Concerning Kelevar (IC)

[Krioval]

OOC/Interest thread

The date is 8 March 2050. New elections herald an era of openness and prosperity that

the planet of Kelevar has never fully experienced. The experiment is working

wonderfully; Kelevar's citizens have never been happier with life. Nothing could

possibly go wrong.

*Flashback*

The date is 15 September 2006. Serph Dekker boards his spacecraft as he has done on

this date for four years. Today is no different. Preflight clearance is received. The

elegant ship moves toward the space gate - the first permanent link between the two main

worlds of Krioval. Most Kelevarios don't bother with the launch. Space flight is banal

these days. He waves to the nonexistent crowd, the former Great Chief and major power-

broker now reduced to a governor of a backwater. Still, he is fairly popular again; a

few loyalists nod somberly and reminisce silently about Serph's Krioval, a time when one

man almost reclaimed the glory of the lost monarchy. His ship disappears from view as

it enters the gate. Three hours later, he will appear in its appointed place above

Earth.

Serph, and his craft, are never seen again.

*End Flashback*

Dylan Dekker watches the skies above Kelevar. He was born here. This world is his

birthright now. He has spent years working his way up the chain of command, both in the

scientific and political world. He silently scans the horizon, now several hours after

darkness has fallen. Dylan has made his tribe proud; after thirty-four years, the

Dekkers will again run Kelevar. His inauguration as governor will take place on the

traditional vernal equinox, the twenty-first, though on Kelevar, the years are only

three hundred twenty days long. Also, practically sitting astride the equator of this

world, Karo Tevas doesn't exactly experience much seasonal variation.

A new pinprick of light appears above him, and he receives the report immediately

afterward. "Commander Dylan? Sir? You might want to take a look at this."

He looks at the projection on a small screen he carries. Dylan is an analytical sort, a

scientist, but he feels a thrill nonetheless. "Any life detected?"

"No, Commander." There is an unsure pause on the other side. "Should we report this?"

Uncertainty. Fear. Surprise. There are the stirrings of ancient superstitions here.

"To whom exactly?" Dylan asks. "The governor's office is vacant. The Senate is

prorogued."

"So..."

An opportunity presents itself. "Leave it."

"Sir?!"

"You detected no life, correct? It was a space accident, then, and the ship went into

recovery mode some thirty years late. Let the man have his peace, on Kelevar."

"I need to make a note of this, Commander."

Dylan sighs. "As you must. But remember, Lieutenant Tanaka, this is highly classified

information."

"Yes, Commander." The voice on the other end is resigned, but content. There will be

no sensationalism this time.

Ten minutes later, the ship's navigational systems misfire, sending the ship into

Kelevar's atmosphere. It arcs across the night sky, finally fragmenting into five

smaller pieces and burning away. "Rest in peace," Dylan intones.

[Krioval]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - all channels and frequencies

Kelevar Celebrates Thirty Years of Prosperity

Karo Tevas, Kelevar - 9 March 2050 - The Commonwealth of Kelevar is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary on March twenty-third. To coincide with this year's Cultural Festival, the Kelevar Tourism Agency is offering significantly reduced fares to and from Kelevar beginning tonight and continuing through the end of the month. According to Jaros Kital, Director of the KTA, "everybody is invited" to visit, and that "international visitors are especially welcome on Kelevar. We actively hope to make this festival a true mixing of cultures."

This year's festival is expected to be much larger than those of previous years. With several declassifications on Krioval, many new technologies never before displayed will be on hand in Karo Tevas. Also, a grand ceremony is planned for the inauguration of the new governor-elect, [Lord] Dylan Dekker, the first new governor since the establishment of the Commonwealth. International exhibitors are strongly encouraged to make travel and hotel arrangements as soon as possible, while international travelers are able to book flights through the KTA. Visitors are encouraged to check with the Kriovalian Embassy to see whether a visa is necessary prior to travel.

Contact:
[Lord] Director Jaros Kital
support@KTA.kvr
Kelevar Tourism Agency
Karo Tevas, Kelevar

[Krioval]

Karo Tevas, Kelevar
10 March 2050
Late Evening

"And now for the local news. Festival-goers have begun to arrive in anticipation of the Commonwealth's anniversary celebration. I think we've even begun to see a few international visitors."

"Surprising, isn't it, Katrina. Seeing as how we've only been here for half a century and all." The commentator chuckled.

Katrina's radiant smile did not diminish a bit. "Ha ha, right you are, Hiro! Sometimes we forget that we're not the center of the universe."

The banter continues for a few seconds. Iestyn looks bored, and reaches for his remote. "At least there weren't any problems with the..."

The anchorman, Hiro, suddenly bursts into the weather forecast. "Breaking news, just in now! A piece of strange metal has landed in a field in Tarisia. While we don't have all the details just yet, sources say that the metallic object appears to be manufactured, and is not a meteorite. We will be on the scene as soon as possible to report on any new developments." He paused, drawing a breath and attempting to subdue his mania. "Once again, a metallic object, possibly of some manufactured origin, has landed in a field of wheat in Tarisia district. Please stay tuned for further developments in this breaking story."

