The Clockwork Mansion

A bare holding pen (Slave characters start here)
It had been a near eternity of collars and shackles, barked orders punctuated by blows to the back, and dizzying, nauseating spells blasted through the restraints to keep the captives pliant. Food and water were distributed at irregular intervals, mostly hardtack with a bit of grease to let it down. The nausea spells ensured that little of it stayed down, but it seemed to satisfy the captors' sense of hospitality.

The final leg of the journey was done hooded, bound in a sack, and placed in some kind of wooden confine. At least the prisoners weight bad been carried, although for what purpose that had served was unclear.

Eventually, the crates were cracked open, the hoods removed, the sacks unbound. There was a little light from electric lamps spaced around the walls of the  otherwise bare, wide-open vaulted room, meager for most circumstances but blinding after the recent trip in the dark. Blinking away the multicolored motes reveals about twenty five other shackled, bruised forms, and a small group of biped wolves, clad in dark blue uniforms and snarling.

One of them, a bit shorter than the average, and missing half of his left ear with a twist in his neck, snarls in the general direction of the mob of prisoners.

"Welcome aboard my craft, maggots. You're being given a rare opportunity, a chance to strike a most mortal blow to the enemies of His Excellency. I doubt too many of you understand or care for the honor, so I'll give you some news that you can grasp. You're in a secure environment here. See the crease in the floor? We can open it at any time and drop you hundreds of feet where you'll splatter into bloody chunks in the ground, if you guys so much as think of causing trouble. Which means we don't need to keep you so dizzy you don't know where you are. Some food will be coming around in an hour or so, when you'll be able to keep it down. And who knows, in a year or two I might even salute some of you scum"

He strides out, along with the rest of his entourage, and as he leaves, he makes a little arcane gesture, the chains binding the prisoners dissolving into so much mist.


The Takeoff. (Passenger characters start here)
Boarding the dirigible is all the organized chaos of a harvest festival, although the rough and tumble shoving for a place near the parades is replaced by polite sniffs, flashing of coats of arms, and perhaps a last minute dweamor in a  rush to be first in a zone where most magic failed to work.

Surrounding it all are dark liveried staff, helping the process along in a manner that is a shade less than obsequious but still cloying. As the idle rich (and I suppose you guys) are herded to the lounge, light music, the sort that was in its highest vogue fifteen years ago, plays throughout the cabin, although what is projecting it is unclear.

Circular tables are scattered about, with crisp white linen tablecloths that drape down low enough to get caught on the knees of the people sitting around them. Scented candles burn at the center of each one, although sufficient incandescent orbs are latched on high on the walls to make their purpose primarily one of clearing the atmosphere.

A small wooden stage dominates the back of the room, and in front of a saffron curtain stands a middling height wolf Demon, casually stretching his leathery wings. A dark naval uniform lends an air of gravity to his scarred visage and half-amputated ear. A twist in his neck means that though he tries to address the center of the room, he winds up speaking to the the tables slightly to the left, although his voice is easily loud enough to be understood, throughout the room.


"Welcome aboard the Flame of Freedom, the only way to travel through the skies of Furrae and look down upon...... Well, I'm sure you've all read the travel adverts, so you don't need me repeating them. I am captain Uidnetan, and although I yearn for your company, I won't be seeing too much of you if the flight goes well, spending most of my time in the command deck. But I do want you all to know that as soon as the engines come on, the magic damper will be in effect. Most of our clientele are older creatures, and if this is your first time aboard, I should warn you, many of you rely far more on magic than you even realize at first. It will take some getting used to, but our staff is always ready and able to help you through the worst of it, and most of our passengers find the experience a fun, educational adventure after the initial discomfort wears off. Thank you all for riding, and I do believe we are ascending........ now."

The pumping of boilers is audible even in the confines of the lounge, and as the captain gently shoulders the curtain aside and disappears backstage, a slow, steady ascent is palpable as the dirigible begins to rise.

     Hobbies set down his suitcase and looked around at his quarters, for someone who was hired to provide some entertainment it wasn't too bad a suite. It was more space than he had expected for a windowless room. He opened his suitcase and made some signs with his hands. Out flowed his performance collection and the little extra "security" he always carried with him. While there were guards and all on the ship, Hobbies knew that they were there for the company first, passengers second, crew third and anyone else dead last. It paid to be careful.

   The twelve puppets that could be altered to become a cast of thousands stood at attention, suspended by the special strings developed over the years. He was quite proud of that! Thick cords ruined the suspension of disbelief, so Hobbies kept innovating and innovating. Now there were physical strings so fine they were like spider silk with the physical properties and none of the fragility. Strings composed of magic were too erratic to be of any help but in time Hobbies was able to emit material of what could be called pure intention to manipulate his puppets. He couldn't really explain it himself but it was a handy trick that brought him great pride. The incubus was careful never to overuse it though. Besides it was only useful for that particular purpose, trying to expand the material to any thing larger than string caused some "unpleasant" things to happen. But he needn't remember that incident again.

   Hobbies wondered what he should do now. He was mostly the extremely late night entertainment. It was still early in the day and he wasn't due on the stage until much later. The fennec had an idea though; he would listen and perhaps find out what sort of plays the audience wanted. With the magic dampener on board, some of his repertoire was unavailable at the moment. However there were literally untold hundred thousands of pieces in the history of the puppet arts.  

   The Incubus was careful, even while these were more "enlightened" times. There was still unrest about creatures. He turned to his "security", "The Dancing Weaver", "The Dusk Twins", "Mr. Mud", "The Eyeless Man", and with great reluctance "...The Bloody Smiler". "The Dusk Twins" were bundled away and Hobbies stepped out the door of his room. After locking the door securely with the key, he started to walk to the cabin but stopped for an instant.

   The Incubus placed a hand into his clothes and made sure that his gift was still there. It was irreplaceable, a piece of history in the palm of his hand. When it was he was assured that the set was still there, he continued to walk uncertain what his future held.

...So THIS is the Flame of Freedom.  Gotta say "wow", I think.

The docking station for the airship was a veritable sea of flamboyant colors and vibrant, elegant costumes...it was a crowd of the noble and the privileged blood, those with the money to truly pay for a luxury cruise on what was perhaps the biggest dirigible that any of them had ever seen.  Metallic edges sparkling in the sun, letters of its name embossed with flaming reds and oranges in the paint of the hull, with a the head of a legendary Phoenix to top the elaborate decorations, it was surely a sight to behold...and one adventurer was in the midst of those who had legitimately paid for their trip, though in her adventuring clothes she felt somewhat more out-of-place.  At least her cloak bore the white-and-sky-blue colors and ensign of the Shadowed Depths Monastery of Healing...a disciple of Mistress Rynkura more than likely would be overlooked on a prestigious ship, whether she looks like a rogue or not.

Flicking her hood back so that she could properly take in the mammoth size of the ship before her, ascending behind a line of several others, Creatures and Beings alike, onto the ramp with her pack in tow and weapons sheathed in their proper places, The Risen's deep crimson gaze flecked forth and back as far as she could see...rather impressed by the atmosphere of it all.

Just as long as I can find Jake, she sighed to herself, her eyes setting resolutely on the entrance in front of her as she strolled along.  I wonder how he could have gotten himself into this fancy place after news of his coming into trouble.

"Ticket, Ma'am?" the tall and stately gazelle at the door asked with a bit of a sneer in his visage, making her quirk an eyebrow in reply before she flashed the ticket.  Her name was added to the roster, and she entered.

The lounge that everyone was ushered into after a while was certainly like a world all its own, to the panthress.  Rarely on a long adventuring trip could she look forward to luxury accommodations such as these...real food not to hunt for, a real bed not to make out of a tree...Heh, like the rabbit hole, eh chica?.

Aisha chose a table near the front and relaxed in the plush cushion, her eyes on the stage where surely their captain would be there to greet them.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw the wolf upon the stage, stately and proper, his leathery wings fully displayed.  Demon?  Or 'Cubi, perhaps.  Bah, but if it is a demon, there's little wonder that perhaps it WAS trouble that Jake got into, I just bet.

She sat through his speech, eager soon enough to get out of there and to her room on the inn level where she could settle fully.  She indeed felt the ship rising, the pulsating hum of the engines somewhere far away...and also she could feel a sort of lightness all about her person.  She wasn't magic...but her weapons were, and even the enchantment of the boomerang on her hip felt a little further away to her senses now.  All part of the deal, as it was assured to her when she had read the brochure.  At least if there are any undesirable Creatures coming along, the playing field was leveled some with that dampener.

Her eyes wandered all about the milling crowd, some of them sitting still and conversing, others getting up to make their walk in grand crowds about the ship...toward the games, perhaps, or like her, the inn rooms and bars.

As she stood and straightened up, planning her route for the days ahead and her course of action for asking about her lost friend, her head hung slightly.  Wherever you are, amigo, don't get into WORSE trouble.

*     *     *

Meanwhile, deep in the bowels of the ship, there was a completely different set of passengers who could only wish for the same fate as those others...people who had no idea what existed behind the curtain of luxury.

A tall, black gryphon had stood quietly with the others, his eyes trying hard to focus in the sudden light even moments after the blinder on his head was ripped away.  He fidgeted against the chains and manacles, barely hearing the words that the wolf with the ripped ear had spoken to them.  He only found comfort once their oppressors were finally out of sight, and then the uncomfortable silence fell like a shroud over the dire and somber faces of the slaves all around him.

Once the chains dissolved (but not the manacles, which he assumed blocked his magic, for he couldn't even find the will to spark a small fire), Jake paced around and moved his arms in circular motions to test his muscles.  Nothing broken, after the rough treatment that he'd been subjected to after his defeat and capture...he would have laughed at the notion that the open bay doors would kill an avian, except that he had heavily-weighted tags on his ruffled black wings at the first joint.  Flying was impossible, as it was certain for any other avians abound...he would plummet to the ground as surely as the Beings.

Another fine mess, Jake...another fine mess.  Captured by slavers, lost your weapon.  What now?

After stretching a little more and smoothing the bluish-white feathers of his chest, the gryphon Knight looked around, his heart falling when he looked at the many blank, hopeless faces around him...weak, beaten, starved, devoid of spirit.  He saw defiance in more than a few, certainly, but most of those were on the edge of their breaking points as well.  A small fire boiled in his blood, and he resisted the urge to growl.  Slavers.  Even the threat of hanging or beheading for these crimes in these provinces won't stop them.  Why do this?

He took a deep breath and wandered to the wall to lean on it, looking around again before speaking up.  "So...anyone play cards?  Or twenty questions, maybe?  Don't know about all of you, but I'm bored already."

His words echoed eerily along the chamber, and he got a few incredulous looks...but nobody else replied right away.

"Wow.  Tough crowd," he joked.  "Gotta lighten up at least a little bit."

"Yer new, aren'cha?"

The new voice, quiet but rough and hard, spoke to Jake from the side.  He turned to see another avian, though he lacked wings, but the sight of his leonine limbs and forepaws told him "gryphon", as well.  He was somewhat taller than Jake, perhaps about as young, and very much in shape for a slave.  His colorings were mostly white, save for a few brown flecks about his neck ruff and black streaks around his eyes that likened him to a very fierce-looking falcon.  In his eyes, the Knight could see an unending defiance and perhaps a spirit that hadn't been all that broken yet.

"Kinsman," Jake smiled, addressing the other gryphon as he was taught to address them.  "Yeah, you could say that.  But I'm not supposed to be here anyway."

The other didn't smile.  "None a' us are supposed ta be here.  But we are.  Funny, ain't it?"  His eyes narrowed.  "How'd you get here?"

"Captured," the lankier gryphon sighed.  "While fighting."

"Ah," The slave nodded understandably.  "Ya look like a fighter-type; stronger than most 'round here.  Ya might eventually be put t' them gladiator rings, or put to stronger work.  Or the breedin' stocks," he snorted.  "But don'cha bet on it.  By the way," he extended his paw out, "Name's Willard."

He smiled back and shook it.  "Jakoba Talothir.  But, I prefer to just be called Jake."

"Hm," the muscular avian nodded.  "Keep rememberin' that name.  S' the only thing you'll be able to call yer own.  Anyway, I'm here to give some advice.  Keep yer head down, mind yer manners, either say 'yes and no sir' to th' guards or nothin' at all, and you'll do fine...kinsman."

With that, Willard turned away with a flick of his tail to check upon the weaker members of their motley group.  Jake immediately took him for the type who looked out for the people around him as best as he could, though the one thing he gave up on was the thought of freedom.  More than likely, now, Willard was giving that same advice to everyone who came on as a new slave.

Jake just sighed again.  Well, this'll be a long trip.

"My name is not 'Garçon,' madame." On board for ten minutes and already confused for the hired help. Things were off to a glorious start.

The Flame of Freedom, luxury liner and marvel of modern engineering. Just thinking about all the work that went into its design, from the bolts and screws in the plating to the stitches in every balloon sent excited chills down Terry's spine. An educational experience and a vacation all in one? This was a dream-come-true, exactly the sort of thing he'd promised himself after all these years of civil service.

And then he realized, oh right, this is also a ship frequented by many other wealthy individuals of the Creature persuasion. Marvelous.

The peculiar Undead took his seat at an empty table towards the back of the lounge, boots shuffling quietly against the floor as he settled down. As far as golems went, his body was designed to be as little of an eyesore as possible: wooden limbs coated with dark rubber, bits of lighter sheet metal and plating covering his chest and extremities, and a light Sallet helmet with a widened visor. Behind it, a pair of blue lights glowed softly. They occasionally slanted and shifted; his only method of facial expression.

Terry leaned back as he listened to the introduction. Standard captain spiel, hope you enjoy your flight, don't do what I wouldn't do, blah blah blah--

Wait, what was that about a magic damping?

Soon enough, he could feel his body grow heavier, movement as stiff as the timber his arms were carved from. Oh. Oh dear. This was discomforting indeed. Hopefully, his frame would adjust soon enough to the change. Spending his entire flight feeling like a senior citizen was not part of the plan.

A large cloaked and hooded form weaved its way through the crowds to the boarding area, handing its ticket over at the foot of the airship's ramp, an armored gauntlet used to give, and receive the (now) punched ticket back.

Paladin looked up as he boarded, smirking under his well used traveling cloak at the stares he was receiving for his size and rather worn, but well looked after travel gear as he headed towards the lounge. He wondered how many more stares would come his way if he showed off his armor and arms as well.

After the Captain's speech, the Hooded Wolf headed off towards his cabin in the first class section, and once inside shedding the cloak and travel pack in the corner. With the captain's warning that magic was suppressed when the Airship was under way, Pal quickly removed several sets of clothing from his pack's pockets of holding and placed them in the cabin's wardrobe.

Making sure the Door was locked the Wolf unarmored and dressed into clothes more appropriate for relaxing, namely a pair of slacks spit-shined black shoes and a collared t-shit.

Now prepared to rest and recover Paladin left the cabin, locking it behind him and proceeded to the deck so he could watch the rest of the loading possess and the airship cast off, looking around for a bar.



*************************************


Arriving late to the boarding ramp a diminutive, black furred (with a white patch over her right eye), red headed Tasmanian Devil girl, stopped running and panted as she handed over the ticket she had fall into her hands.  "Sorry I'm late" Ephrael said as she was handed the ticket back and scooted up the ramp to catch the tail end of the captain's speech.

Recovered somewhat while listening to the Captain after her exertion to get to the airship on time, Ephrael moved in what could only really called bouncing over to one of the ushers to ask where her cabin was. As the usher directed her to the right deck (The economy single bed cabins, where she lucked out and managed to get one with a porthole) the Red headed girl had to reign in her larcenous instincts, reminding herself she was off on an adventure and that it would be a poor start to be thrown off the the airship for theft.

Unpacking her meager belongings, Ephrael changed into a simple orange dress (with a rather dangerously short skirt line), and set about exploring the economy deck, after securing her cabin.

Side by side, Kafzeil and Eden made their way aboard the ship.  Eden couldn't believe what she was seeing. It was, to be blunt, a marvel. The blimp was huge, majestic,  a wonder of engineering and a symbol of luxury.

The ferret merely saw a deathtrap with a casino and a bar. He reached into his pocket, yanking out a flask. He popped the cork before downing the whole potion in a single gulp, wincing and shivering. It tasted foul, but he'd rather not lose his breakfast on the Captain's shoes.

"Come on, Kaf, lighten up!" Eden smirked as toothy smirk, patting her friend on the back. The Angel chuckled humorlessly at her.

"Yeah...locked up on glorified boat with a balloon filled with explosive gas strapped to it, and exposed to an allergen. This gonna be a blast..."He grumbled, crossing his arms.

Once inside the lounge, Eden darted off for the nearest window, Smiling as she placed her hand son the glass. She was certain she'd watch this thing take off, as Terra firma slowly vanished below them.

The ferret took a seat, watching the stage as the Captain came out to deliver his pre-voyage speech.  He chortled to himself, a grin creeping across his face.

"Man, I'd hate to see the other guy." He mused to himself, aloud but just under his breath, other patrons passing likely hearing him. Not that he cared.

As he felt the dampener, however, his grin vanished, wings twitching as the boilers fired on. It took a monumental effort for Kafzeil to avoid throwing himself up out of his chair and yelling "WE'RE ALL GOING TO DIE!" at the top of his lungs.He took a deep breath, lowered his wings, and stood up, attempting to calm himself, scanning the room for Eden.

She was still by the window, an immovable object for the time being.

He moved for the exit. He had to at least make sure the crew didn't screw up and lose his baggage.

Lord Pettersohn boarded the airship with all the grace and dignity that a Clan emissary would show during negotiations.  Partly this was a front, but at the end of the day he had just secured a treaty for his Lord and master, so there was every reason to enjoy the perks and privileges of his rank.
It was still less than a year since he had been granted the title for his part in helping Daryil to ascend, and seeing people fawn was a novelty that had not quite worn off.  Nobility or not, things were not always safe for 'Cubi, so he kept his head-wings hidden for now, giving him the appearance of an Angel.

Ticket punched and captain's speech over, Jakob winced as the magic dampers came online.  It was annoying to have his powers interfered with like that, but most 'Cubi with any sense would usually put a lot of effort into functioning like Beings anyway, using their powers as a bonus rather than something they depended on absolutely.

He made his way to the cabin and looking in the mirror, decided to tone things down a little, not much.  He retained the expensive knee length boots and the tan leather trousers, but for his top he left only the shirt, discarding his cloak and other paraphernalia.  Then again... after a moment's thought he took the shirt off too, selecting a suitable top - one that covered only his front and left the wings unencumbered, while still retaining an aura of wealth.  If something did happen to the ship, the ability to glide would come in very handy.

Satisfied, he made his way down to the common room to see who else was on the flight.

A scrapper, they'd called him. A feisty one. The men had said it with such relish, like he was a horse that needed to be broken. The extra chains around his ankles and throat had come about when he decided that his usual peaceful ways weren't going to work and tried to bite them. They had enjoyed abusing him more than the others he had been trapped with, crammed into a tiny, dark room and fed meals that were a far cry from even his normal fare of carrion and dropped fruit. They had beaten him more often and bet on how long the scrawny lion could survive on the most meager rations they had. He had come out of his bag and crate with a snarl he could barely muster. His fiery plume of a mane was dingy and scruffier than usual, and under his dark fur, you could not only see his ribs, but count them. Kenyan knew nothing of what his captors were talking about, but at least when they left, the chains about his wrists, ankles and neck were removed. He purred with relief at that, though his orange eyes still burned.

And now, Kenyan noted, he could clearly look at the other victims for the first time. The light had bothered him for a moment, but he'd always adjusted quickly to new environments. The two gryphons who had spoken were the first to catch his eye. Good, he thought. Though he had never fully accepted his own heritage, he decided he'd have a better time with other leonine beings for now. That is, until he could find out whether this 'ship' had pests aboard.

Kenyan spoke up from his corner. "Why bother unchaining us?" he asked the room at large, his voice weak and thickly accented.  

(A/N: I have no idea how to spell Kenyan's accent phonetically. He should sound vaguely Hispanic or Eastern European by our standards.)

Melodie managed to miss the Captain's speech by the expedient of already being in her room washing up. It was a working vacation for her and she'd already spent the hours before launch crawling around the casino areas checking equipment for tampering to the anti-cheating enchantments. When the magic damper came on she gave a shudder. This was why she avoided the gambling cruises; she hated the loss of half her magical strength, she needed her magic. While she was a dragon, with all the benefits that came with it, she was not the sort of dragon who carried around a bunch of weapons to deal with idiot adventurers who thought taking on a dragon made them badass. Or in this case what might be a group of irate crew members if she did indeed find out they were cheating the house by rigging the gambling equipment. Her second cousin's sister-in-law's fiance owned the air fleet and a bunch of family favors had been called to get someone to check why this ship's casinos weren't making the profit they were supposed to. Since the last two investigators had gone missing they wanted someone with the scary Icewing reputation to look into it. Mel felt that her grandparents were relying a little too much on family reputation to keep her safe. Large, overprotective brothers were much more efficient at safety and Barron would have enjoyed the trip.

Not that she could show that anyone was tampering with the casinos. The equipment all appeared to be fine. Now all she could do was stand around watching the games and hope she was in the right place to spot any abnormalities in the spellwork, if there were any to spot. Which left her in the unenviable position of spending twelve days standing around the casino watching other people gamble in the hopes that IF anyone was cheating they would be stupid enough to do it in front of the "enchantment specialist" the captain had oh-so-helpfully introduced to the crew.

Checking in the mirror one last time to make sure her blue silk afternoon dress was unwrinkled, her wings were shiny, and her fur wasn't standing up in funny directions Mel grabbed her purse and headed out to the main lounge.

The large demon rather casually boarded the airship.  There was no fanfare, no entourage, no body-guards.  He didn't really need them now.  He stoop half a head taller than over half the guests without his impressive horns. He wore a bright green sleeveless and backless tunic. It was cuffed at the shoulder, and silver chord as accents.  His pants were simple, and of a color similar to his tunic.  His bright red wings were folded behind his back, and spoke volumes of his creature heritage, while the soft jingle of hair rings told of his movements.  His stride was confident, and filled with a predatory grace. 

Hours earlier his room had been loaded by a small cadre of servants who'd long since made their way back to Wolksheem Castle.  Leaving the young heir alone for his trip, with no way for his parents to keep an eye on him, nor interfere with whatever happened beyond his arrival to the airship.

He got perhaps halfway across the ballroom when he first caught sight of his fiery companion.  She was clad in a simple, elegant black dress. A slit down one side to show off her long, powerful legs, while the dress itself traveled down to her ankles.  The vixen grinned in a toothy smirk as Baseel approached.  He smiled politely in reply, took an over exaggerated bow, and took the seat next to her, giving her a soft kiss on the cheek he sat down to listen to the captain's speech. 

***************************************************************

Having arrived earlier than expected wasn't too much of a problem for Aleyna.  Her entourage quickly shuffled her belongings into their position to be loaded aboard the sky-ship. She was excited, an all expenses paid trip on one of the most exclusive means of luxury travel in furrae.  She'd be spending it with a former classmate, and long time friend.  A long time friend with benefits when the mood was there.

It wasn't exactly a secret that her and his parents had set this up to try and spark something.  They were certainly fond of each other, but it was more about the impulsiveness, the fight for power.  He was fun, something that most of the attempted suitors could never be.  They were too formal, too needy, or had expectations of holding a seat of power.  Being on top was a position that has to be earned, she mused.  Thoughts traveling to unfulfilled fantasies spawned during her time with him at the arcane academy.

She waited for a break in the chain of servants, and slipped aboard.  Finding a comfortable seat that put her back against a wall, and gave her a view of the deck, she sat slightly forwards and on the far side of the room.  She carefully crossed her legs, rested her elbows oh so daintily on the table, and did everything in her power to give off an uninterested, albeit haughty air, all the while still maintaining the sex appeal she'd always managed to maintain.

Her tail flickered eagerly as the ballroom started filling, and her ears twitched in excitement as she saw the wingtips and horns above several faces she couldn't care less about.  She had a hard time surpressing a snicker as he instinctively ducked slightly under the doorway, despite having a great deal of clearance for someone of his height.  The smirk on her face was obvious as she saw his dress outfit, he certainly had a slightly exotic allure to him, especially with that hair.  Her grin grew as drew closer. The gentle kiss was certainly a cute display of affection.

After tensing slightly, her ears flicked back and spread wide.  Her eyes bright as her smirk grew, and her voice tingled with bemusement "Hey hun.  It has been quite a long time since i've seen you dressing up to your social class.  Trying to impress all the girls, or did you get all handsome and classy just for me."

He grinned ear to ear, tail swishing, and wings twitching slightly while leaning in gently to reply, "And I don't think I've seen you dress this provocatively since one of those formal dances at the academy. I'm having an internal debate on whether you're trying to seduce me, or just get my guard down long enough to take the initiative."

She kissed him on the tip of the nose then purred, "Who's to say it's not a little of both."

************************************************


The captain appeared, gave his speech, then left the guests to do as they pleased.  The demon couple got up, and and seemed to rather comfortably latch together as they headed for the game-room.  Her arm wrapped around his lower back, hand resting on his hip, while his arm crossed atop her wings just behind her neck.  His hand softly squeezed then rubbed her far shoulder.

Freed of the terrible hood, Mateo blinked bloodshot blue eyes as he adjusted to the glare of the dim electric lamps. The dishevelled ocelot shivered slightly as he took in his surroundings, managing to look more like a frightened child then the independent young man he was supposed to be. Below the cruel iron collar, the neck of his black t-shirt was so badly torn that it hung off his right shoulder. Lines of dried vomit streaked down the cat-eared smiley face on its front. The whole room stank of sweat, puke, and hopelessness.

How long had it been since he was taken? Days? Weeks? He'd lost all track of time. It wasn't supposed to be like this! He was supposed to be settling down at his new school, starting classes, and... His parents! Oh gods... they must be worried sick by now. He'd promised to orb them the moment he arrived at the college.

The young feline glanced around at his fellow captives. Besides their chains and predicaments, they didn't seem to have much in common. Males. Females. All sorts of races and species. Some looked about his age. Some a lot older.

One of the Gryphons tried to crack a joke. And failed miserably. How could he joke at a time like this? The man at least looked like he was handling the situation better than most. He had the look of a warrior--big and strong. Probably not bad at magic, either, like most of his kind. But if their captors had defeated someone like that, what hope did someone like Mateo have? He was just a poor apprentice mage... No, not even that anymore. He rubbed his raw, blistered wrists and the cold metal that had locked them together.

If only he still had his magic! That might give him a chance. Or at least a glimmer of hope. But these horrible, horrible manacles had somehow stolen the magic from him. It wasn't quite like when he was Human, when his own flesh walled him off from the magic of the world. No, these bonds just made him feel empty inside, like the fire burning inside him since he was a cub had gone cold and dark. He couldn't even change form.

Mateo slumped to the floor with his back against the wall, hugging his knees to his chest.

"Who... who were those people? What do they want with us? We didn't do anything to them!"

Jake figured at first that he would grow bored quite quickly, looking around the chamber.  It was still eerily quiet, save for the constant faraway thrumming of the ship's engines and murmuring amidst some of the slaves to others.  He quirked his ear around when he heard someone speak...the rather scruffy lion in the nearest corner.  Interesting accent, he mused.  Similar to Aisha's, but quite a bit deeper.  Wonder where he's from.

"A bit of mercy on their part, maybe?" he shrugged.  "It doesn't do anybody any good chained up."

As he passed by and heard the exchange, Willard spoke up; his voice was neutral in tone, and very matter-of-fact, showing that he indeed knew what he was talking about when it came to living in such conditions.  "S'less humane than ya think.  They just don't want any a' us ta break before we're of use.  For a long voyage, it's easy fer limbs to fall asleep or the weakest one's muscles to stop workin' entirely.  And the closer together we're all packed, the more likely we'll spread diseases 'round, accordin' to them.  Besides," he said while rapping his knuckles on the metallic wall, "Y'heard our good host.  There's no way out anyway, 'cept for if they decide to open that crack on the floor.  Better not to give 'em a good reason to."  As he said that, Willard narrowed his eyes toward the lion.  The gryphon knew most of the people here that traveled with him on the slave route...so he had seen this one, the way he put up a spirited but futile fight as they brought him here.  He wanted it to be clear right now...trouble would probably mean that everyone suffered the consequences.

Then, his head swiveled to another sound.  A young ocelot had slumped to the floor, scared and wide-eyed as he belted his question out.

"Don't matter what y' did to 'em, kid," he grumbled.  "If they got ya, yer here.  Maybe someone had it in for ya, tipped 'em off and sold ya out to th' slavers.  Whatever the reason, ain't nothin' to do but ride it out."

"Hey, do you have to scare him?" Jake objected.

Willard scowled.  "Sometimes it's th' only way to put sense into 'em," he muttered before continuing a small patrol along the chamber.

Jake shook his head at the rather blunt nature of the de-facto slave leader, and slumped to the floor himself; he was eager to rest his wings where the weights were putting strain on them.  Well, at least there was talking.

"So...might as well tell stories if we're stuck here," he said, nodding to the other two.  "How'd you get caught?"

*     *     *

Once she found her room, Aisha wasted little time in finding places to store her things.  She knew that it would be discouraged to carry her weaponry in the public areas...but she did keep the hidden sheath on her leg with the dagger on, just in case, as well as her hand wraps (even if the enchantments on them would be significantly weakened; a little fire is better than none in a pinch).  Her cloak was stored in the closet, and her sword and boomerang were set upon the bed.  Her cuffs too were weapons, but could pass as fancy jewelry.  She never did like dressing fancy, but with a golden choker necklace on and her hair let down and put up into a loose ponytail, the adventurer found herself at least a little presentable when looking in the mirror.  Like something short of a modest adventurer gypsy.

Besides, doesn't matter to me what a bunch of snobs think, she smirked.

Taking a small amount of coins from her pouch as she left the room, the panther pondered where she would go first.  Games?  She wasn't a gambler, and didn't wish to blow all of her money so soon...but a little fun never hurt.  Then there was the bar.  Could use a drink.  And maybe I can ask around to see if someone has seen a lost gryphon.

Satisfied with her decision, Aisha made her way down through the levels and the milling passengers to the refreshments.

The Flame of Freedom, Jeremiah thought, was a fine airship indeed, so long as he never looked out of any windows ever.
The frog adjusted the collar of his livery; he'd worn many uniforms in his time, most of which badly. He'd been told once, briefly, by someone silly enough to employ him as a security guard of all things, that he had a general demeanor and posture that could make a breastplate look like it needed a good ironing. Jeremiah had a grin that would make you assume there was dirt beneath his fingernails, and eyes that made one certain he needed a shave.
Heh, see the noblewoman over there? Half a treasury on the hem of her dress, nose in the air, never saw something so fine...
Remember your act, it is of vital importance. Pitch, candor, spacing of steps, everything precise and as planned.
Smellsnoisegirlpassingbyangeralchoholshineyslooklooklook-
Admittedly he COULD probably pay more attention to his appearance. There was a small sketchbook sticking out of the inner pocket of his jacket, one could have see the coiled wire holding it together sticking out near the line of buttons down his shirt.
Heheh, heehoo, hehAHAHAheek!
Focus. Remember, at all times, purpose. Remember the noblewoman's face, who the undead in the back speaks to, who the pretty young thing in the red dress dances with and who takes offense she doesn't. Everything is relevant, no information is useless.
Isn't it all so fine?
Fortunately, this all rather worked for his primary role on the Flame of Freedom. The serving staff was essentially all one and the same, yes, but in their department everyone had their place and specialty. He finally managed to get the collar of his livery just so, the perfect variant of half-buttoned carelessness. He stepped out from the corridor into the casino proper, whisked a deck out of his sleeve and began shuffling, taking his place behind a table where three cats, an undead and a dragon who looked like he could crowd the table all by himself had been waiting quasi-patiently.
All of you, hush. I'm working.
"Alright ladies and gentlemen." Jeremiah grinned at the assembled players, flipping cards from hand to hand as he shuffled. "Place your bets."

The ocelot boy in the corner earned a sympathetic look from Kenyan. As much as the lion resented his own treatment, this child was just barely beginning manhood. To be forced into such an awful fate at such a young age ... He had survived his own horrible childhood, but this boy had obviously never faced hardship until now. Kenyan could practically smell his fright and confusion.

He tilted his large, tufted ears up and then back when the first gryphon, Jake, answered his earlier question about the chains. He seriously doubted that being freed from their chains was an act of mercy. The response of the second gryphon, Willard, made much more sense. He had experience over the rest of them in this situation. He was acting as the group's alpha for now, and as such, had to be given respect. Kenyan looked down at the crack in the floor when it was pointed out. He didn't know much about the nuances used in Beings' language, but this was a clear warning. A brief pang of shame went through him at his earlier uncharacteristic behavior. He pulled his shirt closed and considered the warning in his own language. <They need to understand that I'm not a danger to them, otherwise they won't help me and I may never be able to escape.>

"I will not make trouble if they leave me alone," he answered Willard. "I fight when I have to. Only then." He absently licked a bit of dried blood out of his fur. It would attract flies if he left it.

Jake's question got his attention back. Kenyan glanced around and, finding few of the slaves willing to answer, decided to go first. He sighed, crouching and propping his elbows on his knees.

"There is not much to tell," he said sadly. "My name is Kenyan. I lived in the woods for ... a long time. Far longer than with my pride. I almost forgot them once. I thought my family had always been the pack. I did not even know what I was. I finally remembered my pride as a boy, but I know not if they remember me. I would have forgotten more, but..."

His face darkened. "There is danger in the woods. The people around them think that danger is me. I stay there to keep them safe, never to hurt them. When the men came, I told them in the animals' tongues to leave. I did not want them to die. But they had not come for sport. They had come for me. ... They chased after me, tied my neck and hands, and beat me to stop my noise. They told me that nobody outside the woods knew me. They wanted me because there was no danger in taking me. Not to them. I tried to fight my way out, but I have always fought to escape. Never to kill. Now my pack is alone, and the forest will never be safe. ...It might have been better to let the other dangers get them first." Kenyan paused, then shook his head and clenched his fists, as if trying to crush the violent thought in his grip.

So, let's see how the dumb and rich travel...

Habitually glancing around for signs of trouble,  and occasionally checking his belongings with the paw that wasn't carrying a suitcase, Vladim made his way through the crowds that surrounded the boarding terminal. Although he probably wouldn't admit it to anyone, the airship, terminal, and everything he has seen so far were impressive in both technology and fine craftsmanship - something that he wouldn't have ever dreamed of even during his short reign as the Generalissimus Eisenberg, Enlightened Autocrator of Serebryansk.
Pretty much every inside surface of the hall was plated with expensive wood, polished stone, or metal, the floor covered in carpeting, and even the ticket itself had writing composed of thin-drawn threads of solid gold, embedded into the silk paper, with a bunch of enchantments to prevent wear, element damage, or unauthorised tampering.
Most other passengers, the majority of them creatures, weren't lacking far behind in decoration - brimming with ornate weaponry, expensive clothing, and more often than not, servants carrying an obscene amount of luggage. As such, despite picking his newest robe, best cape, and obsessively removing every fleck of rust from his shoulderpads, Vladim's appearance still earned quite a number of sneers.
One particularly uninsightful demon even mistook him for a priest of some war deity, and offered to pay him for prayers requesting success of his family's most recent war effort.

Finally, the cue had reached him - having handed his ticket to a particularly bored-looking gazelle, Vladim boarded the mammoth ship. After a bit of a look-out, he managed to find to his cabin, deposited his trunk, and sat on the bed, shuffling for a bit just to check it out.
Bloody hell.. with every room like this, the fluff this ship has must have cost more than that subterranean  bunker complex... but, you know,  I could get used to this.
He made his way to the common room, and took a comfortable, safe place near a wall from where he could easily see most of the room.- important contracts already being born as businessmen and politicos talked incessantly and threw wide gestures, a few older creatures looking solemn sitting at their tables, a bored-looking adventurer, a demon with massive horns and his grinning mate, servants and personnel...
Soon enough after his arrival, he heard the voice of the captain - a scarred lupine demon in a naval uniform - deliver a surprisingly laconic  introductory speech.

". . . now"
The boilers and engines came on, surprisingly quietly for their size, and along with the d'Alembert force pushing him gently into the seat, the lynx felt a wave nausea combined with an odd feeling of lack or numbness - similar to the way his feet felt in the first months after the implant, except this time it wasn't a specific, identifiable body part.  He already had some encounters with magic dampers, but this one was made worse by floating up in the air - as a more-less dedicated earth mage, Vladim felt best with feet firmly on solid ground.
Bletch... almost forgot how bad this is. On the other paw, at least one thing that messes those pompous buggers more...with so much innate magic they must feel like amputees...
He slumped in the chair, waiting for the worst period to pass, and wondering about his chances if anything came up. Although his tentacles were quite a reliable weapon, especially against those unsuspecting , without magic it'd be trivial for one of the muscular brutes to chop him up like the meat for a pilaf.

Either way... anyone to stir up shit here would have to be suicidal...  and think of the bright side. With what you cashed now, even after paying for this trip... five-six more jobs like that and you can put the lot back together... And in the meantime, this place is pretty sweet too...  Time to rest, look at that thing with the spell ... and maybe find a new associate or two ...  Either way, something tells me this'll be a great holiday.

OOC: Edit - added two escapee words. Edit2 - polished the thought pattern down to make a little more sense. Had nothing to do for a few minutes, and it is the last post in the thread anyways.

Thankfully, the shambling walk to his cabin was a short one. Blasted magic dampening nonsense. I built this body to avoid feeling like a cripple. Off went his pack as he pulled up a chair. Thinking time was now.

Perhaps he was getting upset over nothing. Surely there were all kinds of wholesome activities available for the old and enfeebled. Like, like...

Gambling.

That was it! Excitement, risk, arbitrated by honest dealers and all while you sat down like a vegetable, drinking fine spirits and eating hor d'oeuvres off the plates of passing showgirls. Granted those last two weren't things Terry could do anymore, but holding a martini glass in one hand while betting the house at five card stud sounded like far too much fun. Maybe he could even hob-knob with some of the rich and famous, get himself some business contacts--

He was already out the door, and it wasn't long until he arrived on the floor, a rack of chips in one hand and a considerably lighter wallet affixed to his belt. Now came reality.

...I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing.

Okay, no big deal. Just learn by observation. His eyes wandered slowly, settling on a nearby blackjack table. Perfect. He approached carefully, though actually sitting down with the other players was a bit daunting. Was there enough room, especially with a dragon sitting down? Do you just sit anywhere? Did you have to wait a few turns? Do you tip the dealer 10% if you win?

All the while, he stood, waffling like some kind of child as he glanced between the amphibious dealer and his players.

"Slavers? That can't be right, can it? Slavery's been banned for years. It's a hanging offence. If we just let someone know we're here, they'll come for us. They'll rescue us. Right? Right?"

Mateo looked around for confirmation, but even as he said the words, he knew deep down that it was false hope. They had to be on one of those big, expensive sky ships he'd read about, literally out of reach of any provincial guards or courts. Nobody was coming for them. There would be no rescue.

"Who would have it in for me? I don't have any enemies. I'm just a..."

Were? Mateo's heart sank. Both Beings and Creatures distrusted, feared, even hated his kind. He'd been raised to be careful, to keep his true nature hidden from outsiders. If someone had uncovered his secret... One of the mages he beat out for the scholarship, perhaps? If he never showed up to claim it, it might go to another finalist. Would anyone sell him into slavery... for that? His parents had warned him that the outside world could be cruel and unfriendly. "Cuthroat" was the word Dad had used. He should've just stayed back in the village...

The village... his parents! Anyone who could find out about him would know about his parents, too. What if these slavers had come for them as well? Would anyone in the village still stand up for them after learning what they really were? Would they have been able to fight? Mom and Dad could be chained up in some stinking cargo hold like this one. Or already dead.

Visions of the worst case scenarios came crashing down on him. He almost wished for the disorientation of the nausea spells. At least those kept his mind off his predicament. Kept him from having to face reality. Being able to think about it was so much worse.

Mateo buried his head in his knees. No tears came, however. He'd already spent so much time collared and chained that those had dried up long ago.

Hobbies had made a decision. The majority of the rich were scary. During the entire walk up to the common room he'd been sneered at, looked down upon, and given dirty looks. It was a rather unsettling experience either due to the snobbery over wealth or species. Still Hobbies listened to the general chatter and tried to decide what would be the most popular piece to perform. Fanning himself with his headwings he watched the people go by, studying the way they moved. It wasn't easy to move puppets in a realistic way, knowledge of a body's anatomy was essential towards success. Constant observation was done daily just to make sure placement of limbs matched what living breathing beings and creatures did everyday. Still the incubus wasn't stupid; he had his hands in his sleeves, ready to pull out the twins at the first hint of trouble.
   Watching the people pass by, demon couple holding hands, being fox still wearing a hat indoors, some of the staff serving the passengers, an expensively dressed wolf angel walking into the room, one of the better looking undead, gryphons bipedal and quadruped wandering around still Hobbies sat there trying to figure out tonight's performance.

Aleyna was busy taking in everything.  Memorizing faces, watching outfits, and getting a general stance on where her and Baseel weighed in on the social ladder.  They certainly seemed to be less flaunting of their wealth and influence, especially when compared to the gaudy displays of jewelry and precious metals that adorn so many of the uniforms, gowns and formal attire that clad the colorful masses.  She wasn't really in the mood to gamble, and made her opinion obvious with a gentle tug on Baseel's arm.  Her move was simple, guide the pair towards the bar instead.  Get a few drinks, and perhaps meet someone of interest.

* * * * * *

The large canine demon was more wandering aimlessly with the lovely demoness.  He was just as curious as she seemed to be check out the space.  When she'd shown her choice of avoiding the games room, he was all to happy to oblige her. Pulling her chair out, and seating her before seating himself, Baseel waved to the bartender.

"Vodka martini for the lady" 

* * * *
"And he'll have a pint of mead with a triple sec bomb." 
She chimed in, "Though, i think we'll be getting a bit more adventurous with the drinks as the day progresses."

The wood beneath Xyrtia's feet was some small comfort as the nausea spell wore off, at least until memories of home set in. She remembered the joy of flying over the treetops, the chill wind and thin air of altitude blowing through the blue and white feathers on her arms. Spotting an overgrown insect in the forest, swinging her rope dart and letting it loose into the carapace of the bug. Reeling herself in. Drawing her machete. Decapitating her tribe's next meal, and claiming a compound eye as her prize. All gone, her pinion feathers trimmed, her rope dart and machete taken long ago. Visions of her fiancee danced through her head: his ruby feathers, the way the black around his eyes always seemed to give him an air of charming mystery. Holding back tears, she leaned against the wall and felt at her breast for his courtship gift, a feather from his crest. It was still there. It was too much. She sat down and cried, clutching it tightly as her tears made clean streaks through the dirt on her face and fell into the rough sackcloth rags the slavers had given her for clothing, mixing with the dirt and dried vomit from the trip onto the ship.

After a long while, she stopped. Not for lack of sorrow, not for some shred of hope; she just couldn't cry any more. Tucking the sole heirloom of her past back beneath her breast feathers, she spotted the edge of some kind of tag, like one would put on a pet. Feeling at it, she discovered that someone had put a collar around her throat when she was unaware. The indignity of it all made no mark, though, not with all that had already happened. She did, however, want to know just what people had put on such a collar. Looking around, she spotted an ocelot further down the wall. Standing up, she started to walk over, then hesitated. Looking down at herself, she knew that she must look a sorry sight with her dirty feathers, emaciated body and filthy rags, but there was nothing to be done about it. Sighing, she walked over and poked the huddled figure with a clawed foot, realizing with a mild, detached shock that he was probably only barely of hunting age. "Hey, kid," she said in the language that she'd heard passing traders use as she sat down next to him. She hadn't learned much, and her tongue was clumsy around all those soft sounds, but she knew enough to get by. Gesturing at the collar, she finished, "Read this."

Jakob noticed the fennec incubus, made plainly obvious by his headwings.  Interesting.  He decided it was worth talking to them.  Things might get a little frosty if there was a problem between their clans, but violence seemed unlikely.

"You don't look like the usual type to take a luxury liner," he began.  "No offence intended.  And, do those cause you much trouble?" he asked, flicking his eyes to the headwings and back.

Hobbies looked up at the wolf angel that had just spoken to him. "Well I am one of the special entertainments for this flight, so I am granted some perks." Now that the incubus looked more closely at the angel, the face became more familiar. "As for these?" Hobbies touched his headwings. "They are more useful then most people expect." The fennec was sure that he had seen this person before, maybe somewhere in the news? "I'll be performing late in the night, so if you are not the type to sleep, the Flame of Freedom would welcome you to enjoy the show in the ship's theater. Though right now I'm not sure what would people of this class would really enjoy watching. You wouldn't have any idea, my good sir? Oh but I'm lacking in manners, my name is Hobbies Sven. May you have the pleasure of informing me to whom I am speaking to?"

"Oh, I see!" Jakob said.  "This is not my usual crowd either, I'm afraid, so I don't have any suggestions.  However, I don't have any plans for tonight either, so I will certainly try to watch your performance if I can."  He shook the hands of the fennec.
"I am Lord Pettersohn, envoy to my Lord Daryil, though you may call me Jakob if you wish.  This vessel is perhaps a little ostentatious for my taste, but the return journey was booked for me by my Lord, who sometimes moves in very mysterious ways indeed.
"With the headwings... well, there are places still where the locals would take your head off, wings and all, before you could even ask the name of the village - and call it a job well done.  That's not likely to happen on the airship, but all the same, it strikes me as a little risky."

Aisha idly flicked a few coins in the air as she took her time walking down to the lounge and bar.  As she entered, her eyes widened at the extravagance that even this place sported.  The bar itself was quite large, enough to hold two bartenders, and she was relieved to see some space between patrons at the seats there too.  The black jaguar was used to being crowded...didn't mean she had to like it.

She did pause however at the sight of the rather noticeable demons.  The adventurer bit back a sneer and went for a seat as far away from them as possible, feeling quite glad that she had brought her hidden weapons in case of trouble.  Although a part of her knew that it was more than enough misery to try causing trouble even for the strongest of Creatures on this ship, it was hard to suppress the surge of fiery adrenaline that stiffened her muscles out of rage at the sight of demons.  The possibility that the ship was perhaps captained by one didn't help her thought process.  But she had to be clear and level, for now.

"What may I get you, Miss?" the bartender on that end, a stately-looking white ferret, inquired as soon as the panthress was noticed and had finished making drinks for the ones before her.

"Ale, if you please, señor," she answered in her light accent, reminiscent of the south-western provinces.  "And if you can, add a little strawberry flavoring," she added, remembering the specialty of the inn nearest her home.

"Coming up," the ferret said in a rather perky tone.

As he filled a tall glass and passed it on to her with a stylish flourish, she nodded her thanks.  "By the way, you haven't perhaps seen a friend of mine around?  Tall gryphon, black feathers, goes by the name Jake."

The ferret thought a moment, then shook his head.  "I haven't seen a gryphon like that here yet, Madam, but I shall keep an eye out."

"My thanks." Figured, she sighed into her drink and tossed a few coins his way.  Well, my best bet I suppose is to keep questioning the ship's employees.  Bound to be someone who's seen him.

*     *     *

Back down in the furthest bowels, Jake had listened to Kenyan's story with honest fascination.  At least it had been a fair distraction from the other voices, the crying and despair wrought from the ocelot boy (whom the gryphon had figured was too in shock to speak about his own capture, if much anymore).  He decided to leave him alone; a kindly-looking young cardinal woman had come up to his side anyway.

"You probably couldn't have known what would happen," Jake offered the young lynx-lion.  "It's a saddening situation though; I'm sorry to hear it.  Me, I caused them some trouble while they were trying to buy slaves at a village."  He flexed his talon-hand and peered at the manacle on his wrist.  "It was probably more trouble than I could handle.  I feel too vulnerable without my halberd.  Honestly..." he looked around and settled his eyes back upon the ocelot, "Why would they do this?  Ruin innocent lives?"

"Fer the good people on this here airship?  Yer all probably gonna be trained to be their fightin' force, like I was, against terrorists.  Suicide fighters.  Another sort o' profit for 'em, basically meat shields," Willard answered from nearby.  "Doesn't matter if they could be hanged for it here.  If a slaver can live high, there'll be ways t'do it."  He sighed, eyes moving back toward the youngest of the group...far too many of them here.  "I hate it too, but, s'all pointless.  There's nothin' to do about it now.  Everybody here is more n' likely drafted."

"...Oh, we'll see about that," the Knight-Captain muttered.

Willard narrowed his eyes at the other gryphon.  Another spirited one.

Maybe that's what they need, if an escape attempt is possible.

The trip boarding the ship was relatively uneventful for Evan. Having only paused briefly to listen to the Captain's speech, he had continued on to find his room. Tossing his bag onto the bed, and changing into a nicer set of clothing, he paused to check himself in the mirror, preening his tail. Satisfied, he strapped Razor back onto his hip, the short little blade had become an extension of him, and he felt naked without it. He had caught a glimpse of some other weaponry on board, their sizes had ranged from small, to functional, to "this better be a cultural thing, or else compensation jokes will be made." Evan felt that he and the blade mirrored each other. Razor, like he, didn't look like much; no curves, no jagged edges, no runic scrawl etched into the blade. This unassuming facade hid a blade with a wicked bite. Between the blade and his magic, he felt like he could take on the world.

He had entered the casino of the ship, and found himself surrounded by a sea of dubious characters. Not sure where the person who was to meet him was in this mess, Evan found a table off to the side by himself and sat down, relaxed, and waited.

The Fennec's ears perked up when Jakob mentioned Daryil's name. "Ah, so you work for the Lord Daryil then! We of Clan G'ian owe so much to the Daryil clan leader." especially our clan leader... literally The incubus thought to himself. "We're expected to be as helpful as possible to any of Daryil clan members or allies. So if there is any particular theater piece you desire to see or any other way I am able to make this trip more pleasant for you, please let me know." Hobbies began to scratch at his hair. "Also we're a more urban clan, we rarely have anything to do with those more intolerant villages. Even then some of my uncles and aunts are called in to provide some diplomatic negotiation if there is trouble." Hobbies then looked up "I think that they stopped filling that fishing village's houses with muffins by now..."

After a while, the airship entered a period of steady motion.
Vladim felt a wave of relief as his nervous system finally got the idea that neither the magic dampers, nor the gentle movements of the airship are going to disappear any time soon.
He slowly rose from the chair, straightened up the robe, and set off towards the bar with the intent of aiding the recovery process.
Now, how did Dad say it? 'In small amounts a cure, in large volume a medicine'. I guess that made our house a pharmacy.

The service was almost uncannily fast, and if the magic suppressors weren't in place, he'd have bet the barman to use prestidigitation spells, mixing the cocktails for what looked like an angel and his concubine, both dressed in colourful traditional dresses of the north-east. He watched the colourful liquids flow, his precise paw motions, the shaker barely held by a single digit at times...
"What's your order?"
"Oh. Give me some plum brandy - gotta burn out the worm."
He passed a few coins across,  and emptied the shot glass almost as soon as the barman handed it to him. The brandy was strong enough, yet surprisingly smooth, with a strong flavour of plum kernels, and left a pleasant warmness in his cramped stomach.
"And one into the other leg..."
Vladim repeated the process ,this time taking care to smell the drink before gulping it down, and moved out of the line, propping himself up on the bar with one paw, and glancing around.
That helped.... Now, let's look at how to kill an afternoon like this.

His baggage checked, and not a single thing missing, Kafzeil scanned over his room. First Class, Roomy, well furnished with velvet curtains, a massive, soft bed, private bathroom...

...and huge windows overlooking the vast country side.

The angel closed the curtains, sighing, trying to settle his nerves.

A Pint. That usually did the trick. Usually.

Exiting the room, Kafeil made his way down to the bar, looking over some of the patrons.

Demon couple, could be fun to watch...that lynx looks like he just walked out of a damn pulp magazine. I mean, gods, the spikes are such a cliche.

Not that I fit in much better. Some asshole asked if I was attending a funeral. Though I really don't see the appeal of jewelry, unless it's enchanted. Might as well scream "ROB ME".

Kafzeil took a seat next to a blue-clad panther, briefly looking over her. Someone else stuck out on this ship. He reached into his pocket and  slammed a bill on the counter.

"Pint of Imperial Stout, please." Kafzeil grumbled.
*****
Eden pulled herself away from the window, fully satisfied.

Holy shit on a stick, this thing is AWESOME She thought, grinning to herself. She hadn't really noticed the magic dampening that much.

Eden decided she'd explore the ship for a bit. Maybe meet some new people, see what this awesome, awesome ship had to offer for fun,  go to her room. So much to do, so little time!

Maybe she could even badger one of the employees to let her see the command deck or even the engines. She'd love to see how this thing worked.

"Very gracious of you," Jakob said to Hobbies, with a smile.  "And yes, perhaps I am being a little over-cautious myself, but life is long and it would be a crying waste to have it shortened.  In any case, once your wings are out you can't make everyone forget they were there.  Not without damaging them, anyway.

"If you'll excuse me, I'm not sure you mentioned what branch of theatre you actually perform.  If it is just you, I would say a stand-up routine, perhaps a musician."

"No, nothing like that" Hobbies smiled. He let two bundles fall from his sleeves and with clinking of joints, the twins "Sunset" and "Moonrise" stood at attention. "I'm a puppeteer, good enough to not have to perform with a troupe. I wonder sir if you are interested in mechanics." Hobbies shifted some of his fingers and "Sunset" bowed while "Moonrise" curtseyed. "If so I believe you might find my performances to be an enjoyable experience."
   "You'll also be surprised, people stop twice before attacking us with all our wings fully out. At the very least they ask us to leave, because they respect a little someone who's that brave or stupid." He looked to the side. "Granted it doesn't really work with adventurers, hesitating is rather a lethal trait to have in their profession."    

Mel found her way to the casino area, which was now crowded with creatures and beings of all types. Ordering herself a drink she wandered between the tables, carefully avoiding the crowds that might jostle the peppermint striped drink. One table in particular caught her eye, mostly due to the quarter-sized dragon playing at it. She wondered what sort of enchantment he was using to achieve that effect. She made a mental note to speak to him later and find out where he got his charms. Always good to know the competition. From the dragon her eyes were drawn to the dealer. An amphibian of some sort who just seemed a bit off. She settled in to watch the game and see if there was anything unusual going on.

Keaton felt adrift in a veritable sea of extravagant colors. For the briefest of moments, she almost felt overwhelmed by the grandeur of the vessel and its inhabitants, her relatively sheltered upbringing having tempered the faint disillusionment her past experiences had instilled. Airships, flying vessels, luxury ships - those all represented a brand new frontier of technology unexplored. The Flame of Freedom's reputation had certainly preceded itself, but it did little to steel her against the strange, fluttering excitement she felt escalate inside her. Almost the instant she stepped foot onto the airship (almost possessively resisting the guards' effort to confiscate her luggage before she realized it was unbecoming), she was thunderstruck by the grandeur of it all. Emotions assailed her thoroughly-fortified mind from every angle, ranging from the sweet citrus-like tang of elation to the low, bitter taste of sadness, probably emitted by those bidding loved ones farewell; a strange mottled mixture of sensations. Tightening her mental shield as a precaution, Keaton strode across the deck, languidly observing the Beings conversing among themselves and the crew struggling to tend to everyone's needs.

Keaton was pleasantly surprised. She was expecting for the grand majority of the ship's occupants to consist of Beings, but she was able to identify various Creatures mingling among the crowds. She hadn't spotted any Cubi yet, but it wasn't like any self-respecting Cubi would flaunt their heritage so openly. Off in the distance, she spotted the crooked horns of a Demon rising out of a small congregation of people. No feathered wings had been noticed yet, much to her relief. If her neighbor ended up being a goddamn Angel, that would ruin her good mood. Yes, Keaton was delighted. Yes, she was able to forget all her past mistakes and problems for just a moment, as she drank in the sights and sounds of the airship. Obtaining those tickets was a godsend in more ways than one.

The ship seemed absolutely gargantuan. She had no idea where to go first. Already on the verge of overstimulation, Keaton visualized her next destination: her quarters. There, she'd deposit her belongings in a nice, safe corner, make sure her quarters matched the luxury of the rest of the ship. Not that she expected to spend much time in bed for obvious reasons, but occasionally she'd need a reprieve, wouldn't she?

Baseel mixed his drink idly while he observed those around the bar.  It seemed the guests joining them came from a wide array of backgrounds.  An Angel seemed to be making his pass at a being lass.  Possibly an adventurer, or a foreign dignitary.  It was tough to tell given the duality most of her appearance gave off.  He then shifted around the bar, odd dignitaries and businessmen certainly.  They didn't concern him too much, this was a work-vacation for them.  The oddball off to his right certainly triggered a few mental alarms.  His entire appearance screamed cult, that combined with the way he seemed to be drowning himself with alcohol tended to be a bad combination.

He nudged Aleyna's arm and nodded towards Vlad, speaking in a low voice,  "Don't look too obviously, but it seems we may have a troublemaker in our midst.  I'd keep my eyes on him, looks like trouble."

* * * * *

The vixen smirked as she observed the oddly dressed feline with a smirk. She rubbed the Baseel's hand closest her as she took a sip from her martini glass. "Oh, is that big bad being going to bite you?  The demon warlord afraid of a little industrial equipment? He's just a little odd... doesn't mean he'll cause trouble.  Tell you what. Why don't we go invite him over for a drink before you go do anything too impulsive."

Her fingers slid between his as she held his hand, "Besides... it'd be oh so disappointing if you left me all alone on this trip after getting kicked off for assault."

So saying she casually slipped the bartender a note to deliver to the cloak and metal clad being,

Look to your left, about 10 seats down.  You should join us for a few drinks if you're not currently indisposed

:Lady Aleyna Kresedia

She then ordered a small tray of neon-colored shots, who's contents seemed to sparkle and even glow slightly.  "Hurry up with your drink, dear... i think it's time to make this a proper party."

"Puppetry..." Jakob looked lost in thought for a moment.  At SAIA, there had been a fad for puppetry, several in fact.  Wing-puppetry in particular had always ended up with some wise guy morphing their wings into something lewd.

"I haven't seen that done for a while now," he said eventually.  "It might make a change.  I will indeed try to see your show.  I'm kind of curious how you plan to make them visible to a large audience without spells, though."

Hobbies looked a bit guilty. "Well it isn't as if it's a total magic nulling field on the ship, it's a magic dampener." The incubus then looked much happier though. " Also the theater is equipped for such events, though I'll reserve the best seats for you and anybody with you, it's the least I am able to do." He stowed away the twins and a thought struck him. "What is it like? Working for the Lord Daryil, I've heard..." He paused for a second. "rumors, and the stories that circulate in our clan don't help matters"

Jakob sighed.  "Daryil can be trying sometimes.  Some of this is deliberate, since it puts his enemies off-guard.  Some of it is hyperactivity, and some of it... well, he doesn't always take people's reactions into account fully.  I would almost suspect a defect in his empathic abilities...
"Like I say, this erratic behaviour can be aggravating, particularly when attending a function that requires decorum.  But the one thing it never, ever is is boring," he concluded with a smile.

The cards shuffled and clacked from one of Jeremiah's palms to another, before fluttering in an arc from one hand to another a couple times. His eyes scanned the room for initial marks.
"What about you sir?" The frog's voice hit a pitch exclusively known to auctioneers and carnival barkers as he whirled toward the... Golem? He saw it eye the drinks earlier, generally anything that ever had a desire to turn its brain off played cards. He was pretty sure the ship didn't employ any golems-
Oi, wings, twelve o'clock.
You'll have to narrow it down.
The leopard, giving you the hairy eye. Jeremiah saw her. Big scaly wings, blue dress, looking away just as Jeremiah was looking up. He smirked to himself. Wonder if she gambles?
Don't get stupid.
He tweaked his collar and gestured for a passing waitress to bring another chair over for the golem-fellow. Followed by another requesting she stay awhile; it was all a pretty subtle game, working with the casino. The tells and gestures to the rest of the staff, indicating when to bring over more drinks, when to make a loud noise in the background when a player's trying to focus, when some pretty showgirl should stand over the "big winner's" shoulder and look impressed, keeping him at the table. He'd almost forget to count the cards remembering it all.
Hey, it's a casino. House always wins.

"Coming right up, sir!"

The bartender at her end of the table was certainly quick to his orders, Aisha observed with a chuckle, as he skittered off to mix and pour another drink.  He reminded her of one of the librarian's few assistants back at the Monastery, a stoat, who seemed to prefer zipping along the tops of the bookshelves rather than at the bottom.  Mustelines; no lack of energy.

Just as she was thinking that, another whitish ferret had come to her end, taking the stool next to her and waving the bartender down for a pint.  The drink was mixed, poured, and passed over to him in no time flat.  Aisha had to look over the winged individual with brief fascination; of all Creatures, Angels never bothered the panthress...mostly because her mentor happened to be one, a fact not known readily if at all to anyone outside of the Shadowed Depths.  At least there were more people between herself and the pair of Demons, who looked too preoccupied with each other than with the rest of the patrons.  Thank the gods, she thought with a sigh of relief into her drink.

"Refill, Madame?" the bartender piped in as he returned to see her quarter-filled glass already.

Aisha nodded.  "Yes, por favor," she said, and decided to look over everyone else that had appeared around the lounge area while waiting.  It seems she was becoming part of a small group that stood out against the stark elegance of the nobility littered around: There was the angel, a wolf, some 'Cubi littered about, and then...

Her eyebrows quirked upward.  Was that lynx wearing shoulder spikes?

As if reading her mind, the bartender leaned in so that he was heard by both herself and the angel.  "Lot of strangely-dressed fellows here.  Friend of yours?" he asked with a snicker and jerked a clawed thumb the way of the Being, who seemed to be getting some strange looks.

The panthress grinned and sipped her new drink, observing one of her claws.  "Not me, amigo.  I don't associate much with the sharp-and-dark types.  If I do, it becomes a scuffle to see who's sharper."

Mateo looked up as a clawed foot poked him in the ribs. "Kid"? The bird girl didn't look all that much older than him. He jumped to his feet, pulling himself up to full height.

"I ain't a kid anymore! And I'm no slave!" His hands balled into fists. This was all a mistake! Locking a collar around his neck shouldn't give anyone the right to order him around like... like...

The collared blue jay looked even more ragged and bruised than he felt. The ocelot unclenched his fists, his face flushed more with embarrassment than anger.

"Damn. I... ah... sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you like that. I... um... sorry. Here, let me look at that collar for you."

Mateo examined the iron band as requested. A brass name tag, like the ones rich folks might attach to a pet's collar, hung from a ring on the front.

"There's a tag on the front that says: Jane Wymbly. Is that your name? My name's Mateo..." He noticed an engraving along the side as well. "There are also some numbers on the side: 567. Does that mean anything? Might be a way for them to identify us. But it could just be a blacksmith's mark or something."

He frowned, reaching up to run his fingers along the thick metal encircling his own neck. He didn't have a name tag. "Um... does mine say anything?" He raised his chin slightly so she could see it more easily.

"Well as long as you're happy" Hobbies said. "Oh yes, do you mind if I take a picture?" The incubus took out a camera.
"I'm on a budget and this seems to be the cheapest way to get some souvenirs of this trip." 

"Thank you." Terry gave the other players a friendly, if slightly furtive glance as he sat. Now that he was with them, this didn't feel so mysterious and threatening. "But I have to admit," he said, "I've... never actually played blackjack before. I mean, I know the basic idea but I don't know about casino rules or this and that." Obviously, looking at the other players' cards was frowned upon, as was being disruptive. Anything else, he wasn't tremendously sure about.

Little did he realize just how easily he could be played for a sucker here. It was a casino.

"If you must," Jakob said, looking a little unhappily at the camera.  "Just as long as that photo doesn't become 'Jakob Pettersohn: Known Incubus' plastered everywhere."

Hobbies looked a little confused "Why would I do that? Posting your picture everywhere and saying you are an incubus? Unless... oh" The fennec shook his head. "Don't worry I won't risk doing anything that would harm the relationship between our clans. If you don't really want your picture taken then I'll accept that."   

Kaf's brown furred hand clasped the glass,  taking a hearty swig of the black liquid.

Nice, dry, yet strong. Just the kick he needed. If this didn't calm him down, well, maybe another pint or two would fix that.

He watched the bartender prepare another drink for the pantheress. he had to admire the guy's energy.

As for the pantheress, he was trying to figure her out. Likely an adventurer, but...that ensign. He had seen it before somewhere.

Suddenly the ferret bartender asked him about the lynx.

The pantress was blunt, pretty much boasting about her combat ability.

Yup, Adventurer.Kafzeil smiled. He snickered.

"...Gladly, no, he's not." He took another swig. "I've seen many who dress like him. Usually, those clowns are the first ones the Adventurer's Guild or the League of Assassins toss out of the some Castle Tower window."

"Oh, uh, My Lady..." Kafzeil looked at the panteress. he tried sounding polite, but realized he sounded too formal for guy who's intent was dull his own nerves with booze. "...I think I've seen that ensign before, but I might need my memory jogged."

Kenyan nodded politely at Jake's story and respectfully looked away from the ocelot boy...Mateo, he'd heard him say was his name. A kind young blue jay with an avian accent she was trying to hide was speaking with the young man; from the sound of it, Kenyan was right not to interfere. The discussion between Willard and Jake of their fate deserved more of his attention anyway. They wanted the slaves to fight? To probably die for the men who had tormented them?! Kenyan could hardly believe it. He hated fighting for any reason, and now, they expected THIS of him?! He cursed in the language of rats under his breath, a short, clipped sound of chattering teeth and a low squeak. It was then that he realized escaping from the worst fate of his life might be easier than he assumed.

The black gryphon's murmured hope had caught his attention. Through the fog of the breaking nausea spell, the lion was forming an idea. He was amazed it hadn't occurred to him before. <Su'kedu would be ashamed of me,> he thought with a small smile, thinking of his adopted "father", a wild ferret.

"There is a way I can find out more about where we are and what we can do," he said quietly, aiming his dialogue at Jake primarily. "But it might not work. How clean do you think the ship is?" He smiled, knowing that it didn't matter. No matter how clean a ship was, or so he had heard the traders say, there were always rats.

Vladim looked around, pondering getting another drink.  Nothing exceptionally interesting - the demons, still going at each other... an important looking creature perhaps a foreign dignitary discussing something with a somewhat shabbier incubus.. a musteline angel he'd swear to have seen somewhere appearing to flirt with a being panthress , or was she a cubi as well?
After all, angels were a snobby lot not likely to associate with beings unless they needed dirty work done ,and well, most 'cubi do hide their wings out of habit. Either way, it wasn't a pressing matter.

He noticed a few glancing oddly his way, and some more smirks and sneers.
Bugger.
The lynx sighed. Perhaps he should have gone for the working dress -  grey robe, no spikes and a cloak... but then this one usually worked well enough as a strong "Don't fuck with." signal.. at least in the usual places he went to.  
He pondered going for another drink, when the bartender approached him.
"This one's on the house, mister. Just that it doesn't come in a glass." he grinned as he handed the note to surprised Vladim.

Reading the contents, and a quick glance told him where it came from.
The hell...What do they follow by... Unless the bartender's more cross-eyed than a mythos with knotted eyestalks.
He thought for a moment, then got up from his seat and set off towards the duo.  Vladim was no fan of creatures, but then, demons tend to be reasonably straightforward - if one was pissed at him, it'd be far more likely he'd just walk up to him and plow the bar with his face, rather than sending out invitations.
Besides, if he didn't, someone might interpret it as him being a coward, and that's just asking for trouble.

He approached the table at which the pair sat.
"Greetings to lady Aleyna and her... acquaintance. May I ask what gives me the honour?"  

"It's not so much what you might do with the photo," Jakob said, "It's more what might happen if... Oh nevermind, I guess I'm being paranoid again."
"Very well," Jakob said, "But I'll keep the Angel look if you don't mind."

So saying, he settled into a suitable pose and waited.

"Thank you!" Hobbies rummaged through his pockets and took out a stick with something on the end of it. "Now would you please smile for the birdie!" There were few that could resist the grin-cracking abilities of the birdie. Hobbies was about to press the button to take the picture...

Jake glanced back up to Kenyan, gratefully torn from his attention toward the saddened youngsters nearby.  He blinked, thinking of the question, but shook his head.  "Hard to tell how clean this ship would be...I had my head in a sack coming in here like everyone else."  The gryphon looked around the fairly large space, his feathery ears moving around, but he could catch no strange noises outside of the thrumming engines and occasional speech from the other slaves.  "But I guess they gotta keep it fairly clean, if they want us to stay in shape and disease-free for their little, ah, 'honorable fighting force'," he air-quoted.

"Finally you're gettin' it, kinsman," Willard snorted, but kept an interested eye on the young lion.  "Y'get the seldom sight of lil' pesky stowaways, but this place is run by clean n' wealthy no-nonsense types.  Sooner-er-later they always make a run o' th' ship an' catch 'em.  Might be one or two skitterin' 'round these armpits."  He smirked.  "The critters aren't very nutritious either, trust me."

"There is no condition that would make me want to eat a rat, my friend," Jake grimaced.

"Oh, y'd be surprised..." the other gryphon laughed.

*     *     *

The bartender ferret merely chuckled and went back to his business, though at one point he did poke his nose to his partner's side to see what kind of note he'd passed to the lynx, now making his way toward the demons.  Meanwhile, Aisha allowed herself a short shake of her head and another sip of the strawberry ale.  S'not as flavorful as it's made back home, she thought, but it still had a satisfying kick.

When the angel called to her attention and asked about the ensign he'd seen, however, she blinked once and glanced down at where it lay etched in the metal of one of her hidden-blade bracers.  The mark, which looked like a tiny teardrop with a star in the center and feathered wings splayed out from the edge of the circular emblem around it, wasn't always recognized by anyone she'd ever met.  Mistress Rynkura had sold some of her enchanted items in her youth--hundreds of years ago, Aisha had been told--so it wasn't unlikely that there were Creatures would recognize it.  Otherwise, usually, the only ones who'd seen it on a regular basis were associated with Rynkura herself, or her current business.

