Concerning Kelevar (IC)

[Krioval]

He reached Foreign Affairs easily, stepping out before the vehicle had completely slowed down, and marched himself inside. There was a very long line there, but it was mere seconds before it was all handled and James found himself looking at a cheery young woman behind the desk.
"Hello there. I'm President James Newburn of Koumpounophobia, and I am here to inquire into the death and location of Jacob Terrence Coriander. He died recently and I'm here to assist in handling the legal matters of that, as well as conclude the alliance negotiations that he came here initially to perform before his death relieved him of his duty," announced James smoothly as he pulled out 5 various items of documentation:
One death certificate.
One duty transition form.
Two Alliance Agreement contract sheets.
And one extensive item of identification.

Lylia began inputting the information before she gasped audibly. "Oh, dear. I'm so sorry for you and your nation. If you'll just come with me upstairs, I'll personally begin the process of establishing a temporary embassy. I'd send for Lord Dylan, but he is currently interviewing the witnesses to the...incident." She gestured toward another woman. "Rebecca, could you take over front desk? I have a priority one to assist."

They walked together up the ornate staircase to a sumptuous conference room. "Mr. President, my name is Lylia Vartek, and I am the deputy director of this facility. Mr. Coriander, unfortunately, did not survive the attack this afternoon, despite our best attempts to revive him. The suspect is in custody and is being interviewed by security officials. At this time, we are under the impression that the assailant knew of his victim and was in possession of an illegal firearm. Now," she took a deep breath, "what is it that we can do for you, Mr. President?"

[Koumpounophobia]

Now," she took a deep breath, "what is it that we can do for you, Mr. President?"

James shook his head unhappily at the news Jacob was permanently dead. If this Lord Dylan character was busy at the moment with handling the witnesses, that kind of cut short the alliance talks for the time being. But there was still work to be done.
"To start with, I need you to initial this, this, not this, but this here on the back, see? And this page here has my signature. If you could have your employer sign that and have it faxed or sent to my office, I'd appreciate it," explained James as he pulled out more papers. Most of them only existed to prove that something was real and not fictional, or that James had brown hair, not green, but it was important that this whole matter was handled by the book.
"And, not to be a bother, but if you could arrange a viewing of Mr. Coriander's body, as well as a meeting with this assailant. I know that Kelevar has its own legal processes to take care of, but I would like Mr. Coriander's killer to be tried in a Koumpounophobian court," he requested calmly.

It wasn't that James was a soulless snake. He had emotions. He just didn't care to show them, think about them, or even register their existence. He was stubborn and calculated like that- just what a corporate nation needed in a leader.

Though... certain signs suggested that some did not agree.

[Krioval]

"To start with, I need you to initial this, this, not this, but this here on the back, see? And this page here has my signature. If you could have your employer sign that and have it faxed or sent to my office, I'd appreciate it," explained James as he pulled out more papers. Most of them only existed to prove that something was real and not fictional, or that James had brown hair, not green, but it was important that this whole matter was handled by the book.
"And, not to be a bother, but if you could arrange a viewing of Mr. Coriander's body, as well as a meeting with this assailant. I know that Kelevar has its own legal processes to take care of, but I would like Mr. Coriander's killer to be tried in a Koumpounophobian court," he requested calmly.

"Let me see here..." Lylia was patient; that was one of the many reasons for her current position. She began reading the documents, one at a time, before signing. She had a few questions about the level of detail, but was quickly satisfied as to the reason: cultural differences. "I presume that by 'employer', you are referring to Speaker Jotun? I can have full state authorization for these in a few hours, then. Now," she brushed a few strands of hair from her face, "as for Mr. Coriander, a death certificate was issued earlier today, and now that you've arrived, we can release his remains to your custody, unless you wanted a service on Kelevar." Her ordinarily bright expression darkened slightly. "For an extradition agreement, we will need to have an order given by a Kriovalian court, though it is standing policy in Krioval that extradition can be blocked if the accused should face the death penalty for his or her crimes. Is that likely to cause a problem, Mr. President?"

