made him wish he had traversed the path on Heimdal's capable metal feet... but no, Adesha had suffered enough at the whim of mechanical devices from what little he had glimpsed from flying above. Sigurd's repeated broadcast for aid had called him as soon as it had made its way to his aerial perch, and Citan finds himself in the midst of the dying and the dead. Straightening his glasses, he clears his throat. "Did someone call for a doctor?"

Amelia shakes her head, "It...was so horrible...there was a blue light...and then they were screaming and running...and...and then..."  Can't remember much after as she watch kicked in the head and knocked to the ground suddenly.  If Emeralda were not here she'd still be suffering from her concussion.

Rage doesn't quite seem to amount to 'helping the survivors' in this boy. It seems to generate more of a 'kill the responsible parties' thing. "I'm killing her. Then it'll be done with for good. No more of this bullshit." He stops at Andvari's foot once again, kicking it several more times, his boot absorbing most of the damage his foot would take. "If they set FOOT on the surface again..." he grumbles.

Fiada wipes her face on a torn sleeve. "Where are the teachers? Can't anyone find the teachers?" Another horrible thought strikes her and she gulps, "Where are Rhiems and Tammor? They were here, I was upstairs with Vivian and...but we got separated when everything came down and..." she looks panicked at the rubble. "She can't be in there...please, NO."

Amelia shakes her head repeatedly, "No...I don't know at all...I don't know!!"  She goes back to her 'shell' and weeps quietly to herself.

Emeralda touches Fiada's shoulder. "If we haven't found her yet, then in all likelyhood she wasn't in there... Okay?" She turns to Citan, smiling faintly as she walks towards him on slightly shaky adult legs, "You bet'cha, Doc... Your timing is absolutely perfect." She grabs a first aid kit, and tosses it to him. "Pick a patient, any patient."

Elly walks over to Fiada and Amelia, kneeling down and dabbing their wounds for them slowly and softly.  She doesn't seem to mind not asking them in the first place only because she doesn't want to trouble them in their moment of mourning.  "Don't worry...you'll be alright you two...everything will be fine soon..."  Trying to offer comforting words as best as she can.

Citan catches the medkit, turning immedietly to the first patient at his side. First diagnostics, and then to progress down the line of the wounded as cases which could be delegated to the hands of others were examined, and then to those that could not. "May I inquire?" he begins, thinking better before even completing the sentance. Patiently, he turns to examination of a broken leg.

Fiada pulls herself away from being touched both times. She's entirely terrified adrenaline, and starts to cry again before she can stop it. "Why do people fight like this? We didn't have anything. We were students. There wasn't anything we could do."

Sigurd offers a greeting nod to Citan, then he reaches Bart (after a brief jog). "You're behaving like a child. I know you're upset, I am to, but you can't take on Miang -or- Solaris. I know you hate her more for personal reasons, but for once will you actually act on what I've taught you? Life before death, or you may lose more than what you started with." The words were almost cold, fiercely reprimanding and demanding respect for that belief, but Sigurd didn't bother to see if his words had sank in. Let the brat get himself killed. Instead he turned his attention to a group of crying students, more scared than injured, and settles down to soothe them with his empathic abiliies. The less chaos, the easier recue would become.

Elly stands up and glances around, "I'm going to start taking them back to the hideout now while Citan tends to the more injured until they can be moved alright?"  Without even listening for a reply, she begins walking around and seeing who she can bring back to the shelter of the hideout first.  She helps Amelia up who's unresponsive and urges her on, glancing back at Fiada.  "I'm sorry...but..."  she sighs quietly, "...if you can, try to help your classmates for now...it's very hard to do so now but you have to be strong at the moment.  I'll be taking your friend here back to a shelter...do you want to go as well or do you want to stay and look for others?"  She says it as softly as she can, trying not to be harsh at all.

Emeralda continues working, actually taking Bart's 'advice', and using ether to detonate chunks of roofing, blasting them into powder as she continues searching determinedly, using ether, aquasols, and the first aid kits to treat people as she finds them, then gently ferry them out. A few zetasols fetched from the supplies help bring back the worst cases, and make her inordinately grateful that she caught the whisp of smoke coming from this place, else these people would be beyond aid... 

Bart listens to Sigurd, trailing his eyes to the ground with the words. It probably would have totally shut down his plans had it have been less scolding and routine. But in this case, it only does so much as to slow him down for a moment... a moment which is quickly run out, and Bart clambers back into the cockpit of his gear. The startup is quick, and in one swift motion, the gear is turned around and heading down the path. The omnigear races almost as fast as the thoughts in the troubled prince's mind, reaching the ocean in an instant. The sound of the gear taking off eventually fades, and Bart is gone as quickly as he arriveds

Citan sets the break carefully, murmering gentle words to the victim while the combination of painkillers and his own healing abilities soothed the pain as best he could. Several were beyond recovery--even he could see that at a glance, taking in the clammy skin here, the bubbled breathing there that indicated collapsed or flooded lungs. To those he could only dispense a touch to their faces, Ether glowing around his fingers as his arcane skills ease their suffering...

Elly brings Amelia and a few others to the Vierge.  After loading them into the gear cockpit with enough room to sit for herself, she lifts off gently and moves away towards the hideout.

