The World Assembly Strangers' Bar

by **Wrapper** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:36 pm

Wallenburg wrote:
Wrapper wrote:Yes, well, none of us who knew Benjamin well enough believed that earlier story either.

"Wait, what? Oh, no, I didn't mean that. I believed that for a moment, simply because I couldn't believe she would risk toying with me about Bell like that. When I said 'her earlier story', I meant her assertion that the child has no father, alive or dead."

Oh, so she did....

(Ari laughs.)

Okay, so the one time she told you the truth, you didn't believe her, of course. I'm sorry, Helen, I'm not laughing at you, but it is an extraordinary story. She didn't really explain it to you, did she?

It's called parthenogenesis. It's a type of asexual reproduction, a "virgin birth" so to speak; it happens in some species of plants and insects and even some fish and frogs. It's virtually unknown in humanoids, but about one in a million Wad births is parthenogenetic, and once it happens, it tends to continue to happen from one generation to the next. See, Arya, for all her disdain, is more like her mother than anyone realizes, because she was a parthenogenetic baby, a natural clone. No test tubes, no laboratories, a 100% all-natural genetic copy of her mother. And, as it tends to happen with such offspring, the same thing is now happening to Arya. Wad Ahume could explain the science if you're interested, but the details are rather boring and, to be frank, over my head. Bottom line, Arya's baby will have no father. And, I can tell, you don't believe me, do you?

by **Imperium Anglorum** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:37 pm

Parsons, grumbling, says 'It better be a baby girl'.

by **Wrapper** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:41 pm

Imperium Anglorum wrote:Parsons, grumbling, says 'It better be a baby girl'.

Parsons! I see you there with your ear against Herby's window! This is a private conversation, clear off!

OOC: I did say genetic copy, didn't I?

by **Wallenburg** » Tue Dec 29, 2015 10:56 pm

Wrapper wrote:Oh, so she did....

(Ari laughs.)

Okay, so the one time she told you the truth, you didn't believe her, of course. I'm sorry, Helen, I'm not laughing at you, but it is an extraordinary story. She didn't really explain it to you, did she?

It's called parthenogenesis. It's a type of asexual reproduction, a "virgin birth" so to speak; it happens in some species of plants and insects and even some fish and frogs. It's virtually unknown in humanoids, but about one in a million Wad births is parthenogenetic, and once it happens, it tends to continue to happen from one generation to the next. See, Arya, for all her disdain, is more like her mother than anyone realizes, because she was a parthenogenetic baby, a natural clone. No test tubes, no laboratories, a 100% all-natural genetic copy of her mother. And, as it tends to happen with such offspring, the same thing is now happening to Arya. Wad Ahume could explain the science if you're interested, but the details are rather boring and, to be frank, over my head. Bottom line, Arya's baby will have no father. And, I can tell, you don't believe me, do you?

A mess of half-formed thoughts crawls through Helen's mind. "That's...that's strange, to begin with."

She looks out the window at the other ambassadors. I guess it's kind of like the chickens back home, right Helen?

Yes, but that's an animal. Arya...Kay...she's human.

Not really. She doesn't have the right kind of nose. And if she makes her own offspring, she certainly can't be human!

That's not what I meant!

I know that. Why wouldn't I know that? All right, calm down, I get it. Still like the chickens, though.

Please don't make me sick.

Helen looks back at Ari. "I guess that explains her resemblance to her mother. But didn't you tell me she had a birth father, and simply never knew him?"

by **Wrapper** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 5:31 am

Wallenburg wrote:Helen looks back at Ari. "I guess that explains her resemblance to her mother. But didn't you tell me she had a birth father, and simply never knew him?"

Oh, you were there when I said that to Ilya, weren't you? I never said she had one, I merely said she didn't know her father. Which is true in the sense that, growing up, Arya never knew the circumstances of her birth. Arya didn't find out until she unsealed her own medical records when she reached adulthood. And I think a part of her never really, fully understood or believed it, until it happened to her.

Helen, we all have family secrets, I'm trusting you to keep this one. No one here but myself and Arya know. And probably Ahume by now. Oh, and Ambassador Leveret, who's told me she's figured it out, but she's not one for gossip so she hasn't said anything to anyone. Oh, and Parsons now, who's been listening, but he tends to be quiet about such things. And maybe Herby can hear us, but he's been protecting Arya, so he'd keep a secret for her. And Markhov has shown he has exceptional hearing, and Steph and Ilya have their little devices.... Anyway, just let Arya say what she will about who the father is; to be honest I don't know how the Tollan would react to such news. They could turn her daughter into an outcast or a goddess if they were to find out, or they could just shrug their shoulders and not think twice. So, mum's the word.

by **Sierra Lyricalia** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:33 am

Wrapper wrote:...Steph and Ilya have their little devices....