[Koumpounophobia]

"To start with, I need you to initial this, this, not this, but this here on the back, see? And this page here has my signature. If you could have your employer sign that and have it faxed or sent to my office, I'd appreciate it," explained James as he pulled out more papers. Most of them only existed to prove that something was real and not fictional, or that James had brown hair, not green, but it was important that this whole matter was handled by the book.
"And, not to be a bother, but if you could arrange a viewing of Mr. Coriander's body, as well as a meeting with this assailant. I know that Kelevar has its own legal processes to take care of, but I would like Mr. Coriander's killer to be tried in a Koumpounophobian court," he requested calmly.

"Let me see here..." Lylia was patient; that was one of the many reasons for her current position. She began reading the documents, one at a time, before signing. She had a few questions about the level of detail, but was quickly satisfied as to the reason: cultural differences. "I presume that by 'employer', you are referring to Speaker Jotun? I can have full state authorization for these in a few hours, then. Now," she brushed a few strands of hair from her face, "as for Mr. Coriander, a death certificate was issued earlier today, and now that you've arrived, we can release his remains to your custody, unless you wanted a service on Kelevar." Her ordinarily bright expression darkened slightly. "For an extradition agreement, we will need to have an order given by a Kriovalian court, though it is standing policy in Krioval that extradition can be blocked if the accused should face the death penalty for his or her crimes. Is that likely to cause a problem, Mr. President?"

James smiled a little at her.
"If you could have his remains sent to my ship, I can take them home. There's a tradition that we use an official's ashes to make a new cement brick. This brick is then used to continue to build upon our capital building. And the death penalty would be fine, or anything would be fine as long as he gets what he deserves. Otherwise I may have to seek detainment if he walks.- but it would be a crushing blow to my limitless ego if you don't accept my dinner invitation. Are you available perhaps tomorrow evening?"

[Krioval]

"If you could have his remains sent to my ship, I can take them home. There's a tradition that we use an official's ashes to make a new cement brick. This brick is then used to continue to build upon our capital building. And the death penalty would be fine, or anything would be fine as long as he gets what he deserves. Otherwise I may have to seek detainment if he walks.- but it would be a crushing blow to my limitless ego if you don't accept my dinner invitation. Are you available perhaps tomorrow evening?"

"I will see to it that the remains are transferred before the day is out." Lylia looked surprised as James mentioned the shooter. "I'm not sure I was terribly clear. We can't extradite to nations that impose the death penalty. So long as capital punishment is off the table, the court can rule on extradition. We've never had a problem securing such a ruling, provided that the nation in question has a strong claim." His dinner offer made Lylia's eyebrows jump slightly. "Limitless ego? Hmm. To be entirely truthful, I'm booked solid for some time. Best I can do is offer a dinner with me, Lord Dylan, and a few diplomats. We were going to discuss international relations, and I'm sure that you could qualify for a business deduction." She laughed lightly at that.

[Koumpounophobia]

"I will see to it that the remains are transferred before the day is out." Lylia looked surprised as James mentioned the shooter. "I'm not sure I was terribly clear. We can't extradite to nations that impose the death penalty. So long as capital punishment is off the table, the court can rule on extradition. We've never had a problem securing such a ruling, provided that the nation in question has a strong claim." His dinner offer made Lylia's eyebrows jump slightly. "Limitless ego? Hmm. To be entirely truthful, I'm booked solid for some time. Best I can do is offer a dinner with me, Lord Dylan, and a few diplomats. We were going to discuss international relations, and I'm sure that you could qualify for a business deduction." She laughed lightly at that.

James laughed with her at that. In some ways, that could work better, anyway. Two birds with one well-thrown stone. But he wished he'd listened more closely to her explanation the first time. This capital punishment subject was... problematic. He could easily outright lie, claim that the man would only be incarcerated in Koumounophobian prisons, but that wasn't exactly a good way to confirm alliances. The truth was for darker. The man, if he were taken to Koumpounophobia, would not be killed, but he would suffer terribly for a very long time. It was the nasty little secret that many nations have, but refuse to admit.
"Such a dinner would be fine. And for the more unpleasant business of the killer, all I can really say is that he would not be killed, but that he would suffer for his crimes. I doubt that your good nation would be willing to extradite him at that point.."

