All three turned to look at Kevin, who cleared his throat. "I shoulda been more clear. I have this little translator, they don't. Gimmie a few." He turned to face the other two Kydane. "It seems we have an exception to the magic theory. Apparently since this place is essentially a heavenly body sized spacebourne life form. So it's not subject to the standard theories about planets and inhabitants. He also said this life form seems to be attuned to the same level of space-time as the Big Three are. This isn't something we've come across before, Tobe. Mesric's uncovered a lot of oddball space entities so this was certainly probable, but this is the first time we've come across something this size that might be... well, sentient. Pity I can't go back and report, ha.

Whatever, still, something else the bug said IS a problem. It seems the absolute nature of Them is going to be a problem again. Nature descends to Chaos and because of that They are seen as something to be expelled from this creature."

Toby raised an eyebrow, "They why am I still here?"

The gerbil looked at Legs, "He's already got that figured out, too. Even though They are absolute, you, Sun, and whoever else are not. You're acting like a resistor for White Tail, or as he put it, an antibiotic. Long as you're merged, you're safe."

Toby suddenly looked deadly serious, "If I die?"

The gerbil look to one side, "I can't be sure. We know that the symbiont almost instantly transfers to the body of a nearby person the previous host trusted the most. John's case it was you. Keedi's case, it was 'Sun'. We don't know the range or what happens if there is noone they trust or even the subjectivity of the choice. But in this case they just can't; barring they can reach another planet. But if our theory on their travel is right that would take some time." He gritted his teeth, "For all we know... they could... disperse before they can reach any host."

Henry wrinkled his nose, "Disperse? Whats that mean?"

Toby closed his eyes, "He means if I die, everything that was me would vanish, all the pieces of those before me. John, and... my real father. But more importantly, if Raven knows this."

Kevin nodded, "He's going to be gunning for Tickanwatic. We can't let that happen. We lose Kenji here and who knows what impact it will have on the home dimension."

The rabbit glared, "More importantly it means a little kid is in critical danger... Thanks, I think I got it now." He took in a breath, is if trying to inhale the situation, before turning to Ottilie with a blank look. "Kenji, our name for the God entity, is famous for hiding the most obvious spots. When he was in Sparky he dyed his hair, wore contacts, and was right next to me even when I started to look for him. If I didn't know he was in Sun I'd be suspecting you or Legs of being him. I know that can't be, but he'll still be hiding in plain sight. Even if I hadn't already made a promise our best bet would be to follow you." His face skewed with a look of discomfort, "We have no idea where the bad one is." He looked, "He likes to play games, hiding in a spot thats only obvious once it's too late. But one he can use to keep in keep tabs on people." Toby let the breath out, "I'd... be extremely careful around Jerin. Meeting him, I thought I felt something familiar. Could be nothing. But, if you think he seems the least bit different from who you know as Jerin, please. Stay away from him and tell me as soon as you can."

Kevin looked around uncomfortably, as if seeing the rabbit that intense with the Creature made him nervous, suddenly he piped up, "Oh, she made the bug say he was sorry for being a dick, too."

Toby blinked looked away from Ottilie, over at Legs, "Ah, it wasn't a problem, sometimes you need to be suspicious to protect yourself."

Dirac was very close to the mark with his estimation: Aurora was annoyed. Probably not quite as annoyed as Dirac was- not yet- but definitely less than impressed with this latest development. Having followed Jerin's suggestion to go and find out what the agent was up to, they found out that she had vanished. Since she'd been busy fiddling with the wires for so long, Aurora reasoned that they could assume she'd found a way to cross the water-trap, barring the outside chance of another passageway having opened up in their absence. Aurora decided she'd been right in her earlier appraisal: The agent was a liability, and had yet to prove herself anything else besides. Aurora would almost have been glad to be free of her but for one thing. The agent had vanished across the water-trap, therefore in the direction of Ottilie, and probably towards some objective she believed would result in her having custody of Toby & Henry. The annoyance intensified slightly, but Aurora calmed herself & let the feeling dissipate. Annoyance could lead to anger, which almost invariably led to compromised judgement, something none of them could afford right now.

Aurora turned to Jerin, who together with Junk was calmly adjusting the crazy circuitry of the Complex. "How long do you think it'll take?" she asked, "and just what do you suppose she hoped to accomplish by all this?" Jerin twiddled a wire for a moment before answering. "Between myself & Junk I doubt it'll be more than a matter of another few seconds," he informed her, "as for what she intended- we shall ask her when we see her next. Though perhaps she simply wanted to demonstrate her disdain of our company". Aurora considered that for a moment. "If she wanted to get away from us she's a fool," she muttered, "as long as she sticks with Ottilie- and Henry and Toby by virtue of that- she's only going to run into us again. Besides, I told her myself I could leap that trap. If I wanted to, I could hunt her down right now". Aurora indulged that feeling for a moment before adding, "though I won't, much as I might enjoy it. In any case, there's plenty of other dangers she could run into". She turned to Jerin again. "I don't suppose you could get one of those things- whatever they are- that lurk in the mysterious shafts to go after her could you?" She asked. "Without knowing what they are- or how to influence them- I'm afraid not," Jerin replied. "Well it was worth a shot," Aurora commented. Then an idea struck her. "You, Cho & her friends were going to meet up again weren't you?" She asked. Jerin didn't seem particularly comfortable with the mention of Cho's name but he answered, "that was the general understanding". Aurora looked thoughtful. "Then perhaps we should go after our agent as soon as possible," she remarked, "since Burnu tried to eat her last time & Cho doesn't seem to like her any more than we do. And without you around to witness it, who's to say Burnu won't try to finish what he & the agent started if they run into each other again..,"

Legs met his gaze evenly, silent at first. Then he granted the rabbit the slightest nod, chattering curtly, "thank you for understanding." He looked up, urging Ottilie to translate. "He thanks ya fer understandin', an' on my end I do apologize fer assmuin' ya an' Henry could hear him right. Shoulda known better, most o'the folk we bump inta can't," the Oasis creature said, inwardly reflective. She had often supposed one of the reasons Legs had little interest in strangers (aside from his species inherent distrust of them) was the language barrier. After all, even if the individual in question turned out to be pleasant the odds he could talk to him or her without Ottilie present were slim to none, making forming a relationship an investment the decipede didn't find worth the time or effort--

"--Kitto...?" Legs was asking, tentatively. He'd felt the shift in her emotions when Jerin was mentioned and knew she was trying not to think of him. Unfortunately it was an issue that needed addressing, "any thoughts?" She sighed, crossing her arms, "on Jerin actin' unlike the bloke I know 'im fer?" She shook her head, speaking plainly to Toby, "can't help ya there, mate. Constantly re-inventin' himself, that one. Who he is 'round me isn't any more real'n who he'll be 'round any o'ya. So although at present I haven't noticed anythin' peculiar I couldn't rightly say s'him 'cause he's always actin'. F'he changes characters 'twouldn't even think it out o'the ordinary, I'd jus' assume he's come ta a new scenario in his mind that requires that, or he's doin' it fer personal amusement, s'the rub..." she trailed off. There were several things she wanted to add, but the creature couldn't comfortably bring them up without also bringing up the Oasis. Legs watched her struggle with this for a minute before drawing her attention, "Ottilie." She looked at him, and he indicated she should come closer. Moving forward, she extended her hand to rest beside the rock he stood on. He crawled into her palm and continued up her arm until he reached her shoulder. Once there, Legs chattered, "it's ok. Tell them."

Her eyes widened slightly, "ya can't be on 'bout...?"

"It's routine at this point," he said, clicking his mouthparts together brusquely, "but we can discuss the guide you never read later--"

"--I did too read it, I were only makin' su--!"

"--later. Let's take advantage of the situation now."

"Hm. Fine by me," Ottilie replied tensely, moving a hand to tap Nemo in his place in her A.P.D., "Nemo, can ya confirm the area's secure?" The little robot rose to scan the room. After a minute it trilled positively. She nodded, turning to address Toby, Henry, and Kevin very seriously, "f'ya please, what m'bout ta says fer yer ears alone." She paused, considering her next words, then began, "'fore ya did the come-in earlier, Toby, I was tellin' Adi an' Henry a bit 'bout Sages an' backlash. Durin' our conversation I mentioned that the Source has a number o'failsafes in place ta forestall catastrophic sorts o'backlash s'well as any number o'individuals willin' ta defend it 'tall costs. The individuals I was referrin' ta can come from anywhere o'course, don't need ta be extraordinary ta do the right thing s'what I say, but there is one place dedicated ta that end in particular. That places called the Oasis, an' its inhabitants have chosen ta dwell there an' ta serve the Source in any way it requires." She took a deep breath, "Legs an' me're representatives o'the Oasis. Me original purpose here in the world was ta track down Jerin Jestwood. The real one was from the Oasis too, y'see..." she looked away, "...one day he didn't come home. That were centuries ago, but fer some reason little o'er four years back Source wanted him found an' I were called ta the task. The bloke ya met earlier's the guy I ended up findin' an' the Oasis believes he's the right one. Once they confirmed he were the genuine article I were s'posed ta bring him in, but three months ago I got taken off his case an' started up with other assignments. This bit fer Algos s'only the latest, an' s'also the first I've seen o'Jerin in o'er six months."

"The last time was in the Blinks."

"Aye, last I saw o'him was in a mountain range called the Ice Blinks. He were o'great use ta me there--"

"--lets give him a medal." Ottilie shot Legs a look, "Oasis tries not ta interfere in the major happenin's o'Earth 'less s'absolutely necessary, an' when it does s'almost always covertly, which has led most o'the world ta believe it doesn't exist. We prefer it that way fer reasons I won't go inta here. Me purpose in revealin' this is ta try'n lessen certain concerns ya may have 'bout me organization, backlash, an' Jerin. Earlier Adi o'erheard an exchange 'tween me an' Legs that seemed ta alarm him a great deal fer instance, an' I'd hate ta leave him in a state o'mind that could breed distrust o'us an' the place we represent. Therefore, please allow me ta elaborate. We believe in non-violent action an' diplomacy 'bove all else. An' while preventin' harmful backlash is our primary focus, s'not our main pursuit nine times out o'ten. The majority o'our representatives are engaged in the plantin' o'trees, orchards, an' gardens all o'er the world, the exchange o'supplementary calculations meant ta increase technological slash manipu--er, magical productivity an' lessen the risk o'backlash, the bringin' o'relief ta places scarred by instances o'planetary backlash we failed ta prevent, an' the teachin' an' learnin' o'as much as we can where'er we can with whoe'er is willin' ta teach us or learn from us. Even when we receive intelligence that sumthin' has the potential fer creatin' harmful backlash the protocol is investigation, not annihilation. Ya get my point I hope. We do e'erythin' we can ta keep from harmin' Earth's inhabitants. Only time we fights when they've made it clear they won't deal peaceably with us or are already in the process o'intentionally hurtin' the Source." As she talked, Nemo circled the area with the Jack, idly scanning various rocks, "that said, Oasis does like ta watch what might inadvertently go awry. Doesn't mean they'll interfere, jus' means they want as much time as possible ta observe, gather relevant information, an' assemble a Council ta discuss courses o'action in the event o'a problem. S'part o'an Interplanar Investigators job, actually. They're the ones most concerned with harmful 'lash prevention. They go inta the world under the guise o'adventurers, explorers--" she smiled humorously, "--even treasure hunters. Once here they travel where they're needed addressin' potential catalysts--or maybe we're the catalysts...either way as an I.I. Legs was correct, I do need ta report this--" she added quickly, "--but only so the Oasis receives the correct information an' can plan accordingly. They've been at this business millions o'years whereas I've barely been at it four. We could use their aid an' expertise, 'specially where the P.I.A.'s concerned. They can run interference there an' also speak as directly as possible with the Source in the hopes o'gettin' a bearin' on where yer two hosts might be." She went on honestly, "s'true they may think it well ta send someone with more experience out here ta replace me, but f'that happens I won't fight it. Me ego's not so much I'd risk me planet's safety. But whate'er the Council does they'll want yer input an' they'll want ta work together ta keep you, our guests, an' our planet safe."

"They're probably considering the aforementioned course given how late you are in reporting," Legs chattered crossly. Ottilie rolled her eyes, "I'll take me knocks f'there're any ta be had." She looked back at them, "um, Legs was sayin' the Oasis prolly knows sumthin's up by now since the planet's constantly passin' on any information that seems troublin' ta it. S'how we get our leads." She indicated their informants, which included the air around them, the waterfall, even the rocks, "plus with the P.I.A. in the know it won't want ta hide ya from us anymore. No point. I'd estimate e'erythin' we've been sayin's either currently bein' processed or nearly so. Me purpose in makin' a reports ta ensure they receive the correct information, like I said. 'Cause it has ta go through Source knows how many kilometers o'ground, water, an' air ta reach the Oasis an' information can get mixed up when s'bein' passed from rock ta rock ta water ta air, etc."