OOC: Not operating at the moment. And despite Steph's quickly-redacted "Cartman's Mom" crack, lo these many pages ago, I don't think the fatherhood issue is really on her radar at the moment. Her main concerns right now are making sure the Tollans get what aid they need that doesn't involve a known target of FT interstellar barbarians settling anywhere near her own vulnerable one-species, one-system PMT civilization, and getting to the bottom of the Bell case. Thus, I'ma continue to ignore the fatherhood issue, though if and when it's ever publicized, there'll be a reminder that someone received an improper or fraudulent payout from a sizeable betting pool...

by **Wrapper** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:05 pm

OOC: Yes, it should be off everyone's radar except possibly Helen, who's still showing a nagging bit of mistrust. We'll see if that changes based on this news, which she may or may not believe. As far as the bar bets, I'll let Herby worry about that when he comes back, that was entirely his doing.

by **Wallenburg** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:36 pm

Wrapper wrote:Helen, we all have family secrets, I'm trusting you to keep this one. No one here but myself and Arya know. And probably Ahume by now. Oh, and Ambassador Leveret, who's told me she's figured it out, but she's not one for gossip so she hasn't said anything to anyone. Oh, and Parsons now, who's been listening, but he tends to be quiet about such things. And maybe Herby can hear us, but he's been protecting Arya, so he'd keep a secret for her. And Markhov has shown he has exceptional hearing, and Steph and Ilya have their little devices.... Anyway, just let Arya say what she will about who the father is; to be honest I don't know how the Tollan would react to such news. They could turn her daughter into an outcast or a goddess if they were to find out, or they could just shrug their shoulders and not think twice. So, mum's the word.

Helen smiles, almost chuckles, at the Wad. Nodding, she says, "Sure, Ari. I'll be careful not to let her 'secret' slip. My lips are sealed."

She opens the door and gathers her skirt, ready to step out. "Anything else, my friend?"

by **Wrapper** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 12:59 pm

Wallenburg wrote:Helen smiles, almost chuckles, at the Wad. Nodding, she says, "Sure, Ari. I'll be careful not to let her 'secret' slip. My lips are sealed."

She opens the door and gathers her skirt, ready to step out. "Anything else, my friend?"

(Ari ponders. Hmmm, probably not my place to get involved in intimate matters. Though I just know Benjamin is going to break her heart... after she breaks Arya's heart first.)

No, and, thank you for your time, Miss Trevanyika. (He opens his door.) Oh, if there's anything I can do to help you retain your representation in the WA, just say the word. A united Wallenburg would be well served by your presence here. Now excuse me, I need to see to the needs of the Tollan refugees, they should arrive shortly.

by **Wallenburg** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 1:06 pm

Wrapper wrote:No, and, thank you for your time, Miss Trevanyika. (He opens his door.) Oh, if there's anything I can do to help you retain your representation in the WA, just say the word. A united Wallenburg would be well served by your presence here. Now excuse me, I need to see to the needs of the Tollan refugees, they should arrive shortly.

"Thank you. I'll contact your office if I think you can assist me." Helen steps out of the car and shuts Herby's door. She begins to walk away, stops, and looks back at Herby. "Sorry, Herby, I almost forgot." She walks back, opens the door, pushes down the lock, and closes it again. Smiling, she walks to the center of the bar.

by **The Imperial Frost Federation** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 8:34 pm

Ilya walks into the bar with a large group of people wearing robes. Sir Rayven Kensei, the IFF president, could be seen talking to one of the Tollans as he could be heard talking about potential planets, and means of transportation to reach the destination safely. While the President discussed with the Tollan, Ilya waves over to Helen and Ari as she said, "Wad Ari, Ambassador Trevanyika, the Tollan Survivors have arrived and My president wishes to have a word with the two of you with the Tollan." gesturing over to the Tollan and President.

by **The Doomed Planet of Tollana** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:30 pm

(Two of the Tollans, Monte and Narim, separates from the group and approach Ari.)

MONTE: Amigo. (He offers a quick hug.)

NARIM: Wad Ahume, I presume? We finally meet. I had wished it would be under happier circumstances.

MONTE: (smiles weakly) No, no, this is Wad Ari, Wad Ahume's boss and a dear friend. So where is Ahume? And Kay?

by **Tinfect** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:52 pm

Markhov then enters the Bar, for what must be the "too many-th" time.
Seeing the Wads, and the Tollans, assembled, he makes his way over to them.

"Ah, Wad Ari, I had intended to tell you that the Imperial ships found many of the Outposts already deserted, but it seems those survivors have found their way here... on their own? In any case, the rest will arrive shortly."

by **Wrapper** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 9:58 pm

The Doomed Planet of Tollana wrote:MONTE: Amigo. (He offers a quick hug.)