[Krioval]

James laughed with her at that. In some ways, that could work better, anyway. Two birds with one well-thrown stone. But he wished he'd listened more closely to her explanation the first time. This capital punishment subject was... problematic. He could easily outright lie, claim that the man would only be incarcerated in Koumounophobian prisons, but that wasn't exactly a good way to confirm alliances. The truth was for darker. The man, if he were taken to Koumpounophobia, would not be killed, but he would suffer terribly for a very long time. It was the nasty little secret that many nations have, but refuse to admit.
"Such a dinner would be fine. And for the more unpleasant business of the killer, all I can really say is that he would not be killed, but that he would suffer for his crimes. I doubt that your good nation would be willing to extradite him at that point.."

"I will arrange the meeting as soon as I can, then. As for the accused, then, you are certainly welcome to petition the courts for his extradition. If he was to be convicted of this killing, he would certainly be imprisoned for the remainder of his life." Lylia pressed a few buttons into a nearby console. "There we are. Your nation is now listed as having a temporary embassy, which is located where Mr. Coriander was staying. Do you wish for a security escort to the Earthlight hotel, or did you have any other questions or concerns for me?"

[Krioval]

Joanne and Jeremiah nodded their approval and began recording their statements.

Jeremiah, Crystalline's voice said inside Jeremy's mind. What's happened? I get the feeling that something is wrong.

Joanne and I are fine, Jeremiah answered. One of our colleagues was shot. He may yet pull through. We're giving our statements for the authorities.

Crystalline's voice sounded relieved. Do you need anything from me?

Not right now. Everything is being handled well.

Thank you, Jeremy. Keep in touch.

Jeremiah looked up to see Joanne watching him. He gave her a slight nod. She understood and returned her attention to the statement.

Dylan regarded the visitors as they made the trip across the city. They seemed to be concentrating on something, and given the readings from Shakkar Shakkar, it was probably something involving telepathy. He waited for an opportunity to speak, when their expressions indicated an interruption or conclusion to what they were doing. "I am afraid that Mr. Coriander's condition cannot be improved. Your statements will be invaluable in the coming trial. Now then," Dylan paused as the vehicle came to a stop. "We have arrived. Please come with me."

As the three walked through the lobby of the Earthlight Hotel, several functionaries approached. Dylan waved them off with a simple gesture. "I will handle our guests," he offered. Returning his attention to the Antemyst delegation, he asked them, "Do you prefer something closer to ground level or a higher floor?" Pausing just long enough to ascertain their preference, he pressed an appropriate floor button and the elevator ascended. The doors opened onto a lobby with a secured door. Dylan walked toward it and it opened inward. Within was a modern, refined suite; in another city, it might have been used to house high-end business travelers. On Kelevar, where the economy was just starting to take off, it served this secondary purpose. The suite could have comfortably held anywhere up to eight people. "Is this sufficient, or will Your Excellencies require additional space for staff?"

[Koumpounophobia]

James laughed with her at that. In some ways, that could work better, anyway. Two birds with one well-thrown stone. But he wished he'd listened more closely to her explanation the first time. This capital punishment subject was... problematic. He could easily outright lie, claim that the man would only be incarcerated in Koumounophobian prisons, but that wasn't exactly a good way to confirm alliances. The truth was for darker. The man, if he were taken to Koumpounophobia, would not be killed, but he would suffer terribly for a very long time. It was the nasty little secret that many nations have, but refuse to admit.
"Such a dinner would be fine. And for the more unpleasant business of the killer, all I can really say is that he would not be killed, but that he would suffer for his crimes. I doubt that your good nation would be willing to extradite him at that point.."