Iestyn looks up and pushes a few buttons on the remote. The news screen vanishes, and is replaced by inky darkness. He knows that the connection is secure, though. "Gods. I thought that we wouldn't be finding out things like this on KNN!. Start damage control, and tell the Commander to meet me in the secure location. The third one. And I swear, Tanaka, this had better not ruin the festival or it's back to asteroid patrol for you. End transmission"

[Tanara]

The TCSC Naga slid out from the infinite of De Sitter Space and into Reality with but a modest flare of energy translation, some several light hours from the planet Kelevar. N- space drives took the sleek vessel in system as the yacht’s C.S. made contact with Kelevar's space control and exchanged information advising them of the arrival of one Lady Valeria Moore and her aide in system. Once the necessary identifications were handled, the next business was making suitable hotel accommodations and such.

Valeria had decided to come to Kelevar and participate in the Cultural Festival on a whim. Touring the galaxy in skips and jumps with no set itinerary she had the wealth to engage in almost anything that caught her fancy. And upon seeing a news article about the festival she remembered "Aunt" Michiko telling her about her own visit to Krioval . The stories of Valkai, Rajin Dekker, the Conception event and others - all of which held a small, and often hyperactive, girl child spell bound as the former Empress kept her friend's daughter out of trouble.

"Naga, please let them know if a hotel suite is not available, I'd also be willing to lease a residence as long as there is suitable transportation also available if the dwelling is not convenient to the majority of the events." Her float chair was just not that fast nor was it designed for handling most public transportation systems. Only her legs were nonfunctional, but for a woman as active as Valeria was it was frustrating. But the accident, she supposed with a wry twist of her lips, would certainly teach her not to charge blindly over a hill, even if she had inspected it the day before.

Thrice Queen by Right of Arms of the Society for Creative Anachronism, she had been leading a charge over a rocky ridge crest when the stone had crumbled out from under the massed weight of bodies and taken all of those in the vanguard down in a massive rockslide that had caused every thing from simple if massive bruising to near lethal injuries for others. What few knew however was that it had not simply been Mother Nature, but the fifth attempt on her life. Those charged with solving such riddles as ‘why her’ were still investigating, but it had been decided that she was safer away from the Phoenix Empire while the medical specialist clone grew a new spinal cord to replace the one irreparably damaged. Valeria was a part of the small but significant minority who could not under-go Regen.

“We can always just shuttle back and forth from the Naga” Roger suggested.

“No I’d really rather not. That’s just extra time spent. I’m sure there will be something suitable available. While I don’t think I’m going to be doing enough entertaining to warrant a penthouse, if that’s what’s available, Naga, go for it”

“Yes Lady Valeria” The ships controlling sentience responded in a pleasant alto voice, then proceeded to querry the Kelevar Tourism Agency for a list of the finer hotels in the Karo Tevas.

[Koumpounophobia]

Jacob Coriander hadn't expected to be rushed down into a festival. Normally Mr. Newburn would mention something like this, or at least Mr. Norris would give a heads-up. But instead they made it seem like a routine negotiation, just another opening of political doors for alliance and friendly conversation. And now he was thrust headfirst into a throng of people he did not know. He looked about in confusion. Their foods were different, their technology was different, and there were no other buttoneers anywhere nearby. He was a fish out of water, entirely, and he did not much like it.

Phase one of this stupid stupid trip would most definitely be finding whoever was in control of this madhouse. No... Not madhouse... He had to be dignified and respectful about this if he wanted to keep his post as Mr. Newburn's Negotiator...

In the meanwhile, Jacob decided to risk an upset stomach and risked trying some of the local cuisine. And dear god, was that a mistake...
He liked it.
This trip would most definitely ruin that diet he was so determined to work on.

[Krioval]

“We can always just shuttle back and forth from the Naga” Roger suggested.

“No I’d really rather not. That’s just extra time spent. I’m sure there will be something suitable available. While I don’t think I’m going to be doing enough entertaining to warrant a penthouse, if that’s what’s available, Naga, go for it”

“Yes Lady Valeria” The ships controlling sentience responded in a pleasant alto voice, then proceeded to querry the Kelevar Tourism Agency for a list of the finer hotels in the Karo Tevas.

The message wended its way through the communications system, and it would have joined the stream heading toward the Kelevar Tourism Agency if not for one small detail. Tanara. He had designed the backbone of the network, after all, and while modifications had been made in his long absence, his unique personality still resonated through the aether. A coded message, classified "confidential", was soon sent.

"To the Lady Valeria, I send greetings from our humble world. I must also apologize. I've not had the chance to retrieve your correct title or form of address. My name is Iestyn. Lodging arrangements have been made at Lord Serph's old summer residence, which also serves as temporary quarters for diplomatic staff. His Lordship, before his disappearance, spoke fondly of the Phoenix Empire. You and your entourage will be afforded diplomatic privileges and immunities while visiting Kelevar, as appropriate for one of your eminence." The young man's face formed a wry smile. "Do try to not abuse it too much, my Lady. I will be pleased to receive your reply at your convenience."

Iestyn sighed in relief as he sealed the transmission with the security code. At least something was going his way. Then he laughed out loud. It just wouldn't be appropriate for the fireworks to begin without Phoenix Empire royalty. He whistled absently to himself as he hurried toward the outskirts of the city. Dylan would be on his way as well, and their decisions would either contain or explode the spacecraft situation in very short order.