"Ah; this is the mark carried by the Shadowed Depths Monastery of Healing.  I was schooled there in swordplay, by Mistress Rynkura Msh'Taan.  'Tis rare that someone recognizes the mark, señor," she hummed.  "The place is rather out of the way."

The casino was full of an interesting mix of folks; most were engaged in one vice or another, with the top two being booze or gambling. Not that Evan disapproved of it, he had partaken in both recreationaly at times, but nobody seemed interested in him. He wasn't so narcissistic to think that he was the center attraction here but, damn it, if the people who left the note went to so much trouble to see him here, you would d think they would have met up with him by now. Tired of being the odd guy out in the room, Evan got up and walked over to the bar. He figured that if they weren't meeting him in the bar, then maybe they left a note with one of the bartenders. To be honest he wasn't sure if they did that thing in the sky, but hey, you never know till you tried.

Evan gave the demonic couple next to him some breathing room as he slid onto a stool next to the bar; prior experience had taught him that most demons were overenthusiastic and had little in the ways of inhibitions, and these two seemed to be happily drinking; an act that, after a while, has left many a sober person screwing, dancing or punching anything at arms length. Silently wishing the poor bespiked sod talking to them good luck. He motioned to one of the bartenders to come over.

"Hey Boss, can you get me a shot of something hard. Also, while you're at it, I was wondering if anybody left a message under the name Evan Merrick?"

*SNAP!* The deed was done. "I hope this turns out good, there's always something that ruins a perfectly good photo snap."

Jakob blinked slightly, waiting for the flash to clear from his eyes.
"Do you develop them yourself?" he asked.  "I'd be a little surprised if there was a processing lab here on the ship, but I guess you never know."

Kenyan snorted distastefully but amusedly at the idea of eating a rat. <I'd need to be absolutely starving to even THINK of eating a rat that wasn't either dead or about to die.> Of course, he wouldn't tell them that, for fear that the traders would find out. Carrion was better fare than what they'd received, but not by much. Either way, Willard's opinion had matched Kenyan's guess. No matter how clean the ship was, there were probably a few rats in their quarters ... at least at the moment.

"Thank you, but that was not what I wanted a rat for. If there are a few rats on this ship, then that is all we'll need. It is a small help, but it could be useful." He leaned down to the floorboards, pressing his ear to the ground and doing his best to ignore the rumble of the engines and machinery he didn't understand.

It took a long moment for Xyrtia to understand what Mateo had said, even ignoring the outburst. "Name...? Jane Wymbly?" She muttered, thinking hard. "My name's not Jane Wymbly!" She cried in her native, chattering tongue as the meaning dawned on her. "My name is Xyrtia!" Glaring off into space, she noticed the ocelot still tilting his head back. Even without thinking over what he'd said, it wasn't hard to discern his meaning. "Er, sorry," she said as clearly as she could. "Can't read."

Aleyna snickered as she offer the lynx a shot.  She wasn't one to sugar coat things, and he seemed friendly enough.  He didn't turn down the offer at least, so he had some sense of social etiquette.  Her free hand gently rubbed Baseel's knee as she spoke in a casual, nonchalant tone.  "Well, we were mostly curious about the attire.  Did you choose the look out of some personal taste for the dramatic, or is it some type of ordained piece of clothing via religious beliefs?  It's a little jarring and I figured rather than make speculation or assumption, why not just ask?"

* * *
Baseel gave a shrug, then leaned in to nuzzle against the demoness.  "That's something else i love about you.  Always willing to be direct, rather than beating around the bush." 

She smirked in reply

"Don't you dare, Sweetie... i know exactly what you're thinking, and this isn't quite the place for those types of comments." 

She fired back, "Oh, it's not i'd actually care, nor will you in a few more shots... so shut up and drink!"

Bugger again. But then..  really better than having me for a cultist straight out.

"Ordained?" The lynx smiled weakly.
"Nah. Let's put it this way... the robes are mostly a matter of practicality... and the rest...a habit, really , from a few years in the past. A sort of representative dress or uniform, if you will. In a way, it saved my life then.. you wouldn't guess for how many it was the only thing of my appearance they ever noticed."
He took the offered shot glass, and drank it with a quick motion.

"No there isn't a developing room, that's why I hope there wasn't anything to ruin the shot." Hobbies said. "I hope I'm not keeping you from anything important." The fennec put away the camera and birdie and took out a small book. "I still have to decide what to perform tonight. Performing the longer plays require several days and I'm not sure if people would like missing out on some information from earlier, and history plays make people... touchy."

Jakob contemplated the puppeteer for a few moments, with occasional glances at the bar and at a pair of Demons who looked like they intended to pickle themselves.

"If I were you," the wolf suggested, "I'd stick with something short the first day or two, see how the crowd take it.  If it goes down well, then try some multi-day stuff.  And if you do that, be sure to include a quick recap for the first few minutes.  Think of how a radio play would be done, or an adventure serial.
"Jumping straight into an epic cycle that takes a whole 24 hours to perform is probably a bad idea.  After all, Creatures aren't noted for our attention spans."

"And now, if you don't mind, I should probably..." he paused.  "Actually, while I'm at it, do you want a drink?"

"Well, maybe something with as little alcohol as possible, it's bad enough to become overly drunk with all these rich people about, but I am performing tonight." Hobbies looked thoughtful. "I wonder if they have any plum wine, we usually toast an important occasion with that, and my first venue performing for the rich should be important enough, don't you think?"

"Very well," Jakob said, and headed to the bar.

"One plum brandy, please," he said.  "Not too strong.  And a glass of orange juice if you would be so kind."
He glanced again at the Demons.  "Not that this is any of my business, and obviously you've been doing this sort of thing for a while, but I'm curious... how sensible is it to serve alcohol to Demons when we're a thousand feet or so in the air?
"I mean, what stops them from going on a drunken rampage and bringing down the ship?"

As his ear pressed to the metal floor, which as stated before was part of a large hangar door that only led to a freefalling open-air death, Kenyan would have not heard much of anything yet other than the machinery and the sound of strong rushes of air.

Jake watched him with a tilted head.  "Now you've got me curious, friend.  What is it you plan on doing if you do find any rats?"

Nearby, Willard couldn't help but listen as well.

*     *     *

On the side of the bar where the Demons were gathering attention, the ferret's coatimundi partner was running around and taking orders just about as energetically.  But this, the hours after the ship lifted off, he always looked forward to.  Being busy always just made the time go faster.

Suffice it to say, as he kept serving drinks to the rather comfortable Demon pair, he became a little unnerved...especially when a lynx Being was asked to join them in a few more.  It seemed to be quite a strong possibility that the ship's officers would have their hands full, should he have to call them.

Just as he was about to call their attention on the matter, a gray wolf had come up to the far side of his half of the bar and inquired about it.  As he mixed the drinks, a proud grin spread over his thin, pointed muzzle.  "Quite simple, sir.  Our good ol' magic dampener is a great help...but of course, Demons can still be pretty strong even with half their power cut.  Our ship's officers have been trained to reprimand anything with quite efficient swiftness.  One call and I can bring down an army if I must.  And the ship itself is quite well-protected, trust me."

He turned to the Demon pair then, as he passed them their next shots.  "You hear that, you two?  I must warn you to mind your limits on those drinks.  Our officers don't tolerate such things as drunken rabble-rousing, especially if it becomes a bother to the other customers."  He chuckled.  "And the Head Officer is a very strict woman.  I'd rather not cross her myself, if even the Captain won't."

Back on the other side of the bar, as Aisha was listening for confirmation on whether the angel next to her had indeed recognized her symbol for what it was, she couldn't help but catch the conversation about the pair of canines getting frugal with the drinks.  Her ears flattened to her head, and her claws visibly unsheathed around her drink.  "Demons," she hissed with quiet, barely-masked hatred.

"I'd watch what you say about 'em, Ma'am," the ferret bartender piped up as he refilled her glass.  "The Captain is one himself, see."

...Oh, wonderful.  This'll be a long twelve days.

The Bar
One of the bartenders, the ferret, in between mixing drinks, nodded idly to Evan and rummaged around under the bar. "S'matter of fact, someone did leave a message for you specifically, said it was urgent." He slides over a small envelope, smelling faintly of beeswax and sealed shut with a bit of red ribbon pasted to the opening. It's not heavy enough to be more than a page long, if even.

Aisha and Kafzeil's discussion is interrupted with a polite "ehm", as a tall lean Moose with graying hair pulls his monocle off a short chain and rubs it with a cloth as he approaches the bar. He orders a small bit of absinthe, and waits for the captain to walk off to the other end of the bar before addressing the two of them.

"I see you've met the captain", he says between sips. "And you, madam, the disciple of Rynkura.... I must confess, I've been watching you. Thorialtor Kastnessen, at the service of you and your family." He raises his arms plaintively "No no, I don't mean you any harm, but I'm here, seeking mutual help, if you will. There's..... a lot wrong on this ship, a lot that doesn't meet the eye, and I'm sure that Demon is involved somehow. "

He turns to Kafzeil "And you too, sir Angel, though I do not know your name, you have a noble bearing about you. Might I impose upon the two of you to repair to a place more private? I do not wish to be overheard.

Hrolhgah walks over to where Baseel, Aleyna, and Vladim are talking. Turning his head to best emphasize his battle scars, he nods at the party. "And with that warning out of the way, let me welcome you to our little family. My backers insist that I clamp down on trouble wherever I see it, but it is good to see a pure-blooded demon on board. You're Leofric's boy, aren't you? I remember what it was like to be young, although my time was spent in running and scrapping, but I remember how the old blood sings. Come now, before I change my mind. How about we go to the gymnasium? There are a few practice weapons, and a spar could release some energy, and there shan't be long before I have to stamp down on the problems that inevitably arise."

He turns to the lynx. "Or perhaps you, friendly neighbor. Unlike many of my kin, I know full well what the wingless can do" He taps his lopped ear off apologetically. "The man who did this was fast on his feet, and possessed a technique of a level I'd rarely seen. And those....... appendages of yours, they look to be the work of a brilliant craftsman. Are they as battle-ready as they appear? Perhaps I could spar you if the young man is too enamored of his lady."



The Slavehold
Without preamble, the iron doors slam open, revealing a second door, also locked, for the brief moment it takes for a canine Demon to drop a heavy sack on the floor and withdraw wordlessly. The burlap spills open as he carelessly flings it onto the floor, revealing a few small vessels of water, some bread and dried fruit, and a small, round rock with a bit of paper lashed on that rolls out onto the floor and into the leg of a rather stupefied cat being, who after a languid pause, stoops over to take the note.
"Despair not, friends know you are here. What garbage." He throws it with all the strength he can muster, but the note catches the air and wafts along the room before finally settling near the back of the chamber.

Most of the slaves are already heading towards the food.

The Casino
A small rabbit, with no apparent wings sidles up to Terry.  "And here I was, thinking I'd seen everything. Who... if I do not offend, what are you?" He takes a delicate sniff, and continues "Rubber and oil, but I've never heard of a Gambling Golem."

He smiles a bit at his own wit and says "I'm here for the roulette myself, but if you've prefer another game, I'm up for anything. Always nice to have an interesting person to talk to while the cards turn and the dice fly, don't you think?"




(OOC: Minor edit for legibility and organization. I usually type these up in Word beforehand, and forgot to re-bold)

"I'm glad," Jakob said.  "We wouldn't want them digging through the floor, or something."  Hmm, he thought to himself.  Does that mean the crew have some kind of bypass for the magic damper...?

His thoughts were interrupted by the jaguar lady nearby, and if his headwings had been out, they would have drooped.  While he hadn't quite heard what she had hissed, the bartender's response made it fairly plain.  Thanking the bartender for the drinks, he figured it was probably worth asking her if it was only Demons she had a problem with... if only so he'd know to stay out of her way in future.

But as soon as he got close, some other passenger came up and began talking to her in a slightly furtive manner.  Interrupting that would be even less polite than overhearing her overhear his conversation, so Jakob scowled in annoyance.  It soon faded... after all, it was a twelve-day journey.  Some other time, I guess. he thought, and headed off to give Hobbies his drink.

Kafzeil had recalled doing a bit of research on the Shadowed Depths. He was supposed to pass through it a few years ago, though a storm forced him to take detour.

The Monastery was briefly considered as a place to stay the night, had no other option in the area been available.

Before he could speak, he heard the pantheress hiss, noticing her hand bearing her claws.

Mental note: Keep her away from Eden.

A moose then made his presence known. He listened to him. Said his name was Thorlaitor.  He did chuckle at the notion of his "Noble bearing". He really didn't consider himself that much of a hero.

"I think that would be wise, my friend. Our fair Lady doesn't seem to comfortable anyways." the ferret said as he finished his drink."We can finish our little discussion there too, if you so please." He said as he faced Aisha.

Baseel first glared at the gray wolf who'd approached to the barkeep. He quirk in eyebrow, and had a mild look of disgust Who the fuck does he think he is?.  Halfway through a thoughtful discussion starter, the barkeep interrupted, which only further annoyed the demon.  He had the sense to give the barkeep a subtle nod of understanding. Again, forming a proper indignant reply to a very direct and personal slight, Baseel was about to point out how absurdly racist such a comment was, when he was cut off by the captain.  

"Perhaps a spar would be a good idea.  Not that i'd have needed to vent such energies until a direct and deliberate slight such as the one just oh so clearly delivered.  Can't even get a drink without being harassed.  I didn't realize you hired, and furthermore catered to the bigoted and ill informed."

It was more of a mild irritation... but he'd made sure to say his reply loud enough so that both the barkeep and Jakob could hear it.  "Yes, a spar will do nicely.  Please... lead the way."

After getting up, bowing politely to the other demon, baseel took a few steps.  As his mind clear, something the captain had said struck him, "You mentioned my father earlier. Leofric, you're correct that i'm one of his sons.  Though, now i'm curious.  How are you two acquainted? if at all?"

* * * * *

Aleyna smirked, downing another shot as Baseel wandered off.  She was half-tempted to watch the fight, but on the other hand, she too, was rather irritated at the casualness with which the gray wolf had immediately singled them out as the ones to cause trouble.  Perhaps an adventurer working on habit, or perhaps someone to draw suspicion elsewhere when they try and cause problems.  It would be more intelligent to check him out.  More fun to watch Bassy get his ass handed to him, but certainly not as useful.  Oh well... i guess it's time to put the countess mask on.

Her jovial mood seemed to ebb away as she politely excused herself from Vlad.  "I'm sorry, but i think there's something i should handle before Baseel returns.  You could join me down there if you'd like to actually try and converse... but someone has just committed a serious social faux pas, and i think it be best if i correct him before he returns"  

Gesturing to Baseel as she slowly moved a few seats down.  Her face was flat, uninterested.  Her ears slightly slicked back, and her tail twitched in annoyance.  She moved after Johan, keeping a little distance between herself and the strange, though well dressed man.  "You know, voicing concerns over security is one thing.  Staring at the pair of demons doing nothing than being jovial while doing so is certainly an easy way to get yourself into trouble, -sir-"  

Her tone carried enough of a bite to let Johan know she'd used the polite title facetiously.  Her eyebrows narrowed slightly, and her faux-courtesy ended.  The demon vixen carried herself with almost causal body language, sipping her drink  voice was direct, nigh accusatory,  "I'm lady Aleyna Kresedia, and if you wish to remove the target you've oh so clearly painted on your back, i suggest you explain yourself."

Mel realized she had strayed a little closer to the table than she had planned when the dragon player addressed her, "Don't I know you Miss?" The speaker was pale blue dragon, in his base quadrupedal form but far, far too small, only reaching about seven feet at the shoulder and about ten long. "Yes, yes, you're the Icewing girl who sold Uncle Fridmar that dagger enchanted to cut through stone the last time we were visiting the delightful Lady Luna." He chuckled a bit to himself. "Aunt Eydis didn't appreciate the quality of the enchantment when one of the grandsons got hold of it and carved his initials into half the surfaces of the old family manse." Through all of this he was carefully arranging and rearranging the cards daintily held in one large clawed hand. Finally satisfied with their order he extended one paw, delicately touching the palm of Mel's hand with a talon. "Itangast Skeiweir, and it is good to see another dragon here. I'm a bit of an amateur enchanter myself. I've been testing a method to get my more natural form down to a more manageable social size. The damper is causing some interference, but it doesn't seem to mess up pre-existing magical structures all that much." "Melodie Icewing, and I remember you and your uncle. He drove a hard bargain." Actually he hadn't but everyone liked to think that they had.

Mel was about to suggest meeting later when the real reason he addressed her came out. "My condolences to hearing of the invasion of your family's hoard. Has the vile thief been punished yet?" Inside Mel cringed. Everyone wanted to gossip, and maybe gloat, about how someone had been bold enough and successful enough to invade the Fort and make off with something. The tale grew with each telling. It was only a couple of items out of the third class treasure room but the family was obligated to track the thief down and make an example of him or her as a deterrent to even bolder thieves. Which was why Barron wasn't available to accompany her on this trip; everyone available was out chasing leads.

She smiled pleasantly at Itangast "I am sure Grandmother has the culprit in her sights by now. She will get that sword and shield back and everyone involved will be very sorry until the end of their maximum lifespan and probably down to the end of their grandchildren's maximum lifespan as well."

Jakob scowled inwardly as the Demoness accosted him, but outwardly his face was perfectly level and composed as he placed the drinks on the table and turned back to her.

"Lord Pettersohn, Thane of Mordor and true servant to my noble master, Lord Daryil," he said, with a bow.  A master who can and probably would think you into a pile of ashes if anything unfortunate happened to me, or the documents in my bag, he thought.

"My Lady, I think you mistake me," he said placatingly, "Joviality is not a problem for me.  Nor is it a problem if you wish to curl up into a little ball on the floor and sleep it off, or run around the room naked.  I have seen all this and more at the Academy where I studied.  What does unsettle me is what may happen in later hours, and if you will bear with me, I will explain why.  However, it was not my intention to er, 'sic' the bartender upon you... I simply wished to know what precautions were in place and his decision to admonish you was not at my urging." he paused for a moment.

"I have in fact recently attended a Demon party at the Old Manor in Ilf'Reth, after signing documents there," Jakob continued.  "It is shortly to become the New Manor, I believe," he sighed.  "Something stronger than drink may have been involved, but nonetheless, as the night wore on, Lady Inova and most of her guests of similar racial ability began to search for the legendary lost treasure of her clan, and dug out the building's foundations in a single happy night.  Four servants and two of the guests were killed in the resulting collapse.

"With this event still fresh in my mind, perhaps you can forgive me if the idea of Demons losing their inhibitions to drink is a rather frightening one to me, particularly several thousand feet in the air where there is no escape if things get out of hand.  If I seem to have singled you out it is because most of the other Demon or Angel guests I can see have restricted themselves to a single drink for now.  My concerns were strictly practical, and not intended as a slur upon your honour, or against your race.  I apologise if they have been so interpreted," he concluded, with another bow.

When Kenyan heard nothing but air and machinery, he again cursed in the odd chattering, clipped language he'd used before, and raised his head just in time to see the food dropped off. At the sight and smell of fruit, he immediately abandoned all pretenses and grabbed as much as he could before he regained his manners and left enough for the others. No matter how hungry he was, or how much he missed fruit, he could survive on less than the others in any situation. Taking back two dried figs, a chunk of bread and some water, he sat back down on his haunches near Jake.

"I was hoping to ask the rats if they knew of any secret ways out of the hold." His tail lashed back and forth anxiously as he forced himself to eat slowly. His animal instincts weren't going to be of any help for now. "It is not as useful to us, since we are not rats, but it might have helped in smaller ways."

Aleyna quirked an eyebrow, "Perhaps you're an ambassador, but you certainly lack the common sense to ease -your- mental burden in a place that -isn't- within earshot of someone whom you've so prejudiced yourself.  Perhaps it wasn't meant as a slight, perhaps it was.  I've been talked down to twice since your arrival in my presence... Make sure it doesn't happen again."

Her voice was still biting, and her irritation obvious.  "Furthermore you somehow compare a romantic getaway to a house party with a rabble of half breeds high on Crimson Crystal Dust, or whatever happened to be served there.  Honestly, i have no idea how you managed to -not- insult the lady of the house... perhaps it was the drugs still talking."

Sipping her drink as her anger at the indignity slowly faded, a more calm head slowly set in after she'd given him back at least as well as he'd thrown, she then added, "Perhaps if we're stuck in close proximity for the better part of two weeks it'd be best to put this little incident behind us, and start off anew.  Watch what you say, and how you say it and we shan't have these problems in the future... fail to do so... well... it -is- only twelve days... i can avoid you for twelve days... almost as easily as tracking you down afterwards." 

She flashed her very sharp, predatory teeth, then pivoted sharply and wandered off.  She stopped after a few steps, giving a little look over her shoulder at Jakob as she said in an almost amused tone, "Have a pleasant trip."

Jakob's expression did not change - the unflappable part of the diplomat was something he had down pat, even if he was still a bit green at the rest of the deal.  In any other situation the properly diplomatic thing to do would be to gracefully accept defeat, take the bone he'd been thrown and stay out of her way for the rest of the trip.  But she was a Demon.

"Power, my lady," he said calmly.  It wasn't a boast, it was a statement of fact.  "The influence of my Lord together with the technology he can provide.  To the Lady Inova, it was a chance to help her clan regain some of its earlier glory in exchange for some ore deposits on her land."

"Again I must apologise," he continued, looking at the ample distance between the bartender and the area where the Demons had been seated.  "I didn't think you or your illustrious partner would hear... I guess there was a lull in the conversation at just the wrong moment.  And frankly I am still new to the role of diplomat.
"Now, sparking a war between our clans over a tray of drinks would be pointless and needlessly destructive to both sides.  However, if you wish to spar over the matter, I am at your disposal."

He nodded slightly, and took a sip from his orange.

Glancing awkwardly around to avoid the disappointment Xyrtia was sure she'd find in Mateo's eyes, she spotted the food getting dropped in and joined the mob slowly making theire way to eat. She was careful not to get too far ahead of herself, in case it turned into a stampede, and she was prepared to fast as she had many times before for religious reasons, but offered food was never something you turned down.

Hobbies gazed nervously at the politely veiled argument while silently giving a toast with the plum brandy to a successful twelve days. However any violence on the the ship, especially so early on in the trip made that not likely. The plum brandy was a little strong but it gave him enough courage to try and distract from the tension. "So you two are together for a romantic getaway?" Addressing the demon couple. "Do you have any plans for the nights? I will be performing on the ship's theater at night on this flight. You could take a look if you are interested, what would you like to see in a performance?" Please, please, please don't choose excessive violence, those sort of plays always end up being political Hobbies thought I also have to make sure they aren't seated anywhere near Lord Jakob if they choose to attend 

Willard barely stiffened when the door opened and the heavy sack of food was thrown in to the slaves; he had seen it far too many times before, and it had become something like a drill to him.  So, as the others made their ways toward the bag, he made sure to stand and walk further out among them to quell some of the hungry squabbles that were already forming.  "A'right, a'right, don't crowd...gotta make sure there's plenty for ever'body.  Don' start takin' more than what ya can survive on for some hours, newbies.  Small ones first.  If'n I can see yer ribs, git over here too.  No shovin'!"

Jake hung back for the weaker members, ignoring his own hunger for the moment.  When Kenyan addressed him, his ears and eyebrows quirked with interest.  "Pretty clever idea.  It might work, hopefully, if a rat or two managed to hide in the stores.  I'd listen through the walls for the general area of the garbage...or what they store for us."

His train of thought was interrupted soon enough by the clang of a rock on the metal.  His ears caught the words that another of the slaves had read, and readily discarded, and his eyes widened as the paper wafted toward the back.  "Whoa, what?" he grunted and hobbled up, forgetting the weights on his wings as he reached for the paper and read it for himself.

"'Friends know you are here...'" he muttered in a hushed tone while walking back to the fray, and then tapped the other Gryphon on his arm.  "Hey, Will.  Lookit this.  I think we're not as hopeless as we thought we were."

The white-feathered avian blinked and turned around, snatching the paper from Jake's talon.  "Lemme see that."  As he looked it over, his countenance slowly softened into a mix of interest, curiosity, and...dare Jake think, a spot of hope?

"Well, I'll be tarred."

He looked up, and then folded the note and handed it back to him, voice lowered to a whisper.  "Keep very quiet about that, whatever ya do.  It'd be a lot o' trouble just gettin' a note down here, so if'n these people ain't messin' around, better not mess up the opportunity."

With a nod of confirmation, the Knight let out a long sigh of hopeful relief and went to the food pile to finally get his pick.

*     *     *

Just as Aisha was wondering if she should order something a little stronger at the moment, considering the ruckus starting at the Demons' side, the clearing of someone's throat from close behind caught her attention...as well as that of the Angel.  The rather fancy-looking moose wishing to talk to the roguish people at the bar was curious enough...but then he mentioned Rynkura by name, as well as revealed the fact that he had been watching her.  Her eyes narrowed, but she was relieved that she didn't have to coerce for further information from this Thorialtor.

But she did feel the fur on her hackles rise a little at his statement.  Something wrong?  Interesting.  Her eyes happened to briefly catch sight of the lupine captain himself wandering across to the other side of the bar.  And not too awful surprising.

As the ferret Angel gave his own confirmation, Aisha hummed, and tossed the coins for her drinks toward the bartender.  She faced the two, with cautious conviction present in her eyes.  "Huh.  Well.  I suppose I can make some time to hear about this interesting turn of events, sure.  Besides, you're right, amigo; I'd rather not stick around here much longer, else I'll be tempted to act.  And I have nowhere else to be right away."  She hopped from the stool and nodded toward the moose, flicking her tail and sorely missing the feel of the magic from the emerald ring upon it; that enchantment had made it glow around Creatures of dark magic.  "Lead on then, señor Kastnessen."

The jaguaress turned back to the ferret as she followed.  "By the way, I suppose introductions are in order now."  She held out her hand.  "I am Aisha, the Risen; adventurer, if you could not guess," she smirked.

Back at the other side of the bar, the musteline tender slapped the coati in the arm and hissed.  "Hey, you're supposed to give them a warning, not a threat.  You're lucky the Captain's not after your head now, new guy."

He straightened up and snorted indignantly.  "Sheesh, sorry, I was only tryin' to help.  I was nervous."

Almost as soon as he put the glass down, one of the bartenders ceased talking to the lupine emissary , giving him his order, and approached the demon pair with a new set of drinks and a hearty dose of mouth soup.
No shit ... Either these two are known troublemakers, or someone's just bit off quite the solid chunk. Either way, let's see how well can he chew....Though I suppose drawing attention to himself *like this* does mean less focus on me.
The discussion died out before it even began, and the pair appeared pissed off, to say the least.

Before anyone could get a word by, the trio was approached by the captain, who first of all, ostentatiously showed off his scars. Overall, his behaviour was a stereotype that made demon characters in various dozen-for-a-copper pulp fiction (such the story of Beoric the Barbarian's fight against Emperor Crux of Hukkan) seem nuanced and original. He even challenged the male to a spar, and then...
How in the fucking hell ... and how did he recognise... this was a straight from blueprint job we...
Although he did his best to appear calm, the lynx was rather taken out of balance by the captain's remark. He turned towards him.
"I... commend your skills of observation, captain. Few notice, and even fewer understand... these matters, especially since I tend not to... showcase them unless a need of use arises, as it does attract undue attention, you'll surely understand. Besides, despite being able to do the job in such times of need... I'm far more versed in the matters of combat thaumaturgy, but as you know best, such a spar would be rather difficult to carry out given the... precautions in place. "

He turned to Aleyna.
"I certainly won't mind, either here or in the gymnasium... the second might actually prove more conductive to conversation due to a lack of certain disruptive elements."

Normally, the rabbit would have offended with the 'what are you' statement... but he seemed cordial enough. At least the 'who' came before the 'what.'

"My name is Terry, and I prefer to classify myself as a sentient unliving artificial person," he said. "If you wish to be politically correct. And while I appreciate the offer, blackjack may very well be the only game I can excel at."

Which was to say, it was the one he could cheese the most using probability and measured risk-taking.

Kafzeil nodded as he rose from his stool, pushing the glass, it's contents now empty save for the usual amount of foam. He could always come back for another drink. Besides, the moose likely wouldn't try anything unless he was really stupid. Provided he tried it alone, of course.

He took a moment to notice the commotion with the Demons and some gray wolf.

"Dumbass." Kaf snickered under his breath. Granted, he may have had a point...still, insulting not one, but TWO Demon's, and if he caught that word right, pureblood ones who seemed to buy into demon traditions, within an earshot was a lovely way to see what the beating end of a mace looks like.

Still, he may need to approach them. As the diplomat of his family, he'd like to see if the Harkonnen had any sort of relationship with their clans.

He listened to panther before taking off with her and the moose. Well, she really didn't like Demons.

Kafzeil smiled at the panther as she held out her hand. Her name as Aisha. He took her hand and shook it.

"Kafzeil Harkonnen. I handle Diplomacy for my Family, mostly." While he had a bleak view of Adventurers, Kafzeil had to admit at least one thing about the profession.

"...I suppose have a lot in common as far as professions go. I lend my services to those who need it, when I can."

"Oh... I'm sorry. I didn't... I mean..." Looking around, Mateo couldn't see any other captives with nametags on their collars. He lowered his neck and dropped the matter. "It's okay... um... Xyrtia? That's a pretty name. This Jane Wimbly person must be your owner or..." Gah! Why even suggest something like that? Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

The loud clang of their prison doors bursting open thankfully jarred him away from further opportunities to embarrass himself. Mateo waded into the crowd forming around the bag. His mouth watered at the smell of food. After days of near starvation (and mostly failing to keep down what meager fare they did provide), he could probably have wolfed down the entire bag himself. But he didn't want to take more than his fair share, and he certainly didn't want to piss off the Gryphon who'd taken charge of the slave hold. The big guy probably considered him one of the "small ones"--his lanky, youthful frame felt tiny by comparison--but Mateo didn't want to appear weak or greedy. He hung back until several of the others--especially Xyrtia--had had a chance at the food. When his turn came, he snatched a few pieces of dried fruit, which he downed along with a long swig from the water bottle. He hadn't realized quite how parched he was, and it felt good to finally wash the taste of vomit out of his mouth.

His ears perked up at the talk about the note. From the cat's reaction, he'd assumed it was just their captors toying with them, but the Gryphons appeared to be taking it seriously. The two were whispering in tones he doubted a normal Being would be able to hear. He didn't want to be outed as an eavesdropper--or worse, as a Were--but their conversation rekindled something he'd feared he might never feel again. Hope.

Mateo waited for the winged Gryphon--the one who'd taken the note--to collect his share of the rations. He leaned over, keeping his voice low.

"Is it true? Are we gonna be rescued?"

Aleyna first turned her attention towards Jakob and smirked.  "Very brave of you.  Offering to correct your wrongs in the ring of honor.  Perhaps i'll give you the chance, if you'd care to accompany me to the gym.  I know Baseel and the captain went that way for a spar, so we may have to wait for a turn.  If nothing else, it'll certainly be a good way to rebuild the mood i'd arrived with."

Winking at the incubus she then turned to the performer.  "We'll see where things go.  We'll stop by for an evening, something a few hours would be nice.  Too much longer and we may have to cut out early.  Beyond that, though, i think it should be up to the performer to choose and adapt his plans to better fit the audience."

Looking in the direction Baseel was headed, she extended a hand to wolf incubus, "Shall we?"

"I suppose this is where we part ways for now Lord Jakob." Hobbies said and bowed in farewell. The incubus thanked the wolf for the drink and left, now that he some ideas of what to perform tonight. If he was to perform more of the shorter pieces in one night, it would be tricky to prepare his puppets to "speak" the lines. First of all though he needed to finalize the night's acts. The rest would come later, he headed back towards his room but changed his mind at the last second and headed towards the ship's theater. The fennec needed to check the size and equipment of the stage.

Finishing his stroll around the upper deck Paladin made his way to the airship's casino. Looking around he spotted what he was after; a low limit poker game, the wolf was in no hurry to blow his gold in a high stakes game just yet, even though that would take some time.

After exchanging some gold for chips, the disguised Incubus ordered a drink and asked to be dealt into the next hand...




*******************************


The Diminutive Redheaded Devil, having finished her exploration for the moment, and craving some attention made her way to the Aft End Bar she had located.

Sliding up to the bar itself and sitting down on one of the stools Ephrael ordered several shots, fairly bouncing up and down as she stared out at the countryside below and waited for her order.

"My lady," Jakob said to the Demoness, "I would be honoured.".  He considered for a moment that it might be better to retire to his cabin first and change into something more fitting, but then again he could just remove the top and the boots - he could probably even shorten the pants into trunks if the damper wasn't too strong.
The real question was how hard he should fight back - Aleyna would probably realise he wasn't really an Angel fairly quickly.

Jeremiah's grin widened as the snow leopard settled in next to the dragon. A girl at one's shoulder was, first and foremost, distracting. Distracted players were good.
And to think I was worried.
"Bets, ladies and gentle-men." He added, gesturing to the circle in the center of the table as he sized up his suckers players. "Place your bets." Huh, if he's got any tells nobody will know what the hell they are, good for him. The dragon seems like one a' them pompous urbane types, that's pretty easy to pull. And I'm pretty sure one of the cats are drunk. He smiled to himself, Three normal players, a good face with no experience and a pinata. Good table.
He gestured a nearby girl with a tray of drinks over, smile dialed down from 100 watts to something more like 70.

When he heard the sudden whispering nearby of the youth that had a breakdown earlier, Jake's head whipped around in surprise.  His eyebrows furrowed slightly.  "You heard that?"

With a sigh, and a handful of fruit and water, the Gryphon stood up and made sure to keep his voice equally low.  "Look, keep quiet about that, okay?  I don't really know for sure that we are; and neither does our fearless leader over there.  One note doesn't always guarantee freedom.  Whomever contacted us may well be caught before they can do anything."

He smiled shortly.  "But, while we're keeping our heads on, there shouldn't be anything wrong with hoping, yeah?  By the way, name's Jake," the Knight finished as he made his way back over to his spot and gratefully settled down again, cursing the weights he wore.

From nearby, Willard watched the other Gryphon with heightened caution.  It was easy for him to keep up a stoic, unattached and unconcerned demeanor around the slaves.  But with the presence of the note, and of his kinsman's confidence, the wingless avian for the first time in ages was beginning to indeed hope again.

If nothing happened.

*     *     *

Back at the bar, the ferret tender kept taking orders and serving drinks with the same amount of breakneck energy, while his newbie coatimundi partner handled things with more caution; if not relief that the demons were finally leaving...though he was unaware that he was being watched by a few of the guardsmen.

Soon, another customer had entered near the white ferret's side; a Tasmanian Devil girl, and he got to work making the shots she ordered.

"Grand view, eh?" he said, referring to the side window that she had been sitting near.  "Always too cloudy for my liking though."

And not too far away, as Aisha walked with the moose and ferret Angel, she nodded politely.  "Good to meet you then, Kafzeil," she replied, her eyes turning back forward.  "And yes, you're right...whether a diplomat or a hired arrow," she grinned shortly at the hint to her bounty hunter title, "It all boils down to helping the people that deserve help."  She chuckled.  "Just hope I didn't unnerve you with my profession.  Some of my good friends are actually of the winged type."

Evan thanked the bartender and paid for his drink, and slipped his finger under the seal on the letter and opened it up.

I know that which you carry. You are being hunted for it, and one of her relatives is here, NOW. She is looking for you, and you are in danger. I can protect you, but I need help myself, to correct a great evil on board this vessel. Meet me outside the gymnasium at 3:30. You will not know me, but I will know you.

Quickly folding the letter up and sliding it into his pocket, he grabbed the shot glass and threw it back. Taking a moment to let the fire die down, he dropped some coins on the bar and walked off in the direction that he thought where the gymnasium was; hell, he could do with some exploring.

Aleyna smirked at the oh so sight hesitation Jakob had given her.  "Oh, don't worry.  I won't go out of my way to ruin your clothes.  Besides, you could always remove a few layers if that's what's got you a little hesitant."  She smirked,  "It's also not like you couldn't fix the little rips and tears after the trip. It's a friendly spar, nothing more...  Though i do hope you know what i shan't go easy on you."

Rolling her shoulders back casually, one might notice that despite all the dapper, slender appearance, soft ripples in her fur reveal taught, wiry muscles hidden beneath.  "Well, it's either that or you can go change.  In either case, i'll be heading for the gym."

"Very well, Mi'Lady," Jakob said.  "I shall choose something more suitable and meet you at the gym."

When he had, Jakob was wingless, dressed in a T-shirt and trunks and a gown which he discarded upon entering.  While Jakob had not devoted his studies at SAIA to making himself into the perfect warrior, he had picked up a casual grasp of various techniques for using his wings to armour his body and increase the strength of his arms.  The shapeshifting was trickier and less responsive than it should have been, owing to that annoying magic damping field.

He had protected most of the areas that were likely to be struck during a spar, but not his head, relying on his own skills at blocking the Demoness.

"Mi'lady," he said, with a bow.

The Gymnasium
The captain strides off, not bothering to check to see if anyone is following, heading out of the casino and down a spiraling staircase that looks like it's red marble but is probably just a thin sheath around a brick core. He walks about eighty feet to a round door, which he pulls open unceremoniously.


The room is about 60 feet  to a side, with a padded mat floor covering about 2/3 of the surface and burnished, almost mirrored walls to the two sides adjacent to the entrance.  On the far wall is a large weapon rack, filled with lathe blades, softened clubs, and other practice weapons that will leave a bruise but are not intended to be lethal. Inside is a thin giraffe, with small, stunted batwings, and a calm, almost shy demeanor. The captain nods to him and turns around to address anyone who followed him in . "This is Rob, the medic. He's here to make sure things don't get too out of hand, and if they do, he's good at fixing you up without magic.  Now, young Wolksheem. I do believe I challenged you first."

He first walks over a locker, one of several on the wall that the door opens from, and places his overcoat inside, and then walks over to the far wall, and takes a thin lathe blade, crafted in a facsimile of a saber, and turns to face the entrance and brandishes the weapon. "What would you favor?"


Marching Upstairs

The moose finishes his drink and signs a small scrap of paper with his bunk number to pass over to the bartender, and then looking around nervously, motions Aisha and Kafzeil to follow him. He walks swiftly but without running, and goes up towards the bow of the vessel, and ascends a flight of stairs, and glancing at the engineers monitoring some bit of machinery. He then heads back astern, silently opening the meditation room and ushering his followers inside before turning the sign to "occupied" and shutting the door.

He turns to speak, idly rubbing his monocle, muttering something under his breath and pulling out his pocketwatch before tucking it back into his waistcoat and withdrawing it somewhat awkwardly.

"I don't think we'll be overheard here. The boys up front are forever tinkering with their machines, so I don't think they'll eavesdrop, and when they adjust the temperature of the gasbag, it can get a bit loud. This ship is a front. I'm not sure for what, but we've had divinations tracing a few missing people to this ship. They might just be trafficking, but they're probably involved in a number of abductions, and the magical shielding and the off-access areas provide a perfect cover to store people. I want to bust them out and expose this whole boondoggle. Are you two with me?"  


The Casino

"Blackjack it is then!" the bunny exclaims and walks over to the table, waving over to Terry. Since you're new here, first round's on me, what'll you have? He waves over the dealer and drops down a pair of blue chips and taps the green twice. "Get a look of the dragon, the one all scrunched up and quadruped.  I absolutely love this vessel. Fifth time I've been on, and there's always something new to see. " He pauses to wave over a waiter.

Xyrtia grabbed a portion that was small even by her standards. The bread and dried fruit reminded her of the week-long hunts back with the tribe, where food like this was standard fare until they could catch a beetle or other bug to turn into bug steaks. With a sigh, she idly nibbled at the trail food and let her eyes wander. Something going on between that Mateo kid and the gryphon, but otherwise nothing of interest. It seemed that the prisoners all accepted that elder gryphon's authority.

With a last bite, she finished her sparse meal and brushed her hands of crumbs before sitting back down against the wall, idly feeling at her clipped pinion feathers.

"I... ah... sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop or anything. It's just you picked up that note the cat threw away and..." Mateo's whisker's drooped. He'd been careless--foolishly hopeful--even if Jake had apparently forgiven his transgression. He doubted he'd still get friendly smiles if the Gryphon knew just how much he'd heard... or why. "It's okay. I won't say anything. I should've known it might be too good to be true. And my name's Mateo..."

But the Gryphon was already heading off to eat. Mateo sighed and returned to sit against the wall. He crossed his arms atop his knees and lay his chin over them, glancing furtively at his new acquaintances as they ate in silence. Could he possibly have made a worst first impression?

Nodding eagerly at Jake's additional ideas for his plan, Kenyan ate what he'd taken. When the bustle happened over the note and rock, he did as his adopted family had taught him: he sat still and listened. <So, someone is planning to rescue us? I can only hope their intentions are better than the traders...> Kenyan thought. As he lisstened, the young ocelot spoke with Jake. He got a stern warning, and the boy grew even more pathetic. Kenyan's ears lowered, and his conscience ate away at him until he finally crawled over to where Mateo was sitting, with the upset blue jay from earlier.

"Do not let it bother you too much," he said quietly to the boy. "They just don't want a large reaction. If any more trouble happens, we all suffer." He gave a small smile. "Your name is Mateo, is it not? Mine is Kenyan."

Kafzeil chortled, adjusting his glasses. "Not at all, Aisha. Several of my family have connections among Adventurers and the like."

*He placed his hands in his coat pockets as he walked alongside Aisha."Actually, I'm surprised one of my brothers isn't one. He's a militia Captain, but he certainly acts like an Adventurer."

Once inside the room, Kaf listened to the moose. Any smile he once had quickly vanished.

"These are some heavy accusations you're dropping."The angel said, walking towards the moose. "I won't say I don't believe you. I would like to see if you have evidence to back up your claims on you."

He closes his eyes, sighing heavily. "Madam, what's your take on this?"
*******
Eden had stumbled into the casino. An playground for adults. Adults with too much money in their pockets, or crippling lack of understanding about statistics, probability, and the somehow unaware the house was likely to swindle them, or both.

But she found Poker was good way to get to know people. Provided the stakes where low enough. Then it turned into a bloodbath when it turned out someone had stuffed a Jack of Clubs in his sleeve.

Exchanging some coinage for chips, she found a table, sat down, and grinned at the wolf sitting across from.

of course, she spent most of her waking hours with a stupid grin on her face but he didn't know that.

"Room for one more player?" She said, playing her chips on the table.

"Well, I, uh--" Terry hemmed and hawed. It wasn't long before those eyes of his slanted ever-so-slightly. Whoever this person was, he was awfully chummy. If Terry had learned anything with his brief time as a golem, it was that nobody got chummy with him.

"I'm afraid I'm rather incapable of drinking," he said. Truth be told, he wasn't all that capable of drinking back when he was flesh and bone, either. "Sorry, but I don't believe I caught your name, Mister...?" He idly placed his bet, both eyes still upon the rabbit.

Baseel idly tried a few of the blades, testing the heft and feel.  He selected a broadsword then plucked a training dagger as well.  He did have a preference for having some type of defense, and the lack of proper shields led him to grab the offhand blade.  "Sabers are brutal and straightforward.  Very little flash, compared to many a styles of fighting.  I usually prefer a large round-shield with either an axe or a long sword.  Something with enough heft to double as a bludgeoning weapon... though we can't really have that without some real danger to it... so... a dagger will just have to do, with a slight adjustment to my primary to better match."


With a smirk, the demon canine set his off-hand blade forwards, in an underhand stance, while his broadsword was held loose and light.  He idly spun the blade to make sure he didn't tighten up too much.  An overly tight grip is only useful for losing your blade and the fight.  "Engarde , Herr Captain."

* * * * * * * * * *

(OOC Note: It was agreed upon ahead of time that, for the fight, I'd be doing the writing between Jakob and Aleyna)

Aleyna had taken a few moments to change as well.  Her simple dress had been replaced with an outfit significantly more practical for a fight.  Her top was almost a tank-top.  A single strap held the weight over and behind her neck, while starting under her wings the soft cloth hugged her form closely.  Her dress had been replaced with canvas shorts that hugged her form, but still left a little room for her to move.  Her feet and hands were loosely wrapped to just below the knees and ankles, respectively.   

Taking her position across from Jakob, she snapped her feet together and gave a polite bow, her wings twitching slightly as she rose.  A mischievous smirk parted the demoness's lips.  Her feet slid around,  and she her shift in position suddenly presented Jakob with a considerably smaller target as her body opened him mostly her forward turned shoulder.

Jakob, on the other hand, positioned himself lower, wider and in a much more protective stance.  His wings were gone, and his entire body-language put him on the defensive.  He had a deadpan stare as he used his morphed wings to strength his own body and protection as best he could.  It certainly wouldn't be quite up to par with a pureblooded demon or angel, but it would probably turn broken bones into uncomfortable bruises.

Wasting no time with pleasantries, Aleyna's foot seemed to flicker out  of existence for a moment as she delivered a quick snap-kick towards Jakob's jaw.  He managed to drop a forearm into her shin and deflect most of the energy to the side, only to find a powerful follow-up left hook.  He moved into the hammer-blow, though was a little slow as his shoulder took the powerful punch, Staggering the incubus.  His feet adjusted, and his guard arm slashed across his body, catching the follow-up roundhouse kick a few inches before his ribs.

The demoness smirked as quick-stepped back to prepare for her next assault, "Not bad form, but your weak-side is sloppy.  A little slow, too.  Rather amateur too, I take it that hand to hand isn't your forte?"

She used the question to make him hesitate and think.  Before he had a chance to reply, she came at him low and hard, driving an uppercut towards his gut.  Jakob's hand flaring forwards and deflecting  her attack to the side, suddenly felt a sudden rush of air and a sharp pain across his extended extremity as his blocking arm was suddenly chopped by a wing-edge.  She was using the momentum to pivot, as she hooked her ankle over his shoulder.  Her hook dragged down and threw him into a shoulder roll, sending him tumbling off his feet for a moment. 

She didn't give him any respite, taking a quick step, into a wind-up.  Jakob rolled just wide as the tips of her toes passed across his arm's fur.  He rolled again, then, with a twist of his hips, he caught one foot on the ground, and threw himself to into a low crouch another few feet away.  Aleyna's follow-up was an axe kick, she was dropping the high blow just as the incubus had managed to recover.  Damn, She's fast, faster than I'd expected.    Locking his arms in an 'x', stepped into the kick, catching the her foot at the ankle and lifting. Well, at least I got one good.. shit   Train of thought shattered as he felt her subtle shift in weight.  She'd used the trapped angle as a fulcrum and hurled her body into another rotating kick.  Jakob watched the heel slowly arch across his field of vision, all he was able to do was drop her trapped ankle, and make an effort to stop the follow up.

The wolf stepped back and held his guard high while the demoness flared her wings and slowed her landing enough to catch herself on hands and feet.  She launched almost as soon as she'd landed, eyes transfixed as she brought a brutal right-hook just too fast for Jakob to catch.  Her fist slamming into his ribs sent Jakob sprawling to the floor, huffing hard while fighting to catch his breath.  Tapping the floor to signal his surrender, the incubus half-coughed "You win."

As soon as he gave his surrender, Aleyna's expression turned almost apologetic as she proffered a hand and helped the wolf to his feet.  "Hope i didn't hurt you too bad.  I wasn't being overly vicious... i just wasn't holding back."

Jakob tried not to lean too heavily on Lady Aleyna - it would make him look even weaker than his premature exit had.

"Not my best," he grunted shakily.  "I'd have done a lot better without the damping, but I dare say, so would you.  Still, I hope it gave you some satisfaction."  He bowed to her again.  Whether or not she had guessed what he was, Jakob didn't think it would be appropriate to morph his wings back in her presence.

Quote from: Kafzeil on February 10, 2012, 02:26:13 AM
Eden had stumbled into the casino. An playground for adults. Adults with too much money in their pockets, or crippling lack of understanding about statistics, probability, and the somehow unaware the house was likely to swindle them, or both.

But she found Poker was good way to get to know people. Provided the stakes where low enough. Then it turned into a bloodbath when it turned out someone had stuffed a Jack of Clubs in his sleeve.

Exchanging some coinage for chips, she found a table, sat down, and grinned at the wolf sitting across from.

of course, she spent most of her waking hours with a stupid grin on her face but he didn't know that.

"Room for one more player?" She said, playing her chips on the table.

The brown/black furred Wolf looked up as the Demoness placed her chips on the table and grinned in response to her question as he answered verbally, "Aye Lass there's plenty of room...But be prepared for a boring game, none of us have really bet big or gotten a decent hand...And so just a pair for me" He said as he placed his cards face up revealing a pair of Sevens to the other players, neither of which had anything higher, and so he collected his winnings.

"What brings ye to to this over-sized hot-air balloon?"

Hobbies checked the equipment behind the ship's theater stage. The crew knew about him and so let the incubus through with the minimal amount of fuss. There was cameras, microphones, sound equipment and connections to some of the screens that allowed for those who were not as lucky in the seating department to have another view of the stage. It was more than Hobbies expected, especially with nearly none of the magic dampening on the stage. This was promising as now the fennec was able to perform the pieces that did require a heavy amount of magic, not to mention costume changing would be a snap. The incubus raised his hand to his chin and thought about the seating arrangement for the shows. With a planned seating chart in front of him, he marked down reserved seats and any other notes that crossed his mind, making sure that the ushers would have as little trouble as possible. Now after that was finished he headed towards his cabin, he needed to prepare the puppets for the show and he had now a general idea of what to perform this time.

As they walked along, Aisha made it a habit to memorize their path.  The ship was certainly as impressive inside as it had looked from the outside, perhaps even more so.  She also nodded to Kafzeil, somewhat relieved that the Angel wasn't put off by her choice of profession.  She had to chuckle; it reminded her of when she first heard that the Mistress herself had been an adventurer in her early years.  A traveling paladin, really, but with not much less bloodshed.

Once the door closed behind them to the meditation room, she became her tense and alert self, standing with her left foot in front of her right so that she could immediately reach down for her concealed dagger if necessary.  It was a habit to be careful, even when she had every intention of listening to what the distinguished ungulate had to say.  By his actions, he looked rather urgent indeed, and it was a relief to know that they wouldn't be heard if it were so important.

When he was finished, her eyes widened slightly.  Trafficking people?  And he's tracked missing ones to here?  Huh...and the people that pointed me here...what if Jake was... The very possibility made her blood heat up.  Calm yourself.  You don't even know if it's true.

Aisha glanced between the angel and the moose, crossing her arms.  "You've pretty much said what I would have, Kafzeil."  She settled her gaze onto Thorialtor.  "I too would like to know what proof you do have of your claims, señor.  You say you suspect that this rather prestigious ship is transporting...people, for some reason...like slaves?"  Her eyes narrowed.  "Well, to me it would be a worthy cause to expose such a scheme.  Slavery is a condition that I would not wish on anyone...even my enemies.  But only if what you say is true...mind, if it is, I will not turn my nose up at innocents in need.

"And suppose that is true...why would they, that demonic captain and his affiliates, want to?" she added, humming with thought.

The demon didn't particularly bother to respond, by the looks of it being rather eager to prove his strength against his own kin.
Not like Vladim would be the one to complain about such a thing, mind you. He followed the pair into the gymnasium, and rested himself on one of the walls.
A few moments later, they were followed in by the demoness, and the emissary, who didn't bother with picking arms, and went straight at it, claw, fist and leg, while the captain and Baseel picked their weapons. He swapped sight between the fighting pairs, and the weapon rack. If any of them insisted on a spar... that quarterstaff looked like a pretty good option, giving him some added defense and freeing up more tentacles for attack.
Hell, is she quick...
She was clearly the winner there, forcing the wolf to do little but block her punches and kicks. After his counterattack failed he bought an unpleasant fist into the ribcage, causing him to drop and surrender. Vladim turned to the giraffe, though continuing to watch the other match.
"Say, suppose she broke his ribs, how would you go about fixing it without magic?"

Evan's search had been fruitful thought taking longer than he had expected thanks to some unexpected detours. I mean seriously, if you and your lady are looking for a place for some private time and you have a room, use it; not some random access corridor.

But still it was an interesting walk never the less.

He stepped into the gymnasium and surveyed the damage at hand. It seemed the demon and an angel, or maybe its an incubus, had playfully tried to remove each other's heads. Looking around the room, he tried to spot his mysterious benefactor, or is it contact? At this point he wasn't entirely sure, though based on the two letters he had recieved (one prior to the boarding of the ship, one after) he was beginning to suspect they suffered from bipolar disorder. Finding a nice wall out of the way to lean on, he tried to keep his eye out for anybody who seemed too interested in him. If anything it would give him a heads up should he need to run.

Receiving no reply from the young man or the blue jay, Kenyan sighed and finished his meal. It was time to begin his assigned task anyway. He moved closer to the wall, stepping nimbly over other slaves. He pressed his ear to the left wall of their room and breathed in deeply, trying to filter out the other smells in favor of food, or possibly rat fur.

Eden chuckled, waiting for the deck to be passed to another player and shuffled."Meh, I'm not a big High Roller like some of these Creatures. Closest thing I usually get to a casino is a card, or dice game with my men."

She scooted her chair closer to the table, wings folded behind her as she answered the wolf's question."Pleasure, mostly. Always wanted to rid an airship. Meet new people, see the sights."She leaned on the table."Maybe see if these things can haul cargo down the line."

Eden placed a hand on her cheek."And you sir? What are you doing thousands of feet in the air?"

The Gymnasium



Hrolhgah snapped a smart salute with his practice weapon, eyes darting over Baseel's stance and choice of armament. Stepping forward with his right leg, he swung a sudden slash at Baseel's upper chest, and when the taller demon blocked, he tried to slide his blade down to Baseel's arm. The latter cursed and retreated a step, slashing with his longer weapon, and holding the offhand knife in close to the chest.

Hrolhgah circled to the left deflecting a swing of Baseel's upward with an outside parry, trying to close to negate the reach advantage, but unable to get a good rush through. Baseel used the second failed attempt, and the resulting awkwardness of stance to charge in, to execute an inside beat to the saber and to push in, chest to chest. The wooden knife pushed in, and Hrolghah's attempts to bring his arm down to trap it were slowing the progress, but not halting it.

Snarling, the captain kicked at Baseel's shin, far harder than such a short arc should be capable of producing, and headbutted the taller demon in the chin. The distraction afforded him the opportunity to step back to his preferred distance, and the training saber came alive in his hands, an extension of malice reflected in dark eyes. Baseel parried and fell back, beads of sweat quickly forming on his brow, as he tried to deflect the unbelievably quick blade that was always probing, always darting, and always just about to slip past his defenses.

Baseel fell into a spiral retreat, always back and to the right, trying to bring his reach advantage into play, but the older demon was too quick and strong, and kept pressing. Mind casting for an escape, he stepped suddenly to his left, bringing his larger blade up and across, splaying Hrolhgah's weapon far to the side. Before the older demon could bring it back in line, Baseel brought his right foot forward and across his own left, turning his hips inward and lowering his shoulder, bringing his wing and all the force it could bear straight into the Hrohlgagh's upper torso.

The impact was incredibly forceful, but had little pressure, and Hrolhgah was knocked backwards and to his knees. Baseel rushed in, planting a knee to the snout as Hrolgah tried to rise, but the older demon laughed at the pain, and as Baseel thrust his dagger in, he dropped his lathe weapon and gripped the youngster's arms, his right on the wrist that held the dagger, and his left just above the elbow,claws digging in at the nerve close to the surface.

Baseel snarled himself, and although they were too close to stab at his foe with his horns, and he tried to back away, since he was the only one that now held weapons; but Hrolhgah's grip was too strong, despite foot stamping of his own that Baseel tried to distract him with. With a twist and a wrench of his left hand, Hrolhgah put more pressure on the ulnar nerve, and Baseel's numb fingers dropped the weapon.

Grinning savagely, Hrolhgah let go with his left hand, slamming a heavy fist into the taller demon's belly, right in front of the  kidney. He received a punch across the snout for his pains, but answered with a short, openhanded strike to Baseel's trachea. He then shifted his weight to his right, and wrenched the knife out of the younger demon's breathless hand, stabbing upward just under the sternum with a solid thud.


He stepped back, and smiled at his handiwork. "Good fight boy, you've got a lot of potential, once you're properly seasoned. Another hundred years and you'll probably pass me."

He then turned to address the lynx, smiling slightly as he caught his breath. "I believe it is your turn next"



Rob darted over to the fallen Incubus, politely but firmly probing his face and chest for any fractures, before smiling. "You'll have some bruises, but I don't think anything worse. Still, if you have anything more than stiffness and soreness next morning, come see me, or I can call upon your room if you give me your number." Half turning towards the lynx, he added. "Well, you can't create new-standing magical effects, but pre-existing structures are in place. I have a few enchanted salves and bandages, as well as the ubiquitous yellow potion. I suppose we could be in trouble if my stock ran out, but I've yet to have that happen, we travel pretty well provisioned. But don't worry, I doubt the captain will go as far as to break anything."

The Slavehold
The iron doors slam open once again, and a dark hand throws a figure in. He's short, a coati, in what looks like a bartender's uniform that has a few tears in it now. There's a bit of blood around his mouth and his left eye is swollen. Despite that, when the door closes a moment later, he picks himself up, and looking around at the hold, starts chuckling to himself, progressing from there to a full throated laugh.

The Casino
Smiling, the rabbit hands a marker to the waiter, asking for his usual , and glancing about the table. "Sorry about the drink there, but I'm Morden. Most folks don't call me mister though, doubling down on the Ms would just sound odd, don't you think? And if you don't drink, then." He interrupts to receive his order, something fizzy and effervescent, and take a small sip. "Now, where was I? Oh yes, if you don't drink, and this isn't your usual sort of haunt. "

He paused again, his attention on the cards that were being dealt out. The dealer had a 9 showing, Morden had a pair of sevens, and Terry received a  Queen and a Two. "Think I should split against him? It's a bad hand for me either way."

The meditation room

The moose grimaces, pacing around the room, adjusting his monocle. "Unfortunately my best proof is already out of reach. I sent one of my people into the hold, with a few smuggled weapons for the slaves to help in an uprising. Or he will be in the hold pretty soon. Apart from that, the only proof I can offer is this..." He rummages around in his clothes, and produces a small diary, foolscap bound in some kind of ratty frame, which he hands to Kafzeil. "It's a diary of one of the new Phrantilar storm-troopers. He talks about how his abduction and the 'flight in the sealed room', and how the memories are almost fading, that he's part of the elect, et cetera. Everything else would be locked up in our dear captain's cabin, or perhaps on his bridge."

He looks at Aisha and Kafzeil, glancing back and forth between them. "So, are you with me, or not?"



OOC: Switched the newest slave from ferrit to Coati, to match who said what at the bar earlier. My apologies for the mistake.

"I see... " Vladim nodded to the medic in acknowledgement, and turned towards the captain. "Then we're of the same belief.  Allow me just.."
He unpinned the brass fastener on his chest, took off the green cape, and carefully laid it on one of the benches. The back of his robe had a long slit from about two inches below the neck line to the waist, and whatever poked through looked nothing like fur. 
So it has to be...Hell... are you screwed... that Captain Scarface will hand you your arse in a bucket with the raspberries.... he's quicker, and definitely a lot stronger... hell.. though...  he had range trouble even against the other demon who's just.. what, a foot taller? If I don't let him close up... Just attack after attack, and focus on keeping out of harm's way... This could just about work.

The lynx proceeded to the weapons rack, and without that much more meditation, went through the few staves, picking up one that seemed best length- and balance-wise. 
"The simplest of weapons...and one that tends to be overlooked. Granted, in actual combat, a glaive will kill just so much quicker while needing just about the same skills.. but then, we don't intend to. And as you have noticed... I do have an extra hand, or four."

As he spoke, four dull, grey tentacles about two inches across extended from somewhere in his back, promptly taking position at his sides - two extended near his waist,  while two others placed themselves at about knee level.
The feline bowed, then turned somewhat sideways, gripping the staff a the end and at about a quarter of its length.
"Where words of power are mute, steel will have its word. Or wood, in our case. On guard, captain!"

Xyrtia jumped at the coatimundi getting thrown into the slavehold, and was planning on dismissing it and returning to blank contemplation of her talons until he started laughing maniacally. Slightly shaken, she stood and slowly approached the man, asking, again in her broken merchant's tongue, "Everything alright?"

Jake never thought that he'd miss the humble but plentiful extravagance of the food from the Monastery, as he munched on his meager portions of free-for-all slave rations.  He hummed briefly while biting into a piece of bread that was at least still mostly soft.  If I get any thinner, I'll look like the switch I used to get whipped with, the Gryphon snorted a short chuckle.  Memories of home, even the less-than-pleasant ones, were still good enough to keep him from his brief fits of hopelessness.

He then watched over the various conversations going on among the others, and his eyes settled on Kenyan as his ear pressed to the wall.  I hope that idea works...it's the best one we've got so far.

Sure enough, once the lion could hear well enough, there indeed seemed to be a short fit of scrabbling about in a small storage chamber on the other side.  But soon, those sounds would be drowned out by those of the newest development in the slave hold.

All eyes had turned to witness the spectacle of the iron doors slamming open, their echoes accentuated with the grunting and struggling of a coati, dressed unlike the rest of them, falling onto the floor among the leftovers.  He looked roughed-up, somewhat beaten to a pulp.  Jake's eyebrows raised.  They were already in the air...where would they get new slaves from?  Their own workers?  What is this place?

But yet, faced with a life of servitude and a possible death on the battlefield, the bartender didn't react with panic or blind fear.  He laughed.

Soon enough, standing in front of the newcomer with a nonplussed look on his hard and serious face, arms crossed, was Wallard.

"Whassis then, another victim fer th' pit?  From th' help, no less."  He lightly poked the coati with his leonine foot, eyes narrowed.  "What's so funny, boy?"

Jake stood up, but hung back, curious.  I wonder if he has anything to do with the note.

*     *     *

Aisha continued to listen to the moose's story, her attitude neutral and guarded.  Her eyes followed the journal as it was handed to Kafzeil.  It was hard to decide what to do right then; a luxury cruise and an opportunity to find a lost friend seemed to swiftly be turning into a very risky rescue mission.

She couldn't help but grin just a little.  A possibly dangerous game that would hopefully guarantee the freedom of some individuals who never deserved such treatment...it would be fun.  Keeping her nose out of other peoples' businesses wasn't always her strong suit either anyway, depending on what the business was.

"Say that we do agree to this...or at least I do, for I try not to speak for others," she started with a glance toward Kafzeil, "What would our parts be in this, then?"

Mel took a discrete step back from the table. This was both to get away from Itangast's prying questions and because the frog was grinning at her. He wasn't going to do anything incriminating while she was watching.

Casting her eyes around the room she came across the odd sight of a clockwork man and a rabbit being all cozy at another table. Why would a clockwork be gambling? She tried not to stare at the odd couple as she attempted to decide if it was so weird that it couldn't possibly be suspicious or just weird enough to be possible. How easy would it be to make a mechanical cheating machine instead of trying to interfere with the magical wards?

She took a seat at the bar to think about if this was probable or not.

Hobbies went straight to his cabin with little to no trouble on the way. He went over to the collection of performance puppets and his suitcase. From the suitcase, he took out a bundle of scrolls. The fennec then turned to the puppets and slid a certain number of scrolls into hidden slots and secret compartments. The scrolls were an interesting bit of theater magic, in that certain positions, combinations and in extreme cases activation by magic allowed them to create voices speaking different lines of dialogue. Hobbies quickly finished his preparations and stored the puppets into his sleeves though he to expend more energy to start up the necessary spells. However the encounter with the demon couple did little to calm his nerves about this trip. So for extra security Hobbies took with him "Mr. Mud". However there was still so much time to kill until he had to start setting up. Hobbies thought that maybe he could take a look at what rich people gambled like. He left his room to go to the casino and made sure to lock the door behind him.     

Positively leering at the incubus, Aleyna patted his shoulder and let the medic check him over, "It was a good little stretching to be sure.  I'd say you're probably someone who prefers range given how you blocked and moved.  If you're interested in a spar where the dampener isn't in effect... well... i'm sure we'll have plenty of time to discuss that later.  Enjoy your cruise, while i watch this fight.  Baseel seems to be holding his own fairly well against the captain..."

She stepped back to watch the fight unfold, as Baseel and Hrolhgah.  The larger demon was surprisingly quick to roll to his feet, despite the nasty thump he'd just taken to the gut.  Bowing in reply, he smirked to the captain, "It was indeed a good fight!  Haven't had that kind of a challenge in years.  Most of the adventurers i've come across as of late are bigoted, easily goaded and terribly outclassed."

Returning his weapons to their appropriate racks, the larger demon waved off the medic as he dabbed the bruises and scrapes with a soft towel.  Little blood, but nothing worth calling home over. He stretched and smiled at Aleyna, "Impressive, no?"

"Well, you -did- loose"

"Oh be fair, he's got at least two centuries on me"

"and you have close to foot of reach on him."

"Sush... lets watch how your being friend handles him.  I suspect it may be quite an entertaining show."  

She gave a mirth-filled smile in reply, "I'll give you an entertaining show!"

He smirked and replied, "I'm sure you will... but that's indecent.  Better to wait until we're alone in the room for that type of thing"

Aleyna flicked Baseel's ear, "Must your mind always be in the gutter?"

"Oh please, you know that was just too easy a setup.  Besides, we both know it's true."

Rolling her eyes, Aleyna smirked, "Enjoy your show, loverboy.  I'll catch you in the casino."


Baseel waited for the fight between the captain and Vlad, while Aleyna returned to her room in a considerably better mood.  

Changing into into another revealing dress, the demoness headed out to watch the card games.  She watched and waited, carousing the various games rather than risking any real money for the time being.

Jakob bowed politely, and once checked over, took his leave of the gym.  Changing back into his previous dress, he made his way back to the bar.  And frowned slightly.

"What happened to the other guy?" he asked the new bartender casually.  He can't have changed shifts yet, surely? he thought to himself.

At the bar, the white ferret from a while ago was his usual speedy self while taking drink orders and fishing them out...thankfully, as it was nearing the afternoon to evening hours, more people would be taking tables for food instead of drinks, which left him a little more of a break.

Though it didn't help that earlier, the guards had "relieved" his new partner from his duties and carted him off between them.  Hope they don't treat the guy too badly.  He's new, didn't know what he was saying.

Soon enough though, they had put another tender behind the long table, a young armadillo lady.  It was she who was there now, blinking at the gray wolf's question.  "Afraid I'm not sure, stranger," she shrugged while cleaning off a fancy glass.  "They just called me down here, told me I was needed."

"Ah," the ferret kicked in, thankfully noting that he sounded more winded than nervous about the true ordeal.  "Jefton wasn't feeling well, said he had to skip off early.  Hope it's nothing serious, last thing the ship needs is an epidemic."

"Indeed," the armadillo hummed; at least she knew the drill to keep quiet and continue on with her work.  "Now, what can I get ya, sir?"

Quote from: Kafzeil on February 26, 2012, 10:01:55 PM
Eden chuckled, waiting for the deck to be passed to another player and shuffled."Meh, I'm not a big High Roller like some of these Creatures. Closest thing I usually get to a casino is a card, or dice game with my men."

She scooted her chair closer to the table, wings folded behind her as she answered the wolf's question."Pleasure, mostly. Always wanted to rid an airship. Meet new people, see the sights."She leaned on the table."Maybe see if these things can haul cargo down the line."

Eden placed a hand on her cheek."And you sir? What are you doing thousands of feet in the air?"

"A well earned break from work Lass!" The Brown/black Wolf said with a grin as he placed the entry chips on the table and received his cards, making a unsatisfied grunt. "Its been a hard few years with no rest, but then again they say there is to rest for the wicked." Paladin said with a wink.


**************************************

Ephrael grinned at the Ferret bartender as he set up her shots, swiveling around on the stool she was on while she watched him pour the line.

Putting a small stack of gold on the bar as a tab The Diminutive Redhead started on her drinks. "Oh. It's. Quite. Pretty. They. Look. Rather. Soft. And comfy." Eph punctuated every word with a shot.

"Say how often do these things crash? And can I get some more? That raspberry one was nice" She asked pointing to her now empty line of glasses.

Not having any luck staring at the various gaming tables Mel made her way across the room to the bar.  From that vantage point she would hopefully be able to watch for any magical fluctuations over the whole of the casino. She had a better chance of noticing ripples in the suppression field than actually catching anyone in the act of tampering with a single device.

Distracted by her seemingly impossible task Mel absentmindedly ordered a Pink Panda Huggle. It was only when the armadillo handed her the drink with a look of suppressed panic on her face and looking as if she was trying to hold her breath that Mel realized what she had done. The drink was pretty reliably toxic to everyone except fae, dragons, and 17 species of mythos. Well, it wasn't like she was trying very hard to hide her race. It was just with so many prying eyes around discretion was always smart. Hopefully no one realized what she had in her hand. Maybe she could convince people she was one of those shape shifting mythos that looked like slime mold in their natural habitat.

Kafzeil took the book and opened it, taking a few minutes to quickly scan the book, finding a few of the entries the moose was talking about.

Chilling stuff. The book could have been a forgery, but why? And such practices weren't uncommon, or at least unrecorded. Grab some slaves, wipe their memories, instant army of meatsheilds.

The angel's lip pulled back a bit, briefly flashing a few white, sharp teeth. Simply disgusting, that people would do such a thing!

The pieces did fit to an extent. Nobody would suspect a luxury crew, after all, of carrying a cargo of war slaves.

A shred of anger in his voice, and Kafzeil handed the journal to Aisha.They had nothing concrete, nothing damning. And yet, the sheer possibility that below his feet, that the Captain was carrying a cargo of slaves was enough for him. He'd at least investigate this.

"Yes, what is your plan?"He tried calming himself down, breathing deeply. "If what you say is true, then it must be stopped."
*******
Eden nodded, grabbing her cards.

"I quite understand myself, actually. So what do you do for work, Sir?"

"Lemonade will be fine," Jakob said.  "And here's hoping he's back soon."

I'm not sure they're being honest with me, he thought but let it go.