"I will arrange the meeting as soon as I can, then. As for the accused, then, you are certainly welcome to petition the courts for his extradition. If he was to be convicted of this killing, he would certainly be imprisoned for the remainder of his life." Lylia pressed a few buttons into a nearby console. "There we are. Your nation is now listed as having a temporary embassy, which is located where Mr. Coriander was staying. Do you wish for a security escort to the Earthlight hotel, or did you have any other questions or concerns for me?"

He tilted his head for a moment, a thought coming to mind.
"Since this man wouldn't be killed on Koumpounophobia, I think I would like to petition the courts. Where should I begin on that process? I'm sorry if my question sounds a little silly. It's just, my nation sells people just as often as products, and then we gently manipulate the system to where they never even know something happened. Only prisoners have any clue something is happening, and considering they can't even piss without 3 signed request forms at any given time, they don't say to much about the matter."

[Antemyst]

"I think this will be sufficient," Jeremiah said. "Thank you."

Joanne sighed. "I'm terribly sorry for everything that's happened. I never should have invited that man to sit down and talk with us."

Discreetly, Jeremiah took Joanne's hand and squeezed it. To Dylan, he said, "In time, we would like to meet Mr. Newburn, who has already arrived, if my precognition is correct. I hope he will not be too upset with us."

[Krioval]

"I think this will be sufficient," Jeremiah said. "Thank you."

Joanne sighed. "I'm terribly sorry for everything that's happened. I never should have invited that man to sit down and talk with us."

Discreetly, Jeremiah took Joanne's hand and squeezed it. To Dylan, he said, "In time, we would like to meet Mr. Newburn, who has already arrived, if my precognition is correct. I hope he will not be too upset with us."

Dylan nodded sympathetically. "It is nobody's fault but that of the attacker. Your Excellencies are invited to have dinner with me and Chief State Official Lylia Vartek tomorrow evening. I believe that President Newburn will be attending." He sighed. "Please let the staff know if there is anything that we can do to make your time on Kelevar more comfortable."

[Krioval]

He tilted his head for a moment, a thought coming to mind.
"Since this man wouldn't be killed on Koumpounophobia, I think I would like to petition the courts. Where should I begin on that process? I'm sorry if my question sounds a little silly. It's just, my nation sells people just as often as products, and then we gently manipulate the system to where they never even know something happened. Only prisoners have any clue something is happening, and considering they can't even piss without 3 signed request forms at any given time, they don't say to much about the matter."

Somehow, Lylia kept her composure; her face didn't betray the slightest hint of emotion. "You would have to send a petition to the courts. I can take care of that for you, if you would like. Then it may take some time for a hearing to be arranged. Once that is done, you present your case to the magistrate." She shrugged. "Some cases can take longer than others to adjudicate, you must understand." Lylia stood. "Is there anything else?" she asked neutrally.

[Koumpounophobia]

He tilted his head for a moment, a thought coming to mind.
"Since this man wouldn't be killed on Koumpounophobia, I think I would like to petition the courts. Where should I begin on that process? I'm sorry if my question sounds a little silly. It's just, my nation sells people just as often as products, and then we gently manipulate the system to where they never even know something happened. Only prisoners have any clue something is happening, and considering they can't even piss without 3 signed request forms at any given time, they don't say to much about the matter."

Somehow, Lylia kept her composure; her face didn't betray the slightest hint of emotion. "You would have to send a petition to the courts. I can take care of that for you, if you would like. Then it may take some time for a hearing to be arranged. Once that is done, you present your case to the magistrate." She shrugged. "Some cases can take longer than others to adjudicate, you must understand." Lylia stood. "Is there anything else?" she asked neutrally.

He shook his head as though everything were perfectly wonderful and as though he weren't a cruel individual at the heart of the matter.
"Nope, that should be fine. Thank you very much for your help, miss."

[Krioval]

He shook his head as though everything were perfectly wonderful and as though he weren't a cruel individual at the heart of the matter.
"Nope, that should be fine. Thank you very much for your help, miss."