[Krioval]

Jacob Coriander hadn't expected to be rushed down into a festival. Normally Mr. Newburn would mention something like this, or at least Mr. Norris would give a heads-up. But instead they made it seem like a routine negotiation, just another opening of political doors for alliance and friendly conversation. And now he was thrust headfirst into a throng of people he did not know. He looked about in confusion. Their foods were different, their technology was different, and there were no other buttoneers anywhere nearby. He was a fish out of water, entirely, and he did not much like it.

Kelevar was a microcosm of Krioval in nearly all ways. The populace was flamboyant and loud, the vastness led to one easily becoming lost, and the plethora of tempting foods often led foreigners to their distraction. It was not for the fainthearted. Still, the scene had a sort of order to it; the kind about which graduate students wrote impressive theses.

Phase one of this stupid stupid trip would most definitely be finding whoever was in control of this madhouse. No... Not madhouse... He had to be dignified and respectful about this if he wanted to keep his post as Mr. Newburn's Negotiator...

In the meanwhile, Jacob decided to risk an upset stomach and risked trying some of the local cuisine. And dear god, was that a mistake...
He liked it.
This trip would most definitely ruin that diet he was so determined to work on.

Security was omnipresent. For a wandering diplomat, one could, at the very least, be sure of running into some sort of peace officer about every five steps or so. Or one could simply walk toward the center of Karo Tevas and hope for the best...

[Koumpounophobia]

Security was omnipresent. For a wandering diplomat, one could, at the very least, be sure of running into some sort of peace officer about every five steps or so. Or one could simply walk toward the center of Karo Tevas and hope for the best...

Jacob stumbled from the booth, mouth still full of pie. It was... too good. He had to focus. Thus, he went a little bit further. There had to be security nearby. But where?
He pulled a map from his suit pocket. He first looked to the crowd to notice he was incredibly overdressed, and then to the map to realize it was horribly horribly out-of-date. Where did Mr. Norris get this from? He looked up, realizing in mid step that he was about to collide with some sort of security personnel. He hesitated, stopping himself from speaking Koumpounaphobic. He smiled after a second, and began to fluently speak the area's common tongue. It came out with frequent rolling R's and a slight rasp on the the I's. It came out sounding awkward and lilting, and while the security officer was clearly a bit confused by the bizarre accent, he seemed to generally understand what Jacob was saying:
"Do you know wherrre I can find the leaderr of this colony?"

[Krioval]

Jacob stumbled from the booth, mouth still full of pie. It was... too good. He had to focus. Thus, he went a little bit further. There had to be security nearby. But where?
He pulled a map from his suit pocket. He first looked to the crowd to notice he was incredibly overdressed, and then to the map to realize it was horribly horribly out-of-date. Where did Mr. Norris get this from? He looked up, realizing in mid step that he was about to collide with some sort of security personnel. He hesitated, stopping himself from speaking Koumpounaphobic. He smiled after a second, and began to fluently speak the area's common tongue. It came out with frequent rolling R's and a slight rasp on the the I's. It came out sounding awkward and lilting, and while the security officer was clearly a bit confused by the bizarre accent, he seemed to generally understand what Jacob was saying:
"Do you know wherrre I can find the leaderr of this colony?"

Officer Johan was a gregarious sort, and he fit in very well in the chaotic place that was Kelevar colony. He was also one of the few Nordic types in a nation that had spread from the Pacific Islands, but that was an added bonus. The women seemed to find Scandinavian men to be something of an exotic commodity, and it worked out well enough for everybody. He paused on seeing the obviously confused foreign visitor.

"Not a bad translator. English is a lot easier to simulate than the old language, that's for sure." He laughs heartily. "The leader? Well, the governor-elect is probably tied up with last-minute security business. Lord Dylan is such a details man, and he'll never hand off his position without making sure that every form is properly filled out before he leaves the office." Johan scratches his head absently. "You might try the Foreign Affairs office. Two blocks that way, turn left, and take the maglev heading downtown, then take it to the second-to-last stop. It'll be the building on the right hand side once you leave the terminal." He hands the Jacob a small plastic and metallic card. "This'll get you around the city without any problems. Enjoy!"

[Tanara]

"Do try to not abuse it too much, my Lady. I will be pleased to receive your reply at your convenience."

"Oh he has a sense of humor" Valeria threw back her head and laughed "And diplomatic quarters. That should suite you just fine." She looked over at Roger, who just grinned wryly and held up a length of sari for her to approve. It matched the longer, slightly more formal choli she had chosen and so she reached up for the rings suspended over her head. With the light weight suspensor bracers on she could at least stand and showing the hidden upper body strength that so surprised people Valeria had herself standing in an eye blink.

Roger arranged the nine yards of the sari about her and slid the drape over her right shoulder as she preferred. Once back down in the float chair she let him remove the bracers, they were uncomfortable and she wore them only when absolutely necessary. Once she brushed her hair so that she felt she looked presentable she had Naga record a message for Iestyn.

"Thank you most kindly Lord Iestyn. Please, no titles, just call me Val, or if you must Valeria"

It was a well known facet of Tanaran culture that they thrived on informality and that the more they liked you the more informal they were. But that was not to say they didn't understand the desire or need for such, they did have cordial relations with one of the most formal cultures about, that of the Celestial Imperia

"I will gladly accept your most gracious offer. I am accompanied only by my aide Roger, and I promise not to abuse your hospitality though I will abuse it enough to request the chance to turn it about and be your hostess for dinner one evening." She concluded the message and sent it back along the channels the original had arrived through. Valeria had liked the laughter in his green eyes and the fact that he hadn't put on titles.