Just then he was struck by another thought.  How badly is this magic suppressor going to interfere with my ability to feed?  He wondered.  Will it interfere with my mental processes?  Will I need to sleep?  I could ask, but so far everyone seems to think I'm an Angel and this would blow it.  Maybe I can ask that Hobbes guy...

"Okay," he said, "I should probably order some food too.  What's today's special?"

Really what's the fun and excitement in throwing bundles and bundles of money out the window? I'll never understand the extremely rich Hobbies watched bids thrown, hands folded, slots spinning and Roulette wheels rotating. What's more all the high emotion, none of it clean gave the incubus a headache even through the magic dampener. It was explained to him that mind reading magic was utterly blocked by the magic dampener, the cruise crew was rather vague on the effects relating to emotion feeding though with the utter amount of disappointment, contained fury, snotty pride, and various other emotions being driven to a fever high pitch with all the gambling going on, Hobbies wasn't surprised if some emotional energy leaked through the dampener.
      Hobbies spotted the demoness from earlier stalking the poker, blackjack, and various other card games in a dress. It was considered a dress even though most dresses do not show that much skin. Still seeing her around made Hobbies nervous again. Ugh I hope she doesn't see me. He turned right around and headed to the bar, he needed some tea, perhaps some chamomile to calm his nerves. He gritted his teeth, not a good way to start the voyage so far.

The Gymnasium


The captain pulled his lathe blade from the floor and turned to face Vladim, raising the blade in salute before dropping into an almost fencing stance , trying to present a narrow a target as possible to the longer ranged extremities arrayed against him.  He darted around, looking for an opening in the moving wall of wood and tentacle, but none were immediately available, and he was reduced to making exploratory taps against where he thought a tentacle might dart or the staff might stand.

Vladim, sensing weakness, advanced, staff pushing forward down the middle, and his elongating hydraulic tentacles whirring around the sides, attempting to grip and tear away the captain's weapon, or to simply pound into his shoulders or chest. The captain parried the incoming tendrils, his wooden weapon a blur in his hands, but the number of incoming threats forced him into a slow, grudging retreat.

Perhaps it was the giddy thought of being on the offensive against an old Demon, but Vladim pushed his advantage a bit too hard,  thrusting with the end of his staff toward the demon's abdomen. Quick as a serpent's tongue, the captain sidestepped and brought his lathe blade in a downward beat, and then sprung forward, taking hits with the tentacles to his shoulders and wings, but only growling in irritation at the impacts.

Eyes blazing, the captain stomped forward with his left foot, pinning Vladim's boot down, and while the pseudotentacles flail across his shoulders and back, he thrusted his practice blade up and to the sternum with an audible *thud*. Smiling  apologetically as he withdrew, he  brought his muscled arms together for a trio of staccato claps. "I've no doubt that'd be a mortal wound if I used steel, but no doubt if you were going full force with your tendrils I'd be left with some scars at the least; and perhaps you'd have incapacitated me before I was able to finish.  I'm impressed."

He heads to the weapon rack, snapping a smart salute again to Vladim before he drops it off.

The First Deck Bar

The ferret grinned back at Ephrael, taking the shot glasses and cleaning them with a soft cloth, although more out of a sense of image than that they truly needed them. He filled it up with dark red liquid, and smiled to himself "We never crash. This ship is the largest thing in the sky, and it's got a ton of defenses around the bag in case someone tried to shoot us down for some insane reason." He dropped the glass in front of the Tazmanian devil, "Here's one more, but be careful, you're a little lass and you've already had quite a bit. I'm afraid I will have to cut you off if you have trouble talking or walking. Sure I can't get you anything merely aqueous, to space it out?"


The Meditation room.

The moose darts a glance around, and sure that there are no eavesdroppers, he continues, although worry or secrecy makes him lower his voice until it's difficult to hear clearly.

"Well, like I said, I've got a man on the inside, and he's got a few smuggled weapons, but I'm sure they have some kind of system for remotely incapacitating resistance in the hold, should things get out of hand. Some kind of gas weapon would be my bet. The bridge would be the logical area for such a mechanism, secure against wandering prying eyes.

Now I have a means...... which I cannot divulge just yet, but I have a means of communicating with my confederate. We need an opening, and a time to strike. We don't need to occupy the bridge indefinitely, just long enough for the slaves to make it into the passenger deck and be seen. That shouldn't take more than a few minutes. But we'll need a way to get most of the crew away from the bridge and approach it in secret. I do have one person I think I can call upon for help with a degree of certainty in the passenger rolls, but other than that, I'm afraid it will be just the four of us, unless either of you have any other allies we can enlist?"

He looks at the pair of you hopefully.

The Slavehold

The Coatimundi stops laughing and turns to Xyrtia, bowing low to her and then again to the rest of the slaves.

"Did you get the note? We couldn't be sure when I'd be able to get in here, but I was lucky, an opportunity came quickly. Worth a few bruises and a bit of blood. We're here to rescue you all, to uncover the corruption in the system and blow this stinking den of iniquity wide open. But I don't just have promises."

He reaches into his mouth, pulls something, and twists out a tooth, or a very good facsimile of one. Fiddling with it for a second, he pops out a small capsule. "Poison puff. Crush it, throw the powder in someone's face, and they'll be choking. Very useful, and I've got a hidden knife and a small charge wand, although I'm not sure if that'll work in the damper. And they're stupid, they let me keep my clothes. A bit of work and the steel toes in the boots can be made into something weaponized, I'm sure. The laces might have some small use. But we're going to get you out of here, you'll all be free."


He's positively beaming, and it looks like a bit of encouragement would send him jumping up and down in excitement. "So, you guys will work to tear down the corruption in our major power balancing system when you're out, right? The Phrantlarian-Helfrinian conflict doesn't serve anyone's interest other than a few elites who grow fat off of all the skullduggery, on the backs of people like you. Think of the effect you could have on the masses!"

The squeaking and scuffling he heard was a relief, but Kenyan's success was put quite sharply out of his thoughts by the arrival of the coatimundi to the slave hold. With a sigh, the lion walked over to listen with the other slaves. As the arrested ship staff went from laughing maniacally to speaking enthusiastically about his mission, Kenyan stood still and listened. He didn't understand some of what the coati said, but he understood enough to know he didn't like the last part. He turned over what few words he had comprehended carefully in his head - words like "tear down", "power balancing", and "masses" - and found the reason. Beings were better at subtext than animals, but even in the talk of causes he didn't know about, it was obvious what the young man wanted. Childish territory battles were the most basic of conflicts to figure out. Anger burned behind Kenyan's orange eyes, but he looked at Willard before speaking to their would-be salvation.

"Excuse me," he said when the young man had ended. "Forgive me if what I say is strange; I have trouble speaking. I am glad to hear that someone cares if we live or die on this horrid ship, and grateful to you and your friends for working to help us. I know that many of us here thank you for that. What the others tell you they will do is their choice, but before I choose, I would like to ask you something."

He was only able to partially quell the fire in his eyes as he asked.

"Are you saying that the only reason you are saving us from men who will force us to fight and die for their cause, is so that we can fight and die for yours?"

All those words. So many words, so many that she didn't understand. Xyrtia quickly backed out of the developing discussion and went looking for Mateo in the growing mass of slaves. It was the only face she really recognized. "Mateo," she said in her awkward, yet deliberate merchant's tongue when she found him. "I don't understand. What is happening?"

Mateo blinked, trying to take in the sudden revelation. He couldn't even begin to understand all the complicated political issues Kenyan was worried about. He grasped the important part, though: They were going to get out of this horrible place.

"I... I don't know, Xyrtia. I think he's saying he's going to rescue us."

He turned to the strange new arrival. "Is it true? Can you get us out of here?"

It was almost too much to hope for. How were they supposed to get past an army of guards and spellcasters armed with just a knife and a dose of choking powder? But the man was so infectiously confident...

Mateo looked down at his manacled wrists and sighed. Maybe these big fighter types would be able to do something, but the slavers had subdued him pretty easily even with his magic. He didn't much fancy his chances without it.

At the bar, Jakob was starting to get a little bored, though he tried hard not to show it outwardly.  Given how much my Lord paid for this flight, he thought, You'd think the service would be a little faster...

As he waited, he glanced around the bar again, trying to spot some kind of menu for food.

Hobbies was driven to be a little cross, the service was slow even though he had put the order for chamomile tea only a few minutes ago. He looked around the bar and spotted Lord Jakob. The fennec walked over to the wolf. "Hello again, I hope you're not injured too badly? I saw the demoness that challenged you to a spar in the casino." The incubus looked at the bartender again with a touch of exasperation. "Seeing her again did nothing good to my nerves, and the bartender doesn't seem to getting to my order anytime soon." Hobbies steepled his fingers, and said. "I've also finally decided what to perform. I'm going to open with a fairy tale, then move into a romantic drama, and if there's enough time end the night with a few comedies."

Aisha hummed thoughtfully upon skimming through the book, her tail twitching slowly as if on its own accord.  Listening to the moose, and looking between himself and Kafzeil, she began to wonder who the guy on the inside was.  The interesting lack of very specific information struck her as odd, as it seemed that he was purposely hiding a few things.  Still, she figured, all would be figured out in due time.  For now, it seemed the plan at hand was to occupy the bridge.

"To be honest," she began once she finished and handed the book back to the ungulate, "I have only been on this ship for a few hours or so...I don't know anyone yet who could probably help.  It would be a fair idea to ask around for more help if you need it...but if you only need us plus your inside guy, then that's fine too.  Heck...maybe we can make some friends around here and recruit more if need be."  She turned to the angel again.  "What do you think then, amigo?  This plan crazy enough to go through with?"

*     *     *

Back in the slave hold, Jake had other opinions.  On the one hand, it was easy to want to accept someone's crazy plan to help them out of their fate as enslaved fighters.  On the other, the young lion had a point.  It seemed that, even while casually mentioning so, the only reason this guy wanted to free the slaves was to just recruit them for the other side.  We're just weapons to these guys.

But he said nothing, for he didn't wish to squash the hope that was shown in the eyes of the others upon listening to the coati's plans intently.

Finally, Wallard turned to Kenyan and spoke up.  "Boy, yer lookin' a gift horse too far in th' mouth.  Or that's what I'd say, if'n I didn't have reservations of my own."  His arms crossed, and he peered hard at the coati.  "I've been trainin' and fightin' much of my life fer the ever-so-kind people who run this hunka scrap," he spat, "And been waitin' for my freedom for just as long.  But as for askin' us to join yer side...do we really have a choice in th' matter?  Many of these prisoners are just youngin's who jus' wanna go back home, back to their simple lives.  Much as I wanna be free, I won't lead a single one of 'em from one battlefield and into the next if'n I can help it."

The wingless gryphon's eyes narrowed.  "So answer us that, friend.  And by the way, yeah," he nodded toward Jake, "we got yer note.  Maybe the warrior kid over there might join yer team if'n he pleases."

"Oh, don't get me involved in politics, kinsman," the Knight muttered.

*     *     *

Having been relieved slightly that the wolf had stopped answering questions about their missing comrade, the ferret bartender set to work on getting the drinks for his clients.  Admittedly it had suddenly gotten rather busy, which would explain the lack of quick service at that point in time...but at least he was experienced with the impatient types.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said once he was in earshot of the wolf and, now, the fennec beside him.  "Your tea, sir.  Oh, and here, I had to dig up a menu.  Usually the high-society types all go into the restaurants and lounges for food.  Here, we serve things from the appetizer section," he chuckled.  A small, elegant menu, bound in velvet and bearing the fiery golden letters of the ship's name upon the front, was slid towards him.  "All types of sandwiches and sides, vegan dishes for those who want it...'course we can put in a request to the cooks if you want something more filling, s'no bother."

Quote from: Kafzeil on March 06, 2012, 12:08:52 AM
Eden nodded, grabbing her cards.

"I quite understand myself, actually. So what do you do for work, Sir?"

Paladin took a second look at his cards and shrugged his shoulders before adding a few more chips to the pot. "Ye could say I'm a Jack of All trades, Lass. Bit of Mercenary work here, Guard training there, with a little Bounty Hunting on the side.

"And Yeself?"

****************

Quote from: Corgatha Taldorthar on March 17, 2012, 12:53:53 AM
The First Deck Bar

The ferret grinned back at Ephrael, taking the shot glasses and cleaning them with a soft cloth, although more out of a sense of image than that they truly needed them. He filled it up with dark red liquid, and smiled to himself "We never crash. This ship is the largest thing in the sky, and it's got a ton of defenses around the bag in case someone tried to shoot us down for some insane reason." He dropped the glass in front of the Tazmanian devil, "Here's one more, but be careful, you're a little lass and you've already had quite a bit. I'm afraid I will have to cut you off if you have trouble talking or walking. Sure I can't get you anything merely aqueous, to space it out?"

"Oh that's good to hear!" Ephrael said cheerfully at the information"I've never been up in the air before."

She downed the fresh drink almost as soon as it was placed in front of her. "Oh I always space my drinks! Third, Fifth and Eighth rounds are water or sodas" The Little Devil grinned with her oh so sharp teeth. "Speaking of which its the Third! What do you recommend? Water or Soda? And then I guess something to sip on for a while!"

"Thanks, I'll remember that going forward," Jakob said to the bartender, and flicked through the menu.

"I'd like a baguette, I think," he said.  "Tuna and mayonnaise, if you have it, please."  He glanced back to see Hobbies turn up and gave him a brief wave of acknowledgement since he was still talking to the barman.

"Out of interest," he added, nodding at the incubus, "What does the damper field to do 'Cubi?  Do they need to eat?  Sleep?"

"I wouldn't know, I'm quite new to this whole casino business and--" Terry stopped himself. Was he really having this conversation in the midst of a blackjack game? "Don't you think it's a little improper to be sharing our hands with each other?" For all he knew; he hadn't been in a card game with more than two players in years.

Those eyes kept shifting back and forth between his cards and Morden. This lapine's presence was bothering him for reasons unknown. "Hit me, dealer. With a card."

What else would he get hit with, a fish?

Jeremiah smirked and slid a card across the table. He liked this one, although it may just have been the novelty of a poker player with no face to show. That and frankly he didn't like players at his table getting too chummy; the less they liked each other the harder they worked to hide their hands, and thus the more people lose.
"Careful fella asks for one card, one card he gets, card for anyone else?" He nodded to the rabbit and the dragon both in turn, wondering what had happened to the snow leopard from before. A pair of wings answered the question neatly and he made a quick mental check of the cards in his sleeves. Alright the last one in the stack seems to have slipped from my cuff down to my elbow, think that was a seven... Otherwise I'm set. Rightyho then...

Hobbies scratched a bit at his snout. "Well it's hard to tell, it was explained to me that the magic dampener is set to completely block divination, mind reading, and teleportation. Everything else is more or less cut by half. So I'm not sure if it forces Cubi to eat and sleep. Our clan keeps those habits mostly, though I don't think I would be getting much sleep on this trip." He paused and looked thoughtful "Well the stage is relatively free of the magic dampener to allow magic to be used in entertainment so I'm not sure if a cubi that's on the stage would freely emotion feed. I've felt emotional energy dimly in the casino but it might just be my imagination. If I really needed to I might try feeding only on emotion but I don't want to risk it."
     "I don't know if I've answered your question in the way that you wanted. But that's what I can remember so far from what I've been told." The fennec took a sip of his tea and felt much better. "Was there anything else you wanted to ask?" 

"Well," Jakob said awkwardly, "I was really asking the staff, but thanks anyway.  How are the preparations going for your act?"

The fiery furred demoness watched and bid her time.  She was hunting for a table that would either provide a challenge, or at the very least a little entertainment.  The card-sharks and professionals seemed to be taking varying degrees of subtlety while slowly raking in more and more money from the inexperienced, or out and out amateurs, while a few tables seemed to collect a group of pros, all of them seemed full. 

So... it looked like playing for a challenge was gone.  Entertainment was the next choice.  She continued her slow, measured walk.  She made sure to give her movements enough of a predatory edge to let the normally handsy and lecherous individuals know that she would not hesitate to bite back, hard if necessary.  She knew a few of the drunks would have a hard time resisting, and so she oh so slightly opened her wings to block their reach.  The saunter continued as she'd stay near the back, and observe for a few moments before moving on.  She finally settled on a table with a fellow demoness, along with a brown wolf.  She slid up next to the younger girl, and gave her a polite, almost purring tone, "You wouldn't mind someone joining a little late, would you?"  leaning over the table to give the incubus a well practiced, tantalizing, though only slightly more revealing view. 


*************************

Baseel watched the fight with much amusement.  The being wasn't a terrible combatant, but he was a bit too aggressive... and suddenly, in the blink of an eye, it had gone from a series of light probes, to the captain standing over Vlad's winded form.  The larger demon couldn't help but clap, as it was a well placed shot. 

He let the two of them have their moment of review and respect, and left the gym.  He returned in time to see Aleyna joining a table of her own.  those poor sods have no idea what's in store for them.  Flashing a knowing smirk he headed to a table further down the gaming hall.  There was an odd looking construct, with a single additional player, along with the dealer.  He couldn't help it... it was just too odd a grouping not to join in on.

With a pleasant smile and the flash of a small collection of coins he slid next to the construct, and gave the dealer a deadpan stare.  Letting them finish this hand, while giving a subtle nod.  Hopefully the dealer picked up on the "deal me in next hand" gesture.

Slowly craning his neck over, he went to observe Terry mostly.  Eyeing the odd features of the strange thing in their midst. 

The golem had an uncomfortable feeling of being watched.

"It's impolite to st--" His peevish, slanted gaze softened into something more timid upon staring up, and up, and up into the face of the demon beside him.

Without another word, he went back to his cards, shuffling them about nervously in his hands.

"Sod this." Evan stood up from the wall after watching the captain "school" another person. This was getting old, very fast. He left the gym, picking his way to the bar again.

Pulling himself up to the bar, Evan signaled the barkeep, "Hey, Boss, domestic beer if you have one." While the barkeep went about getting his drink, Evan gloomily glanced about the room. This trip was beginning to stink, this whole mess that got him onto the ship seemed fishy enough, and if he decided to jump ship they would just need to fill in the hole he'd leave upon landing.

"Hell is in the making when Fortune holds all the cards." He probably said that a bit loud to himself, but it fit. It was a saying he had picked up from a demon actually, though it spoke of the plight of the unprepared he was pretty sure the demon were talking more about his luck at cards.

Although for now, the pain was somewhat dulled by endorphin release, the impact still knocked his breath out for a few seconds. Regaining his composure, Vladim bowed slightly at Captain Hrolgh's salute while his tentacles retreated into their slots, but not before one of them grabbed his cape from the benches nearby.
"Either way, your timing was rather nice there, as was your-" For a moment, the feline bowed over, coughing. "-technique. Blows coming from low down are a bit tricky to block with these. All in all, if the rest of the crew are half as good, anyone trying to stir shit up better have life insurance." He grinned and adjusted the cape's fastener to sit flush in the middle. "Either way, I guess I'm off to lunch. Any recommendations?"


OOC: fixed a bit of the formatting and put some of the sentences into shape.

Eden grinned back at the wolf. "Oh, I work in Loss Prevention. Travelling Loss Prevention. Cave in thieving skulls and all that."

Another demon, a vixen sauntered up, slipping right beside Eden, and asking to join.

"Sure!"  Eden smiled back."Hell you can join this hand."

Eden took a tally of the Demon. Her body language and a hint in her tone of voice suggested she was..."examining" herself and the wolf.

Well, Eden had come on board to have some fun, after all.
**********
Kafzeil looked at Aisha. There had been a noticeable lack of information, sure, but it'd be wise to look into this moose later. Just in case this guy had an ulterior motive and would betray them.

The Adventurer suggested allies. The ferret smiled and nodded. "That is a wise move, we have no idea how much of the crew is, or would be, in on this. "

"In any case, yes, this plan is crazy, so maybe a backup one is in order. I suggest we investigate clues and find ourselves some allies."

He grabbed Aisha's shoulder and looked her in the eye serious."I can bolster our numbers to four but, are you comfortable with possibly working with a demon?"

"Hmm," Jakob said as he waited for his sandwich.  "They do seem busy tonight."

He glanced around briefly, trying to make sure he wasn't overheard.

"I have been wondering about the damping field," he said to Hobbies quietly.  "It must take a lot of energy to maintain.  I wonder why, then, it extends around so much of the ship if it's supposed to be there to protect the casino?"

He chuckled.  "Perhaps I'm just being paranoid."

Freedom? That was something Xyrtia could get behind, but people were suddenly asking more questions than she could follow and they sounded angry and important. With a couple steps, she made sure she was apparently out of the conversation, but able to come back in without it seeming too awkward.

Hobbies scratched at the side of his head "Well I did mention that divination, teleportation, and mental scanning spells have been completely blocked. They were blocked not only for the casino to keep an advantage but also for the security and piece of mind of the beings." The incubus looked to one side. "You yourself have probably experienced the fear beings have of us, other creatures, and magic. Many of those beings just want to relax without worrying about pirates suddenly warping onto the ship, having their personal secrets revealed by others and other things." The fennec wrinkled his nose. "Though given the attitudes of some on this ship, frankly I'm not surprised if they deserved all this security." He sipped at his tea.   

Staring at the dampening field was boring and exhausting at the same time. Mel even started to think she was hearing everyone around her talking about it. She glanced at the two winged canines whispering together nearby before telling herself to stop being paranoid. Everyone on the ship couldn't be trying to cheat the casino.

Noticing the armadillo who had served her the drink was still polishing the bar nearby Mel smiled and asked, "That frog been a dealer long? That creepy smile of his must kill business. Scared me right back to the bar."

The Slavehold

The coatimundi turns to the lion, almost quivering in excitement. "Not my cause. The cause of all of us. Yes, you're not alone; the small, the downtrodden, the people who can be snatched in the night at a moment's notice and hauled away for torture or death. If we free you from this ship and take you into a world of horrors, we have simply enlarged your cell. No! That is not enough, and I do not understand how you can be so satisfied, when with one great convulsion, you can cast this system of oppression crashing down."

He breaks eye-contact, pacing up and down the hold with an energy that's almost radiating from him. "But I can't speak for you, I can't give you freedom; I am but the way and the door, and you must find the strength to step through. And not merely strength in battle. It is the apathy and the ignorance of the people of the towns and the fields that let these posh silk-wearers and luxury lapdogs enjoy their twisted privileges. To get into the town square, to shout from the heights that it has happened to ME and it can happen to YOU will wake them from their torpor! And when the revolution comes, we'll be safe, we'll be free."



The First Story Bar

The bartender wipes an already impeccably clean glass with a rag, more as a habit, it seems, something to do while talking. "Well, there's that Islander drink, the Berhglhen, or something like that. They mix a secret powder into the soda, makes it burn a raw path down your throat; it's liquor like, at least for a short while, but doesn't get you drunk. If you're the sort that'll have eight rounds, I think you'd like it.

Not waiting for further prompting, he bustles around the bar for some soda and a faintly limming orange powder, which he measures into a small spoon and dumps in the drink, which almost immediately begins to fizzle in the glass, and odd popping sounds are clearly audible. "Pardon me manners miss, but what's a pretty lass like you doing up here all alone? You'd probably have better luck downstairs, in the more trafficked bar by the games."


The Meditation room
The moose smiles, and then quickly says that he needs to work on recruiting one more member for their conspiracy before heading out of the room at a quick but steady pace, leaving the angel and the adventurer to further plot. As he heads out the door, he calls back "Don't worry about keeping in touch, the ship isn't that big".


The Main Bar
The bartender, puffing a bit, finally comes back with slices of a baguette on a bread tray, four in total, with a mash of tuna fish wedged in the thin horizontal slices, and a tiny dish of mayonnaise with an equally tiny spreader sticking out the open top. He sets it before Jakob, crumbs gently settling onto the bar.  "Begging your pardon sir. I normally work at the smaller bar down below, and everything here is at a different spot; what with our regular suddenly vanishing,... I'm babbling sir, I'm sorry. As far as I know sir, 'cubi do not need to eat, and more than one of the other bartenders have said that they've seen four-winged-folk staying at the casino for days and days on end. Might just be stim potions though, and quite a lot want meals at some point or another, we do pride ourselves on the food, and most want a sample. Not really sure sir, and it's not my part to go harassing the customers about it."


He seems like he'd say more, before Evan's call brings him scurrying back to the drinks, pouring up a stein full of amber liquid and sliding it over to the new patron with a slight smile, before turning to the returning dragoness. "I do believe it's his first trip, but this is only my second myself, I don't know people too good yet."  As he finished his short speech, a lean, middle aged wingless moose sits down next to the squirrel.

The Gymnasium

The captain dusts himself off, and with quick, careful movements, brings the practice weapons back on their previous positions in the weapon racks. "Well, I'm partial to fish, but they often serve it with this white wine that's little better than piss. Honestly, it's all pretty good. But I'm sorry, I need to do the rounds, make sure that my crew isn't slacking. It was a pleasure sparring with you good sir, and I hope to see more of you during the trip."

He heads out of the room, eerily quiet for the pace he walks at.

The Casino

The bunny gives the frog a hard look, before declaring in a decisive tone "hit." Turning a more casual stare towards his new companion, he gives another sip of his drink. "Nah, we can talk the game all we like. One of the things I love about blackjack. Dealer's hands are tied, he has to stay on a seventeen and up and hit on anything less. And all of us are playing against him. House still has the advantage because we can bust first, and then it doesn't matter if he busts. A few of the other players name their declarations, but the dealer pauses to shuffle in the newcomer, a large canid demon, dealing him a Jack and a Five.

Terry receives a three.

Morden receives a four.

Aisha had smiled as she received confirmation on the plans.  Kafzeil was with her, and the moose had excused himself...hopefully they could find more allies, and then she'd get to figuring out the exact deal with the slaves on the ship.

And then, he had given her a serious look and mentioned working with a demon.

A demon.

At first, the panthress didn't respond for a moment.  But her pupils seemed to shrink, and the angel could feel her shaking in rage as he had a hold of her shoulder.  Her claws flexed, tail twitched.  But, being in a meditation room, at least they were in the right kind of place for willing out inner peace.  She closed her eyes and evened out her breathing.  When she spoke, her tone was even, if a little dark.

"No, I am not comfortable with the idea," she said, being honest as she shrugged out of his grip.  "I have a very, very bad history with demons.  Without going into details, I was orphaned because of them.  And in my dreams I can still smell the smoke from the fires, see one of them holding my father's heart in their claws."

The panthress shook her head and sighed.  "But, in my travels I have also known...amiable demons, and my views have been fixed some.  Now I only hold true hatred for one specific family, but, if I am to work with one, may they--and you--be warned that I will not drop my guard, or act very friendly toward them for a while.  I won't be comfortable, but I can adjust, for the greater cause."

She crossed her arms and nodded amicably.  "I'll work with the demon, amigo.  Tell me about them, if you will."

*     *     *

Jake rolled his eyes at the coatimundi's speech, answering the questions given to him about fighting for another cause.  He seemed proficient at the art of convincing, for he there was hardly a waver in his declaration and promises of freedom and safety and revolution.  It certainly seemed a pretty promise.  And many of the slaves listening around them seemed to think so too, for they were hanging on his every word, wide-eyed and smiling, full of more hope than he'd seen yet.

I wonder if this is the only chance we'll get at escape, really, the gryphon thought.  In any normal circumstances, I wouldn't want to have to fight for a cause that I have no personal qualms for, just to leave this place.  But...

As if reading his mind, Wallard expressed the same sentiment out loud.  "Yer pretty excited 'bout this, boy.  Are you th' only door we got here, though?  'Cause it's hard for me to know what some of us still think of it..." He turned to the others listening around him...the lion-lynx, the scared young student, the avian...everyone else, and even a passing glance over Jake himself as he sat still near the back.  "Whats th' word, y'all?  May be our only shot outta this place."

Jake hummed.  At least I can always quit THAT cause after I'm free of my bonds, at least I hope.  Hate to make false promises, but the Mistress would understand, as would Aisha, were she in my place.  Hell, I can imagine her causing an uprising herself.

"Guess I'm in," the Knight shrugged.

Well, that's a relief, Jakob thought to himself as he thanked the barman and set to work on the baguette.

"So," he said to Hobbies, "How's the preparations for your act coming along?  And can I get you anything?"  Jakob still felt a little conspicuous about being thought of as stupidly rich... the idea of flaunting wealth didn't make him feel comfortable.  Maybe I should switch to something more casual, he thought.

Paladin grinned as the Demon Vixen asked if she could add herself to the small gathering at the table. "By all means Lass feel free, it's not exactly a high stakes mach by any means." The wolf punctuated this by adding a small amount of chips to the pot and indicating he was going to sit on his current cards. "And this hand is almost over."



**********************


"Oh I'm kinda getting to know my surroundings a little, I used to be a Ranger back home and it sorta becomes instinct ya know?" She took a sip of the fizzing drink while smiling at the Barman "Mmm not bad."  She smirked impishly "Also its been while since I've been able to let my hair down some and relax." 
 

Kenyan waited until the coati was done with his raving about the downtrodden and the mistreated. Unlike many of the victims in the slave hold, he wasn't happy to hear that this group was the one about to rescue them. The tuft on his tail twitched with annoyance, and a low growl was building in his throat. Amid all the grandiose political talk, all he could hear was his earlier question being answered "yes". Of all the misguided, arrogant, naive creatures in the world, Beings were undoubtedly -

Kenyan stopped his inner tirade before he could get so racist, Kray-Zee would have been proud of him. This wasn't something to blame on beings when only moments before, he had acknowledged that animals did the same. And it wasn't the coati's fault that he was a starry-eyed, stupid extremist. He was young, he likely didn't know any better than...than Mateo. Or Xyrtia.

The lion looked back at them, at the hope and wary confusion in their eyes. Xyrtia was just as displaced as him, if Kenyan was right in his guess about how she had been brought here. And Mateo was just a cub, who had been ripped away from a home that loved him. This was the first hope they'd received of getting out of this awful situation, and as much as he hated to admit it, it was the best chance any of them had. His tail thumped to the floor in defeat, and his ears tilted back. His own personal feelings on war aside, he had to do what was best. But they had to remember that they had a choice, that they didn't have to die for another leader just to escape this one. He would make sure of that, at the very least.

"I shall join you too, then," he told the coati. His words said he was surrendering, but his voice and eyes burned.  "But know this: I fight for no being, if their cause is violence and death. I am joining you so that I can protect them," he nodded at the jay-woman and the student, "from harm. And any other whose death you may wish to wrap in pretty words for your goal."

"I did mention the program I've decided upon earlier." Hobbies said "and I'm now prepared for tonight's acts." The fennec wondered how much time had passed, he didn't have a watch. "As for getting me anything, I would like your opinion on my work if you ever attend. You seem to be the only nice sort of rich person I've met on this ship. Then again, I've haven't met a lot of rich people. If you do wish to attend, just say your name to the ushers. I've made arrangements and have let the ushers know. If they give you any trouble just ask for me by name." Hobbies took another sip of tea. "Though now that I'm prepared for tonight, I'm not really sure what to do now. I don't have the budget or the guts to gamble, and the last thing I need is to stuff myself and vomit due to stress."

"Thanks," Jakob said.  "I will do that."  He smiled.  "Maybe it's because I try not to let the money go to my head," he added.  "I've always felt that gambling is a fool's game, though.  Expect the whole system to be rigged and don't waste your money.
"Did you know that it was a gambling debt that killed Daryil's previous love?  Understandably, my lord has taken a dim view of gambling since then.  A restriction against it nearly got put into the Book of Tenets."

Jakob looked at his watch, trying to figure out how long he had until the theatre.

Mel rubbed her eyes and decided it was time to think up a new plan. Watching the dampening field wasn't going to get her anywhere any faster than watching the individual tables. This had to be the stupidest assignment she had ever been on. She took herself off the clock for the evening with a decision to go to check what was up next in the theater. Perhaps if she relaxed a new idea would show itself.

Mel turned to place her empty glass on the bar when she caught a shimmer of color out of the corner of her eye. She jerked her head back around but there was nothing there. The dragon had just convinced herself her eyes were tired when it happened again. The heavy layer of magic that was the damper shivered, producing a faint rainbow effect for a fraction of a second. Mel was shocked she had been able to catch the moment, it had been too quick to even feel a spike in the available magic.  She quickly looked at the people near her to see if anyone else noticed the effect, despite the fact that it was pretty unlikely that anyone powerful enough to spot it was looking in the right spot at the right time. After all, how likely was it that the dampening field could be tampered with? Probably she just had the start of a migraine from all her useless staring.

Mateo had to pinch himself. They were really going to escape this nightmare. He fidgeted as the leonine warrior singled him and Xyrtia out. The offer or protection was comforting, even if it did underscore how pathetic and helpless he was on his own.

"Thanks." He looked up at Kenyan and then back to the coati. "I just wanna get out of this horrible place."

Everyone was rallying behind the coati--some eagerly, some reluctantly. Mateo moved closer and held up his manacled wrists. "Do you know how to get these irons off? I know a little magic, but I think these things are blocking it."

He sighed. "I'm not sure how else I'd be able to help. I don't really know much about fighting."

Xyrtia was... hesitant, to say the least, to fall in line with the coatimundi. Caution was always advised when there were beasts bigger than you afoot, and the bluejay had no idea where those big beasts were. Still, between clipped wings and an overwhelming press to join, there was no real other choice. So, she joined the mass and went where she was pushed. If only she had her rope dart and machete...

"No not really" Hobbies said "Then again many in our clan are thankful that Daryil is rather lenient to our clan leader's debt." Hobbies sipped at his tea again. "Hopefully the way the payments are going, our leader should be able to pay back the loan and the interest before the heat death of this universe." The fennec felt a craving for something to snack on. "Is that  baguette any good? I'm feeling a bit peckish"

"If you like tuna, yes," Jakob said, and began ordering a second baguette for Hobbies.

Mel just couldn't leave the idea that she had actually seen the magic barrier flux alone. It was a long shot but she leaned towards the winged wolf seated a bit further down the bar and asked, "Did you just notice anything... weird?"

Jakob jumped at the interruption, put the last piece of baguette down, and turned.  He noticed a demon-winged snow leopard looking back at him expectantly.

"Me, madam?" the wolf said.  "I did notice something, in fact.  A sort of coloured flash?  I  wondered it was something in the tuna."

He looked around briefly to see if anyone else had noticed.

"I wouldn't worry," he said at last, "Probably just a transient fault in the magic-damper enchantment."

Baseel tried hard to suppress a smirk and failed miserably.  His bemused grin, and casual demeanor meant to be disarming.  His tone cordial and polite as he gave a reply  " It's not my intention to be rude...   Nor did I intend to stare.  Simply that your current form is as unexpected as it is an oddity.  I've never seem someone quite like you before.  If you'll pardon my initial curiosity, it's simply a lack of familiarity that caused my gaze to linger a little longer than you may deem socially appropriate."

Giving a nod towards the dealer he checked his cards and tapped a finger on the table "hit me" 

As the others explained a bit about the game, Baseel added, "it's one of the few games where mathematical probability can actually give you an even edge though.  Compared to most casino games, the winnings here tend to be a bit more in the player's favor than most.  Something like sixty / forty in favor of the house.  So compared to the general seventy-five percent win the house takes, it's a shock they still keep blackjack tables at all."

*     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     *     

The demoness kept her purr as she let her demeanor of professional nobility falter a little more.  She gave a gentle lean across the table, resting her elbow on the edge of the table while propping her chin up upon her half-formed fist. 

"Well, this should be a fun little game...  Though why keep things so low-stake and mundane.  No sense of excitement unless there's a little risk involved, ya'know?" 

Leaning back, and crossing one leg over the other, she let the movement hike her dress up just a bit while still making sure she'd kept herself modest

<Magic? I wondered why those manacles were different from mine. What could this child be capable of doing?> Those were questions for later. Right now, he had to act as the protector he needed to be. Remembering Mateo's earlier outburst, he tried not to be patronizing.

"That is good. A young man should not have to know how to fight or kill," Kenyan said to Mateo, turning to face the cub with a tired, sad smile. "It should be your last choice, always. Those who use it first are the cowardly and the desperate."

He sighed, again lowering his ears. "But in this case, we are desperate. You will have to know something beyond whatever magic you have if you want to live, or if you wish not to hurt anyone innocent. Your job in this escape should be to keep yourself alive, long enough to get off the ship and home to your family. I'm sure there are plenty of us here who are willing to teach you how to fight for that."

At his last words, the lion looked expectantly at Jake and Wallard. No matter what angle you looked at it from, they were more experienced than him in fighting, defensively or not. Nodding encouragingly to Mateo, he now turned to the avian woman, who was standing behind them. Having heard her strange words and thick accent, he spoke carefully, but not too slowly or loudly. He knew she wasn't stupid; he wanted to make sure she knew it too.

"What about you? Can you fight or use magic?"

Jeremiah neatly dealt a card to Baseel with a flourish that COULD, but not definitely, have hidden a deal from the bottom of the deck. Or his sleeve. Fourty to sixty. Yes.
The card was of course nothing that cause the man to break twenty-one. Not yet, anyway. He'd had some bad experiences with demons, wasn't much fond of them, but he knew not to risk a sore loser. Still needed the house to win, but he had to make it look good.

A throb ran through the air around him, something in the back of Jeremiah's mind raised its head and sniffed...

Pulse.
What?
Pulsepulsepulse. Magic.
Jeremiah nearly groaned aloud. Of all the facets of his curse In was the least articulate. Literally behind the door when the other personalities had been staking out territories in his brain, the amount of intelligence that In had to work with left him perpetually stupid and unable to develop intellectually, like a goldfish in too small a tank.
What are you talking about?
Pulse.
Jeremiah finished dealing to the others at his table. He didn't have time for this.

Kafzeil tensed up as Aisha' rage began to build. While he cast doubt she would attempt to take out her anger on him, the possibility was enough to put him on edge. Thankfully, for both of them, Aisha would calm herself down.

Well, relatively calm, but it was better then the alternative.

He listened to her. She briefly told him her story. The tone of her voice told him everything he needed to know. He crossed his arms, nodding solemnly as she finished, mentioning she would work with demons, just she wouldn't like it at first.

"Your story is not an uncommon one, I regret saying." He kept his eyes locked on her. "However, it is good you don't let your feelings of vengeance and anger rule you. I have seen this destroy people. Adventurers so caught up in there crusades that they knowingly or not let them destroy their lives, and lives of those around them. Even the ones who care about them. Too often have many let their vendettas turn them into the very monsters they swore to destroy."

He placed his hand on her shoulder again, this time smiling. "But you can at least work past that anger and know to only kill the ones who rightfully earned it. For that I admire you, my friend."

He took his hand off her and stroked his chin."She is a member of the Keter family. Fairly powerful, especially in mercantile circles. I doubt they would be connected to your past...trauma. They tend to frown upon such atrocities. For pragmatic reasons. Don't fool yourself by thinking they're weak and harmless, they come down harshly on those who cross them. But reward people who aid them generously."

Kafzeil chuckled a bit."Eden is...s strange girl. It's rare to see her frown. But she's intelligent, resourceful, and trained in combat.She's just eccentric.Very eccentric"

*********

Eden glanced over at the demon vixen, grin still plastered on her face.

"What kind of "Risks" are we talking about here?" She asked, glancing back the canine, then back to her cards.

Evan thanked the barkeep and put some coin down to cover the beer. He had started the slow process of nursing the it when the moose slid into the seat next to him. Evan wasn't the paranoid type but he had learned long ago to at least size up the guy next to you, just in case things went south. He took a slow pull from his beer, using it as an excuse to get a good look at the moose out of the corner of his eye.

He didn't get much though. The moose could just be there for a drink, or just really good at being unassuming. There was really only one way to find out. Setting the beer on the bar, Evan tilted his head in the moose's direction, "So, what brings you to this flying menagerie?"

"True, true. That's the thing with underlings... whenever you actually rely on them tends to be the one time they royally fuck up. Either way, pleasure on my side. Captain."
As the captain left, Vladim dusted off his robes one more time, and set off out of the gymnasium.
Hmm now to find the dining r...  meh, don't think they'll be quite ready with lunch at this time of day. Besides- The lynx rubbed his chestbone and hissed. -this hurts like fuck, that demon has fist like a jackhammer..... a bit more liquid anaesthetic might not hurt, I guess.
Changing course towards the upper docks, he walked back into the bar.
Nice... that fancy angel sure as hell didn't bring those sandwiches as a pack lunch along with the tray... meaning they probably serve something here. Good to kill two flies with a single whack.
The lynx approached the barman again.
"Say, a shot of bitter, and something to eat if you will."

The lion was talking to her, but it was hard to understand the merchant's tongue. Was that word... fight? Was he asking if she could fight? Xyrtia hoped she wasn't forgetting her vocabulary as she answered, "I can use a... metal thing on the end of rope, and a... big knife. But..." She didn't know how to talk about her disability, so she simply gestured to her wings. This language barrier was going to make things difficult.

Aisha had to let out a good-natured chuckle, after Kafzeil's praise on her self-control.  The panthress had never really thought of herself as one with the strength to keep their darker nature in check.  In her past, it was all she was...she was always ready for a fight the moment her tail ring had given off a glow in the presence of a dark-magic-inclined Creature, Demon or not.  Once, it had even led to the shameful death of an innocent...something that still haunted her.  But since, she had grown...she allowed herself to be more than a pillar of vengeful rage.

Not that I still wouldn't immediately draw my bow on a demon of Be'Laan, she thought.  The Risen was not about to let slip her mask, or her purpose.

The bounty hunter nodded to the Angel.  "Eden, eh?  Hm, yes, I have heard of Keter in some places.  It is somewhat reassuring to know that there are some demons with a sense of propriety."

With that, she turned back toward the door, stretching her arms as she did so.  "At any rate, amigo, if we are to be a part of a slave raid, we ought to get to some recruiting...after a drink or two on my end at least.  This is a luxury cruise airship after all.  I don't know about you, but I plan to enjoy said luxuries as much as possible before we have to start running for our lives," she snorted a short laugh.  "I'll be back up at the casino bar."

I wonder if there's a pool in this place as well, the black jaguar hummed as she navigated back toward the aforementioned floor.  A water cat shan't be denied.

*     *     *

Back in the slave hold, Jake stretched his limbs (doing as best he could with limited movement, thanks to the weights on his wings) and wondered exactly what time it was.  If our gracious hosts want to keep us in fair condition for fighting, you'd at least think they'd have the courtesy to put a clock on the wall.  By his calculation, since they'd eaten some moments ago, it was winding down close to the evening hours, not exactly yet dinnertime.

He listened to the conversations that started after the coatimundi pretty much dismissed them to think about his offer, and regarded some of the younger ones with sad pity.  If they already didn't know how to fight, then they'd have quite the hard time.

Jake hummed.  "I can probably teach these guys a few things.  I'm basically what amounts to a captain of the guard at a Healer's monastery."  He took on a basic hand-to-hand pose, his talon-claws wriggling as he grinned.  "Some fancy unarmed combat, very basic, but very important for control, would help.  And if anyone has a stave or polearm, all the better."  The gryphon rolled his eyes upward and sighed.  "If I could only find out where they stashed my halberd after the rich bastards caught me."

"They more 'n likely took ana-thing an' ever'thing from us that counts as a weapon, kid," Wallard pointed out with crossed arms.  "Them martial arts would have t' do until we git our hands on somethin'.  An' when th' opportunity comes," he added, turning his gaze back to Kenyan and the young ones around him, "Y'all better grab whatcha can, when ya can.  In a fight or a flight, ev'ry second could be yer last."

Jake sighed and leaned back against his part of the wall, trying to think of how he was indeed going to defend himself when the time came.  And how he was going to get those stupid weight clips off so that he could move better.

Suddenly, just out of his field of sight, there was like a small shimmer in the air...the kind that looked like heat rising from metal.  He turned his head toward the short disturbance, but it faded almost as soon as it had appeared.

...The magic dampener must have glitches, he thought, narrowing his eyes.  Something to note for later, perhaps.

Kenyan nodded encouragingly as Xyrtia spoke. She was doing well so far; he could understand what little she said, and she had understood him. That was a good start. When she said she could fight, he was relieved. Whatever place she came from had taught her to fight even though she was a female. But then he noticed her helpless gesture to her wings. Was something wrong with them? Would it hurt their escape? He knelt down and carefully looked at the feathers, blinking in shock when he saw that her longest feathers had been cut. It was something he'd never seen done before. But the effect was obvious.

"You can't fly?" he asked, looking back up at her. "Did they do this?" He knew the answer already, but he wanted to be sure his anger was justified.

Then he heard Jake and Wallard talking again. He only caught a few words of what was said, though the direct address from Wallard was clear enough. But the words "fight", "teach" and "help" were clear enough from Jake. Uneasiness flashed through Kenyan's eyes, but he waited to learn more about this jay woman before talking to the warriors.

It was odd to have someone else feel the stubs of her feathers. The lion started talking, then... Fly! Right, that was the word! Xyrtia shook her head, saying, "No, I cannot fly. The... men from before-time. Took me, did this. Sold me like this." She felt like she was expected to cry now, but she had already done that. Fighting was being discussed, and that meant no emotions, only logic.

Kenyan's tail lashed back and forth again, and he stifled a growl. He had been chained to the extent that any movement of his arms would choke him on the way here, but what they had done to the jay was ... insulting. Her freedom was one thing, but her wings? He suddenly remembered Wallard and wisely said nothing more on the subject. Besides, she appeared to be focused on other things. He briefly glanced at her nametag, itching his neck around his own cast-iron collar. He spoke again to her, carefully and slowly, doing his best to stifle his own accent.

"They," he nodded at Jake and Wallard, "want to teach us how to fight with our hands. It will help if you cannot find a knife, to learn from them. I need to talk to them now. If you need me, for anything..." He tapped his chest. "My name is Kenyan."

With that, he turned and walked over to Jake and Wallard. The uneasiness had returned. "It seems fair to tell you...I cannot fight with weapons. As I said to him," he jerked his head at the coati, "I hate fighting, no matter why it must happen."

The corner of his mouth twitched upward with an odd mix of anger and amusement. "But our captors do not know that. They only know the way I acted when I was brought in. I want to help you, but I do not want anyone to die. I think it will be useful if I learn how to fight without hurting someone." His expression had shifted to a more earnest one now. It was an odd request, he knew, but nothing about this situation was normal.

The Slavehold
The thrum of the engines below you seems to wobble a bit or it might just be your collective imagination. Still, the even lights, lack of clocks leaving only the growing irritation in the bowels as a means of tracking time, which a few of the slaves relieve in an out of the way corner as the stench starts to make its way back up the hold in a perverse malaise that dries away hard thought and a tight grip on consciousness. Even teh newcomer's magic energy seems to be sapped a little, and he takes to watching Kenyan, Xyrtia, and Mateo, idly pacing around their little huddle but not saying anything.


Main Bar
The bartender makes up a duplicate sandwich and dip, passing it to Hobbies. "Again, beggin yer pardon sirs. I hope the service hasn't been too shoddy."

The moose wrings his hands together, and then leans in at Evan, not quite whispering, but talking low enough that it would be very difficult to hear him. "I was looking for you, actually. You are in some danger, and I'm relieved to see you safe. I was delayed earlier, but I see you've managed to avoid the threat. I don't want to talk though, not while our more......lizardy cousins are around. Don't trust dragons, and try to meet me somewhere out of their hearing, as quickly as possible. I think best would be if we left separately and met up near one of our rooms, doesn't matter which one. Don't be alone with a dragon." He pulls back, and quickly orders and absinthe, and even more quickly grumbles about how long it takes to arrive.

The Casino
The bunny gives Terry a little nudge. "You ok there, neighbor?" There's a minor disturbance over by the roulette tables, as the awkward dragon Itangast tries to maneuver himself into position to place a bet without knocking over other patrons in the process.

First deck bar

Silently, and keeping an eye on Ephrael and her steady progress towards stupefication, the bartender pours a pint of ale and slides out a complimentary bread trencher while passing Vladim a small menu. "Any preferences, sir?"

As the coatimundi circled their group, Xyrtia's hunter training kicked in and she began to keep an eye on him at all times. While she doubted he would be trouble, one could never be sure. Unfortunately, this meant it took almost twice as long to translate the lion's last statement. "Okay, Kenyan," she replied at last, still aware of the coati. "I am willing to learn."

Paladin looked between the two demonesses trying very hard to keep up his illusion of just being a simple being, and while tangling with these two would be fun he WAS here for a rest. "Lasses" He pleaded with a grin oh his face "Are ye trying turn my hair grey?"

He paused for a moment as he saw dancing light around him, but he shook it off as some effect of the dampener. "And woe upon me if was to chase ye both off but I find the game more challenging for lower stakes"


****************************

Ephrael's ears perked up at the sound of a new person entering the bar and a predatory grin flashed across the Devil's face. It seemed that Vladim had just sat down when Ephrael was sitting in the stool next to the Lynx. "Hello there, I'm Ephrael" The Diminutive Tassie Devil said as she reached out a hand in greeting, ad toothy grin on her face.

Mel nodded in agreement. "You are probably right." But as she looked at the glass in her hand it seemed less and less likely. High end anti-break and anti-spill charms on each and every glass showed that the owner hadn't been shy about spending on magic. "Yet it seems a bit... odd... that the failure would be in one of the most important and advertised spells."

Could the failure have something to do with the losses in the casino?

Jakob thanked the barman as the baguette was passed over to the other incubus. In some ways it felt like a bit of a hollow gesture since the food and drink were essentially free, but it was only polite.

"I never really saw the point anyway," Jakob said to the snow leopard, "I mean, if someone can afford a ticket on one of these, do they really have anything to gain by cheating the casino?  Wouldn't that be like hiring a dozen crack mercenaries just to rob a newspaper stand?"

Why the hell ale?! That's not what I... fuck... maybe they just don't have herb liquor around these parts... Meh, ale good enough for now, and I can always get more drinks.

Vladim reached to grab the tankard and took a swig....Well, at least it was good ale - but then  ,that was half the point of traveling by an airship of this class.
Looking at the leaflet, he was interrupted by what appeared to be a slightly drunk .. what species is she even?
"'Ephrael, now that's an unusual name...." The lynx shook her paw... "Anyways, I'm Vladim, and before you even ask, I'm not a priest of the Kolman war god."  He took another swig. "Hmm, pork pie seems good. You want anything? The food's free as well, you know."

Hobbies noticed the time as he finished off his snack. He said farewell to Jakob, saying that he had to prepare for the coming show. The incubus left the bar and headed to the stage. When he arrived several members of the crew had already started setting up. Hobbies went and made sure that the ushers knew of the additional instructions that he had. Next the incubus went backstage and began to set into position the puppets that he had. It was going to be a long night.

"You're quite knowledgeable about probability for a demon." Oh, great, fifteen. Such an awkward hand to be dealt. He tapped his index finger against the table. "Hit me."

"...uh, not that I'm implying you're an idiot or anything," he hemmed at Baseel. Never once did Terry keep eye contact for more than a couple seconds. "I'm sorry, tall people make me nervous. A tall man did bad things to me." Hopefully, a good enough excuse for the demon to not inquire further. Demons had enough social grace to not push those sorts of things. Probably.

"...just don't stare, please."

Mel thought a moment before responding to the wolf. "Probably those who respond to a challenge. The owners have gone to great lengths to prevent cheating so beating the system could be more of a prize than the money to a certain type of person."

She wondered if following that thought could help with her search.

"Perhaps," Jakob said.  "But the people I know who'd cheat for kicks, they tend not to actually take much.  The casinos tend not to care as long as the losses remain negligible - after all, the occasional win makes for good P.R."

He glanced discreetly at his pocketwatch - it wouldn't do to miss Hobbies' show.

Baseel cocked an eyebrow and scratched his chin. His lips  formed a small smirk before he replied  "Hmmm... uncomfortable with tall people? Bad people and bad things... It sounds like you've had a rather, *ahem* interesting... life.   I mean... not be rude or anything, but you don't seem like any kind of mythos I've ever seen before.  Were you always like this?  Some type of wizardry gone wrong? "

His face shown a combination of amusement and intrigue for a moment before his train of thought was cut off by the mild disturbance.  A dragon seemed to have either forgotten how large their types really were... or simply didn't care.  A dragon is a dragon after all...  "Hold that thought..."  Baseel said, carefully maneuvering himself away from the table to a pair of patrons unlucky enough to be in the path of the club-like appendage.


*   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *   *


Aleyna's predatory grin was all teeth and mirth.  T Claws clacking against the table, Aleyna watched the being with her wicked gaze.   Tilting her head slightly and subtly lowering her eyelids, the girl replied in a singsong voice, "Ohhh... the poor little boy worried that we're just too rich for his taste.  How mildly disappointing.  Perhaps we can find someone who's a bit more adventurous to play with us?"

Kafzeil chuckled, following the pantheress out. He stretched with her, his wings spreading as much they could in the corridor.

"Not a bad plan. mInd If I join you for a drink or two?"He asked, arms resting behind his head.

"We might as well get to know each better, seeing as there is a pretty certain chance we could die horribly."

*******

Eden sighed, looking back at the canine, then the fellow Demon. "Come on, Good Sir. You're on vacation, live a little!"

She grinned at Aleyna, brushing her hair out of her face."I suppose we should. Not many would pass up this kind of...opportunity. Shocking, really." Eden leaned back very casually, maintaining eye contact with Aleyna as she crossed her arms.

Aisha glanced back toward the winged ferret that followed her out, and gave a bit of a chuckle at his statement.  "The chances of death are always fairly certain in my profession, Kafzeil.  The best thing to do about it is to not dwell on it.  You do what you must, and the next time you can wake up to another sunrise, you appreciate it more."

The dark jaguar's tail swished, and she shortly missed the enchantment on it...they were after all going into the casino, where many peoples of many types had gathered, more than likely many among them with an affinity for dark magic.  Yet in this dampener it couldn't warn her of it.  The best thing to do was to blend in and act civil.

So long as they act civil to me.  At least it was a comfort to still feel the strap and weight of a hidden dagger on the inside of her calf.

"And yes," she continued, her usually stoic and battle-hardened face having softened into a friendly smile, "By all means, join me for a drink.  They actually have a fairly good strawberry-flavored ale here, but I couldn't have time to savor it before the antlered gentleman intervened."

The casino was still lively even into the evening hours as they entered.  Briefly, her eyes scanned the room, and immediately spotted what could easily be a few demons, wings and horns and all, about the tables.  A sneer came to her lip before she could control it, and her head shook.  Civil, chica.

Making sure her hair was straight and her navy clothes less-than-wrinkled enough to not look out-of-place among the high-class patrons, Aisha padded up to the bar and took a seat, looking over some of those seated nearby.

"Again, amazing the types that litter this place; I hope you can easily spot your...friend somewhere," she remarked to Kafzeil and waved the bartender down for another round of that ale.

*     *     *

Jake wasn't too surprised that Kenyan had easily taken him up on his offer to teach anyone that they could some basic hand-to-hand moves.  He smiled, in fact, when the lion-lynx mentioned learning something that wouldn't harm anyone too badly.

Wallard had scoffed, however.  "If'n that's what yer wantin' ta learn, I'll leave that up ta the Captain, here," he jerked a thumb at the younger gryphon and turned away.  "Anyone who's wantin' to be given some more good advice, jus' come talk ta me."

With a sigh, Jake turned to face Kenyan again.  "You've come to the right place, actually.  The Monastery of Healing favors more peaceful methods of negotiation, but the majority of us can fight and defend ourselves if we have to.  My own teacher was a monk, and he taught me everything I know...as he used to always say, 'use a sword when your arrows run out...and use your body when your sword is knocked away; it's all you have, but it can be more powerful than those two combined'.  Now, one thing; I can help you train, but you must understand that in order to survive, you may have to get a little brutal.  There are people who wouldn't think twice about killing you even after you've offered to just talk."

Jake got into a less-than-accurate Ba Gua stance, hindered by his weighted wings, just for demonstration.  "Many of these are for defense only, and utilizing maneuverability and swiftness.  If you can keep your feet moving, you can even stay within your opponent's reach without getting hit."

The Knight grinned.  "All this, of course, if you're interested.  So, are you?"

"Oh I don't know." Evan smirked as he finished off his drink. "I'm pretty certain dragons can be trusted to be dragons; else they'd be otherwise. I could argue that everybody has certain degrees of draconic traits, or that perhaps dragons exhibit traits more in line with us." He sighed as he put the empty mug on the bar counter, "The discussion of the qualities of species is an always an interesting debate, but I'm afraid I can't give it the attention it properly deserves at the moment. For now, I'll be retreating to my room to freshen up. Perhaps later we can do the debate some justice."

Evan stood up from the bar and began to pick his way through the crowd to the exit of the casino that led off to the passenger quarters.

The slavehold

A few of the prisoners take up Jake's offer to learn a bit about unarmed combat. Most seem to have little skill or aptitude, and you get a nagging suspicion that they're participating merely to while away the time until something happens.

Main Bar

Food and drinks flow easily, as more patrons start to come to the bar for evening libations. The Moose finishes his drink and quickly steps up and out, quickly threading his way through the casino and heading towards the residential halls.

The Casino
Itangast has finally managed to get himself to the roulette table, and only having spilled a couple of drinks, which he profusely apologized for and had already flagged down a waitress to replenish. He placed a bet on the corner, (1,2,4,5) and turned to hail the large demon approaching him. "Hello there, don't think I've met you before. I'm Itangast. What can I do for you?"



The dealer gives Terry a six, and the rabbit claps him on the back, congratulating his luck. "Good job there. I think I'm going to have to stand though. Pity, with a nine facing, but we've seen quite a few low cards."


First deck bar.

The bartender hovers attentively, waiting for an order.


The corridors.

As Evan turns a corner heading to his room, he almost bumps over the moose that he had spoken to earlier,, slightly out of breath from running to the point ahead of him. The moose holds up a hand, looking for eavesdroppers, and upon seeing none. "That blade you carry, it's an impressive one. You got it from a dragoness. Yes, I know these things and many more. One of her kin is HERE on the ship. Do you know what dragons do to thieves they catch? Now, I can shield you from them, but my help carries a price. I have an errand of exceeding urgence, low risk, but utmost importance. I need your help, and I. Will. Have. It. Are we clear?"

        Hobbies stepped back and viewed his handiwork. All twelve performance puppets were ready for the first play. Also the fennec didn't need to convert puppets into another character until the next play. He heard the sounds of patrons being shown to their seats. He wondered if those three, the angel that worked for Clan Daryil, and the demon couple would be appearing. If so, the incubus hoped he had put enough space between them so nothing untoward would happen. Hobbies double-checked the puppets, props and scenery. This wasn't entirely a one-man show, other employees of the ship were to handle other technical tasks such as the curtains, lighting and moving the scenery. The incubus also checked to see if the enchantments installed into the puppets still were functional. While he was assured that the stage allowed for usage of magic. It paid to make sure that the show would still go on.

   Hobbies then took a deep breath as the sounds of people being seated settled down. In the wings an employee of the ship gave a gesture to see if he could pull apart the curtains. Hobbies nodded and beheld an entire audience in front of him. Another one of the ship's employees acting as the MC said. "Ladies, Gentlemen, Others, Demons, Angels, Dragons, Cubi, and other honored guests. The Flame of Freedom is proud to present Hobbies Sven of Clan G'ian and his puppet troupe who shall perform The Three Aunts, a traditional fairytale play in five acts." Hobbies took a bow and spread his wings to fly into the rafters above the stage as the curtain closed. For now he needed two puppets and focusing on the strings tied around his fingers. Using magic he attached the strings to two puppets, one that appeared to be a peasant wolf worn down by years of hard living. The other puppet was a girl dressed in simple clothing with only a few small attempts at decoration due to her station.

   Meanwhile the backstage crew hurried to place the backdrop. The curtain parted again and the story was told of a poor man surviving via hunting whose wife had passed away. The only legacy left behind was her daughter pure and innocent. As Hobbies moved the strings to create motion in the puppets, certain positions and jolts of magical energy at the right place and time made the puppets speak. Moving on, the wolf's daughter decided to make her way into the world. And to what would likely to be to the surprise of the audience she began to sing an aria of her hope to find her fortune, sorrow at leaving her father behind, and a desire to perhaps one day return and proudly bring her father to a respectable household. She traveled across the stage with the scenery moving with her until a large prop of a castle filled one-eighth of the stage. Hobbies shifted the father puppet out of view and detached the strings. He then shifted the strings to another puppet one that looked like a vixen. One dressed regally in imitation silk, velvet and to complete the look a crown covered in gold foil, every inch a queen.

   The gate of the castle opened and the queen puppet stepped out and reclined. The wolf girl puppet approached the vixen queen and they conversed. The queen was taken with this wolf girl and offered to take her in as a lady's maid. The two walked in together into the castle and the curtains closed to set up for the second act.  

Jakob's watch made a quarter chime, giving him fifteen minutes to get to the theatre.  Bidding the dragoness a hasty but polite farewell, he made his way there.

Watching the first act, Jakob could not help but to wonder if the ragged wolf was in some way symbolic of Hobbies himself.

Upon hearing that Jake would teach him how to fight without hurting anyone, Kenyan visibly relaxed. He had been worried about receiving an immediate "no" to his plea. He listened intently, understanding enough of what Jake said to remain relieved.

"I am still interested, yes. It sounds like a fighting ... erm... fighting method worth using." He nodded, pleased that he had remembered the right word. His recent extra time around Beings was helpful for remembering their language, but he was tired and excited at the idea of being able to help.

"And it is one I could use well. Movement was the only choice I had in the forest to stay alive. It is one thing I share with my pride as well as the pack." He looked down at his scrawny body and ropy muscles with a bemused look before looking back at Jake. "I know why I may have to get 'brutal' as you put it, so I will learn. But I hope I do not need to. I believe others may wish to learn as well. Excuse me."

Unfortunately, his relaxed state made him briefly forget where he was. When he turned to call Xyrtia over to join him, Kenyan unthinkingly whistled a blue-jay's call. Immediately afterwards, he blushed, looked away and simply gestured for Xyrtia to come closer, wondering if Mateo would see fit to learn as well.

When the wolf's watch chimed and he left for the theater Mel looked at her own watch. While it wasn't late she was tired. She had spent the entire day checking the anti-cheating charms on the gaming equipment and really wasn't in the mood to look at the equipment any longer.

A few minutes later Mel was on the observation deck, sipping lemonade, and relaxing in a soft chair while watching a gorgeous multi-hued sunset.

"Yes, well--" Terry's eyes furrowed again. If he didn't have his winning hand of 21 to be happy about he'd be intensely irritated by the lapine sitting next to him.

Actually, he still was rather annoyed by this person.

"Please, no physical contact. I stand." He couldn't remember the signal for standing. Just as well, that blabbermouthed rabbit had practically blurted his hand out anyway. It really didn't matter at this point, but Terry was far from amused by this person's seemingly friendly demeanor.

Kafzeil followed the pantress, nodding attentively and chuckling a fair bit. "Don't worry, i'm fairly used to that feeling myself.I find having a sense of humour about these sorts of things helps."

He followed her, smiling back. "Thank you. Though I will admit I'm more a stout man myself."

He looked into the casino doing a quick scan for Eden...and there she was. Seems she was getting...friendly with that demoness he saw before.

"Better order an extra pint..."he muttered to himself, just barely aloud for Aisha to hear.

He sat down with her at about the same time, almost in unison. He adjusted his hat, scarf, and quickly spread his wings, checked them, then folded them neatly behind him.

"Actually, I think I saw her. She's consorting with that demons from before." He turned to the bartender. "Imperial Stout. A Pint." Before looking back at Aisha. "It's going to be a long trip."

Meanwhile behind the curtain Hobbies began the process of setting up for the next act in the play. The fennec cast out his hand and magical strings streamed out from his fingers yet again. This time the strings attached to several puppets dressed in finery that while fine was not of the same apparent quality of the queen's. Also the backstage crew were taking away the scenery of the outside and the castle wall. They replaced it all with replica antique furniture befitting a lady's solar and to top it all off was a backdrop of a stone wall.

   The curtain opened again and Hobbies took a deep breath then picked up on the story. The young wolf girl moved in such a way to give the impression of motion and effort. She performed all the duties of a lady in waiting and pleased the queen to no end. However not every one was happy with this wolf girl. Being guided from the strings on Hobbies fingers were other women in the employ of the queen. They began to sing in the theatrical fashion, which meant that no one else in the story noticed that the women sang of their hatred, disgust, and pettiness of the heroine.

   The women decided on a clever plan to disgrace the wolf girl. This group went to the queen and began to flatter the vixen. Each maid praised thoughtfulness, cleverness, and generosity of the queen to take in this hard working wolf girl in her employ. Then they mentioned that they overheard the heroine boast that she could spin a whole room of straw into yarn in one night. Now the queen  was well known for her love of skill in housekeeping. So she decided to see this talent for herself. The vixen called up the wolf girl and said by the special mechanisms that she had heard that the wolf girl could spin an entire room of straw into yarn. She wanted to see this marvel and told the wolf girl to do so. Yet the queen told the wolf girl that she shouldn't worry if she couldn't do it in one night and if she needed more time.

   Unfortunately the wolf girl had never spun in her entire life in the forest. She couldn't very well tell the queen this fact. For in the posture of the vixen said that the queen whole heartily believed that the heroine could do it. There was naught to do but to attempt the task and thus the curtain closed again for the next act.     

Oh, I know this one, Jakob thought.  You don't live a thousand years without seeing some traditional children's stories.  Or causing some to be written.

Yeah, some Creature takes pity on her and helps her out in exchange for a favour.  But then she welches on the deal, pisses off the helper who then gets angry and vengeful, she bitches about it for a bit and then contrives some way of defeating or usually murdering the guy who tried to help her out.  The details varied, but the idea was usually the same.

And dammit, it's usually a 'Cubi who's the villain. he thought miserably, before suddenly remembering that the artiste was 'Cubi too.  I wonder who it will be this time?  Fae?  Or some rival clan?

Pal sighed in a good natured fashion "Lasses let me buy a drink to make up for disappointing ye both...And maybe, when I am recharged after a few days on this thing I'll take ye up on some higher stakes." He held up his hands in a gesture of appeasement and a wink.


*******

"Why thank you Vladim" The Devil said with a impish grin, and turned to the barman. "I'll have a extra large plate of Nachos with extra cheese. Hmm...And some bacon please!" She was just about to bounce away when she span around "Oh and I need something new to drink recommend anything good that I can sip at for a while?" She hopped up on to one of the stools to await the Barman's reply, spinning around a little.

 Behind the curtain crew went scurrying to shift the scene to the appearance of an inner chamber in a castle. Imitation stone walls were moved into place, the illusion of a rush covered floor was laid down. A spinning wheel was placed into the middle of the stage and a spotlight centered on the tool. Lastly piles and piles of straw were the final piece to complete the picture of the room.

   The curtain opened yet again and the wolf girl and the queen were in the room. The stone wall had a window and the lighting was altered to make it seem like a glorious sunset was just outside the castle. The queen directed the wolf to the piles of straw and Hobbies worked hard to portray the queen as honest and not spiteful. The vixen puppet exited the stage and now the incubus directed the wolf to walk back and forth in the manner of bewilderment. She picked up the straw rubbing it back and forth between her "fingers". The girl went to the spinning wheel touching and poking it, almost overturning the device and balancing it back into place. All the while she was singing of her bafflement of the spinning wheel and despair at her task. Still she changed her tune to one of resolve and as the lighting in the window changed from sunset to night she span and sung about spinning. Now here was an interesting bit of stage trickery, while it appeared that the straw was loose in piles, they were actually bespelled via string to attach to each other in one long strand. Another line of this straw string was separately fed into the spinning wheel and out of sight of most patrons another different thread was being wound around the spindle. When at last the darkness of night was out of the window the wolf girl stopped and plucked out her first work. It gleamed in the light, which shouldn't have happened with normal linen thread. Instead "Gold," the puppet spoke "golden thread, what use is there for me to spin golden thread! My lady was told that I could spin linen" In despair and some hasty estimating and spellcasting on part of Hobbies the spool of golden thread was tossed into the lap of one of the audience. Now that spool was not stage tinsel and paint but actual golden thread, not pure but close enough to have the feel and texture of actual thread and gold. The incubus knew he wouldn't be getting that back but it was a nice piece of publicity and might impress this collection of patrons.
   
   Then the puppet turned to engage in some melodramatic weeping. Just then thanks to a blank white paper representing the moon and a spotlight behind it being a ray of moonlight, what appeared to be another woman puppet suddenly entered onto the stage. The wolf noticed this intruder, she seemed to be feline, lion perhaps and possessed antenna and butterfly wings marking her as one of the Fae. The Fae asked what was the matter of the girl and the wolf replied that her mistress was told that she could spin straw into linen thread in one night. The Fae chuckled and told the wolf that she could solve the maiden's problem but in exchange the wolf girl had to call her "aunt" on the happiest day of her life.

   The wolf maiden agreed and the Fae pulled a stool from what appeared to be under her skirts and took a piece of straw. Then she began to push the spinning wheel's petal and spin all while calling the straw to fly, fly and be spun. The straw connected by spell and thread came flying into the spinning wheel and spool after spool of linen yarn and thread filled the floor as the moon traveled across the window. When dawn approached the Fae had finished the task and told the girl to remember her promise and left. The queen and the ladies in waiting came in from the opposite side and the maids were shocked that the girl could do the task. The queen was very pleased and praised the girl. The maids conferred and then came up with another plot. They hinted that a girl that could spin such fine thread and yarn should be equally as able to weave them into fine cloth. The queen agreed and sent the women to collect the spools but took the wolf girl with her so that she could rest encouraging her and stating her belief that the wolf girl could finish her spinning as the curtain fell for the next act.

Jakob absorbed the play, somewhat pleased to see that the helper in the story was Fae.  It made a lot of sense, they often did little acts of apparent kindness like this, and it was often done to further some weird scheme of their own, incomprehensible to the more mortal races.

The gold wire trick was neat for a non-magic environment, though a little tacky... gold being ridiculously easy to create.

Though I'm not so taken with the musical numbers, he thought.

The play left him wondering what would happen next in this particular variant of the story - presumably the next Fae wish would be a harder bargain.