"Like a bad game of telephone," the decipede chattered. She nodded, "aye, Investigators also exist ta lend credence ta the rumors the planet sends so Oasis isn't actin' on false claims." She moved on, "'nother reason I wanted ya ta know where m'froms ta establish credibility in me appraisal o'backlash. Adi prolly noticed this better'n anyone when he tried introducin' himself ta me followin' yer disappearance, Tobe. I were rather out o'sorts o'er it while Henry an' he were fine, physically speakin' that 'tis. S'cause all Oasis born have amplified sensitivities ta backlash an' Legs an' I're no exceptions. Since s'the case I should be able ta help ya use yer more Sage-like abilities ta greater effectiveness an' fewer complications though, 'cause I'll feel the gradual increase in warnin' lash an' be able ta tell ya when s'gettin' close ta harmful. Me oath ta the Oasis also makes me responsible fer preventin' the return, so f'ya won't listen ta reason I'll need ta interfere with whate'er yer doin' directly," she went on apologetically, "I hope ya won't think ill o'me f'it comes ta that. I mean f'ya do s'ok, 'least you'll understand why since m'sayin' so. An' I'd ne'er interrupt anythin' without tryin' ta speak first as I said. Force isn't me way. I prefer ta reason when I can," She looked down, "finally, 'bout Jerin...won't sugarcoat it. S'pose he'd make an ideal 'nuff host, or even an accomplice ta whoe'er the host may be, but s'kind o'a toss up. There are as many reasons ta pick Jerin as there are not ta. He's wealthy, well connected, extremely fond o'mazes..." she looked worried, "...f'anyone could find anyone in a maze actually, it'd be Jerin. Also, the clan he's from has remarkable regenerative powers. His body ages slowly, heals quickly, an' ne'er takes ta disease." She went on, "that said, no one from the Oasis is capable o'manipulation, or 'magic' as ya call it. We're born in areas where even the smallest failed manip could yield a ten times lash, so s'evolutions way o'protectin' us. I dunno yer Raven, but he might not find that so appealin'."

"There's also the, ah--" Legs tapped the side of his own head. Ottilie nodded, "oh, aye, Jerin's mind. It works...er...non-linearly s'the best way o'puttin' it. S'not that he uses more, jus' the parts he's able ta consciously use work all at once. I had a friend who could get inside heads real psychic-like what tried ta with Jerin. He said it were rubbish, s'too disorderly ta even remember control exists when yer inside, much less focus on any one thing. In the Oasis they think even Jerin's not in control o'his mind, he jus' sort o'works with whate'er its presentin' him with at the time. Dunno f'that'd keep Raven at bay either, but I imagine 'twould make things harder f'Jerin's mind kept losin' or forgettin' his plans an' dwellin' on...whate'er 'tis he dwells on when he's quiet."

"That's another thing, you never let Jerin be quiet!" Legs chirped urgently, and Ottilie smiled, "cheers mate." She added, "Legs' brought up a good point, lettin' Jerin go quiet isn't sumthin' I like ta do. F'ya get 'im talkin', even listenin' ta ya talk, he tends ta focus on that an' it keeps 'im from slippin' too far inta his head." She looked unhappy, "that seven hours or so when I were out wasn't good 'cause m'sure he used the time ta some effect." The creature smiled, "no worries though mate, I've a lot o'experience dealin' with him. May not believe I know who he is, but I've committed ta memory several habits he may or may not be aware o'that could prove tellin' in a pinch." She looked away, "an' sometimes I...feel things, 'bout 'im..." she seemed visibly disconcerted for a minute, then shook her head, "...f'I notice anythin' I'll be sure ta let ya know."

Legs stared up at her. He knew she wanted it to be true, but the insect also knew it would be difficult for Ottilie to hand Jerin off to anyone. Maybe it was entitlement she felt, after taking as much as she had from him she wanted to be the one who brought him to whatever end the Oasis deemed appropriate. Hadn't she earned that much? He could only hope she wouldn't have to make that choice. Legs touched her neck gently, comfortingly. She felt so alone sometimes. Alone with only the promise of that point where it would be her and Jerin and Legs wouldn't be able to help. He changed positions, reaching up to press his claws to either side of her face gently, "Ottilie, lets call the Oasis now, ok? They'll know what to do," he smiled, pinching her cheeks, "wake up, kitto. You aren't alone."

She smiled, lowering her head and quickly saying, "um, Legs says s'really time ta report ta the big O now," she looked up, "but s'there anythin' else I can clarify fer ya...?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jerin chuckled, eyes fixed on the wires, "it's true Burnu does as he pleases, but I doubt he'd be so...discourteous, toward me..." he smiled strangely, "...though, it would be interesting." The trap doors slid shut over the water as he stood, going on to disconnect all outgoing wires from the exposed circuits in the remaining craters. Once this was done he rapped the doors with a foot paw, and as with Elsie they started to pull back only to grind to a squealing halt, little more than a quarter of water exposed between them. Jerin brushed his hands off, moving to cross when the ground beneath them trembled. Moments later Kiku Cho and Burnu re-appeared, the former in considerable distress. Gliding forward, she entwined the Oasis renegade in her arms, "oh Jerin, it is awful!"

Cringing, Jerin pulled away, keeping his hands on her shoulders while inquiring dryly, "really, madam. What exactly is so terrible? And where's Noc?"

"Well there's the rub, Jesty," Burnu grumbled, "can't find him, can we. The nippers got ta croakin', right, so Kix an' me thought that were that an' went ta join the old blighter. Weren't at our meetin' point or anywhere in the area, we checked--"

"--some dreadful thing has surely happened to him!"

Jerin pressed his claw tips to her shoulders to hold her from him, "eh hem. You'll recall better than I that Noc can take care of himself."

"You do not feel at all responsible for his well being?" The kunoichi asked, exploiting every second of the situation in order to remain close to him. Burnu rolled his eyes, and Jerin raised a brow at her, "are we talking about the same creature? I've business of my own to--"

"--please, Jerin?" She implored, batting her eyelashes at him. Burnu frowned, speaking frankly, "ain't all unwarranted. Not like him ta disappear without leavin' some sign ta follow up on. C'mon Jesty. For, yanno, old times sake?"

Jerin crossed his arms, drumming his claws against them, but finally nodded sharply, "very well--"

"--darling!" Cho cooed, promptly wrapping him in another embrace. Jerin recoiled as if he were being physically assaulted, pushing her hands back at her with a nervous laugh, "ha ha, y-yes! Well! You were welcome at 'please Jerin' and not a second after--" Dirac could have almost smiled at this if he hadn't been bothered by other things, watching as Jerin ran a hand through his messy hair several times while Cho sulked. "In any case," he went on, composed, "if he's not back where you were supposed to meet he might have ventured further in, though to what purpose I cannot say," he jabbed a thumb in the direction Elsie had taken earlier, "my business lies along the same path, so lets hurry in the hopes we might both find who we seek." Without another word he turned, taking Ball in one hand and carefully stepping over the crack in the doors. On the other side he knelt, setting the small robot down again. It droned curiously, and he swept an arm through the air, smiling at it, "find Jack." Droning jubilantly, the little robot took off, Jerin in hot pursuit. Dirac and Burnu followed, and Aurora would have been long past them if Cho had not seized her arm, holding her back to remark quietly, "--between us, be very, very careful with Jerin. His...patronage, may seem--" she stopped, taking note of the look on Aurora's face, and her laughter was pitying, "--oh my, you poor dear. Have you not realized he--?" at that moment Jerin's impatient voice drifted back to them, "--Aurora!"

Cho released her, pulling her mask down, "your 'teacher' is calling," a burst of fog concealed her slender form, but she continued speaking softly (sadly), "...I envy you. He wants you close to him. Because I do not want that I will tell you something he does not want me to: you are in terrible danger." The fog curled ominously, her voice receding in every direction, "find what is truly precious to him. Only when you do this will you see what he values in you and be capable of protecting it from coming into his possession." She paused, "if it's not already too late, that is." Then she was gone, leaving Aurora with only this warning for company, indistinct and intangible as the wraithlike mist...

"Sure, yeah, go ahead report us. I'm used to people treating me like a disease." The hybrid suddenly snapped.

Kevin grunted, "Can it mister grumpy." He eyed both Ottilie and Legs, "I don't know what to make of this Jerin you guys are talking about. We don't know enough about Raven. As for reporting it. I'm sure you need to, I would too were I still able. If you trust your guys not to attack us then I'll grant you that. However from what I've seen here they'd be hampering themselves buy removing Ottilie from this case. Tobe here may have an open heart but even though he seems to trust easily it's not quite as simple as he makes it seem."

The rabbit seemed to be in meditation. Kevin gave him a glance then continued, "You seem to have already made it through his mental barriers, I'll admit I'm jealous, but not to any dangerous point. Still," He turned to Legs, "You may advise your superiors that she should remain to oversee this event. Replacing here would sever the formed alliance between us that exists via Ottilie and Tobias."

Legs nodded to Kevin, a measure of respect for the gerbil audible in his reply, "I'll be sure to pass that on." He looked back at Ottilie. She'd been thrilled to hear Toby trusted her enough to let her past his mental barriers, whatever that meant, but it was Henry she was looking at now. The insect rolled his eyes, touching her neck, let it go, kitto. He's not from here. He doesn't understand.

I know, but it weren't me intention ta make him feel bad...

That's his problem, not yours. For the love of the Source, please, leave it--

"--Henry?" Ottilie started, and Legs shook his head, muttering, "or you could not listen to me. As usual." She ignored him, going on, "m'sorry I've upset ya with me decision. I don't think ya need ta be treated like a disease, an' neither does the Source. F'that were the case 'twouldn't a hid ya an' Toby from the P.I.A. long as it did..." she frowned, searching for the right words, "...I'd only like ta be...ta be helpful, ta ya. Ya expressed concern yerself 'bout what 'twould happen f'ya accidentally caused me planet ta lash, an', well, honestly the ones who're most successful at avertin' things o'that nature with the least amount o'mess're me mates at the Oasis. I don't know 'nuff ta be o'great use on me own, so the next best thing I can do is speak with those who know more'n me. An' I won't lie, me oath does endear me ta the Source in front o'e'erythin', but that doesn't mean I don't genuinely want ta be o'service ta ya much as m'able." She paused, remembering something, "um, not entirely unrelated, but when I were a wee thing me da used ta catch me playin' in a number o'places I shouldn't. One was these serpent pits near our farm--" she smiled fondly, sadly, "--he'd...sure eat me head off f'I were caught in those pits. I didn't understand why 'cause the serpents always claimed they'd ne'er eat any o'our family. Said they didn't like the taste, y'know? Da wouldn't drop it though. He said 'tweren't 'bout what the serpents said, 'twas 'bout temperin' compassion with caution." She looked up at him, "he said f'I were rude or unseemly ta 'em they'd dislike me outright o'course, but conversely f'I were too trustin' they'd ne'er respect me. 'Cause only a fool plays in serpents nests, an' no one knows that better'n the serpents." Ottilie shrugged, embarrassed, "dunno why I thought o'that. Maybe 'cause s'kinda like what Toby said 'fore, 'bout trust bein' sumthin' ya earn. Were smart, what he said." She sighed, "an' trusts sumthin' I've been told I grant too easily. I know that 'bout meself though, an' m'tryin' ta be better. I don't mind yer contempt, Henry, honest I don't. I'd prolly feel the same in yer place. S'whate'er measure o'respect ya have fer me as a competent, empathetic an' loyal individual I want ta keep. Afterall, how could ya continue ta trust me once you'd seen me behave foolishly an' possibly ta me planet's detriment? An' f'I were so inconsiderate an' so careless with the Source, how long might it be 'fore ya begin ta question f'I would treat ya so callously--?" She looked down then, "--m'sorry, m'ramblin'. Really I only want ya ta know I appreciate all ya've done an' yer puttin' up with me. An' I acknowledge that yer upset an' don't think ill o'ya fer it. Rather, the Oasis an' I're gonna work really, really hard ta try an' earn yer trust through our actions. F'we do, s'great, an' f'not, s'ok too. Ya can only do the best ya can." She rubbed the side of her snout, hit by another bout of shyness, "um, I...wanted ya ta know that."

Aurora increased her speed slightly to catch up with the others. Once she had done so she matched her pace to theirs, but her mind was only partly on their surroundings. Cho's warning had been both unusual & unexpected. In fact, Aurora might have been tempted to dismiss it entirely as a manifestation of petulant jealousy- had she been anyone else. However, although Aurora knew that- ideally- she could expect to live for many centuries yet, she also knew that she hadn't survived to her present 120 years through incaution. And any warning about Jerin Jestwood, particularly from someone who knew him as well as Cho probably did, was worth paying heed to. 'He wants you to be close to him'. What did that mean? Perhaps simply close in the literal sense, but maybe close in other ways as well. Maybe close in the same way that family were close? Another thought struck Aurora right on the heels of that one. Close, perhaps, in the same way that the key members of the Lucky Seven had been close? The people who were supposed to have been like family, yet whom Jerin had betrayed completely? That was possible. After all, Jerin had given her his card as a means of contacting him. He'd also asked her if she'd ever given any consideration to what she'd do once she tired of being a mercenary. Had that just been a result of his non-linear thinking, or was he trying to draw her into something? Both were possiblities but, in light of Cho's warning, Aurora was starting to lean towards the latter.

She considered something else Cho had said. 'You must find what is truly precious to him. Only when you do this will you be able to see what he values in you & be capable of protecting it from coming into his posession- if it is not already too late that is'. Thanks to the different careers Aurora had enjoyed, she was accustomed to being asked to go from danger into danger & to do near-impossible errands along the way. But this was setting the bar high even by her standards. She couldn't simply ask Jerin what was truly precious to him because- aside from arousing his suspicions- Jerin himself had admitted to varying his answers depending upon time and circumstance. Thus he might give one answer at one time, another the next. And finding out by other means might well be up there next to Aurora's attempting to time-travel under her own power (a very slender possibility even with her speed), or indeed trying to do so without causing backlash (completely impossible). Apparently though, slender as it was, that was her only hope if she wished to protect herself from Jerin. So what did Jerin hold truly dear? Possibly the Treasure in the Complex, but that was unlikely- it was probably only a job to him? Anonymity & power over others? Perhaps, but then again, perhaps those were only tools he used. Ottilie? Aurora indulged that thought slightly. Jerin definitely admired Ottilie, but what was it he admired about her? Perhaps that was where she should start with this puzzle. Because, maybe, if she could determine just what Jerin valued in Ottilie, she could discover what Jerin valued in her too...