Roger piloted the Naga's small shuttle to the supplied coordinates, landing at the facility that served Lord Serph's summer residence. Valeria had ridden the passenger compartment, though she had her own pilots license getting into the cockpit would have been too much trouble. She had spent the ride down reading up on Kelevar's history and culture. It looked to be friendly, welcoming, and very sure of itself.

And for a confirmed foodie like Valeria the descriptions of popular dishes and the myriad of well respected dining establishments sounded heavenly "I will just have to exercise more." She smiled to herself. Roger, an immensely fit exercise fanatic like all Cadre, sometimes complained she pushed her physical therapy too much.

[Koumpounophobia]

Officer Johan was a gregarious sort, and he fit in very well in the chaotic place that was Kelevar colony. He was also one of the few Nordic types in a nation that had spread from the Pacific Islands, but that was an added bonus. The women seemed to find Scandinavian men to be something of an exotic commodity, and it worked out well enough for everybody. He paused on seeing the obviously confused foreign visitor.

"Not a bad translator. English is a lot easier to simulate than the old language, that's for sure." He laughs heartily. "The leader? Well, the governor-elect is probably tied up with last-minute security business. Lord Dylan is such a details man, and he'll never hand off his position without making sure that every form is properly filled out before he leaves the office." Johan scratches his head absently. "You might try the Foreign Affairs office. Two blocks that way, turn left, and take the maglev heading downtown, then take it to the second-to-last stop. It'll be the building on the right hand side once you leave the terminal." He hands the Jacob a small plastic and metallic card. "This'll get you around the city without any problems. Enjoy!"

Jacob fumbled to put away the shiny card as he pushed open the door to the Foreign Affairs building. He sighed, walking calmly, if not depressingly into the building. Security or not, the streets were chaos. Fun, but not suited to business. He wanted very much to join in the festivities, but he was to do his job before anything else. But then again, this would be difficult. There seemed to be one woman behind the desk, and there were several people here about simple things like passports.
Jacob grumbled to himself, looked for an excuse to display the fact he was a Koumpounaphobic Negotiator. Nothing, however. He would have to stand here quiet and try not to scream.

[Krioval]

Iestyn sped down the thoroughfare at speeds calibrated just so - fast enough to get him where he was going, but not so quickly as to attract unwanted attention from the police. Valeria's reply came through to his vehicle's viewscreen and he nearly vomited from panic. How the hell did they know where to forward it?! He reeled mentally before realizing that he had sent the original by way of his personal protocols. Therefore any reply was routed directly to him through the same secure channel. Am I getting too old for this?

"Oh he has a sense of humor" Valeria threw back her head and laughed "And diplomatic quarters. That should suite you just fine." She looked over at Roger, who just grinned wryly and held up a length of sari for her to approve. It matched the longer, slightly more formal choli she had chosen and so she reached up for the rings suspended over her head. With the light weight suspensor bracers on she could at least stand and showing the hidden upper body strength that so surprised people Valeria had herself standing in an eye blink.

Roger arranged the nine yards of the sari about her and slid the drape over her right shoulder as she preferred. Once back down in the float chair she let him remove the bracers, they were uncomfortable and she wore them only when absolutely necessary. Once she brushed her hair so that she felt she looked presentable she had Naga record a message for Iestyn.

"Thank you most kindly Lord Iestyn. Please, no titles, just call me Val, or if you must Valeria"

It was a well known facet of Tanaran culture that they thrived on informality and that the more they liked you the more informal they were. But that was not to say they didn't understand the desire or need for such, they did have cordial relations with one of the most formal cultures about, that of the Celestial Imperia

"I will gladly accept your most gracious offer. I am accompanied only by my aide Roger, and I promise not to abuse your hospitality though I will abuse it enough to request the chance to turn it about and be your hostess for dinner one evening." She concluded the message and sent it back along the channels the original had arrived through. Valeria had liked the laughter in his green eyes and the fact that he hadn't put on titles.

Oh, we have a live one, Iestyn mused. How best to reply to such a tempting offer? If one could draw conclusions from one historical example, these Tanarans liked mystery and adventure. He shifted the drive controls to automatic. "Begin security protocol seventeen, coded message, diplomatic channel," he instructed the computer. "Cloak location." Mystery first, then adventure.

"My L...Valeria." Only the most trained or cynical operative would have noticed the fluidity with which Iestyn managed his "mistake". "I should like to properly welcome you to our humble world in person, but I am afraid that I have been called away from the capital on urgent business." He paused. "It's nothing dangerous, I assure you," he added, a bit over dramatically. "Perhaps we could dine in two days' time? My treat, naturally. In the meantime, please feel free to partake of any of Kelevar's dining or entertainment establishments. Kelevar would be honored to host such fine friends."

He cut the transmission. Let the games begin.

And for a confirmed foodie like Valeria the descriptions of popular dishes and the myriad of well respected dining establishments sounded heavenly "I will just have to exercise more." She smiled to herself. Roger, an immensely fit exercise fanatic like all Cadre, sometimes complained she pushed her physical therapy too much.