The bluejay call the lion whistled was surprising, at first from the call in general and then from the content. Holding back a small laugh, Xyrtia said as she walked up, "Careful. Around my tribe... ke... fight you." She pantomimed a popular leg-whip-throat-strike combo in her tribe, before turning her attention towards the gryphon.

Vladim lifted a paw, looking the bartender's way.
"And a large pork pie for me, then." 
The lynx turned to the tasmanian devil.
"So, Ephrael... To rehash an old cliche, what's a girl like you doing on a dirigible like this? Busy with work, or just enjoying a cruise?"

Evan crossed his arms as he listened to the moose, "Fair enough, I'll hear you out. What I do afterwards depends on what I hear." He glanced back behind him to make sure the corridor was still empty. "I'd like to know who is really after me. The only dragoness I know big on power, but short on attention span. I doubt she even remembers me enough to hold a vendetta."

The Slavehold

A few of the other prisoners join the impromptu martial-arts lesson, and the sounds of sparring and shouted instructions permeate the hole. The exertion, combined with the fear that's still palpable in the air, causes most of the people in the hold to sweat heavily, and the smell is becoming ever more rancid, as moisture and feces and little bits of feathers and fur go flying through the air.


The theater
A small gryphon A, wings folded, scurries two and fro between the seats,  with only his obsequious manner, mouthed (but silent) apologies, and his dirigible's livery keeping him from a cuff on the ear by some of the more irascible patrons. Eventually, he finds his target, and slips a small card into Jakob  Pettersohn's hand.

The Casino.
After hearing Morden's stand, the dealer turns over his face down card, an ace. He hands chips over to the winners and takes them from the losers. "Place your bets"

Morden smiles, and puts down another 50's worth of chips.


A lithe, attractive rabbit waitress with pale cream-colored fur heads to the roulette table and passes cards to Baseel and Aleyna, before doubling back and pressing one into Terry's fist.


The hallway.

The moose smiles, all wolf in that expression, and smirks out his tale as he leans against the wall. "Your blade, you liberated from a dragon's hoard. A countess, I believe. A vain, foolish forgetul creature, as you say, but she is related by marriage to the Icewing clan of dragons far to the north. I do believe that blade is part of a dowry, in fact. And there is an Icewing here. Oh, she's supposedly to check on the charms, that someone has been cheating at the games. But this is an anti-magic field, yes? What would a wide-eyed young dragon, proficient in magic, be doing to find a cheater, unless they thought someone would do the impossible to find divinations to break through the barrier, and not someone who just knows how to palm a card.


No, that explanation is a front and a cover, and there is only one reason I can think of for an Icewing to be here, now, on the same flight as you.


But, there is other trouble aboard.  There are evil men aboard, using the coverof the magic damper to hide an illegal trafficking operation, moving slaves from place to place. I need to expose them, and I need every hand I can get on my side to do so. Are you with me or not?"

Jakob was surprised when he took the card, and then dismayed.  Oh shit... It must be a wireless telegraph... Lord Daryil needs me to wire him some bail money again.

Thanking the gryphon, he unthinkingly cast a light spell to read the note in the gloom of the theatre, and then uttered a muffled curse when he remembered the countermagical field.  Torn between watching the play and reading the note which could well be urgent, he concealed his wings with a painful effort and slipped away towards the toilets as smoothly and politely as he could.

If it can wait, I'll slip back in and deal with it after the play, he thought.  If it can't, I'll apologise to Hobbies and ask how the story ended.  

Backwings reappearing when he was sure no-one was around to see, Jakob turned the card to the light and began to read.

"And, we're done."

Jake smirked after he finally announced the end of the martial arts lesson, having heard many a long and grateful groan behind him.  He turned to view his students, and was quite pleased to find that more than a few had actually come to take him up on lessons.  On a few of their flushed and exhausted faces, he could see a new fervor, a large and positive impact on their energies.  Most of the others though weren't cut out for such physical exertion and had fallen to their knees, breathing hard.  The Gryphon knight hummed and closed his eyes.  I hate to be so tough.  But it's necessary to see just what these guys are made of.

He was confident, at least, that they had grasped all of the concepts shown to them.  At least he knew that Xyrtia and Kenyan would make great use of the moves, should they need them.  Mateo had decided for the moment to stay out of things and sit alone, no doubt still trying to process everything that's happened.

"Catch your breath then, everybody," Jake said.  "Those of you who still want to practice, we'll do some more drills when we're ready."  He scratched the side of his head with uncertainty.  "Probably after everyone gets some sleep...I just wish I knew how to tell time here."

That's when Wallard walked up.  "Y'can't.  Best y'can do is guess.  They feed us twice a day, so, first one's breakfast and second one's dinner.  N'fact, they should be on their way right now."  His eyes narrowed.  "Jus' don't get carried away with them lessons, kinsman.  There ain't always enough food t' go around, and we don't wanna burn lots o' energy.  Some a' these guys're already close to heart attacks, looks l--HEY!" he suddenly turned around to address someone.  "You!  Quit flingin' th' dung around, yer gonna make it worse in here than it already is...!"

Jake laughed and rolled his eyes, then sat down to nurse his sore, weighted wings.  It was true, he thought...that much exercise probably was going to do more harm than good if they were going to really be stuck on that ship for who knew how long.  He would have to tone down the next lesson to just a few simple holds and light sparring.

I wish you were here to tell me how I'm doing, Master Episticus, the Gryphon sighed.  I felt like I was half-assing, there.  Also, I hope they clean this place every so often.  The smell alone might waft up and tell the rest of he ship that there is indeed a slave hold here.

Not a few more minutes later, the door opened, and out flew another bag of food that landed in a giant heap of spilled leftovers from the kitchen, among other half-fresh things.

"Dinner on th' dot," Wallard muttered as he next race for food began.

*     *     *

As she sipped at her drink, seemingly lost in the atmosphere of loud machines and the loud milling crowds, Aisha followed Kafzeil's gesture to the general direction of his demon friend.  She had to hide a grimace when she saw them at the table, the easily-recognizable demonic horns decorating players at the card table.  "Huh," she snorted, "I suppose she can take her time, then."

This may take a while for me to get used to, the bounty hunter sighed with her eyes closed.  Remember, it's all a part of the plan.  Just for the chance to free these slaves.

Once she finished her ale, she ordered another from the barkeep, as well as a turkey sandwich to tide her over for dinner.  Out of one of the high-set porthole windows, night was falling.

"Definitely a long trip," she answered the ferret.  "But one tends to lose track of time on a vacation like this.  That's the secret to making it go faster."  The panther took another gulp, and wondered where the moose from before was.  Hopefully they'd have more allies soon than just the three of them.

*     *     *

Whew.  Amazing I've made it this long.  Hell, I'm still amazed I made it on the ship at all!  This was too easy.

A well-dressed white rat wandered among the various dignitaries, barely noticed due to his small stature, and he certainly preferred it that way.  Though he looked bored, he was focused on the crowd, waiting to spot any familiar, famous faces amongst them...and to get his mind off of the slight strain that came from maintaining his shapeshifted form.  He hoped that soon enough he'd be able to find a place to rest and let his disguise down before moving on with his assigned job.

My boss ain't gonna be happy if I have a meltdown, the 'Cubi paparazzi thought, his fingers curled around a camera in his pocket.  J.B. Skee always gets his story, and these people are ripe for scandal.

*     *     *

On the observation deck, the sun slowly melted into a horizon of clouds and the tall, imposing mountains that could be seen far away on another direction.  One could tell that the grand airship was moving, but it didn't feel that way, for very few people ever suffered airsickness while standing about with a great view of the ever-shifting outside.  The stars winked on one by one and two by two.

From where Mel sat, though, she felt a rumble, and heard a roar from somewhere below.  Everyone knew the territorial cries of the Gryphon C, the Collosus Gryphons otherwise.  But the ship was well-defended against the gargantuan beasts anyway...that's what the brochure said.  Nothing to worry about.

In a patch of cloud below, still lit by the last of the sun, a giant, fleeting shadow escaped the corner of a few observers' eyes and disappeared beneath the ship without another sound.

Jakob turned the card to the light and glanced over it.  Nice cardstock, he thought.

The Captain of the Flame of Freedom cordially invites Lord Pettersohn to dine with him at 7:30. Please meet at 7:00 in Private Lounge A for pre-dinner cocktails.

Jakob gave a sigh of relief.  Daryil hasn't got himself jailed again, he thought.  And... this dinner thing is after the play, I should be able to make it and still have time to change.

The thought of attending such a function unnerved him a little, though.  If that mental Demon lady is anything to go by, my diplomacy-fu is still pretty weak.  And technically I'm nouveau-riche... I bet that'll rankle the Captain.  Oh well, better to go and regret it than to make him think I'm spurning him.

Resolving to give the matter some thought during the play, he carefully pocketed the ornate card and headed back into the theatre.

Terry immediately skimmed the invitation. "...I'm sorry, ma'am, but my gastronomic faculties aren't exactly up to par with--" Though by the time he piped up, she was already off. But you couldn't take these sorts of things at face value; what exactly did the captain want to see him for? A personalized invite didn't just get handed out to every single passenger. And his demonic benefactors knew better than to comp him things like dinner parties and meetings with fancy creatures. He'd be happier just staying in his cabin.

That paranoid part of his brain realized that in this world, ignoring requests from powerful and important people meant terrible things in your future. What would the captain want someone like him for? Help tighten the screws on the bridge?

"...I have to go. Sorry." The golem took what remained of his chips and stood, sauntering uneasily from the table. It wasn't time for cocktails yet, but it wouldn't hurt to figure out where the lounge was ahead of time. And maybe ask some hanger-on or servant what this captain's deal was.

The curtain rose again but this time the room was filled with spools of yarn. The wolf maiden and the audience could plainly see the giant loom in the middle of the chamber. Above in the fake window the moon was rising and shining its pale false moonlight. The lady hesitantly took a spool of thread and began to weave as best as she could all the while trying to encourage herself. It took tangles and several double backs but at last she finished one sheet of fabric and burst into tears. The cloth that she had woven was see through and that did not mean that the cloth was so thin that one could look through it but that to the audience's eyes there was cloth being held by the wolf girl with the image on it being what was behind the cloth. "Who would ever wear clothes of this fabric?" she cried and misery befell her for it was certain the rest of her work would be like this. The queen and her maids would come in to a room that looked empty. Another beam of moonlight shone stage right and in came another Fae puppet.

   "What was the matter that a fair lady cries under moonlight?" The Fae asked. The wolf girl told her story and the Fae spoke that she would help "in return for calling me Aunt on the happiest day of your life." The wolf girl agreed and the Fae wove the yarn swiftly till the floor was covered in layers of fabric. The sun was rising outside the window and the Fae quickly exited while the queen and her wicked maids came in. Again the company was shocked at the sight. Yet as the queen praised the wolf girl the maids tried to disgrace her as before. This time they suggested a fine weaver such as her could easily sew them together into fine shirts. The wolf girl by now was quite fed up with this and retorted she'll do it in one day. The queen wished for the wolf girl to rest but the wolf graciously denied the offer. Now the queen and her party left and the girl went to sew together a shirt. The sun quickly rose and fell out the window as the girl labored. As the moon rose again she had finished her first shirt but the girl commented that maybe she better trim it. She took out some scissors to cut some of the shirt's fabric, and promptly snapped the scissors apart on the shirt.

        The wolf girl stared in horror for a second, then took out a knife from a sewing kit on the floor. That broke as well so the maiden took from the kit a sword, then an axe, a halberd, a great sword, and the medieval equivalent of a chainsaw. All these implements shattered when pitted against the maiden's shirt. The wolf girl began to cry, for who would wear a shirt that could not be tailored to one's measurements?

   Another Fae puppet appeared as if from nowhere and yet again asked for what reason the wolf girl was crying. For the third time the wolf girl told her story and the Fae agreed to help her in exchange for one thing "Call me Aunt on the happiest day of your life." The wolf girl agreed and the Fae sewed together those shirts swift and folded. Dawn approached out the window and the Fae vanished again. The queen and her maids entered and was struck with awe at the number of fine shirts in the room. She, the queen declared she had never seen a better housekeeper in all her life and desired for the maiden to wed her son. The girl agreed to the fury of the wicked maids and the wolf girl was led away as the curtain fell for the last and final act.  

The happiest day of your life, Jakob thought.  His mind had gone blank with small-talk for the dinner, so he considered the play instead.

This variant on the old story was new to him, but it looked like the wedding was to be the locus, though, Jakob thought, not all weddings are happy occasions.  There are forced marriages in certain cultures, and then you have stuff like King Edwyg the Sinful.  What did he do...?  Married once, divorced her, married again, beheaded her when they wouldn't let him divorce again.  After that they all died in mysterious accidents until the King himself 'fell down the stairs'.  Not terribly happy weddings after the first death, it has to be said.
Besides, don't they say school is the happiest time of your life..?

The maiden had apparently pledged to address three Fae as her 'aunts', and given the Fae that presumably meant more than just a shout-out.  Probably blood ties of some kind, which would be very awkward.  Though, the Fae never seem to talk about marrying mortals, he thought suddenly.  Should be interesting to see how it's resolved.

If Kenyan had been embarrassed by getting the call to Xyrtia wrong, he didn't let it show. His exhaustion was a different story. He walked over to the nearest wall and slumped down, idly licking some sweat out of his fur before rubbing his legs. His thin muscles burned from the work he'd just done, but it felt wonderful compared to the last few days of being chained in place and led around. Apparently, after spending every day of his life running to protect his family from a bloodthirsty Crocodile, his body was unused to rest. He felt more normal now than he had since he'd been caught in the woods, and more determined than ever to succeed at the training.

Thinking about his old life made him wonder how his family was doing now. His brothers and sisters were no doubt worried, and he hoped Su'kedu was reassuring them. But how safe were they without him? Were they well-protected against Kray-Zee? Had he perhaps decided to attack the Beings who wandered into the forest first, rather than realizing Kenyan was gone and seeking revenge on him through his family? The brief surge of hope he felt at that thought disgusted him. He quelled it – but not before the memory of a gravelly laugh echoed in his head.

You're actually hoping I leave a bunch of rats and weasels alone to attack real people? The inner voice was rough and sadistically amused, and Kenyan could almost hear sharp teeth grinding together in a grin. That's real cute, Toothpick. For all the shit you gave me, you really are a selfish little bastard.

Kenyan would have growled at his own imagination if not for the arrival of food. He patiently waited for the younger, thinner ones to go first, then went to get some more fruit and water. He stepped over a few people to return to his former spot and press his ear to the wall again, the one behind which he had heard shuffling little feet. Perhaps now was the time to try real contact.

Jeremiah dipped a hand into his pocket, silencing the alarm on his watch. His shift was up, he'd taken his players for all he could for now... Time to grab lunch.

"Ladies and gentle-men, you have been grand company." He signaled to another dealer with a free moment (judging by his table, the rather attractive rat girl seemed like the best option) and ducked out with a practiced, overdone flourish. "My associate should be able to see you through to the next game." Surruptitiously slipping the cards he'd removed from the deck under the table on the appropriate shelf, he made his exit.

Running in the casino was discouraged, but Jeremiah kept up a brisk pace. He tried adjusting his collar; this thing was uncomfortable as hell. The sooner he got downstairs the sooner he could get out of this monkeysuit.

I swear they put the employee stairs at the opposite end from the tables on purpose.

The demonic rabbit chortled, noticing one of the ship's dealers leaves.  She looked at Pal and winked. "I'll take you up on that offer. Just gimme a shout~" She turned to Aleyna, standing up. "Sorry to leave so soon, but I'll take a rain-check on that offer."She winked, following after the amphibian. "I have some business to tend to."

She followed the dealer, walking at a fairly brisk pace.

*******

the ferret nodded, slouching at the bar next to Aisha as he took a gulp of his own drink. "I'll try to follow you advice. Not exactly sure this sort of ordeal is my idea of a good time but--" He looked at his glass. He wasn't airsick yet.

"...I think I'll survive. I've had worse." He chuckled, scanning around the room for any more eccentric characters, or someone else who stuck out in some way.

   The curtain opened for the final time as the final act was in place. The wolf maiden was bedecked in wedding splendor. Another puppet which was the fox prince was seated at a large banquet table. The queen and her wicked handmaidens were there. Also some spare puppets were seated as guests and there were one or two guard puppets. The guests were flattering the queen and the prince did have an expression of contentment on his face. The wolf girl wasn't particularly unpleasant to look at and the prince thought he would get along with his new wife. It was as good a match as a royal could get. Then came in a woman, the same puppet that appeared on the first night, however this time she had a nose that was three ells long. An ell was a unit for measuring cloth, approximately 45 inches, in short one long nose. The prince was about to call the guards to throw out this woman when the wolf girl stood up went over to the fae embraced and called her auntie. The new bride sat the fae down in a seat of honor and served her personally.
   Then in came another fae puppet, now the characters in the story didn't know they were fae because the normal fae features were missing from the women. This time the fae puppet had a horribly hunched back so much that when she held her head up straight, her gaze turned to the ground. Again the bride rose greeted the woman as aunt and honored her.
   Lastly to the amazement of all came the third woman. She possessed eyes as large as tea saucers. Again she was greeted as aunt and given respect. However the prince was filled with wonder and curiosity on how such unusual looking woman were his bride's relations. When the bride was talking to the queen he discreetly asked the three women's relation to his wife.
   The three women chuckled and stated once they too were as beautiful as his bride. The first said that her relentless looking over her work on the spinning wheel stretched out her nose to impossible lengths. Then the second puppet told of how her back was bent poring over her loom making cloth. The last woman spoke about the conditions that she had to sew in. Poor smoky light reddened her eyes and squinting caused them to enlarge to the size they were now. The prince horrified by this stood up and made a declaration that his wife never had to spin, weave, or sew ever again. And the wolf girl's secret stayed safe until she had to use her unusual talents to save her kingdom but that was another story. The curtain closed for the final time as the three fae women glared at the handmaidens as the play was over. A voice-over then stated the fate of the wicked maids, an unfortunate accident concerning a coconut cart and a coach full of tar. Hobbies wiped the sweat off his brow as the performance was finished.

Jakob applauded politely as the play ended.  The puppetry was very good, the story... well, it works as a warm-up but he probably wants to go for something a bit more high-brow next.

The incubus glanced at his pocketwatch - if he was lucky, there was just about enough time to have a quick word with Hobbies backstage, before quickly dressing for the dinner, so he made his way there.

It had been a long time since Xyrtia had done anything physical, and it showed in the way her muscles simply started giving out as she tried, and failed, to match the gryphon's stances towards the end. She took a moment to stretch before taking a more regularly-sized portion of food, which is to say, a somewhat small portion by most people's standards. With the exercise, she knew it would be important to stay nourished.

Hobbies slumped his shoulders as the curtain came down "Well that was a difficult two and a half hours." The fennec incubus packed up the puppets for the night. When he turned around he spotted Lord Jakob walking towards him "Hello Lord Jakob, how may I help you?"

"Hello Hobbies," Jakob said, "I've been invited to dine with the Captain, so I will have to change soon, but I wanted to see how you felt after tonight's performance.
"Personally I thought the puppetry was very well done.  I do wonder whether a more classical work might be a better thing going forwards.  What you did was a fine opening act, though it had the feel of a children's tale, no offence intended," he finished.

"Anyway, I hope to catch more of your work as the cruise goes on," he added, with a flourish.

"Well" Hobbies gave a sidelong glance "A lot of the classical pieces usually insult at least one race. It really won't do to start a riot or a grudge here." The incubus' eyes looked thoughtful "though there is that comedy play that manages to insult every race on Furrae." The fennec continued to maintain his puppets. "I'll try to follow your advice and select classical pieces then, enjoy your meal Lord Jakob"

"I hadn't thought of that aspect," Jakob admitted.  "Surely there must be something, a political thriller where race is unimportant.  How about the Tragedie of St. Beth, or perhaps Rourke, Prince of Feldspar?  Failing that, if Demons are usually pretty thick-skinned... they seem to play the villain in the talkies, after all. They're used to it and it's often more well-deserved than.. us," he added, glancing around covertly.
"You can always fall back on a comedy if that doesn't work."

Jakob looked troubled for a moment.  "I wonder, should I forget this whole Angel thing?  Am I being paranoid about it?  Should I go to the captain's dinner with my headwings?  It's just... once I reveal them, the genie isn't going back in the bottle, not on this flight, anyway."

The fennec looked surprised "You're a incubus?" He calmed down after this shock, it was common for most of the cubi clans to go in disguise. "Well it depends on what you really want. Our clan almost never disguises ourselves. That almost always throws people off with their thinking that cubi are the race of deception. Truth is stranger than fiction and people respect that, though we can't go everywhere because of that habit. I do think that you should let your headwings out. I've done too may mystery plays that always has the cubi do it with their perfect disguises. Nobody suspects a cubi who has come out, even fact they'll defend the cubi most likely because they think nobody could be that stupid to reveal an advantage like that. That and we're on a boat, nine to ten a crime is going to happen and there be investigators and all that trouble. It'll look pretty bad too because you are an envoy. Letting others know you're a cubi should be the best route but then again it is your choice my lord." The fennec had packed up his puppets into a dimensional scroll and hesitated "I know this might be prying and you have a dinner to get to but we've heard rumors" The fennec said his next words in a whisper "Really my lord? An entire warehouse of never wilting roses?"   

"I thought you had figured that out," Jakob said, a little taken aback.  "I told you I was fairly high in Daryil clan.  And thank you, yes, I do know the risks.  That's why I'm considering throwing away my disguise in front of the Captain on the first day, rather than run the risk of being forcibly exposed later if something bad does happen."

"And yes, it's true about the roses," the wolf added, with a faintly dreamy expression.

"Well it's impolite to pry too closely into your appearance. I hope that whatever choice you take it goes well for you. So you are really the famous Jakob Petersson?" The fennec asked "We watched your documentaries. It was required orientation material." The incubus looked left and right and whispered "you better watch out for your next birthday I heard rumours our leader was complaining for settling some more debt for Lord Daryil by renting a rave, finding how to do a shadow clone technique and 9000 tank tops. "

"Yes," Jakob said simply.  "I never did become his one-and-only, though we did make out in the rose room once."  The wolf shook his head and sighed.  "Oh, to heck with it.  I think I'll keep the headwings hidden for now, particularly if people are going to recognise me and ask interesting questions.  After all, I can always reveal them in the morning."

"Thank you for your warning," he said with a bow, "I dare say we'll meet again.  Right now, I'd better prepare for the dinner, though."  So saying, he shook the other's hand warmly and politely took his leave.

The Theater

The conclusion of Hobbies play brings polite applause, if somewhat muted. Still, the crowd can be heard discussing the play as they disperse to their haunts around the ship. Staffers can be seen ushering people out, and taking the chairs away for storage.

The Casino

Morden mutters a bit at his companion leaving, and scoops up his chips and heads away from the table.

Captain's Repast

Two long tables have been set out in the dining room on the third deck, with the rearward bar converted over to holding the dishes and providing a degree of separation between the exalted guests and the lowly peons who fetch the wine and delicacies.  Somehow, the crew has managed to redecorate the room in the scant hours that this bar has been inoperative. The walls are festooned with banners and buntings, most depicting legendary battles, or the crests of important families from all round Aesillar who had contributed funds to the building of the vessel. The tables themselves are richly set, with cream and butter dishes alternating freshly baked bread and honey cake, all set around lightly scented beeswax candles to give a homey, intimate atmosphere.

From behind the bar, the scents of steamed vegetables and roasted meat waft out pleasantly towards the entrance-way, which is filled by the bulk of the vessel's captain, seeming ill at ease in a dull grey suit, that seems about a size and a half too tight for him, especially around the shoulders. He is flanked by a  flunky, also in a suit but with a pearl-white coat, carrying out the function of escorting the guests to their respective seats after the captain has exchanged a few pleasantries with the invitees.

Jakob looked the part as he entered the Captain's dining room, headwings still concealed.
His clothing was similar, though different, to the outfit he had worn before - knee-length boots, expensive leathers and a partial shirt of the kind preferred by winged Creatures, fashioned from green silk with a golden trim to it.  His arms were bare aside from a matching set of sleeves.  Gloves he had considered, but since he was going to be eating it was perhaps not the best idea.

Flashing the invitation to the flunky, he was led to his place at the table, where he sat once he was sure it was polite to do so, and glanced around at the other guests to see who else had been invited.

Back home, formal functions required a minor degree of preparation: paints, chevrons, removal and insertion of more ornate plating, designs etched onto his chest, so on and so forth.

Having access to none of these things, Terry simply went as he was. Rather than bother the flunky with his questions, he simply took his seat at the table, palms resting flat against the surface. It wasn't long before his fingers started drumming, eyes occasionally flitting left and right to get a better look at his surroundings and fellow guests. It didn't take a mindreader to tell how anxious he was having to sit here like a... a...

Like a somebody. Terry felt perfectly happy being a solitary nobody. Maybe this canine with the boots and green-gold shirt had fun playing dress-up, but right now, he'd love to just be vegetating in his cabin.

Jeremiah felt watched.

This wasn't particularly out of the ordinary. He typically felt watched. He was a jumpy man these days, frog jokes notwithstanding. Had been for years now, he blamed it on his curse. It made being a dishonest man difficult, feeling scrutinized, and it was worse when his voices attempted to offer critique in the middle of something. Usually because it was good critique. Nothing fudges a lie like being recommended a better one mid-sentence.

Regardless, the feeling persisted as he approached the door to the service stairwell and loosened his bow tie, pulling it aside and stuffing it in his pocket. He liked this stairwell. The exposed pipes clanged satisfyingly on his way up and down, sometimes he liked to pretend there was a tune. He listened a moment as he set his hand on the doorknob, smiling a little to himself.

... Someone was walking very quickly. He glanced around. The crowds were a bit of a way off, and thick, but he saw a pair of ears coupled with a set of horns rapidly approaching, at more purposeful a clip than the usual hobnobbing...

"Excuse me, my good Sir!" Eden smiled, leaning in closer to eye Jeremiah. generally most employees hated when you tried to get their specific attention when their shift was over. Eden knew this, mostly because she quite intended to get this frog to hand her off to someone who'd know more about her questions then he likely did as as soon he he could so he could enjoy a nice panini. He was toady, after all.

In her mind Eden made note of the toad pun for future reference.

"I wanted to ask some questions in regard to this fine vessel, Good Sir." She maintained the overt formality to see how he'd react. "After all, I'd hate to have to maim someone to get the answers, " She adjusted her glasses, grinning. A nice off colour joke was usually a good way to tell what kind of Being she was dealing with here. "Especially you, my Technicolor friend." She chuckled, sending him a message she was joking.

...Not that that usually made anyone less afraid of her, but still. She'd like to stay out o trouble on this trip. She might try to cause it but generally she'd prefer to watch someone else get smacked down by security.

Aleyna and Baseel both left what they were doing. They went to their room, and dressed.  They arrived on time, and sat next to eachother, taking note of the others around them, then awaited the captain. He was dressed in his typical tunic and robe, while she wore a longer, more elegant dress.  They choose a more proper attire, given the formality of the letter.

Taking note of those who'd arrived before them, the first person noticed was the not so subtle incubus.  The others seemed familiar, but not besides Terry, none of the other names were coming to either of them.

Jakob waited patiently and took note of the other guests as they filed into the captain's dining room, giving a polite nod to the Demoness and her partner.  He wasn't entirely sure what to make of Terry, but nodded politely to him as well.  Undead or construct? he wondered.  Either way, I doubt they can actually eat.

Aisha had to admit...even through the discomfort of an unfamiliar place, with none of the usual scents of a tavern or an adventurer's haunt drifting through the air, she didn't know when the last time was that she could feel lightly at ease.  Perhaps it was in her nature to be calm through the thought of impending chaos...of being chosen to participate in a mission of justice and liberation.  Or perhaps it was the slight buzz that the smells of wine and champagne from behind the bar gave out to those who sat around long enough...

...Or perhaps, she noticed as the darkness of night slowly fell through the porthole windows, it was nightfall and past time for her to start turning in.  It was in Aisha's discipline under Rynkura to be an early sleeper and an early riser...though a bath would be nice beforehand, the panthress surmised.

With one last gulp of the tingling strawberry ale, she turned to Kafzeil.  "At any rate, amigo, I think I shall bid you goodnight.  It has been something of an...eventful day."  With a slow stretch of her limbs, she slipped from the chair and politely nodded her head to the ferret angel.  "Perhaps I'll see you around tomorrow, Kafzeil.  You can probably find me at the gym or here at the bar, if not in my chambers.  If not, just send someone...I'm not too hard to find," she smirked.  As Aisha spoke, she was careful to keep any hint of their earlier planning out of her voice and facial expression...surely, even one small glimpse of this giant scandal to anyone working for that demon Captain would have the dire consequences of being thrown into the slave hold herself.

Once her farewells for the day were said, the black feline sauntered out of the bar area where the noises of gamblers and the rare reveling, drunken nobleman soon disappeared from behind her...she was just as happy to be rid of those noises as she was to be rid of the demons nearby.  She did keep her ears and eyes open for anything strange once she made her way into the more quiet halls...something like footsteps following, or hushed tones.  But, everything looked normal...peaceful and safe, as it should have been on a giant airship cruise.  A few security guards passed her by, and they did send her fairly suspicious looks; wearing her adventuring attire with her hair loose and few pieces of jewelry gleaming, she looked fairly out-of-place among the people that they were used to seeing...but they spared her no trouble, though she felt more than one set of eyes on her back even until they turned another corner.  She figured a quick sighting of the Mistress's ensign on her bracer had something to do with it.

...Looks like I'm going to have to watch my back, she sighed.  I doubt they'll suspect me of something just by the state of my dress, but I've met guards who were less justified in their actions.

Aisha had dinner via room service once she returned to her private chambers, followed by a quiet bath.  As she slipped into bed, with the night's silence falling all around, she could only guess what sort of things tomorrow would bring.

*     *     *

Back down in the slave hold, the food had been consumed as it had before with quick enthusiasm to quell the hunger of the unfortunate captured.  Jake had made sure that the youngest or the weakest got their fair share of the freshest leftovers, and then he contented himself with the meager portions of what was left; the gryphon could only hope that his stomach wouldn't start rumbling in his sleep.

At that point, he saw a tired but hard-faced Wallard pacing back and forth and up and down between each member of the hold.  He made sure to ask each of them privately how they were faring, and if they'd felt sick or tired, more so than usual.  When more of them said that they felt sleepy than most, he stood at the head and slammed his fist a few times on a piece of metal to get everyone's attention.

BANG.  BANG.

"A'right, everyone, all ears!" he called out in that rough voice of his, crossing his arms as it echoed and everyone settled.  "I know it's hard ta tell time down 'ere, so I'll be doin' that for ya.  An' since many of ya are about ta fall over asleep, we can assume that it's about that time o' night.  So congratulations on survivin' yer first day here aboard the hold o' this flyin' crapshoot.  I hope ya get used t' many, many more.  Now git some sleep...and that goes double for th' young'ns.  If'n the rest of ya feel like stayin' awake, don't make noise...and if I catch anyone pissin' on anyone else, I'll personally flog ya.  Yeah, g' ahead and laugh, but it's happened before.  G'night...an' one more thing...hold on t' them dreams, 'cause it's th' only piece o' freedom y' have now."

That last sentence, Jake noted, seemed a little out of character for the roughness that made up the old gryphon...but considering what he must have been through and all that he agreed to on this first day just for the simple hope of escape, it felt strangely appropriate.

Before Wallard retreated to his own personal corner, wandering among the mumbling crowd, he caught Jake's eye and nodded once.

Sleep tight, kinsman.

"Well, you guys heard him," the Knight said to his younger group of friends, "Sleep's the best thing for anyone now, I suppose."

With everyone's well-wishes of the night in his ears, Jake succumbed to his own fatigue with a wide yawn and slumped lightly against the wall that he'd adopted as his own space.

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, Kenyan kept to a dutiful watch for the scrabbling of any unchecked stowaways past the wall that separated the loading dock from the supply hold...and sure enough, there it was.  Two, maybe three sets of scrabbling, scratching claws on wood or metal...and one set of feet that sounded suspiciously like the flat, unclawed type.

*     *     *

Outside, night waned on and made those on the deck feel isolated with only the soothing thrumming of the engines for noise, amidst the constantly-unsettling sounds of echoing, plaintive roars somewhere deep in the clouds.

Hobbies paced around the ship, wandering and wondering what to do now. Outside the night sky was star studded depending on the amount of light pollution. He was lost in thought when he suddenly heard faintly some noises outside of the ship. Sometimes sharp large ears didn't bring much to your peace of mind with the things you accidentally overhear. The fennec headed towards the gymnasium for maybe someone to practice sparring, if something was going to attack, the incubus wasn't going to go down screaming like a little girl, no offense to them of course, he thought to himself.

After watching the glorious sunset through to its last glimmer Mel stood and stretched. She decided a good meal before bed would be just the thing. A few minutes later a hostess was seating her at an empty table. Hopefully she wouldn't have to share with anyone too tedious. Almost before she got comfortable a cheerful lynx waitress was by her side with a menu.

With others slowly filing in, things would probably be getting under way soon enough. But for some reason Terry just couldn't be bothered to sit and wait patiently. What if it was some silly fundraiser? He wasn't about to sit here and waste his precious unlife like this. Though, he would just sit there rather than embarrass himself by standing and leaving in the middle of some Creature's speech.

The wolf sitting nearby, he seemed like an agreeable person. Terry leaned over slightly. "Sir? Excuse me, but... do you have any idea what this meeting's about? I'm deathly allergic to surprises."

"Oh, hello," Jakob said affably.  "I don't know if there is any kind of an agenda, as such.  Though now you mention it, not everyone does eat.  So perhaps there is more to it than just a social occasion."

"Not to be rude," he added, glancing at the construct, "besides I imagine you get this a lot, but given that you resemble some kind of construct... may I ask if you are, well... biologically challenged?"  If so, I imagine this is going to be rather a dull occasion for you.

"I should say not." He sounded almost offended by the notion. "Being alive was a challenge, this is transcendence."

Though given that the ship's magical damping had been fatiguing him since the start, maybe that last statement wasn't entirely true.

"Sorry if I seem short," he continued, "but not all of us are born on higher rungs of the evolutionary ladder." He did sound a little apologetic, but implying that his new body was some kind of detriment did make him a little cross.

"My apologies," Jakob said courteously.  "I have seen some rather curious undead in my time, and it's not always an improvement so far as they are concerned.  In far too many cases it's a 'better-than-nothing' scenario.
"But this... transcendence, you say...?  Now I'm curious.  What advantages does this form give you over what you were before?  That is, if I'm not prying too much," he added hastily.

Terry's eyes had trouble maintaining contact as he spoke. "I was... broken on several occasions as a being. This body stops that from happening again."

He sat up a little straighter. "It's not very pleasant dinner conversation. Let's just say that changes had to be made."

Hm, that was too grim of a note to leave off on. "But enough about that. My name is Terrence, and you are... someone reasonably important, I assume."

Jeremiah nearly jumped; she'd shown up quickly. He chuckled nervously. She reminded him of someone; had that manic pixie fairychild thing going on.

Her sense of humor left something to be desired. Jeremiah's smile froze, slightly; he tried not to judge people in advance, but he didn't like demons. They were loud and brutish and loud and arrogant and loud and their jokes were never as funny as they thought they were. It was the teeth, he thought to himself. Comedians need flatter teeth.

Of course, he was bored all day. And she seemed like the type to make the day interesting, if it wasn't traced back to him...

"What would you like to know?" Jeremiah's grin leaped into place, of a variety he hadn't had since his last poor decision. He'd slightly missed it. "I, Madame, am at your service."

"Noted," Jakob said.  "So you were once a Being?  I thought I was too, once.  Discovering otherwise was a bit of a shock and has been a burden at times, but you can't help what you're born as.  And for that matter, I don't believe that Demons, Angels or 'Cubi evolved since there is no evolutionary chain to study.  It seems far more likely to me that those races were created artificially by Dragons or Fae as some kind of experiment.

"As for me?  I am Jakob Pettersohn.  Importance is relative.  I am an envoy to Lord Daryil, sent on a diplomatic mission, which I dare say seems to have succeeded.  So yes, he considers me important, important enough to book return passage on... this," he said, making a sweeping gesture.  "In the grand scheme of things?  I don't have many pretensions.  To tell the truth, I feel a little out of place here."

"You feel out of place?" Really, Jakob had to consider who and what he was talking to. "Before I boarded, three people confused me for the hired help. Then some demon wouldn't quit staring at me when I tried to play cards." Transcendence really did have its downside when the entire rest of the world's population was one plane of existence behind.

"At least you're a diplomat," he continued. "You have some idea of why you're here. My sponsors booked this flight as a going-away present. It was supposed to be... you know, a nice, quiet reprieve. As in, no dinner parties or soirees." The material in his left hand creaked as it tightened, then relaxed slowly. The more he dwelled on it, the more irritated he grew.

"It's not my first choice either," Jakob admitted quietly.  "But we can't disappoint the captain, and besides we may possibly learn something to our advantage.  I guess we'll have to wait and see."

"It's the waiting that kills me."

He finally paid attention to some of the banners: patriotic pablum, all of it. Given their message, he had a vague idea of what this would all be about, and he had little intention of staying here and listening. Politics and local history were the last thing he felt like indulging in, especially on a luxury cruise.

"Frankly, that captain disturbs me." Even through the narrow visor, Terry's eyes were visibly slanted. "He looks like he'd sooner stab me in the chest than shake my hand."

"Well," Jakob muttered to the construct, "I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt for now.  After all, a luxury liner like this is nothing without a reputation.  You really think they'll be able to attract the rich and famous if some of them go missing?
"And maybe this will give you a chance to evaluate the captain and see if your appraisal is accurate."

Captain's repast

Once most of the guests had filed away to seats, and the waiters were going from chair to chair inquiring about drinks, the captain stepped away from the entranceway and moved towards the head of table.  He took up his own glass and raised it, as he addressed the crowd in a booming voice.

"My passengers, friends, honored guests; I hope this first day of travel has been pleasant for you all. The winds have been favorable, and we are now passing over the mysterious lands of Qaggat. Some of you may have had dealings with the blank faced people of that land, but for those with worries, let me re-assure you that the Flame of Freedom was eagerly supported by the The Chair, and we have safe passage over the misty forests. Everyone here who has helped make this grand endeavor possible does their utmost to provide you all with the most secure and magnificent travel accommodations available. As part of that, we wish to have some of our senior people share a meal with our valuable passengers; to better let you know the faces that are here to help you should any inconvenience arise.  But in the meantime, the drink is cold, the food is warm, and let me not keep it from you any further. Bon appetit, and fair travels!"


He pulls a long drink from his glass, and eyes over the crowd, a smile only slightly undercut by a physique that seems more suited for springing into combat than greeting guests.
The hallway.

With no reply forthcoming, the Moose glances dismissively at Evan and hurries off.

Refectory

Soon after the waitress departs after depositing the menu, a moose being that you think you've seen before in the crowd hurries over to your table and sits down. In a hurried whisper, he says "Madam Icewing, I apologize for intruding so on your repast, but well, it's important. I am in a position to hear a great many things, and I've come across one Evan Merrick. He has an enchanted blade, one I believe stolen from your family's hoards.I thought you should be alerted.

"Deeuughh--" Terry let out a small, exasperated groan and rolled his eyes. If his sponsors thought this would be a cute way for him to get to know people, they were sorely mistaken. He didn't feel like talking, and couldn't eat anything; what was the point? This was a colossal waste of his time.

And yet, he couldn't just stand up and leave, especially with the captain idly scanning the crowd. There were vague rules of engagement in high Creature society, chief amongst them being grace and etiquette. He'd have to wait until more people were busy schmoozing before sneaking out. It felt so silly having to plan something as simple as leaving a room, but when surrounded by such haughty people, one had to act carefully.

Finally, the day is done, Xyrtia thought as she found a spot along one wall. Kneeling down, she placed the backs of her hands together in front of her chest, her fingers pointed down. "Chk'ee keet co caw tee trrr," she chirped in her native tongue, sounding grave. "Ki taw kree kree chrrr caw. Chk'ee krrr." It was a common prayer for safety when away from home, though she couldn't help but feel it was a bit late for that as she felt once more at her clipped feathers as she curled up into a fetal position to sleep.

Kafzeil smiled, raising his glass to her as she rose. "Oh Don't worry my friend. I'm sure our paths will cross again.If I'm not here I'm probably in my chambers. Or somewhere peaceful." He ordered another drink. "Goodnight, and good fortune."

As she left the angel shook his head. He could already feel the alcohol start to catch up with him. By the gods he hated this ship. The entire idea of flying through the air in a balloon filled with explosive gas, then using it to ferry people who could sling fireballs with ease--granted the magical dampener would at least help with that--was simply a disaster waiting to happen.

The ferret started his next glass. Another drink or two then off to crash in his chambers. How the hell anyone sleeps on this deathtrap is anyone's guess.

As he swallowed sweet stout, he couldn't help but feel like he would come to regret this somehow.

**********

He is submissive, clearly terrified of me, and his poker face is actually somewhat good. I like this one.

Eden grinned, then patted herself down and rolled her eyes.

"Ah, shit." The groaned."You wouldn't happen to have a pen and piece of paper handy, would you?"

She then shock her head, waving her hands in front of her a bit. "Nevermind if you don't. I'm sure I'll remember the basics, anyways. The ship. Any idea how much one costs? How much weight she can carry, you know....that sort of dealie?"

"I mean you are a member of the crew. I'd expect any Captain who doesn't make sure all ship hands don't know every nook and cranny of their vessel pretty much deserve to mutinied or keelhauled or whatever you airship crews do when you mutiny."

Eden's smile vanished. I mean clearly he didn't like the maiming joke. Maybe bluntly asking how likely an air mutiny was would be in bad taste.

"Yeah," Jakob said quietly, sensing Terry's conflict.  "You don't want to upset someone with a figure like that."
The wolf ate, but not much, giving an occasional glance at the crew and other guests.

"So, who are your sponsors, anyway?" he asked casually.

As the others went to sleep at Wallard's command, Kenyan kept his ear to the wall. He wasn't tired anyway, not when there was still work to be done. He idly listened to Xyrtia's prayer, but her language wasn't an exact match to the language of wild birds. He could understand the emotions behind the words – a kind of desperate hope, and faith – but he couldn't discern what was being said.

Before he could get too distracted trying to learn her tongue, Kenyan heard the scratching of little feet and claws on the other side of the wall. Relief washed over the lion's mind yet again ... only to be squashed by the sound of feet of a decidedly non-rodent nature. A Being, or some other two-leg species he didn't know about. Why were they in the hold so late?

Kenyan swallowed and crouched down, perching on all fours. His thoughts were quick, cloaked in his true language for comfort. <Is it someone who can help? Should I speak up? No, don't be stupid. It could be a crew member, or one of our jailers. If I speak up then, we will all die. Talk only to your own "kinsmen".>

So, Kenyan confined his communication to the pests. He scratched at the wall with two claws, lightly enough not to damage the boards but loud enough to be heard. "<Can you hear me? Who's there? I need help.>" To anyone else, the sound was little more than a rat squeaking softly in another room.

"I can think of a handful of employees who'd mirror the end of that sentiment, but you didn't hear it from me." Jeremiah grinned and slouched a little, "Unfortunately I'm only working with the casino itself; our entire business is, at the end of the day, more of that cargo you were talking about. Different channels, all that. My total knowledge of the cost and capacity of this ship is 'more money than I'll ever see' and 'all of us', respectively. If you want someone who can answer more technical questions," His smile dialed down a couple notches, "Then what you'll want to do is head down this stairway behind me. I'm going one floor down, you'll want to go three. Step off there, take a left, then a right further down. That's where the technicians are, out of the way of the paying guests."

This was not technically a lie. Jeremiah, and much of the rest of the Service crew (although, he recalled, not all of it) had been repeatedly told that entering the sections of the ship he'd just given directions to was punishable by expulsion from the ship. The people who asked whether the ship would land first were pointedly ignored. The frog was assuming the best, but he hadn't seen that girl from the first day of training lately.

They had been told that these corridors lead to the engines of the ship, and that any distraction to the engineers could send them plummeting out of the sky. Jeremiah had taken this as the usual extreme flying safety regs. Surely she'd walk in, make a minor fuss that would be contained quickly, the ship might give a minor shake and she'd walk out to the embarassment of all involved. No big.

Somewhere at the back of the frog's brain, Bal withdrew his hand from the logical reasoning process he'd been fiddling with.

"I'm not exactly at liberty to name names on a ship filled with such diverse people with wildly diverging opinions," he mused. Though that was less for the benefit of his adoptive family and more for the benefit of himself not being assaulted by some ornery angel or demon. "Let's just say they're very generous, egalitarian people. They sponsored many things that most demon families wouldn't even give a second thought to." Namely, anything that didn't help kill people.

"And in return for my diligence, they helped me with this new body of mine. Really, I can't think of anyone else I could trust to tear my spirit out and shove it into a new vessel instead of just eating it."

"That kind of eating is harder to do than people make out," Jakob said.  "It's not like you can just grab someone and eat them where they stand, it's a complex process.  You have to actually shatter the soul... a terrible, terrible thing to do.

"Now, my Master... he believes that we can use the power of the atom itself to give us energy.  The main difficulty is converting it into a form which Creatures can use, and that we must use particular heavy metals to make the process work.  And that is why I am here, my mission was to form an alliance that would give us the ores we need."

Eden smirked, giggled as he hand rose and pointed at the door.

"No passengers beyond this point. Clear and bright as your skin." She then folded her arms and examined her nails. A calculated gesture. "The brochure they gave to me mentioned staying out of the engine decks, saying it was too dangerous. And it would be so ungentle...manly to let harm come to a fine ass lady, wouldn't it? "

Eden knew she barely classified as a lady, and even if she did, she wasn't exactly a frail little thing.

"You could be a darling and pop in, yank a wrench monkey out from his post for me. It'd only take a second." She waited for Jeremiah's response.

******

As the formal captain's dinner progressed, the boring affair would see a new, uninvited dinner guest. The angel, barely keeping his balance stumbled to Jakob and grabbed the Incubus from behind.

The ferret then pulled himself closer and wrapped both his arms around Jakob, Kafzeil's cheek an away from Jakob's. One arm began massaging Jakob's chest, the other, his hair.

"Mmmm...your fur's so soft~" the angel slurred.  Judging from the smell of his breath,  somebody had consumed more then his fill of stout tonight.

How the Hell he had gotten past the guards was probably a good question. Maybe they had left to grab dinner themselves? Maybe the stars had been aligned just right this evening. Who knew?

"I don't what to set the world on fire~" Kafzeil began to sing. Off-key and about as well as anyone towards the end of pub crawl, but sing he did. "I just want to start a flame in your heart~" His cheek met the Incubus', nuzzling it affectionately.

Jeremiah had not lived the life he had by being dumb.

The narrator feels it is very important to make that very clear. He had a handful of addictions, carefully managed. His vaguely vagabondly life was generally undertaken as a succession of brief but reliable employments. He had learned to manage his curse very well, without being captured by some mage for experimentation on or without getting his insides made into his outsides by some demon he'd offended with an outburst. And he generally wasn't prone to getting abruptly dumber in the presence of attractive women. He even liked to think he could tell which ones would cause him trouble.
Although, admittedly, he had a rather poor track record for doing something about it.

With this in mind, one could say reasonably well that Jeremiah could tell that Eden was putting him on. That he had witnessed his share of little old me's in his life and knew quite well that the pleading, pouting tone of voice (when applied to a man of his bearing and stature) was quite the same as a rattlesnake's rattle.

Unfortunately, Jeremiah could tell Eden was putting him on, and he loved this game.

"Mm, I've no doubt. However," One slick, slender finger raised, apologetic little grin in place, SELL it, boyo. "I've duties to attend to myself, and cleaning this uniform comes out of my paycheck. Mademoiselle can risk it if she so pleases; I'm sure a modern and capable, as you say, 'fine ass lady'" Although it does, admittedly, seem quite fine. "Is more than able to brave a little rust and grime to satisfy her curiosity. Frankly, I'd hate to insult your personal agency by implying otherwise."

Feminism had gotten Jeremiah out of a lot of trouble and saved him a lot of favors, over the years.

Before Jakob could expound on the physics of nuclear energy or positron production, a drunken figure began molesting him.  Jakob put down his knife and fork with a bored expression.  "Sorry, you're not my type," he said, and glanced at the nearest member of staff as if to say "How did this drunk get in here...?"

Terry looked ready to interject just as the angel came into view and began, for lack of a better word, tenderly caressing the poor incubus. Such was high society these days. While Jakob's expression was wholly unamused, Terry's resembled something just south of embarrassment. Not for himself, of course.

A little levity was needed. "Now, if you looked like me, nobody of either sex would ever do that to you no matter how inebriated they were. Brilliant, don't you think?"

"Of course," Jakob said, "That solution does raise issues for the times when you are after that kind of attention."  He glanced at the construct.  "How do you think he'll react in the morning?  I could taunt him the entire voyage by bringing this up."

He frowned.  "Or, if this is just him being uninhibited, I could spend the entire voyage hiding from him."

Keaton's personal cabin was more luxurious than she was expecting: it reminded her of a hotel room, complete with the essentials, but more spacious than what she had envisioned. The mental image she had carried with her onto the ship, and that had endured despite the extravagant first impression, were the tiny, confining quarters that passengers were crowded into on the train ride to her destination; comfortable but utilitarian. A quick inspection revealed a bathroom equipped with a shower and other clean toiletries, a portable refrigeration system, and a bed large enough to fit two people draped with sumptuous red sheets. Red walls, red carpets, red pillows, all hinted with the occasional superficial glint of iridescent purple or rose swirled in the fabrics – the whole room looked like it was made from velvet.

Keaton loved it, and years of drifting from slipshod hovel to spur-of-the-moment shelter sweetened the very welcome change of atmosphere and comfort. Grinning widely, she practically pranced into the room, swinging her drawstring bag around and depositing it on the bed, the mattress bouncing. She packed light. The only belongings that consistently remained in her possession throughout her years of travel were the stuffed animals she accumulated, the occasional keepsake that managed to survive the upheaval following her clan's extermination, and her sister's marble, which was significant enough to be included in a category of sentimentality all on its own. Flopping on the bed and wrenching open the bag, she counted each stuffed animal, and with almost theatrical deliberation, pulled out some of the money she had buried under Mr. SoulGobbler (the name of the headwinged stuffed lion she made in SAIA crafts class). She counted it, avariciously taking note of every penny. There was more than enough to suit her purposes.

Time for a little R&R, she thought, tucking the cash in one of the hidden pockets of her dress. After stuffing her drawstring bag under her bed, a precautionary measure, she sauntered out the door with an almost uncharacteristic spring to her step.


However, as it turned out, her sheltered perspective about Being technology and luxury transportation worked to her disadvantage. She really just wanted to go where the drinks were, and somehow within a few minutes she managed to get herself hopelessly lost. If she was food for the Minotaur wandering aimlessly in Daedalus's labyrinth, it was at least the prettiest death trap Keaton ever walked into. The Flame of Freedom was unlike anything she'd ever seen, a magnificent, floating work of art, and it was all she could do to keep herself from gaping at the architecture or something equally daft. However, after meandering into a hallway that looked almost completely identical to the last, she was starting to appreciate the ship's craftsmanship less and less.

Somewhere along the lines, Keaton got the bright idea that the path that seemed least identical to the one ahead led to safety, so with one haphazard step, she managed to completely upend any sense of navigation she scraped together and wind up in a hallway surrounded by pipes and machinery. A sign that she hadn't even noticed helpfully pointed to the employee bathrooms.

Keaton stood there, ears tipped back and face flushed a pretty scarlet. Of course something had to go horribly wrong.

And all she wanted to do was get drunk.

Captain's repast

The captain, who had been distracted talking to a tall cow with feathered wings, noticed Kafzeil's intrusion into the banquet. Swiftly and surely, he strides over to Kafzeil and grips him firmly by the upper arms to pull him away from Jakob.  Still holding the writhing angel, he leans over to the incubus and murmurs an apology for not stopping this sooner, although his face is only barely readable, with tiny glints of concern and distaste dancing across his visage.

When he tries to pull the inebriated angel away from the incubus, however, he discovered that Kafzeil had a tighter grip on the incubus's clothing than he had assumed. Tugging would probably tear the raiment, but among such a distinguished crowd, beating the angel bloody would leave a severely distasteful impression. Stopping and thinking had however, drawn even more eyes, and with a snarl, the captain thrusts a large paw under the ferret's snout, and pulls him up and away from the incubus in his grip. A quick strike to the temple to loosen his grip some more, and he manages to disengage the ferret with only minor damage to Jakob's clothing.

Once away from the incubus, the captain half drags, half carries the ferret out, and hands him off to the crewmember standing guard outside, and leaves instructions that can't be easily heard by those inside.

A moment later, he comes back inside, and bows low to Jakob  "My apologies for the intrusion, the crew should have stopped him long before; and we will of course recompense you for any damages to you and yours you've suffered from this incident. I wish to re-assure you that we will take the utmost steps to prevent such future disturbances, and hope you won't think too harshly of us."




Outside, the guard drags Kafzeil, none too gently to one of the store-rooms, and through the ale fog, Kafzeil can hear the door latch closing.

"No real harm done," Jakob said, studying the rent in his shirt.  "I imagine the cleaners will be able to repair it.  May I... may I ask what will happen to him?  I don't imagine this will be the last time someone gets that inebriated."

**OOC My god it is a Pal post :B not totally dead yet**


Paladin excused himself from the table after a few more hands, in the knowledge that mos casino's aren't too happy with customers clean the house out, even on low stake poker. After passing by the bar to order some room service he paid a visit to the ships library and picked up a couple of books to entertain himself, as he was unable to do his normal nightly routine of caring for and maintaining his weapons and armor, which was stored.

Making his way back to his room he was in time to meet the server with his meal, and after tipping the Lass and paying her a complement headed into his room to eat, read, and sleep.




*****************


Ephrael took a while to answer Vladim's question. It wasn't a difficult one to reply to yet her brain took its sweet time in formulating a response, yet it took enough time that her food arrived, as well as a new drink (some sort of soda she noted).

Somehow managing to talk at the same time as eating (it was almost like the food didn't even enter her mouth rather teleported directly to her stomach, and at rather impressive speed) "Well I was lucky enough to acquire a ticket actually, it pretty much dropped right into my hands. I mean I hadn't planed on taking a holiday but I did plan on traveling..You know what I mean?"

In the meantime, Vladim busied himself with the pork pie, eating the top crust first, then methodically breaking off segments from the rim before proceeding to the filling along with the lower base. Ephrael's response was met with a pause, a nod and a grin. "A holiday well spent can be quite the life-saver, isn't it so?" 

The Red haired Devil let off a small belch as she polished off the last mouthful of her meal, "Oooh that's some good nachos". She said as she took a swig of her soda. "I'm not sure this trip will be all that safe for my waistline if the food is this good." She smiled impishly.

The lynx grinned, still occupied with his pie . "Well, I suppose you'll have to live with that risk, or should I call it occupational hazard? Either way, with the amount of fancy asses on board ,they can't quite afford to serve army rations."  He polished off the remainder of the pie, wiped his paws and gulped down the rest of the ale.
"So... fancy doing anything? I'm not too partial to hazard, but you seem like a smart sort -  suppose together we could stand a chance of fleecing a few overfilled pockets."

Mel set the menu down and gave the moose a stern stare. "There has never been a theft from the Icewing hoard." That was the official family response. While there was an occasional intruder at the Fortress grandmother didn't consider it a theft if the perpetrator was caught promptly and disappeared so completely it was as if the event never happened. 

Unfortunately as the Icewing on location it was Mel's duty to tend to family business here on the airship and make sure things stayed as quiet as grandmother preferred.  "However, if there is an item you think should come to the Matriarch's attention I am her charmed object expert. I can assess it for her." She deliberately opened the menu again. "Tomorrow. Today has been long and no one is going anywhere."

The ferret tried opening the door. Unsuccessfully. He then tried shouting for help.

When he got no answer, the drunken angel silently gave up. he maintained just enough lucidity to move some bags and remove his coat before collapsing on it it, creating a makeshift bed.

******

Oh My Gods. Eden had to maintain her poker face. While she held somewhat different values then the demon norm, this...being, this servant was amusing her.

She would have to find him again.

"Ah, but you forget." She smiled. "It is my vacation. I don't have to prove anything if I don't want to."

That's how you define vacation right? Ah who gives a crap.

"But...I can see you're terribly busy." She gave his shoulder a rub. "I'll just find myself a lackey who's...less busy." she winked. There had to be a crewman here who lacked this one's spine and mental faculties.  As fun as that one was, she'd rather not start any trouble.

Well, trouble that couldn't be easily pinned on her anyways.

She figured she'd retire to her cabin. Maybe surprise Kafzeil.

On her way back she spotted a Tasmanian devil and--

What in the Seven Hells is wearing?!

Eden covered her mouth, trying not to laugh out loud. he looked like Magnok the Merciless from Kronak the Barbarian. Seriously, how do wear that and claim to have a shard of dignity?! Did this man lose a bet?

Well, time to be the savour. Eden strutted up to the pair.

"Hello Dear..." She smiled at the tazy devil. "...fashion victim." She directed at the lynx.

You know what they say about shoulder spikes and what's below the belt~

Captain's Repast

The wolf smiled a toothy grin. "While we've never had a disruption of one of the dinners, guests who are too drunk to be decorous are brought to a bunk we have for the occasion and watched until they can sleep it off. Once again, I'm sorry for the inconvienence, and if there's anything I can do to make it up to you on behalf of the vessel, you need only ask.

The bar

The moose gives a slight bow. "Of course madam. It's been a long day for many of us, I think. Perhaps we could breakfast together? I'm afraid I have some pressing business discussions, and you know how the old boys club runs, these things are usually best discussed late at night in our cups to shatter whatever fond illusions our investors might have of us. But truly madam, it would be no imposition at any time you care to name."

"These things happen," Jakob said to the captain in a nonchalant manner and finished his meal.  I will go without food tomorrow, he thought.  Don't want to put on too much weight.

Eventually the meal came to an end and the captain spoke, but he didn't seem to say anything of importance and Jakob's 'Cubi attention span started to get the better of him.

"Well, that wasn't too bad, I guess," he muttered quietly to Terry.  "He could have been trying to recruit sponsors or something."

Ephrael's instinct to agree with Vladim's proposal, was dampened by the potential consequences for once. Yes sure some of the winged passengers may survive being  thrown off, but not little ol me she thought.

The Diminutive Devil was about to voice her polite refusal when a Bunny Demon shaped whirlwind walked up next to the pair.  Eph span around on her stool to face the newcomer. "Hello!" She replied when the Rabbit spoke.

"Yes, well," Terry coughed, "I could have gone without seeing drunkards roughhoused by the captain." Violence never was an enjoyable sight, regardless of how minor or amusing it may have been in hindsight. All he could do was tell the waiters to skip on the food and drink, listen to the chatter around him... and grow ever more anxious with each passing minute.

Coming along was a mistake.

"...well then, I'm afraid I'm feeling rather unwell, Sir Pettersohn." He stood with a creak. Even Jakob could easily tell it was a lie, emotion-reading or not. "But do enjoy the festivities. Pleasure speaking with you." He nearly tripped just getting out from his seat, daintily pushing the chair in before clanking off towards the door. His cabin called for him.

Such a strange little fellow.

Back in the slave hold, somewhere deep within the walls, Kenyan's sense of hearing and keen observation wouldn't fail him.

Once he had finished relaying his message to the possible feral rodents scurrying about in the cargo space somewhere, all was silent for a few moments.  The non-rodent-like footsteps had stopped and died altogether; there was perhaps a wandering doubt that they were even heard at all.

But then, the scurrying came again.  It seemed to pause, to listen, to ponder.  And then:

<...Is there more of us?  I thought the big creatures killed us all.  I hide.  I must not be seen.  Who are you?  What help?>

In the stark darkness, broken only by intermittent shafts of light from other sources, a lone rat scurried and squeaked.  It sounded like there was only one.

Jakob couldn't think of anything else to do, so he went to bed.  There were alternatives, he could have hung out in the casino, but he was pretending to be an Angel and Angels and Demons needed to sleep.  Bored, he pulled a paperback from his luggage and read for a while, then doused the light and fell into a dreamless sleep.

Jeremiah's break had been brief and fitful, powernapping as best as he could on a threadbare couch in the breakroom trying to ignore the hiss gurgle and shriek of what he'd come to think of as the Truly Ancient Coffee Machine. He was pretty sure one day a mage was going to get into this room and call something sinister out of the grime and muck encrusted into the pot.
Made good coffee though.
These were the subject of Jeremiah's thoughts as he bustled around the dining hall with a platter of drinks and fingerfood. This was his least favorite job on the airship; your job is to be scenery, which means nobody notices you enough to tip you. He was pleased to be sent back to the kitchens for more wine; it was a chance to rest his arms.

Unfortunately, he didn't always find his way around the ship perfectly himself, and believed he'd ended up someplace near the engines. There were thrumming, worn pipes nearby making noises like the strained voice of a man trying to quietly shit a diamond-encrusted drake. It was either something for the steam engines or, you know, diamond-encrusted drakes.
A new noise eventually cut through his terrible similies, however.
That noise was Plic, telling him she heard something.
What?
Listen! Listenlisten, there's an angry!
It was true, there was. If he strained his ears there was definitely someone... He followed it, eventually finding an irate Jackal in a black... bodysuit? Some elaborate array of corsetry, belts, leggings and tribal-looking skirt. He gave her points for originality, but he had to admit he had strong feelings about the latest trend amongst adventurers for buckles. Not very utilitarian.
What is with today and dangerous-looking women?
"Excuse me miss." Jeremiah slipped into the hallway from behind a mas of machinery, a touch more quietly than was probably healthy out of force of butlerly habit. "Is something the matter?"

All was quiet for some time. Kenyan listened for the little feet and the two-leg feet again, ear to the wall and muscles tensed. When the two-leg feet didn't sound again, he was relieved. It was unlikely he had imagined them, but he wasn't too worried. If there was a guard, he was probably unconcerned with the slaves' welfare. The idea that nobody else knew they were on the ship hadn't occurred to him yet.

When the rat squeaked in his ear, he was overjoyed ... until he realized that the little creature's situation was a dangerous one. He had to get this new comrade to safety, now, or he'd lose his hope of being useful. Rats meant holes in the ship, and holes in the ship meant the walls could be broken. The only problem now was how to mention that he wasn't a real rat. Gently, he squeaked in reply.

<I'm sorry, my friend, but you're probably right.  As far as I know, there's only me and you, and I'm only alive because I don't look or smell like one of us. My pack called me "Foundling". Is there a way for you to get through this wall? There are big creatures here, but they won't hurt you. I've told them not to.>

The slavehold's mouse hole
"Can get through. Won't go through. Too many, throngs and smells of fear. Will watch. When not food-gathering. They've eaten the others, and I trust you, but not all of them.  Keep your nose down."


Through the night.

At some point in the timeless hell of the slavehold, a guard comes in bearing a large tray full of slop, further rations. He comes in, deposits the food, glares at you all, and leaves without a word.

The prisoners have it the worst of all, but most have trouble sleeping through the night. The motion of the craft through the sky is smooth, even, and regular, but still very noticeable to someone trying to recline in the soft but narrow beds that are provided to the guests. The thrum of the turbines that steer the craft are regular and easy to get used to, but the regulation of the power supply involves a lot of toil, and every so often, a harsh ringing of metal on metal can be heard, further interrupting repose. Occasionally, the pattering of feet can be heard, usually the night crew on duty, and catering as best they can with reduced staff to any demands of the nocturnal or the insomniac among the guests.

Sunrise.

The first rays of light in the day are diffuse through a thick layer of cloud, and anyone caring to look out a window can see a blood-red sky. A few more superstitious guests mutter that it's a poor omen, and signifying violence on the morrow.

When Xyrtia finally woke, she felt like she'd been asleep for ages ((har har)). Her sleep had been fitful and filled with odd shapes that were quickly dissipating from memory. As she moved to stand, she groaned at her stiff muscles before heaving herself to her feet. After a short stretch, she spotted the now-cold slop that had been brought in during the night. A fair amount had been picked away by the insomniacs among the slaves, but there was enough remaining that she was able to have a couple mouthfuls, enough to get her by for the day if nothing else. When she finished her paltry meal, she whistled a call to the sun, hoping that her internal clock was correct in telling her it was early morning. Looking around, she spotted Kenyan and kept an eye on him until he seemed idle for a fair amount of time. When that time came, she walked over. "Kenyan," she called, before continuing haltingly. "I, ke, need help. I don't know this... ke... chkrree kree, the right word isn't in my head. The words you use, to talk to people. You understand? I hope you can help, so I can... talk well."

Vladim shrugged at Ephrael's apparent refusal, and ordered another mug of ale as she began to chat with a newcomer, some rabbit of some sort, carefully edging away. 
Sometimes halfway along his ethanol-cured mind realised what exactly was it that he apparently proposed. Explains why she... meh. Should have been more precise.. though, it wouldn't have been a bad idea per se, just a bit risky.... Moron, you're letting the booze think. Maybe it's a good time for an early nap.
He finished off the ale, and with a somewhat wavy step, set off towards the staircase. B for beds.. that was it, was it?
***
As a direct result of crashing unusually early, Vladim was up, albeit with a bit of a headache by the time the first rays of sun began poking out from somewhere in the cloud cover. After checking his pouches and luggage for any signs of conspicuous absence, he rolled back the window cover, and looked outside. Red sky... that's for rain, was it? I wonder how this barge would fare if hit by a lightning. They should have fireproof spells in place, I would...If the captain shows up somewhere I'll ask him. Probably... now I should. What should I? Ah, right..
He got up, visited the restroom where among other, the lynx washed out his face,  and setting into the second, somewhat more civillian robe (without steel shoulders, for one), wandered off in direction of the main hall, curious if anyone else was up already.

"Ughhh" Hobbies said as he woke up, still groggy. He couldn't remember how did he get into bed. He didn't even remember when did he get into bed. All that he knew that the red morning was lancing right into his eyes. Somehow in the back of his mind, Hobbies half remembered that such a sign was a bad omen.

Mel awoke with a determination that her report to the line's owner might not be able to find fault with the casino but it would definitely mention the engines. At the prices paid for the staterooms a quiet night's sleep should be included. She dressed in a serious black pinstripe suit and went to get the meeting with the moose over with so she could have her breakfast in peace. She hoped the sword wasn't the missing one so she could get back to her dull job of staring at the casino.

As the sun shone through the cabin's windows Paladin awoke and yawned, unlike a lot of Cubi' sleep was a necessity for him still, though nowhere near as much as required as a being and he had always enjoyed it.

After showering and drying his fur the Incubus went about his morning routine. Once ready to face another day of holiday he set off to the dining room for some breakfast.


********************************

In another cabin and certainly not her own! (not with the size and decorations) A black furred hand groped around seeking a way out from the body draped over the rest of her. Locating a likely spot to attract the attention of other party Ephrael started to prod. "So much for Demon stamina" She thought and giggled.

Jakob got up, dressed and showered.  'Cubi didn't need to sleep, but that didn't mean they could skip out on freshening up, and in any case he was pretending to be an Angel.

The previous day he'd used formal envoy dress - today was perhaps time for something a bit more casual.  He chose some leggings and a front-only shirt, and made a mental note to see how many folks were dressed seductively as 'Cubi were often wont to do.  Jakob had come to prefer that style to the fuss and bother of formal clothing, but it was not suitable for everywhere, even among Creatures.

Once he was ready, the wolf made his way back to the common room to see who else was around.

Most of 'em will die anyway, Toothpick...not as easy with you gone and all, and them bein' hunted by everything bigger...
"Mnngh..."
But they won't be the first I go after. Naw, that's gonna be the loggers...damn freeloaders thinkin' they can take these woods...you always said if I just stopped killing, the forest could be ours to share...
"Mmmnno..."
You could NEVER own this forest, you stupid scrawny little prick, not even part of it...it's mine, you got that, every last stick of these woods is mine now, just like it always was, mine mine MINE –

Kenyan shot awake with a snarl and snapped his teeth at the air. When he remembered where he was and what was around him, he clenched his fists hard enough to hurt in chastisement. <The others barely got enough sleep as it is, and you'll scare away your new Little Friend if you make such sounds. Keep control of yourself. Besides, the pack can take care of themselves, Kranutis won't reach them for at least a few days.>

When he noticed the cold remains of breakfast, he crawled over, got himself a handful and ate it slowly. He had heard the guard bring it during the night, but he knew the value in faking slumber. He wished it could have been longer; perhaps his hunger would have waited a bit longer. Swallowing it was awkward, both because of his collar and because the food was only slightly better than the carrion he had had to eat sometimes in the forest. But he had more important things to worry about than his stomach, or his exhaustion.

Speaking of important things, the jay-woman had called him and was walking over. He rose, dusting off his ragtag clothes and smiling as best he could. "I understand, do not fear. You mean you do not know their tongue. You and I are ... alike, in that way. I do not understand it all myself. At one time, I almost forgot all of it. But I will help you, I promise. May I ask your name? I did not ask before."

"mmmmpf..."Eden groaned groggily, yawning, then blinking."...Uh...oh right."She chuckled reaching for her spectacles "Mornin', Love. How was last night?"She chuckled, rolling off Ehpreal.

and she thought Incubi never ran out of energy. Impressive girl, this one was.

Putting her glasses on Eden glanced around the cabin. Something was missing but she couldn't quite figure it out. She was sure it'd strike her soon.

"Not bad...Ephy, was it?" Eden hoped she remembered her name correctly. Started with an E at least, That much she was certain. "Didn't think I'd...have fun of this caliber quite so early in the voyage."

*******

Kafzeil rubbed his eyes. he was feeling a bit ill this morning.

Couldn't have been booze, he never got hang-overs. Maybe--

Damn this ship, damn this crew-

Seriously, not even a proper drunk tank?! What kind of illegal business masquerading as a 5 star traveling vacation was this? He stood up and moved for the door noticing something black and round fall to the floor. The angel picked it up.

He had slept on his own hat.

Well at least it wasn't your glasses this time.He thought. Maybe he could unwrinkle it out or find a fashion merchant? Maybe it was time to try a new style.