"Ignorance is no excuse." The boy stated it firmly.

He turned, his brown eyes narrowed. "I hated it when he said that. I hated him. But it's true. You stand there talking about trust, trying to repeat what Tobe said but you're just screwing it all up. It's $#*!***@, everything you're saying is just $#*!***@. You have a gang of politicians and scientists you're going to go tell that there's a alien hybrid down here and you're talking to me about how I'm not trusting you. It's god damn manipulation all for the sake of your conscience. You say trust you. So what if I do, then they take me away and dissect me or lock me up for study or 'my own protection'. You get to say you didn't know it would happen and walk away with a clean conscience and even sympathy." There was almost a burning in his eyes, "Don't look surprised. My dad did it. My surrogate guardian as well. But you won't. You don't get the satisfaction. If you do it, it goes on your conscience, you know it will happen because I just told you it would. And if you do it I will hate you. And I will have every right too." He looked down, the menacing glare not fading even as his target moved from Ottilie to the ground.

OOC: To give Ottilie's joke below context, when creatures choose and are accepted as permanent or semi-permanent mates of one another there is no formal ceremony. The mates consult the kin of each individual and then pick an available plot of land (or fight/trade for an unavailable plot) to make their home upon. 'Will you pick a plot with me?' is thus equivalent to 'will you marry me?'

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ottilie didn't look at all surprised. Contrarily she seemed rather thoughtful, turning her head away to tap her lip rapidly with a foreclaw. After a minute she looked back at him, and nodding agreeably, said, "'kay, that sounds very fair ta me." This was followed by, "an' I 'pologize fer misinterpretin' what was said by Toby. Makin' assumptions s'one o'the worst things an investigator can do, right unacceptable 'tis. I'll try me best ta be..." she searched for the words, frowning, "...more well spoken? Think more 'fore I speak? Sumthin' ta that effect, in the future." She changed positions to address the three as a whole then, bowing gratefully, "thank ya all, an' please feel free ta ask any questions o'me operator when I've completed me business." Turning, she climbed carefully onto the rock the dozing Lothair occupied and sat cross legged beside him, back to them while she fiddled with her A.P.D. Eventually a white, holographic screen was projected into the air from the small device, black typeface in the center thanking her for her patience. She glanced at Legs, "do...do I--" but she broke off, looking down. The decipede raised a brow wordlessly, shaking his head with a slight smile as he crawled over her, straightening her clothes and smoothing her hair into place. He touched her cheek, chattering softly, "you look perfect. Just sit up straight, kitto." He leaned in to whisper, "and no matter where we go from here I'm...proud, of you." He recoiled, crossing his arms and looking especially indifferent, as though saying this much aloud was a stretch for him. Ottilie smiled to herself, closing her eyes, thanks, genius...

The screen darkened and she was staring into a room filled with unidentifiable devices that were all the more curious where lit by flickering monitors and the soft glow of round buttons. The wall opposite was made entirely of glass, with a view overlooking a beautiful meadow interwoven with rivers and dotted with fireflies in the coming twilight. Directly in front of her was a desk of design sensibilities both practical and elegant, and behind that desk sat what appeared to be the only creature in the large room, a spectacled girl who leaned forward eagerly. Her features were those of a spotted skunk and poodle, from her striking black and white markings to the poof of fur that dominated her wagging tail. She squealed, "Ottilie! Legs!" The insect leaned forward, delighted, "wasn't expecting you--!" Ottilie grinned, jumping to her feet in her excitement and making the screen bounce, "--I knew it'd be ya!"

"Of course! Who else--" she covered her mouth with a hand then, touching her forehead with the other, "--oh Ott, your head. Ouch!"

The other girl smiled wryly, tapping her bandage, "oi, this? S'nothin' in the scheme o'things. Where's e'eryone else? Not used ta seein' ya there all by yer lonesome!"

"Why, at Council!" She replied, pushing her spectacles up, "they've been at Council. I'm one of only a few not physically present. Lady Alcippe thought it would be nice for you to see a familiar face and asked if I wouldn't mind watching the proceedings from here--" Ottilie smiled fondly while her friend peered over her shoulder at Toby, Henry, and Kevin, "--oh!! Hello!! It's so nice to meet you!" She bubbled excitedly, "I'm called Lynk! Lynk Leafwood. I'm Ottilie's primary operator here in the Oasis. I've never met anyone from another world!" Ottilie turned to elaborate, "aye, Lynk's amazin'. She can find information on anyone, anywhere, anywhen. Been me operator since I started. Lynk, s'Tobias Hoskin, Henry Vand, and Kevin Adiabat--" she looked back at her, brows drawing together, "--e'eryones been at Council?"

Lynk propped her chin up in her hands, "well, a little more than twenty two hours ago Lord Wick interpreted a message from the Source which seemed to indicate the P.I.A. found beings from another world in the Eulerian Complex. At first we were skeptical, you know how cryptic and prone to inaccuracy Earth's messages are, but when more ciphers relaying findings consistent with the first followed the Triumvirate thought it wise to call everyone to Council for preliminary discussion."

"They didn't send 'nother investigator ta do right by the station though, an' I weren't 'formed f'I was s'posed ta be up ta sumthin'," Ottilie puzzled. The other girl nodded, "covert action was deemed wiser than direct interference. According to Lord Wick and the others the Source would've preferred no action be taken, but it recognized it has been incorrect about these matters in the past, making the majority agreeable to pragmatic observation."

"Ah, so the Source didn't want the Oasis involved," Legs repeated. Lynk nodded again, "not initially. The Triumvirate believes it was brought to our attention because of the P.I.A."

"So yer more or less 'ware o'recent events?"

"That's correct, but the Council wants your report in its entirety to ensure the accuracy of our records."

"Right," she cleared her throat, "this is Ottilie O'Dethburr, Interplanar Investigator, Red Rank. Last check was jus' outside the entrance ta the Eulerian Complex--" and so Ottilie told her story as honestly as she understood it, from her first meeting with Toby and Henry to her encounters with Elsie, Jerin (Lynk looked uncomfortable when he was mentioned), Aurora, Dirac, Burnu, and Lothair, ending with all Kevin, Henry, and Toby had told her of their situation. She paused at points to allow the others to clarify things she was still confused about, and when all was explained Lynk asked, "and what course of action would you consider most prudent?" Ottilie took a deep breath, "well, way I see it there're three points that need addressin'--" she ticked each off on her claws, "--one, in what capacity m'I ta assist Toby, Henry, an' Adi f'that's thought wise. Two, given the nature o'the previous, m'I ta continue me quest here or should that be passed ta someone else in favor o'findin' the two hosts all the quicker. An' three, s'ta be done 'bout Jerin." She made herself stand even straighter, proceeding adamantly, "Toby has, as I told ya, expressed a desire ta assist me in retrievin' Algos' treasure fer Prince Icosian. I've a desire ta try'n help him find the individuals he's seekin'. We want ta work together an' I believe we both stand ta benefit from doin' so. Now, 'less the Source or the Oasis've already found either host or signs o'em there's nothin' ta be done 'cept continue ta utilize our resources in the hopes o'turnin' some it up. Which brings me ta point two, f'we'd be searchin' blind anyway might s'well search in the direction o'the treasure since they're like ta be 'long that way much as anywhere else." She ran a hand through her hair, "s'fer Jerin, I'd like ta keep him with me f'he's bent on remainin'. 'Least then I can watch him 'stead o'frettin' he's causin' trouble elsewhere that'll turn inta trouble fer me later." She looked back at her friend anxiously, "I know the Oasis 'vised 'gainst association with him after...well, after. But he found me. Legs can tell ya so. M'not tryin'--"

"--Ottilie, you're my best friend," Lynk broke in sternly, "so I'm only going to say this once: stop being ridiculous. I know you wouldn't have gone looking for him when he wasn't a part of your mission file. You're not like that." The younger girl smiled, relieved, "thanks, Lynk..."

"Lynk," Legs spoke up, "Kevin also thought it would be a good idea to keep Ottilie here rather than replace her with another investigator given the presently positive relations between herself and Tobias. I agree the Council might want to take it under advisement. Even if they were to send someone else it could prove better for morale if she stayed." His partner nodded to him, "cheers mate," she looked back at the screen, "s'the talk an' walk there?"

Lynk had swiveled in her chair to consult another monitor, "I've been running P.I.A. interference for several hours and Bram Blackwood's on the case over at their headquarters. As for these two hosts you're talking about, you're right, the Source hasn't given us anything and we haven't detected anything strange. Factor in that it wouldn't alert us to Lord Tobias or Lord Henry's presences until the P.I.A. found them and the majority opinion is we're on the parameter of an outside job. It didn't want us or anyone to interfere, and if Earth thinks it's best to allow its guests to take care of the matter so be it. We'll only keep watch as we always do." The Oasis creature nodded sadly, "right. I'll be off soon as I've spoken with--"

"--we'll keep watch, Ottilie. It is the Source's and Oasis' wish that you do as you see fit." The younger girl looked up, and her friend chuckled, "that's right. The decision was unanimous."

Ottilie didn't know what to make of this. After a minute of bewilderment she tentatively said, "m'right...touched, by the vote o'confidence, Lynk, but are ya, er...sure o'yer figures? Yer not readin' like, poll results fer maple berries an' teakuu nuts? 'Cause e'eryone unanimously hates teakuu nuts, ya could be mixin' 'em up."

"Ha ha. Look, the main concern was that you weren't responsible or experienced enough to handle all of what you've related. Lady Phoenix agreed that argument had weight, but proposed we see how and what you would report when next you were able as the contents would reveal your character to those who know you less well than others."

"I don't follow..."

"You and Legs both noted the Source hadn't said anything to the Oasis about Henry and Tobias. You theorized that because of the P.I.A. it may have chosen to alert us, but again, Earth's information is often inaccurate. You could have lied, even gone so far as to tell us those rumors were entirely false, but you didn't. You chose to tell the truth and to keep us in the loop. You care more about what happens to the planet than you do about your own ego. That, all your past successes, and your good standing with Lord Tobias are what convinced the Council."

Legs was speechless, and Ottilie lowered her head bashfully, stuttering, "w-well...I...dunno what--" she scowled, "--I mean don't ferget ta factor in Legs 'twouldn't a let me do otherwise! I were hesitant, he pushed. An' after hearin' all Adi had ta say I know now he were right ta. I can't handle all this by meself," she looked back up, rubbing her arm, "an' I don't want ta. I...I need ya. Yer what's saved me from..." she trailed off before continuing sadly, "...he...ne'er got that, y'know? Still doesn't. But I think s'why m'live. 'Cause he ne'er got that I weren't jus' me when I were out there. I were you. An' I were Brij an' Mari, Double G an' the twins an' Bram an' Legs an'...an' e'eryone." She smiled, "I were an' am the Oasis. Not jus' Ottilie. S'a part o'me I can't ignore. An' I don't want ta ignore it." She frowned, "I don't want ta do whate'er I want when I want. I want ta be accountable ta ya. I want a place what'll keep things in perspective fer me, tell me when m'bein' silly, push me when I need it while still leavin' me the choice ta walk an' pass a task ta 'nother, give corrections an' understandin' when I do mess up an' the proper accolades when I succeed. Four years ya've given me all that, an' now ya back off?" She crossed her arms stubbornly, "Da used ta say a tree can't grow alone. I can't either. So please..." she fought hard to keep a straight face, "...ask the big O if it'll pick a plot with me?"

Lynk didn't react at first, caught up in the seriousness of the moment. Then the joke hit her, and she broke down, laughing. Even Legs chirred humorously, and Ottilie covered her smile, "hee, sorry Lynk, were gettin' a wee bit serious fer my likin'. I hope ya follow?" Her friend composed herself, taking off her spectacles, "ha ha, yes, I got it already! You worry too much, it's not like we're not going to check in on you. We just think you've proven you're capable enough to handle what you can and mature enough to ask for help with what you can't. If you prove us wrong, we'll try a different approach. Sound good?" Ottilie nodded happily, "sounds perfect." Lynk looked at Toby then, blushing and quickly adding, "that said, are you quite certain all of what Ottilie has proposed is agreeable to you, Lord Tobias? We've heard her out, but if you'd prefer the Oasis can ask her to withdraw from your business. Now that we're aware of this we'd like to take a few precautions to ensure the relative safety of the local flora and fauna, but we don't want to purposefully impose on your company. After all, you know better what we're dealing with than we do, and the Oasis is very grateful you've come to do what you must with these hosts."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cho re-joined the group soundlessly, falling into step with Burnu and Dirac. In front of them Aurora kept pace with Jerin, who moved to run beside her upon noticing, "ah, here you are! I was wondering if you would do me a favor?" The mercenary looked at him, and he continued seriously, "when we find Ottilie, would you be so kind as to provide her with medical treatment first?" He turned his gaze back to the path ahead, "she is extremely important to--"

Unfortunately Jerin was cut off by a series of loud pops, and suddenly the area they were running through was filling with giant, bubble-like orbs. They converged upon the group until the Oasis renegade found himself engulfed by one and dragged to the center, where he swam wildly in the air. After that he was momentarily oblivious to what was going on around him, for as he lashed out to burst the bubble it rolled and bounced uncontrollably, knocking into walls and an increasing number of other bubbles. Finally there were so many all became gridlocked. His jammed prison settling, Jerin righted himself, taking deep breaths to stave off waves of nausea. When they were gone he reached out to touch a smooth side. But the cell shifted to slip beyond his claws, jostling the bubbles around it and sending him tumbling again. Eventually he gave up and held still, looking to see what had become of the others. Luckily since the bubbles were transparent they weren't hard to find. Dirac, Burnu and Cho were roughly twenty feet behind, each enclosed in a bubble, and Aurora was ten or so feet in front of him. Everyone appeared to have gotten the idea that moving was ill-advised, for they floated motionless in their respective cells. Jerin frowned, "this is bothersome." Cho gestured hopelessly at his remark, her mouth moving without sound. Ball droned whinely, floating beside Jerin's head, and Junk offered its opinion, "it appears they cannot hear us, master. Nor can we hear them."