An energetic woman bounded from the residence as the royal delegation arrived. She was neither tall nor short, and it would have been all but impossible to discern her ancestry on sight alone. "Lady Valeria?" she called out, practically grinning. "I am so sorry for the reshuffling of your welcoming committee. My name is Lucinda Vartek, and I'd be honored to show Your...uh...Majesty?...around..."

[Krioval]

Jacob fumbled with the shiny card for a full minute before the door opened. He sighed, walking calmly, if not depressingly into the building. Security or not, the streets were chaos. Fun, but not suited to business. He wanted very much to join in the festivities, but he was to do his job before anything else. But then again, this would be difficult. There seemed to be one woman behind the desk, and there were several people here about simple things like passports.
Jacob grumbled to himself, looked for an excuse to display the fact he was a Koumpounaphobic Negotiator. Nothing, however. He would have to stand here quiet and try not to scream.

Say what you like about Kriovallers in general, their brusqueness and frenetic pace; they were *efficient*. The line moved at a speed that left people constantly in motion, though the movements were clearly very well choreographed. "Next," called out the woman at the window. Her badge indicated a name of Lylia V. "Passports are in lines three through seven, average wait is up to twenty minutes. All other inquiries are to be directed...oh." She scrutinized Jacob for a few seconds. "Lost visitor or lost diplomat?" she asked, bemusedly, trilling her l's ever so slightly.

[Koumpounophobia]

Say what you like about Kriovallers in general, their brusqueness and frenetic pace; they were *efficient*. The line moved at a speed that left people constantly in motion, though the movements were clearly very well choreographed. "Next," called out the woman at the window. Her badge indicated a name of Lylia V. "Passports are in lines three through seven, average wait is up to twenty minutes. All other inquiries are to be directed...oh." She scrutinized Jacob for a few seconds. "Lost visitor or lost diplomat?" she asked, bemusedly, trilling her l's ever so slightly.

Jacob blushed a bit, pulling out the badge that denoted him as his nation's Negotiator. He kept underestimating this place. This was not Koumpounaphobia. The lines would actually move here.
"I'd be that second one. I'm herrre to speak with... Who was it... Lorrrd... Derrryk? Dylan? Something to those effects..."
He sighed a bit, pulling out an item of paperwork he was supposed to fill out if he had to go through Foreign Affairs (which he usually did). He jotted down his name quickly, having already filled out most of it, and tucked it away with an exhausted smile.

[Krioval]

"I'd be that second one. I'm herrre to speak with... Who was it... Lorrrd... Derrryk? Dylan? Something to those effects..."
He sighed a bit, pulling out an item of paperwork he was supposed to fill out if he had to go through Foreign Affairs (which he usually did). He jotted down his name quickly, having already filled out most of it, and tucked it away with an exhausted smile.

"Oh, I see. You're the second one today." Lylia sighed. "We really need to set up a better system for this sort of thing." She took the form from Jacob and looked it over. After a few seconds, she typed a series of commands into her computer terminal. "You're all set, Negotiator...that is your title, correct? Anyway, your transit pass has been upgraded to diplomatic status, which means that you shouldn't have to deal with any unnecessary hassles while visiting us here. It's already imprinted to your biological signature, so don't worry too much if you lose it. Just come back here if you do and we'll get you back into the system. Hmm...for temporary consular offices, we're housing diplomatic envoys at the Earthlight hotel. Will an upgraded suite suffice for the time being?" The flood of words stopped for a moment as she considered his initial request. "As for meeting with Governor Dylan, that's going to be difficult. The staff at the Earthlight will be able to help you a bit better - they're a bit higher on the food chain, you see."

[Koumpounophobia]

"Oh, I see. You're the second one today." Lylia sighed. "We really need to set up a better system for this sort of thing." She took the form from Jacob and looked it over. After a few seconds, she typed a series of commands into her computer terminal. "You're all set, Negotiator...that is your title, correct? Anyway, your transit pass has been upgraded to diplomatic status, which means that you shouldn't have to deal with any unnecessary hassles while visiting us here. It's already imprinted to your biological signature, so don't worry too much if you lose it. Just come back here if you do and we'll get you back into the system. Hmm...for temporary consular offices, we're housing diplomatic envoys at the Earthlight hotel. Will an upgraded suite suffice for the time being?" The flood of words stopped for a moment as she considered his initial request. "As for meeting with Governor Dylan, that's going to be difficult. The staff at the Earthlight will be able to help you a bit better - they're a bit higher on the food chain, you see."

Jacob blinked in confusion as he took in what she said. It came indeed quite fast and a bit more then dizzying. He focused, trying to recollect, understand, and whatnot. She had asked if she got his title right... and.. uh, apparently she'd upgraded his transit card, that would be handy... and she'd asked a question about an upgraded suite...
"Negotiator, yes. Thank you for the diplomatic pass, and the upgraded suite will be more than fine," he said with a smile. He took mental note to talk to the staff of the hotel. He nodded, tucking away his badge, and as he walked out the door, he initialed another small paper for Mr. Newburn.
He fumbled the card again when he pulled it out, but he used it quietly and intelligently to make a neat path toward the Earthlight. The hotel was indeed very stately and impressive. He stepped inside, completely unsure what to expect.