He gathered his things and tried to door. Suddenly realizing something.

WHAT KIND OF JACKANAPE BUILDS A SUPPLY ROOM WHERE THE DOOR LOCKS FROM THE OUTSIDE?!

He knocked on the door. What is the janitor was trapped in here?  This was such poor design.

Kafzeil was willing to bet good money the balloon was fastened on with duct tape.

An impish grin graced the Redhead's face "No, Not Bad at all Eden, and yes it is Ephy, or Ephrael if you prefer! Though We are going to have to work on that endurance of yours" She finished cheekily and swatted the Bunny on the rump.

Rolling off the bed the diminutive devil started what was obviously a set and religiously followed morning routine, contorting her body in ways that a normal person would faint at the thought of attempting.

Half way through a pose that looked like her spine should snap Ephrael turned her head towards Eden "What do you want to do for breakfast?"

Unable to elicit any kind of reply out of the coati, Mateo slunk back to the bulkhead and slumped into a corner, hugging his knees to his chest. The newcomer either didn't know the answer or didn't want to say. Neither possibility boded well for any chance of recovering his magic and escaping this hellhole.

Mateo rolled over on his side, his head coming to rest against the cold metal floor. Jake was organizing some kind of training exercise. As if unarmed slaves would ever have a chance against armed, magic-wielding guards. Didn't they all realize how pointless it all was? Mateo let out a long yawn. How long had it been since he last slept? He closed his eyes. Maybe just a short--


Mateo awoke with a start. The scents of the hold flooded into his consciousness--cold iron, motor oils, sweat, piss, and... food? He pulled himself upright. The hold was relatively quiet save for the constant droning of the airship's engines. Most of the other slaves were still asleep, or at least fitfully tossing and turning. There was no way to tell how long he'd slept. Possibly hours? Day and night meant very little in this dark metal prison. He couldn't recall having dreamt. Probably a mercy.

His stomach growled urgently. At the very least, it had been some time since his last meagre rations of bread and fruit. He padded over to the source of the food smells, a tray of what looked like kitchen scraps and other cold slop mixed together in what would have been a rather unappetizing slurry had he not been starving. At least it wasn't spoiled yet. He scooped up  a handful of and gulped it down without chewing. So this was to be his life now, eating scraps barely fit for livestock. He wiped his mouth and licked his fingers clean.

Xyrtia and Kenyan were already up, chatting in hushed tones. With Mateo's sensitive ears, he couldn't help overhearing. It wasn't polite to eavesdrop, but he'd have been able to hear a feral mouse's footfalls. Even whispered conversation was--

He cocked his head. Actually, he could just make out the patter of mouse steps. No, not a mouse. Something larger. A feral rat, maybe?

He'd been quite the mouser as a kid, at least before he'd become a skilled enough hunter in his primal form to graduate to larger game. The dockworkers had never made the connection between the little feral ocelot keeping their warehouse clear of rodents and the lonely boy who used to sit by the pier watching the boats come and go.

Mateo licked his lips and sniffed around the bulkhead, tail swishing softly from side to side. True, he'd only just eaten, if one could even call that food, but the thrill of the hunt was rarely about the meal at the end. And even a small rat promised to be more delicious than anything he'd been fed since his capture...

Before Xyrtia could reply, Kenyan noticed that the ocelot boy from before, Mateo, was finally awake and alert. He cocked his ear to listen, and noticed that the boy's steps had become very silent and calculated. He didn't think much of it until he remembered his friend in the wall. Kenyan's hunting instincts were buried deep within him, from years of living with prey animals as his only company, but one thing he did remember was the movements of a predator at work...

He lashed his head towards Mateo, a roughly squeaked curse escaping his lips. Of course, he'd forgotten to tell Mateo of his plan. Gesturing to Xyrtia to wait, he moved quickly and quietly over, ears flattened and tail lashing, and grabbed the boy's collar.

"Don't." He almost regretted growling out his words, but the boy needed to understand. This was the last of his chosen kinsmen on board, and he wouldn't lose his Little Friend now. He sighed before speaking again, but his voice stayed firm. "I spoke with him before sleep. He is as scared as we are, and the last one left. He stays alive."

Eden chuckled softly at the slap. Red heads. That had to be it.

Eden stood up and stretched, yawning as she made here way to the mirror. She watched the circus show Ephy was putting on. Amusing this one was.  Of course Eden noticed she attracted people like that.

Or maybe people like herself where attracted to each other? Who knows? Maybe that frog being? Maybe she could yank him away and have fun with him and Ephy?

Weirdo party. She chortled at the thought.

"Hmmm...dunno." She replied to the devil's question. "Suppose if you're that hungry I can shower later." Eden adjusted her glasses. Should she brush her hair and fur? She shrugged, brushing the thought aside.

Still a little voice in the back of her skull was nagging her about something she had forgotten.

With her legs straightened and one up on a chair in a forwards/backwards splits Ephrael looked pensive as she focused on her stretch. "I think a good shower first..." She said as she oozed up from the floor somehow to be suddenly standing upright.

"By the way who owns the rest of this stuff? The Devil pointed to some obviously male clothing on top of a suitcase. "Did someone miss out on the fun?" She asked teasingly with one of her trademark impish grins with a hint of fang and a finger on the side of her mouth.




************************************

Reaching the main dining room Paladin availed himself to the breakfast buffet, filling his plate with a large offering of thick cut bacon, eggs, sausages and mushrooms. Largely ignoring the other passengers doing the same he made his way to an empty table by way of a newspaper table, collecting a Adventurer's Weekly. As he ate he glanced out the window at the passing clouds/landscape below, wondering what Ephrael was up to, hoping that after he had left her she had kept out of trouble. 

Jake awoke with a harsh shove to his shoulder, instantly jarring him out of his rather unusually deep sleep.  The weights on his wings made him nearly topple back, and he splayed in a rather unceremonious manner against the wall.  "Ow!  Hey!" he grouched as he sat up again and scratched an itch behind his furless, feathered head.  "The hell was that for?"

"Just makin' sure yer alive, kinsman," Wallard's voice rumbled from nearby.  "If ye don't wake up, you'll miss breakfast."

It was only then that the black gryphon recognized the smell of food, though it was hard to tell how much was left.  The early birds already had picked off their share of the good things, and the knight sighed, clenching his rumbling stomach.  "I hate not being able to tell time.  I hate this place.  I hate everything."

Wallard quirked an amused eyebrow, but he didn't smile.  "Grouchy in the mornin' are ya?  What happened ta yer optimism?  That high n' mighty honorable stance a' yours?"

"I'll get it back when you tell me what I've done to deserve this animosity all of a sudden," Jake grumbled.

"Ain't no animosity, boy.  I'm just grouchy too."  The other gryphon reached down to help him up.  "Now go n' get yer food, so's you can teach another round a' them fancy martial arts.  I'll go make sure the rest of us aren't dead."

They will be if you wake them up like you did to me, Jake inwardly groused, but decided to hold his tongue in favor of breakfast.  As he made his way to the pile of the usual leftovers, he looked around at the various slaves, most of whom looked worse than yesterday: crestfallen, empty, uncertain, and far too exhausted though all that they'd been doing was sitting.  Some of the others, the veterans like Wallard, looked a little more energized; but they were used to it.  Jake wasn't, and nor did he ever want to be.

Trying his hardest to return to his usual self, he made his way toward Xyrtia and Kenyan--and to his surprise, Mateo.

"It's probably moot to ask, but did everyone sleep well?" Jake asked with an offer of a small smile to the youngsters as he picked through the food bits, wondering if he could find enough bread and meat for a sandwich.  Life gives you leftovers, fashion them into a feast.

*     *     *

Aisha awoke with merely a push out of her dreams and the flash of sunlight through the room's small porthole window.  Her jaw parted in a yawn wide enough to overtake her head, and she sat up to observe her surroundings and pop out a crick in her spine.  I often forget what it feels like to sleep in a real bed, she mused.  But I hope the feeling stays rare.  Gets better to appreciate it.

She showered and dressed in her usual attire, wondering if after the second day many of the rich and hoity-toity types will be going around casually instead of when they had come aboard.  She wore her cuffs and made sure that her hidden dagger was strapped securely to her calf--in a place filled with Creatures and Demons, it always paid to be prepared, though she remembered with a short grimace that one of those demons would be introducing themselves to her via Kafzeil right soon.

Once she was ready, the black jaguar went on her own through the ship's residential halls and into the bigger areas.  Knowing that she probably wouldn't run into anyone she knew right away, Aisha wandered along on her own, wondering which parts of the ship were off-limits with a small smirk.  None of the guards were about, but maybe it was about time for a morning change of the shifts.

But suddenly, as she was passing another hall, her ear quirked in the direction of a supply closet, and she paused.  Was something...inside?  She'd have nearly passed it off as a janitor looking around for his supplies if she did also hear pounding and the occasional curse.

And the voice sounded familiar.  Her brow furrowed as she turned to check it out.

Oh yes, she decided once the noises came closer and louder.  Definitely, someone was stuck.  She rapped back on the door, holding back an amused snicker.  "Who's in there?  You okay, amigo?  You sound like you're trapped."

Oh shit.

OH SHIT.

Eden didn't react right away. If Ephy was a wry sort she could probably see the hamster wheel in Eden's brain stop. The demon's expression was...vacant.

"He's going to to kill me." She blinked.

"They're going to kill me for this!"Eden pounced on her clothes from the previous day, hastily putting them on. "ohgodsIamtheworsthisbrotherswillskinmeifhes--"stopped.

"Oh shit I have idea where he went!" She grabbed Ephy by the shoulders and shook her. "he can't be dead right?!I mean why would anyone kill him?!We need to to find him!!"
******
The ferret could hear a voice. A familiar one--

Oh Gods. His luck. Always his luck.

"Yes, I'm stuck." Kafzeil grumbled. "Would kindly help me out of here? Somehow."

He stopped. No point in pretending it wasn't him. At least ask.

"It's you, isn't Aisha?"His forehead was in his hand."Well this is embarrassing."

Aisha couldn't stop her eyebrows from lifting when she heard the voice.  "...Kafzeil?  What the hell happened..." Her head shook.  "No, don't answer yet, just let me figure a way to get you out first..."

With a loud, exasperated sigh at the wonder of the kind of friends she makes, the panthress looked the closet door over.  Locked from the outside, pretty sturdy, perhaps recently used...but even with her keen eyes and ears scanning the halls, there didn't seem to be a maintenance person or security guard with skeleton keys in sight.

After two moments of just thinking about it and shrugging, she knelt down and brought her dagger up from her ankle, the point of which she started to use to discern the shape of the lock tumbler.  Anything I damage, I'm sure I can work with later.  But boy will I thank Jake again for teaching me how to pick locks...if I find him again.

"How dark is it in there, amigo?  The keys aren't laying in there somewhere, are they?  If not, just maybe slide a screwdriver or something narrow and metallic under the door."  And quickly, before I'm spotted, she added silently, her ears rotating back and forth to listen for approaching footsteps.

(OOC: I've been catching up on the errata of the storyline as best as I can, but I know full well it's likely I've missed details. If anyone's character is being left out, or I've dropped some plot thread someone was using, let me know so I can correct it)

Jeremiah sloughed out of bed, rummaging for his glasses on the nightstand. He'd gotten to sleep late, having gotten the Jackal to what he hoped was her own room under her own rambling directions. It had been a harrowing experience, of epic adventure and daring challenges, as he corralled his inebriated charge in her incessant wandering off (resulting in the accosting of three different VERY important looking people that he hoped wouldn't recognize him), that with any luck she was much, much too smashed to remember in the morning.
Another day in the menial life...

SHIP'S ANNOUNCEMENT
Tinny intercoms chimed across the ship from prow to stern, a short clip of elevator music followed by a low, pleasant male voice.
"Hello hello, good morning passengers. The ship is making a small stopover to refuel and pick up additional passengers here at the Qaggath airship dock. Passengers are encouraged to stretch their legs in town, takeoff will be at 6 pm tonight."

Mess Hall

Jeremiah smiled as he made his way down to the kitchens to report in; he was looking forward to a little time in town; once one got around the rampant poverty and totalitarian police state, Qaggath was known for having some FANTASTIC restaurants and theater. Maybe he'd take in the sights... In the meantime, he had work to do. Breakfast to set out in the main dining hall, then his shift in the casino...

First thing was first though, food. He grabbed a House Breakfast and went to sit down... He didn't want to be too near the other servants, it looked like they were talking politics again. There was a definite anarchist-trend going around amongst conversation, but the guards seemed none too fond of it. He moved away and sat not too far from the wolf in the room.

Broom Closet Impregnable Prison
The closet was, indeed, pretty dark, and the occasional rustle of vermin amongst the shelves made it all the more disconcerting...
Those were definitely footsteps approaching. Boots, three pairs. Low but intense arguing. Either a family of very aggressive dressers or guards. And boots, as Aisha had had explained to her by a very, very boring noblewoman the other evening, boots were out this season.

Slave Hold

The prisoners seemed to disperse a lot like spores from some incredibly depressing plant; large clumps clinging to corners, muttering to each other, while single individuals or smaller groups simply lying around listless and splayed. Incarceration was obviously starting to wear on these people, cabin fever was setting in.
Someone else arrived outside their cell, there was the low muttering of conversation between them and the guard...

Bored with the common room, Jakob made his way to the dining area to see what they were offering for breakfast.  Or should I skip breakfast and look for something more interesting when we land at the stopover?

The wolf shrugged - he could decide when he knew what was on the menu, after all.

Mateo yelped in surprise as the metal collar dug into his neck and dragged him up to face the stern, angry lion. He'd been too caught up in his little hunt to register the threat until it was too late. All traces of the determined hunter drained from his face, replaced by something so much more fragile and vulnerable, like a wide-eyed child bracing himself for a scolding. His ears curled back as he stammered out a reply.

"What? I don't know what you're talking about! I just thought I smelled a rat." His stomach growled even though he'd only barely just eaten. He averted his gaze and stared down at his toes. "I didn't mean--" His ears suddenly perked up, swiveling towards the prison door.

"Did you hear that?"

Ephrael could have sustained whiplash from the vigorous shaking Eden gave her, had she not been in the condition she was - Demons weren't known for moderating their strength after all...

Once the Rooms stopped moving Ephrael managed a few words "I take it 'He' is the owner of this stuff?" She said turning a little green "Excuse me!" She gulped and raced for the bathroom..

Stretching legs in town . . . what an apt way to put it.
Vladim , still in the common room, raised his head from an issue of Practical Spellcaster, one of the few honestly interesting thing among the stacks of pigmented cellulose. It was a fairly old number, but it was one of the few competently written and edited popular thaumaturgy magazines, consisting mostly of roughly equal sections of news on magic research and applications throughout the world, usually three or four long topics chosen by the editors (This months' were "Bloody useful - uses of bodily fluids in modern spellcraft", "Essential techniques for the practical conjurer", "We Tested: ThaumaCol Constringo 25 - not just a budget summoning grid".  and "It's a dog eat dog world" - an interview with the arch-mage Arianus Zezzuva), and a practical section running  Q&A column, reader-submitted rituals, tricks, and improvements, tested by Practical Spellcaster staff, and serialized guides, all interspersed by adverts for supplies and equipment.

Thinking about the whole trip, the longer Vladim had spent on the ship the...dumber he felt, and he suspected it wasn't just his generous consumption of no-charge alcoholic beverages. It certainly wasn't a documented effect of anti-magic fields (with the exception of artificial creatures using magic to simulate cognition - they plain shut down) but still...
Probably just self-fulfilling thoughts ,and the whole 'feeling like crap' thing. Still, going out of the envelope can only do me good, besides, their currency isn't worth the paper it's on,.. hmm.
The cogs in his head clicking with ideas on at least partly paying for his trip by means of exploiting buying power disparity between Quaggat and the Flame of Freedom's intended destination, the lynx was beginning to feel like himself again. That said, time, space, and potentially the local militia might all throw a wrench into the cogworks. Best start with the first.

"Hmm, anyone has an idea how long do these refuelling breaks take?", he uttered into the usual hum of the common room.

Kenyan listened to the boy's explanation, but before he could respond, Mateo swiveled his ears toward the door. The lion cursed in a rough, low squeak and set the boy down gently. He had lost himself to instinct, too, apparently. He felt a pang of shame, and responded quietly. Mateo had been exhausted and frightened when Kenyan told his story; perhaps he hadn't understood what Kenyan had meant, or even not heard it at all.

"I am TALKING of the rat. I heard him too, I spoke with him in the night. I am sorry I stopped you, I did not want to hurt you. But I do not want him killed when we just met." He looked down. This next part was always hard to admit to fellow predators. "I...I was not raised by the lions, Mateo. I was - "

Before he could continue, Jake approached. The half-breed lion looked over and nodded, before indicating the door with a twitch of his tufted ears. <Pay attention, alpha. It may be time.>

Kafzeil began rummaging around, desperately looking for something, anything. Maybe it was just him but he couldn't find he keys. Besides, what idiot would lock someone up with the keys?

The same idiots who designed a closet like this?

He found something. Small, narrow, a file of some kind. He didn't bother to figure out what he was before sliding it under the door.

"Look, if you see someone coming, run. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine."

That last bit was a lie. Kaf was unsure if he'd escape with all his teeth. But he could at least grow his back.
******
"OHGODSIAMATERRIBLEPERSON!"

Eden yelled as Ephy ran for the bathroom. She chased after her, stopping just outside of the bathroom door.

"I'm so sorry, I just...he's my...!" Eden paced a bit.

"I need to look for him. He's...important!"

If Ephy was paying attention, she might have noticed something. How many beds did this stateroom have? One?

Several things happened as Aisha was waiting for the Angel to find something to slide under the door.  The first was that the intercoms had buzzed on, shocking her slightly out of her concentration enough to flatten her ears and make her listen.  So, they were planning on docking soon.  Wondrous; maybe there'll be things to do to distract myself in the town.  If I can get my interesting little friend out of here.

Then, just as Kafzeil had slid something flat under the crack, she heard them.  Her ears swiveled; boots, tramping through the corridor and voices arguing in hushed tones.

Guards, huh?  I could stop them and ask for a key, but then what will happen to Kafzeil?  We're supposed to be going into this free-the-slaves movement together, and that won't exactly work if he's locked up.  And if that moose is right, it's easy to discern that the crew can't be trusted very well worth crap.

"Just two seconds," Aisha hissed back as she quickly worked to pick the lock.  As the sets of footsteps came ever closer, it took four seconds to finally snap open the stubborn tumbler.  She quickly wrenched open the door, grabbed the ferret by what part of him she could reach, and tried hauling him up to his feet; hoping that he could balance on them.

"People coming, amigo; just act as natural as possible, and once we're past, you'll explain all this," the panthress said, letting him go and immediately starting to move through the hallway in a confident I-saw-nothing stride, pocketing her makeshift lockpicks and unable to hear if the door closed again.

Mel watched the mooring masts come slowly into view as she finished her breakfast. The happy little pamphlet on the table regarding the sites of interest in Quaggath had thoroughly depressed her. In particular the part about the side effect of the magic suppression field. It said that you didn't get all your magic back for an hour after leaving and only if you got at least a half mile away. She tapped her fingers on the tabletop as she tried to figure out what sort of charm would linger so long and couldn't think of any that weren't malicious. When she got hold of her grandmother she would definitely ask to be pulled off the assignment and get away from the suppressor.

As she signed her room number to the breakfast slip Mel realized that the moose had never showed up with his mysterious errand. His information would have to wait if indeed he had any. She was going to see if she could find any gemstone bargains to cheer herself up. And avoid the Doorknob Museum and the amazing Singing Cheese at the opera house. She headed back to her room to change into something more appropriate for sightseeing.

As he approached the bar, Jakob came to a sudden decision.
Stuff it, he thought, Unless I start getting hungry, I don't think I need to eat anyway.  I should give it a rest anyway in case I start getting fat.

Usually the wolf would eat just for verisimilitude, but if there was a choice between eating on board or eating ashore, he could just let people think he did the opposite.

Do I even want to go ashore? he wondered.  This place is supposed to be a bit of a dump.  No... I should probably send a message to Dar.  They must have telegraph facilities, wireless or otherwise.

Paladin was polishing off the last of his breakfast when the the announcement was aired over the PA system, and having visited Qaggath previously on a job decided he had no desire of visiting the place while on vacation.

Departing the Main Dining room the disguised incubus headed back to his room and grabbed his exercise kit from his bag, he headed to the Zeppelins gym/pool.



***************************


Ephrael finished emptying to contents of her stomach and was cleaning herself up. "Lemmie guess hes the 'Special'  one in your life" She giggled as if nothing had happened at all. "Well if he's that 'important' let me go wash up and I'll help search for him" the Tasmanian Devil indicated at her current state of undress and the mess her clothes were in as she collected them. "I mean I'm hardly fit to run around the ship's decks right now" She smirked as she dressed.

"Meet you back here in Ten Minutes?"

Slave hold

"- not questioning you, Marm, I'm just saying we've been told to keep aware. There's been rumors of saboteurs on board and I-"
"I'm sure you're acting only in the execution of your duty." The first voice was the morning-shift guard they'd all come to know and sort of wish would catch fire. The second was new, an older woman with a lazy drawl that made every word seem to end a couple seconds too late... "Howwwwever, last I heard the captain was working on some minor matter from the dinner last night and I believe he'd take offense at an interruption from a," there was a 'tlak' of licked lips, "Subordinate."
"I'm ah- awwhare," The guard seemed to be getting tired, yawns interrupting stammered excuses, "But you see, we caught, there's been rep-repohrrrts..."
"And I understaand, but there's no reason to be so rigid. After all..."
There was a soft thump, and a sliding sound of fabric on metal reinforcement.
"... You're among friends, aren't you?"
The hatch in the door opened, revealing a pair of big green cheshire eyes wrinkling at the corners from a grin. "Tsk tsk. They really don't kid when they say to get a first class ticket. So, who still has their wits and health, hrm?"

Common room

"Actual refuelin's pretty brief," an iguana leaned around his own armchair, to Vladim's left. Fellow looked a little creaturetouched, a certain narrowness of the features and prominence of the teeth indicative of some hereditary creature background, but not enough for anyone other than beings to care, "Couldn't help overhearin' boyo. Knew a fella that crewed one of these, it's fairly simple. The reasons they're likely to be here all day is more likely customs." The man gave a derisive snort, "Land of corpses and paperwork. I'd be annoyed if it dinna seem so damn appropriate."

Normal Hallway Daring Escape Route!

Normally an adventurer trying to be LESS bombastically noticeable and an angel in clothes he'd slept in would normally attract comment and attention, for much the same reason an emotionally unwell cubi wouldn't. However, in conjunction with one another, their purpose was more than adequately disguised; an adventurer pointedly not looking at anyone, apparently not even her companion, early in the morning on a luxurious party boat, accompanied by a creature looking like he'd gotten a poor night's sleep? It was the perfect crime.
The awkward lulls in conversation from passerby even made it easy for them to hear the guards, when they arrived at the closet Kaf had been in.
"... I recall specifically ordering you..." One of them said, "To LOCK the door."
Even at their distance, it was most definitely the captain.

Xyrtia stood there, politely (if awkwardly) waiting for Kenyan to resolve the issue with Mateo, when the commotion around the door started. Thankfully, the person with the drawl spoke slow enough that she could understand it... mostly. She liked this person already. However, her rather forward attitude about people's mental and physical health, much like the caotimundi's, quickly took that preference away. Looking pointedly between the pair of eyes and the other newcomer, she gestured with one hand and asked, "Who?" She could pull that word, at least, from the top of her head.

"Well said." the lynx turned towards the being fellow. "I mean, If they take a day to get a cruise ship through customs, how the hell do they deal with cargo haulers? Either way, at least it'll make for a bit of stretch." He scratched his temple for a moment.
"Say, what with the 'I'd be annoyed' - you happen to be local?"

Carrying his crumpled hat in his hand, looking slightly haggard, and walking right next to an adventurer. Two thoughts passed through the Ferret's head.

He had either found his new look, or this was just another typical day in his adventurous life.

He recognized the Captain's voice. Hopefully he wouldn't be in too much trouble. The man kept a slave hold for the sake of the Twelve.

He sighed audibly, cursing to himself, realizing it was morning. Eden must be worried sick. Thankfully she'd be easy to find; a brown, vaguely bunny shaped, winged blur would be easy to spot.

He winced a bit. Hopefully it wouldn't be too soon but...

"I may need to head back to my stateroom." Kaf said to Aisha. "Both to look presentable and to find--" He paused for a second. "Eden. She's likely going to be searching for me."

He cleared his throat.

"if you would prefer to meet her in less strange circumstances though, you can leave when we get close to the stateroom."

*******
Eden would process Ephy figuring out the "Secret" later. Kaf was currently taking priority. She nodded quickly, and again spewed out a response.

"Okaythankyouyourethebestreportbackhere!" She then took off into the hauls, flagging down the first passerby who would have the misfortune to cross paths with her.

"Have you seen a ferret angel? This tall, dressed in black, glasses? brown mark on his eyes, brown eyes, brown hair?I need to find him now!"

Hobbies was groggy, he often was that way when he woke up in the morning. Getting out of bed was often a chore with being unsteady on his feet. Trying to fly was out of the question as well. As good as he could he changed his clothing and went down to get breakfast, stumbling all the while.

Aisha kept one ear behind her on the voices of the people that they had just narrowly escaped.  The sound of talking slowly faded behind them as they walked, but the panthress couldn't help but grimace at the sound of the "good" Captain's voice.  I can't wait until we can pull the floor out from under the feet of that demon, and release all of those he is keeping prisoner here somewhere, she thought.  She felt the sheath of the hidden dagger at her ankle brushing against her fur.

Her grimace kept even as Kafzeil mentioned that he would be getting back to his own quarters, as well as looking for Eden.  Ah, speaking of meeting demons.

The huntress paused once they reached a more open area and nodded shortly.  "That would be best.  If I have to meet your friend, it should be when there's less of a chance of a bad first impression.  Let me know when we're close.  I'll probably go back to my own room and get properly equipped, if everyone's getting chased off when we dock."

*     *     *

Back in the slave hold, Jake barely had time to think about preparing a regiment for training those who were interested in learning more of his martial arts, before there was a bit of commotion happening near the door.  Jake too heard the voices, and he stepped across the group gathering by the sound of an accented greeting.  The coatimundi who had been thrown in here before, bearing a message to the prisoners, was already on his feet.  "Oh, thank Gods, I didn't think I could stand the smell much longer!  And some of these guys are a bit..."

"Watch yer next words, kid," said the deep, commanding tone of the other, light-colored gryphon without wings.  Standing like a soldier beside the knight, Wallard's eyes moved between the coati and the emerald gaze set at the door's feeding hatch.  If there was a spark of intrigue in his stoic face, it was hard to spot.  "And who're you?"

"I was only gonna say 'skeptical'", the coati muttered, rather spiteful that he'd slept in and hadn't gotten a chance to eat that morning.

"Huh? You mean the rat was..."

Mateo stood there with his jaw agape after Kenyan set him down. He'd never heard of anyone talking to rats before. Admittedly, he himself could sometimes understand feral felines, but they were usually so full of themselves and rarely had anything interesting to say. But Kenyan was a lion, not a rat...

The strange new visitor bursting in to the slave hold pulled his attention away from the conundrum. The coati seemed to know her. Was this part of the plan he'd been talking about earlier? Or was it all some kind of cruel trick by their captors?

Mateo blurted out what the rest of the slave hold was probably thinking:

"Are you here to rescue us?"

"Hobbies...?" Jakob called out, curiously.  The incubus seemed to be somewhat worse for wear.

"You look like you haven't slept.  But you shouldn't need to sleep, right..?"

Hobbies turned towards whoever called his name and when he noticed that it was the timber wolf, he brightened up slightly. When Jakob asked that the fennec shouldn't need to sleep anymore he shook his head. "I still need to cause of some things about our clan and actually we're encouraged to do so. How was that dinner with the captain?"

[Oops, didn't see the reply - only caught the OOC thread]

Jakob looked around shiftily in case the Captain's men might be watching.  "It wasn't anything particularly special," he admitted quietly, before resuming his normal tone.  "Just a meal.  A nice one, but not much more.  The Captain didn't say anything much, probably the most interesting thing that happened was when a drunken Angel attempted to make out with me.  I haven't seen him since," he added in a whisper.  "I hope the captain hasn't roughed him up too much."

"That reminds me," he added conversationally, "I need to drop my shirt off at the laundry or whatever they have here, so it can be repaired."

Slave Hold

"Hm, at ease comrade," The cheshire's eyes twinkled at the coatimundi, "Rescue is coming, but not just yet, per se. We are, unfortunately, in Qaggath, and our dear friend with the horns has officials in his pocket across the land. Letting you out here would basically mean taking you out of one cage, and putting you in a bigger one. And the second cage is on fire, or something." There was a sheepish shrug, "Thorialtor gave me this whole speech because he wanted to make sure the point got across but I forgot to write it down."
"Which means, dear friend, that we need you to remain our liason amongst the disenfranchised," There's an edge to the cheshire's voice, easily missed by most and almost DEFINITELY missed by the idealistic coatimundi, suggesting this whole thing was fantastically funny, "Your skills are at their best here."
"However, I come baring sad news as well. Our forces on the outside are, tragically, limited in their capacity, and throughout the ship we're spread thin. For additional recon and sabotage... We are looking for volunteers."
"They call me Singing Grin, a humble hand of the Resistance, and I'm looking for a few good men and women. But, tragically, just a few."
Other slaves began to rouse at these last words, plans formulating...

--

The Cafeteria

Jeremiah finished his meal and made his way out the door. He still had a few minutes, maybe he'd swing by the boarding gate, get some fresh air...

--

The Hallways

The first person Eden grabbed, interestingly, was a guard. The wolf demon gulped in surprise.
"Ma'am if you could calm down a- wait." He seemed to collect himself, "I'm sorry, describe him again?"

--

The common room

"Haugh, gods no, I've just worked on a similar boat and I've always found these bean-counters obnoxious. Once caught an auditor rummaging through crew quarters, claimed they were 'cracking down on customs-evasion." The reptile looked like he was going to spit, then thought better of it.

Mel looked through her packed clothing carefully. She had checked on the outside weather and found it was disgustingly hot and humid down in the town. Normally she'd just use her magic to create something acceptably scruffy for bargain hunting and use one of her prepared charms to protect herself from the heat. Finally she decided that a simple skirt and blouse with a pocketed vest would keep her covered from the sun and heat until her magic kicked in and she could make her personal environment suitable for an ice dragon.

Heading for the boarding ramp Mel passed one of the dining rooms. Just exiting was a frog in the uniform of the airship company. If the airship was going to block her magic that she normally used when shopping she was just going to "borrow" one of their employees to carry her purchases. She caught his eye. "Come along. I am in a hurry." Mel hoped he was so accustomed to being bossed around he'd be halfway off the ship before he thought to question her.

Xyrtia sighed, placing her head in her hand as she remembered the words she wanted to say. "I ask again," she finally declared, raising her head back up. "Who are you people?"

Upon the Brown and black furred Wolf's arrival at the gym he promptly went to he change rooms and switched his clothing for some swimming shorts. Armed with a towel and some goggles Paladin proceeded to start a leisurely 2km swim for a warmup.




**************


Ephrael made her way back to her cabin, quickly stripping down and heading to the shower/fur dryer, for which she was grateful - normally it took her a good twenty minutes to get her fur/hair dried on its own.

Brushing her fangs and rinsing a couple of times to get the taste of her reversed breakfast out her mouth the Diminutive Devil started to grab some clothes out of her pack, a simple White T-Shirt and a blue Skort, plus boots seemed enough to go Hunting for Eden's 'Friend'. 

Making a last minute check of herself in the mirror Ephy nodded to her reflection and departed back towards the Demon Bunny's room.

Kenyan glanced between Mateo and Xyrtia, tail twitching and ears flat as he listened to the smiling newcomer. Much of what she said resembled what the coati had said, and he didn't like that sort of news to come from someone so happy. Her attempts at humor were also lost on him in his anger. <Do they truly not care even a little about our lives and decisions? At least this one doesn't claim to be good, like the coati.> He remained silent, waiting for Xyrtia's question to be answered, and for Jake and Wallard to offer their opinions, before he spoke. But his mind was already made up.

"Now that takes some gall. Should have sent him to look for contraband up captain's arse . .. but eh. There's the chance he'd take it seriously. But I guess that's what you get when you screw up running a country this hard. A ton of useless bureaucrats with nothing to do but cause trouble."
The lynx brushed his cheek fur with his paw, as if to clean himself off from even the mention.
"Well, best get going, I guess - the ship won't sit here together. Nice finding someone sensible to talk to. Though... I wouldn't mind someone to tag along, double so since you seem to know your way about here."

Mateo's whiskers sagged visibly at the news about their situation. There was no way to escape even with the airship stopped at port? And little help coming from the outside...

"So all we're just stuck in here then."

He sighed and slumped against the wall, wondering why their would-be rescuers seemed so pleased with themselves.

As the angel and the adventurer appoarched the first class cabins, Kafzeil was able to signal to Aisha to leave.

However he saw something. A vaguely bunny-demon shaped whirlwind tearing down the corridor. Nervously Kafzeil tapped his companion's shoulder.

"Um...I think that's her."  the angel said rather sheepishly. It appeared as though Eden hadn't seen them yet.

Aisha had seen the blur across the corridor about the same time that Kafzeil had, and had even guessed at the presence before he had confirmed it.  Her tail ring gave a small thrum against her appendage, though the dark-magic sensor hadn't yet started its steady emerald glow.

For a moment she was torn with decision.  On the one hand, the demon was approaching right now.  But though Aisha knew who it was, she didn't feel at all prepared to meet their new comrade.  The Creatures never ceased to cause a sense of sudden unease in the otherwise stoic adventurer.  She'd made her decision in a heartbeat.

"I'll leave you to her then, amigo," the panthress stated with haste.  "You can find me later as we're disembarking; or I'll find you."  Her tail swished forward, showing her ring and the growing luminous shade.  "If your friend's with you."

With that, hopefully just as the one called Eden was to come into eyeshot of them, Aisha leaped off and down another hall to the area which held her quarters.

It took her all of a few seconds to produce the key and lock herself back inside her room.  She let out a steadying breath.  Remember, you're better than this now.  You'll give the demon a chance.  But only when you are prepared.

Shaking her head, Aisha looked herself over in the mirror and placed her hair back into a more manageable braid, and then replaced her cape and other weapons back to her personage.  For a moment she glanced over the knife-edged boomerang and the writing on it, her father's signature from all of his forged blades.  Though the light-oriented magic in its shining steel couldn't be felt through the ship's suppressor, she knew that it was there, and through it there was reassurance.

Another glance in the mirror, and she saw the visage of a confident adventurer.  One that could probably give any Creatures working under the demon Captain a pause to think on their actions of the current scheme, or so she liked to believe.

All the better.

A smirk on her face, the black jaguar left the room and headed off to see where the crowds waited to disembark.  Hopefully there would be some interesting things to see on land, and people to meet.

*     *     *

Back in the slave hold, the coatimundi messenger let out a loud groan.  "You gotta be kiddin'!  Qaggath?  Well, there goes my next few breakfasts.  But fine, if I'm needed here, I'm needed here."  The long-snouted creature then looked back at Xyrtia, who hadn't had her questions answered.  "We're basically the resistance, and we're out to save ya, provided that you cooperate, as I'd said before."

"And if yer gonna keep disrespectin' us like that, yer not gonna live to see the next breakfast," grouched Wallard.  "We'll decide for ourselves how we'll be saved."

With a glare, the wingless gryphon turned his eyes back to the set of sparkling eyes watching them from the slot.  The de facto leader of the slaves was trying as best he could to weigh both sides of this recent encounter.  He noted the unimpressed look on Kenyan's intelligent, nigh-feral eyes, and the look of dejection from the college student who'd already seemed to give up a chance.  A few people looked as if they were willing to volunteer, but only one or two looked completely unaware of the risks.  Out of one army and into another.

And then there was Jake, who before Wallard could take him into account, stood up.  "I'll go."

That earned the young Knight a few stares, including one from his kinsman.  "Ain't ya jumpin' th' spear a bit, boy?"

"No," he crossed his bird-skin arms, "I admit that these words of hers all seem like sugar-coated promises.  'We'll free you, but we need your help', I get it.  But I for one am tired of sitting and waiting.  Would it not behoove a few of us to see what this is all about?  It's still a chance that might be worth taking."

Wallard's eyes narrowed, and he stared Jake down.  "Boy, that kinda attitude could either make ya a right hero, or killed about ten dif'rent ways.  And I'm bein' gen'rous by sayin' ten."

He sighed, and the sound came out as roughly as his voice.  "...But ya have a point."

He turned back to the waiting eyes on the other side.  "Listen here, Ms. Grin.  Yer bein' awfully secretive about this, especially ta people ya say ya wanna save.  I ain't movin' from this spot; I've taken responsibility fer these lives you see here; some of us were taken from our families.  Some would kill themselves if'n they could.  I've been here for long enough to know.  Dead or alive, we'll leave here free if'n I have anythin' ta say.  We ain't no pawns, y'hear?  We ain't no pawns."

With that, he pulled Jake aside, away from the door and prying ears, his voice lowered to a whisper.  "Kid, if'n you are goin' with 'em, make sure ya come back with some info, yeah?"

"I rush into things, doesn't mean I'm stupid," the younger gryphon grinned and nodded.  "I'll be back."

With a nod, Wallard faced the others.  The slaves were already paying attention, though some of their faces looked resolute on one choice or another.

"Th' Knight's goin'.  Any other volunteers fer our esteemed savior, here?"

At the side, the coati hummed an old hymn about freedom to himself.  One couldn't tell if he was sincere or mocking.

Kenyan was expecting Jake or Wallard to respond first. He did NOT expect them to decide on the opposite courses of action. The lion watched and waited as the two discussed their positions on the issue, and remembered that there was more at stake than just his pride and freedom. Xyrtia could likely protect herself, but Mateo was emotionally shattered, and seemed to look up to Kenyan so far. Regardless, he had promised to protect them from harm, and that was what he was going to do, regardless of which side they joined.

"I told your scout," he growled at the Cheshire, "I pick up a sword for no Being, and I will not move from one cage to go in another. But I promised to keep people from dying, and I must know where they will go first." He looked meaningfully at the jay and the ocelot, as well as the others in the hold.

"Want me to help?" Hobbies asked. "I'm pretty good with thread and fibers, comes with being a puppeteer and maintaining my livelihood" 

"Are you sure?" Jakob asked uncertainly.  "I mean, I don't want to put you out.  It wasn't you that ripped my shirt, after all."  He paused.  "I guess it wasn't strictly the crew's fault either, though they were a little lax with security.  I mean, supposing it was an assassin or something?  Whatever... if you can just point me at the laundry that would be fine," he said.

Jakob paused for a moment and changed the subject.  "How about you?  Got anything planned for tonight's show?  Have you ever been to this island we're docking at?"

As if remembering the guard, Eden swung around and made her way back to the guard.

Kaf gave a salute to Aisha as she walked away, before noting Eden took off before she noticed him. The Angel gave chase, hoping to catch her and perhaps explain and apologize to her.

With a glare at the coatimundi, Xyrtia declared, "Nothing is done for good." It wasn't exactly what she wanted to say, but she couldn't figure out how to say, "Since you're the Resistance, you're resisting something, and I'm not sure that means you're doing this on principle or because it's one more way to fight against whoever or whatever you're resisting." Turning now to, what was it, Singing Grin?, she continued, "You can't... whatever the word... on our skills. Are we shields, or darts and knives?" She wanted to get home, but few of her skills were usable until she moulted again, and she was pretty sure that was around a year away.

The Slavehold HEADQUARTERS OF THE GLORIOUS RESISTANCE

"Mm, was hoping for someone a bit subtler, but I like your attitude." The cheshire purred, casually renewing the sleep spell on the guard, "Fortunately you're perfect for part of what we need, but we'll need someone of less intimidating shoulderspan," there was a clink as a screwdriver and hammer were nudged through the opening, "In your cell you'll find a grating leading to the cooling systems; fortunately, with the heating and ventilation demands on this hulk, you should have enough room to at least crouch semi-comfortably in there. We'll need a team of one or two who can, and I can't stress this enough, QUIETLY move through there and locate a few targets key to your escape. A portable blue crystal ball, belonging to the captain. Should look like it has a little frost on it, even in a warm room. Keys to the bridge. And the captain's personal map-room. Plus a few persons of interest we'd like followed and listened in on," an arcane sound-recorder was pushed through the slot, a rectangular crystal with a tuning fork sticking out of the side and an assortment of glyphs etched all over ("Activation phrase is 'for the people,' deactivation is 'by the people.' Don't forget it, loves.").

Almost as an afterthought, she turned her attention to the concerns that had been voiced. Starting with Wallard, "Well, someone woke up feeling like a grumpy goose. Darling, trust me or don't. If you're finding your cell so comfy I wont disturb you. I am, after all, a fighter for freedom," she said the word much the way you'd expect a man in an alleyway to describe whatever he was offering you a hit of, "And if you dislike your alternatives, you are free to stay here."
"Apart from the team in the vents, I'll need one or two 'guards,' with me. I'm infiltrating a bit of a... Invitation-only soiree the captain is holding tonight, I'll need two extra sets of eyes, ears and hands that aren't as recogniseable as my glamorous and beautiful self. So, no," and her eyes twinkle at Kenyan in a discomforting way, "I had no intention of giving you a sword."

--

Disembarking the ship

Breakfast. What a great idea, breakfast. Jeremiah was in a good place. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the cat that had been giving him the dirty eyeball at the casino the other night was telling him to do stuff.
... Wait...
Jeremiah tugged the sleeve of a passing ostrich, "Oi, Mackie?"
"Wlrm?" The other servant swallowed a cocktail weenie that, Jeremiah was certain, he was not supposed to be taking off the plate he was carrying. "Yah, Jerry?"
"Jeremiah. And I think I just got reassigned into hospitality, I need you to cover me at the casinos."
"Whu- Oh come on Jerry I'm always dropping the cards."
"Jeremiah. And you'll be fine, chalk your fingers a little first, I keep a jar under my table."
"Aight, sure. Good luck Jerry."
"Jeremiah."

Jeremiah caught up with the customer, panting just a little. Girl could move. "How may I be of service, Madam?"

--

Common Room LAND OF FRIENDSHIP

"Be my pleasure," The iguana stood up; maybe his creature heritage went further than the teeth. He had a funny way of moving, just a little too slick and graceful. If he lived amongst beings, elementary school must've been hell. "Name's Christopher."
"So tell me 'boucher self, friend, what'dya do? Wocha lookin' for in this," A snort, "Fine, fine town?"

--

The hallway

Unfortunately, Kaf caught up with Eden at about the same time that Eden caught up with the guard. The guard's face seemed to blanche a little. "You-!"
"Madam, thanks for you, um, cooperation, but we've actually been looking for this gentleman ourselves." The guard gestured to another nearby guard and one of the larger servants, who approached quietly. Not quite flanking Kaf but... Prepared. "The captain wanted a quick word with you, sir; nothing serious, just a security measure after some incidents at the captain's dinner."

Mel gave the frog a careless wave of her hand, "You will be my personal assistant for the time I am off the ship. I have a bunch of errands to run and need someone to fetch and carry. You will get a day's pay, a really good lunch, and a souvenir tee-shirt. You can read a map can't you?"

She handed the frog the tourist map of the town as she continued down the gangplank, "Which direction for the Messaging Center?"

The dragon inwardly rolled her eyes, playing the ditzy debutante was hard work. Hopefully the frog would follow along at least until her magic returned. If she got a little insight into the casino at the same time that was just a bonus. Hopefully her grandmother would release her from the investigation and she wouldn't need to investigate further.

The angel found this slightly amusing. Two rather large figures at his side, like he was dangerous~ Him!

"Oh, okay."He tried to keep a straight face. "My memory is bit fuzzy. Can I at least know who I happened to molest? Anyone important?" He asked plainly. "Perhaps I can offer him an apology?"

The guard would find a set of hands digging into his shoulder, almost painfully so before he was forcefully turned to face the bunny demon. "Excuse me." she said in a sugary sweet voice. "But where the fuck do you get off hauling my fiancé away from me before I even get to know why?" She smiled at him.

"Eden, honey, calm down." Kafzeil assured her. "I'm certain no harm will befall me." He glanced at the gorillas, then back at Eden. Knowing her she was already anticipating their movements...and plotting takedowns. This would be awkward enough without trying to explain to the Captain why one of his guards took a light fixture to the head.

"The Captain just wants a chat, I'm sure. Nothing serious." He smiled. not at her, but the poor sap in the demon's grip. "Right, I'll be in and out. Right, my good friend?"

Eden looked back at him, awaiting a response. The blank stare was likely discomforting. It was hard to tell if her fiancé had succeeded, and he would be released, or if his own arm would be used as a weapon against him.

"You okay?" Jakob asked Hobbies.  "You seem a bit distracted."

"Oh sorry " Hobbies said, " I took your advice to heart and looked at the more serious scripts. " He sighed " But a lot of the plots would get one group or another up in arms.."

"Hmm," Jakob said.  "Well, I can think of a few ways around that.  You could start with a disclaimer.  You could rotate them so that each night it's a different group's turn to be the butt of the story just to be fair.  Heck, you could mention that in the disclaimer.  Failing those, you could just insult the least powerful group."

The Grin woman was...unnerving Kenyan, to say the least. A few pieces of her plan sounded like tasks he'd be very capable of doing, but nothing about the woman said "trust me, I'm safe" - least of all the way she looked at Kenyan after trying to "reassure" him that he wouldn't be needed to do anything violent. Xyrtia's concerns made sense, even in her broken tongue. And suddenly, it occurred to the lion that the coati had dodged his earlier question, and that this woman, while possibly psychotic, may be able to provide a better answer for him. He relaxed his body a bit, trying to coax away the anger from earlier.

"You did not answer her," he nodded at Xyrtia, "and your scout did not answer me. So I will ask again. If we join you, what happens after we are free?" He didn't add what he BELIEVED would happen. There was no sense in giving Ms. Grin any ideas.

Slavehold

"I believe the point of freedom is that that's your call, dumpling," the cat shrugged, "Frankly most people seem to consider it a pretty tiresome way to live, I can think of folks that would kill for your position. Free room and board, work with straightforward goals, you know how much your contributions are valued, competent management... Why I'm just about tempted to join you in there."
"Really, that's about it. Once you're free you have the appreciation of the resistance, perhaps a small reward for your contributions, a pat on the back and directions to the nearest train. Which, I might add, is more than you have presently."

The source of her blase demeanor was becoming readily apparent; her bargaining position really couldn't improve much further.

Disembarking the Ship

"Yesmarm, rightawaymarm," Jeremiah slid into the role smoothly, accepting the map and unfolding it in what looked like a suitably professional manner."
A t-shirt?
You've gotten worse tips.
Fair.
"Messaging center, eh?" Oh god... The city had a street layout that said it had grown organically from a small settlement, and had never seen the pruning touch of a planner. Roads crossed in grids and diagonals, looped through each other, passed through some buildings... "Right away, madam."
He hoped right away.

They looped through three terrifying neighborhoods and one nice one, but eventually they managed to find the messaging center. Even in the administrative sections of town, buildings were noticeably poorly maintained. Recent paint covered obvious cracks and flaws in the concrete of the wide, three-story center.

Ship Hallway

"The Daryil Clan Emmesary," The guard replied, deadpan, to Kaf's initial question, "A man of fairly important rank. We'll be gathering him shortly, so you may get the chance for that apology," The guard nodded to Eden, picture of courtesy; legitimate authority or not, Eden was obviously the stronger demon. These little social dominance games could take one far, in a race obsessed with Power. "We may request," the choice of words was noteworthy, request, "An audience with yourself as well Ma'am. Nothing serious, but when you transport as many VIPs as we do, it pays to be thorough. If this turns out to be a clan or council matter, we could be liable."
The guards didn't grab Kafziel's arms. Simply stood too close, perhaps half a centimeter inside the angel's personal space. It was somehow worse.
"If nothing's amiss, he'll be out and about again before lunch. This way, sir."

Daryil Clan? He lucked out. If his research was correct they were about as threatening as a moist poundcake in front of his brother Gabriel. He was pretty sure the main reason the Harkonnens never dealt with the Pretender Clan Leader's children was the perceived lack of clout, threat, and having anything of value.

He could chalk it up to his grandfather not liking Daryil Clan but to be fair, Gilgamesh Harkonnen didn't particularly like anyone.

For a moment he wanted to just grab the guards arms and force them to hold them.  None of this passive aggressive bullshit. Kafzeil hated half measures.

Eden meanwhile released the guard, but not before squeezing his should *just* hard enough to leave a slight bruise. A reminder of sorts.

"Of course~" She smiled sweetly. Again likely not helping anyone actually feel relaxed. "I completely understand. " She looked at Kafzeil. "I'll be waiting in the stateroom, hun~" She then glanced at the guard and leaned in. A sly grin formed accross her face. "If you or your Captain forget all else about me, remember this;

"A Keter always repays her debts." She then coyly walked away, swaying her hips as she headed back to the stateroom. Hopefully these grunts understand dual meanings.

Kafzeil noted it was awfully nice of Eden to give him a bit of a view, all things considered. As he was escorted away, he began recounting what he knew of the Daryil Clan, and mentally pictured a meeting between his own grandfather and the clan leader.

if even Half of what he heard about Daryil was true, that meeting would be hilariously awkward, though it did make the ferret  tad jealous his stone faced grandfather never had to deal with these problems.

Okay this problem was self inflicted so maybe it didn't count.

Xyrtia thought. She thought long, and she thought hard, and at last she decided, Nothing ventured, nothing gained. "I'll do the vents," she finally announced. Taking up the hammer, screwdriver, and arcane recorder - "By the people, for the people kra tee for the people, by the people, rrup chrp," she whispered - she asked, "Details. Who, where, how long, and how to get there. And slow; I don't speak merchant well." As she listened to Singing Grin's response, she used a finger to trace an invisible map on her thigh for directions.

Slavehold

"There's a handful, give me a sec to write them down," With another definite volunteer on hand the cheshire seemed to be taking it all a little more seriously, "Captain Uidnetan, for one thing. Tall demonic fellow, wearing the fanciest uniform. He's target numero uno; there's very little about him that isn't likely to be useful. Specifically, the location of a few key objects. A portable magic mirror, might have a slight layer of frost over it, and we need the activation phrases for its message recipients. We believe he may be getting some of his funding from a powerful draconic family that may not know the full details of his operation. There's also a small black book that we would need to know the location of." The smirk returned, "Our captain appears to be the old fashioned sort, and feels the need to write things down."
"Apart from him there's a few key individuals. A grey canine from the Daryil cubi clan may be making contact with the captain, and another representative from the Keter clan of demons may be involved. Rabbit girl. Beige fur. Information on their purpose on this trip would be useful.
Finally, there are a few of his confirmed clients on board. A bulldog in a Vermli military uniform, a green mythos, about eight feet tall, mouths on his elbows. Hell, he may be relevant to YOUR interests too, nobody really knows what he does with the slaves he buys.
"Keep an eye out for anything else that seems of note, too. Anyone on this ship could be involved, and any information can be useful.
"Finally, and this is more of a personal favor than something useful to the resistance," Singing Grin smiled, "I would personally appreciate any information that could be found on the habits or intentions of a moose on board by the name of Thorialtor Kastnessen. If the opportunity should arise, I repay my favors well." A small slip of paper made its way though the slot in the door. "I suggest a large info-gathering team. It's a big ship. If needed I can get you more recorders later."
There was a muttering amongst the slavehold. A close listener could probably closely track the intimate details of the decision-making process in action...

Ship Proper, or, The Incredible Traveling Interrogation

"This is him then?"
"Yessir."
They'd been walking for ten minutes when Kaf realized that his host had already caught up with them, toward the back of the group. Captain Uidnetan was handed a paper from one of the guards that he read over, "You're sure?" There was a slight smirk, "I don't think I recognize him with both his eyes looking in the same direction."
"Very droll sir."
"You're damn right it is. So, Mr. Harkonnen, enjoying our ship so far? I am sorry about this inconvenience," This bit, ironically, seemed rather sincere, "But with the clientele I keep a failure to make a proper show of investigation could come back to me. You understand, clan matters."
One of the serving staff opened a door for the group; not the captain's office, as expected, but apparently an unused guest room.

"Well, you've got most of the day to decide," Jakob shrugged.  "And if you're really serious about the shirt, we can talk about that later.  Right now, I need to send a message, so if you don't mind, I'll take my leave."

Selecting something less ostentatious that would allow him to mingle better, Jakob changed and went to look for the nearest post office or similar facility.  Teleprinter, Messaging orb, it doesn't matter how, he thought.

Mel looked at the Messaging Center with a touch of worry. It didn't look very prosperous and Grandmother always preferred to be contacted by magic mirror. Message orbs were cheaper to acquire and easier to use but the rounded surfaces tended to distort faces unpleasantly, unless one was going for that "my what big teeth you have" look. If the stupid airship weren't still suppressing her magic she would have just put a temporary charm on the mirror in her cabin. When she realized she was clenching and unclenching her hand in annoyance at her inability to do magic she forced herself to stop. Turning to her frognapped assistant she said, "Please look up the merchant district while I am inside. The real one and not the area they herd the tourists to. I hope this conversation will be short and I will be back out quickly."

Inside the Center was as genteel-shabby as Mel had feared. It took several rounds of ignoring the fast-talking receptionist's offered alternatives to be shown into a cubicle with a mirror. It was gray and spotted with age but it reacted quickly enough when activated. She sat back and waited for the face of one of Grandmother's assistants to appear.

Entering her stateroom the demoness slammed the door, took off her clothing and swung a right into the private bathroom and started up the shower. Remembering a certain Tazzy devil, she made sure the stateroom door, was unlocked, and she could hear if it was knocked on or opened. Just so she could return and Eden could call off the hunt.

as she climbed into the shower and removed her spectacles, Eden counted the possibility of a guard or some stranger wandering in while she was showering.

Closing the stall with an eager grin, she was pleased with herself. The chance to break someone's, face in and having an excuse to do so calmed her down somewhat. Not enough to kill he bastard but cetrainly enough to make him regret walking in on a showering demon.

She chuckled, washing herself as she sung.

What will do with a drunken sailor, what will we do with a drunken sailor...

******

Kafzeil sighed as he waited for the signal to be seated. He glanced lazily at the Captain. "Well, to be honest I think the idea  of strapping a a bar and casino to a balloon filled with explosive gas hideously frightening, magic dampeners be damned, Judging from this room and the one you kept me in the builders made some glaring oversights in construction and proper faculties, notably in proper containment and holding cells for rowdy patrons. " He sighed for a second." But clearly this would not be fault of your own, Captain. You didn't build the vessel. However, If you don't mind me being blunt I can't help but notice your crew trips over each other on the way to kiss your ass." He paused."My apologies for being so blunt, but I accept apology the inconveniences. Security is important. Especially when treading around diplomatic matters with patrons who may very well attempt to kill each other. It's a task I know far too much about."

Ephrael stood very still almost disappearing into the wall despite her clothing slashing badly with it...A handy bounty Hunter/ Rogue trick, as the Rather pissed off Eden came stomping around the corner.

One simply does not tempt the wrath of a Demon when they are annoyed, its a good one of becoming a smear on said wall....Not that Ephrael wasn't confident of handling the Bunny, but why tempt fate? And ruin a friendship (Though some demons seemed to see fights as foreplay...)

Maybe Eden had found her 'friend' and he was on his way back, And if she hadn't The Devil would wait ten minutes and knock then.

Jakob made his way to the messaging centre.  Finding a table, he wrote the message in a language known only to Clan Daryil that his master had invented for secure communications.
Then he encoded it using a one-time pad and, making sure that no-one would see the wing-morphing, covertly destroyed the plaintext using a wing-tentacle to shred the paper.  After all, someone might be able to deduce the language by analysis.  Finally, he ate the pad, which was printed on rice-paper and flavoured with mango juice.

Decoded and translated, it would have read:
"Dear Dar, reached Qaggath.  Trip uneventful, though magic suppressor may be more than it seems.  Had confrontation with one Aleyna Kresedia who threatened to hunt me down.  Believed to be smoothed over, but consider prime suspect should anything happen to me.  See you soon.  Love, Yak"

With a quiet smile to himself, Jakob went to the nearest counter.  "Good day, sir.  I would like to wire a message to New Zinvth," he told the clerk.

Kenyan was half-horrified, half-relieved when Xyrtia volunteered to scout for the cheshire. He should have known the fighter wouldn't be happy staying captive here until a better chance arrived. Truth be told, he wasn't sure a better chance would arrive at all. These people saw those in the slavehold only as weapons, true, but at the very least they were offering to free them. He didn't trust them...but he had no choice. This was the best way to keep his promise to help and protect everyone here. The tuft at the end of his tail twitched, and he sighed with a bit of growl behind it.

"...I know a way to find the things without being seen," he mumbled. "I will help, but I need to talk to some others first."

He walked over to Mateo, kneeling down to look the frustrated boy in the face, waiting until he had his attention to speak. "Mateo," he said softly. "Xyrtia wants to help these people to free us. I do not trust them, but I said I would protect you, her, and anyone else I can. You have Wallard here, and the others, so do not feel alone or useless. The best way to get out is to help those around you, one way or other ways. Do you want to stay and help them here, or to come with us?"

Kirrin looked around carefully. He moves slowly at first through a few of the back streets of Qaggath. His white and black striped fur, partially stained and ruddy from some mud that he had walked through to get to town. Kirrin looked down at the intricate ticket he had pick pocketed  from some clueless nobleman and an eager toothy smile spreads across his face.

One may notice A rather nice Broadsword hanging from his left side and a Kukri at his right. At the moment he was wearing a hooded cloak to hide his face along with his rather unimpressive usual clothes, he also having took the time to hide his head wings lest his hood look odd. That being said, some may think him a mere demon by looking at the black bat like wings folded against his back.

Thin wisps of smoke gently waft up from the red embers on the end of a thick Cigar, they glowing brightly when he draws upon it. A thick cloud of smoke escaping his mouth as he walks up the ramp towards The Flame of Freedom. Casually he ignores the ticket girls looks, handing his ill gotten ticket to her and after it being Authenticated/hole punched. Kirrin ignores the casino at the moment and immediately heads towards the room number that was specified on the ticket, moving through the halls, intent on taking a shower, knowing he would have to leave his two visible blades in the room for now.

Xyrtia left the slip of paper where it landed on the ground. "Ch'ka kree krr..." she muttered under her breath; to anyone listening, it sounded exasperated. Finding the vent in the slavehold, she opened it up and crawled inside. "Farewell," she said to those left behind, adding in her head, And may this journey take me home.

DELUXE INTERROGATION SUITE

"Mhmm." Low in the throat, like a man enjoying the burn of bourbon. The Captain smirked, "You're a diplomat by profession, right?" Either the interrogation was commencing or that was a shot at his bluntness. He gestured to a previously prepared table; the decor was classical, leather chairs and an antique cherrywood desk in the corner. A faux-fireplace was carved in marble; the thing obviously didn't light, of course, but it brought the room together nicely.
"Please be seated and just give me, in your own words, a summary of your purpose on the ship and the details of your trip so far." One of the guards took out a pad of paper and a pencil...
"Whenever you're ready."

Messaging Center

"Will that be land, air or magemail sir?" The single most bored Ram in the world slumped behind the desk, glass-eyed stare belaying the impotent defiance of low level government employees across the world. A look that said 'Tomorrow. I will burn this damn place down, tomorrow. Or maybe tuesday... Eventually, for certain.' "Landmail is of course free by the glorious costsaving measures of the illustrious Lady Selene, Airmail is five marques per pound with adjustments for distance and Magemail is a teleportation service priced entirely by distance..."

In the room Mel had been escorted to the mirror clouded briefly with frost. Icicles began to drip from the rims as the glass cleared, revealing a blue-haired polar bear in a suit.
The polar bear was one of Melodie's more tedious cousins, having gotten the short end of the genetic stick in his mixed being and dragon heritage and was quite happy to make his envy and frustrations known. It took an extra ten minutes of formalities before Mel could finally get on the line with her aunt. The mirror clouded and thawed again...
A massive, slit pupilled blue eye filled the mirror near to it's edge.
"It's good to see you, dear!" Mel's Grandmother had a surprisingly warm voice, for an ice dragon, "I'm sorry about the mirror, I believe someone tampered with my settings and I can never quite remember how to adjust it. Are you well? Taking care of yourself?
Oh listen to me, I'm sure they're charging you for your time. Brass tacks then. What's the state of my little investment, dear? Everything on the level?"

Kirrin's New Digs

"Sir, SIR," He was right at the door to his new room. From the look of things his mark's luggage had already been delivered to the room. What the hell was this- oh. Two demonic guards caught up with him, a pair of wolves.
"Sir, we have to ask that you check your weapon," One of the guards was rummaging in his pockets for a tag, "Ship rule, security purposes. Any hand weapon over a certain size has to be registered and kept in ship storage. Sorry sir."

"I had hoped for a telegram - wired, wireless or teleprinter," Jakob said.  "But if you can't do those, magemail will be fine.  Though I will need an envelope if the whole letter is going to be sent, rather than just the message on it."

Kirrin drew upon his Cigar,its embers glowing brightly. He about to turn the handle on his room and head inside. Then perking his ears his hand instinctively moves to his Kukri, as it's shorter and easier to pull free of it's place at his side. Seeing it was just a couple of the ships guards. "What's, this now?" He says in a slightly gruff voice to the guards, they more or less getting a face full of Cigar smoke for their trouble when he spoke. Hearing that he'll need to check his weapons, he silently curses and nods. "Right boys, just the broadsword then?" He says this, casually removing the broadsword from his side, scabbard and all. Though he does untie the kukri aswell prepared to hand it over if they say he needs to, Takeing another slow drag from his cigar as he does.

Qaggath.  The first stop on the luxury airship's cruise; a city that Aisha hadn't heard enough about, really, being from a countryside of far-flung towns rather than big cities.  Upon disembarking, and seeing fair glimpses of elaborate, beautiful buildings out of the windows, she had the first assumption that this was a grand place made to accommodate the richest of the rich, the reputed high class.  A city that would rival shining utopias of long ago histories.  Of life, of light, of power, of fortune.

...Dear Gods in heaven, I was SO wrong.

When she managed to get an eyeful of the land past the heads of the disembarking guests, the panther stopped and raised an eyebrow with a sneer beneath her hood.  She had traveled along many roads before, and had seen many smaller places like this.  Paint-chipped facades that may have been beautiful in their youth, or at least were trying with minimal success to fake it.  Dirty, dusty roads that moved straight and narrow from beyond the docks and seemed to wind into chaos the further one looked, into shadowy, seedy streets.  Buildings that should have been condemned ages ago, or had looked it.  It was a glorified tourist trap-type ghost town, whose ghosts were of common blood and dirty flesh, and whose upkeep had to have been the bane of many for far too long.  But it was still a city, with somewhat-impressive sky-tickling buildings rising into dark silhouettes in the distance.

Maybe there would have been a grand history behind the city.  Or maybe the history was as false as its appearance, something for tour guides to drone endlessly on about in order to impress the curious crowds that swarmed about its feet.

Suffice it to say, Aisha's eyes weren't at all fooled by the sullen mimicry of beauty that was shown at the docks.  Many of the fancy folk had the same kind of look she had right then, but they still walked on, thinking that perhaps there would be something here to pass the time until the ship left once more.  Aisha sighed.  What does it say about a ship like the Flame of Freedom, that it has to stop here?  Of course, maybe it's a refueling stop.  In any case...I wonder if there's any trouble to get into here for a little while before it's time to embark again.

Humming in thought, the black jaguar wandered down the dock past people who looked to be able to get on the ship from here.  In the crowd she could pick out several interesting individuals, including a white tiger who reminded her much of Mistress Rynkura; but whose wings betrayed not an angel heritage, but a demon one.  She rolled her eyes and walked on without meeting his rather suspicious-looking sight, wondering when her tail ring would be able to glow again; surely the magic suppressant on the ship only lasted so far from the dock.  Ugh.  I only need to befriend one demon on this trip.  If I have to run into more, Gods help that I go crazy.

She looked around, wondering where to start just aimlessly strolling.  There were many attractions befitting a glamor-less gypsy wagon, people selling things on the streets, and signs everywhere: "Come See the Eleventh Wonder of the World, the World's Biggest Lint Ball!" and other such things.  Aisha kept a wary eye on the people beside and behind her, hands nearest her belt or on her bracer's trigger.  Her cloak still boasted the white-and-blue colors of the Healers of the Shadowed Depths, and thus, either there wouldn't be trouble, or there would be a pickpocket to kick in the nose.  Either way suited the huntress.

Then she thought of Rynkura again, and wondered if she should find a messaging center to check in on the Monastery and inform her respected teacher of the progress on things.  She'll want to know the status of the budget I have here, amidst the events, Aisha smirked.

*     *     *

Back on the ship, Jake had listened further in on their mysterious freedom fighter's terms, his talon-like arms crossed and himself silent as the other slaves on the ship murmured excitedly amongst themselves; though some still preferred to stay out of things and had stopped listening long ago.  One of these seemed to be Mateo, although his other young friends were trying to ask his opinion on the matter.

The Knight did raise his brow with concern in Xyrtia's direction when she volunteered for the stealthy mission in the vent, and his eyes could only follow her as she opened it and went on.  He knew that he was a little too big for a crawl through the innards of the airship.  But he did, however, find it an easy prospect to be one of the cheshire's "guards", and so that's what he conceded to volunteering for.  "Just out of curiosity," he asked when he had the cat's brief attention again, "What'll the guards have to do, just stand there and look fairly proper?  And I'll probably need to take care of these somehow," he pointed a claw briefly, with a chuckle, to the wing-weights that they had graciously given some of the more avian slaves to wear.

Wallard remained silent, watching the goings-on.  But he did narrow his eyes.  If somethin' happens to them, I'll hold these so-called freedom fighters as accountable as th' damnable Captain himself.

Aisha's demon tracker would eventually glow again, dimly. Perhaps the suppressant from the ship was finally wearing off. There were a few demons as she walked down the street. Demons weren't unheard of in this town even if they were a minority and they certainly weren't any rampaging right now. Everything was fine.

Another demon got within range of her tracker. There was still a bit of dampening, but the ring was getting brighter as the new demon got closer to Aisha's location until it gave off a moderate glow. It must have been a particulary strong demon presence to make it glow even that much to overwhelm the residual dampening. It had to be almost on top of her too.

In one of the immediate alleys was a black jaguar just like Aisha. However, this one was carrying a bloody bag and he has walking strangely as if he was injured in a fight. He didn't have wings, but it could have been a patch...

(OOC: edited due to Tapewolf pointing out Aisha's ring wasn't working properly.)

The panther paused in her tracks, feeling a pulse at the end of her tail.  A quick glimpse as she swished it into view showed a slight glow, which was getting a little stronger the further on she went.  Still, she had a message to deliver, and she at first ignored it.  In a city such as this, demons would be everywhere, she surmised with a barely-suppressed shudder.

But after another few moments, she couldn't ignore the signal.  She stopped at the side of a nearby building to inspect her ring, squinting a little.  Strange.  This is a VERY strong signal.  I don't believe that I've sensed this much black magic in a confined spot since...

Suddenly, there was a lurching movement down the alley, and with it, the glow intensified.  The panther's head whipped up, and her hand went to her bladed boomerang.  There stood a walking shadow; a feline of black fur.  He was giving off the very distinctive glow; but he had no outward appearances of being a demon.  He just looked like he'd been in a fight.  Walking through the hidden alley.

And from his pack, the strong stench and stain of blood.

To an adventurer, such a sight warranted some stealthy investigation.  To a demon hunter besides, it warranted immediate action.

Drawing her boomerang, Aisha followed him for a ways until he'd turned a corner, and then leaped between the buildings so that she would land behind him, where he'd be cornered between herself and the end of that particular side street.  She'd have probably surprised him, landing with fleet grace in a guarded, ready-to-fight-or-flee stance.  The darkness she felt was harsh, and her glow intensified even past the lingering effects of the magic suppressor.  It feels like the power of a centuries-old Creature...Gods, what is this thing?

"Perdón, kinsman," she addressed the other black jaguar, the expression in her glimmering red eyes serious, a fair aura of light showing on her chosen weapon.  "What's in the bag?"

The male jaguar stopped mid step. This likely did not look good. He took to the alleys to avoid this very problem as he knew the blood would likely disturb the public. "Perdòn me, I..." He spoke with a similar accent too, but a bit thicker in deep gravely tones. He stopped mid sentance when he turned his head. His yellow eyes looked over the bounty hunter. There was an awkward pause as a drop of blood dripped on the ground. "Aisha?!" The accent had dropped suddenly. He was obviously hiding his identity. Surely it must have been a demon posing as a being! And he had a fresh kill!

"Yes, I am, but I'm on vacation."Kafzeil answered, that or justifying his own bluntness. He took his seat, accidentally creaking the wood as he scrapped the legs on the floor. The ferret merely pretended like he didn't notice.

"I assure you, my story is not very interesting." He spoke frankly. "I am on my way out of the region, homeward. With my fiance, who acquired the tickets. Gifts I think. She dragged me along. Said it would be comfier. Personally I'd prefer a train but that's irrelevant." He thought about motioning to the guard with a notepad and saying "You don't need to write that down. Or this for that matter." But decided against it. "After that my wife disappeared to take in the view and set off without me for the same reason I headed to the bar; I suffer from a form of Acrophobia. So i mingled with a few of the patrons, bore witness to some idiot nearly get his arms ripped off for insulting some demons" Gazelle smirked a bit. "And continued to self medicate." The angel sighed. "Perhaps irresponsibly. I am usually better about that. After it's a drunken blur, I fond myself tossed in a broom closet. The door was open, so I headed back to my stateroom when I ran into your lovely gentlemen and my fiance." The angel leaned back. "and that was my first night on the Flight of freedom."
******

As Eden's mind stopped to process the information, she realized she caught a glimpse of something while storming back to the stateroom.

EPHY.