Jerin chose not to comment, instead turning his attention to the holographic screen being projected into the air above them. Elsie's face appeared on it, scowling, "if you're hearing this message ya obviously didn't get me by the trap, so let me spell it out for ya: I don't want to be followed." She smirked, "can't say I didn't think ya'd be thickheaded though, so I took a few precautions. Pretty cool, huh? These containment fields are state of the art P.I.A. technology. Won't kill ya, but they should keep ya from moving for awhile." She glared, "long enough for me to get Blondie and Irish out of here. That's right, I'm talking to you ya long eared creep. I know your type. Guys like you pray on kits like her." She looked away irritably, "and Irish may be stupid...and meddlesome...and annoyingly cheerful, but--" she looked back, "--she doesn't deserve that. Don't come after her again, ya hear? My next warning won't be so nice."

With that, the projection disappeared. Jerin brought his knees up to rest against his chest, careful not to move too much, "thoroughly complimented, indeed."

Junk looked up at him, "what are we going to do, master?"

Jerin didn't answer, staring thoughtfully at the vines in the canopy above...

Kevin had been watching Tobias, not the conversation. Only half heartedly listening to it, his primary focus being the rabbit. Any telltale signs of anything. He well remember Their propensity for not giving notice when the saw something, so the only time to read them was when they first noticed something was going to happen. The gerbil knew if anything the woman said was tied to any of their deaths, especially the boy's or his own, he'd be able to see it in the Lepoid's face the moment it was mentioned. So he was only making mental notes on the conversation, the bulk of his skills locked on looking for changes to Toby's face. But as the answer came, the rabbit spoke plainly and simply.

"I have no objections."

As the holographic screen above them relayed Elsie's message Aurora took stock of the situation. Once the bubble that contained her had stopped bouncing around long enough for her to see straight, she'd recognised the type of containment field quite easily. That however, was probably about the only thing that was going to be easy when it came to extricating themselves from the bubbles. The agent hadn't been lying when she'd said they were state of the art. And Aurora had no intention whatsoever of waiting around for anywhere near as long as the agent intended. The time had come, it seemed, to take a risk. Knowing that didn't make Aurora feel any easier about the course of action she now decided to take.

Staying as still as possible, Aurora reached down to her belt and removed a small device from one of the containers on it. The bubble jiggled slightly at this, but otherwise remained stationary. Moving her arm back up again, Aurora connected the device to her APD. The small item Aurora had connected was something she'd gained from one of her most reliable techie contacts. It had originally been designed to disrupt containment-fields of the energy type. The problem was, those containment fields had been less advanced than these, and the device had been designed to disrupt them from the outside not the inside. Although Aurora had- since her purchase of the item- had it upgraded to work inside containment fields as well as outside, the modifications were still experimental & untested. There was no gurantee they would work at all, let alone work on something as advanced as the bubble that now surrounded her. Nevertheless, Aurora was prepared to take the risk. If it worked fine, she would get out of the bubble sooner than the agent intended. If it didn't work she would think of something else. If it went wrong...well, then Aurora probably wouldn't have to worry about anything other than an iminent meeting with the Source. Taking a deep breath, Aurora activated the unit.

At first nothing happened, almost leading her to believe that her first guess had been correct. Then her bubble suddenly started bouncing and vibrating madly, sending the most uncomfortable jarring sensations through its occupant. Gritting her teeth, Aurora curled up tightly as the vibrating increased in intensity. Then without warning, the bubble bounced violently off of one wall, more violently off the other, and hit the floor hard before coming to a standstill halfway between the floor and the vines overhead, quivering. The quivers past until the bubble was almost still. Then, just as Aurora ventured a peek out from inside her protective ball, the section of bubble in front of her exploded, sending pieces flying, which bounced off the walls and went everywhere. Dropping out of the remains of the bubble, which started disintegrating fast, Aurora checked herself over for damage. Her body armour had now gained a few fresh scratches, thanks to the flying shrapnel, and Aurora felt a warm sensation on her left cheek. Passing her fingers across it, Aurora realised she had gained a superficial slash to the cheek. With her regenerative capabilities it wouldn't stay long, and would probably heal without leaving a scar. Once the blood dried, it wouldn't even show through her fur. Wiping the blood from her fingers and turning the device off, Aurora turned her attention to the others.

Taking in the scene, Aurora was glad she'd been ahead of the others. Her escape hadn't damaged only her bubble. The shrapnel had lanced into other bubbles surrounding hers, sending up a storm of flying debris. She was lucky to have escaped with only a superficial cut. Some of the bubbles that had blocked their way had been eliminated by the shrapnel, but at least as many remained. Behind her, Aurora saw, the others still floated in their own bubbles, perhaps a little startled by her dramatic escape, but otherwise unaffected. Realising that the others would probably be able to hear no more than she'd been able to whilst in the bubble, Aurora used sign language to address them.

I can help you to get out of there, she signed, without the same side-effects that my escape had. I can use something to pop the bubbles from the outside and get rid of the ones still in our way. It will take a little time though, Aurora informed them. Then she added, but not nearly as long as the agent had in mind. Any takers?

Lynk nodded considerately, looking back at Ottilie, "aside from the lost weapon, how are the rest of your supplies?" The other plucked her lip with a claw, "mm, should be fine fer food an' drink. We've eaten only a cake an' a few buns, an' I've noticed fruit an' other edible plants throughout the Complex 'sides." Her partner agreed, adding, "we're good as far as medical supplies're concerned. Jerin's female mercenary used her resources on Ottilie's latest injuries--" Ottilie rolled her eyes, breaking in, "--mapleberries...?"

"Won't be ready until second harvest, I'm afraid." Lynk raised a brow at her, "though if you need more--"

"--I don't need more bloody teakuu nuts," Ottilie sighed, crossing her arms. Lynk chuckled, "we'll get to work preparing and transporting the replacement weapon. I'm also sending new material to your A.P.D., including some of the more comprehensive overhead scans of the Complex."

"Chem Lab got anythin' on that grime yet?" Her friend shook her head regretfully, "all they've concluded is that their initial hypothesis was correct: the solution the walls are coated in is a light refracting substance. That's why our scanners were positioning walls where there were none and compiling generally erroneous maps."

"Least they figured that much. What 'bout the architect?"

Lynk shook her head again, "whoever it was put considerable effort into keeping his or her name off all records." She frowned, anticipating her friend's next question, "and whatever Algos' treasure is they paid good money to keep everyone in the dark about it and the true Eulerian Path." Never one for pessimism, Ottilie replied encouragingly, "you'll figure the truth, Lynk. Information an' you's like me an' treasure: f'there's any ta be found, you'll find it."

She smiled back confidently, "oh don't you worry, I'll get to the bottom of this. In the meantime I'm going to dig up more information on the P.I.A.'s agent for you as well as the two mercenaries accompanying Jerin. I haven't had the chance to speak with Bram since our initial correspondence, but hopefully he'll have sent the agent's P.I. file by now, so look for that first."

"Bollocks, hadn't e'en thought ta ask. Please an' thank ya."

"Of course..." the spectacled girl paused, "is there...anything you need to refresh your memory about in Jerin's regard...?" Ottilie's answer was soft but immediate and firm, "no. S'not the sort o'stuff ya forget. Not e'er. Not in a lifetime."

Lynk leaned forward, brows lifting slightly, "that's fair. Do review his updated files when you get a moment, though--" she went on carefully, "--I noticed you haven't looked at them since--well, it's been awhile. The psych ward's added their analyses of those audio interviews you sent, too."

"'Course. Thank 'em fer me, their last write ups were really helpful."

"I'll be sure to do that, and I'll be in contact with any questions or follow-ups I get from the Council. Oh, would you like to say hi to everyone before I sign off?"

She brightened, "I'd like that. I can thank 'em personally." Her friend smiled, "I'll patch you through..." the holographic screen darkened again, expanding horizontally to encompass a wider area. Then they were looking into a large forest clearing where every tree, every section of ground or rock, every spring was crowded with creatures of all shapes and sizes. Fins, feathers, fur, scales, and countless eyes sparking with the light of the coming moon stared back at Ottilie. These were not politicians, not kings or senators or monarchs of any kind. A number wore white lab coats or other articles of clothing belonging to distinguished professions, but underneath were the garments of farmers. Sleeves and trouser legs were rolled up, fur was tied back, and there was not one paw or elbow or knee or face that didn't have some smudge or caking of muck about it. Many of the creatures present had even come to Council with their tools, shovels and hoes and nets and shells and baskets containing various things at their sides. Lothair sat bolt upright as a cacophony of cheers and playful jeers filled the room, his alarmed and raspy, "what--!" mingling with cries of "--knock Jerin's block off, Ottilie!" and "you can do it Ottilie!" and "gonna pick a plot with the whole Oasis, but who gets to mate her firsts what I wanna know!"

Ottilie grinned, cupping her hands around her mouth at the last and retorting, "dry up double B! I know yer mum an' m'sure she'd claim ya fer that comment!" She looked back at Lothair apologetically, "heh, sorry yer lordship. S'me family an' they haven't seen me in a bit."

The great Chief regarded the enormous crowd, bewildered, "all these creatures are your family...?"

"Aye sir." The girl looked back at them, bowing deeply (particularly to three magnificent creatures who sat at the center of the clearing, regarding her with wise eyes), "thank ya all! I won't let ya down! An' best o'luck with first harvest!" She smiled wistfully, waving at her own clan of O'Dethburrs while Legs chittered rapidly to a gathering of jumping dots that had to be other decipedes. The scene faded as quick as it had come and Lynk was back on screen, nodding amiably to Lothair and saying to her, "check the spring." Ottilie did, and found a mysterious package bobbing gently in the water. It was addressed to Tobias Hoskin, Henry Vand, and Kevin Adiabat. She smiled, and standing, brought it to them. Inside were three A.P.D.'s and pocket-sized packages containing food and medical supplies. Lynk spoke, "the food is our finest in season and the medicine was mixed from our Rainforest reserves. The A.P.D.'s will help you keep in contact should you be separated. You have each other's numbers already registered as well as Ottilie's. Please accept these things as thanks for aiding our planet and our agent."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jerin grinned, nodding enthusiastically in reply to Aurora's query. Dirac also nodded, but Cho and Burnu had seen Jerin consent and arrived at the same conclusion: if Aurora freed him it didn't matter what she did or didn't do for them. So Burnu merely shrugged, and Cho turned her head away, haughtily smoothing some hair back into place with one hand and stifling a yawn with the other as though she found the whole ordeal quite boring.

Aurora noted Jerin & Dirac's consent along with Burnu & Cho's apparent indifference. Although the latter two hadn't exactly given their consent, Aurora decided she'd probably be better off freeing them anyway. After all, they were looking for a fellow member of their squad, and given that the member in question was Master Nochtli, Aurora reasoned that she'd be better off erring on the side of commission than of omission where the other two Needles were concerned. After all, if Noc should reappear later, she'd sooner find herself explaining to him that she freed his fellow squad-members because she had the opportunity, rather than explain that she'd had the opportunity & not freed them because they didn't seem to want her to. Acknowledging Jerin & Dirac's consent with a nod of her head, Aurora went into action.

Taking a leap, she climbed up one of the walls into the thorny vines overhead. Weaving her way in and out amongst them she soon found what she needed: A sturdy-looking limb, a litttle thicker than her tail & about half her body length. Extending her claws Aurora trimmed some thorns off, so that she had a space to place her hands- or feet. Then, having carefully positioned herself, Aurora delivered a powerful kick to the area of the limb she'd cleared, breaking it clean away from the rest of the vine. As the branch fell to the floor below Aurora leapt down after it, landing smoothly on her feet. She picked up the branch and used her claws again, this time to rapidly whittle one end to a sharp point. This done, she took her hastily-made stake, went up to Jerin's bubble & thrust her stake point-first into it. As she'd suspected it would, the bubble- which had still been too dense for her claws alone to pop- burst easily under the assault of the stake. As it did so, Jerin managed to land on his feet with surprising grace. Next, Aurora proceeded to free Dirac, followed by Cho & Burnu.