"Wonderful. I will see you tomorrow evening, then." Lylia walked out from the room and sighed in relief. That conversation had definitely taken an unexpected turn, not that she was terribly shaken - she'd dealt with far worse.

[Koumpounophobia]

"Wonderful. I will see you tomorrow evening, then." Lylia walked out from the room and sighed in relief. That conversation had definitely taken an unexpected turn, not that she was terribly shaken - she'd dealt with far worse.

James easily made his way to the Earthlight. If anything, this was probably proof that evil never dies. If that was true, the metaphor could be brought up that the good die young- and there was no doubt about it, Jacob was dead.
Newburn wasn't sure if he should be depressed by that thought or pleased by the perfect irony of it. He decided for an even balance of both represent by a sigh and a smile.
He entered Jacob's old room, sat down contentedly, and pulled out his en*Velope. There were no messages from Mr. Norris, which was a little odd. James had explicitly requested just that. It was clear he would have some issues to work out, at least with his employees...

[Antemyst]

Dylan nodded sympathetically. "It is nobody's fault but that of the attacker. Your Excellencies are invited to have dinner with me and Chief State Official Lylia Vartek tomorrow evening. I believe that President Newburn will be attending." He sighed. "Please let the staff know if there is anything that we can do to make your time on Kelevar more comfortable."

"Thank you," Jeremiah said, glancing at Joanne. He felt as if she were on the brink of something. "We certainly will. For now, however, we are fine."

[Krioval]

"Thank you," Jeremiah said, glancing at Joanne. He felt as if she were on the brink of something. "We certainly will. For now, however, we are fine."

"Well then. I will see you tomorrow evening. Please contact my office if you require any assistance." Dylan turned and left the room. There was still plenty of business to attend to before retiring for the evening.

[Antemyst]

While Dylan's company had been enjoyable (given the circumstances), his departure occurred not a moment too soon. As the door closed behind him, Joanne suddenly collapsed into Jeremiah's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Jeremiah stroked Joanne's hair wordlessly. He didn't know how much more could be said to comfort her- even Dylan had absolved her of responsibility for Jacob's death. So he did all he could do- he stood there in the foyer and held her until she quieted down. When she finally looked up at him, he kissed her, and helped her into the bedroom. Exhausted by the day's events, they simply fell asleep in their day clothes.

[Krioval]

12 March 2050
6:37 am
News Program "Karo Tevas A.M."

"...all of the dildos were recovered by midnight. Now for a recap of this morning's top stories. The Kelevar Festival is in the final stages of being set up, and it will open to all comers this Wednesday. Several nations have joined with us at this festival, the most noted of which is the Phoenix Empire of Tanara. Some may remember that this august nation is one of the few where the people voluntarily abandoned democracy. Judging from their pavilion, as it is being set up, that decision certainly hasn't cost them anything in terms of prosperity.

"In other news, Mr. Jacob Coriander, Negotiator from the Incorporated States of Koumpounophobia, was shot and killed by a gunman in Shakkar Shakkar yesterday afternoon. Mr. Coriander was representing his nation on Kelevar in anticipation of the festival. The gunman's identity is being withheld at the request of the Foreign Affairs Directorate and Governor-elect Dylan. It is believed that racial or sectarian tension played a role in the attack, as no bystanders were injured. The attacker is in the custody of law enforcement.

"Jotun Telovar shocked the political world by calling early elections only six months after his ruling coalition eked out a slim majority in the Senate. The vote is ongoing, and will end on the 18^th of this month. Voters can cast electronic ballots at home or at any public building equipped with VoterID technology. This does include local libraries, schools, and universities. Speaker Jotun has said that his coalition has become untenable due to dissenters within his own party as well as the overreaching of the opposition in key votes. He also claimed that the upcoming vote will vindicate his choice to open Krioval to additional outside trade and to maintain the government of Kelevar as a template for future planetary colonies. It is asserted by opposition leader Conservative Senator Alex Dova that Jotun has offered Governor-elect Dylan various political favors in exchange for Kelevar's support on several thorny issues, and there are rumors that the two leaders are romantically involved.