Leaping out of the still running shower, quickly wrapping a towel around her, the still wet demoness sped to the door, swung it open, and scanned for the tazy devil. Upon seeing her she stopped and pointed.

"YOU! Get your butt in here!" She yelled, obviously not caring who bore witness to this...scene.

Shaking the last of the water from his fur Paladin headed over to the free weights to continue his workout...




******

Rather less shocked than anyone else by the Bunny Demon's attire (or lack of), due to having seen it all the night previous, Ephrael (grinning) promptly Followed Eden (nude) into the room.

"I take it you found your 'Special' Person?" The Tazzy Devil said closing the door behind her.

Keeping her stance ready as the demon--or whatever it was containing such magic that even now made her tracker flash steadily--turned to face her, Aisha scrutinized his countenance down to his regional accent, similar much to her own.  His eyes had widened in what she believed to be genuine shock; surely she had caught him in the act of something.  The metallic stench of the blood was already covering the alley like a shroud.

But when the thing's voice had risen, the accent dropping entirely, spitting out her own name on his breath...it was as if something had snapped in her mind.  A switch, a surge of adrenaline, a rising heartbeat.

There is no demon alive but the Beliaste marauders that would know me...

Instantly, her arm raised, and her boomerang flung.  "You had better start explaining yourself, you...!"

But she interrupted herself when she saw what happened next.

Aisha had originally intended the throw to just be a threatening one, to scare and unnerve him.  He should have easily jerked out of the way.

But she had briefly forgotten that her enchanted things were still regaining some of their power.  So her boomerang, a sawblade as it flew through the air, didn't respond to her direction to turn around...and it zoomed straight for him...

He watched the boomerang nervously as it swayed viciously in her grip! But at least she was going to let him explain himse... "HOLY CR..." His eyes suddenly went black and hollow looking, but it was too late for his exposed neck!

SLASH!

The head came off and landed on the ground at the same time as the bloody bag which hit the ground with a sickening splat. The soulless empty eyes seemed to stare at her, unblinking. But perhaps more appalling was the suspected demon flailing about!

"Aiiiiiieeee! You crazy jaguar! I thought you were going to let me explain!" The voice seemed to come straight from his neck! He stumbled towards her, hands grasping out. "Do you have any idea how hard those are to replace?!"

When the blade of her weapon went straight through the other jaguar's neck, a million thoughts ran through Aisha's dumbstruck mind.  Oh gods, I didn't mean to kill him yet, what should I do, I can't drag the body anywhere, I can't run away...

But despite the turbulent run of thoughts, she couldn't keep her eyes away from the fact that the body was still standing.  And stumbling around.  And shouting.

When the headless thing lurched toward her, Aisha backed up in shock and reached up to activate her lightning bracer.  Surely it would still have enough power to stun any sort of restless body.  Her eyes were darting up and down and back up again, her teeth clenched in confused anger, and she was more than ready to put the thing to rest.

But then it shouted, and everything seemed to run in slow motion as she registered what was going on.

The voice isn't coming from the head.  The neck isn't bleeding.  And his voice...so familiar...

...Wait.

"...Oh, wait just a gods-damned minute!"

To the familiar entity in the suit, Aisha would have sounded rather angry.  But when she held him at bay with a foot in his midsection and grasped the edge of the apparent disguise, she peered inside and laughed.  "Dios mio, James, is that you?"

"Yes it's me you crazy woman!" James yelled, his blond hair just under the hole of the neck. He finally pulled down the suit and his head popped out. The blue squirrel's hair was a little messy, but otherwise he didn't seem injured... by Aisha at least. His eyes still seemed yellow rather than his natural teal. Contact lenses. That explained the holes for the eyes in the fake head when it fell.

James reached down with his right hand to get the fake head and grimaced. Wrong hand idiot. Quickly switching hands, he roughly put the fake head back on, a clear cut showing his blue fur underneath. It took a moment to line up his eyes again. But his identity should be safe again if people saw him from a distance. But all this time it was James in a black jaguar suit!

"You just killed my allias, Josè by the way. Geeze, now I'll have to wear a scarf to cover this cut... Why was I lucky enough to run into you here?" He spoke in his normal voice now for Aisha. The transformation was really quite good, but it didn't explain the demon presance on him. Inside his jacket pocket, slightly sticking out was a crew pass for the Flame of Freedom, "cook" it said.

"Yes I did! And some fuckass guards after him." Eden didn't bother closing the bathroom door and tossed the towel back on the rack, hopping back in the shower.

The opened door let Eden communicate with Ephy as she showered. "Apparently he got drunk and made an ass of himself in front of some dumbass from Daryil Clan. DARYIL CLAN!"

Eden groaned, clearly working herself up. But having someone, anyone to vent to certainly helped. "Hell, Daryil is about as important as...as...Something really unimportant!" She started shampooing her hair.

"seriously Kaffie, maybe getting rip-roaring drunk on a ship full of important people is a bad idea! For a diplomat you can very godsdamn STUPID! Eden took a deep breath.

"Ugh and you wanna know what I pisses me off most about him?! About this whole crock of shit?! This is my fault!"

Normally, Aisha would have felt a little insulted being called a "crazy woman"...but she was quite well used to that, and there was still a smirk on her face to denote fascinated surprise in running into an old acquaintance.  In the bounty hunting business, it wasn't odd for adventurers to run into each other and mayhap work together.  She knew that the squirrel--now again fairly convincingly disguised as a melanistic jaguar--could be called "crazy" in his own right sometimes.

With a flick of her arm, the boomerang (now fully under her control again) swished up from the ground to be caught by the handle into her right hand.  She examined the blade, the lines of the neat cut on the costume's neck, and back again before replacing the weapon.  "I apologize for that.  I was under the effect of a magic silencer for quite a while, and I had only intended to scare you with the throw.  The light magic that is a part of my command spell went awry."  She caught a glimpse of the ticket in his pocket.  "Though, that," she gestured, "Would tell me you know about the suppressor aboard the good ship, The Flame of Freedom.  And would explain your..." her nose wrinkled as she spared a glance at his bloody bag, "Rather incriminating package."

Her smirk became a friendly smile.  "It is still good to see you again, amigo.  What in the world are you doing on the ship, anyway?"

Then, her bright and steadily-growing tail ring caught her eye again, reminding her of the circumstances that led to the scuffle in the first place.  Her brow rose at him, and her voice lowered, should anyone have been nearby in the alley listening.  "...And why are you emitting energy equal to a powerful demon?  Another part of your 'José' alias?"

Jakob was given an envelope, and shooed away from the counter.  Grudgingly he wrote the address of Lord Daryil's castle upon it, and after a moment's thought, added an addendum to the letter in plaintext.

"PS: They don't do telegraphy here yet.  Please send reply to next stop so I know you got this.  Love, Yak".

With that done, the wolf sealed the envelope, and with shocking effort, cast a spell upon the thing.  It wasn't much, just a simple magical seal in the shape of his master's clan mark to help prevent tampering, but the magic suppression effect from the ship still had a strong hold upon him.

Why would they do that? he wondered, suspicions resurfacing that the suppressor field might have an ulterior motive.

With a shrug, he headed back to the queue.  When he had finally got the letter underway, the wolf headed back towards the airport.

James buried his head in his hand and looked down at the ground. "Yeah... I was hoping I could have explained everything but that... I guess I shouldn't be too surprised you can sense it." He looked back at her. "I'll just tell it all then. José was never meant to be a demon. I can't materialize demon wings on command. Well... Actually... Well, I'll save that for last... It's good to see you, it really is." James (or rather, José) smiled as he gave her a hug.

I'm sure you noticed the jaguar suit and the accent. Yes, those were choices influenced by you. I created José after our last mission together. I... well, I missed you. He's supposed to be a being, not a demon. I used him for a deep undercover mission as a cook. The alias I made developed and became popular here. Now not only can he get fresh meat at a discount here, but he was invited to help on the cruise. I figure I can learn several fantastic recipes since I may be soon changing my line of work. And yes, that's meat in the bag. Triple A grade steaks, still raw and bloody. There must be a hole in the plastic somewhere. And the reason for the change in career? Well, this will answer your other question..."

James walked over to a dumpster for cover, but still in Aisha's view. He took off the head and was wiggling out of the top part of the suit so that his real bare torso was exposed... He didn't have his armoured jacket on, way too hot and bulky for the suit. In fact, he was likely just wearing underwear underneath (his star boxers most likely). There was a sickly black mark covering much of the right hand side of his torso. The centre point seemed to be just by his right shoulder, under the collar bone. Much of the mark had traveled down his right arm to his wrist and down his side towards his right leg. Though it was impossible to tell how far down it went without the squirrel completely undressing. He gasped in pain as he summoned forth its power and his arm transformed! Where his arm used to be was now an all black, sharp, and demonic looking arm, tipped with long razored claws. He breathed heavily between his grating teeth in obvious agony. Angel bodies especially didn't respond well to demonic powers and visa versa. It was a dangerous reaction. He dismissed the transformation and his own own arm returned. He then slumped against the wall. "That... was the very same arm... that was thrust into me." He was still panting. It seemed to take a lot out of him and caused serious pain. It was a very disturbing development. "His taint is slowly taking over my body."

Mel managed not to giggle. The person who changed the settings on the mirror was Grandmother herself. She had a tendency to unconsciously rearrange her desk when deep in thought and this included twirling the knobs on the mirror. But as far as Luna was concerned mysterious pranksters invaded her office on a regular basis to move things around.

"I have checked every anti-tampering charm in the casino. No one has meddled with them. The anti-magic device is strong enough to prevent magical tampering with the games anyway. It would not stop a fae or someone at your level, Grandmother, but that list does not include many creatures." Mel stopped herself and thought a moment, "In fact the device is overly strong and the range too large unless you are expecting really serious magic to be thrown around. More than any subtle cheating would ever need. And they never turn it off, even when the casino is shut down in port."

Mel took a deep breath and gave her grandmother the serious stare. If her Grandmother was playing games with one of the other families leader it was above her magic class. "Grandmother, you really need to get someone else out here. You know I am no good at this sort of thing. Send Barron to play spy, he is good at it. Or cousin Billingsly, he is a combat accountant. Bill would love all the numbers in a casino."

Aisha returned the hug in full, and stood listening (patiently, this time) to her friend's explanation.  She couldn't help but notice that his features took on a rather serious appearance--she remembered him as serious when he wanted to be serious, and mirthful the rest of the time.  Now though...now, something was indeed off about his demeanor.

Still, she had to smile, amused and flattered when he said that his costume was inspired by her.  Indeed, except for the yellow eyes, José looked akin to a male version of herself.  He pulled off the look of a Being, but not the feel of one.

And then he revealed the reason for the massive energy signature still making her tail glow brightly in the shadowed alley.  The panther's eyes widened at the condition of nearly the entire right side of his body, and she couldn't help but gape.  The sight was ghastly, and she had looked at James again, about to ask what his affliction was.  But her tongue was halted by the sight of his concentration, of calling a sort of power into focus.  Her tail ring was flaring now, pulsating with intense urgency as much as the power around his arm transformed it into a dark thing bearing demonic claws.  She had taken a step back, her hand to her mouth, witnessing James' pain as he dealt with it--she was in fact close to shouting for him to stop, when he did on his own and crumpled against the wall.

When he would glance at Aisha again, her look was something rarely seen.  In her usually calm, fierce eyes, there rested concern--and dare one think, fear--for the Angel.

Once a silent moment passed, the information processed in her mind as he rested and waited for her response.  "Gods bless..." Her head shook slowly and she reached down to help him up again.  "I hope you don't see the need to do that again, amigo.  It seems that you can barely take it...but, a taint?  I admit, I've seen some bad curses and dark spells, apprenticing at the Monastery of Healing, but this..." she breathed a harsh sigh.  "This I can hardly believe.  I've not seen anything like it."

She waited for him to gather his strength and put his suit back on, and then hummed.  "I don't suppose you know if it's anything that can be cured?"  She rested her chin in her fingers, thinking.  "Why don't you come with me to the messaging center?  I was about to contact Mistress Rynkura; she knows more about things like this than anyone, and may have an idea, if we ask."

Just then, her eyes fell back to the bag of meat, and she bit her lip, uncertain.  "...Unless, perhaps, you have to rush back to the ship with that."  She gave him a light-hearted smile.  "If that's the case, we can meet there later; I could ask her about it myself.  And I'm involved in a rather big secret on that hunk of metal, and it sounds like something you'd have fun with."

James had suited up once more as Aisha talked. His eyes lit up when she mentioned a secret about the vessel and he shook his head as Aisha finished. "Been there, tried that. Went to several sages, healers, shamans, even tried to pull a favor at SAIA. It's not so much as an infection now as it's become a part of me and reacts as such. There is good news though, kinda... Here, help me up, we'll talk on the way. I'd be most interested to hear of this secret. I don't have to be on board right away." James held up a hand and was helped to his feet. That cut on the neck of the suit would give James away and he knew it. He grabbed a piece a fabric from the dumpster that didn't look too bad. He tore off the stained edge and fashioned a scarf of sorts. He may buy a few scarves for the trip if he had the time. He grabbed the bag of meat once more and motioned for Aisha to lead the way.

"Anyways, there were research papers that might have been able to shed light on my case as it is highly rare, but not unique..." He spoke with the accent and deep gravely voice again as they walked down the street. He was Josè once more. "But those research notes were checked out by Runi a few centuries ago, a missing tri-wing who was the last of his clan. This demon lord that did this to me may have been the equivalent of a tri-wing in power. He likely thought we were all beneath him and he was probably right. He obviously didn't expect me to take his arm off when he ran me through with it. He's dead now thanks to the compadres I was with and won't be answering any questions. The body was cremated and his espíritu, his spirit, won't utter anything. I'm a little nervous that the rumours say I'll become a demon lord myself. Perhaps inhabited by the same demon we slew. It could be a means of self preservation. But the good news... I can slow it's progress with healing magic and Mistress Rynkura was really good in slowing how rapidly it spread. Granted, it's still creeping, but she gave me time. There is a way to seal it as the phenixes predicted would happen. 'An angel who uses the darkness as her cloak' can apparently help if I don't depend on this too often." Josè gestured to his arm which looked normal considering it was the suit's arm, but Aisha would know what was underneath. "Using it to show you may have been a little foolish, but I had to sustain it much longer to fight off mercenaries who thought they could finally take me down in my weakened state. Just one question before you tell me you secret chika... Do you find me ruggedly handsome like this?" Josè grinned.

As Aisha led the way down the street and back into eyeshot of the bustling crowds, listening to James' explanation and quirking an ear when he effortlessly changed back to José's accent, she took off her glowing tail ring and placed it in a pocket within her shirt; hopefully, it wouldn't be so noticeable and it would stop once they could return to the ship and its magic suppressor, which was in that way a blessing to the trip.  Aisha didn't need to call that much attention to herself that she had a dark magic tracker; and thus, was a dark magic hunter.

She was surprised to hear that he had already been to Rynkura, and a little more so that all she could do was slow it down with a good healing spell.  Of course, even the most powerful of magics all have their limits.  That James had taken on the taint of a demon with the rumored power of a tri-winged 'Cubi...Rynkura was a powerful Angel, nearly a good thousand years old, but even she had only a trickle of magic compared to that.

"The Phoenixes are always so vague on their prophecies, true," Aisha sighed with a huff, knowing that all too well when she'd gone to them for aid before.  "But at least they always tell the truth.  That there is hope to seal it away is always a good thing, amigo.  But yes, try not to depend on it.  Place the best bet on Light Magic, we always say at the Monastery."

At his joke, she snorted and stopped to look him over, as if appraising the costume, and then trailed one finger over his scarf.  "You probably would look handsome like this, yes..." she nearly purred, and then flicked him in the nose.  "If it didn't make you look like my brother."  She turned with a dismissive whip of her tail and started walking again.  "Granted, Ayan wasn't a black-fur, but you've the same steely eyes as he did.  Like those of hunters, worn with pride as only a jaguar does.  It's well-done enough.

"But anyway, yes.  The secret."  As they walked along towards the messaging center, Aisha craned her head and ears around all over to make sure that nobody was following or could overhear, and then leaned close enough to have a conversation in hushed tones.  "That you don't know it already means that most of the ship's staff probably aren't aware of it; which is good, as perhaps we can get them on our side.  I was told that the Flame of Freedom is holding slaves somewhere deep inside of it.  Another Angel and I were recruited by some head of a freedom fighter coalition to free them."

James was planning on starting with a retort about looking like Aisha's brother when the news of slavery stopped him in his tracks, quite literally. He was treated less than a second class citizen were he was born and he abhorred his birth nation for it. Slavery was worse. Aisha said she traveled with another angel and James saw no hide nor hair of any companion. It could be Aisha's companion was back investigating, but James feared the worst. With angels becoming endangered and their numbers dwindling, an angel would be a high prize for a slaver. Having an angel poking around would be a good excuse for them to sell him or her as a slave. He didn't even realize he had stopped moving until he had processed everything.

James gave a few hurried steps to catch up. "Yo- You're darn right I haven't heard of this! You're compadre... Who is it and where are they?" His voice cracked a bit as he almost used his real voice, but recovered quickly as his cover, Josè.

Hobbies shook his head out of his daydream. Just what had he been doing? Right worrying about what to do for the next performance. The fennec needed a walk to clear his head. He didn't actually want to leave the ship. So he settled to get a better track of the vehicle he would be staying on for a while longer.

Aisha hadn't noticed that the news had made James--that is, José--quit walking until she was a good few steps away onto the path to the messaging center, and so she turned to wait for him to catch up, noticing the look in his eyes.

She answered him as they started walking again.  Though a few people from the ship that she barely recognized were passing by, the crowd's bustling was loud enough that perhaps they could revert to normal speaking voices.  They could carefully keep the topic of slavery out of the open and just speak about the Angel, just as if they were gossiping about the events of the previous night.

"His name is Kafzeil; we had been talking to each other at the bar when we were approached.  He is a ferret Angel, and the last I saw of him, I had unlocked him out of a closet in which he had spent the night in a drunken stupor."  She laughed.  "He should be awake now; but I wouldn't worry about him.  He has a friend whom he insists will also want to join in our little event.  I'm nearly loathe to say that she is a demon," she grimaced briefly.  "I have not met her yet, but I am told that she isn't like much of her kind, so I'm giving it a chance.  I'm sure we'll find him again once we get aboard."

As he headed back to the ship, Jakob glanced at the two figures whispering conspiratorially.  He recognised the jaguar as the anti-Demon woman who'd been aboard ship, and his stride faltered as he wondered if he should greet her.
His expression flickered with amusement slightly as he realised they were talking about the Angel who had discomfited him during the captain's repast.

Guiltily he realised that he'd hesitated too long to just carry on by again and waited politely for a gap in the conversation.

Ephrael listened to Eden rant on from her perch on the bed enjoying the view as the Demon Bunny vented her spleen.

"Let me guess? You bought the tickets for the trip?" The Redhead said as Eden slowed down for a moment.

Well, her companion was safe at least... Drunk granted, but not a slave. "Remember what I said about demons chika? Angels too. Each have their own will and they are capable of choosing to do good for this world or evil..." He noticed Jakob waving them down in the corner of his eye, or at least at Aisha. Jakob wouldn't have known Josè. "Sometimes even both. But I believe you have someone trying to get your attention, yes? A mighty lord by the looks of him. Come friend of my friend!" He said as he waved Jakob over.

"Not high-born," Jakob said, glancing between the two jaguars.  "More an industrial magnate, if I may be so presumptuous.  These newly-discovered sciences have provided many advancements for Beings and Creatures alike.  While those willing to invest in them, such as my employer, can reap quite substantial rewards.  Advancements which the Messaging Centre seem to have wholly ignored," he added with a backwards glance and a sour expression.

"Madame," he said, turning to Aisha, and proffering a gloved hand. "I noticed you on the flight, but I don't believe I got your name...?"

Her friend's body language is wrong, he thought to himself, but cast it aside.  He may be a 'Cubi in disguise.

Headquarters of the Resistance Slavehold

"Well Mr. Not-A-Pawn, you're plainly a man of integrity. Champion of his own fate and captain of his soul. Enjoy the cell," Singing Grin's eyes swept the room, "So, any pawns in here then?"
Her phrasing obviously rankled some of the slaves in the room, but it was interesting to see whose eyes narrowed at the slight and whose burned with awakened survival instincts. The first to volunteer was a pangolin, a young man that couldn't be a day over twenty. Singing Grin's look was uncomfortably predatory.
"You and the griffon will do fine." There was a clank of a bolt being pulled, and the door opened... Just broad enough to permit Jake. If he sidled. "Lest we have any opportunists in our midst, you understand.
The woman was tall, broad, more handsome than pretty and dressed in a mix of different military uniforms and garish jewelry that could only belong to a mercenary, a pirate or some manner of nautically themed pimp. Red hair was swept back into a slightly messy ponytail and still, her eyes were wide and striking.
"The resistance thanks you, citizens..."

Where Xyrtia had entered the ducts she could see a few different branching paths. Most of them contained the hum of machinery and thus seemed dangerous, but one or two struck her. One carried the  sound of riotous laughter and bawdy conversation, one smelled of food and gasoline, and another... Another smelled like fresh air.

--

Interrogation Suite, Or, A Friendly Chat

Captain Uidnetan made a face that, one could assume, may very well have been the closest he'd come to contrite in the past fifty years.
"Ah, the closet was admittedly a touch unorthodox. Normally this sort of debriefing would have been performed immediately after the incident but, well, you're a surprisingly agile drunk." He gave a little chuckle, "It's actually a little funny, at one point you began shouting about your rights and police brutality and upsetting some of the other guests? One of my men panicked and stuffed you in that closet to settle you down!" The captain was full-on chortling now and thumped the table once, "I'd say the man's instincts were spot on, it seemed to work!" The Captain was noticeably more relaxed, and the guard with the notepad, in spite of Kaf's impulse, was writing furiously.
"I really am sorry about all this unpleasantness, I have a few more questions I have to ask. Just so I can show on my report I asked them, you understand.
"Have you ever been a vassal or mercenary for the following Cubi clans; Jyraneth, Ti'Fiona, Falseface, Mordin, Twelveflower, Pendleton?
"Have you ever knowingly had contact with a Thorialtor Kastnessen, a company or organization owned by Thorialtor Kastnessen, or an employee of Thorialtor Kastnessen? Same question for; Markov Danovich, Primarch of the Fae Court Sylvie Padfoot, Trug Mantic, Ysengrin Smith, or Salavam Frosk?"
"Have you ever been to a county known for remaining Vampirism infection?
"Have you ever had unvaccinated contact with any member of the Ac'Gregor family?
"Annnnd do you have any exotic fruit or livestock to de- Willikins didn't we ask people half of these when they embarked?"
"Protocol, sir." The guard with the notepad smiled slightly. Captain Uidetan sighed.
"Any exotic fruit or livestock to declare, sir?" He gave a derisive snort, "Like we'd need an interrogation to tell if you were smuggling arachsperians."

–

A Sending Of Dragons, Or, You Can Always Count On Family

"It would be good to get him away from the estate, a little while," The massive eye in the mirror managed to look worried a moment; few things in the world still scared Luna, but her grandson Billingsly had an aptitude for unsettling her. The boy's interests had given him a strange and uncomfortable fixation on things that weren't there, rather than things that were. For instance, he would become thoroughly fascinated with 200,000 marques missing from the treasury, and would scrutinize the affiliated paperwork for hours, but would say absolutely nothing at all about her new diamond centerpiece. It was very rude. She put it down to young men and their obsessions.
"Melodie, sweetheart, I have concerns that an asset in this investment is being... Not entirely honest with me." A growl like the creaking of glaciers crept into the matriarch's voice, "And you've always been an observant girl, I trust your instincts. Try to find out what you can about the anti-magic device without putting yourself in harms way. I can get Billingsly to you by the next time you reach port to go over expenditures and necessary acts of Aggressive Persuasion. Is there anything else you need? You're not going out without your cooling charm, are you?"

–

Slackers Repast, or, How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Minimum Wage

Jeremiah glanced up from where he was leaning against the outside of the messaging center. With all the cracks, disrepair and poorly imitated column work the whole structure was a fantastic spot for a surreptitious smoke. Hell, if the guest took much longer he might snag a quick nap.
Down the block he noticed a pair of Jaguars talking to a wolf that, he was reasonably certain, he recognized from the ship.
Looks like something that's not our problem!
Jeremiah settled a little further into his nook. Life was good.

–

Kirrin's New... Digs?

One of the guards fumblingly took the broadsword and handed Kirrin a baggage claim tag.
"Uh, Mhenlo? Shouldn't we ask him to put out the-"
"The man is in first class, you tell him."
"Our airship is full of flammable gas!"
"So?"
The guard's brief, hissed conversation was cut short by another guard tapping one of them on the shoulder.
"Wasn't it your shift Downstairs?"
"Ah, right. We hope you enjoy your stay on the Flame of Freedom, sir."
The guards hurried off, somewhat more purposeful now. The one who took his sword passed it off with a hurried explanation as he went. Apparently this was more important.

((Oh, now that's just devilish...))

Xyrtia's sense of smell was hardly laudable, but that didn't mean she didn't know fresh air when it hit her. It's been a long time... she thought, before cautiously heading down that branch of the ventilation. Along the way, she kept track of where she was, creating a rough map of the system as she crawled of what intersections were where, and rough height differences between them along the way.

Aisha had rolled her eyes slightly upon getting another mini-lecture about good and evil, and demons; but it was with a good-natured smile.  "I know as much, amigo.  The only demons I hold real hatred for are the ones that did my family injustice.  I may still wince at the race in general, but I accept that all are different.  Mayhap you and Kafzeil could get along well, too."

It was just then, at the tail end of the conversation, that José pointed out that someone had been wishing to get her attention.  Aisha glanced up curiously at the gray-furred winged wolf coming up towards them; someone she had indeed seen on the ship once or twice, but hadn't really yet met.  She guessed another Angel, or maybe a 'Cubi?  Having one for a good friend, she knew not to treat all winged appearances alike.

Regardless, she listened politely to the new face as he made himself known, and then straightened up to shake his hand, an amiable smile on her features.  "Ah, my apologies, señor, I've never been too sociable.  My name is Aisha deCabre; I'm an adventurer, also a disciple of Rynkura Msh'taan, Headmistress of the Shadowed Depths Monastery of Healing.  It's by her leave that I'm on this trip, myself, looking for a lost friend.  Who might you be, then?"

*     *     *

With one last glance into the slave room, passing the hopeful glances of many of the others and a serious look from Wallard to remember his promise to let him know everything that would go on, Jake sidled outside of the door quickly, minding his weight-burdened wings and trying to make not a sound, the pangolin following behind.

His eyes swept briefly over the appearance of the feline, taking in her look.  Cool, like a pirate, he couldn't help but think even with his mind in the midst of a serious mission.  He only hoped that at the tail end of it wouldn't be trouble.

With lithe feline hind paws he quickly stepped over some prone crewmen laying nearby, facing the female Cheshire.  "What now?" he whispered.

Nodding lightly Kirrin idly pocketed the baggage claim tag, then he could only smirk when he noticed they were having a small argument only catching the last words of flammable gas. When the third guard showed up and spoke he chuckled lightly and nodded, looking towards his door. "Of course, today promises to be lots of fun." After the guards had departed he immediately headed into his room.

Kirrin's eyes seemed to flash with interest seeing the luggage but he had some priorities. "Alright, shower first then go through that luggage..."  Kirrin hang his cloak on a coat rack and goes into the restroom setting his clothes down, if any were watching..(though it's doubtful in this situation.) ...they would notice his vest had a little more heft to it as this is where two pairs of brass knuckles were hidden. Snuffing out his currently lit cigar and placing it in the cigar case he has on him.  Kirrin sets said case on a bathroom counter and was stepping into the warm, steaming cascade of the shower, sighing comfortably He wastes no time in beginning to wash the mud from his fur. "Wonder what kind of folks are aboard besides me..." It didn't take long for him to finish cleaning himself and Drying, flapping his wings a little to aid in that effect.

Kirrin redresses himself in his usual attire, replacing the cigar case in its pocket and heads into the main part of the room "Ooh, swanky."  Soon Kirrin was rummaging through his marks luggage. "Let's see, formal business wear, penguin suit with matching gloves and bow tie... Ah, Ha!" He grabs a small case and grins. "Well, well a violin and it's a Stradivarius at that. Might fetch a nice price if i don't keep it for my personal collection." Humming to himself, Kirrin pulls the Violin from it's case and taking up it's bow plays a few notes. "Nicely in tune..." After that, some passing by his door could hear the sound of what might be thought of as an Irish melody coming from behind it.

"I am Lord Pettersohn," Jakob said, with a bow.  "But I'm not attempting to impress you, so you can just call me Jakob if you like.  I'm acting as an emissary for my master, the illustrious Lord Daryil."  The wolf looked pained for a second, remembering the business in the bar shortly after he had arrived.

"I'm returning from negotiations with the Inova clan, my master booked the Flame of Freedom for my return voyage.  If I may be so bold as to ask, did your mistress pay for the flight?  It's beyond the means of most adventurers - no disrespect intended."

Mel tried not to let her disappointment reach her face. She wanted to go home, not hang around and play spy on a floating casino. That her grandmother left her here and called her observant meant there were none of her more detective-skilled relatives available to do a real investigation. At least Grandmother was sending cousin Billingsly. Her cousin had come back from his very exclusive accounting school with weapons grade obsessiveness and blandness so strong that it was practically an invisibility spell. Hopefully once he arrived she could relax and let him audit the captain into submission.

"I have my cooling charm, Grandmother. And a backup charm as well." Several in fact as a large part of her inventory was in the pockets of her vest. She didn't remind her grandmother that the overly strong anti-magic device was keeping them from working. If she got heat stroke from this she'd tell Grandmother to get the ship shut down for endangering the passengers health.

"It's good to meet you, then, Jakob," Aisha said, smiling at the fact that the wolf hadn't shown any condescension towards her for being what she was.  Though the girl had admittedly met a few different ranks of nobility, she had seldom met Lords who didn't look down on her profession--either by reputation of being brutal and warmongering, or by reputation of a muddy way of living.  "And no worries, I take no offense.  It's true, all we tend to really need in our pockets is enough for meals and beds.  And whatever we get from bounties," she chuckled, "It's a life of freedom."

She then sighed.  "You're correct, though; Mistress Rynkura has indeed paid my way here.  It's a necessary venture, after all...the friend that was lost is one of our most trusted guardsmen, last seen apparently fighting a group of bandits out of a village and never returning.  His soul stone still glows, so he's alive, but he hasn't been seen since.  Rumor has it that he's been taken to the same destination that this ship's going."

It was then that a thought struck the jaguaress, and she paused, her eyes gazing out past Jakob and nowhere in particular.  If that's the case, what if he's been taken as a slave, too?  Ooh...and now I HAVE to investigate this, or it will bother me to no end.  But...first things first, I guess.

As if she remembered herself, Aisha shook her head out of the stare.  "Ah, pardon my manners, I also forgot to introduce José here; he's a cook on the ship, if you were wondering about that blood-ridden bag he has," Aisha sent the disguised squirrel a sideways smirk before continuing.  "I simply found it interesting that we are roughly from the same region, is all.  But speaking of the Mistress, I was on my way to the messaging center to update her on things.  You seem to have come from there; por favor, do they have magic mirrors or messaging orbs and the like?  I'd rather speak to her face-to-face than have to write a lengthy letter."

Jakob winced at the mention of bounties, but he did his best to suppress it.  "I do hope you find your colleague," he said.  "Losing a friend is always hard, whatever the cause.  Actually, I would be curious to know how you reconcile being a priestess of healing with a bounty hunting career, but that's probably a conversation for another time."

He shook the fake panther's hand, noting that it didn't seem quite right but not showing it.

"The messaging centre is just over there," he pointed, "I can show you if you wish.  I think they do have mirrors, yes, though there's always a risk of being overheard.  They don't seem to have telegraph or teleprinters yet, though...  My Lord will be disappointed.  Though on the other hand it may present my clan with a business opportunity."

Soon enough the music stops, Kirrin carefully placing the violin back in it's case. He then takes the cigar from earlier out of the Cigar case and relights it using a match from the box of them in his pants pocket. After taking a couple of quick puffs he finally exits his room sayinf to himself more than anything. "Alright, time to explore." Walking slowly, he gazes at a few folks, looking to see who might catch his interest. Eventually Kirrin makes his way to the bar area, sighing to himself as so far he's only spotted a few nobles that he might be able to pick pocket a fair amount of gold dollars from Instead though he moves to a table and flapping his leathery wings a moment first, sits down and puts his feet up a little, thinking to himself. "So far pretty uneventful."

Shax waited in line to board the ship, yawning a bit to himself. He had been traveling on his own for several years now, and sleeping at old inns or makeshift campsites was starting to wear out on him slightly. Shax was a bit of an oddball, even for a Cubi. For one, he was one of the very few Cubi that actually still sleep like a normal being, same goes for eating. It was hard for him to give up living the way he originally grew up after all.

The Cabbit's wings and headwings were currently shifted away, to be hidden. The people around him didn't need to see he was a Cubi quite yet, and not even sure how some would react after all. It could cause a problem. The one trait of a Cubi that could still be seen, was the clan symbol of the nearly extinct Jin clan on the back of his right ear. His thoughts were interrupted when the ticket master called out next, it was Shax's turn to board the ship. With a smaile, he locked eyes with the master, handed in his ticket, and boarded the ship.

First thing was first. After having his bag checked, he went right to his room to drop the stuff off and take a nice shower and a change of cloths. Afterwards, he would change into his normal jacket, his wings and headwings still hidden for the moment, but the clan symbol was still visable on his ear. Shax departed from his room, heading toward the common area to see if anything interesting was there or anyone worthwhile to talk to.

Aisha nodded in agreement with his sentiment about her friend.  "He was always like an older brother to me, when my own older brother was lost.  I would go through much to find him again."  She sighed, and then chuckled.  "And actually, I'm not one of the priestesses...long story short, I was taken in when I was quite young, and educated by the Mistress.  She was also a paladin early on in her life, so she's to thank for my adventuring knowledge.  Besides, I was never good at magic, like many of the healers there.  At any rate, yes, stories can be saved for later."

She hummed in thought for a second.  "So there are mirrors, but also people in earshot...ugh.  I do not think that I can risk other ears hearing what I have to say to her.  I suppose mage-mail will have to do, it's still quick.  And perhaps there can be time for another face-to-face at another dock."  The jaguar looked back up at the wolf and politely inclined her head, "And thank you for pointing the way; you can show us there if you wish, but I don't want to impose on you if you have business back on the ship, or elsewhere."

Then, as if remembering something (and mentally slapping herself for it), she added, "And I hope I don't unnerve you with my adventuring talk, Lord Pettersohn; I forget about that when speaking in polite company of Creatures.  Nearly got my head bitten off for it once, literally.  But I have many friends of the winged variety...the Mistress is an Angel, herself, and one of my friends is a young succubus of Clan Mraisae--also dedicated healers from what I've heard."

"My Lord's clan has adventurers in it," Jakob said.  "Daryil's clan has long tried to work with Beings, rather than against them, and many 'Cubi of that clan are brought up as if they were Beings for that reason.  It gives them a view into both worlds.
"For myself I'll admit there are times when adventurers are an unfortunately necessity, but there are far too many cases where someone will happily murder you just because you have wings on your back or a tattoo.  Especially when money is involved," he added distastefully.

"My old mentor always used to say that we should judge people by what they do, not what they are.  It's not like any of us can help what race we're born as."

"Ah, but forgive my preaching," he said, with a sad laugh.  "I will wait here for your return, perhaps we can talk again as we head back to the ship."

Kirrin perks lightly, sitting up now, the end of his cigar smoldering a cherry red whilst he draw upon it. He waves lightly towards Shax with a light smile a small cloud of smoke escaping his lips once he exhales. It would seem Kirrin would like to speak with him, though the way he looks didn't seem all that positive at the moment. There even seems to be a slight glint in his eyes.

The Cabbit was able to spot the other waving to him out of the corner of his eye. With a tilt of his head and a shrug, the small, disguised, cubi would make his way over to Kirrin, that small feminine form swaying slightly as he walked. Shax was unsure of what the male wanted, but he was still rather curious about why he was waved over.

Kirrin found himself having quite the difficult time discerning Shax's gender. The combined way of how he walked and the way he looked almost seemed to be a contradiction. Not to mention how young the cabbit seemed to be. The tiger mentally shrugged at this figuring once they spoke it'd become clear, though the tiger himself was in the guise of appearing to be a demon. Once Shax had come within earshot, Kirrin grinned unintentionally showing his teeth whilst they kept his smoking cigar from falling from his mouth. "Hey there friend. Are you new to boarding this Vessel as well?"

Shax would take a seat next to the male, nodding slightly in greeting. Those long ears gave a slight flick behind his head. "Indeed." He spoke, his voice also sounding young, but he was clearly male. "This is my first time on such a transport vessel, I thought it would be fun to experience it. I had the extra time." The cabbit ordered himself a very light drink, placing a gold piece on the counter.

Nodding Kirrin watched Shax slightly, knowing full well things are not always what they seem with folks. Hearing him speak did finally clear things up as the tiger had hoped. He gave a slight blink when he saw the cabbit's ears flick thinking he saw something upon the right one, he made a note to try and get a clear look when he gets a chance. "Oh really? That seems like quite a feat for someone as young as yourself. If you don't mind me asking, how did you manage a ticket? And are ya here on business or to relax?" The tiger then extended his right hand towards Shax for a handshake.  "My names Kirrin by the way."

The small male sat quietly, taking a sip of his drink. When the tiger held out a hand, the cabbit shook it lightly, giving off a very soft smile. "Heh, thanks, I have alot of experience for my age is all. I actually bought the ticket myself. So I'm here to relax is all. After my parents passed away I was left quite a bit of money. But I leave that all at home. For a few years I have been out traveling on my own, but after awhile I figured it was time to relax after hearing about this. So I went home and packed a few things up after buying a ticket. Its a pleasure Kirrin. I'm Shax"

Upon Shaking hands, Kirrin's grip may have unintentionally been tighter than he meant it to be. Chuckling some, the end of his cigar glowed yet again. The tiger exhaling smoke in a nonchalant manner nodding to the first part of the explanation and faltering somewhat hearing the cabbit's words about his parents. "You have my Condolences, it is a good idea to leave your money at home. Wouldn't want some thief trying to clip you for it." Nodding still, Kirrin tilts his head a little attempting to covertly glance at the cabbits ear. "Hm, yeah. I've kinda been on my own since i was fourteen, ended up becoming a 'nobleman'. I'm actually here for a bit of fun myself." He chuckles again. "Indeed, nice to meet you as well Shax."

He chuckled a bit, shaking his head slightly "Its fine. They passed away peacefully so they were not suffering. It was just old age." Those ears flicked again, giving the tiger a full glace at the mark on the ear. "Heh... One too many times has people tried to rob me in the travels. The thing is, they always wind up dis sappointed in the end of it all." The 'kid' would take another sip of his ale, that long tail swishing behind him. "Oh? Well we all need fun sometimes." Smiled the Cabbit.

Kirrin's eyes seemed to glint again upon spotting the mark, not yet recognizing the clan itself, but knowing it wasn't a tattoo. "Well, glad they were at peace when they went." Kirrin nodded further. "Yeah, i could see that happening to thieves. They are quite reckless when they find they aren't quite the match for someone they think they are, if you catch my meaning." Kirrin lightly taps the counter and orders himself a non-alchoholic drink only setting a gold coin of his own down for payment. "Indeed, i was an orphan myself. But either way i managed to get the good things to come to me and have quite the bit of fun."

The Cabbit looked over at the larger tiger "Hm? Not sure I get what you mean... Most of the thieves I have encountered are rather sloppy or disorganized, or mainly just cowards." He laughed at that, finishing his own drink. "Of course, where I went to college at, they often teach you the skills to survive in this world."

"Oh, well. No need to think much about it, must not go to many places where thieves have a 'guild' to organize them." Upon looking over Kirrin the smaller Cabbit might see that a couple of the stripes around the left side of his neck seem to have a bit more curve to them than a tigers slightly angular stripes would naturally be. If he was 'really' observant it would seem the odd stripes formed the symbol clan taun, they being painted over black to match said stripes. "Oh? I've learned quite a bit of self defense at a college i attended as well. The trainer had quite the mean right hook..." Kirrin lightly rubs his jaw upon saying the last part before taking a light gulp of his own drink.

When he received no reply from the ocelot boy, Kenyan sighed. Xyrtia had already left, and there was still another person he needed to protect - if that person didn't mind assisting him on this mission. He walked over to the wall and leaned down, gently scratching it and squeaking out a plea.

<My friend, I am going to need your help. Some new big creatures are here, and they say they can help us escape. I'd prefer to get both of us out of here alive, but there are things they need us to do. I don't trust them, but they're the only chance the other big creatures and I have. Will you help me? I'll see to it nobody hurts you.>

Shax has seen the odd stripes, but did not think too hard on it, right now, he was just enjoying his time on the ship and just simply wanted to relax. "Oh I have seen plenty of ones that were in guilds, but it still doesn't change that a good chunk of them are either just starting out or did not really have any real organization among their group." his tail swished behind him before coming to rest on the floor below. "I grew up in Zinvth, actually. My parents were beings living in that city.."

Kirrin nods again. "True, the 'rookies' are quite fool hardy and many are just quite too greedy to really organize a group properly." Kirrin then perks a brow lightly Hearing Shax speak about where he lived. "Zinvth, that place is rather nice and packed to the brim with creatures. My kinda place actually, i myself wasn't lucky enough to grow up in a creature friendly place. You could imagine how hard it'd be, me being morn with these." He lightly spreads his folded leathery wings for a moment before relaxing them again. "Even if my parents didn't have a pair themselves." The tiger thinking to himself. 'Or at least i never got the chance to see them with their wings anyway...'

"Yeah." Eden grumbled. "Well, tickets where a gift but I figured the grumpy bastard needed a good vacation. Ugh..." Eden dropped a bottle of shampoo, bending down to get it. "You know anyone like that? Someone ya care about but really wanna punch in the goddamn face sometimes,. but at the same time if something happened to them you'd freak the Hell out?"

*******

Kafzeil had been through this sort of questionnaire to know ho to take things; calmly state your answer, and it's usually no, but pay attention and be on your guard, especially given what he knew.

"No, and I doubt I would be talking with you here had I worked for Jyraneth.."
"No, can't say I have had any contact for any of the parties involved."
"No, but I keep my vaccinations up to date just in case."
"No, can't say I heard of them."
"No, and yes, I was already asked this. Thank you WIlikins." Kafzeil answered all questions very deadpan, maintaining his dry tone to the last question.

He nodded slightly. "It was quite surprising actually, my parents were living in the city of demons, but were beings. And even so, they were actually quite respected in the community. The turnout for the funeral was actually quite large." He smiled, looking up at the tiger just as he spread his wings. "Hm... I thought I noticed the clan symbol on your neck. Even if you tried to paint them over. Hmmm..." He looked it over again. "Taun I believe then?" 

Nodding gently. "I'm happy to hear they were well liked and respected, if you don't mind me asking; what did they do for a living?."Kirrin blinks a little in surprise, hand moving to his neck instinctively to cover the mark. "Um, yeah i do have one and that's it exactly i am of clan Taun. I was actually trying to make the mark match my stripes...." Then for a moment Kirrin points to Shax's ear. "What about you though? What clan are you with? I'm also curious as to how you are a kinsman but have had being parents. Did you go through the ritual?" Looking about lightly kirrin spoke in a more hushed matter on the cubi topics

Shax shook his head a bit. He never liked talking about his parents too long. "One was a doctor and the other was a teacher at a elementary school." The cabbit gave a slight chuckle. "You did well on the stripes but some makeup or bodypaint to cover the excess marking will be of great help." He squeaked, completely forgetting to cover his marking at all. Although he was in a bit of a rush. "I... I am one of the last few left of Jin clan. Its rare to see us outside of SAIA but I cannot stand being cooped up for so long." The kid looked over as his parents were mentioned again. "I was adopted actually. I don't remember too much of my childhood before the orphanage besides waking up in a hospital. I don't even remember my real parents at all..."

Kirrin nodded. "Very fine professions, from what i remember my pa he was a butcher and my ma was a stay at home mother." He chuckles lightly nodding about the clan mark. "I'll remember that and cover it next chance i get." He then has to slap a hand over his own mouth when the cabbit squeaks, trying not to laugh about that part managing to make it a light snerk. Then he turns a little more somber hearing Shax's answer "I see, i believe you. Your the only one of your clan I've ever seen outside of SAIA. I can also understand not liking to be cooped up, I was actually forced to stay in my room at SAIA for a couple years because i nearly killed a couple of others during a spar." The tiger's wings drooped a little. "I see, i myself had to fend for myself on the streets till i was found by the Academy at age twenty-five when my headwings finally appeared. Glad it was someone friendly who found me after i sent the crowd i was in scattering. It could have been the town guard instead." Kirrin sighs softly. "Though i can see it pains you to talk about your family, I'm sorry for dwelling on the subject. Let's talk of something else... What subject at the Academy did you most prefer?" The Tiger smiled, taking a moment to tap the ashes of his Cigar into a nearby empty glass. (This is the first time he has actually seen the Jin clan mark, just so ya know.)

The Tasmanian Devil placed her elbows on her knees and smiled at Eden's show as she thought through her question...

"Not really" She answered finally "Never been with anyone long enough to care that much about them, 'Occupational Hazards' and such." She tilted her head to the side "I take it this guy is a keeper then?"



******************************

Paladin finished with his morning exercise moved back to his room and changed into some casual clothing. After the Wolf headed out on an aimless walk around the ship just to explore.   

Shax would sigh softly, shaking his head "Its no problem. I just don't talk about them too much is all. Don't worry about it too much." The Cabbit lookedover at the mention of SAIA. "Well most of my clan is there for our own protection... There is less than ten of us left after the great war. We actually were not really allowed to leave SAIA because its a safe place but, I need to get out at times. But when I'm there, my cousin Mink keeps me company. And as for subjects, I was pretty much a straight A student. I always made sure to keep up with studies. I was best with dream travel with Professor Jacob Mielihyva. I wound up becoming a student teacher under him because of my grades.."

Kirrin nodded and his grin returned. hearing the subject of SAIA being taken up. "Yeah, it is the safest place for our kind so it goes with out saying." He then blinks a little at the mention of Mink. "Huh, overly cheerful guy, squidgy things coming from his head?" He chuckles..."think i might have seen him once or twice but he might have been to scared to talk to me or something." When Shax speaks of subjects he is prevalent in Kirrin nods again. "I don't go much for the the dream traveling but i am good at it. I always did with the combative classes and even lockpicking. I even managed to do  a bit well with thought reading but it was difficult"

Interrogation

"That should cover everything then," The captain sighed and slumped in his seat. "I really am sorry for the inconvenience. It's a hassle, but if he presses charges and I can't provide the paperwork that could have consequences for me and my crew. Willikens, would you-?"
"Paperwork's already on its way to processing sir." One of the aides had already left, apparently with the guard's notepad.
"Well done." Captain Uidnetan stood up with a groan; odd, for a demon, even one starting to grey at the temples as he was. "Mr. Harkonnan, I sincerely apologize for this whole inconvenience. I'll just have to speak to your wife later to confirm and we'll be set, with this initial statement we can schedule that a bit more conveniently. Is there anything I can do to make up for the nuisance? Casino chips, a room upgrade...?"

--

Long Distance Nagging, Or, The Messenging Center

"Very good, be sure to keep it charged. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything else dear, I look forward to a full report soon! I know you'll make me proud darling, keep yourself well."
The messenging spell clicked off, and water slowly began to trickle town from the mirror as it thawed.

--

The Restricted Tunnels Of The Ship

"Now, you hush until I get you to where we can get you at least a LITTLE disguised," Singing Grin led the way with a strut almost comically exaggerated for her comparatively broad frame. "the Captain is holding a little private soiree tonight, you two," again, Singing Grin's smirk to the pangolin boy was uncomfortable to say the least, "Are going to be a part of my retinue. I need an extra pair of eyes and ears, I'm expected to be," She gave a long suffering sigh, "Sociable. Have you ever spoke to slaveowners? They're not half as interesting as they think they are. Reminds me," The cheshire beckoned the two of them into a storeroom and began rummaging, "I stashed a pair of my house liveries over here. I can see some unpleasant questions if I try to get you past more guards dressed in rags, can't just knock 'em all out. Rude, for one thing, ah!" Jake and the pangolin were each thrown a garish, awful thing almost on par with Grin's own ensemble. "Pardon me if the sizing isn't EXACT, we can get them taken in later."

--

Within and From the Slave Hold

<... You say they safe, I trust you.> The squeaking was faint, from the other side of the wall, but Kenyan could make it out. <What do I do?>

As Xyrtia climbed the smell of fresh air grew stronger, but the paths began to branch off, snippets of conversation could be heard down each.
"-Obviously stale, send it back-"
"-Overly cheerful guy, squidgy things coming from his head? Think-"
"-This guy is a keeper then-?"
"-Nuisance. Casino chips, a room upgrade-?"

Xyrtia ignored most of the chatter coming through the vents, but the tone of the... whoever... talking about casino chips and room upgrades made him sound possibly important. Taking a moment to orient herself, she started to follow the voice down the vents, still mentally holding the system's map in her head. As labyrinthine as the place was, it fortunately was regular enough that she could keep track. Sort of. Her path had devolved from distances and directions to just directions and counting intersections along the way. Chittering haze, she thought of her previous captors.

Jake followed the Cheshire as closely as he dared, the pangolin keeping in step fairly well.  The gryphon had the weights on his wings pried off beforehand with pilfered keys from the fallen guards.  But more than his relief for regaining his freedom of movement, he was nervous for how this would all turn out.  Would they be discovered?  Did anyone other than some security forces know the faces of the slaves that well?

Is this likely even a trap?  Whatever was going on, Jake hoped that he would bring some information back from this "soiree" without being hacked to pieces.  Right now, the only thing was keeping quiet, though he noted that Ms. Grin didn't much follow her own advice.  But he got the gist of the plan and cemented it into his mind once they reached the storeroom and were thrown their disguises.

Wow, pretty old-fashioned, the black feather-furred avian thought as he tilted his head and raised his eyebrows at the garments.  His claws gingerly skimmed the fabric of the cape and the designs on the mask.  But it'll do, I suppose.  Enough to pass for fancy.  While he was accepting, the silent pangolin accomplice however seemed a bit more critical of the outfit, a little wrinkle going into his nose, but it was something one had to get used to.

"No problem; I'm tall, but I'm skinny, I can make it fit--if I make room for my wings.  So, we change in here, then?"  Jake looked down at himself, the only clothes he had as a prisoner being a pair of raggedy trousers, and smirked at the feline.  "I'm sure the lady has better to worry about than seeing the ugly bits."

The third one in the room snorted, hiding what sounded like laughter with a cough.

*     *     *

Outside, Aisha gave Jakob an understanding smile after his little explanation about his clan and a stand on adventurers in general; one thing she respected was candor.  And he too is a 'Cubi, after all.  Fascinating.

"You want preaching, you should hear some of my old teachers," the panthress joked and shook her head.  "But I digress, too; I really ought to get this message done.  It shouldn't take more than a few moments; indeed, I'd like to talk more when I return.  I haven't yet met too many friendly faces on that ship, and the trip would be longer without people to converse with."  She politely bowed at the waist and turned quickly toward the messaging center, only pausing to notice that "José" was rather lost in thought for the last few minutes.  She poked him.  "Amigo, you coming too?"

The other jaguar seemed to snap out of it with a shake of his head and cleared his throat, going back to his rougher voice.  "Ah, nah, changed my mind.  Oughta get this meat back before I'm missed; the concessions crew'll have a fit.  But I'll catchya 'round, eh señorita?" he winked, but she knew that the question was legitimate.

Aisha rolled her eyes.  "Soon, yes.  It'll be easy to find me."  And with that, she moved off into the road and past the crowd.

Left with Jakob, the strange jaguar gave him a bow of his own and grabbed the blood-ridden bag.  "I'm sure I'll see you later too, milord."

As José--James--left for the ship and parted from his gaze, there was an interesting twinkle in his eye.

She knows, Jakob thought, cursing inwardly.  Ah well, it's not like I haven't been wondering about revealing my headwings anyway.  As Aisha headed off, her brooding companion snapped out of his reverie and decided to head back to the ship.

"In that case, I may as well head back myself," Jakob told them.  "See you aboard!"  So saying, he made his way back to the vessel.  I should check the common room, he decided.

The Cabbit nodding, sitting up from the bar stool. "Yeah, Mink can bit a bit of a airhead and a little skiddish at times, but he/she (Since we dont know yet) is a real sweetheart." With a stretch, he popped his back, giving a little purr. "Well, since most of the Cubi race no longer dreams, dream traveling is one of their best ways of 'getting out', so to say. Its their way of dreaming. I actually still sleep so I can still get the occasional dream, but often I spend that time taking with my great great grandmother, Jin, catching up a little bit." He looked about the common area. "Hm... Not sure what else to do, I might just wander about."

Kirrin nodded as well. "Heh, say what you want but mink's the kind of someone that can always get you to like him/her. (Good point.) I mean i do, and we really haven't talked at all." The Tiger took another puff of his cigar, dumping the ashes in the empty glass again. Casually exhaling he rather skillfully making a smoke ring with his breath. "That's a good point, i still have a dream or two myself. Haven't really spoken to my great, great, great, (etc. he's over seven generations seperated from her) granny yet though." He smirks a bit, looking to a few other folks for a moment. "You do that pal, thanks for chattin with me. I appreciate it."

Safely back aboard the ship, Jakob wandered around the common room for a bit.  No sign of Hobbies, but perhaps there were some new faces.  His stride faltered slightly as he glanced at the cat-rabbit and saw a purple marking on one ear.

"Nice clan," he said softly, once in earshot.

Shax flinched a bit as he heard the voice suddenly address him from behind. A hand moved to cover the marking on the back of the right ear "Heh... Thanks I suppose. I forgot to cover the dang thing with furpaint before leaving. I was in such a rush." The cabbit turned to glance at the male, those pink eyes examining him for a moment. "Shax Crowe, its a pleasure." Shax smiled, holding out his hand. He was unsure of what to make of Jakob as of yet, but there was still no reason to not be polite.

"It may be wise to attend to that sooner rather than later," Jakob told Shax quietly.  "At least one Dragon is present.  While they are unlikely to harm you aboard ship, they may have you followed or something.  I don't know how much of a target your mistress is these days, or if they even care about the old wars, but if I was from a clan that fragile I wouldn't want to take the risk."

"Jakob Pettersohn," he said, more loudly.  "Currently working for Daryil Clan."

"Agreed... But for now, shall we move into a less crowded area huh?" He asked, that long tail flicking behind him nervously."Really now? A dragon? Its been awhile since I have seen one at all... Hm..." He seemed to get lost in thought for a moment before looking back up at the wolf spoke. "Its a pleasure. Daryil huh? Its been a long time since I heard that clan mentioned." Shax smiled.

Kirrin sat idly by taking another drag on his cigar before casting a casual glance Jakob's way for a moment. Headtilting a bit, he then turns to face the bar again not waiting to be noticed or knowing if he was. He thinking to himself. 'Wonder what kind of things he has on him. Guy seems extra fancy for this flying tub.' Slowly he stands, Dumping his Cigars ashes in the glass from before and stretches, spreading his wings for a moment. "Wonder what they got in the way of fun on this thing besides the Casino." He says to no one in particular, making a few mental notes to follow up something on him later. He starts to walk off.

"Certainly," Jakob said as the cabbit led him to somewhere a little more private.  I'm assuming he is a Jin, the wolf fretted suddenly.  It could be a fake marking...

"Yes," he added, "My Lord sent me to negotiate a treaty with a Demon clan.  He booked passage on the Flame of Freedom for the return voyage.  Has your mistress sent you on some similar errand?"

Shax followed close behind, trusting that the wolf knew exactly where to go.

"Ah, I see. It's always good to try and make peace whenever possible. We don't need another war breaking out..." He sighs "Me? Oh no, just to relax actually. I have been away from SAIA wandering out on my own for several years, so I figured I could use some time to relax for a bit. I'm thinking of just staying at home for awhile once I return. I know my place has been nothing but a dust factory in my time away."

"Not a problem. "Kafzeil stood, smiling. Being still fairly young for an Angel he noted the Captain's age catching up with him. "And I would love a room upgrade but I will have to speak with my fiancé regarding that."He waited to be escorted out.

"I Should be getting back to her right now, actually. I think she'd like to get off the ship if possible."

*******

"Yes, exactly." Eden sighed, rinsing her hair out. "Part of the reason I don't know if I should scream his ears out or hug the asshole when he gets back." She picked up another bottle of soap, looking at it for a few seconds. "Love is a weird emotion, isn't it?"

Jakob glanced at Shax in puzzlement for a second.  Partly at his response and also because he realised they were following each other.  He made his way to a quiet corner that would afford them a little more privacy, and continued talking.

"Oh, did I just say it was a treaty?  I misspoke - it was more of a trade alliance, really.  See, the Inova Clan are relatively unusual for a Demon clan.  Whereas most Demons try to prove themselves in battle and combat, the Inovas saw this as being pointless because there's always someone better out there.
"That's not to say that they're a pushover, of course, but by preference they put their strength and magic to use mining and refining minerals.  My Lord will shortly be requiring large quantities of ore and he sent me to negotiate a deal."

"So, what do you do?" he asked politely.

Shax would take a seat at the table, listening close to the male.

"Hm... Well I guess a trade agreement is just as good as a treaty I suppose. I mean, they are providing you with the goods you need as you pay them with the coin they need. Helping each other out. So any kind of fight between the two groups would put them both at a loss."
The Cabbit smiled. "Its always good to see some doing something else besides fighting with their abilities. It just causes problems for everyone and makes creatures look bad in the end."

Shax looked over as he was asked about his own life. "Oh, these days I mainly just travel on my own. There is so much I want to explore, so much I want to learn. I just feel like there is more to this planet than it seems. So many things left in the unknown. But before that I was just another Student at SAIA. And even then I spent most of my time in the library. I wound up passing most of my classes with high marks... Besides combat... Most members of Jin clan are not really as strong as the other clans. I actually became a student Teacher under Professor Mielihyva. He taught intro to dream surfing."

The young cabbit looked over "And what do you do? Besides set up agreements I mean."

Mel stared at the blank mirror for a moment going back over the conversation. She had gotten mixed results from it. She wasn't released to go home but "being observant" was a rather open assignment that she could deal with. If she didn't happen to observe anything who was to say she missed something? She just needed to pretend she was working until Billingsly arrived to take over.

She stood and dropped a coin on the counter to tip whomever had to wipe up the puddles from her grandmother's icy magic and exited the building. Looking around she found her unwilling assistant hiding amidst the faux columns. They were so tacky they might have even been faux faux columns. "Did you find the merchant district on the map? I am in the mood to shop until someone drops."

Kirrin sighed softly, left to his own vices until something interesting or someone interesting came along. He then pondered attempting to break into a room whose occupant wasn't currently on the ship or at the least not in their room. Slowly he headed for the rooms and began listening carefully at the doors, moving on if he heard any noise at all. Though eventually he came across an 'empty' one and taking one of the throwing needles from his cigar case, made sure no one was around or watching and began to try and pick the doors lock.

"On sabbatical, then?"  Jakob queried, and gave a sigh.  "Please do be careful.  I can't help but think that most of Mink's... eccentricities were caused by the murder of his mother.  It would be ill for the world to lose another member of your clan."

"As for myself, when I am not acting as an envoy for my Lord, I have been researching the new science of particle physics.  My colleagues and I are hoping to find the elementary particle of particles responsible for imbuing matter with magic.
"My Lord is greatly interested in this field himself, and our early experiments with particle accelerators show great promise.  Indeed, the energies we tapped aided in his attempt to become a true clan leader.  Now we are planning to build a new type of accelerator which should give us better results far more quickly than our current cyclotrons."

"I'm also rather fond of music," Jakob added, "Though my son has far greater skill at playing it than I do myself."

Shax listened close to the wolf, those pink eyes locked on the male. "Yeah... Its rather sad about the fate of Mink's mother really. Heck, I'm not sure why anyone would target people from Jin clan, the majority of us are harmless... But perhaps thats the reason, easy targets maybe. And besides Jin, Mink is the only member of Jin clan I have met. We seem to be a bit scattered at the moment. But yes, I am on a bit of a break. I'm thinking of returning back home to Zinvth after this is over."

"So you're more about science then? Admirable. Most of our race seems to have trouble adapting into such fields. So its good to see someone is perusing it." He beamed. "I have been trying to get into a bit of a medical science myself. I started after a being friend of mine lost an arm at work. I have been looking for a way that it can be regrown or restored. He has a prosthetic, but its not a very good one. Slow movement, not really capable of doing anything. Its merely something cosmetic."
He chuckled at the mention of Daryil's ascension to a full clan leader "Erm, yes... I know of the ascension. I actually saw the newscast he highjacked those years ago to show off his new third set of wings."

He blinked at the mention of a son. "Oh? And who is your son? I might of attended some classes with him at SAIA."

"There is a simple reason for Jin clan's persecution," Jakob said darkly, "but you won't like it.  'Kill the healers first'.  If you want to pursue a scorched-earth policy against your enemies, that would be the way to go."

At the mention of science, Jakob beamed.  "thank you," he said.  "Many people think that using technology to look inside the atom is a waste of time when it can be done magically.  After all, most of what we know about the atom and its innards comes from magic, you would have been taught about it during transmutation class.  But if there is a particle that is responsible for magic, we will not be able to see it by magical means - that would be like a Being trying to peer inside their own eyes.  Hence our attempts to perceive it - or at least its effects - by mundane means."

"My son?" he smiled fondly.  "Niall Pettersohn, a grey fox-wolf hybrid.  A bit keen to let his pants down, but I guess that's 'Cubi for you."

He would give a heavy sigh "That is true. We were a asset during the war apparently. Keeping the wounded alive so they can receive full care later. But at least the war time is over, for now at least. It just takes one little thing to spark an entire war.."

Shax listened close, highly interested in this subject. "So, if you somehow manage to find it, can it be possible to enhance it to make one's magical abilities stronger? Almost in a way your leader rose to tri-wing." He asked, his tail swishing behind him and brushing against the floor.

"Niall.... Niall... Hm... I think I remember him. Wasn't he really good at a guitar? I would often see someone of the same description carry one around with them at SAIA when not in classes." He gave a laugh at the mention of the libido. "Behind closed doors I hope. Well its not as bad as the trend that some Cubi were doing at SAIA. For a few years there during my time as a student, some decided to go... In the buff." He snickered

With a look around, his attention went back to Jakob "You hungry at all? Dinner on me."

"We already have a way to make certain amounts of magic energy," Jakob said.  "However the yields are very low with our present technology.  That is why we are building the new accelerator.  I'm not entirely sure what the immediate implications of finding the magic particle are... I'm more interested in the theory myself.
"At the very least it should give us insight into how much magic a given substance has, and new ways of refining it once we understand exactly what is going on.  After that we should see some interesting practical applications down the line, probably things we hadn't even dreamed of."

"As for Niall, yes.  He's very good with stringed instruments.  The recent experiments with electrical music have opened up new doors for him.  And yeah, he may have a somewhat seductive mode of dress, but going around stark naked is probably a bit much even for him.  Though that is a fad that comes and goes now and again."

"I ate rather a lot yesterday," Jakob confessed.  "But I wouldn't say no to a small pastry of some kind.  I'm still not entirely sure how much the magic suppressor on this ship is liable to affect our metabolisms."

Kenyan scratched and squeaked his reply to the rat, wary about his response to this next part. This was the hardest part for other rats to accept about him, though never in his own pack.

<They want us to find some things for them. I'll describe them later. Now, before you come out, please remember: I don't look like one of our kind. I look more like the big creatures. I promise that I won't hurt you, so please trust me.>

The lion sat back on his haunches and waited. It had been too long since he'd traveled with his chosen kin; he was tense, but much happier than he'd been in a long time.

"Well let me know if you ever need any extra hands. I am always eager to learn more." Shax smiled "Trying to mark a new mark on history then? Very admirable. But as I said I think I'm gonna relax at home first for awhile. Its been a long time since I was in Zinvth."

The Cabbit laughed a bit "Yeah, the fad kinda spiked more erm... Activities in bed... To put it a bit blunt." He shrugged "I never partook of any of it myself. Although I have been hit on a few times during it. I think it just caused a spike in hormones for some students."

"Ah, alright then. Well lets see..." He looked about to table and pulled out a pair of menus from the little rack on the end of the table. "Not really sure on how it would effect me really. I'm one of the 'oddballs' apparently because I actually kept a normal sleep and eating schedule even after my second wings came in."

"How safe is Zinvth for 'Cubi these days, anyway?"  Jakob asked.  "A couple of centuries back there was a bit of a bust-up when your clan tried to build a hospital there.  Did that ever get sorted out?"

The wolf kept himself expressionless as Shax mentioned that he had resisted the siren song of the nakedness fad.  "SAIA is a place where anything goes," he said.  "There's no shame in a little fun.  After all, that's what 'Cubi are known for."  Mentally he crossed Shax off the list to ask if he ever felt lonely during the voyage.

"I've heard that living like a Being exclusively has strange side-effects.  It may weaken your powers and quite possibly shorten your life as well," he cautioned.  "Besides, being able to stay up nights can be most useful."

Quote from: Kafzeil on August 12, 2013, 07:48:28 PM
"Yes, exactly." Eden sighed, rinsing her hair out. "Part of the reason I don't know if I should scream his ears out or hug the asshole when he gets back." She picked up another bottle of soap, looking at it for a few seconds. "Love is a weird emotion, isn't it?"

"Love? I'm not so sure about love, I mean I loved my mum and dad, and I love my Sister, but I've never loved anyone else" The Redhead said squirming a little on the edge of the bed.

"Lust is so much easier...Soooo much easier"  She finished with a quirky smile.

He leaned back in the chair, stretching. "Well its fairly safe as long as you don't piss anyone off. Its been safe for me, I never ha issues. I grew up from there, was adopted, and my parents were beings living in that city if you can imagine that. As for the hospital? I'm not sure. I wasn't aware of the incident till my late teens and never looked further into it. I just learned it was someone from clan Siar that may have caused it. I was going to ask Abel about it, but I rather not do anything to piss him off..."

The small Cabbit gave a bit of a laugh "Heh. Fun, right. While most Cubi were out having fun, I spent my time in the library. I was a bit of a quiet one and a bit of a shut in so I never really saw anyone outside of classes while there or my dorm room. Fa'Lina got sick of it before and locked me out of my room on a few occasions to try and force me to mingle a bit. I guess she thought I would be lonely, I dunno."

"Oh? I have never really hard of that or even read anything on it. I do dream surf often though, and heck, I even still dream myself." He shrugged. "I might have to look into that but thank you for the heads up."

"Ah yes, what a sad waste of talent that boy is," Jakob said, absently choosing a cinnamon roll from the menu.  He glanced around with a sigh.  If anyone had been listening his secret was likely out by now.
"So far on this trip I've been posing as an Angel," he said quietly, looking intently at Shax to see his reaction.  "I'm still not sure if I should be more open about what I am.  But once I do that I can't put the genie back in the bottle.  Of course, my Lord has Angels and Demons in his employ, but the minute I say I'm working for him, I guess people will assume I'm one of his Children anyway."

"I guess it's probably best to carry on as I have anyway.  Some people get angry if they think you've been deceitful - others get angry if you don't, thinking that you're flaunting your heritage out of arrogance.  I guess we can't win."

Shax would order a small salad for himself, smiling as the waiter left to place the orders to the kitchen. He sat back with a sigh, looking around the expanse common room.

"Posing as an angel? I don't really blame you too much. Some people are just not as friendly to Cubi as they are with other creatures. For me, I just often hide my wings all together." He stated. "But there are just some people who are closed minded about one race all together, its a sad truth but its the world we live in isn't it?" Shax would lean on the table, still watching the wolf "Perhaps they will assume that, if any of the people who you mention your employer can figure out how to put two and two together. Although I doubt many people on this ship will really care either way, but one can never be too careful."

"I guess that's the bottom line," Jakob said.  "You can't be too careful, so I will stay as I am now for a bit longer, I think."

Shax nodded, fidgeting with his right ear slightly "I agree. And I'm gonna head back and get this covered up as soon as I can." He referred to his clan mark. "So how are you enjoying the flight so far?" the Cabbit asked.

"So far so good," Jakob said.  "It's been fairly quiet, which I guess is the point.  Better that than being attacked by pirates, bandits, Demons, anti-wing groups or other such folk.  So far I've had a case of foot-in-mouth disease, and been assailed by a drunken Angel.  It could be worse.
"Though I am a little concerned by the magic suppressor field," he added quietly.  "There's no clear reason for it to cover the ship as thoroughly as it does."

With a laugh, Shax smiled as their food arrived. "Well it would be rather hard for us to be attacked up here wouldn't it? But I'm sure the ship has some defenses. But you are right. The Magic suppressor would leave alot of use rather vulnerable if we were attacked. I'm sure we can't even get out with our Warp-Acis if we tried." He took a bite of his salad, ears perking up slightly "A drunken angel? Sounds fun actually."

"Well, I meant that it beats being attacked if I had taken a land or sea route," Jakob said, taking a bite from his pastry, "But yeah.  And the Angel might have been fun if I hadn't been attending a formal dinner at the time."

With a nod, the Cabbit took another bite of his own meal. "I see what you mean, but the possibilities are still there. though, are they not?" Shax nearly choked on his meal when the wolf mentioned it was over a formal dinner. "Oh dear, I can see how that would would cause a problem... I hope it was dealt with quickly. I'm assuming no one was hurt?"

The Interrogation, or, Please Don't Sue

"Ah, the missus, of course. Happy negotiations then!" He saw the angel to the door and sent him on his way with a handshake and a smile, all charm. "We're in the first class apartments, your room should be downstairs from here. Send along word if you make your decision on that compensation. Just speak to any of my guards, tell them to get the message to me and give them your name. I'll make it my top priority."