"My thanks dear girl," Jerin remarked as Aurora began work on the bubbles that still blocked the way, "I really didn't want to wait all day before taking the time to return our agent's compliments". Aurora smiled briefly at that. "Well, if we all pitch in with the bubble-bursting, we should be able to return them all the sooner," she remarked, "although if I may make a suggestion, I'd recommend we let Ball stay ahead of us". Jerin raised an eyebrow. "Now why would that be?" he asked. "Because," Aurora answered him, "agent-girl said she'd taken a few precautions & that her next warning wouldn't be anywhere near as nice. True, she could've figured she wouldn't need anything else for a while, but I think she could've been hinting that she's left more surprises like this up ahead. I'll admit," Aurora continued, "that they could be state-of-the-art devices designed to respond to living things only, but I'd like to err on the side of caution. If she has left more tricks in our path, and if they can be activated by something as simple as motion, I'd sooner have Ball activate them- as a droid that's reasonably easy to repair- than one of us activate them, risk possible injury, and have even more of our time wasted. And since its done a pretty good job of sniffing out other dangers & warning us, the odds of it coming to harm are probably quite slim. True, Ball is the only one who currently knows exactly where Ottilie is- and I'm not especially keen on losing that advantage- but we can follow the tracks the others have left without too much trouble & you seem to have a knack for finding her as well. Don't you think its worth the risk?"

"New toys are always good." The gerbil muttered already tinkering with the device. "May be I can bridge the software to the wireless emitter on the translator. Should have enough processor power to push to at least two more devices..." He trailed off, wandering in circles and messing with the APD.

"Probably meant to keep tabs on us." The half breed sneered putting the device on the ground and glaring at it. "We should just smash them."

The gerbil snorted and stomped over, he'd finally had enough of the boy, his stature was small enough that it made the two eye level with each other, "Now look you depressing little brat I've just about enough of that crap. For fucks sake the woman could bring your sister back and you'd assume she was fake and going to stab you or something! What the hell is WRONG with you? Not everyone is out to kill you." He put the APD away and prodded the youth in the chest, "The. World. Doesn't. Revolve. Around. You. You. Psuedo. Depressed. Little. %$%#."

Tobias had been staring at nothing, seeming to mull over what he'd just seen. But the rodent's frustrated rant at the teenager suddenly pulled him back to reality. She couldn't be sure but it was almost as if he just appeared behind Henry. He moved incredibly fast, grabbing the boy around the chest moments before he tried to launch into a tear induced rage at the gerbil. Most of the youth's screaming was unintelligible but what was understandable wasn't anything that should have been coming out of his mouth. It was almost surreal how fast it happened, she didn't have time to react to the tongue lashing Kevin had given the kid before Henry tried to attack. Toby was just... there. Suddenly he had ahold of Henry, keeping the hysterical youth from tearing into the smaller rodent.

Despite the kicking and jerking, even when the boy turned his verbal assailing on the rabbit he didn't respond nor release him. Kevin's eyes popped side, he retreated backward, almost hiding behind Ottilie muttering curses at himself, "%$%#, oh %$%#, I forgot about that... Damn I'm stupid... Why the hell would you mention his sister."

Slowly the raging and flailing halfbreed tired into a pitiful sobbing one, for a minute she though it was odd that the rabbit didn't seem to be loosening his grip. A few moments later the tear stains matting down the fur on his face cleared up her confusion.

OOC: Finally some details about THE FUTURE =) people would do well to pay attention (wink wink).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Bewildered and embarrassed at having witnessed (however unintentionally) something obviously deeply personal, Ottilie looked at the ground, rubbing the side of her snout. Legs and Lothair also turned their attention to different areas of the room, and on screen Lynk regarded her interlaced fingers with equal parts sympathy and discomfort. For a moment they were quiet, Henry's sobs the only noise. When these died down, Lynk said softly, "I'll be in contact. Keep your A.P.D. on hand." Ottilie nodded, her reply also quiet, "right. I'll do that." Her friend smiled, "you better," she raised a brow at the decipede, "Legs, you look after her, ya hear?" He rolled his eyes, sweeping an arm over Ottilie, "hasn't been blown up or broken anything yet. You're welcome." Lynk chuckled, smile fading as she looked at Toby and Henry, giving them a small, awkward wave, "thanks again. We really appreciate your doing this. If you need anything from us, anything at all, don't hesitate to let Ottilie know. She'll pass it along."

"'Course. Thanks fer e'erythin', Lynk. I'd be...well, done without ya," the other girl said. Lynk grinned, shrugging, "nah. Missing a few limbs, maybe." She grew serious, concern for her friend visible in her eyes, "talk to you soon. Be careful."

"Much as m'able. Talk ta ya soon, Lynk." The projection vanished, and Ottilie went to work removing all traces of Oasis presence, even going so far as to send the box Toby, Henry, and Kevin's gifts had arrived in back by way of the waterfall. When she'd finished, she fell to fiddling with her A.P.D., ensuring it was silenced before buttoning it into a trouser pocket underneath her skirt. It might prove an extraneous precaution, but then again, the less Jerin knew the better she felt. Lothair watched as she went about these tasks, frowning. Despite the fact that he'd slept through most of her conversation with Lynk, the Chief hadn't become Chief by being slow on the uptake, "you--" he started, but the harsh rasp accompanying the word and the pains it caused made him break off. He exchanged a panicked look with Ottilie, who realized simultaneously that although what he'd said was true (he would not be dying immediately), the virus was drying his throat out and would soon render him as foaming and incoherent as his kin. Horrified, the Oasis creature scrambled up the rock to his side, all else forgotten, "s'all me fault! M'so--" he shook his head, speaking in short bursts to prolong what he could say, "--no time. Listen. In my center antlers, a whistle is hidden--"

"--On it," Legs chirped hurriedly, leaping to land on a horn and disappear between the lengths of moss. "Nemo, help him!" Ottilie instructed the small bot, and it zoomed after her partner along with the curious Jack. Pacing below, she was about to call to them when the decipede emerged, holding the whistle in his front legs, "coming down kitto!" Ottilie held her hands out, and he dropped the wooden object into them, "thanks, genius!" and to Lothair, "got it yer Lordship!"

"Show me," the old creature demanded, and Ottilie held it out for him to see. Lothair relaxed some when his eyes took in the whistle, though his words were no less urgent, "secure it round your neck. Keep it close. Keep it hidden. Do not lose it." Mystified, the Oasis creature nevertheless did as instructed, tying the whistle cord tightly around her neck before lifting it for a closer look. She knew the carver immediately, and her hand shook. "Listen," Lothair was saying, "it has a companion. I carried one, my mate, the other. Need both to open way to treasure Algos." Ottilie frowned, "I don't follow. I was given a key fer openin' the door by Prince Icosian..."

"Beyond door you seek is final trial involving whistles," he explained, "brothers set it up before they leave." Her mind buzzed with innumerable questions, and it was a struggle to ask only the most essential, "what trial?" Lothair shook his head sadly, "unknown. Went in and emerged with whistles. Said only one who knew what they did could reach treasure." Ottilie and Legs exchanged a confused look, both wondering the same thing: why hadn't there been anything about any of this in the write-up they'd received? Particularly when the scenario appeared to have involved those brothers. Ottilie shook her head, looking back at the larger creature, "other whistles with yer mate?"

"Yes. When you leave, backtrack. Search her antlers, find other." He leaned forward, "with both, continue into Queen Panpoxa's territory. Head westwards. You will find her drones. Large colorful insects with multiple rows of teeth."

"Aye, we saw one earlier."

"Good. When you find, do not attack. They are peaceful, teeth for grinding nuts, not bone. But venom is deadly. One sting kills. Do not fight. Insist you be taken to the Queen. The drone will try to trick you away from their territory. Do not get angry. Only keep insisting. Be inside before sunrise."

"Forgive me fer askin' yer Lordship, but why d'I have ta venture through their territory f'they don't want me there? An' why 'fore sunrise?"

"Six moves only in daylight. And is one place Six will not go. Safe there. Like here."

"Six...?"

"Leader of ones who brought my clan to this. Cowardly. Fears the venom of Panpoxa. Fears her barriers that keep his machines from working. Will not venture into her territory." He hurried on, "inside you will be presented to Panpoxa, who will try to trick you into leaving. Or into space beneath. No one returns from space beneath. Don't be rude, but don't agree. Instead request she let you cross bridge into Anphine's territory." He added, "the Queen thought well of the male who had your face. And you wear his amulet. She will help." Ottilie lowered her head, turning the bead round her neck over and over in two claws while she thought about this. Lothair coughed, flinching painfully, and she looked up, resolved, "yer lordship, please nod f'what I asks true. Does Queen Panpoxa know how ya came ta this state?" He nodded. She went on, "an' does she know 'bout Six?" He nodded again, "an' does she know...does she know 'bout the brothers, 'bout why they came?" He nodded a third time. Ottilie patted his paw, "then I'll learn the rest when I speak with her." Lothair smiled gratefully, rasping, "be in before sunrise. Speak not of whistles unless near rushing water. Do not lose them," he repeated frantically, "do not lose." Ottilie squeezed his paw, her reply firm, "I won't. I promise." She looked down, "m'sorry..." Lothair lifted a large paw to touch her cheek, gently rumbling, "not be. Things happen. Smile." And she did, leaning down and pressing her forehead to his larger one, "thank ya." He bumped her back, "go. Shut door behind."

"Door...?" He nodded at the entrance to the room, "above the entrance. Control panels behind vines." Legs chattered gently, touching her neck, "that's a good idea. He'll be contained when the virus reaches its advanced stages." She nodded wordlessly, and together with Tobias, Henry, Kevin, Nemo, and the Jack, filed out of the room. When they stood outside Ottilie moved the vines to find the controls, holding them apart while Legs unscrewed a panel to get at the wires inside. "Miss O'Dethburr," she looked at Lothair. His last words to her were grave, "in quarreling about the shadow we often lose sight of the substance. Be clever." The creature smiled sadly, inclining her head. Above them the old door creaked and groaned, straining to descend. Finally Legs grumbled and squeezed between two cracks in the wall. After a minute the door started to move, but soon ground to a halt again at the halfway point. The decipede poked his head out from between the vines, "the gears are rusted through!"

"Bollocks," Ottilie cursed, and jumping, gripped the side, trying to shake the door loose. Eventually she slipped and fell, landing hard on her tail, "ow!" Standing shakily, she rubbed her bottom, then looked at Toby, "um, Toby? Ya an' Henry're strong...think either o'ya could pull it the rest o'the way down...? I mean, f'its not too much o'a bother, that 'tis."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Who exactly--" Cho was interjecting, tight lipped, but before she could finish Ball took up a piteous droning and zoomed to hide between its master's feet. Junk's single eye flashed distastefully at this behavior, "oh really. I have found it necessary to self destruct a total of sixty four and a half times over the years and you do not see me carrying on like this."

"Ball is unfamiliar with P.I.A. technology. Its trepidation is logical." Jerin said calmly, stooping to take the frightened robot in one hand. It trembled, droning pleadingly. He stared at it, eyes softening (Jerin loved every piece he'd ever created despite hating his work so much sometimes), and turning, waved a hand impatiently at the bubbles, "they came from some device, Junk. Find it." The robot nodded, slithering down his shoulder and moving to disappear along the wall. Now especially eager to demonstrate its usefulness, Ball shot off Jerin's palm, bouncing after Junk. Undaunted by the interruption, Cho persisted in a tone that seemed to indicate she thought Jerin had orchestrated the entire scene to keep her from asking, "who exactly is Ottilie, beloved?! And why do you have a knack for finding her--?!"

"--Bugger, leave it already Kix," Burnu grunted, looking at Jerin, "Jesty? A word in, f'I may?"

"Of course."

"Ferget 'er."

"Pardon?" Jerin drolled, but there was audible tension in his voice. Burnu shifted nervously, "that slip o'a girl. Ferget 'er. She's caught a Dyara's attention, an' one what wears the kit o'the P.I.A. at that. Its bad road."

"I agree," Cho said coldly. Dirac frowned, but held his tongue. After all, if Jerin chose to leave he might find himself free of his obligation to the creature. Burnu was speaking again, "y'know the Dyara. Y'know how they are." Jerin smiled, shrugging amiably, "possibly." Burr fought to stay patient with him, a testament to just how high his regard for the other was, "right, s'in yer head ya jus' can't get at it. Dyara's another Bush clan. Dyara--bone. The bone clan." He went on, "so called 'cause their bone density makes 'em near impervious ta fractures an' injury. Known fer that, an' the serpents come ta 'em." Jerin tapped his cheek, "ah, yes. Dyara are the only known group of creatures capable of charming and forming bonds with serpents."

"Right end o'the stick, wrong word. Nothin' charmin' 'bout that lot. Always arguin' an' fightin'. They don't get on with anyone 'cept each other an' the serpents, who're much the same way." He crossed his arms, "fierce in e'erythin' they do, an' when they get sumthin' in their heads they don't let go easy. That sheila, she's got it in hers ta keep the girl from ya, an' like I said 'fore, the P.I.A. behind her s'well. So ferget 'er," he repeated, "s'more trouble than ya want." Cho moved under Burnu's arm to take Jerin's hands in her own, the jealously in her eyes fading into genuine concern, "you said before I had you at 'please Jerin'--" she started, "--if that is and was so, then please, Jerin. Let us find Master Nochtli and leave this place. He will say yes if you ask to accompany us, he always says yes even when he is not happy with you." Jerin smiled a little, but pulled his hands from hers, shaking his head to both of them, "I'm sorry...but, I'm afraid I must decline."

"Suit yerself," Burnu chuckled, clapping him on the back so hard he almost fell over, "ya ne'er could resist distressin' a damsel!" Kiku scowled, ears flattening against her head, "indeed. I think--" she stopped as he braced himself against the wall with one hand, "--beloved?!" Jerin shut his eyes, remarking queasily, "I apologize. I feel as if I'm--" he retched, and leaning forward begin vomiting in the dirt...

"Sure." The halfbreed murmered.