NARIM: Wad Ahume, I presume? We finally meet. I had wished it would be under happier circumstances.

MONTE: (smiles weakly) No, no, this is Wad Ari, Wad Ahume's boss and a dear friend. So where is Ahume? And Kay?

ARI: Monte. And Narim, yes? I am so sorry about your losses, the news from Tollana has been devastating. That said, there are a contingent of WA ambassadors here who have been working on recalling the remaining Tollans from the comm outposts, putting together humanitarian supplies and finding a new home for you. We're also trying to determine if anyone on Tollana has survived, but... we don't have much hope. We do have some good news, the Nox have found a suitable temporary home near their homeworld; we can get you to the Nox home via our Stargate, and they can take it from there, while we continue to try to find a permanent home for you. Ahume is in our office with the Nox representative and a few of the Tollan from the comm outposts in that area, I'll bring you down there shortly. And Kay, she'll be here shortly, she's.... Frankly, Monte-- (quietly) --the news from Tollana has hit her very hard, she feels like she is at least in part responsible for its demise. I'm sure you understand.

Tinfect wrote:"Ah, Wad Ari, I had intended to tell you that the Imperial ships found many of the Outposts already deserted, but it seems those survivors have found their way here... on their own? In any case, the rest will arrive shortly."

Excellent, thank you, Ambassador. Have you been able to detect any activity on Tollana? Any signs of life, of survivors?

The Imperial Frost Federation wrote:"Wad Ari, Ambassador Trevanyika, the Tollan Survivors have arrived and My president wishes to have a word with the two of you with the Tollan."

ARI: Commander Ilyasviel, President Kensei, we do thank you for your help. Now what can we do for you, Sir Kensei?

by **Tinfect** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 10:05 pm

Wrapper wrote:Excellent, thank you, Ambassador. Have you been able to detect any activity on Tollana? Any signs of life, of survivors?

"Unfortunately, no. There were signatures from a few Armed, yet unfired Trianth Missiles on the surface, which were used to perform rudimentary surface scans, but that, along with the sensors on the Frigate, revealed nothing."

by **Wallenburg** » Wed Dec 30, 2015 11:01 pm

Rep. Trevanyika looks up at the clock. "Oh, my! I'll be late! Damn, I'll have to leave my things here while I'm away. Maybe I can make up the time. No matter."

She stands up and walks quickly for the exit, grabbing her sabre on the way out.

by **The Imperial Frost Federation** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:00 am

Kensei: Have the people of Tollana on guard Wad Ari, for the vultures have already begun to move. The attackers of the Regal Heart and Long Night :idea:

of Solace werent some country or organization with an axe to grind against the IFF. They... were much worse, They're a private army whose master is an arrogant slave trading bastard duke with a name I can't even pronounce. I'll freely admit my nation is a warmongering nation offering troops, weapons, vehicles and aid to nations unable to defend themselves, but I'll be damned if I let a Tollan become enslaved because some rich guy wants then"last Tollan"

Ilya: Sorry Wad Ari, but we've identified the attackers and like the president said, it's not good. According to Lt. Col. Alice Tarkin, Sir Helsing's beloved niece, the survivors of the attacking warships were under the service of someone they called the Venalicius. This Venalicius is supposedly a member of nobility in some far off world with interdimensional travel capabilities. Unfortunately for us he's heard of the destruction of Tollana by the Eurondans, and decided to enslave and sell surviving Tollans believing that he would make money off of a dying breed so the survivors say.

by **The Doomed Planet of Tollana** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:19 am

The Imperial Frost Federation wrote:Kensei: Have the people of Tollana on guard Wad Ari, for the vultures have already begun to move. The attackers of the Regal Heart and Long Night of Solace werent some country or organization with an axe to grind against the IFF. They... were much worse, They're a private army whose master is an arrogant slave trading bastard duke with a name I can't even pronounce. I'll freely admit my nation is a warmongering nation offering troops, weapons, vehicles and aid to nations unable to defend themselves, but I'll be damned if I let a Tollan become enslaved because some rich guy wants then"last Tollan"

Ilya: Sorry Wad Ari, but we've identified the attackers and like the president said, it's not good. According to Lt. Col. Alice Tarkin, Sir Helsing's beloved niece, the survivors of the attacking warships were under the service of someone they called the Venalicius. This Venalicius is supposedly a member of nobility in some far off world with interdimensional travel capabilities. Unfortunately for us he's heard of the destruction of Tollana by the Eurondans, and decided to enslave and sell surviving Tollans believing that he would make money off of a dying breed so the survivors say.

MONTE: Well then. Time is of the essence, wouldn't you agree, Narim? I don't think we can await any new arrivals.

NARIM: Yes, indeed. It seems the search for a more permanent home will have to wait; we should accept the Nox's generous offer. They are more than capable of keeping us hidden, as they have done for us in the past; that is what they do best.