It wasn't until he was down the hall, and out of sight of Kaf, that the mask began to drain away.
"Willikens I don't believe I need to remind you-"
"I'll prep the Special VIP room and see about an appropriate set of chips."
"Don't interrupt. But yes."
"Understood, sir."

The Vents

"Understood, sir."
It wasn't long before Xyrtia found the source of the speaking, and his retinue. The way he was dressed, and walked... He could only be the captain. He had some sort of toady following close at hand, a straight-backed wolf demon with a clipboard and a security officers uniform. If she was quiet, she could creep along the air conditioning vents and stay within easy earshot of them.
"Try to keep up Willikens, the last thing I need is to get caught in my own damn spell. We're behind schedule."
"Absolutely, sir. Reminds me, you have a call with one of our backers in fifteen. The dragon, on her private line."
"Hell."

Slave Decks, or, Merc Eye for the Incarcerated Guy

"The worst quality in a man is a tendency to sell himself short, featherduster, and you're young besides," There was a chuckle from Singing Grin, back turned to the two of them, "Brag while it's still easy, child. And for gods sake hustle a little, if there's anything worse than getting caught in a breakout it's getting caught in a breakout naked. Learned that the hard way."
Finally, with a last couple adjustments ("Blistering hell boy did nobody ever teach you to tie a cravat? Here, come here I'll- damn. Alright, lose the caveat I'll just-") they met their hostesses standards.
"Keep in step behind me, and for the love of god try to look like a dignified caliber of menial. I've had this con go awry too many times with piss-poor body language."
The constant hum of the nearby engines, punctuated with bangs, clangs and bursts of steam, gave every step a sort of anxiety. Every loud noise taking just a second too long to process as something that WASN'T an angry guard. Every hiss provoking a sharp turn of the head, but at no point did their strange hostess break stride.
The reason, of course, was revealed in her interactions with the guard by the stairs leading up, out of this maze of rust and noise.
"Lady Grin," The overweight demon, a rare quality in his race, shifted in his seat and grinned, "Didn'ah see you come down."
"Just examining my possible purchases Charles. You know how I like to kick the wheels a little."
"You'll get plenty of that this evenin' after takeoff. You intend to be at the, aha, exhibition?"
"Oh, absolutely. And I know the pool you're running on it," Singing Grin smirked and scratched under the guards chin as he passed. "Put me down for twelve Marques on the larger Griffon, to win his first three matches."
With that, tail switching back and forth, Singing Grin led Jake and the pangolin up into the light of the ship proper.

The Slave Hold

Squeaking, partially in fear and partially in reassurances to Kenyan, the rat finally crawled out of its hole in the wall. It squeaked again, loudly, when it recognized Kenyan.
I... Don't think I was prepared. Is... Is your whole family so large?"

Eden and Kaf's Room

Kirrin had never heard anything more satisfying than a tumbler in a lock clicking home. To an experienced locksmith the feeling could be described as a knot of tension coming undone.
The room beyond was... Posh, but not first class. It was a touch messy, and the occupants had put some photos around the room in a rather sweet attempt at making it more like home. The most common figures in the pictures were a demonic rabbit, constantly smiling, and a winged ferret, usually looking away from the camera. The sound of showers and female conversation could be heard behind the closed bathroom door. If he was quiet, maybe he wouldn't be heard...

In town

Jeremiah whisked out the map with a flourish probably practiced in long hours of bordom.
"Aye Ma'am, and I think I've figured out a route that should get us there without getting mugged, lost or depressed. We can set off as soon as you're- wait, someone?"

Jeremiah couldn't remember how long he'd been carrying things. This woman's shopping habits were terrifying. He'd seen her haggle three shopkeepers to tears, each over products as well crafted and esoteric as they were completely without practical use; a wind-up poodle sculpted of delicate brass, a variety of gems he'd never even heard of, and a small copper box that had vented cool and mint-scented fog as he'd touched it to place it in the bags.
The frog was reasonably certain that between the paper bags with a variety of mostly faux-name brand labels hanging from his arms and piled on his back and one, for a while there, gripped in his teeth, he was carrying over three times his own weight. It was some kind of medical marvel. He would have to be careful about what doctor he went to after this; whatever he'd just felt in his spine might be named after his choice. What about Clevitz? Clevitz is a fine name for a back injury, I should find a Doctor Clevitz.

He had finally had the chance to lay down his burden in a cafe across from the Human Museum ("See Authentic Footprints! Behold Blurry Recordings Of These Elusive Subfurrae Creatures!") where his taskmaster New Friend had just offered to pay for lunch. He adjusted the hat she'd bought him; a brimmed thing with two large, rubber human ears at the sides, and took a sip of his tea and reached for a cookie.

"Thanks kindly Ma'am. For the cookies and, uh, the hat." He nudged the brim, "Fits like it was made for me."
He was appreciative, of both the food and the hat, he just honestly didn't know how to feel about the latter.

A devilish grin spread across Kirrin's face when those tumblers gave way, thinking to himself. 'Aahhh, music. Sweet music....' In a crouch with wings folded against his body, he would head in, carefully closing the door behind him. Then, he winced hearing the sound of a shower and a conversation. Seems this room wasn't empty like he thought. He'd have to make this short and sweet if he didn't wanna get caught. As he caught a glance at the pictures his eyes would widen a moment, knowing he at least wouldn't want to run into the demonic rabbit and if the voices coupled with the pictures were any indication the ferret angel seemed to be quite feminine. Though he was silently thanking the gods that he had thought ahead and snuffed out his cigar, he began moving closer to where the bags had been set. Kirrin being quite nimble, even in his crouched position, his feet not making a sound. He managed to reach some of their personal items and began searching through them, all the while keeping his ears open for any sign that either of the pair in the bathroom were coming back. He breathing through his nose at the moment, not wanting to let his cigar breath be smelled. He pocketed a small number of items and continued looking.

Kafzeil smiled, walking away. "Thank you Captain. I will let you know our decision posthaste." He turned around, dusting off his crumpled hat. Hopefully he remembered to bring a spare. Oh well, get down to his room, shower then head into town.

As he briskly walked down the hallways to a stairwell, he whistled to himself.  It was a song he was fairly familiar with, having historical significance to his family, specifically, his grandfather.  While he didn't much like the man, the song was catchy, and served as a nice warning.

*****

"An uncomplicated girl~" The water shut off as Eden stepped out of the shower, giving Ephy tush a pat. "Nota bad thing sometimes." She teased, putting her underwear and a fresh shirt on, followed by her glasses, before opening the door.

Kirrin would find a large picture, what appeared to be the ferret with siblings. Seven other ferret angels of different shapes and sizes. The only girl looked small and timid, while the ran from a tall, thin black furred one to a overweight grinning looking fellow to two military men, one handsome an athletic, the other muscular. Beside was curious looking lockbox, a picture of the demoness what appeared to be her brother, a bookish looking fellow, Various potions, and a flask. The lockbox had the name "Castor" engraved on it.

Eden stopped as she opened the door, sniffing the air, catching the faint whiff of tobacco. Scanning the room, she spied an intruder crouched near..that box. She motioned to Ephy, and pointed at him, moving to cut off the escape route, while she pointed to a cabinet that contained Kaf's warhammer and her broken sword.

"Excuse me, Sir~" Eden cracked her knuckles, her voice like someone mixed honey and cyanide together. "But I'm going to ask you stand up and move away from the dresser. You will touch nothing else, or you will die~"

"I'm not sure he's my type," Jakob said to Shax.  "Besides, he might not be so eager when he's sober.  But I do hope he's okay... I don't think I've seen him since he was removed by the Captain's men."

Keep up... caught... spell?! Quickly, Xyrtia scanned the vent in front of her for anything obviously magical, though she doubted she'd actually be able to spot anything unless some kind of fetish or talisman was involved. As silently, yet as rapidly as possible, she snuck ahead, past the captain a short ways so she wouldn't lose hearing him, but certainly was farther along than him away from whatever they were going away from. What have they cast on the ship? She thought, worried. In her experience, magic did far too many funny things to be trusted.

Spotting the intruder into Eden and Kaf's room (At least she assumed it was an intruder as he looked nothing like the Angel in Eden's pictures) at the same time as Eden, Ephrael was already moving to flank as Eden motioned her to cut off his escape. A pair of throwing knives appearing in her hands, previously hidden somewhere on the Diminutive Devil.

The Redhead took up her station by the door as Eden spoke, waving one of her knives as exclamation point to Eden's threat. 

Kirrin looked at the picture of the group of ferrets and tilted his head a bit, a small smirk spreading across his face. Setting it aside he would take hold of the lock box and begin quickly working on getting it open, draping his wings over his arms while he did so. Taking the time to slip the flask into his back pocket also, figuring he could use it for a good 'nip' later. Kirrin was busy listening for the lock on the box to click open when he heard a small series of things. One being Eden's voice, the other the sound of her knuckles cracking. He mentally winced, thinking. 'The gods are fickle it seems.' At first the white tiger stays stock still, then slowly begins to stand. She had said he would touch nothing else, nothing about to let go what he already had a hold of. So, using his wings for cover as he rose, the lock box would rise with him in one hand.

He kept his leathery wings draped over his body like a cloak to keep his hands hidden, turning to look at the pair. Seeing Eden in nothing but her underwear and a t-shirt, the first thing to come from his mouth was. "Uh-guh..." Gathering his senses though, he would look at the two rather sternly. Headwings hidden, he appeared to be a mere demon himself. Glancing to the devil at the door, he smirked. Seeing the knives made him grimace, he was agile and rather fast. But at this range he knew he wouldn't be able to dodge if he were to get her to throw one of those knives his way, if he could draw the kukri at his side fast enough maybe he could deflect it. His one free hand though was moving to said Kukri's handle while he slowly edged himself away from the dresser as he was told. "Now, now ladies. I see no reason anyone needs to get hurt here." He began considering the flash paper he had on him as well, can't attack what you can't see after all. At least not well. "I'm sure we can all be reasonable here." He said trying a little diplomacy first.

"I think you're mistaken if you honestly think you can talk your way out of this." The demoness scowled. "Hands where I can see them, and lose the wings."

The demoness took another step closer but still kept a nice, safe distance. "you got five seconds kid. I ain't in the mood for bullshit." Still she was confident the tazzy devil had her back on this.

The Tasmanian Devil's ears twitched and swiveled in the intruders direction like radar dishes as he spoke, her stance light and ready to strike should he move towards her. "You really should listen to her" Ephrael said with a smile involving many sharp teeth. "Reasonable isn't much fun"

"Nah, didn't ever really think so. Just figured it was worth a shot, still can't say i didn't try babe." He said to the demoness, he rolled his shoulders lightly, letting his joints pop. Then sighs even as she ordered him to show her his hands. Eyes now slowly glancing between the two angered girls, trying to gauge the one who was more of a threat at the moment. Hearing the Tazzy devil gal's words he smirked a little. "Ah, a gal after my own spirit..." He then turned back to looking at Eden. Kirrin slips a hand into his pocket, carefully pulling out the flash paper he had there and took a step back. Carefully he opens his wing to show him holding the lock box, the flash paper itself appearing to be nothing but ordinary paper in his hand. The only reason he hadn't attacked this time around is because he wanted to gauge her reaction to him holding that property, the needle turned lock pick still in amongst the tumblers. "There we are, my hands are visible and the wings, well they're attached." He said with a rather sharp toothed grin of his own. Carefully keeping the lock box close to himself, rather wanting it for a if necessary makeshift shield more than anything.

Eden seemed relatively unfazed. She had dealt with this type of asshole so many times. the Hot Shot Thief who thought he was tough shit, some different from the other hot shots who had all be imprisoned or killed because they got too greedy.

This guy...was virtually no different. The fact Eden could smell the tobacco still on his body was proof enough. He might as well be wearing stripped jersey and mask.

Dad's lockbox caught her eye.  scowl widening her gaze turned into a glare. "Drop the box. Put the box on the floor carefully or I promise you whatever the Captain will do you will be far nicer then what I will do.' She delivered her ultimatum. "Then empty your pockets or I search you. pray I'm gentle, kid."

Shax nodded, closing his eyes slightly as he took a sip of water. "So they booted him off the ship then? Or perhaps they have some sort of drunk tank on here. Either way, its a bit of a shame..." He looked over at Jakob. "I'm a very light drinker myself. Only one glass and that's it. I rather not impair my own senses..." He soon finished off his salad, pushing the plate back. "So how many other Cubi you know of are on this ship?"

Mel sipped a reasonably decent cup of tea while she assessed the day's purchases. Most of it was complete rubbish. With her magic finally working again she sent them off to the forlorn dimensional locker where the family kept costumes and almost-nice presents for people they didn't like.  That only left one small bag of treasures, the clockwork poodle, the gems securely in her pocket, and of course the giant bag of tourist stuff she'd pressed onto Jeremiah. She hoped the bargaining for the stones hadn't undone all her work playing a twitter-brained lady of leisure. She wanted her helpful assistant to go back to the ship and tell the crew that she was a harmless eccentric and had an attention span shorter than a toddler's. But gems were important to her charm making and she couldn't pass up the chance to acquire fine specimens. Hopefully he'd pass it off as mere avarice.

She pushed the plate of cookies closer to the frog as she looked him and the silly hat. "I am not sure it goes with that tee-shirt. I think we should go back and get the one with the Human Hunter's face on it. I do not think that one with the picture of a human is exactly accurate."

Grossly inaccurate was more like it. Humans didn't have eyes on stalks like a snail in any of the dimensions they were known to inhabit. "You can wear it while you read his book." She gestured to the bag of treasures she had given to him during their wanderings. Her eye caught on the clockwork poodle sitting on the chair between them. "Do you think a pink poodle is too cliché? Maybe we should go exchange it for the mint green one? We can stop at that gem merchant on the way. I know that nice undead River Monitor would love to see you return."

Ephrael's stance wavered not a whit as she let Eden take the lead, as after all it was a. her room b. her possessions.  "I wonder how well he flies with his wings tied?"

Kirrin gave a soft sigh. "Ah, so this is 'really' important to ya then, eh doll?" He said, putting the box up to his ear and giving a light shake, making sure not to take his eyes off the pair. He smirked again, seeming to ignore Eden's next demand, though he did reach into his pockets and let the few coins he took drop as well as a couple pieces of jewelery. He then scowled in Ephrael's direction "Tie my wings?" He clenched the flash paper for a moment, he was done here, hopefully for him he could manage his way past these two. Bending down, he acted as if he were going to comply and put the lock box down, instead he wound himself up a little and gave the lock box a firm toss straight at Eden. The next moment, he'd shield his eyes with a hand and let the flash paper go off with not so much as a sound, just a bright flash.

Kirrin's wings albeit slowly thanks to the magic damper, would form into tentacles. Sending them straight for Ephrael's knives, if he could get them, he'd attempt to pull them from the tazzy devil's grip, especially if his pair of distractions had worked well enough. He was moving quite quickly to get by Eden, his wing-tentacles making a quick attempt at wrapping around Ephy, problem is they were weaker and if he kept using them for too long he'd tire out faster than he'd like. So if he managed to get behind her as well, he'd give her a firm kick to the backside towards the bed and try and exit through the door, letting his wings return to normal. Muttering more to himself than anyone else. "I'm not a kid, I'm three hundred and twenty-seven years old...."

A life in the shadows had prepared Ephrael not only for fighting dirty, but in complete darkness as well, so when her eyes shut due to the flash bomb's blinding light the Redhead was still tracking her target which her ears and nose (that cigar smell was a dead giveaway). 

Rather go for a killing throw (bloodstains are so hard to get out, and there was that little problem with the law thing) Ephy decided to pin the guy to the wall instead. Tossing both knives with an underhanded throw aiming for where his armpits should be, she used the throws momentum to reach up and into her hair for another pair of knives...Finally opening her eyes again to be greeted by wing-tentacles. 

"Obviously?" Jakob asked, sipping a cup of tea.  "Only Hobbies.  He's on staff and does some puppetry shows in the evenings.  It's quite good.  Of course, there may well be others who have taken their disguises more seriously.
"That Angel guy?  He was probably just an Angel.  And yes, I imagine they have some kind of drunk tank for the unruly - after all, he's a paying guest.
"In the worst case they may have evicted him from the ship, it being in dock after all.  The rich and powerful wouldn't like it if some of them started disappearing on these flights."

Shax raised a brow, thinking to himself a bit 'So he doesn't know about the Taun clan Cubi...' With a shrug, he looked about the room, his tail flicking behind him. "Oh? Any idea what clan they are from?" He referred to the puppeteer, curious as always.
"I hope it's only a drunk tank, after all, this was not a cheap trip and it would be a shame if he was kicked for acting like a moron." The Cubi chuckled.

Kenyan smiled out of relief at the rat's question. <No, they are normally sized. There's a reason my name is "Foundling" in the pack. Do you think you can help me locate some items so we can escape here? It will be dangerous, but I have to get home. My family may be in danger without me there.>

Kirrin was just trying to get out of the room at this moment, giving a light yowl of surprise at how quick the knives were thrown, leaving a couple of cuts in his vest near his underarms, it not being the strongest of fabrics, it being just pure luck that he didn't get himself skewered or pinned. Though either of them could tell he wasn't intent on killing either of them. Kirrin figuring if he got out into public he might have a chance in convincing any witness' he was simply being attacked. Using his wing tentacles rather quickly he would give the tazzy devil a quick push against the cabinet she had moved herself near and he himself moves to grab at the door. Hoping the angry demoness hadn't recovered enough from having the lock box tossed at her to stop him. Hand managing to grasp the doorknob and turn it while he began morphing his wings back to normal and pulling said door open.

A pair hands snagged his tentacles as they became wings, then violent yanked him back.

Eden had recovered from the flash. And indeed, was not keen on letting him go. Giving another hard pull on the tentacles, she grinned, waiting to get Smokey within striking distance.

*****

Kafzeil was still whistling tom him as he approached his and his fiancé's stateroom.

"Hobbies is a G'ian," Jakob told Shax.  "Supporters of my Lord, actually.  Though I don't know as much about them otherwise as perhaps I should."

He's holding something back, Jakob thought, noticing the others hesitation.  Well, it's not like it's any of my business anyway.

"I don't know how many 'Cubi they have passing through here," he added.  "Depending on that, it's possible the crew are used to that kind of impulsiveness anyway.  But I wouldn't want to chance it.  In a confined space like this, it's only polite to be on your best behaviour, whatever race you happen to belong to."

Among certain things that spell trouble when it appears in highly magical creatures is the emotion of boredom. It leads to trouble especially among the cubi, renowned for their impulsiveness. Sadly that was what Hobbies was feeling as he made it to the highest part of the airship. The fennec was feeling a bit twitchy and that wasn't a good sign. He hadn't spotted anybody interested in talking and if he didn't do something, he had a feeling that he'll explode in a way that would lead to some very pointed questions. Wondering what to do, he remembered discussions with the more artistic side of the family about some new fad. Reaching in some pockets and searching for a bit he found what he was looking for. It was a spool of string, an experiment of embedding crystal prisms within clear string for some special effect or determining what other sorts of things that could be done with it. Already catching the light, the string threw off little rainbows onto the walls. Attaching via unique knots those threads to his fingers he held one hand above his head and the other out the fennec balanced on one leg and began to spin slowly. This sent flickers of multicolored light rotating onto the walls and any objects in the way. Hobbies began to move back across the ship making his way down. In any case with all the spinning, he won't be getting any other ideas with the woozy inner ear distortion. And besides if questioned, he would be providing his contracted entertainment albeit in the form of performance art. Which would help advertise that odd cousin of his to more high class patrons. Though just what was artistic about nailing yourself to a board and ripping yourself off of it? Hobbies didn't know and for now didn't care except about spinning around. He wasn't bored anymore. 

Shax would lean back on two legs of the chair. "I don't know of any others. Just you, the puppeteer, and myself for now then. Of course, I only just arrived so I haven't really had a chance to mingle yet."

"Of course, one should always watch their behavior in any social setting, otherwise you might make a bad name for your respective race, and we already have enough of a bad rap to begin with. Don't need to to get any worse." The Cabbit sighed.

Aisha had made it to the message center soon enough without a problem (having to sidestep past bustling crowds notwithstanding; she always hated large cities mostly because of population densities), and soon she was looking around inside a building that seemed to her almost as shoddy as the rest of the dockside attractions.  And this one didn't need to bother to hide its fair disdain for upkeep: the clerks at the front tables looked listless, bored, and almost ready to throw themselves out of the windows at the next opportunity.

But at least I can feel magic again, Aisha thought once more that day since she stepped off the ship, a relieved little grin tugging at her lip.  Though the panthress wasn't a magic-user, she could still appreciate feeling the powerful energies of her enchanted weapons and cloak close at hand.  Her tail ring hummed, but it was a much lower level of power than she had felt around James; some Creatures had natural Dark magic in them, and the girl knew the difference between that and the concentrated magic that Demons made use of.  She'd wondered if she was sheltering herself too much as an adventurer behind the protections of magic before, adept enough at stealth and quick fighting that she was.  Rynkura would reassure her that in this world, it was wise to have protection equal to the magics of the Creatures that she wanted to fight.  It was natural to miss the presence of that energy.

Aisha made a mental note to find the gym area of the airship and do some practice rounds with her sword, provided that the guards would let her take her belongings down.  But for now, reminding herself of her mentor only reminded her of the current task at hand.

Jakob was right it seems about the lack of privacy regarding the mirrors, she hummed as she walked up to the receptionist, disappointed that she wouldn't be able to see the tigress face-to-face and speak to her regarding the current mystery that she'd undertaken--not if she didn't want denizens coming off the ship to perchance overhear her.

A sleepy-looking sun bear looked up from her reading materials and yawned at Aisha as she approached.  "Land, air, or mage-mail, madam?"

"Mage-mail to Rynkura Msh'taan, Shadowed Depths Monastery of Healing," she said, preparing to count out how much it would be after the receptionist droned out the example prices.  It was quite far away, after all, but this would be the fastest way to send a message.  It was nearly-overnight instant and, so she heard, hard to intercept; and Aisha needed all the speed she could get if she was going to send an update.  Jake could be caught in the middle of something horrible for all she knew.

After looking over her shoulder a couple of times, she penned out her letter, letting her know that everything was well, that she was on the ship and may have had a lead on Jake, and also mentioning the transportation of slaves, and finally ending with the promise that she would get back to her again once she found a scry orb or a magic mirror to speak to her with right away.

Once it was done, Aisha paid the receptionist a tip for her trouble (which made her quirk her brow; nobody ever did that anymore), and moved back outside onto the busy streets of the city, pausing on the front steps.

Hm...should I go back to the ship and rest, then?  I have no real need to be here...it would be good to find James again.  Or find Jakob for another conversation; been a while since there were good people to talk to.  See if Kaf's awake, maybe.  I still have to meet his...friend.  Then, stealing a glance at what seemed to be a nearby tavern, she pursed her lip.  Or I could find some good old-fashioned trouble.  Decisions, eh chica?  Damned, but I hate not traveling on foot.  No bounty jobs to be had on an airship.

*     *     *

It was easy for Jake to steel himself against some of the more heavily-jarring sounds of the ship as he followed the Cheshire through the metal veins and bowels.  Being a Knight-Captain of the Guard, he could look stoic to a fair effect even if some drunken idiot were screaming the most heinous of obscenities in his face.  The unnerving sounds did little more than quirk his ears or make him pause but a second in his step.

The pangolin, however, looked more nervous than anything.  The gryphon wondered as to the poor fellow's origins; he looked like he couldn't have been more than a common working person before he was "enlisted" for this army of meat shields.  Now, he was walking along to the cause of freedom and hope behind a mysterious stranger.  There was a brave sort of resolve in his eyes regardless, and the young fighter hoped that he would hold out well through this.  If there's one thing to be admired in such a time, it was the ability to keep will and courage.

He watched the exchange between Singing Grin and the demon guard with some interest, though, narrowing his eyes as he followed her out.  He and the pangolin exchanged confused glances.  What could they be betting on?  It can't be what I think it is.

But as many questions there were waiting to be asked, Jake kept his mouth shut and his hackles smoothed as the open air of the ship greeted them.  Just wait.

"So, what are your plans?" Jakob asked Shax.  "It's not exactly a short flight and I'm at a bit of a loose end myself.  Though if I can't think of anything better to do, I might just wander around the ship a bit more.  There must be more to the ship than drinking and gambling.  A library, perhaps... if there isn't one, I might have to quickly go ashore again to buy something to read."

The Vents

"Teleport over a coffee, Wilikens."
"Unfortunately the files you sent me for earlier sent me into the restricted zone, Sir. My magic is locked down for the next few hours." There was a note of sullenness to the demon's voice, narrow chin dipping to his clipboard momentarily to hide a scowl. The captain sighed, gestured, and materialized a steaming mug to his hand.
"It's hard, being a genius of the arcane. Summoning my own beverages, like some savage." He gave a chuckle
"A shame the passengers are spared the depths of your wit, sir."
"Shut up, Wilikens," No malice in the command, more a gesture of long familiarity. "Quit grousing up my hallways and take care of the room. I-" The captain pulled a small crystal ball and an ornate mirror, both lightly encrusted with frost, out of his coat. "Have a call to take."
Xyrtia saw both men turn down opposite hallways, neither of which seemed to be where this vent was heading. Instead it split again, and again, echos could be heard-
"Settle down, friend, it's nuthin' t' fash yerself over."
-A good natured whistling, fading away-
"These oranges are bruised!" "Sir it's all we-!"

The Halls

Singing Grin clapped a hand on each of her new charge's shoulders and gave them a small, pleased shake. "Welcome to the lap of luxury boys! Food's on me, booze is on me, just stay in the liveries, keep the masks on and be sure to meet me in first class suite seven at five-thirty. Follow me, I'll show you where you'll be staying."
The cheshire talked a mile a minute, mostly fripperies about everything from the myriad unneccesary concessions of their rooms ("massage beds, the best minibar I've ever seen and oh, you'll love this, room service isn't allowed to make eye contact with you. I've been having some fun with that last one, to be honest.") to the specifications of the ship ("The kitchens are practically a whole floor and half the time I can't even seem to FIND it, I swear they move it. But they couldn't with the field up, I know...") until they eventually came upon a hallway lit with prismatic lights; a fennec was doing something with a string that had cast the whole hall in glittering colors.
"And there's that, whatever that is. Welcome to freedom, boys."

The Slavehold

<And I thought competing with my alpha was hard... Can do, friend!> The little rat chittered and chuffed confidently, preening. Young males, always eager to prove themselves... They really were so much like beings. Just smaller, and usually cleaner.

In the Cafe

Jeremiah winced when Mel mentioned the river monitor. He wasn't a shallow man. Hell, he couldn't afford to be. And she seemed... Sweet. The girl had a way of batting her eyelashes quickly that almost hid the hole one of them had developed. It was flattering, to be honest. She'd wanted him to meet her for a drink when she got off work... But something struck him as unsafe about drinking with someone who couldn't get drunk.
"I... I think pink is nice." The frog coughed, "Some things are cliché for a reason, people like them..."

In Town, In a Tavern known as the Copper Tooth

It didn't matter if it was a magically sealed water dragon settlement on the bottom of the ocean or a simple hamlet in the burbs, adventurer pubs were EVERYWHERE and this place was no exception. Sure, it had it's own little bit of Qaggath flair; exposed pipes that dripped and whistled ran along the top of the bar, and the waitstaff was all undead; two blank faced constructs, apparently being controlled by the more aware but equally rotten bartender. Giraffe girl, who had apparently taken her death as an opportunity to up the ante with regard to her taste in piercings.
A few guests from the ship were there, upper class types hiring folks for some sort of short-term work, as well as an array of the local adventuring community. A heavily robed and hooded ibis-griffon sipped something in a martini glass delicately, the most overly muscled hamster Aisha had ever seen has having a hushed, hissed argument with a mythos covered in eyes, and three dingos carrying on some sort of chuckled, boistrous conversation about recent work.

The small tan gecko picked his way carefully across the ceiling, feeling secure that creatures never looked up, in particular ones busy making fools out of themselves. His target was ahead, thinking a quiet corner of the dining room protected him. He would find out that truth penetrated the darkest corners. Titus "Twitchy" Ash moved into position, wrapping his tail around a convenient light fixture and making sure his feet were well adhered as he got his equipment out of his specially sealed pockets, waiting for the exact right moment to spring into action.

The camera flashed as the star reporter of Life Lessons news magazine asked, "Lord Pettersohn, this is the third good looking young man you've been seen with since the ship left port. Do all your companions know about each other?"

Ephrael was thrown into the cabinet quite heavily and slid down it, but managed to retain enough of her wits and balance to aim a kick at the thief's legs as he passed.

"I'm not quite sure of my plans, mainly just relax for now, I do, however, plan on stopping and exploring each city we stop at. Maybe pick up a few things." He looked up at the wolf. "A library? I hope so, I only brought a few books with me, and my Warp-Aci, Kain, is back at SAIA, so I cannot send him to get more from my dorm." He sighed a bit. "Although if you want something to read, you can borrow a few of my books. I have quite a small collection wi-" He was interrupted when the camera flash went off. It took him a moment to regain his vision. He looked about for the cause, spotting the gecko. "O-oh hello..." He blushed as he was called good looking. As others were mentioned, Shax looked at Jakob, raising a bit of a brow. "Its not like that, Jakob and I just met."

Jakob smiled.  "Careful, Mr. Shax.  Anything we say will be taken down and used as evidence against us.  You can't win against the likes of these - for example, if I try to find company, the only possible explanation is that I want to get them in the sack.  Whereas if I stay by myself and have a dull and boring flight, it means I'm a loser who can't score, or a monster who scares potential lovers away."

He glanced back at the reporter with a slightly puzzled expression.  "Three..?  Oh, you mean the ship's cook?  He was in some altercation with a young adventuress on her way to the messaging centre.  Didn't say anything on the way back to the ship.  Wasn't that good-looking either, now that I think about it."

"The truth is that 'good-looking young men' can often turn out to be Creatures, and as such, potential allies to my Lord.  For instance, you must have noticed the wings on my earlier contact.  Do you really think he's as young as he looks?"  Jakob shrugged his wings.  "Do you think I am as young as I look?  Anyone over 200 is likely to have experimented with the same sex at least once, but that doesn't mean they prefer it.  It certainly doesn't mean they're trying to pick up every single person they run in to."

Now it will turn into some Evil Creature Gay Conspiracy, he thought. Fortunately there's a glut of such stories at the moment.  In any case, we'll have left by the time this story goes to press.  But it might make life interesting at the next port.  On the other hand, it could get me some interesting offers.

Kirrin grimaced lightly as he felt those hands on his wing tentacles while they tried to form back into wings the yank itself taking him only slightly off balance and causing him to head in the angered demon's direction, though with Ephrael's kick to his legs he didn't seem to have a chance, he hit the ground with an audible wump and a slight sound of buckling metal (Or breaking glass since i don't know what the flask is made of.) when he landed on the flask still in his back pocket. The tiger cubi landing with his head next to one of the clothes cabinets he shut his eyes and lay still, making an attempt to try and feign being knocked out cold. Thankfully for him, his wings had regained their leathery appearance by then.

Hobbies while spinning noticed out of the corner of his eye that a noblewomen Cheshire cat was looking at him escorted with a pangolin and one of those bipedal gryphons. Well, might as well try to interest more people to watch the performance. It was then that inspiration struck and the fennec incubus knew what he was going to perform for hopefully the next few nights.

The incubus cartwheeled and somersaulted towards the direction of Jake, the pangolin and the feline. Patterns of colored light danced around in the process. Landing with on his feet and with a bow Hobbies spoke. "Welcome back to the Flame of Freedom. We hope that you are enjoying your trip. Each night hosted by the company will be entertainment of your pleasure. We hope to see you there, tonight Faust is on the show" The vulpine managed to get out those words when nausea came to overtake him now that he had stopped being in motion. Ugh how does Uncle Augeste deal this feeling? With another bow to the passengers of the ship, Hobbies stumbled away, wanting to reach the main bar. Hopefully they have ginger ale because he felt that might help his stomach and dizziness.   

Well, Xyrtia thought. I'm certainly not heading back the way I came, just in case... In the meantime, let's see if we can't catch up to that orb guy. Slightly less cautious about magical alarms or anything now, she followed the first vent that went in the captain's general direction, hoping he'd be audible somewhere along the way.

Smoothly standing up from the floor the Redheaded Devil gathered herself and sprung at the prone (now revealed to be) incubus. Landing knees first, in the unfortunate intruders midsection, she squirreled her way up his chest so that her knees were pinning his shoulders, and another pair of those wickedly sharp daggers at his throat.

"Got anything to tie this guy up with?" Ephrael said looking up at Eden.

Shax shook his head before looking to the gecko once more, then back to Jakob "I take it that this happens often then?" He asked, sighing. "Lovely... Well there goes my peaceful flight plans." He looked over to the gecko. "He is right you know, most overly attractive men and women alike are often creatures shapeshifting" The cabbit laughed softly.

"So... My reptilian friend, I take it you have been following Jakob for awhile from the sounds of it. Otherwise how would you know about his other... *snicker* companions?"

Shax blushes at the mention of experimenting, muttering to himself lightly "A-actually... I'm over 300 and I have yet to do anything with either gender."

"Hold on for a minute, luv~" Eden ripped the ropes for keeping the drapes open from their holdings, then the demon bunny bent down, hands coiling into fists. "Let's make sure our guest is comfortable first~" She cooed, punching the interloper right in the face. Then punching him again before going to tie his legs up. "Don't smack him too hard. I wanna give him a bit more before we hand him off to the guards."

The stateroom door creaked opened as ferret still whistling a tune opened the door, stopping as he noticed the three, a beat up incubus tiger, a tizzy devil, and Eden, half dressed. he sighed and rolled his eyes, tossing his crumpled hat aside.

"Eden, what the Hells is going on?" He asked. His tone was flat, sort of like these sort of things where not uncommon to the angel...

At Shax' comment, Jakob had to stop himself saying something like "Would you like to..?".  If the other incubus had displayed enough self control to remain chaste inside SAIA of all places, it had to be voluntary rather than through choice and Jakob did not want to be the one to break the record.

It was also possible that, like Abel, Shax might try to break your muzzle if you attempted to get amorous with him.  In any case, Jakob was a diplomat and not some kind of courtesan and at the end of the day this was just the kind of thing he was trying to avoid the gecko printing.

"Whoops," he said dryly.  "Perhaps you shouldn't have said that.  It will doubtless be going down in his little black book."

Titus laughed at Pettersohn's comments as he made himself a note to look up which of the cooks the wolf had been meeting with. "I guess you don't read many news magazines if you think debauched but pretty 200 year olds don't grab the readers even faster than pretty 20 year olds. Maybe I'll see if the publisher will send you a few complementary issues."

"Mr. Crowe, I'm interested in a lot of people, show up in a lot of interesting places." He gestured expansively, seeming to take in the whole world and nearly dislodging himself from the ceiling in the process. "Just this week I met a really fascinating demon with a bit of a headache. Demons are some of the most remarkable creatures around. Real newsmakers. Had an intriguing story about a castle falling on him. A castle where quite a few fancy legal documents have been signed in recent weeks. And when someone makes a lot of promises they can't always keep all of them. Maybe you should be thinking on that." He snapped a few more pictures of the two cubi.

"Well, time to be moving along. Lots of interesting people on this ship." Titus didn't like to stay in any one place too long, the Captain had eyes everywhere and wasn't an advocate of the free flow of information.

Swaying slightly from left to right, a cubi that Hobbies may be but he still had certain biological responses. Sadly the sensation of vertigo was something that will always have during extreme motion or in Hobbies case constant spinning. Of course his stomach rebelled as well in protest of the circular motion that the fennec had undergone. In any case Hobbies focusing on trying to get something to drink had him unable to notice that his path was interrupting a certain gecko's leaving from an interview.

It just seemed like Kirrin had no luck at all.  He managed to resist heaving up his lunch when the tazzy devils knees hit his middle, though hi mouth did let loose an inaudible wheeze.  Shoulders pinned and knives at his throat, he could onlt try and bide his time to see if they would make a mistake for him to escape with, ears listening intently. Hearing Ephrael ask the demon bunny if she had anything to tie him up with he thought smugly. 'Good luck with that honey, you'd hav....' His thoughts are interrupted by the sound of the ropes on the drapes being tugged down.  'Shit...' Was the next thought to come to mind before he saw stars, as the first sucker punch from Eden hit his cheek.

Pain receptors sparking to life even as a second strike hit at nearly the exact same spot. He gave an audible groan now and his eyes fluttered open weakly even as he felt his feet being tied. He stared up through some rather blurry vision, before the sounds of the door opened. He thought maybe a random stranger had happened into the room, not even noticing that the ferret had used one of their names. The tiger Incubus coughed dryly, still on the verge of heaving from having those knees of ephy's bury themselves in his abdomen. He said weakly.  "Please...Mercy...." He gave only the faintest of glances to the newcomer. "Mister...help me...."  He said with a mental sigh as he was grasping at straws now for a chance of escape, having run out of idea's for the time, still trying to overcome the now dazed feeling he had.

Jakob felt perturbed by the gecko's closing remark, but he shrugged it off.  It wouldn't be the first trade alliance that had broken down in spite of every endeavour and it wouldn't be the last either.

Then again, given that he's about to print some muck about my hot, steamy affair with Shax, Aisha, the cook and Hobbies all at the same time, is it worth giving him any credence at all?

"Ah well," he muttered as the gecko departed.  "It's not like I can turn the ship around and go back on the off-chance.  If something's happened in my absence I'll learn about it soon enough, either from some rag when we next dock, or a telegram from Dar."

Shax shook his head as the Gecko left, thinking a bit on his words slightly.

"So... I take it you have put up with this before?" He asked, raising a brow at the wolf "So... People like him have ruined your agreements before... It makes me feel rather disgusted on how lives can be ruined by the press... Plus the fact he knew my name, means he has been following, and listening in on you for quite awhile. I would watch your back and watch what you say while on the ship... I know I will be now. When that article comes out there will no longer be a need for me to hide being a Cubi now, everyone will know it." The Cabbit sighed "Shame... I was hoping for a peaceful cruise."

"So, what now? Just let him go? We could go after him, and stop that film from being put out."

"Oh," Jakob said, wings fluffing slightly.  "I thought he was talking about something that had already happened as a way of getting back at the snub.  Usually such reporters are just a nuisance.  But a threat..?  Surely he wouldn't be that foolish.  We know where he works.  Daryil would have him killed."

"As for you... I'm not sure he knows what you are.  Your mark won't show unless he's using colour film, which I doubt.  All the same, it might be worth covering it up."

"As for stopping him, I suppose it's possible.  He's not supposed to be here, so if we close the door to prevent him escaping and inform the guards, they may be able to solve our problem for us.
"The downside is that if we do that, he will do his damndest to ruin our day and/or shorten our lives. "

Jake was rather in awe of the surroundings of the ship as he, Singing Grin, and his pangolin companion were whisked up into the main rooms.  Jake felt that the effects of the anti-magic field were prevalent here too, perhaps in an even stronger state.  And considering the fact that demons were walking around in snappy suits, some swaggering as if to show that they had enough power to do so, it was for the best.

He tried to look amiable as the animated Cheshire introduced them to the lavish rooms which they would be staying.  You call this freedom, though we HAVE to stay here until this party?  I'd rather think we'd be more useful exploring the place and getting the lay of the land, so to speak, the Gryphon wondered, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself.  The pangolin at least looked relieved that they had gotten past any trouble without a problem and that all they had to do was lay low and enjoy their amenities.

Just before he could reply, though, his attention was caught by a rather colorful fennec bounding and somersaulting up to them, putting on quite the light show with his prismatic toy in the hallway.  His brow raised as, in a flamboyant and showman-type manner, he advertised a show.

"...Ah, we will think about it, sir," Jake replied with an amused grin, more or less taken aback by the display, and watched as the small canine dizzily took to his feet and moved off the rest of the way down the corridor.  Was he actually the performer or the clown that would be hired to ply it?

He sighed.  "Well, alright, Miss Grin...I suppose we'll see you then.  We'll stick around."

The rooms are at least nice.  Since it's free, room service would be good.  And a long bath; I feel like I have an excrement-like smell trapped on my feathers.

"Better stay close, either next door or in the room," the Knight informed the pangolin in a whisper once they could turn out of her earshot.  "I still don't trust her very well."

"Whatever you say," the scaled mammal said with a scratchy voice as he looked around, "You're the one who can fight."

"And very well, I'll have you know," he said with a smirk on his beak.  "Oh, the stories I can tell."

"Joy," muttered his friend.

*     *     *

The instant smell of booze and moisture on metal immediately came to assault the jaguaress's nose as she stepped into the Copper Tooth; a name that had come to be very appropriate for such a dive.  Hopefully, she thought, the drinks wouldn't have a metallic taste much like the rest of the place.

And then she saw the Undead walking around, employed apparently to be staff of the tavern, and put on a short grimace beneath her shadowed cowl.  Maybe the taste is the least of the problem.

Regardless, as she pulled back the hood of her cloak (the colors having shifted from the Monastery standard to the bounty hunter's deep blood red before she'd stepped through the door), she could already tell that it was her kind of place.  Some of the people she had seen in passing from the ship were here, as well as many well-traveled and well-battle-worn adventurers such as herself.  There were a few opportunities to listen into something.  She grinned and shifted her eyes around.  A short job and some extra money would be just the thing to get the blood rushing.  It had been a while since she'd gotten into some real trouble.  From some of the looks that she'd gotten when walking in, it was decided that wouldn't be long in coming either.

Taking a chair at the bar between the laughing, boisterous dingos and the table with the hamster speaking in hushed tones with a very interesting mythos--and where she could hear either if her sharp ears picked up anything interesting--she caught the attention of the bartender: a chubby elephant with one tusk broken in half and a half-lidded, glaring eye.

She thought that she heard the unsheathing of a weapon nearby as well; but she hadn't flinched.  Such things were commonplace in bars like this.  Once, long ago, it would have been herself trying to scare off a shivery visitor just for fun.  The Risen wasn't easily intimidated.

"Just a pint of ale, amigo."  She tossed a few coins on the counter in front of the bartender and smirked.  "So, what's with the Undead?  Don't have to worry about workplace injuries?"

Shax sighed, taking another look at the gecko leaving from the pair of them. "So I take it we just have to wait and see what happens then? Lovely... My friends back at Zinvth are going to get a kick out of this if they see it."

His attention turned back to Jakob. "So you said you're from clan Daryil right? I remember a certain member of your clan.... Werrew I think it was, who was on death row and escaped, slaying the king of Exemplar and taking over." He smiled and shook his head "I was also a prisoner of the purge happening in that town. I was so young at the time, and I just happened to be passing through when it happened. So I was captured as well. If it wasn't for Werrew, I would be dead right now."

"Werrew - King by his own hand," Jakob nodded.  "I wish it were that cut and dried.  I'm glad he saved you, I'm glad he stopped the anti-creature pogrom.  But all the same, a lot of people are dead right now, because of what he did.
"And his reign started out poorly.  Daryil himself was greatly displeased by what Werrew did, the executions in particular.
In the end Daryil calmed down and agreed that Werrew's actions had done more good than harm... but only just.
"I am glad to say things have improved since then, but I can't help but feel it could have been resolved more peacefully..."

He laughed "Well my Great Great Grandmother Jin was rather happy he saved me, but was rather cross with me for leaving the safety of the academy. I just don't like to stay in place for too long, I like to move about. I was just passing through the city to see what was at the local bookstore and get some supplies. I wasn't even in there 20 feet before I was grabbed and arrested. I tried to explain I wasn't even a resident and just passing through and they responded with clocking me in the back of the head. I woke up in a cell." He sighed.

"Some beings huh? They refuse to change or even adapt or accept some people. I didn't even know it was an anti-creature city."

"Yeah, I heard alot of things about him, good and bad, but I still owe him, and clan Daryil my life. All I know is that after I was free, I got the frig out of there. I did not know what his plan was but I needed to get out."

"The way I hear it, King Thias had a very liberal policy towards Creatures," Jakob said.  "It was only when his son took over that everything went to hell.  And by that time, the permissive policies of his father had made it it haven to quite a sizeable number of Creatures.  Werrew may have made his share of mistakes too, but gods willing, it will be a long time before there is another regime change in the Kingdom of Exemplar, so it should remain Creature-safe for some time to come.  But you never usually know what the future holds."

Back in the slavehold...

Kenyan smiled at his newfound friend's eagerness. <All right, then. Thank you for this. If we're successful, we'll both escape this place alive.>

He thought back carefully, trying to remember what the Cheshire had said they needed. <We need to find...a blue ball with frost on it, even if the room is warm...a set of keys...and a room full of maps. Those are pieces of paper the big creatures use to find their way,> he added, unsure if the rat knew what those were. It was possible; ship rats had more experience with Beings than anyone in his pack. He only knew what a map was because some of the Beings who tried to enter the forest carried them.

The lion gently picked up the young rat and placed him on his shoulder. <Remember, don't make any noise unless you see the things we need. The big creatures can't know we're there. It's just like scavenging.>

Sniffing the air, Kenyan followed Xyrtia's trail and the smell of metal to the vent and padded inside, keeping his claws sheathed, his ears open and his nose down.

Shax thought to himself for a moment before turning back to the wolf. "Hm... Perhaps in that case I should return there someday to properly thank him for freeing me from a unjust death sentence. If I recall correctly, if they had offed him, I would of been next in line." Sighed the cabbit.

"Either way, little by little, some places are starting to become more accepting of creatures. Slowly, but things like that take time."

"Yes, I think thanking him would be a good idea," Jakob said.  "He would likely appreciate that.  And yes, things are getting much better.  I hope it continues to do so.
"While there are now many cities which will accept or at least tolerate us, we do have many enemies and wouldn't take much to ruin everything we've achieved, acceptance-wise."

Jakob sighed.  "Even so, I'm still not sure if I should break disguise yet.  Once I do it can't go back in the bottle.  But if I stick to it for too long it will look suspicious if I'm forced to break it.  Oh well, maybe tomorrow."

Boarding Ramp to Flame of Freedom

"I understand that my form can be unsettling, but I have no intention of causing any trouble, and my money is good. I merely wish to book a single trip on this vessel."

The bear shipguard stationed at the boarding ramp stared at the thing before him flatly, while the slightly smaller mountain lion ticketmaster counted out the cash that had been offered, though he kept giving a critical eye to the shipguard's target. They had been debating back and forth for several minutes now, as the ticketmaster seemed leery of letting something so unusual and unknown onto the ship. But eventually, the ticketmaster rolled his eyes.

"Fine. Well then, ah...'sir', here is your boarding ticket, with your room number. Welcome to the Flame of Freedom, we hope you enjoy your flight. We will be watching you, however." The ticketmaster said in a more cordial voice despite the warning.

"Thank you. I do have hopes that this will be an enjoyable and educational voyage." The thing replied, with a voice that buzzed slightly, as if it wasn't spoken by natural vocal cords, before it strode up the ramp to officially board the ship.

Anyone inside the ship and near the entrance area to the Flame would then see a most peculiar entity cross the threshold. It wasn't very tall, topping somewhere between four and five feet, but it didn't look mcuh like anything most denizens of Furrae were used to seeing. The thing seemed to be made of shiny-black metal, formed into exoskeleton-like interlocking plates, and with articulated joins in all its limbs. It walked on four spindly, multi-jointed legs that radiated outward from its 'waist' in an X-shape, and evoked the image of a spider despite missing half the limbs. Or at least, half the limbs in the right place. The 'torso' was shaped out of multiple overlapping layers somewhat like a suit of platemail armor, and both sides had two arms mounted for a total of four, with each arm almost as spindly and jointed as the legs, though the ends had articulated grasping fingers on the ends. The creature also didn't seem to have a head; instead, flowing and neon-glowing green lines were etched into its body and limbs, swirling around and forming arcane patterns and runes, while on the 'front' of the 'torso', there were three bright neon-green points of light arrayed in a sideways-triangle formation, suggestive of eyes.

At last, Xephelon had made it to the Flame of Freedom. The Green Imbuer Mythos had heard of this marvel of both mundane and magical engineering, and he just had to see it up-close and personal for himself, to appreciate the genius of its construction and enchantment, and perhaps to learn a trick or two from examining it. Xephelon had gotten a scedule of its intended destinations and stops some time ago, and had traveled to this tow.n to head off the Flame so he could get onboard, and now he was. Though, he noticed something that was quite..off...from the moment he stepped across the entryway. There seemed to be a strong magic-damping field woven into the structure of the ship. Xephelon had heard ahead of time that the ship employed anti-divination measures to prevent cheating at the onboard casinos, but he didn't realize the measures were so...pervasive. Fortunately, they had little effect on such a deeply and permanently enchanted assembly such as his exoshell. Most of its functions remained active and intact even within the field, and it didn't inferfere with him fueling the exoshell, but Xephelon could already feel that it would be much more difficult for him to work new magical infusions while onboard the ship...if he could do so at all. That was annoying. On a related note, the permanent 'magic-aura sight' feature of his exoshell, one of the several interlinked visual enchantments, couldn't pick up many magical auras in the first place, whether of magical objects, Creatures, or spellcasters, as the damping field was suffocating them all. That was also annoying, but less so. He could manage with that. But it would make his learning experience rather more difficult. Xephelon started wondering already if the one-way ticket he'd puchased was worth the price he paid, but he pushed such thoughts aside. Much too early for such things.

Xephelon looked around the entrance area, taking note of the Beings and Creatures present, as well as observing the general amenities of the room, to see if there was anything so far that might catch his interest. If not, he was thinking of probably asking someone for a tour of the ship sometime soon.

"Well I'll make sure I do that after this cruise is over, unless we are going to stop near there, in that case ill just fly over and pay a visit." The Cabbit stated. "It would be nice to properly meet the man who saved my life."

Shax sighed, looking about. "I hope the ship takes off and soon. Maybe if we are lucky the gecko won't make it off in time to have the story printed, but that is also a two way street... While stuck on the ship it's more of an opportunity to make another story on us, or some of the others here."

Eden's head swung around, a bright grin spreading across her face. "HEY KAF!" She giggled, finishing restraining the intruder.

The ferret signed, looking at the tiger, then the tazy devil."...Who are our guests?" He asked non-chalantly, entering the room and tossing his crumpled hat aside.

"Oh This asshole?" She motioned to Kirrim before decking him across the face yet again. "He broke into our room. Had to bust him in the face." SHe leans towards Ephy. "This little scamp Ephy! Say Hi Ephy~"

As Eden finished restraining the intruder the Diminutive Devil stat up on the bed, sheathing her knives from whence they came.

"Yup I'm Ephrael!" the Redhead said nodding at Kaf with a grin that could quite easily cause him to doubt her level of intelligence.

"Yea he broke in here trying to steal stuff".

"Whatever that reporter has in mind, I suspect I am going to find out when we make our next stop," Jakob said darkly.

"You know," he said suddenly, glancing at Shax, "I'm not sure I asked where you were planning to go."

"Perhaps... I just hope it won't be too bad." The Cabbit sighed, looking about.

"To be honest I never really picked a destination to stop at. I might just keep going until I get bored of the flight. I have the funding to keep going for awhile. As I said before, I boarded the ship just to try something different from my usual methods of travel. From what I read, the view of the ground from in the air is quite the sight to behold. I would not know, I actually cannot even fly with my own wings..."

"If we were meant to fly, we'd have been given tail feathers," Jakob shrugged.  "But I won't deny they're dead handy for parachuting down if you fall."

In Town, in a tavern known as the Copper Tooth

"They're perfectly legal," The elephant huffed, "And they came with the barback," He gestured his head at the Undead Giraffe girl; the aware breed, rather than the other two automatons. "Dunno where she got a license for personal use; all corpses are property of the state. But most of the adventurers don't seem to mind a bargirl with no complaint about the odd pinch," the man grimaced at his own joke, "Sorry, that was crude. Bit bitter about it really. She's a good barback, can't afford to replace her, but since I hired Cheryl it seems I never see my regulars anymore. What can I get yer, miss?"
It was almost possible to miss the hushed conversation of the dingos in the corner, amongst the elephant's workday gripes.
"Way I hear it, secretary a' transit's running a plant-and-seize on that big ol' blimp in the harbor to-daaaay!" there was an eruption of laughter and a lot of banging on the tables, enough to easily drown out the next bit. "I know! I know! Just like the one last month! With the tea convoy? 'YOU get a beating and YOU get a beating and YOU get a beating and EVERYONE GETS ARRESTED!' Haw! I couldn't believe my luck when I got the tip! They can't POSSIBLY catch everyone, there's gonna be escapees! Keep your eyes on the bounty boards boys," there was a clink of glasses. "We gettin' PAID this month!"

The boarding ramp of the Flame of Freedom

A pair of Quaggath police officers passed Xephelon on the ramp upwards, looking... Serious but disinterested in him. They probably mistook him for a construct. Common mistake.
"Hey there little guy!" Oh dear. Very common mistake.
A wolf demon, dressed in the livery of a guard aboard the Flame of Freedom, crouched down next to Xephelon with a smile. "You here with a mage, lil' fella? Some nice young lady's guard-golem maybe?" He leaned over with an interested smile, "Huh, slick design, maybe you're someone's masterwork. You talk buddy? Able to tell me who built you?"

The Vents of the Flame of Freedom

Kenyan felt like he had been crawling for a good couple months through the dank corridors of the ships ventilation system. Between the slight damp and endless twists it was almost like traveling through the intestines of some massive, steel organism. Finally, light began to glimmer toward the end of the arbitrarily chosen passageway.
The rat on Kenyan's shoulder began to seem nervous, only getting more so as they approached the slitted vents. It seemed to open up over the cafeteria. Two pairs of police officers in uniforms Kenyan didn't recognize entered from the main doors.
<Those men smell like steel...> The rat squeaked to the lion nervously, <Steel and old blood.>
They say animals sometimes react before a weather event occurs...

Singing Grin's incredibly expensive luxury suite

A bang came at the door once, twice.
"Quaggath police, open up. Routine inspection."

In Town, In the Cafe

Jeremiah sipped his tea and gave a slight shudder. Where had that chill come from?
"Where to next, Miss?"
In The Cafeteria of the Flame of Freedom

There were now eight pairs of police officers in the large room, and it was beginning to catch the patron's notice. More were filing in. Through the swinging of the doors at one end Jacob could see the gecko from before again, an officer pinning his arms behind his back, slitted eyes wide and lips twitching with frantic, stuttered protests and explanations.

One of the officers finally came forward and stood at rest, a rhino. The buckles of his coat, the edge of his badge and the pips above it, the lacquered gleam of his nightstick, the edge of his horn... All shone with a polish that could only come from hours of daily attention and precision.
"Nobody move." His voice was loud, yes, but had an additional quality to it that made a listener inclined towards silence, like a drop of ink in a glass of milk. It ran up the spine and prodded a part of the brain where fear lived. Not the fear of a running animal, but a fully civilized adult who has wondered, for that split second, if they REALLY should be doing whatever it is they are doing.
"There have been reports of severe contraband aboard this ship, as well as several violations of international law. There will be a complete inspection of the ship. All passengers and crew are ordered by the state of Quaggath to come with us for processing, giving their statements, and a background check." A calloused hand rested, casually, on the gleaming, lacquered nightstick. "I trust there are no objections?"

Kaf and Eden's rooms

In the perfect silence that accompanies any criminal attempting to think very hard about his next move, a law established in every crime movie of the age, they could almost hear a commotion, on the next floor of the ship...

"Great," Jakob muttered to Shax.  "Well, I guess we'd better just go with the flow and get it over with.  I just hope things don't get too interesting when they try to arrest the dragon."

I guess the real problem is what race I should answer as, Jakob thought unhappily.  I mean, they'd surely warn us... they wouldn't have taken this route if 'Cubi are persona non grata here... right...?

Shax huffed, leaning against the table and shaking his head "Un-friggin-real. You know it kinda figures something like this would happen. I can't seem to enjoy myself once without something going wrong..." The cabbit looked over to Jakob. "This may be trouble too if they find my clan mark... Seeing as I'm trying to looking like a being..." He whispered

"You boarded here," Jakob hissed.  "Did you find out what the locals make of 'Cubi?  Will we be killed if we're found out?"

"I boarded with my wings hidden. They seem fine with Cubi but I don't know their views on Cubi in disguised as beings..." he sighed.

"If you want to play it safe, reveal your backwings," Jakob suggested.  "I doubt they'll spot you in this crowd."

     Xephelon skittered aside as the police officers passed by him, and while they did seem to brush him off as something to be ignored, that actually wasn't such a bad thing to Xephelon. It was certainly better than being run out of a town or hunted down as a 'rogue construct' by ignorant townsfolk. As Xephelon then turned and was about to walk deeper into the Flame of Freedom, a stranger's voice suddenly directed itself at him.
     The stranger's mislaid assumption, however, was rather more irritating. However, it still happened often enough that Xephelon had a bored speech down pat for this situation. He turned himself to face the wolf-Demon, who was somewhat insultingly kneeling down and talking to him like a child--or rather, an unintelligent construct.
     "I apologize for the misunderstanding, but I am not a golem, nor do I belong to anyone. What you see before you is merely my exoshell body, and I built it myself. I am actually a type of Mythos, though as we are quite uncommon in these regions of the world, your confusion is understandable. Will that be all, or is there anything else I can help you with?" Xephelon spoke all the words smoothly to the inquisitive Demon, through the slightly 'buzzing' voice his exoshell had. When he finished talking, his three light "eyes" flickered once each in succession.

"I might as well show both anyway... Even if I only show my backwings it would be obvious... My wings are duality..."

Aisha smirked at the bartender's joke, albeit with a roll of her eyes, and chuckled.  "Well, so long as it works, I suppose.  Pint of ale, as I said, please," the jaguaress said as a few coins rolled to the elephant.

As she took a swig of her drink, swallowing easily through the different yet tangy flavor, her ears casually swiveled around to take in the conversations.  But it was hard to hear anything edgewise with the dingos behind her and to the side, boisterous as they were.  She briefly wondered if it was a canine thing, being easily excitable, or if they were just more than a little full on alcohol.

But she certainly couldn't ignore what they had said.  She chanced a glance at the table listening in on the news about a plant-and-seize on a dirigible.

But there's only one dirigible docked... her eyes narrowed back into her drink.  Maybe it's not as violent as they make it seem.  But still, would this be a good or a bad thing?  If they find the slaves, the crew will be in a world of trouble, which works.  Crap though, James is part of the crew.  And who knows how things will go for the slaves and the passengers.  I'd better get back there.

She quickly chugged back the last of her drink and slid the mug back to the bartender.  "Thanks for that, gotta run," she said as she jetted outside, adjusting her cloak to make sure that the colors she bore on it matched the standard of the Shadowed Depths Monastery.

The panthress easily dodged the weaving people and crowds, which were lessening bit by bit as the afternoon wore on into evening.  But once she made it back to the dock, she had to stop in her tracks.  Quite a few more uniformed officers than what would pass for normal seemed to be entering and staking out the docks and deck of the Flame of Freedom.

Her ears flattened.  Somehow, I don't like the look of this.  Better get in and find Kaf.  Maybe the moose, if he knows anything...I think I might know how to get in.

Opting for amiability first, Aisha strode up to the side of the ship.  She hoped that her sword wasn't too conspicuous, being the only weapon easily seen on her person, but with the colors of the Healers at her back, it was a possibility that the law enforcement wouldn't be highly on edge.  Surely she didn't look like any of the passengers, who were high society types.  And that was the idea.

"Pardon me, good sir," she waved to the nearest officer.  Her stance was confident and straight, her eyes focused with curiosity about the situation at hand, her short smile welcoming, her demeanor not lacking of a fighter's prowess.  "I couldn't help but notice all of this activity," she gestured to the grandiose Flame of Freedom.  Her other hand settled on the hilt of the Dragonblade.  "May I ask what's going on?  An adventurer certainly can't pass through a city without offering aid to the local men in uniform."

*     *     *

As a short time passed in their room, with enough time for Jake and the pangolin to clean themselves up a little, the Gryphon soon started to wonder when Singing Grin would be back, and if she would be.

But when someone had finally come to knock at the door, it didn't sound like Singing Grin or a staff member with the room service they'd ordered.  Instead there came the authoritative voice of the police.

Jake and his companion paused, looking between one another at this development and thinking it over quickly.  It seemed all too perfect...maybe they didn't have to wait for the Cheshire.  If the city's law enforcement were inspecting the airship, then surely...surely they could be told about the situation at hand.  The slaves would be taken back.  Maybe they'd be free.

As Jake moved to open the door, the pangolin tugged his arm.  "Wait, is that a good idea?" he hissed.  "Those guys are usually armed."

The Knight-Captain grinned confidently.  "You've seen me teach my hand-to-hand, friend.  I can handle anybody armed.  Look, he says he's police.  We have a chance."

"And what if he's not who he says he is and aims to put us back down there?"

Jake's golden eyes narrowed with the kind of determination that the pangolin had seen in others before: heroic, courageous, and foolhardy.

"Then we don't go without a fight," he said with a nod of finality.  "Now just stay calm."

Straightening his coat and neck ruff, Jake opened the door to the stern, rocky face of the officer and the badge and colors of the uniform of Quaggath, before he had a chance to knock again.

"Why, evening, officer.  Routine, eh?  Well, come in; we've nothing to hide.  I assure you of that." the avian opened the door with a grand sweep of his arm, as if presenting the lavish room like a showman.

The pangolin, sitting in a chair by the desk at the end, sighed inwardly.  We are SO screwed.

"The dual-wing thing is only obvious if they know about it," Jakob muttered.

Kirrin rolled his yes silently cursing his luck for the moment as it he finally tecognized the ferret from the pictures that was in the room. A deep growl resonating from his throat as his head jerks to the side once he's struck again. He looks to Kaf and just stares for now, sighing a little more like he were bored or had resigned himself to what he thought was going to happen. The ruckus outside didn;t help his thinking either.  "They won't throw me in jail you know...they'll cut my head off...just because of what i am...." He whispered slowly, though he said it aloud it seems he was talking to himself.

With a sigh, the cabbit slunk down in his chair slowly, his backwings giving form and spreading out slightly, the silver and purple feathers giving a slight gleam against the black membrane of the bat portion.

Even as experienced as he was at crawling through small places, Kenyan was exhausted from the vents. They were damp and dusty, and all he wanted was to get out of the steel tunnels and lick his fur until he couldn't feel the walls of the vent on him anymore. But he hadn't yet found the things the Cheshire needed, and his friend hadn't mentioned seeing anything unusual yet. Though he was certainly acting nervous enough. Not being a ship-rat himself, Kenyan could only guess at what had his companion shaking so badly until they reached the light.

He knew better than to try opening it immediately, particularly once he heard voices. His friend squeaked nervously, and Kenyan paid close attention to what little he could see through the slots. Not long after his friend warned him, a voice rang out - one that commanded attention, and for some reason, made the lion's hackles rise. Something about that voice brought to mind the sound of teeth against teeth, and the rasp of scales on tree roots and dirt.

He shook his head - this wasn't the forest, and it certainly wasn't the swamp. The men were dressed more like the men who came to search the forest whenever hikers went missing. They might not be dangerous at all. Kenyan turned to his friend, using nonverbal rodent cues to say: <Stay quiet and keep your ears up.> Then he listened carefully to what words he understood.

Nobody move... He didn't. He barely even breathed.

Reports...aboard this ship...violations...law... Well, surely kidnapping innocent people and forcing them to fight in armies was illegal. Was that what the rhino meant? Were they going to be saved?

Inspection of the ship...all passengers and crew...ordered...to come with us... Oh. Oh no. That wasn't good at all. If they found Ms. Grin or Jake, all the effort was for nothing. And what would happen to those who couldn't tell anyone where they were from, like himself or Xyrtia? Kenyan felt himself shaking a little and forced himself to focus, clenching his fists and toes. He could smell the air well enough to tell that nobody he knew was in the room, but everyone there was afraid. He couldn't just leave, not until he knew more.

So he stayed still, keeping himself next to the vent rather than over it, scanning the room to see if the things he needed were there. A set of keys...maps...a blue ball with frost on it...

Xyrtia was crawling over some sort of social room with the smell of food when the sound of a fear-inspiring voice reached her ears.
She hesitated.
It was all the vents needed to creak, then moan, then collapse and drop their payload into the room below. The bluejay dropped into the lap of someone; she got a glimpse of pink-ish fur on the fellow before she scrambled to her feet, bolting in the first direction she could go. Tripping over chairs and bumping into tables, she booked it for the clearest doorway she could find, vaguely registering the horned leathery fellow with the shiny things on his clothes as she made her escape. "Sorry!" she shouted as she fled, hoping she had only interrupted some sort of polite conversation. Judging by the atmosphere and the voice from earlier, though, she hadn't. Krraak, she mentally started cursing. Krraak krraak krraak krraak krraak krraak...

Jakob sat calmly, with an air of resignation, waiting for the situation to sort itself out.  The way he saw it, the sooner they were escorted off the ship to take statements, the sooner things could get back to some semblance of normality.  Trying to escape would only make things worse.

Suddenly one of the ornately-decorated vents fell from the ceiling, chunks of metal and fixtures crashing down upon the crowd.  A rather weatherbeaten-looking avian crawled out from the wreckage and began scampering about madly like a feral bird trapped in a building.

"What the hell was that...?" Jakob asked aloud.  "A stowaway...?"

Mel and Jeremiah were walking down the main approach to the airship, ice cream cones in hand. The coolness inside the shop had been the last bit of pleasantness for the dragon before she stepped back into the no-magic zone. Her good mood was melting away faster than the ice cream. She hated the loss of magic and was very resentful of the airship forcing it onto her even if she never set foot into the casino.

One advantage of being a high-flying predator was that even in her small form Mel had better than average distance vision. As they turned onto the road leading to the airship docks the dragon could pick out the change of uniforms on the boarding ramp. Uniforms that she had noticed people scurrying away from on the streets of the city. She sighed, of course this stupid airship had been taken over by the police. She turned to her companion/victim. "I am sure you have errands of your own to run. I will take Guy's leash and let you get on with them," she offered as she stuck a hand in her pocket to find the promised tip.

Once the frog was paid off and had disappeared into the crowd Mel and the pink clockwork poodle wandered towards the ship as if she hadn't a care in the world. She could see that the dark furred feline from the bar was pretending to be a nosy bystander and a being-sized metal lump announced it was one of those mythos who mass produced charms. She sniffed disapprovingly, the artistry of true charm crafters would always prevail.

With a quick glance to see where the boarding ramp seemed most disorganized Mel waded into the confused knot of indignant guests and police. With a careless gesture she handed the leash and a shopping bag of cookies to the first officer who dared to step in front of her. "Porter, take these to suite 105. I am missing my spa appointment."

Shax sat back up in his chair with a small nod. "I suppose you are right. Lets just hope they are not trained to spot it is all..." He said with a sigh. The cabbit looked back over at the officers grouped at the entrance. "I wonder what they are really after..." He would question, still wondering what they were looking for aboard this airship.

After a few moments of staring, he looked up, hearing a small creak, just before the avian dropped through the vent, and right on top of Shax, causing him to cry out in surprise. The chair under him gave way onto the sudden weight of the newcomer on top of the Cubi, the chair would giveway and collapse from under him, making the cubi fall to the floor with a loud thud. By the time he was able to regain his focus, the Blue Jay had already gone. With a shake of his head, the cabbit looked over at Jakob. "What in the hell was that all about?"

It was only then that the fennec incubus noticed something, it was quiet, strangely quiet. Nobody seemed to be in the halls where he was traveling. As if a great happening just passed him by sweeping over and whisking everyone away. "'Where is everyone? And what's happening?" he said, making his way over to the nearest window and looking out to see just what the commotion or lack of it was about.

Jakob glanced at Shax, a quizzical expression on his face.  "That guy wasn't a passenger, with clothes like that.  Didn't look like crew, either.  I'd have said some kind of deep engineering or maintenance guy who isn't customer-facing, but they'd have known the load-bearing capacity of the vents."
"No," he mused.  "I'm not sure was supposed to be aboard at all."

He glanced again at the Rhino, wondering how long it was going to take to get the bloody ordeal over and done with.  "Think they might be smuggling dissidents?  Political prisoners?  Might that be what this ruckus is all about?"

Before Kenyan was done scanning the room, he heard a ruckus of metal falling and bodies crashing together. He squeaked out a rodent curse and then ground his teeth shut...then he heard Xyrtia's voice. Oh no...

He turned to his friend, using more nonverbal cues than sounds to tell him what had happened. <One of my friends may be in trouble. We have to follow her, now. She smells like feathers and the room you found me in.> He looked around, not seeing any new light in his part of the vent shaft. Wherever Xyrtia fell out must not have been that close by, but it certainly wasn't far away if he could still hear her. He let the rat off of his shoulder. <You see better in the dark than I do. Don't let us fall like she did, my friend, please.>

The boarding ramp of the Flame of Freedom

The demoness sighed, and for the third time made a gesture of tugging with her well-manicured claws at one heavy gold earring, turning her mottled dark gray face to her darker, shorter companion. Taller than the man behind her by some margin, the wolfess stood about half a head higher than the main body of the crowd folding into queues before the guards stationed at the embarkation ramp. Patience, she thought to herself, but didn't quite chuckle at her own sarcasm. Oh, the name suited him alright. But for someone so competent, sometimes he had the sense of context and subtlety of a doorknob.
   "Your complaints are noted, Miles. You are entirely free to leave and make your own passage; your pay will be docked, but I will refund your travel expenses," she said, folding a pair of thick arms inside a well-tailored jacket. "However I am going ahead."
   Behind her the man, a primly dressed wolverine, stiffened. There was a look of affront on his face for just a fraction of a moment. She didn't spot it though, because she hadn't turned to look at him as she spoke. And he didn't rise to the challenge, but simply took a relaxing breath, and continued as though nothing had been said.
   "Perhaps I might also suggest... refraining from further, ehm..."
    The wolfess scowled. He was not going to mention anything more. Not within earshot of the guards, and not now. People were talking and milling about a bit, but despite complaints they had still adopted that typical public transport demeanor, where you hushed your conversation and lined up without fuss. Never mind that this was supposed to be a pleasure cruise. Her eyes darted around a couple of times, and her ears flicked.
   "If there is any trouble, then I suspect it's only going to be about something you brought along in that case of yours," she said, garnering another ruffle from the wolverine. "As though we needed it. They specifically mentioned contraband. And, if you'll note, those guards are wearing different uniforms from the others we saw on the airship." She sniffed, and then clacked her teeth. Another practiced gesture, a fake 'tell' that she'd ingrained into herself, which was meant to say that she'd come to some sort of conclusion.
   "Something political, perhaps?" the wolverine suggested hesitantly. Oh good, so he wasn't entirely blind then. She huffed something from the back of her throat. Then, her eyes darted back to the side again for a second, and she spotted something. That was him, wasn't it?
   "Stay in line. And when you get aboard, go to the cabin," she said, ignoring any further questions from the wolverine. First rule of management; if you can't fix it yourself, sit on someone else, she thought.