"Tobe... I." The gerbil still seemed nervous, even as Henry stormed forward and latched himself onto the hanging door.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, he needs to get over the past." The rabbit muttered watching the youth take out his frustration on the door. "But while you may think he's being suspicious because of his past, don't forget that you may be too trusting because of yours. Remember that every challenge thrust on you was one you knew about and could prepare for."

"My parents, are did you forget." The rodent stated coldly. Toby did not hesitate or falter in the slightest with his reply, "No, I did not. It seems you forgot where it is Tansoytat currently resides." The rodent visibly shrunk as the blue eyed man continued, "Irregardless, Corky's position has the same amount of merit as yours. I do not doubt we can trust Ottilie, but those that control her are beyond my senses so their true intentions remain an enigma to us. We should proceed with caution..." He furrowed his brow looking at Henry, "He's not going to get that anytime soon. Live vines have grown through it."

Kevin went silent as the Lepoid walked over to the door. He called him Corky. He called him by the nickname he gave him. Is he... starting to re-link with us again? That doesn't make sense, he only got more distant the first time. Thats the whole reason reason he didn't WANT to wipe his sentient memory again.... what's going on?

A smile crossed the rabbit's features watching the child wrench on the door with all his might. Then reached up and grabbed the door, closing his eyes, "Think fast, dork."

"Wha-*CRACK**whump*" Before the boy to react his arms spasmed from the shock and he fell on his rump, launched a icey glare at the rabbit, "What the +%$#, bro? Electrocuting me?" Toby released the door and pointed to his nose, "As if you felt it anyway. Smell that?" The boy wrinkled his nose, "You burned something, aside from my hands, so what?" The rabbit smirked, "Plants. Try again." Then motioned to the door. The youth poked the door, still leary of lingering electricity. When he'd satisfied himself of safety he snagged it and pendulumed a few times as through on a trapeze, then swung himself up and let his full weight fall wrenching the door downward and finally free of its entrapments, both it and the boy went crashing to the floor.

Ottilie smiled the best she could given the circumstances (the forthcoming untimely death of a decent individual is never an easy thing) and saluted them smartly, "cheers mates." She paused then, hand lifting to turn the bead round her neck over absently as she considered Lothair's words. Everything had happened so fast she'd scarcely had time to absorb and react to what she was hearing, and no time at all to ask many of the questions she was pondering now. What was the final trial surrounding Algos's treasure? Where did the twin whistles come in? Exactly how and why had the O'Dethburr brothers been involved with the Complex, with the treasure and with Lothair? What had Lothair's clan done that had resulted in such bitter retaliation from Six? And for that matter, who was Six? Ottilie shivered, troubled; luckily her mind was efficient and sharp, and as minds often are when made anxious, inclined to function all the quicker. Six moves only in daylight, she rationalized, means he's diurnal. Lothair said he's cowardly s'well. An' he must rely heavily on machines o'some sort 'cause Lothair also said one o'the reasons he doesn't go inta Queen Panpoxa's territory s'cause she's got a kind o'barrier that keeps his machines from functionin' proper. I can also prolly safely assume he's an interest in Algos's treasure since Lothair went so fars ta bring me out here ta speak o'it. An' since that were the case, must also mean Six an' his associates have access ta some area o'the Complex where they can watch many other areas o'the Complex. She frowned at this last revelation, gotta be careful not ta speak o'the Oasis s'well as the whistles, an' perhaps 'twould be wisest ta keep it down 'bout Toby's quest, too. Her claws brushed the whistle cord, and reminded of what Lothair had said she shifted the small object (careful to keep it hidden inside her shirt in case the Chief had been wrong and Six was able to see them) so it hung between her shoulder blades. As she did this, she shared her thoughts with her companions, "y'know...'fore Legs and I did the come-in we had a bit o'readin'. Turns out the nearest locals, nearest bein' a relative term o'course, regard the Complex with superstition. They think s'live." She adjusted her satchel strap, "I'll admit I figured they might jus' be spooked 'cause the place does have a presence, but maybe what they were referrin' ta was the feelin' o'bein' watched...?"

"That's plausible, except we haven't found so much as one security camera or recording device since we arrived," Legs chattered, looking up at her, "or at least I haven't seen any external evidence of anything like that. Meaning it would have to be an internal system."

"'Side the walls ya figure?" Ottilie queried. Her partner nodded, "it would explain why Lothair chose this particular corridor. Look around," he gestured at the uneven path, at the rough walls overgrown with vines, "since it's unfinished whatever devices might occupy the walls along the Eulerian path probably weren't installed here, or else the proper wires were never connected." Ottilie considered this, saying nothing at first. It is an unfortunate fact of life that quite often we cannot do many of the things we would like to do immediately or at all because of time and or circumstance. Legs, for instance, would have liked to linger along the Eulerian path conducting a more thorough investigation of the inner workings of the surrounding walls. Ottilie would have liked to contact Lynk to inquire after the O'Dethburr brothers involvement with the Complex and why this was the first she was hearing of it. And both would have quite liked to be assured that once they finished they would never have to see Jerin or Junk ever, ever again. Unfortunately as I said, none of those things could happen immediately or perhaps (especially in the case of the last) at all. "Nothin' more ta be done here. Lets hurry back," she finally said, adding as a red herring (again, in case Six was listening), "I have ta find Jerin. M'sure he's worried sick." She turned around, stopped, and turned back, moving to stand in front of Toby. And then for no reason at all, or rather for many reasons, she smiled, stood on her tiptoes, and reached as high as she could to hug the rabbit, "thanks, Toby. Yer a good friend."

Legs had hopped out of the way to perch on top of her satchel, his chirping there mixing indignation with horror, "oh for the love of--Ottilie!! We've been through this! You can't just hug Sages or Kings or...or important individuals! It's improper!"

The rabbit simply nodded, "I hope I live up to those expectations."

Ottilie stepped back and patted his arm, smiling, "ya already did." She added nothing further, instead turning to begin making her way back up the bumpy, uneven path. Legs grumbled, resuming his place on her shoulder and chattering crossly, "I really wish you'd stop doing things like that." She raised a brow at him, "jealous, genius?"

"No. I just think certain situations call for a propriety you're often less than mindful of." She rolled her eyes, "alright mate, alrig--oh!" The girl said, stopping abruptly to avoid bumping into the Jack, which had zipped to hover directly in front of her face. It droned urgently. Ottilie tilted her head at it, frowning, "s'the trouble, little mate?" It droned again, wiggling its orbs. She glanced at Legs. He scowled, "we don't have time to play!" But I know the Jack did not want to play, as you have also probably guessed. You and I will recall that Jack and Ball were effectively linked no matter where they were in relation to each other. This being the case, Ball was aware of everything Jack was aware of, and Jack was aware of everything Ball was aware of. And Ball had seen Jerin holding a wooden whistle after tumbling from the antlers of the rat Queen. Ball had seen Jerin tuck that whistle inside his coat. Ball knew, Jack knew, and now you know. So while Legs suspected the Jack of saying something to the effect of, I would very much like you to play a game with me, in reality the Jack was droning, I would very much like you to know that my master has what you're looking for, and as he is coming to find you, there is little need to retrace your steps. Thankfully Nemo was there, spoke binary, and thus understood exactly what the Jack had said. Pinging excitedly, it flapped its propellers, drawing Ottilie's attention. A moment later her A.P.D. vibrated against her leg, and removing it, she read Nemo's text: it says its master has what you're looking for. Ball, the other robot who was with you before, saw him tuck it inside his coat, and because Ball saw it, it saw it as well. She read thus silently, Legs reading over her shoulder. When she had finished Ottilie turned to inform the others, "oh, this bot says Jerin has what I need." Realizing what she'd said, the girl pressed a hand to her forehead, horrified, "bollocks, Jerin has what I need." Legs patted her neck reassuringly, "it's still likely he doesn't know it's important. We'll figure something out..." she sighed, but nodded, "lets get back ta the Eulerian path, anyway. Even f'he's comin' I'd still like ta reach 'im soon as possible so he knows we need ta hurry." She found the Jack at her shoulder then, having moved back to this position once it had relayed its message. She was thinking of how it had defended her against Burnu, found Toby, Henry, and Kevin earlier in the small room adjacent to the one Lothair had brought her to, and now this. She smiled, "thank ya--" Ottilie paused, "--sorry, s'yer name?" It droned questioningly. Ottilie made her way over a bulge in the ground, taking care not to trip, "y'know, name. What does Jerin call ya ta keep ya separate from the rest o'his 'bots?" The Jack rubbed its orbs together as though she'd given it a difficult word problem. Finally it droned quietly. Nemo translated, and Ottilie read its message on her A.P.D. once more: it says it is one of hundreds of identical robots called Jack. It was not separate until recently. Ottilie looked back at it, "oh, I see. Ya don't really have one." The Jack drooped, and Ottilie couldn't help but feel as if she'd stuck her foot in her mouth again. Legs rolled his eyes, whispering, "it's a machine. It doesn't have feelings. Jerin programs his this way because he's lonely and wants to feel like he has friends. You know that. So don't you dare feel bad." But Ottilie did feel bad, and they moved in silence for several minutes, the Jack drifting low along the ground. Then she said, "y'know little mate, there're lots o'individuals named Jack in the world. In literature too." The Jack looked up at her. She nodded, continuing brightly while Legs made what sounded like a sigh and hunched grumpily, "sure! An' what they do is add different titles or parts ta their names so as not ta be confused with other Jacks. Ya jus' need 'nother part s'all." The Jack followed her around a diamondium pillar someone had left in the path, droning hopefully. Ottilie was quiet, thinking. Then she smiled, "how 'bout Jack Frost? S'a charmin' character in a book I leafed through when I were hidin' out in a library. You'll still be Jack, but you'll have an additional sumthin' ta keep ya separate f'the need calls fer it." The little robot droned inquiringly, and Nemo translated: how do you spell 'Frost'?

"F-R-O-S-T," she told it, and the Jack thought about this, saying the name to itself. It seemed pleased. Ottilie chuckled, "right. S'nice ta meet ya, Jack Frost--oh, wait a tick..." Jack Frost looked on as she reached back to root through her bag. Eventually she held up a short black cord with a loop at one end and a knot in the other, and between them were brightly colored orange, red, and yellow beads. Reaching up, she hung them over an orb to the left of Jack Frost's single eye. "Can ya still see ok?" Jack Frost blinked, then droned affirmatively, draping the beads over an orb so it could look at them. Ottilie smiled, cinching the loop to ensure they wouldn't fall off, "great. Now e'eryone can tell ya 'part from other Jacks!" Jack Frost tilted its head at her, droning gratefully. She shrugged, smiling, "m'glad ta help. Least I can do really after all you've done fer me. 'Specially since I've one more favor ta ask: would ya mind leadin' the way back ta yer master when we hit the main path? I imagine ya prolly know his location better'n I since Ball is with 'im an' y'know where Ball is." Jack Frost didn't mind at all.

It is surprising how very small things can often lead to very big things. Ottilie for instance thought no more of what she'd done than she thought of what she'd eaten for breakfast. But the Jack--excuse me, Jack Frost--who had never been signaled out once since its creation, thought the world of these small deeds. And therein lay Ottilie's great power, for because of a few beads and a little kindness Jack Frost will save her life a total of three times before she leaves the Eulerian Complex. Had I only been there perhaps I could have saved Ottilie some grief as well. Perhaps I would have said something like, "Ottilie, very soon you will make a friend who is not a friend, but in fact an enemy who will hypnotize Jerin in a very unfortunate turn of events," or "Ottilie, Dirac will be putting a gun to your head shortly," or more appropriately, "Ottilie, around the corner of the Eulerian path you are approaching that golden furred primate, Nochtli, is sitting at a campfire, in the exact direction you need to go and I wanted to warn you so you were not surprised!"

Of course I wasn't there and couldn't tell her any of these things. And so Ottilie approached the Eulerian path unaware, its finished walls humming with sounds that had been absent in the corridor they were about to leave, sounds of active machinery beneath the vines (watching machinery?). And out of sight around the corner where Jack Frost intended to lead her, Nochtli sat atop his metal chest in front of a low fire, smoking a long pipe, eyes closed...

OOC: Wow, this RP's really been ploughing ahead while I've been busy elsewhere! I'd better catch up, or I'll be completely left behind! *runs after RP as a desperate passenger would run after a train just pulling out of the station*

IC: Aurora- with one eye open for any trouble Junk and Ball might run into- was paying rapt attention to the conversation between Jerin and his old acquaintances. Listening intently to every word, she stored anything that might in future be significant, important, or valuable into the deep recesses of her remarkable memory. She noted especially the facts Burnu brought up concerning the Agent's kind. They had nearly unbreakable bones, due to incredible bone density. Her own kin- and other creatures probably- had a different solution: Bones that were still very strong, but much more supple- and flexible- than those of others. It was a development that made sense in creatures who were very agile, and it did no harm to exeptionally fast creatures to have bones that were much less likely to break if you had a nasty fall. Aurora was both agile and fast, and this natural advantage had helped her no end when she was an aspiring student of the performing arts. The agent's kind were never peacable, except between themselves and Serpents. Another point worth noting. Maybe a little more understanding was in order then, since the disruptive habits of the agent might be down to nature rather than concious decision? Then again, maybe not. The agent's kind were infuriatingly persistent & formed bonds with the Serpents. Aurora smiled slightly; she was unyieldingly persistent herself. The forming bonds with Serpents could be especially important though. Whether or not they'd meet any in here Aurora couldn't say, but if they did such information could be critical. In such a circumstance, the agent's ability might either spare them all a great deal of trouble or, more likely, cause that trouble. Aurora frowned slightly at that thought- some steps might have to be taken to guard against that posssibility. Before she could indulge that line of thought further though, her attention was suddenly focused entirely upon Jerin.