"Another crashed vehicle was discovered, this time several kilometers north of Karo Tevas. This one belonged to Governor-elect Dylan, though he was apparently not in the vehicle at the time of the crash. Investigators believe that a faulty autopilot may have been responsible for sending the vehicle on an unstable trajectory. Fortunately, nobody on the ground was injured, and the Governor-elect's office issued a statement expressing relief that a catastrophe was averted.

"The space vehicle fragments from Wednesday's crash in rural areas to the west of the capital have been identified as remnants from Lord Serph Dekker's missing spacecraft. Rumors abound as to its sudden reappearance over thirty years after Lord Serph became lost in space. No signs of life or human remains have been found at the crash site, leaving Lord Serph's current whereabouts a mystery.

"Now, the weather..."

[Antemyst]

...No signs of life or human remains have been found at the crash site, leaving Lord Serph's current whereabouts a mystery. Now, the weather-"

Crystalline Fosterman paused the feed and stared at her laptop. Again- as she often had since she had heard about Jacob Coriander's death- she wondered about the propriety of her decision to send two fresh Beta Class mutants on such a venture. The situation on Kelevar reeked of so much bureaucracy, something neither Joanne nor Jeremiah would be prepared to deal with (bureaucracy was usually avoided in Antemyst, simply because Crystalline alone made all the decisions). Also, the crash of Dylan's vehicle, although he had not been in it (as the news had said), joined with Jacob's death in giving Crystalline cause to worry about the safety of her advisers.

She closed the laptop and went about getting ready for the day ahead. Although it was nearly nighttime in Qumenee, Crystalline had a long day ahead of her.

[Koumpounophobia]

"In other news, Mr. Jacob Coriander, Negotiator from the Incorporated States of Koumpounophobia, was shot and killed by a gunman in Shakkar Shakkar yesterday afternoon. Mr. Coriander was representing his nation on Kelevar in anticipation of the festival. The gunman's identity is being withheld at the request of the Foreign Affairs Directorate and Governor-elect Dylan. It is believed that racial or sectarian tension played a role in the attack, as no bystanders were injured. The attacker is in the custody of law enforcement.

James awoke bright and early, and almost immediately the first thing he did was call Mr. Norris.
"Good morning Mr. Norris," he said flatly.
"Hello, Mr. Newburn! How was your trip?" said Herbert in reply.
"It was a trip."
"Bad?"
"A trip, Mr. Norris... Mr. Coriander's remains are on their way."
"Is a stone to be made for him?"
"Of course!" snapped James.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Newburn. The Coriander family requested his remains not be put into a stone. They wish to bury him."
"Too bad. He went into a political career. He should know the result."
"So what should I tell his family?"
"That they can attend the placement ceremony?"
"Seriously?"
"Yes, Mr. Norris!"
".....Of course, sir..."
Then came something that James didn't expect: Norris hung up.
***
Herbert shook his head as he stared at the phone. He couldn't believe the president's guts. Did the man even have a soul? And how much smut had he already oozed on poor Kelevar?
He was going to change things now, while he had the chance...

[Antemyst]

Joanne and Jeremiah woke up, showered (independently), and dressed for the day. Nothing was said aside from the necessities: "Have you seen my tie?" "Yes, it's around your neck."

Neither of them were sure how to approach each other or the day ahead. Day One had taken a fatal turn. What would happen during Day Two?

As they prepared to leave, a knock sounded at the door. Jeremiah glanced through the peephole and jumped back a little in surprise.

Joanne frowned. "Who is it?"

Jeremiah opened the door. In walked none other than Crystalline Fosterman.

"Hi, Crys," Joanne said. "When did you get here?"

"Just now," Crystalline answered. "I'm not actually Crystalline. I'm a replica."

Joanne reached out and tapped Crystalline's shoulder. She seemed to be a solid, normal human being. "Are you sure?"

"I'm a replica, not a hologram. It's an ability I have, to change matter in an area to collectively look and act like me, and be controlled by me. Remember the FT conference?"