"Hey, you there!" The voice was a full alto, coming from somewhere slightly above Jeremiah. Pushing her way through the crowd with the same difficulty that a bowling ball encounters when meeting up with some pins, a woman stepped up to the frog. "I saw you at a table earlier. What exactly is going on here?"

The Boarding Ramp of the Flame of Freedom

The guard looked mortified at Xephelon's revelation that he was, in fact, a customer. "Oh my gods and ancestors sir I am SO sorry!" The man sputtered and gestured to a liveried flamingo, one of very few members of staff that wasn't presently being questioned or corralled by police. "FRANCIS, get this-" There was a moment of panicked examination of Xephelon before the guard winced and took a shot in the dark, "-Man's luggage to, ah, HIS rooms immediately! Sorry sir, minor customs debacle has us all a little disorganized."
The brisk march to his rooms was interrupted, however, by police. A female bobcat with a specialist badge stopped them about three hallways in, undead control amulets angling at her neck; the actual undead were nowhere to be found, apparently the antimagic field was keeping them out. Xephelon's own suit was starting to feel a little sluggish.
"Where are you taking that construct? All procedures are suspended until our investigations are over."
"I'm just seeing a passenger to-"
"Passenger?"

--

Jeremiah fixed Melodie with a grin, pocketing the tip. It was generous enough to have bought her a wink and a bow, too, but she seemed like she wouldn't appreciate the unprofessionalism. "Thank you kindly Miss. Need anything else, ask the staff for Jeremiah Ac'Gregor."
With that, he was gone in the crowd, body language immediately going from outgoing showman to unnoticeable slouch; in a lot of ways he liked his work, but sometimes he got a customer who was absolutely exhausting. It was creature women, he figured. Not to be biased, but he never met a creature woman who wasn't absolutely overbearing. Not always bad, but god did he need a rest before the next one...

The officer that stopped Melodie was nonplussed a moment, long rabbit ears twitching as he stared down at the leash in his hand, but a muttered command into a control amulet soon found Mel's path blocked by several figures in riot control gear, listless stances marking them as mindless undead behind their tinted visors.
"Sorry Miss, you may be delayed. I understand you're a passenger aboard the Flame of Freedom?" He handed off the leash to one of the undead and gave a smile that everyone but people who frequently dealt with the police found reassuring; to those more familiar with the wrong side of the law, it was a pretty obvious "I'm the GOOD cop" face, and it generally entailed Trouble.
"We received an anonymous tip about a possible Furrae Trafficing ring aboard the ship. I'll need a look at your registration and any identification you have, Please."
That was another Good Cop tactic. Adding a Please to the end of a sentence that was not by any means a request.

--

"Hey, you there!" Jeremiah winced, and straightened back into his Customers Stance with an almost audible click; like a puppet pulled up by its strings, or Mel's own clockwork poodle as its key was wound. "I saw you at a table earlier. What exactly is going on here?"
Jeremiah whirled around with a grin, for a moment still having that same wind-up bouncing energy to his movements, and froze when he realized he'd apparently been aiming his 'good-natured-service' grin at the speaker's clavicle. He craned back, smile freezing slightly.
It was like the rabbit from before and the snow leopard he'd just been helping had been added up into one predatory tower of a woman. Pass this one along quick, she's trouble. More than you can handle.
Thanks Cab, I got that from the horns.
"Sorry Miss, can't say public relations are my department. I just got back from helping another passenger." The police presence did seem strange to him, but the frog had reached a worrisome level of jadedness to the scrutiny of the law taking an interest in his workplaces; after that Castle to the north with the insane God resurrection and his brief service at the Skull-Palace of Screaming Doctor Berzerk, he sort of figured that was just the standard service work environment in this modern economy. "Near as I can tell there's some manner of customs dispute? Someone said contraband, I'm afraid you'll have to ask someone smarter." He gave a small chuckle, "They don't pay me to be nosy. The opposite, in fact."
God, the man just wasn't useful for anything. However, his prattle seemed to make the police dismiss him, and by extension anyone who was talking to him. It's possible Lea'd never had so little attention in a crowd in her entire life.

--

Aisha was having a little trouble getting an officer to stop for her. Most of them seemed preoccupied with trying to get the riot-suited undead to enter the airship without balking, falling unconscious or disanimating entirely. Apparently the anti-magic field was still going strong. However, she was close enough to hear the rabbit talking to Melodie about Furrae Trafficing.
More interesting, though, was the sight of a familiar Moose, amongst the upper platforms and riggings of the skyport docks, checking his watch and observing the ship...

Aboard the Flame of Freedom

Kaf and Eden's Room-

It was of course, now, that the guards showed up. Their ships liveries were rumpled, and they looked nervous.
"Ah, minor dilemma, all passengers are required to- Holy hells!" One looked about the room in shock. "What on earth happened? Is everyone alright?"

--

Singing Grin's Expensive Suite-

The cops were a pair of turtles, who swaggered in with a look of practiced boredom. One immediately set to work rummaging through drawers and luggage, while the other singled out the Pangolin.
"Are you the ticket holder for this room?"
"Ah, no sir, that would be our-"
"Found it."
The other turtle finished his rifling about, pulling a playing card (a queen of hearts) out of a sheaf of papers. The card's face had been blacked out, and extra tails added to the Qs to form a sort of x. "One of the invitations to the auction." His snout wrinkled. "Sickos."
"Right, both you boys are coming with us." The first turtle cracked his neck and began reaching for his handcuffs. "You can give a full statement at the station."

--

The Hallway-

Outside Hobbies could see police surrounding the airship, in truly intimidating numbers. What was going-?
"You there!" A kangaroo clad in police blues was advancing down the hallway, looking generally ornery. "Name and passport, now. Nigel who is this?" He barked at his companion, an anxious looking dove with a clipboard. "Start checking the guest list for a Fennec."

--

The Cafeteria

"Gentlemen!" The captain arrived with five guards, all smiles. While his demeanor seemed cooperative, Paladin could see pistols and cudgels tucked into the guards belts, at their backs. "What seems to be the issue?"
"Sir, there have been allegations that your ship is in violation of the Treaty of Montagine, which states-"
"I'm familiar with the treaty, officer, might I know who has brought these allegations?"
"We received an anonymous tip."
"Ah. So no, I may not. Is this sufficient for a warrant?"
"We are operating under a Writ of the Empress-"
"Then until I SEE this writ, you've no call to harassing my passengers now if you would please-"

This is when Xyrtia fell from the ceiling onto Shax.

The officer glanced at the bird, panicking, and the guests milling about.

He turned back to the captain.

And then, in a surprisingly humanizing moment, he smirked.

"Officers, please collect the young lady for-"
"Stowaways are a ships matter to see to." The captain's eyes were wide with noticeable alarm, sweat beaded on his forehead. "We can take care of this our-"
"Also, someone mark this as probable cause to search the ship-"
The Captain's eyes narrowed, and he gestured to his guards. And five sets of pistols were aimed at the rhino. The one on the far left shaking, slightly, held by a slightly younger guard.
The police officer looked surprised, momentarily. There was a moment of silence not unlike the one he'd commanded before as shock settled over the room. Before finally his mask of confusion broke into unbridled rage.
There was a bang, and a look of shock from the youngest guard as the rhino clutched his shoulder and fell to one knee.
The results were instantanious and deafening pandamonium as every cop or guard in the room drew weapons, some calling for backup, some already corralling passengers toward the exists. The captain stormed out with a guard in tow, shouting commands.
"FIRE THE ENGINES, SECURE THE HOLD AND PROTECT THE PASSENGERS, WE TAKE OFF YESTERDAY."
"ALL OFFICERS ARE TO APPREHEND ANY AND ALL PERSONNEL ABOARD THE SHIP, ALL ARE PROBABLE ACCOMPLICES, EVERYONE!" The rhino bellowed as his men fell in around him, frantic with conversation about getting him to a healing mage. "LETHAL FORCE PERMITTED, GO, GO!"

"FUCK," Jakob spat as the gunshot rang out.  "I think shit just got real.  That bird wasn't just an illegal, it's a fucking slaver ring!  That must be what this damned anti-magic field is for!"

"And that moron just told them to arrest or kill the crew - in mid-takeoff!" he sighed.  "I can see a lot of possible outcomes here, Shax.  The best case is that they restrain the crew before takeoff.  If they can't, we'll be caught in a war between the police and the crew.  But if the crew really are slavers, they're liable be executed.  Which means they have nothing to lose.  Worst case is that the ship crashes during takeoff because the crew are prevented from controlling the ship, or it is shot down by the authorities.  Or the police manage to ignite the gasbag with their firearms.
"Better but bad is that we get out of local airspace.  That gives the crew an advantage in that the police will no longer have any authority.  But where they'll go is another question.  They might take us hostage as bargaining chips to keep their own heads.  And then there's the question of whether they managed to refuel the ship during the stopover.  If we run out of fuel we'll drift wherever fate takes us."

With a shake of his head, Shax stood up, dusting himself off and wiping a small bit of blood off the bridge of his nose, which had a cut going along it now. "Slaver ship?! Mrf.... This is not good... We need to do something to prepare ourselves if it comes down to that. Do you have anything to defend yourself with since we have no magic?"

The cabbit had a small dagger back in his own room, but the problem would be getting to his room now if the ship was on lockdown. The Cubi would sit in a chair that wasn't broken during the bird incident. Shax grabbed a unused napkin from the table, holding it to the bridge of his nose to cover the bleeding. "Ugh... My head is throbbing, I can't put up with this right now. I came to relax, but I guess that isn't happening. I'd say lets leave the ship but I know the officers would not allow that, or jump from the ship as its taking off and fly out, but unfortunately, I still can't fly. My Warp Aci is back at my dorm, but I'm unsure if would even work with this magic field up." With a long hiss between his teeth, the young cabbit slammed a fist down on the table. "I can't properly think with this headache!" he groaned, snaching his water from the table and sipping it.

"We can still wing-shift," Jakob said.  "It's clumsy and painful, but it works.  Failing that, chairs can be useful.  But I suspect that if it comes down to fighting, we've already lost.  As for abandoning ship, if I leave without that treaty it will not look good."

Ephrael looked up from where she sat as the guards entered the room "We caught a bugler! We, uh may have roughed him up some while we did so though." She said to the first guard though the door.




*************

Ducking and weaving Paladin swore as he made his way to some semblance of cover from battle that was quickly destroying the Cafeteria. His first intent was get out of this killzone and back to his room and into his armor.

The demon - there was no doubt that's what she was; she was obviously wearing some sort of patch to get rid of the wings, but the short spiky horns that mingled with her equally spiky black hair were a pointed, pun intended, giveaway - frowned down at Jeremiah with a look that suggested less disappointment and more the taste of pickled limes. It did not make for a pleasant sort of scrutiny to be under. Oh, the woman had a pretty enough face, particularly for someone her size, and her height and proximity to the frog only enhanced the impression that one could have lost a fruit basket and a small child down the front of her shirt without too much effort. But at the same time he couldn't help but notice the size of the wrists and hands coming out of the cuffs of her jacket, or the tautness of the skin over tendons as she folded her arms. And now her expression had shifted, turning even more frightening. It was now the look of someone resolute not to say what was actually on their mind, possibly for fear that the one they were addressing might explode.
  "Ah, well, I've always tried to encourage the ability to select the right things to focus on, and remember, in people. I'd say it's kind of a virtue, same way as temperance," she said in a particularly level tone. There was just a hint of a rough but melodic tang to her accent, which suggested a northeastern origin. She pitched her voice lower, and bent closer in to Jeremiah. "And it should be rewarded. I'm wondering particularly... how much you're rewarded for paying such close attention to the cards, for instance, while forgetting what people usually call that kind of behavior."
  It was a shot in the dark, technically. She'd always preferred Hold 'Em over Blackjack, because her skill wasn't reading numbers but rather people. But Miles obviously had some faculty with card counting, and while the man irked her sometimes he was at least dependable. Her amber eyes dashed about for a second, some sort of impression of tension making its way through her focus for a moment, then centered again with Jeremiah caught solidly between them.

"Yeah it's a long story."Kafzeil muttered. "What's this about, Officer?" he asked politely.

Eden's ears meanwhile picked up...screaming? The sounds of commotion. Gritting her teeth a bit as she put on a fresh pair of pants.

"Yes, care to tell us precisely. what this is all about?" The rabbit asked, her tone one that the interloper was likely familiar with by now.

The Cafeteria

A glass at Shax and Jacob's table shattered as a stray bullet whizzed over the wolf's shoulder, missing him by inches.

Eden and Kaf's room

"There's been a minor incident with customs," The ships guard replied, deadpan. The other one, ruining the effect, nodded nervously. "Quaggath is not entirely known to comply with international law and there is a contingency for such events. All passengers are to be evacuated to safer sections of the ship as we attempt to leave port. Just follow instructions and stay calm, and everything will be fine." He nodded to his partner, "You handle the thief, emergency's no call for normal security measures to not be in effect."
"Aye," The other wolf demon pulled out a pair of surprisingly serious looking shackles, for standard security equipment. "Arms front, sonny. Just not your day."

The Boarding Ramp

Jeremiah was, again, not in the habit of getting dumber in the presence of attractive women. Not frequently anyway.
I hear popping.
Not now.
I really think-
I really think you don't.
Hell, she'd noticed the card counting. Technically that was his employers policy, but how much difference would that make to a demon he'd bilked out of a couple hundred marques at the tables? She seemed like a face he'd remember, but then, it was a luxury liner and casino. Most people had memorable faces. Everything gets lost to a sea of individuality, especially after his first Encouragement Shot.
"Of course I pay attention at work, professionalism is-"
She isn't going to believe that, pass her on to someone that outranks you.
Easy on the eyes, isn't she? You can stay a bit longer, she seems friendly.
Bal, you know better.
Prove it.
"Um, our motto aboard the Flame of Freedom."
Would she be likely to hold him personally accountable? Throw some demonic rampage in the middle of all these cops? They seemed well prepared, some of the undead were even starting to file up the ramp, albeit balking and haltingly.
It seemed she'd noticed them, Jeremiah tried to extract himself from her attention; he got half a slink backwards before she had him transfixed again. Damn.
"If you've, ah, had any issues with the recreational facilities I'm sure I could find someone on management staff to explain everything's on the up-and-up." He remembered something and snapped his fingers. "Actually if you just wait right here I can go get my supervisor and-!"

Shax gave a shriek as the glass he had just set back down, shattered into pieces before him. "Ack! Protect the passengers indeed! Already off to such a 'great' start!" Snarled the young cubi. "You think they would check their fire with all the civilians in here... Aparantly they really don't value our lives too much." Shax's attention turned to Jakob, "Are you alright? That came rather close to you."

Jakob's eyes glowed with rage.  Trembling, he picked up a fork and bent it clean in half.  The glow faded from his eyes and he tossed the twisted piece of metal aside.

"We go," he said thickly, wrapping his wings around himself in a defensive posture and getting down on all fours to avoid further shots at head-height.
"We get out of this room, out of the line of fire," he decided, "Then we figure out what to do.  I want my diplomatic bag if I can get it.  After that, we need to take stock of our options.  Do we flee the ship, or do we stay?
"Whatever the case, Officer Rhino is clearly not competent to handle this situation, and if we can convince his men to replace him, we may get out of this in one piece.  And if we survive this, I'm going to make sure he loses his badge if that's the last thing I do.  Even if my clan has to dethrone their precious Empress and conquer this gods-forsaken dump to do it."

Kirrin blinked as the guards entered, thinking that they had arrived rather quickly and oddly quick at that, he was about to speak up, though he really couldn't get a word in edgewise with the pair speaking instead. Though as he spoke about a problem with customs, he wriggled his arms lightly to finally manage to use his claws well enough on the bindings to get free...only to be presented with a pair of shackles. He seized up for a moment. Then growled loudly, tail swishing as he worked himself to his feet and presented his arms for the guard. "Right...if you believe their lies it's not..." He muttered, the muscle of his bruised cheek twitching once or twice. He couldn't believe his luck.

Aisha was getting more than annoyed.  None of the officers seemed not to spare more than a passing glance to the inquisitive adventurer before things seemed to escalate on the docks and around the ship.  She gave up on trying to enter with friendly means and began to form a plan for forcing entry.  Her ears could pick up quite a bit of commotion further inside the ship, and she immediately hoped that her acquaintances were at least okay.  One ear then turned dockside, where she could hear the adjacent conversation.  She couldn't stop her head from whirling around.

Trafficking?  Is that what this is about?  So it's really true, and they've already been discovered!  And yet I was beginning to wonder where the hell that moose was...

And, speak of the devil.  Thorialtor, or someone who looked remarkably like him, was stiffly watching the events from a higher vantage point.

Not making much of an effort to dodge the now-rising crowd of gawkers, the panthress shoved and hopped over a few people to get up to where he was, shouting his name to get his attention.

"Thorialtor!" she panted when she halted.  "Señor, do you know what's going on in there?  Will everyone be alright?"

*     *     *

Down in the ship itself, Jake was at first as calm as could be while not one, but two officers shuffled inside.  The pangolin meanwhile was a bit of a quivering mess, but at least he sat and kept quiet until he was spoken to.  The Gryphon listened intently however to the mutterings of the tortoises, and raised his defenses when mention of an auction came up.  Apparently, it was something quite bad, from what he could tell from the officer's reaction.

His ears flattened against his skull, though the rest of him stood straight.  I KNEW there was something off about that cat.  Were we going to be in the auction too?

Regardless of whether or not he was jumping to the right conclusion, Jake more than likely wouldn't have time to find out.  When the tortoises presented the cuffs, the pangolin backed away quickly while Jake continued to try the path of civility.

"Gentlemen, wait, you have it all wrong!  Listen, we wanted to tell you in the first place, this room isn't even ours; it belongs to a woman who calls herself the Singing Grin.  Feline, female, interesting sort of smile.  We were invited here, in fact...we had no idea what for.  We were told..."

"--WE'RE SLAVES!" The pangolin screamed, the situation having been too much for him.  "We're from the slave hold in the ship, and we were brought up here!  You've got to help, officers!  I got my chain still to prove it!  Er...wait...I thought I did...!"

Goddammit, way to stay cool.  Jake sighed.  "My spastic friend is telling the truth.  You can't arrest us.  We were already forced here in chains.  If you want proof, she's supposed to be back for us...unless someone got Singing Grin already or she got off the ship.  In which case you have to trust us.  Check the ship's dossier if you must."

If they don't believe us, I'm going to make a run for it and find my halberd.  I'm not going to be stuck this far from home in a prison.

*     *     *

And down in the slave hold, things had been quiet for the most part since a few of the others had left.  The atmosphere in the ship's underbelly hadn't changed much; though some of the young, hopeful ones were continuously watching the door and listening in the ducts for their brave comrades, the others were quiet and still, hardly accepting of any hope until they saw the sunlight for themselves.

Wallard was in the middle.  The brave ones that left were full of lots of potential, especially Jake.  But he had also been around long enough not to trust anything to mere words.

It wasn't long before jarring, faraway sounds shook the place.  Popping, slamming, maybe even faint screaming.  Then, footfalls, coming closer.

Th' hell?  I don't think it's dinnertime yet, the light-colored Gryphon thought, his eyes narrowed as he straightened and walked toward the doorway, making sure he was the first one to face the guardsmen.

At the flustered guard's reaction to his words, Xephelon just gestured politely with one of his four arms. "It is no significant trouble, it is merely one of the common situations that arises when one takes a form few people know of." As the guard then started shouting to another crewmember, Xephelon then waved his hand in a reassuring manner. "That will not be necessary, I have not brought any luggage aboard. I have no personal belongings aside from this exoshell I am wearing, and this ticket I have purchased." Xephelon said as he presented the ticket that he had been clutching in one of his other arms. The Mythos then noticed that more police were boarding the ship as the guard began to lead him to his room. His three light-eyes 'blinked' in sequence. Hm. I wonder what this is all about. The local law enforcement seems to have something that's got them in a flurry...but, at least it apparently doesn't have anything to do with me.

Xephelon followed after the guard, with his four scuttling insectoid legs allowing him to keep up with the strangely quick pace the guard was setting. Xephelon figured it was just because the ship's crew were scrambling to get things sorted out. Somewhat worryingly, on the other hand, he could feel his exoshell start to slow down, and the arcane carvings of green light across his body began to dim slightly. It seemed the anti-magic field was getting stronger the more deeper they went into the ship. Xephelon tried to ask the guard about it. "Excuse me, sir, but can--" But, before Xephelon could finish his question and they could reach his room, a policewoman stopped them both.

Even though the arcane aura-sensing function of the enspelled sight that his exoshell gave him was still mostly useless with the ship's anti-magic field suppressing anything that he could see with it, he could recognize the amulets the bobcat wore on their construction alone: some sort of undead-controlling amulets, likely for unintelligent undead. After the back-and-forth between the guard and the policewoman, Xephelon cut in. "Yes, I am a passenger. Xephelon is my name, and I am an uncommon race of Mythos in this part of the world. While it does understandably share many traits in common with a construct, what you see before you is in fact the exoshell body I am wearing, and is not autonomous. This crewmember was merely escorting me to my room, as I have only just purchased passage on this ship less than an hour ago." He explained--though now the anti-magic field was starting to cause his less firmly enchanted speech-spell to fluctuate, accompanied by a significant dimming of the green lights lining his shell each time. Great. What next? He decided to voice some questions while he could. "And...pardon me, but the anti-magic field of this ship is starting to interfere with the enchantments operating my exoshell." Xephelon said as he turned his torso to the guard. "Is there anything that can be done about this? It will become quite an irritant if I must deal with it throughout the voyage." Xephelon then turned back to the bobcat. "And, if I may inquire, what is the situation with the local law enforcement boarding this vessel? I noticed more boarding after I did. It is very unusual, and makes me more than a little concerned for my personal safety. Is there anything I need to worry about? Ugh, dratted anti-magic field..."

The Boarding Ramp

"Actually if you just wait right here I can go get my supervisor and-!" The frog's words twanged like banjo strings, tense and rapid-fire. The wolfess barely seemed to be noticing him anymore though, her eyes and ears both flicking around with attention as sharp orders were called out among the guards beside them. Perhaps he'd actually be able to get away?
  A hand shot out, fast enough that there was a little snap as the sleeve of the demon's jacket displaced the air, and clasped Jeremiah's shoulder. Steely fingers digging in just a bit, her eyes locked on his. And slowly, her face melted into a very expressive smirk. 'Gotcha', it seemed to say.
  "I can see that customer service comes naturally to you," she insouciated at him, pulling him slightly toward her so that she could straighten back up, but in such a nonchalant way that she managed to make the movement seem mostly his own work. "Of course I'll be happy to wait in the boarding hall up the ramp." She smiled at him. That is to say, the corners of her mouth went up, and she showed the frog a full set of sharp, gleaming teeth. "What a gentleman. I'm sure we can work this out to mutual benefit and without any disturbances."

On the scaffolding, far above the Flame of Freedom

Thorialtor gave a polite nod as Aisha shouted for him, and winced at her question.
"Probably not." The look of chastisement on his face looked... Grossly inadequate. Like a man who had dropped a pie in his lap. He fell into step next to her, whispering. "There has been a bit of an issue in the plan... An agent of mine was recruiting assistance from the slavehold, and near as I can tell someone got caught." He grumbled, "I'd called in the local police hoping to pressure the slavers to take off early, ahead of schedule. This way my agents can make their move while they're still distant from civilization, but still miles from their last proper check in... But I didn't think Captain Bartholemew was in town." He sighed, "Rhinosaurus, very thorough man. Once saw smash a mythos' teeth out with his fist," as if to make his point, Thorialtor pantomimed a small boxers jab, punctuated by an almost comical "tlok" of the tongue. "Very devout member of Quaggath's necromancy-centric religion. He took the tip as grounds for a complete investigation, and... Last report I received, there was shooting inside." The man gave a heaving sigh, broad shoulders slumped, "Once, I do wish a plan would just come together without incident... I'm trying to get my people in to rescue what prisoners we can but, well, as mentioned, Bartholemew is QUITE thorough. Getting anyone apart from the small number I've sent in, without implicating myself, is proving to be... Challenging."
"Of course," The man turned and studied his nails, "If some adventurer did something... Suitably adventurous, I'm certain I could provide aide while maintaining plausible deniability..."

The Boarding Ramp

Jeremiah winced, and gave an experimental wriggle to get out of her grasp, but no luck.
Damn demons.
Liturgically accurate.
Not the time. Well, she just wanted to get at the boarding ramp, that should be no trouble. "Absolutely, right this way, Miss." The grin snapped back into place, properly. She obviously didn't seem to want revenge for some perceived slight at the card tables. Hell, maybe she tipped well.
He started back toward the ship...
The frog's unnatural innocuousness seemed to hold firm this far, and soon they had reached the boarding hall, surrounded by officers and arguing, confused waitstaff. The ships guards were nowhere to be found, and more cops seemed to be pouring in.
"Ah, things appear to be in a bit of chaos, but I'm sure I can find somebody to see to you, I'll need just a moment to find someone who's not-"
That's when three more officers came around a bend in the hall; a rhino with captains pips on his lapel, barking orders and clutching a bleeding shoulder, while a tiger and an alligator supported him by the shoulders.
"PUT OUT AN ALL OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY, AND WHERE THE BLEEDING HELL ARE MY TECHNICAL MAGES? GET THIS ANTIMAGIC FIELD DOWN NOW!"
"We have to get him to a healer." The tiger was speaking to a nearby, hurrying aide, "And get all these people downtown for processing, this is officially a siege situation."
"ANY PASSENGERS THAT CAN BE TAKEN ALIVE ARE TO BE SENT TO PROCESSING IMMEDIATELY!" The rhino possessed an unnatural vivaciousness, even as his shoulder continued to drip on the floor, "IF YOU SEE A TICKET, YOU SEE A GODDAMN SUSPECT!"
"Sir, your injury! Stop straining your-"
"YOU!" Oh god, the Rhino had seen Jeremiah, "THIS MAN'S IN SHIPS LIVERIES, WHY THE HELL IS NOBODY TAKING HIS STATEMENT?!"
Welp. There goes the invisibility.

Within the ship, a little past the boarding hall

"We received an anonymous tip that someone was operating a furrae trafficking ring out of this ship," The bobcat scowled; the demonic guard was starting to look nervous, "... And selling to the passengers. You'll need to give a complete statement and reason for your-"
... The distant sound of firearms reached their hallway. For a moment all was still and quiet, the pause of furious contemplation...
For the second time today finding himself the single unluckiest man in the world, the demon scrambled about his person for a pistol. The bobcat reacted first, her own firearm up and aimed at the wolf's face. The hardening of a demon's skin MIGHT turn aside a bullet, but it depended on the demon's reflexes, and at this range there was no way the officer could miss the guard's wide, nervous eyes.
"... You may want to step down this way, sir." The bobcat said to Xephelon, teeth bared. "Slowly."

Singing Grin's Luxury Suite, or, Gotta Love The Shining Armor

The turtles looked at each other a moment, snouts crinkling.
"They could be lying."
"They're probably lying. What we CAN prove is that they sure as hell ain't dressed like slaves."
"Yeah but look here." The first turtle held up the pangolin's wrist, gently, with a practiced ease that implied experience with special victims. "This one's still got marks on his wrists."
Then they heard the gunfire. Both looked up, toward the cafeteria.
"... Good enough for me. C'mon, both of you. Lets get you out of here, let criminal processing figure it out."

Kaf and Eden's rooms

"Easy way to prove this. Ma'am, you said this man was a thief? Did you see what he'd taken?" The guard moved forward to frisk Kirrin.

The Cafeteria

It was hard to believe that thirty seconds ago this had been a reasonable crowd of people, awaiting statements by the authorities. This place was bedlam. Some of the passengers had gone to hunker down behind the makeshift fortifications of tables that the ships crew was defending, while others had either gone along quietly with the police or had been dragged off by them. In another corner of the room there was a hamster in a Vermali Military Uniform organizing some of the other passengers in another fortification, trying to calm people down and keep people safe, but overall the whole room was a screaming mess of people trying to get out and either being cut off by more of the fighting or being successfully taken away by one side or the other.

The slavehold

Ugh, it was the fat wolf demon again. This time he looked alarmed.
"You dumb slobs." The man had a cadre of heavily armed, anxious looking demons with him, "Who the hell let onna ya out, huh? Someone on staff? There's men DYIN' upstairs cuz some little bird got impatient, we need some fuckhin' answers."

"We're stuck," Jakob pronounced, looking at the mobs and pandemonium building up around the exits from the dining area.  "We might be able to make for the toilets and hide there until things calm down, but I imagine they're pretty full of others doing the same thing by now."

So saying, the wolf crouched down and morphed his wings into a protective shape, wrapping them around himself like a crude sort of tent that protected him against stray rounds.

"We may have to wait it out until we're arrested or the ship takes off."

As the frog turned instantly cooperative, the wolfess released her grip, and made a quick nod that seemed to indicate satisfaction. She was about to fall into step behind him, when she seemed to remember herself, and her head spun about, looking over her shoulders. Now where has he gone? she thought. Typical. A small stroke of luck, but now she couldn't spare the time to look. She fell into step just behind Jeremiah, eyes still panning about.
  There was a sudden furious exclamation, and her attention was drawn toward it. A guard captain was barking pained orders and making a stir. She prodded the man in front of her in the back, leaning a bit forward again and speeding up her walk, while looking just a bit downward and trying to affect an air of preoccupied temporary blindness.
  "Don't look," she mumbled out of the corner of her mouth. Putting her hands together behind her back, she felt at her right wrist, fingers tracing the outline of something slim and cylindrical within one sleeve. "And walk faster. We don't-"
  "...THE HELL IS NOBODY TAKING HIS STATEMENT?!"
  Crap. He'd spotted them. Or, possibly, just the frog. The man didn't exactly seem entirely composed at the moment. She didn't falter in her stride, but she felt her resolve starting to shake nevertheless. Every passenger was a suspect of what, exactly? Those who had been on or off the ship? And where had Miles got off to?! The little weasel couldn't have just disappeared. If he were here, he could have at least provided a distraction.
  "Just keep walking!" she hissed between her teeth at Jeremiah, studiously ignoring the rhino and his attendants. Something was happening here, and she wanted a vantage position to watch it. She really didn't want to have to spend time sitting and being bombarded with banal questions over a table in a claustrophobic room by some moronic buddy-cop duo. It never ended quickly or well enough. They never knew how to treat a lady with dignity - or anyone else for that matter - and last time she'd had a devil of a time getting the metal splinters out of her knuckles.

Shax wrapped his wings about himself, headwings formed and wrapped softly around his own head. He saw Jakob grab and bend the fork, eyes glowing "Jakob! Get ahold of yourself. We don't need to let emotions get the best of us!" The cabbit's foot kicked over the table, ducting down behind it and dragging the wolf with him. "As for now, we just need to stay low and keep behind cover... The chaos is just going to get worse for the moment, lets just stay out of the way. We will have our chance to flee." For a healer, Shax seemed a tad experienced in situations like this. "Are you injured? Did it graze you at all?" Shax asked, looking over the other Cubi.

"I am unhurt," Jakob said sullenly.  "But I may need to be restrained if that idiot comes near me.  But yes, we wait until the ship takes off or we are given an opportunity to surrender safely."

Xephelon's exoshell appeared to be shocked still at the bobcat's first words, while inside his fleshy body was quivering. And I just wanted to have a nice field trip of studying... "A...trafficking ring? On this ship? But...oh, so that must be why the anti-magic field is excessively overcharged..." The exoshell buzzed out. The sound of firearms then rang through the hallway from distant parts in the ship, and Xephelon immediately knew that he was going to have a very interesting rest of the day. And not in the good way, either. By the gods, how did he keep ending up in situations like this?!

The two others in the hallway then went to a standoff with each other, with the bobcat policewoman managing to get the drop on the Demon guard, getting her weapon up and pointed at the Demon's head before he could move or draw his own. And with the policewoman's command, Xephelon figured that working with the authorities was the smartest thing to do from here on out. What frustrated him to no end was that the anti-magic field was still up, and not only was it beginning to interfere with his exoshell, he didn't think he could work any magic-infusions, not even through the channeling-crystals in the hands of his exoshell. At best, he might be able to construct the spell for a basic weak energy-ray in one of the crystals, which would be something though still not anything that would make much of a difference...though, the Demon guard didn't have to know that.

The exoshell began skittering sideways away from the Demon guard, while Xephelon brought two of four of the exoshell's spindly arms up and spread the radially-clustered fingers on the end wide, revealing the small crystals embedded in the 'palms'. Xephelon pointed them at the guard, while he slowly strafed towards the bobcat to get closer to her side. "I am appalled at knowing that this wondrous vessel I hoped to study and learn from is being used for such crass purposes. You have my cooperation, authority, and I offer my skills to help resolve this situation, after present company has been dealt with..."

Jakob's eyes widened.  "Officer Rhino... what if he's one of the buyers...?  He stormed in here, he knew about the whole thing... he knew before we did... he's operating entirely outside normal police procedure, and sparked what is liable to turn into a full-scale war, or several, depending on how many ambassadors get hurt or killed...
"With that kind of backdrop, no-one will be any the wiser if the actual slaves go missing or are 'killed' in the chaos... He'll end up with them all and he won't even have to pay!"

There were few things Kaela hated more than being bored, and right now, she was bored. She had been stuck sitting on the dock for nearly six hours now, and the only interesting thing she had found to do in that time was kick over to the nearest tavern for happy hour. The beauty of the luxury liner Flame of Freedom had long grown stale, and between the bustle of city crowds and the shouting of police she had elected to move to the side and have a seat on her bag. A luxury suite. Hot baths. Gourmet food served up by professional chefs. An obscenely expensive and overly fancy bar. None of that, no ma'am. This vacation was going to take place out on the pier with nothing to do, and this vacation was off to a rotten start.  Kaela watched people pass her by. It was a cosmopolitan city, all things considered, and being a little bit drunk made the minutes pass a little bit more quickly. There were Creatures and beings of every type, and she imagined most of them were wondering the same thing she was. Just what the hell was going on?

A familiar black-furred figure jogged by, cloak billowing in the breeze. Kaela furrowed her brow and grinned wolfishly.
   
"Well, hello," she mumbled in a husky voice, standing to her feet and slinging her pack over her shoulders.
   
Kaela gave thanks for her height as she pushed through the press of bodies near the ramp, scanning the horizon.  "Excuse me, ma'am. Sorry, sir. Coming through. Excuse me." She peeked between the wings of a particularly upset demon and sidled out of the crowd.  There she was, Kaela thought. She hadn't seen Aisha in years. Wherever that panther is going, there's bound to be something a hell of a lot more fun than this, Kaela thought.
   
A hand fell on Aisha's shoulder. "Excuse me, love, I seem to be lost. can you help me?" Kaela smirked, her eyes bright and cheeky.

-------------------

Milla had found her daily performances since the Flame of Freedom's initial departure simply exhausting. Who would have known there would be so many high-class socialites eager to talk and flirt under the pretense of complicated dancing? She had reveled in the gapes of awe directed at her as she had wandered the halls. A succubus, they would whisper! There had been more than enough lords and ladies eager to speak with her, and eager to be seen speaking with her. According to some at the Academy it had recently become quite fashionable to be seen in the company of a succubus of her clan, and that was the reason, she believed, that she had received her invitation at all. A succubus performing in a grand ballroom? How progressive!
   
It had been her intention to enjoy a fine meal and a glass of wine in the upper deck cafe. Police had been up and down the ship now, and with each one she came to they insisted on identification and background. A signet ring, an eyeshadowed wink, and leaning to give a generous view of her ample chest had been enough to see her through, for the most part. Others were less weak-willed or of the wrong persuasion, and for those she produced her VIP pass, a golden card emblazoned with her name.
   
Milla had barely arrived inside the cafeteria before all hell had broken loose. With the judicious use of skulking, she had managed to slip out of the line of fire, unnoticed and unseen. With guile and speed she slinked from table to table before finally making it to a very animated grey and pink duo.
   
"This appears to be quite the altercation," she said with a smile, brushing a wispy strand of hair from her face. Her voice was earthy, and her accent was thick and glottal. "You look like the rough-and-tumble sort. Would you care to escort a lady out?"

"Right now we're having enough trouble escorting ourselves out," Jakob said, glancing around at the newcomer.  "But you're welcome to tag along.  Succubus, right?  Shield yourself with your wings, I was nearly hit by a stray bullet earlier.  In case you missed the memo, we're in a shooting war between the local police, who want to arrest everyone on the ship - or at least, the ones who don't get killed in the fighting - and the ship's crew, who are trying to protect us and get the ship in the air, but seem to be running some kind of slaving ring.
"Meanwhile, I need to get my diplomatic bag from my room if I possibly can.  Then I can sensibly decide whether to stay aboard and cooperate with whoever wins, or get the hell off the ship, and presumably turn myself into the authorities for questioning.  In short, we're in a hell of a pickle, Miss... Nact'Larn...?" he finished, giving the succubus a more thorough appraisal once he thought it was safe to do so.

   Milla folded her left wing over her shoulder, and an errant round whizzed directly at where her exposed head would have been. There was a flash of light and a shower of sparks as the bullet ricocheted away from its feathered surface. "I see that," she muttered, a little shaken. She tried to lower her profile as best she could, folding her headwings over her cheeks.
   
"Slaving ring?" Milla furrowed her brow. "Seems as if we do not have many allies here." Another bullet thudded into the table beside them. "Yes, I am Nact'larn. Milla Nact'larn von Kassel. You'll forgive me if I don't curtsy, given our predicament." The bird cocked her head to the side and smirked. "And you? A grey incubus? I know you, although I am not famliar with your companion. You were on the VIP list. You must be Jakob Pettersohn," she said, intoning each syllable with a precise pronunciation. Ya-kob Pay-ter-sohn.

"At your service," Jakob said.  "It's so refreshing to find someone who doesn't pronounce it 'Jacob'.  But I digress.  We're caught between the police, who seem to be trying to turn this into a full-scale war and will if any diplomats are harmed, and the crew.  One group wants to interrogate us and doesn't care if we die, the other group wants to protect us but are, for want of a better word, somewhat evil.
"The idiot rhino has cornered them, and since they risk decapitation, they are liable to do anything to escape that sorry fate.  I don't trust the police either, for that matter - they appear to be assuming that all the passengers and crew are guilty by default."

"As for my companion, he is Shax of Jin's clan," Jakob continued, suddenly wondering as he spoke, if the two clans were actually on good terms or not.

"It's a shame the local authorities could not handle this situation with more tact and grace, deplorable though the accusations may be," Milla mused, flinching as another volley of gunfire echoed in the cafeteria. "As loathe as I am to admit it, it may behoove us to simply flee the ship. If the crew are indeed trading in people as livestock-" The succubus turned up her nose at the notion. "-then I would rather not assist them." She peeked over the barricade for a moment. "And with the situation escalated so quickly, the police are as liable to murder us in their panic as they are to help us."

Milla glanced past Jakob with a friendly smile, eyeing the pastel-colored cabbit. "But we have a member of Jin's clan with us. How unusual!" Another round struck the wall behind them, and Milla brushed stray chips away from her shoulder. "Your grandmother would be quite upset to find you outside of the Academy walls, given how perilously thin her children have become." She turned and gazed at the prostrate bodies that were starting to pile up on either side. "If this fight winds down and magic is restored, can you heal the wounded, Shax of Jin? They may need your help."

"That may be," Jakob said, "But I'm not sure they deserve death for it.  It's not like that has acted as a deterrent - if anything, the threat of execution has only made everything worse by making them desperate.  If we do flee the ship, the police will take it as evidence of our own guilt as buyers.  And if Officer Rhino is a buyer himself, we'll make lovely scapegoats to cover his own involvement.
"And if we do prove our innocence and get turned loose, the crew are the only ones who can fly this thing.  Evil or not, we need them, or we'll be stranded on this shithole of an island."

Mel gave the rabbit her very best why are the ornamental statues talking to me look. She reached into her pocket, the charmed one no one could access but her, for her passport. After a moment's hesitation she chose the fancy one with all the ribbons and seals. The one that all but had "Ambassador of Oh-No-Not-Them land" written on the cover. As she handed it over the last thing he said finally sunk in; slavers. She looked around and saw the number of undead and resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of her nose against the oncoming headache. Between slaves and the sullied dead grandmother could NEVER hear of this. Auntie Di would never be able to control the PR if grandmother had an episode.

Officer Dumont felt a twitch developing in his left ear. The ear that told him when an operation was going bad. He was supposed to be in his office; today was the day when the baker brought over the pies to the police station to thank them for their protection. Until that overbearing Rhino had come from Central command and dragged all of them out here. Then his sensitive ears caught the sounds of two different voices on bullhorns.  One was commanding the passengers to head towards the safety of the police and the second was urging them towards the protection of the crew. Dumont did have to commend Rhino for being able to spit out that safety of the police line without giggling. That was why he was at Central and getting bribed in gold and Dumont worked the dock district and was bribed in pies.

Then the deep thrum of engines starting up convinced Dumont that his left ear was absolutely correct. If the ship managed to lift there was a good chance of everyone on the loading ramp being dumped down three stories to the bottom of the docking bay. He shouted out to his crew "This location is unstable. Gather up everyone who looks valua... I mean bring all the passengers to the safety of the stationhouse until the fighting is past."

Mel found herself being crowded rapidly down the ramp and off to who knew where.

"Hobbies, Hobbies G'ian" The fennec blinked at the kangaroo officer and when demanded his passport he went to comply. "Is there anything wrong officer?" The incubus looked generally clueless at why law enforcement had appeared on the ship.

Without warning, Jakob flopped to the ground.  It looked like he had collapsed at first, but one of his large, sensitive ears was pressed hard against the carpet.  "It's starting," he said.  "I can hear the engines powering up.   I think that fleeing the ship is just about to become a whole lot harder."

The cabbit stayed low behind the overturned table, wings wrapped tightly around him, almost like a hooded cloak. Shax stared at the newcomer out of the corner of his eye, giving a wary glance. "Welcome to the club I suppose." He muttered. Those pink eyes darted about for any means of escape, a way out of here...

He gave the newcomer a sharp look for a moment as his grandmother, and SAIA were mentioned "I know this... But I can't stand being cooped up in one place too long, while it is my home, it started to feel like a prison." Sighed the young incubus. "In any case, yes, if magic is restored, I can heal those who need it, I'm afraid in combat, I'm not much use. Strength is not Jin Clan's specialty. And unfortunately, my knife is back in my room."

Eyes peered to Jakob as he got low "Are you alright? Whats wro- Starting? They are firing the engines?!." His head shook "This is not good... Because now they will get desperate. Some would rather die than get arrested. I hope whos behind the wheel has a level and stable mind, otherwise, he might just take down the ship, and all of us, officers, passengers, and crew with it, just to avoid getting prison time or the block..."

The cabbit's eyes lit up, remembering the bird that fell on him earlier, and looking up at the vents. "Think we can get up there and find a way out of this area using the vents?"

"I like that idea," Jakob said.  "But three of us or more... the vents could barely support him.  We'd bring it down instanty.  Plus there's the problem of getting up there without getting shot at.  Above the crowd, we'd be very exposed.  But there should be vents in the walls, maybe at floor level.
"Or," he said, making one of his wings razor-sharp with some difficulty, "We could make our own vents in the walls."

Shax would sigh, "Hm... You make a good point..." He looked over at the wolf, "But I would not reccommend right to cut our own, less you hit a wire and get the shock of your life, or cause a power outage for the room, that would put everyone here in a panic with a blackout and we don't need that... Let's try to find a wall vent."

Milla smiled warmly at Shax. "I understand, dear. I've only been at the academy for barely two decades, and I already feel like a chicken in a coop." She cocked her head. "I am only out on special leave, and even then, only because I was invited," she cooed, glancing about. She flitted a little and stared as Jakob very intently listened to the ground. After a moment, she noticed a slight movement like the gentle rocking of a boat. "Oh, my, that does not bode well," she said quietly, flinching as another volley of gunfire passed overhead. "I think we may have to throw our plan to abandon ship to the winds, Jakob," she agreed. "Even without the ability to cast spells we can still wing-shift enough to fit into a vent, although it will certainly be cramped." She looked around, her eyes darting from corner to corner. There were a few smaller vents, but nothing big enough for a whole person, let alone three, to fit into. "This may present some difficulties."

The panther was getting more and more anxious by the minute with Thorialtor's words.  Now the place was being shot up?  She felt that if she strained to hear above the shouting, there would be gunshots somewhere in the cacophonous mix.

If an adventurer did something suitably adventurous...

Aisha grinned.  Now he was talking her language, and there was nothing better that she loved to do in a time of urgency than to take action.

She looked between the moose and the ship, in which the boarding ramp was now a hub of chaos, and placed her hand on the hilt of the boomerang.  She'd have a less difficult time with her enchantments, but if the magic suppressor was still in place on the ship, the naked weapons would do.  Hopefully, if she could do this quickly, there wouldn't be a need to kill anyone.  Gods help an officer if they got in her way.

"Twist my arm, señor," she answered with half a smirk, giving him a serious look.  "I have to find Kafzeil and my other acquaintances first, and then we'll see what we can do once inside.  You just keep your word about that help."

Then, with a deep breath, she turned away and made ready to jump the railing.  But at that moment, she tensed at feeling a hand on her shoulder.

Aisha was certain that if it were a cop stopping her, his head would have come clean off.  Turning around with a growl, her jaw instead fell, having done so now twice today.  A bold tigress stood before her, some years her senior but still with the vitality of youth, another very familiar face.

"...Dios mio," The panther barked a hearty laugh.  "What is this, 'reunite our heroes' day?  Kaela, amiga, what're you doing here?"

But it was then that adding to the deafening sounds were the loud, all-encompassing rumble of a ship's engines.  The panthress turned back, to her horror, to see the Flame of Freedom readying itself for departure.  It would still take a while to get it into the air, hopefully, but that rumbling added an extra sense of urgency into her adrenaline.

"Shit," she cursed and turned back to the tigress.  "I think a good conversation can come later, I'm afraid.  Long story short, that ship's hiding a slaving ring, the cops are raiding, and I'm playing emancipator.  If you wanna bash some heads--and I think you want to, if I know you," she smirked, "then stick close, 'cause I'm going back in."

With a swish of her cape, Aisha pulled her cowl over her face to hide her features and vaulted the fence atop the overlook and back down to the dock.  Like a blur, she was shoving aside anyone in her way and using the shoulders and heads of the taller ones as step-stones, making it back through the doors.  Thankfully, once she drew her sword, most people didn't object to moving out of range.

She was following her ears to where the most ruckus seemed to be coming from.

*     *     *

Somewhere in the guest quarters of the stern, Jake breathed a sigh of relief when the tortoises finally had the idea that they were dealing with escapees.  His pangolin friend was tense as ever, but was thankful that the shackle-marks hadn't rubbed off completely of his scaled wrist.  His own wings felt like they hadn't completely gotten used to being free of the weights.

At the sound of shooting, the Gryphon's ears flicked around with his head.  Oh Gods...things are getting worse, I think.

At least the cops were eager to get running.  He nodded his agreement to get out of there.  But as good an idea as it was to get off the ship, he wouldn't stop thinking about the others below deck, awaiting their return.

His inner Knight wouldn't let him break a promise, even for the safer option.  He was still frozen in front of the door.

"Friend," he called to the pangolin as he straightened his loose, ruffly shirt and vest.  Hopefully he still looked the part of a noble so the guards below wouldn't give him more than a glance.  "Go with the officers; get out of here and be free.  I imagine the paperwork's bad, but it's not worse than slavery."

The pair of terrapins narrowed their eyes questioningly at him.  The pangolin sputtered.  "What the hell are you thinking of doing?"

"Back to Wallard and the others in the hold," Jake answered, flexing his talons.  "This chaos is the perfect opportunity to get them up and out.  Besides, the bastards stole my trusty halberd," he smirked.  "Can't let that go without a fight.  If one of you wants to follow me," he told the cops, "that's fine, then you'll get your proof.  If not, just be prepared.  And get my friend to safety."

And before another word was said, he rushed out and where he hoped he could remember was back down into the lower levels.  Most likely his weapon was stored with any other goods stolen from the slaves, somewhere in the crews' quarters.

*     *     *

While many of the other slaves were backing into a corner at the sight of the wolf demon and his armed minions, Wallard stood with his arms crossed, having not moved an inch save for the raise of his eyebrows.

"Had ta be someone on th' crew," the wingless Gryphon said, a hint of dismissal in his voice.  "Don't know who she is.  Didn't see 'er face, didn't see where she took 'em.  Thought she was hired by you goons ta play with us.  That's all any a' us knows.  You know me, doggy, I been here longer n' anyone.  I ain't lyin'.  So yer wastin' precious time questionin' us here."

On the inside of his facade, Wallard's nerves were close to being shot.  Jake, where the hell are you and the others and what's goin' on?

Beneath their feet, the rumbling of the ship grew louder.

The Cafeteria

The whud of bullets and the roar of demons howled around the three cubi, huddled in the safety of their fortifications. The doors seemed a continent away, but there were two visible vents on their side of the room. One led through the kitchens, the other to the outer hall full of police.
Unfortunately, they wouldn't have much time to make their decision. An iguana on the police side of the room noticed them, about the same time a mottled grey wolf demon from amongst the guards did.
"OVER HERE!" The wolf demon waved over, "We'll get you out of here, come on!"
"COME HERE." The iguana bellowed, "WE CANNOT GUARANTEE YOUR PROTECTION IF YOU STAY!"
Welp.

The catwalks above the Flame of Freedom

Thor opened his mouth to respond to Kaela, but before he could Aisha had vaulted over the railing and went skipping across the crowd, he blinked a few times, and then chuckled. "Adventurers."
"When you catch up with her," he said to Kaela, "And please, for the love of god catch up with her, let her know that there's an unguarded way in around the back of the ship. The Flame is built to land on a flat platform, and the wall behind it in the Quaggath airdock blocks the other ramp from opening fully. There should be enough space for you two to slither in, unguarded save for the odd engine discharge, and if you meet up with my agent inside she should be able to provide further aide. She should presently look like a cheshire cat mercenary, and answers to the name Singing Grin." He turned back to the ship, "The resistance thanks you for your efforts, Madame. You're fighting the good fight."

The Hallways of the Flame of Freedom

As Jake ran down the hallways, disregarding the "STOP" of the police behind him, he couldn't help but notice a discarded object in the hallway. A patch in the form of a simple hankerchief, layered with enchantments to resist the antimagic field, and embroidered with a simple picture of a wide-eyed cat sticking out its tongue.

--

"He's listed under the entertainment..." The kangaroo's aide said meekly. The officer looked Hobbies up and down, squinting.
"Trade issue. Should be shorted out in-,"
There was a muffled banging from elsewhere in the ship. "-... Short order. Very short. In the meantime, come with us. We'll need a statement from you regarding your business on the Flame of Freedom." He added a smile, almost as an afterthought. "Should all be very routine."

--

"Make yourself useful and you may get your chance," The cop grinned down at Xephelon, apparently happy for an ally. "Keep your aim on him." Ignoring the grumbling chagrin of the creature, she cuffed him. After a moment she clasped the shackles from his own belt onto him as well; he was a demon, after all. "Help me get him outside, I'll let the chief know you were cooperative." With that, gun still trained on the grumbling guard, she led them for the ramp.
The guard, however, wasn't out of ideas.
"She's lying you know."
The demon hissed to Xephelon, wild eyed and panicked, "Rights aren't exactly a big THING here in Quaggath, as soon as they have you in a cell they'll shuck you like an oyster for that golem. They run snatch and grabs on visitors all the time, they call it eminent domain. Set me lose or we'll both die in one of their gulags!"
The officer's ears twitched, but she didn't turn to look. She didn't seem to hear...

The boarding lobby of the Flame of Freedom

Never underestimate the invisibility bestowed by a brisk walking pace and a lack of eye contact. The police captain's aides were too preoccupied with their superior's health to look where he was pointing before Lea and Jeremiah had gotten around the corner, and the other cops seemed to be vacating the ramp in large numbers. Someone had given orders to withdraw.
Unfortunately, it was when they were around that corner when the second bellow came. "-To the Empress herself if you don't just SLAP A NECROPATCH ON IT AND STOP FUSSING LIKE SCHOOLMARMS YOU TWO WILL BE THE MOST DEMOTED MEN IN OUR GODSDAMN HISTORY! And WHY HAS NOBODY APPREHENDED THAT FROG AND THAT DEMON!?[/b]" There was a panicked whispering and the sound of approaching feet. When Lea turned back down the hall Jeremiah was already running, the slap of his broad feet disappearing down the hall.

The Slavehold

"Pretty sure I 'been wasting my precious time FEEDING you!" The demon snarled through the bars, "Funny thing, I got better things to do with my time than play HEAD GAMES with the PRODUCT. You said it was a woman. What was her NAME?"
"S..." A timid voice came from the back of the hold, a mouse that looked like she was on the verge of starvation, "... She said her name was Singing Grin."
"Singing... Oh gods of gods Ysengrin." The fat demon face gave way to one of abject horror. It couldn't be sure if it was an improvement of his usual one of slothful arrogance.
"Yer all movin' out. This place ain't safe. Men, Ysengrin Uidnetan is on board the ship! We ran drills for this, every guard take up position. We take 'em away in groups of five...!"
Jake was just now making his way down the steps back into the hold, a few hallways down from the cells, but he could hear the ruckus all the same, "... Three guards to a group, facing out, weapons DRAWN. And if you see that ice slinging old bitch you aim for the damn HEAD!"

"I'm sorry," Jakob said, with an expression of regret, "But I can't trust either of you.  And I need my documents."
So saying, he scurried to the nearest vent, kicked it in and began to scrabble inside, motioning for Shax to follow.
It was the vent that led towards the kitchens.

Kaela was all ready to bring Aisha into a sweeping embrace before the growling of spooling engines shook the ground around them. "Lo siento, Aisha, I think we might have to save the introductions and catch-up for later," she said, twisting to glance at the Flame of Freedom. The ship wasn't anywhere close to actually taking off, but if the situation onboard was as desperate as Aisha claimed, they needed to get inside, and quickly. "Slaving ring? Certainly a good reason to start cracking skulls," she growled, clearly unnerved. "I came here for a vacation, but at looks like there'll be plenty of action to go around." She gave Aisha a hearty slap on the back as the panther leapt off. "Drinks are on me when we clean this place up!"

Thor's explanation hit her ears, and she didn't stop to respond, leaping over the balcony and hitting the ground in a combat roll with catlike grace. Eschewing Aisha's somewhat more athletic approach, Kaela opted to simply use her bulk like a battering ram to get through the crowd. "Aisha!", she called out, cupping her hand to make a megaphone. The tigress barely caught up just as the panther was hitting the doorway. "There's a better way around back!"

Xyrtia was well down the hall by the time the big bangs started happening, driving any thought of a plan out of her panicked flight. Turn, turn, straight, turn, straight, turn, through the door, out that one, dodge that lion, leap that bar, run, run, run, and suddenly she saw that gryphon from the holding area running too, but towards her. Along with a lot of very angry people in black, like that rhino. "Kraak," she muttered, before turning around and picking up speed again. She fell in with the gryphon and panted, "So. Plan?" Athletic though she may have been before slavery, her ribs were starting to hurt and she could feel her legs tiring and scuffing.

Shax reacted fast and began to follow close behind the wolf, rushing as fast as he could. The young cubi gasped, emitting a groan as a stray bullet struck his shoulder. He could not worry about that now, the cabbit entered the vent and crawled behind the wolf, the scent of blood filling the crowded space quickly. "Ngh... Frig, thats painful." He paused for a moment to check his injury. "So much for keeping us safe... Either side doesn't care who gets injured."

Milla flexed her wings and stared dumbly as Jakob scrabbled into the closest open airduct, his Jin companion close behind him. She scrunched her narrow face into an expression of disgust. "You're just leaving me at the mercy of these brutes?", she huffed. The young succubus looked over one wing back at the ensuing firefight. She made her avian eyes wide and huge and accentuated her shocked expression as she turned and marched quickly and regally towards the ship's guards, using her aquiline visage to enhance the effect. "Oh, please help me!", she cried. Her shoes clicked and her hips swayed as she did her best to make the most elegant and beautiful appearance possible. "None of the passengers will help me, and the police have been shooting at me!"

Jakob swore as he heard the succubus kicking off behind them.  He heard Shax muttering and complaing behind him.  "What's happened?  Where did she go?"  The wolf's eyes narrowed as the cabbit grunted.  "You okay there, Shax?"

He slowed as they approached a ventilation port and peered out, looking for signs of police or crew.

Shax shook his head. "She didn't follow..... Shall I go back for her? It won't feel right leaving her to those animals..." The cab it closed his eyes, huffing and gritting his teeth in pain. "I was hit, the bullet is still lodged in my shoulder but I'll be fine for now... We need to worry about getting to a safe area."

"No, no... don't risk yourself," Jakob said, pushing the vent out of its frame.  "Jin would be distraught if anything happened to you.  Once we get out, you check your injuries, and I'll go back and see if she's still there."

To Xephelon's relief, between himself and the police officer, the demon didn't put up a fight to being apprehended. Most demons were strong enough that a single well-placed kick could cave in his exoshell or snap a limb, as Xephelon focused on filling his exoshell with craft-assisting enchantments instead of combat-oriented reinforcing enchantments. Xephelon lowered his arms as the demon was cuffed, and the bobcat started to lead him away. Xephelon trailed along just behind the two, pondering how the situation might go now and what he might have to do. The demon's words, however, interrupted his thoughts. At first, Xephelon thought that the demon was probably just throwing out lies as a last-ditch effort to get out of his situation, right up until his choice of words with "shuck you like an oyster".

Shuck you like an oyster.

Xephelon stopped in his tracks. If he had eyes (well, exposed eyes at least), they would have been twitching. For Xephelon's type of Mythos, that kind of imagery was deeply unsettling and provoking, playing exactly to their worst fears. Xephelon spent a moment mentally reeling while he tried to come up with a contingency plan, before settling with constructing another half-bluff he could use if needed. If circumstances pointed towards anyone trying to capture him for his exoshell, he could claim that it was his life-support, and if anyone were to try and remove him from it, he could explosively disenchant it in spite.

Not too far from the mark...

Quickly, Xephelon picked up the pace and scuttled to catch back up with the policewoman and the shipguard, though he was now keeping a bit more distance from them both than before, and mentally tracked every turn, branch, and doorway, keeping tabs on where he could immediately bolt to if it became necessary.

Shax gave a nod and a small sigh, moving to continue to crawl behind Jakob until they can find a exit to the confined space they were trapped in.

"Well, I can't see any obvious dangers here, so I'm going to risk it", Jakob decided.  He gave one large push and the grate finally gave way, clattering to the ground.  Slowly and carefully he stuck his head out, and crawled out.  Glancing around briefly as he dropped to the ground, he turned to help Shax out of the vent.

Shax crawled his way out of the vent with Jakob's assistance. The Cabbit's should was in pretty bad shape and was still bleeding. "Ngh... T-thanks. Well, this suit is ruined." He chuckled, clutching his shoulder.

"Shit, you're a mess," Jakob said, looking distraught and somewhat queasy.  "You're the healer, and I don't want to abandon that Nact'Larn succubus, but all the same... do you need help with that?"  He looked anxiously at the vent, fretting over whether the succubus or Shax needed his help more.

Shax, with a huff, would remove his jacket, walking over to a nearby wall, and grabbing a knife from the rack on his way over. The cabbit slumped down, sitting against the wall. "I'll be fine, go and get her." He raised the knife, dreading what was next. "By the way, if you squeamish to blood... You might was to look away..." Eyes closed tight and teeth gritting, he dug the blade into the bullet would, starting to dig around. If the wolf looked at the young cabbit, it was clear by the look on his face how much pain he was in with doing this. After a bit of effort, Shax managed to pry the bullet out of the flesh, the lead tip falling to the floor with a small clatter. The blade was removed from his shoulder, and tossed aside.

The Cubi needed a minute to regain his composure, his free hand pinching the bridge of his nose tightly as he tried to focus away from the pain. "....That was... Unpleasant, but the lead needed to be removed, least it get infected. Once the anti-magic shield is down, I can heal it proper." Shax took his jacket, and tore off a long piece of fabric, wrapping it tightly around his shoulder to try to slow the bleeding. "I should have just gone back to SAIA..."

Jakob sighed.  "All right, but take care, okay?  I'll be back as soon as I can."

Reluctantly he climbed back into the vent and made his way as carefully as he could towards the lounge they had come from, ready to crawl backwards if danger threatened.  If I can't see her, I'm going to crawl back down the vent.  But I'll only see the opening after I've gone past it.

As she rounded the corner, Lea's backbone lost the coathanger-stiff quality, and her legs tensed instead, as she loosened her knees. Her fingers drummed nervously against her palms, hands itching to grip something hard and heavy with the signature Demon's first instinct to solve things with a simple application of force. But, when you were uncertain, the last thing you wanted to do was throw yourself at something to see what stuck. For starters, you'd be throwing yourself, and there were some awful things to stick to. Or which could get stuck to you in turn.
   There came a shout from behind her. Another rabidly barked order, then footsteps, and Lea's head spun. Her magical muscles flexed momentarily, gripping for purchase, for something to hold on to and start swinging. But her forebrain caught up in the nick of time. What she needed wasn't a fight, not now. Always better out than in. No, she had to keep the opposition guessing, and find answers. Find answers, find Miles. Perhaps a distraction? Arm already extending, she turned, and went for the traditional collar grab.
   She stumbled, gripping only air. And, grinning ill at the realization, she saw the frog legging it with speed born of desperation down the corridor ahead. Oh yes, she thought, Showing your manners, boy? She growled under her breath, and began running after him, high boots thudding on the floor. For a more generously proportioned woman, she had a very good turn of speed. Act fast, get some motion going, she continued to herself, feeling the adrenalin kick in and some warmth starting to build up. Cabin's port side, one deck up. Hopefully the damn antimagic field will come down quick enough, and I'll be able to knock out anything that comes the other way...

It was awful. Everywhere Kenyan and his little friend turned, there was more noise, more gunfire, more yelling and blood above and below. He couldn't even follow Xyrtia anymore; Kenyan had to get out, he had to run again, he had to get home. The longer the vents went on, the more frightened and confused he became. He could barely even remember what he was looking for. All he knew was that he and his friend were trapped, and they needed to be free again NOW.

At last, during the endless crawling, he heard calm... and smelled food nearby. It had been so long since he'd eaten anything but the scraps the crew had fed himself and the other captives; he could feel his ribs against his skin more than he ever could before. Not caring for how much noise he made, he crawled towards the smell, reaching a corner -

And then smelled someone else coming through the vent. <SHIT.>

He turned to his little friend, squeaking roughly. <Hide. Now. I think another big creature is in here. I'll keep you safe.>

Wary and cautious in case there were further shots, Jakob peered out from the vent, but the Nact'Larn succubus was out of sight and he was not in a hurry to risk getting shot at again.  Cursing under his breath, he crawled backwards through the vent, watching carefully for the exit he'd left Shax.  Just then he felt a bump or two from in the metalwork... apparently he was not the only one in the vent.

"Shax...?  Miss Nact'Larn?  Is that you...?" he called out softly.

Shax was still back in the kitchen, slumped against a cabinet and gripping his shoulder in pain. He had already started to bleed through the piece of fabric now. "Come on Jakob, hurry and get back, we gotta go..." Muttered the Cabbit under his breath before giving a sharp intake of breath and gritting his teeth. This is not good, he started to feel dizzy from the blood loss.

The Cafeteria

Milla's subtle shifting of features had more than the desired effect. A few bullets still whizzed by here and there, but the guards were briefly dumbstruck. One of them, a younger man, actually had to scramble a moment to maintain a grip on his firearm. And no surprise; her runway strut across the battlefield was like something out of a film.
Needless to say, she was welcomed into the Flame of Freedom's guards little makeshift bunker with open arms. And the occassional hanging jaw.
"This way Ma'arm, Miss, uh, right here!" One of them, a blonde wolf, seemed to be in command of this little subsection of the ship's forces, and crouched behind the tables and chairs they'd piled up were four other passengers. "We're trying to get folks away from the battle in groups. Which reminds me, Elyse, you're up." A female guard nodded, gestured over one of the passengers (A grey, anxious looking elderly fox), and both bolted for the doors as some other demons laid down covering fire; the guard had her wings spread to protect the civilian, and soon both had ducked through the same doors the captain had ducked down. "We'll try to get you through in a bit, trying to operate on a first-in-first-out system." The blonde wolf winced as a bullet whizzed by his head. "Don't worry Ms. Nact'larn, you're safe with us"
Meanwhile, Milla could hear a banging from the vents above her. The guards seemed to not notice with the overwhelming preoccupation of not getting shot. She could see, through a bullethole above, a brief flash of grey fur; was the incubus from before coming back for her?

The Kitchens

The kitchens were vast and abandoned by the time Shax and Jakob had gotten there, but as the young healer felt himself grow fainter he could hear people approaching. A uniformed officer, a female iguana, entered through the far end of the room, weapon drawn. "Is anyone here? I heard- ohmigod." The authoritarian veneer shattered completely at the sight of blood, and she started making her way across the room, picking her way around spilled food and scattered cutlery, pots and pans clattering as she slipped and staggered. "Stay right there sir help is- ack!"

Halls of the Flame of Freedom

They made an odd procession; the guard, the police officer, and Xephelon at the rear wondering which to keep his gun trained on. The bobcat seemed perfectly happy for his company though, so there was that. They made another turn; it seemed like he'd come on board just to be marched out again, they were heading for the boarding lobby. They stepped into the hall-

Jeremiah ran headlong into a demon coming out of a nearby hallway. This was far from ideal. With a terrified yelp and an infuriated snarl both went down in a flailing heap. What followed was a few seconds of tangled scrambling and cursing, brought to order by the bobcat firing her gun at the ceiling once.
This is about when Lea showed up.
Unfortunately, Lea was a wolf demon in the company of a liveried member of ship staff.
"NOBODY MOVE!"
"Ah, absolutely officer!" Jeremiah had managed to transfer from a heap to a low, ingratiating bow remarkably fast, "Whatever you-!"
"Xephelon, consider yourself deputized, cover 'em both." The bobcat's eyes narrowed at Lea, "You're not in their uniform, who are you?"

Elsewhere, in the Cockpit
"-Which is what I'm SAYING sir. We can repel the boarders, but we need you to lower the antimagic field so our mages can work."
"..."

Kenyan barely breathed once he heard the other presence in the vent speak. He could smell the other Being, even with the smell of food nearby - canine, male, but with the scent of feathers. Another winged being? They seemed to be very common aboard this ship for some reason. The voice didn't sound unkind, but he couldn't tell in the vent if the man was carrying a weapon or not. The smell of metal was all around them, so he dared not risk it. He was keeping the little rat huddled in his shirt, keeping perfectly still...

And then there was a clatter from the same direction as the food-smell. And the sound of someone yelping in pain.

Before Kenyan knew what he was doing, he pulled himself forward to look towards the source of the noise, and found himself face to face with the Being.

"Skt-kee!" he squeaked in frustration, yanking himself back. Well, now there was no hiding himself from danger. Kenyan was ready to run away again, but then he thought back to what he'd seen earlier, when Xyrtia fell. There were people on the ship who were confused when they saw her fall. The more he thought, the more sense it made - this ship was massive, and if what Wallard and Jake had said were true, the people on it were very wealthy. Why would a mere slave ship be so elegant? Of course there would be people on board who didn't know what was going on - and if Mateo's reaction earlier was anything to go by, then there were people who'd be appalled by what was going on below deck. <If he's a guard, it's back to the holding cell, but if he's just a passenger, there's hope for both of us.> His best hope was to appeal to the other being's kindness, and hope that that would guide him no matter why he was here.

Reluctantly, he whispered "...Please. If you can...help me."

"MM!" Jakob started as a face appeared out of the gloom right in front of him.  Recovering he continued crawling backwards down the tunnel, hoping fervently that there wasn't going to be a pileup if a third person was coming in the opposite direction.

"I have to get back to my friend in the kitchen," Jakob said.  "He was wounded in the fighting, but I had to check on someone else I thought was with us...
"Who are you, anyway?" he asked, a note of suspicion entering his voice.  "The police are trying their best to start a dozen wars at once, and the crew seem to be up to their necks in some criminal enterprise.  If you're one of the bastards who caused this mess, don't expect any help.  Otherwise, I'll do what I can for you.  But," he added with a grunt, "a lot of people seem to need a lot of help right now."

Kenyan listened carefully, but as he mentally dissected the words, he frowned. There was something in the canine's speech that he didn't like...

<A wounded friend... someone else with them too. I HOPE these aren't the guards. Who am I - that one's easy. The police...wars? The crew - so maybe he isn't with them after all.> Then he heard the last part of the canine's speech. <"One of the bastards who caused this mess"... He can't possibly think...>

It took all Kenyan's self-control just to keep his voice in a whisper. The frustration, rage and pain of the last several weeks had been building up slowly ever since his chains had come off, and now that he had been accused of helping to start this, he couldn't hold back anymore.

"I am not part of 'this mess'. I did not 'start' anything!" he hissed. "They took me here, me and Xyrtia and Jake and many others! They took us from our homes! We were chained, starved, thrown in this place and kept in the dark, I do not know how long! They were going to use us to fight!" He breathed, slowly, and clenched his hands into fists, forcing himself to calm down, albeit poorly. "Please... I do not want more trouble. I just want to help my friends and go home..."