[Tanara]

Roger most certainly caught it, Valeria, not near as expert or as cynical, apparently didn’t. But… “Roger did that ‘nothing dangerous’ sound more than a bit over the top? And you know he never did reveal his official status, or his full name now did he? If I didn’t know better I’d say he was a Scadian bard! Man of Mystery Iestyn” Valeria found herself smiling once again.

“I don’t think that the Society has a branch here.” Roger replied over the intercom. The Society for Creative Anachronism, arguably the premier historical re-creation ( the B.O.D. far preferred that term over ‘re-enactment’) organization, might have branches on over thirty worlds in the Phoenix Empire alone and many millions of full fledged members but they were not even known every where much less found every where.

“Too bad. I understand that the original Polynesian Islander cultures were very interesting. I’ll have to reply to his reply once we are settled in. I think I like him.” Valeria chuckled.

Then they were disembarking, the tiny matrix in her float chairs controller head band subtlely glowing crystal, silver, blue and gold as Val guided the chair down the shuttle’s ramp. She had only very low level telekentics, barely more than enough to allow her to operate the chair’s pre-encoded commands. She smiled up at the lady who bustled out to greet them.

"I am so sorry for the reshuffling of your welcoming committee. My name is Lucinda Vartek, and I'd be honored to show Your...uh...Majesty?...around..."

“Oh no..” Valeria caught the inadvertent error immediately which a apologetic chuckle “Oh they must have sent my information without All the information!” Her huge, crystal blue gray eyes crinkled at the corners as the smile became a wry grin “ No… not your Majesty – That’s only if I was still queen, and we were ‘in persona’. The Society might like to think we are of galactic importance and we may have close to forty million members across the stars, but really we’re only a historical recreation society. Though in “real life” I do have the honour to be a Good Will Ambassador for Tanara, I’m not here in an overly official capacity. She paused for a second, looking thoughtful “Though I think that if I did manage to convince the Governor-To-Be that an exchange of formal Embassies would be a ‘good’ thing, then Aunt Dominique might be very happy with me.”

She winced as she realised how jumbled she must sound, that was very unlike her. “Please excuse me Lucinda, please just call me Val. I am very pleased to meet you, and truly no welcoming committee is needed. I’d love to have you show us around.” Val hoped she spoke reassuringly then she proceeded to introduce her good friend.
“This is Roger the Indispensible, he puts up with me and makes sure every thing runs smoothly for me.”

Roger just shook his head ever so slightly as he gave the Kelevaran a bow. Val certainly was sounding uncharacteristically flustered. “Please Mz Vatek, Lucinda, it’s just Roger. I don’t dare make myself indispensible, for then the first thing the universe would then do would be to show me just how much I am not.” He half chortled with his usual abundant good humour. Roger stood a good six foot six, and while broad shouldered, was in no way muscle bound much less ‘hulking’. He moved more like a leopard than a lion.

[Krioval]

Jacob blinked in confusion as he took in what she said. It came indeed quite fast and a bit more then dizzying. He focused, trying to recollect, understand, and whatnot. She had asked if she got his title right... and.. uh, apparently she'd upgraded his transit card, that would be handy... and she'd asked a question about an upgraded suite...
"Negotiator, yes. Thank you for the diplomatic pass, and the upgraded suite will be more than fine," he said with a smile. He took mental note to talk to the staff of the hotel. He nodded, tucking away his badge, and as he walked out the door, he initialed another small paper for Mr. Newburn.
He fumbled the card again when he pulled it out, but he used it quietly and intelligently to make a neat path toward the Earthlight. The hotel was indeed very stately and impressive. He stepped inside, completely unsure what to expect.

"Welcome to the Earthlight Hotel, Lord Negotiator." The man was dressed head-to-toe in a red uniform. "My name is Lamar, and I will be assisting Your Excellency until more permanent arrangements can be made between our national governments. We have received your credentials and have prepared the western half of the thirty-eighth floor for you. Your pass has been upgraded automatically to allow you entry to the suites requested. If you require additional diplomatic staff to have access, please let me know and I will register their biometric data in their cards of transit." He tipped his cap slightly toward Jacob. "Is there any other way in which I can be of assistance?"

[Krioval]

“Oh no..” Valeria caught the inadvertent error immediately which a apologetic chuckle “Oh they must have sent my information without All the information!” Her huge, crystal blue gray eyes crinkled at the corners as the smile became a wry grin “ No… not your Majesty – That’s only if I was still queen, and we were ‘in persona’. The Society might like to think we are of galactic importance and we may have close to forty million members across the stars, but really we’re only a historical recreation society. Though in “real life” I do have the honour to be a Good Will Ambassador for Tanara, I’m not here in an overly official capacity. She paused for a second, looking thoughtful “Though I think that if I did manage to convince the Governor-To-Be that an exchange of formal Embassies would be a ‘good’ thing, then Aunt Dominique might be very happy with me.”

She winced as she realised how jumbled she must sound, that was very unlike her. “Please excuse me Lucinda, please just call me Val. I am very pleased to meet you, and truly no welcoming committee is needed. I’d love to have you show us around.” Val hoped she spoke reassuringly then she proceeded to introduce her good friend.
“This is Roger the Indispensible, he puts up with me and makes sure every thing runs smoothly for me.”