Her sharp eyes had noticed that Jerin seemed to have a little less of his bounce than usual during the past few moments, but hadn't fully registered it until now. That combined with his sudden retching & vomiting brought Aurora to full attention & high-alert. She'd never seen Jerin ill in all the time she'd known him at the Laplacian Academy, or since their unexpected reunion in the Complex. Going over to him she asked, "Jerin, have you any idea what's brought this on?" Jerin didn't answer at that moment- being entirely too preoccupied with vomiting- so Aurora continued. "Jerin," she told him, "unless you can give me a really good reason not to- once you can speak again- I'm going to have to ignore your request & treat you before Ottilie. Right now".

"What? Thought you treated him? You mean to tell me he could go rabid any minute?!" Dirac exclaimed. Cho and Burnu exchanged a look before Cho slid to stand between Aurora and Jerin, firmly saying, "of course not. He will be fine." As she knelt to touch his shoulder however Dirac scowled, finally fed up, "I seem to be missing something. See, where I come from when rabid animals bite their victims require immediate treatment. Unless someone explains why that isn't the case here I'll go no further. Not for a fortune."

"Leave, then--" Cho started coldly, but Jerin cut her off, "--thank you, Cho. That will be all." She looked back at him worriedly, but fell silent. For a moment the only sounds were the hum of Complex circuitry and Jerin drawing slow, deep breaths. He coughed, and then moved to sit against the wall. Still looking a little queasy, the creature rested his elbows on upright knees, lacing his claws together. Dirac stood with his arms crossed expectantly, brows furrowed. "The reason why that isn't the case here," Jerin stated without preamble (and somewhat hoarsely), "is that I don't have a conventional immune system." The human narrowed his eyes, "what do you mean...?" The creature cleared his throat, producing a small flask from a pocket and unscrewing the cap, "I mean I haven't had white blood cells since I was four." Dirac's scowl deepened, and Jerin continued quickly, "my kin host a virus passed from parent to child during conception. When we're born, the virus attacks and--in the best case scenario--supplants our biological immune systems." He paused to take a pull from the flask, sloshing its contents around in his mouth. "You've got a virus that acts like an immune system," Dirac repeated, to make certain he'd heard right. Jerin turned his head away to spit the liquid out, and wiped his mouth, "pardon me. Yes, that's correct." The mercenary looked skeptical, scratching his beard, "haven't had biology in years, but I didn't think viruses worked like that. Thought they were--"

"--parasitic? Mostly that's the case. This is a strain unique to the Wakeless Woods, though--" Dirac shuddered, and Jerin's eyes shone brightly, "--you know them?" The Wakeless Woods was a large forest located in Transylvania. Lost in fog half the time, lost in snow half the time, and lost in darkness all the time due to the size and fullness of the trees, it had a distinctly menacing atmosphere and was both famously uncharted and famously hospitable to myriad bacteria and viruses. It made sense that Jerin would belong to a confusing, dark place like that. "Nevermind. What does having a viral immune system have to do with not requiring treatment for rabies?" He demanded. Jerin smiled, "as I said, this strain evolved to suit the forest it originated in, which is renowned for its abundant microorganisms. Since they are predominant, natural selection dictated my virus target them in place of the elusive host cell."

"And your family caught it?" Dirac guessed. Jerin glanced to the side, "that's one way of putting it..." he looked back at him, resting his head against his hand, "...to make a long, long, long, long and excruciatingly boring story short, evolution made our relationship mutualistic rather than parasitic." He gestured at himself, "I provide the virus with a safe place to occupy and supply it with microorganisms when necessary. The virus in turn is far more prevalent than my white blood cells would be, and because it copies itself accordingly I heal quickly and have not been detained by any malady since well before my fifth birthday."

"Why'd you get sick just now, then?" Jerin sighed, "sometimes if I haven't contracted a virus in awhile it makes me nauseous when I do. Rather like eating when you haven't eaten in some time." Dirac frowned, "how can you be sure your virus won't have problems with this one?" Jerin chuckled, slinging an arm over his knee, "well for one, this is not the first time I've had rabies." The human shifted nervously, "yours isn't contagious, is it?"

"Goodness no. It can only survive at very low temperatures. You're warm blooded and thus, perfectly safe." He rubbed the back of his neck tiredly, "I do hope that clears everything up--" he glanced at Aurora, as though he didn't much care what anyone else thought save her, "--and I apologize for being...less than forthcoming."

OOC: Still here, just a little at a loss as to how to continue.

OOC: I have that effect on people! Haha, no but really it's no sweat =) let me know if there's anything you'd like me to do on this end or if there's any information you need from me in order to continue.

OOC: Not overly sure whats going on in my area. Try to catch me online. Lotta stuff going on "irl".

Nochtli, the Golden Altar of a Thousand Needles, was of humble beginnings despite his belonging to the cultured and hidden civilization once called El Dorado by certain scholars. First instructed in the lackluster duties of a scribe, the small primate had emphatically rejected this destiny in favor of joining the Shaman, whose primary duties were medicinal in nature. Rising through their ranks, he eventually became one of the revered few who could take an individual's still beating heart from his or her chest using only his hands. When his talents had peaked among his kin he ventured out and into the world, going on to use his considerable strength, nimble fingers, cunning mind and poison darts as an assassin, though he could never really abandon his true calling as a medicine man. These strange circumstances created equally strange results, for Nochtli was often described as having saved as many lives as he'd taken.

Ottilie thought of all this as she stood in the middle of the Eulerian path looking down at him. He was small, wouldn't have even stood as high as her knee had he been standing, and old age had lightened his fur considerably, giving it the unmistakable color of white gold. The bare skin visible on his face, feet, and the palms of his hands was dark brown and wrinkled. He wore a tribal cloth with green and blue geometric patterns wrapped round his waist, a good sized pouch on either hip, and thick bands of some unknown metal round his wrists and ankles. White paint was smeared in a single stripe across his eyes, which were closed. He sat in front of a low fire atop the chest the Oasis creature had seen him drop upon a rat's head earlier, the smoke from a pipe curling lazily about his relaxed form. Jack Frost droned warily at her shoulder, and Legs crossed two pairs of arms grimly. The most important thing about Nochtli in Ottilie's mind and the thing that was making her stand as still as she was, was that he had instructed Jerin in something or other long ago. As a general rule the girl tried to avoid anyone who had had anything to do with turning Jerin into even a fraction of who he was, but if this was the Nochtli than he deserved to be treated with the utmost respect, and she couldn't very well run past him without so much as a greeting or query after his health. That would be a definite--

--slight, Legs agreed, meeting her line of thinking via their link, like standing here gaping. Best to act, Kitto.

No sweat, mate. F'there's one thing an Oasis Investigator knows--Ottilie grinned,--it's etiquette. Legs shifted nervously, but his partner gathered her courage and approached the seated primate. First she knelt directly in front of him, so as to be at eye level, which is always a polite thing to do among creatures when one is taller. Next, she pressed her claw tips together and bowed her head respectfully, careful to use the proper honorific, "a good evenin' ta ya, Grandsire. I hope ya are well, an' I 'pologize fer not comin' ta address ya straight off. I was unaware o'yer presence an' caught off guard by it when me mates an' I rounded yon corner." She paused, then added quickly, "please excuse them s'well, they're from a faraway place an' know little o'our customs." For a moment it seemed she would go unacknowledged by the older creature. Then he opened his eyes, dark brown irises fixed upon her face. Shifting atop the chest into a kneeling position, he pressed his long fingers together as she had done, and returned the bow. Giddy with relief, Ottilie smiled, then remembering herself, lowered her head gratefully to him. The primate moved to look past her at Toby, Henry, and Kevin, and Ottilie saw a look upon his face not entirely unfamiliar to her. Her friend Brigitte was a doctor who had patched Ottilie up many times, so the younger girl recognized the particular concentration he regarded Toby's arm with. Oh, s'right...Toby hurt his arm when he was savin' Henry from that trap, Ottilie remembered, he said sumthin' 'bout meditatin' ta relieve the pain, but m'not sure f'it healed while he was 'way...guess Nochtli's got the same question. Seeing that Nochtli was moving as if to lower himself from the chest, Ottilie automatically extended a hand to help him down, and was instantly horrified at herself. Although Oasis protocol had an answer for most situations, whether or not helping an elderly Shaman of considerable prestige down was politeness or impertinence was a bit too specific for even their lists and lists of proper behavior. Legs tensed on her shoulder, but Ottilie set her mouth in a firm line and left her hand in the air beside him. There was no point taking it back, what was done was done. Nochtli himself seemed surprised, and blinked twice. Then he smiled ever so slightly, and placed his smaller hand in her own. Once on the ground he took up his blowpipe, leaning against it as one might use a staff, and regarded her unfathomably. She was relieved when he finally made a move, quickly shifting to allow him to pass and bobbing her head again politely. The hand he'd touched hurt where his fingers had pressed into her palm, but she resisted the urge to rub it, only staring at the ground. He's strong. I bet he doesn't even need that pipe fer support, not really, she mused, wonder f'that's where Jerin learned it. Shaking her head, Ottilie turned to watch the monkey-like creature shuffle up to Toby. Her eyes widened as he bowed to the rabbit, this cordial gesture making her realize that Toby must really be quite important if this was Nochtli and he saw fit to bow to him. Craning his head to look up at Toby, Nochtli wordlessly pointed a long finger at the arm that Legs hadn't been able to mend. Being a creature, Ottilie knew this to be his way of asking if Toby's arm needed medical attention, but remained silent. Toby had said he was an empath to a degree earlier, and she didn't want to come across as brazen when he probably knew full well what the question in the Shaman's eyes was without her stating the obvious...

Aurora silently digested the information Jerin gave her, committing it to her memory. That would certainly explain why he'd said his blood took ill to nanite medical technology. If Jerin were to be dosed with nanites, his- symbiotic?- virus would probably attempt to invade what it would percieve as alien micro-organisims in Jerin's bloodstream. Worse, the nanites wouldn't recognise Jerin's virus as benevolent to the host, and would probably attempt to eliminate them. The result would probably be protracted, excruciating pain, lasting for who-knew-how long. More importantly, Aurora realised, that would explain why he hadn't made mention of his unusual immune system before now. When travelling with people who could, in future- and the near future at that- potentially be enemies or allies, it didn't pay to make mention of what could either be a hidden strength, or a dangerous weakness. As for Aurora, she'd only mentioned- at least to those besides Jerin- things that were fairly obvious. After all, mentioning to the agent that she was fast, that had been obvious since the agent had already witnessed the fact. Mentioning in company that she had medical skills had been a necessity at the time, and had succeeded in accomplishing what she'd then intended- gaining a measure of trust from the group that might not otherwise have been forthcoming. As for mentioning that she'd only a level of skill with technology- well that might've been a mistake, but put to careful use later, it might well seem a bluff & cause the others to wonder just how much she did know.

Focusing her attention fully on Jerin again, she realised that he seemed to be speaking particularly to her. "I do hope that clears everything up---," he glanced up particularly at her as he spoke the words, "---and I apologise for being...less than forthcoming". Aurora took a moment to formulate her reply. "Well," she eventually said, "I guess there's no real harm done. And it isn't as if I can't understand why you kept quiet: 'complain not of ill-health when there are vultures present', as the saying goes. But if you have any other special conditions, if you could mention them- at least to me- before the event, it would help. I might not be a doctor, but I do believe in client confidentiality, and I hope you can believe me when I say that I'm no 'vulture' ". Having said this, Aurora looked thoughtfully down the gloomy passageway ahead. It might well be true that she was not Jerin's enemy- and she certaily didn't want to be his- but there was at least one 'vulture' out there they needed to stop before it swooped in to feed. Looking back to Jerin, Aurora enquired, "if you're feeling better then perhaps we should proceed? I'm fairly sure you ,at least, don't savour the thought of our agent being alone with Ottilie and the others any more than I like the idea of a vulture being left with my unattended patient".

Legs felt his charge shift nervously beneath him and touched her neck. Knowing her spirited nature as he did, the decipede could almost hear the words collecting in her throat, preparing to erupt in another unseemly display. It wasn't Toby he worried about, for the rabbit did not seem to mind (or if he did, he was gracious enough to keep his repugnance to himself). It was the smaller creature that stood before him that concerned Legs.

Ottilie, hold your--he started, but it was utterly useless with her who wanted to be of good use to her friend, "Toby, this creature is o'the medical profession. He's noticed yer arm, an' wants ta know f'its still botherin' ya. F'it 'tis he can prolly put ya on the mend, f'ya wish it o'course." She lowered her head shyly then, "hope s'not too bold ta say, but f'so, beg yer pardon, Grandsire."

On her shoulder, Legs watched Nochtli tensely. Thankfully, the elderly primate acted as if she hadn't spoken, merely kept his eyes on Tobias, waiting for an answer.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Of course--" Jerin smiled, but it was difficult to say whether his reply was for the bit about being more forthcoming with Aurora or the bit about not liking Elsie getting to Ottilie before he did. Regardless he continued sharply, "--though I daresay Junk would prefer we sit here until the end of this century, at least--"

"--Pardon me, Master, but we have a problem," the robot ventured tersely, slithering out from between several bubbles with something round and dark clutched in its tail. Behind it Ball drew exclamation points in the dirt, attempting to be helpful by emphasizing Junk's words with visual cues. Jerin leaned to pluck the round thing from his robotic companion, frowning, "the source, so to speak?"