"Oh." Joanne snapped her fingers. "That's right."

Jeremiah, on the other hand, was completely bewildered.

"I just thought I'd come along for the ride," Crystalline said casually. "Mind if I tag along?"

"No, but you'll probably have to register with Foreign Affairs and all that," Joanne pointed out.

"We'll get to that," Crystalline said breezily. "What's on the agenda for today?"

"Right now, breakfast," Joanne answered. "I'm famished."

With that, the trio headed downstairs in search of breakfast. For their own reasons, each of them hoped to run into other dignitaries, especially this Mr. Newburn.

[Krioval]

Kelevar Restricted Air Field
7:49 am

"He must really be under it, then."

Iestyn looked at the new arrival. "Oh, yeah. I'm sure you heard about the mixup in the capital?"

"The panther place?" Iestyn nodded at him. He took a breath between clenched teeth. "He here?"

"Dylan? Naw, probably stayed up half the night on paperwork, or whatever the electronic equivalent is. I can get in contact with him."

"Won't be necessary. I know him...probably almost as well as you do."

"Probably more than I do." Iestyn lowered his voice to a whisper. "Speaker Jotun." He paused, dramatically. "Oh, not to worry. The press and almost all of command have no idea that you've even left Earth. Keep in mind, though, that they'll know within a few hours."

"They always do. In any case, I'll be 'in seclusion' by then. The situation will become untenable if action is not taken as the festival is underway."

"Lot of passive voice, there, Lordship."

"For all you know, I'm just being circumspect about a quick tryst."

"Heh. So you are..."

Jotun gave Iestyn an amused look. "I don't see why you'd care, unless you've become his pet in more ways than the obvious."

Iestyn's eyes bulged in shock. It was quite probably the second time in his life that he'd lost control of a conversation. "Huh?!"

The Speaker's eyes twinkled in the morning light. "See? Now this is why you're on the need to know list, oh ninja of Kelevar. Be swift like the wind, and as persistent, Iestyn without-a-tribe." Laughing, Jotun hopped behind the controls of a cramped speeder, input the coordinates for Dylan's current residence, and pulled the door shut, leaving a dizzied, sputtering Iestyn.

"I'm never bored, at least," Iestyn sighed. "All right, then. Records to falsify, positions to obfuscate. It's going to be a long week." He cheered up significantly. Jotun was blunt, but direct. Dylan was much the same, but much more intelligent and sneaky. That's why Iestyn worked for Dylan, he reminded himself.

[Koumpounophobia]

Half of the morning, James lounged about like a great bitter cat, but after much time had passed, he made his way to the door, and down toward the complimentary breakfast. It was always free, at anywhere he'd stayed, so he was more than okay with going to a public spot for that. What he didn't realize was n fact just how early he'd gotten up, as days are in fact treated slightly different in Koumpounophobia. As a result, when he entered the elevator, he bumped into three other people. He immediately got the general impression they were not from around here.

Rather than be rude and ask them where they were from or what their names were or if they were even well on this fine morning, he just stepped inside, looked to the control panel, and saw they were going to the ground floor, too. Probably for breakfast.

[Antemyst]

The uncomfortable silence in the elevator was only intensified when the machine stopped prematurely to allow a new rider to enter. No one looked any other in the eyes for a while.

As they approached the ground floor, Crystalline received a sudden premonition. She slowly turned her head and looked at the new arrival through the corner of her eye. Yep, it was James Newburn- he looked just like the photos Crystalline had discovered during her "research." She looked at Jeremiah and Joanne and tried to point at the man with her eyes. Neither of them noticed.

The elevator doors opened with a classy ping, and everyone stepped out into the lobby. Crystalline quickly tried to think of something to say as the man got farther and farther ahead of them. She took long steps to catch up- her long brown curls bounced with each stride. When she reached James' side, she smiled up at him pleasantly. "Nice weather we're having," she said, a bit lamely. The sky could have been green with clouds hurtling fist-sized hail for all she knew.