Roger just shook his head ever so slightly as he gave the Kelevaran a bow. Val certainly was sounding uncharacteristically flustered. “Please Mz Vatek, Lucinda, it’s just Roger. I don’t dare make myself indispensible, for then the first thing the universe would then do would be to show me just how much I am not.” He half chortled with his usual abundant good humour. Roger stood a good six foot six, and while broad shouldered, was in no way muscle bound much less ‘hulking’. He moved more like a leopard than a lion.

Lucinda brought her right hand toward her forehead as soon as she realized her error. "Oh, Gods," she sighed, before trailing off into a nervous titter. "That rogue Iestyn seemed to have left some of the documentation out of my packet, it would seem. Don't trust him any farther than you can throw him. Honestly, I wish that Dylan would rein him in sometimes." She stopped abruptly, took a breath, and continued. "I'm glad to get it all straightened out, though. Val and Roger then. I wondered why anybody would ask for me to escort royalty. I'm only an assistant professor of history, after all. The little *he* sent me indicated that you were interested in that subject?"

[Koumpounophobia]

He tipped his cap slightly toward Jacob. "Is there any other way in which I can be of assistance?"

Jacob jumped a bit in surprise. When Lamar finished speaking, the Negotiator nodded.
"If you could trry to put me in touch with the goverrrnerr, I would apprrreciate it verrrrry much."

[Krioval]

He tipped his cap slightly toward Jacob. "Is there any other way in which I can be of assistance?"

Jacob jumped a bit in surprise. When Lamar finished speaking, the Negotiator nodded.
"If you could trry to put me in touch with the goverrrnerr, I would apprrreciate it verrrrry much."

There was a brief, uncomfortable silence. "Well...technically speaking, Lord Dylan has not yet taken office. I will, however, send a message to his transitional team to see when he is available." Lamar collected his thoughts. "That said, I am sure that the governor-elect would have no problem meeting with Your Excellency, as you have traveled out of your way to visit our world. I will classify your request as top priority as well. I do apologize for the inconvenience."

[Koumpounophobia]

There was a brief, uncomfortable silence. "Well...technically speaking, Lord Dylan has not yet taken office. I will, however, send a message to his transitional team to see when he is available." Lamar collected his thoughts. "That said, I am sure that the governor-elect would have no problem meeting with Your Excellency, as you have traveled out of your way to visit our world. I will classify your request as top priority as well. I do apologize for the inconvenience."

"Thank you," remarked Jacob with a slight bow. He adjusted his jacket cuffs a little before making his way toward the elevator. It was immaculate and well-designed. With a smile, he pressed the button for the 38th floor. The ride up was a quiet one, almost entirely without incident or words or thought. The only thing that was considered is what Jacob would do after the job was over. He would go and eat more of the local food. He loved that pie he found earlier...

When the elevator opened, he stepped out, looking back and forth. He went down the hall until a door lock beeped and the door opened. He reached into his pocket, pulling forth the card and smiling. He tucked the card away and proceeded into his suite. First thing was first: bathroom break.

Then he proceeded to the phone a moment later. He dialed up an interplanetary number.
"Hello, Mr. Norris. Yes, I arrived okay. Have I made the negotiations yet? No... I'm still working on that one. Apparently there is a new governor coming to power right now... So I have to wait a little while. Will do, sir. Yes. Good day to you."

[Krioval]

Iestyn pushed the throttle to its maximum after leaving the city limits. Technically, the entire district was part of Karo Tevas, but speed limit laws were practically nonexistent this far out of the city. He laughed reflexively at the name. Enough people had forgotten the old language; Karo Tevas means "proving ground" or "battlefield". Serph had named the city after his ascension to the planetary governorship. Iestyn brought his thoughts back to the situation at hand. Something had gone wrong, and part of that damned ship had reached the ground. His mind began to wander again, imagining the equations, the secrecy, and the brain-crushing *exactness* that had been required these past few days. He wondered what exactly pushed him forward - was it the adrenaline, or were all those religious nuts right, and fates could be predestined?

The craft hurtled past small settlements, housing those Kriovallers who finally could choose to live outside of either gigantic world-cities or asteroid colonies. There were more than anybody could have predicted. Iestyn reached one of the larger townships about half an hour later and pulled off the main road. He meandered around the periphery of the town, and after making sure that nobody in particular was paying attention, he pushed into what constituted the place's business district. He pulled the craft into a parking space without bothering to look - he'd been here enough times to align the vehicle perfectly. Maybe someday he'd upgrade to one of those fancier models, but the older ones just had a certain charm.

"Iestyn! Thank the gods," a matronly voice called out from one of the house's upper floors. "He's so glad to have you, especially after the stress of this election. I honestly don't know how you two did it, coming from behind like that. Damned nativists," she hissed.

"Yes, yes, Marla, I know." Iestyn sighed. Marla was another Kelevarios, a native to this world rather than to Earth or Krioval's asteroid colonies. Even the other planets weren't looked down upon as strongly as Kelevar. Everybody knew it was because of the Serph Dekker years. "He always comes home when this stuff happens, at least. Good old predictable Dylan Dekker," he said with a smirk.

"Oooh! You're so bad," Marla admonished, unsuccessfully stifling a giggle. "But he's not as predictable as you'd think, young one." It was Iestyn's turn to look surprised.