MONTE: Agreed. Ari, I know the way to your offices, will you wait for Kay and join us momentarily?

by **Tinfect** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:22 am

The Doomed Planet of Tollana wrote:MONTE: Well then. Time is of the essence, wouldn't you agree, Narim? I don't think we can await any new arrivals.

NARIM: Yes, indeed. It seems the search for a more permanent home will have to wait; we should accept the Nox's generous offer. They are more than capable of keeping us hidden, as they have done for us in the past; that is what they do best.

MONTE: Agreed. Ari, I know the way to your offices, will you wait for Kay and join us momentarily?

"Ah, before you go, I must add that, despite the loss of the Bright Darkness, I do still have the authority to provide Imperial support, should it be necessary. And, if you cannot wait for the rest of the survivors, where would you have them go?"

by **Wrapper** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:31 am

Tinfect wrote:"Ah, before you go, I must add that, despite the loss of the Bright Darkness, I do still have the authority to provide Imperial support, should it be necessary. And, if you cannot wait for the rest of the survivors, where would you have them go?"

ARI: Well, they can't come here now, not if some idiotic warmongery slaver is watching. Send them to Wrapper. We have a Stargate in our capital; we'll send them on to the Nox homeworld as soon as they arrive. If you don't have coordinates, I'll give them to you shortly, just let me alert the President first.

Wallenburg wrote:Rep. Trevanyika looks up at the clock. "Oh, my! I'll be late! Damn, I'll have to leave my things here while I'm away. Maybe I can make up the time. No matter."

She stands up and walks quickly for the exit, grabbing her sabre on the way out.

The Doomed Planet of Tollana wrote:MONTE: Agreed. Ari, I know the way to your offices, will you wait for Kay and join us momentarily?

(Ari sighs. Well, crap. Now this is a problem, with Helen gone.)

Monte, we can't wait for Kay. I will explain, but you're not going to like it. Please, to our offices.

(Ari and all the remaining Tollans leave the bar.)

by **Wallenburg** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:44 am

Gerald Magnusson, the Wallenburgian translator, conveniently enters the bar and sits down for a drink.

by **Tinfect** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 12:45 am

Wrapper wrote:Well, they can't come here now, not if some idiotic warmongery slaver is watching. Send them to Wrapper. We have a Stargate in our capital; we'll send them on to the Nox homeworld as soon as they arrive. If you don't have coordinates, I'll give them to you shortly, just let me alert the President first.

"Of course, just a moment while I get a Pen..."
Markhov briefly checks his coat...

Wrapper wrote:(Ari and all the remaining Tollans leave the bar.)

...Before acquiring an Imperium-Branded Pen and looking back up,
"I-... Uh. Well then."

by **Wrapper** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:06 am

Tinfect wrote:
Wrapper wrote:Well, they can't come here now, not if some idiotic warmongery slaver is watching. Send them to Wrapper. We have a Stargate in our capital; we'll send them on to the Nox homeworld as soon as they arrive. If you don't have coordinates, I'll give them to you shortly, just let me alert the President first.

"Of course, just a moment while I get a Pen..."
Markhov briefly checks his coat...

Wrapper wrote:(Ari and all the remaining Tollans leave the bar.)

...Before acquiring an Imperium-Branded Pen and looking back up,
"I-... Uh. Well then."

(Wad Ahume, his eyes watery and red, runs into the bar, hands Markhov a computer printout, gives him a thumbs-up, and runs back out while blowing his nose into a handkerchief.)

by **Tinfect** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 1:19 am

Wrapper wrote:(Wad Ahume, his eyes watery and red, runs into the bar, hands Markhov a computer printout, gives him a thumbs-up

"Ah, thank you- are you alri-"

Wrapper wrote:...and runs back out while blowing his nose into a handkerchief.)

"... Well, then."
Markhov places the printout on a nearby Table, sits down at it, and retrieves a Device from his coat.

by **Elke and Elba** » Thu Dec 31, 2015 8:37 am

Alethea then nods at the Wad, and notices Furretium's presence. It was always a good thing to see furry creatures, like Furretium or the ursine ones, like Ambassador... Arthorios? Alethea forgot the name, because it was a bit unique and hard to pull off for her tongue.

Neverthless, Alethea decided to speak to the Ferret, hopefully for a bit longer than usual. The Wads seems busy, something Stargate, something about the Tollans. That was clearly out of her league of knowledge, but one couldn't blame her. She hasn't been here for long, and the missions to restore peace after sudden implosion of the governments that ceased to exist within Yggdrasil were more within her remit than the issues of far-flung corners of the world.

With that, Alethea got Neville to get a bottle of milk for Furretium, and proceed to speak-

Alethea: Hello, friendly one! How have you been doing?

The World Assembly Strangers' Bar

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