Fiada stays here and watches Amelia go. She's not bawling her eyes out but has hit a level of shock. Watching the recovery with a competely stone face is the extent of what she's up for, after jumping into trees and stumbling around trying to avoid getting killed.

Emeralda rejoins Citan, noting the cases he can't save, and doing what she can, nanobots flowing into their bodies and mending wounds that modern surgery has no way of dealing with, a semi-smile on her face, "Nothing quite like nanotech for healing... Just wish I had access to Kim's laboratory..." She sighs, working methodically, "All-encompassing technological knowledge... and no way to use it."

Roni fades into existance, perched on a wall that hadn't collapsed, overlooking the scenery, frowning.... Why did it always come to death with them? His gaze lifts skyward, silent, brows knit. /Damnit all, Krelian? Why?/

Sigurd sighs and looks over to Emmy and Citan. "Can you two handle this? I have to go stop that brat from getting himself killed."

Citan would normally thank Emeralda for her impressive assistance, but the number of tearful casualties continues to drag him down the line. There is only so much he can do, he reminds himself, breaking out of his reviere to nod to Sigurd. "Of course, Sigurd."

Emeralda nods absently to Sigurd, sweat breaking out on her brow as she drinks a rosesol, grimacing at the taste but needing the extra boost of ether power it provides to keep healing.

Sigurd nods his thanks and turns to his gear, climbing aboard and taking off after Bart.

Fiada cleans her face off of its tears even though they keep flowing. "Who did...Aveh? Kislev?"

Emeralda shakes her head, brushing hair back as she moves over to kneel near Fiada, "Solaris is the name of the country... Not Aveh, or Kislev. In fact..." She gestures to the various people giving aid, "These are the Pirates of Aveh, who are giving out aid..."

Roni hops down to head to a dying girl nearby, sitting beside her and using what little healing ability he has as a spirit to take away her pain, but it's all he could do. At least he could assume physical form, and he did, to gently reach out and comfort her, real enough to the girl, but almost like a wraith to those who really looked.

Citan finishes one row of those who rest supine, leaving quieter whimpers in his wake if nothing else. The medkit is quickly exhausted, and he frowns while looking for another. "Emeralda, are we to transport them all back to the base? They have no resources here, I am afraid."

Fiada hiccups a suppressed sob. "Why did they attack, miss? Did our school offend them?"

Emeralda nods, "All there is here is what Sigurd could gather in his hasty departure from the base. We'd best get them back there... Um..." She looks around, gaze landing on the large empty crate that Sigurd brought the supplies in. "We can use unfold that crate, and use it as a stretcher of sorts?" She turns and gently touches Fiada's cheek, "I don't know why they attacked... Solaris is not known for having goals the rest of us would understand... But there WILL be a reckoning for this, I promise you..."

Citan tallies the results, finding them to be frightfully low. And they would be far worse still without Emeralda's nanotechnology to aid them... quietly, he finds himself falling into clinical habits, where emotions are secondary to fact and result. Only two-thirds of the students present would live; less, unscarred. And who to break this news to them later, and to the grieving families which must be told?

Fiada recoils violently from being touched again. She's still expecting fire to erupt from the sky and the screaming to continue. "I...I'm sorry, miss. I..." she gives up and looks at the ground miserably. "We were going to have fireworks afterwards. We were going to stay up late and dance again."

Emeralda nods, a sad look on her face, "I know... For now, however... We need your help, if you would...? We need to gather everyone up and get them back to the base, so we can give them better care... Okay?"

A sigh escaped the saddened ex-King of Aveh as he looked down to the girl laying beside him, soothing her spirit with a quiet, ancient song, fingers reaching out to gently brush the bloodied hair from her face. This was too familiar, destruction, death, and dying innocents, but it was uncalled for. Why did they do this? These may not be his people, but they were only children.

Emeralda has disconnected.
Crescens falls asleep.

Fiada gets up unsteadily to help get the rest of the students together. "I want to stay and look for Vivien. She can't...she can't be gone. I'll stay here."

Citan prepares what students he can for transport to the desert base. One way or the other, even if it should require many trips on his own, they shall be cared for. He nods to Fiada. "Take care."

Citan continues to prepare the few students left for being moved halfway across the globe.

Roni looks over, watching him, resting his hand over the girl's eyes and her trembling stills, almost as an afterthought, he whispers a faint prayer for the departing spirit.

Citan slows after his first tally is complete, the students assisting each other that still can and comforting the others. His eyes turn to the ruins of the once-proud University, residual heat rising even now from the power of the destructive forces Solaris turned upon it.

Roni tilts his head faintly, waitching those being taken.... a few won't even survive the trip. Slowly, he stood, as tall and attention-demanding as the Fatima line's most recent bastard son, but his form was vague, airy in his half-concentrated state of visibility as he observes. Those dying children were better left here.

Citan fights to stay awake. No matter how intent he is on saving Solaris's victims, there is a limit to how much his paltry medkits can handle. Bundling up the first of those to be transported, he prepares to take them immedietly to the desert base with Heimdal.

Roni sighs... He couldn't help here, so back he went to his own country.