"The homestead?"

"His dear sainted aunt Morgan, how she puts up with all of this publicity."

"Hmph. Old bat's the reason Dylan got into politics, Marla. You should know that, at least." He stuck out his tongue at her as he climbed into his hover vehicle, pulling the doors shut before he could hear a response. He swore he could make out muffled cursing despite the sonic insulation. Iestyn sped off toward the south.

The Morgan Dekker house was legendary, both in size and contents. She was a geologist at the university up until a few years ago, and the place was crammed with strange rocks, gems, and crystals. The more superstitious of her neighbors suspected she was a witch or priestess who entrapped souls in her stones, or used them as a psychic focus to make minions of men. Her reputation certainly wasn't helped by her libertine lifestyle. The vastness of her estate owed both to practically ancient money and a stunningly successful career; she had authored over one hundred articles on xenogeology, and had practically founded the "Kelevar sciences" field of study, so steadfast was her refusal to use the phrase "earth" even in its more prosaic form.

Sadly for Iestyn, Morgan wasn't around. "Off hunting for samples," Dylan had finally offered, his voice booming even in such a quiet register. It had taken Iestyn almost half an hour to locate his target, who was chopping wood with a frighteningly large axe. Dylan hadn't even looked up.

"Yeah. Good to see you too." There was no response. "So...about the ship." Crack. Two gigantic pieces of wood fell to either side of the chopping block.

"Don't worry about it."

The smaller man blanched. "All right," he stuttered, "you can't possibly be serious. 'Don't worry about it?' Uh-uh. This could very well..." The axe descended, lodging in the block.

"Stop. Listen."

Iestyn cut off in mid-sentence. "What for?"

Dylan let out an exasperated sigh. "Kelevar."

"More mystical stuff? Come on, man! People think that's weird, Dyl."

"I'm not here for them, now am I?" Dylan touched the ground briefly, then stood. "I will return to the city in the morning. Do what you have to do. That's your thing," he intoned gravely.

"Yeah. So what's your thing again?" Iestyn regarded the larger man almost defiantly.

"Kelevar." Dylan began to walk toward the house. He made no motion for Iestyn to follow.

"Uh huh. So, anyway, uh, give my regards to Morgan, huh?"

"She will be glad to hear from you." Dylan paused. "If you would like to stay, you are welcome," he added almost uncertainly.

"Naw, that's fine. I've got to get back to handle the diplomats until you do. 'Night, Dylan."

"Good night, Iestyn."

[Tanara]

I'm glad to get it all straightened out, though. Val and Roger then. I wondered why anybody would ask for me to escort royalty. I'm only an assistant professor of history, after all. The little *he* sent me indicated that you were interested in that subject?"

"Oh yes Lucinda, both of us are avid, if amateur historians. And I'll remember that Iestyn the rogue is prone to not divulging all the information." Val said lightly. More information but all it did was whet her already lively curiosity.

“And besides assistant professors are much nicer to chat with” Roger added “full professors often don’t think much of us ‘hobbyists” Managing to look quite supercilious, he looked down his nose and sniffed with an outrageous accent.

“This is a lovely compound, the gardens look to be quite extensive and lovingly maintained.” He commented as Lucinda escorted them across the grounds to where the sprawling house sat comfortably snuggled into lush gardens.

“Lucinda what are the transportation options available? This” Val tapped the float chair lightly as she guided it along side “Is a little cumbersome for most public transportation and we were hoping to be able to lease a suitable vehicle.”

The float chair was not unusually heavy and could be maneuvered with rather more agility than it’s bulk suggested but it was awkward in confined spaces and where others might have to crowd close.

[Krioval]

"Oh yes Lucinda, both of us are avid, if amateur historians. And I'll remember that Iestyn the rogue is prone to not divulging all the information." Val said lightly. More information but all it did was whet her already lively curiosity.

“And besides assistant professors are much nicer to chat with” Roger added “full professors often don’t think much of us ‘hobbyists” Managing to look quite supercilious, he looked down his nose and sniffed with an outrageous accent.

"I'm just fortunate to have found a way to convert a hobby into a career," Lucinda said cheerfully. "Though some of the stuffed shirts across town might feel a bit differently."

“This is a lovely compound, the gardens look to be quite extensive and lovingly maintained.” He commented as Lucinda escorted them across the grounds to where the sprawling house sat comfortably snuggled into lush gardens.

"The Serph Dekker Foundation maintains the grounds, and much of the semi-public infrastructure on Kelevar. We lost him far too early."

“Lucinda what are the transportation options available? This” Val tapped the float chair lightly as she guided it along side “Is a little cumbersome for most public transportation and we were hoping to be able to lease a suitable vehicle.”

The float chair was not unusually heavy and could be maneuvered with rather more agility than it’s bulk suggested but it was awkward in confined spaces and where others might have to crowd close.

"Between the Foundation and Foreign Affairs, you won't be responsible for a thing." She waved her hands to forestall protest. "No, no. You are honored guests. Even Governor-elect Dylan has been following our nations' mutual history, such as it is. We'll make sure to justify all of this with an official state dinner or somesuch." Lucinda smiled warmly. Such a trove of history to begin mining! Oh, where to begin? "Where shall we be going?"