"I have found nothing else." Jerin held the component aloft between two claws, tilting his head at it. "This is P.I.A. technology, but it is unfamiliar to me. It is something new," Junk informed him. Jerin muttered incomprehensibly, and his hand went to twirl an ear tip in time with the wheels in his head. Burnu grunted, but leaned back against the wall, his stillness and silence standing in stark contrast to Cho's restless pacing and even voice finally demanding of Dirac and Aurora, "who is Ottilie?"

"Source almighty, Kixxy--"

"--I am perfectly serious," Cho insisted, "who is Ottilie?"

"The girl, the girl 'cross the water. You saw 'er," Burnu tried, but his comrade scowled, saying, "I was not paying her close attention, or rather not paying her the sort of attention Jerin seems to think she deserves." She turned her violet eyes back on the other two, "please answer me, who is she? Why is she so important...?" She trailed off, not saying 'to him' but leaving the implication in the air. Dirac frowned, shrugging, "no idea. Bumped her head unconscious almost immediately after I barely met her." Cho looked at Aurora expectantly, hands on her hips...

Tobias blinked and looked up, "Couldn't hurt. No sense running around injured, e'la." He eyed Legs, then turned his head to look at Kevin, "Why's he nervous?"

Kevin looked up from fiddling with his "new toy" long enough to shrug, "He was trying to tell your new girlfriend to can it, maybe he thinks you're going to attack them for trying to fix your ouchie booboo's?"

The rabbit gave him a confused look. Henry's ears twitched, his brooding demeanor slowly changing to a mischievous one.

Exasperated, Legs buried his face in his claws while Ottilie colored, just as bewildered as Toby. She re-called that 'girlfriend' was a word humans used to describe the female partner in a relationship somewhere between courtship and marriage. The particulars and point of the concept eluded her, but she understood enough to know the word didn't describe her involvement with the rabbit, and that Kevin was therefore either a) mistaken or b) joking. Given the duration of their acquaintance, her own feelings about her physical appearance and overall modesty regarding the rest of her accomplishments, Ottilie unsurprisingly decided on the latter and responded lightheartedly, eyes twinkling, "I dare say Toby's the one what should be worried 'bout me havin' a go at him fer havin' yet ta dole out the proper affection an' presents due a girlfriend!" She winked at the rabbit, "lucky ya got yer looks, mate."

Her smile faded as Nochtli looked up from rustling through the pouch he wore at his left hip. Legs silently lamented their inability to tell whether they'd offended him horribly or amused him terribly. A smile seemed to play around the corners of his mouth, but it could just as easily be a grimace. He gestured with one hand, the other clutching a long, unmarked tube with a screw cap. Ottilie nodded seriously to his wordless instructions before looking up at Toby with a reassuring smile, "he says he's ready ta begin, an' asks that ya seat yerself an' remove yer overcoat."

He nodded and removed the tattered old auburn trenchcoat. He was wearing a simple blue shortsleeved shirt under it, the tan pantleg's she'd seen where plain cargo pants. The removal of the coat made him look... vulnerable. The coat seemed to be the only vestige of intimidation he had, his eyes, face, everything else seemed childish and disarming. He wasn't dressed like he belonged there, his attire wasn't much different than Henry's.

The rabbit turned his garment over in his hands for a moment, then tossed it to Henry. His wordless actions resulted in the youth catching the garment with his face. He smirked and sat down for Nochtli nodding to the indignant halfbreed, "try it on."

Ottilie smiled, but straightened solemnly when Nochtli cleared his throat, giving him her attention. Wrinkling his nose, he plucked at the blue fabric of the rabbit's shirt, "he'll need ya ta remove yer shirt s'well," she said. As Kevin was preoccupied with his A.P.D. and Henry with Tobias's coat Nochtli turned to the younger girl, pressing the tube into her hand and causing her to stammer out, "w-what? Grandsire, ya can't mean that! Me hands're too big fer delicate work an' I wouldn't want ta--ow!" She flinched, scowling at Legs, who chattered back low and sharp, "don't talk back. He can clearly see the size of your hands, so whatever he wants you to do must be within your capabilities. If you'd listen a minute instead of jabbering on--"

She rubbed her neck where he'd pinched, telling herself she bit back a retort for decorum's sake (and not because deep down she knew the decipede was right). When she dared look up however a smile was apparent on the elderly primate's face, and he only tilted his head to her as if to say, once more, young lady. Legs crossed two pairs of arms, face turned up to regard hers with stern expectation. She took a deep breath, turning the tube over, "'course. What can I do?" Nochtli smiled again, long fingers weaving instructions in the air, until finally he balled up one fist and smacked his open palm against it, making a popping noise with his mouth. He urged her to translate. She turned to Toby, holding up the tube, "he says this contains a topical anesthetic. He wants me ta rub it inta the skin on an' 'round yer shoulder. The gelly will numb it temporarily, allowin' him ta pop yer arm back inta place without too much discomfort." She paused, watching as Nochtli gestured further, "oh, he wants ya ta understand he'd apply it himself, 'cept then his hands would get numb s'well an' he might pop yer arm sumthin' worse what with not bein' able ta feel what he were up ta." Ottilie frowned, "latex gloves'd actually solve that problem an' be more hygienic--" the primate quirked a brow at her. She blushed, Legs lowering his head to mutter into his claws, "--er, s'pose ya wouldn't a asked fer help f'ya had any, aye?" He nodded.

Aurora instinctively sensed that tact and care would be required in generous doses to answer the question Cho had asked- mainly because it was Cho who had asked it. It looked, Aurora mused as she inwardly perused her mental footnotes, as though her guess about Cho's having an unrequited crush upon Jerin was accurate. Reflecting upon what she knew- and guessed- of Ottilie, Aurora wondered; how should she answer? A look in Cho's direction revealed that the kunoichi's violet eyes were fixed on her & her hands were planted upon her hips expectantly. Quickly. That was how she should answer. Going over her mental notes one final time, Aurora began to answer Cho's question. "I can't tell you that much about Ottilie either," Aurora informed Cho, "since I didn't meet her until after I entered the Complex. But, from what I've picked up since then, here's what I can tell you". Aurora paused momentarily before going on. "Its no secret by now," she said, "that there's supposed to be a treasure at the heart of this Complex of either extreme value or importance- or possibly both, one bestowing the other, so to speak. Ottilie is a treasure-hunter, so that explains her presence here. However, she's of a particular breed of treasure-hunter- the kind that hunts more for the challenge than for personal gain, so I've been informed. When I first met her though, I asked her personally why she'd entered the Complex. She told me it was partly for profit, partly a promise. Here alas," Aurora explained to Cho, "I can only give you speculation as opposed to facts".

Having said this, Aurora laid her theory out before Cho. "Since she mentioned profit," she said, "I would imagine that means she has a buyer lined up for the treasure at the heart of the Complex- assuming she can get ahold of it. As for the promise- well, when I asked Jerin to tell me a little more about Ottilie, he informed me that, at the time of their last meeting, there was an understanding between them that they would meet again at some point in the future. It seems reasonable therefore, to assume that this is the meeting Jerin wished for, and perhaps, that Ottilie is so important to him because they have vital matters connected to their last meeting to settle & because they may share the common goal of recovering the treasure". Pausing for a moment, Aurora thought of something else. She let a half-smile flicker across her lips as she spoke the thought out. "Then again," she commented in a light-hearted tone, "since yourself, myself and Ottilie are here, maybe I've read that all wrong and this is simply Jerin's favourite place to meet old acquaintences of the opposite gender. Those that still live anyway," she finished.

Having said her piece, Aurora fell silent again. She had not voiced nearly half of what she believed might be true and suspected to be true of the relationship between Ottilie and Jerin. One thing she certainly didn't believe- though she'd kept any hint of that well out of her expression and voice- was the theory she'd spun about the two of them meeting up by mutual agreement to search for the Treasure together. She did however, suspect that Ottilie and Jerin had unfinished business- of one sort or another- between them. Hopefully the answer she'd given would- at least for now- satisfy Cho and, a significantly slimmer hope, not in some unforseen way reveal to Jerin how much she suspected. Keeping those hopes in mind, Aurora went back observing and theorising.

He nodded, "I'm sure it's fine." He looked reluctant for a moment, then pulled the shirt off. Given his species the act revealed quite a shock, he was mottled. His fur seemed to be both varying in shade, length, and coarseness. By his own species standards his appearance was rather ugly, his face was rather handsome and disarming... so seeing his torso made one double take. Tobias himself suddenly looked rather nervous about the whole thing.

Ottilie tilted her head curiously at Toby's contrasting fur, but there wasn't any condescension about her interest. Creatures became creatures through hybridization after all, with even the most prominent clans descending from groups of what were essentially mutts. If anything she was surprised because Toby could easily fit in among them. Seeing that the removal of his shirt had made him nervous and knowing full well what it was to be self conscious of one's appearance, Ottilie kindly took control of the conversation, wanting Toby to know that wherever he was from her kind had no prejudices towards those of mixed blood, all being essentially of mixed blood themselves, "ya got a coat fer the fields f'e'er I saw one, mate," she commented agreeably, "I've a friend with similar. He makes his livin' as a scout." She paused to listen to more specific instructions from Nochtli about the exact application of the gelly, and nodded, unscrewing the cap of the tube, "thought 'bout goin' inta that line o'work initially meself since ya get ta travel an' there's deductive reasonin' involved. Me mate said s'a lot o'sittin' 'round though, sometimes fer hours in the same spot!" She wrinkled her nose at the idea, casually holding the tube up for Legs's inspection*. Both she and the decipede had been nearly and absolutely poisoned too many times where Jerin and his cohorts were concerned to allow even a seemingly innocent tube of gelly to fly. She didn't make a big to-do about it however, hoping her talk would keep Nochtli from commenting. Legs took a very small dab of the pale green substance, examining it, smelling it, and finally clicking his mouthparts around the tiniest taste, "treasure huntin' can turn up nothin' an' seem fer naught at times, but I prefer it 'cause leastwise yer usually diggin' or explorin' 'stead o'lyin' 'bout." Legs looked up, nodding to her that all was well, and she squeezed a sizable glob into her palm. Rubbing her hands together, she began to gently massage the substance into the rabbit's skin as directed by Nochtli, "what sort o'work d'ya prefer, Toby?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cho frowned, not entirely satisfied with either reply. Dirac's was believable but guarded, intuition telling her there were things he wasn't saying merely to avoid involvement, whereas parts of Aurora's seemed implausible from what she knew of Jerin (although perhaps the mercenary was correct given how often he behaved contrary to his nature simply for the sake of a surprise). She was about to open her mouth to make further inquiries when Jerin's words reached her ears, "Ottilie, like yourself and Burnu, is an old and dear friend, Cho." He smiled up at her from his place on the ground, continuing pointedly, "and I thank you in advance for behaving so civilly towards her and my companions." The kunoichi read the warning between the lines easily, "certainly, beloved." She left Dirac and Aurora alone then, asking Jerin, "what have you discovered?"

"These traps respond to heat and motion," Jerin said, rolling up his sleeve for Junk, who had insisted he contract another virus to supplement the first after seeing the vomit, "normally I'd need to re-wire Junk to scan for their sensors. Luckily I've another robot that functioned primarily as a scanner--" he slapped his forearm to make a well used vein stand up, "--Jack will do the job credibly--ouch!" He flinched as Junk poked him with a needle. Cho crossed her arms, "but how will you find miss Ottilie if you re-call it? I thought this one was leading us to her via their network connection," she gestured at Ball. Jerin closed his eyes, "no longer needed. I'm close enough to where I can locate her myself." Cho and Burnu exchanged a look of disbelief, Burnu asking, "linked...?"

"Mmhm."

"It can not be," Kiku replied, unable to keep the hurt from her voice, "a link can only be formed through admission and strong emotion."

"Of course," Jerin smiled privately, "but whoever said the emotion had to be love?"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Decipedes are ideal poison testers given their natural immunity to most toxins. If poison is present within a substance, their small bodies generally filter it out within minutes of ingestion through slits just behind their back legs.

Tobias flinched when her hand's hit his fur, the muscles in his arm stayed tensed as she worked on the arm. "It's... funny you mention that. To be honest I've never really had a job. The closest I've come to something like that was living on the Murrieta, Ol' Rob's ship." The rabbit seemed to relax some, his eyes becoming distant. "She was a cargo craft, we ran whatever and picked up whatever. Rob was the skipper, managed to keep us together for long time. One of my mentor's was onboard as well, as well as... Lori."

"Tobe..." Henry spoke up quietly.

The rabbit didn't even seem to hear the boy, "Henry's older sister, we were just kids back then. Together there wasn't anything we couldn't fix, or break. I don't even remember how many years we were out wandering space like that. I feel horrible about it, it happened right after my brother had abandoned me, I never really accepted them even though they treated me more like family than I'd ever been." His demeanor soured as if a single thought sent a cascade of hatred rippling through his body, Ottilie felt his arm seize up as his eyes closed. "I'm sure there's some act in your life you wonder about. A no win situation. Mine happened when I found my brother again, along with his son and Henry."

Kevin was watching the boy curiously, the halfbreed was sitting on the floor hugging his knees. It was becoming a reoccuring theme with him to avoid eye contact when kernels of his part were coming out.

"I left them. Rob, Myca, Pat... Lori. I wanted to try to make things right with Rico." He sighed, "I met the two boys, and to this day they are some of my closest friends. My brother only tolerates me because he wants his son to see family peace, not in-fighting. And only a precious few months after I left the Murrieta was attacked by... Him. He killed his own daughter."

Kevin narrowed his eyes, "You're talking about the Raven, aren't you. Lori is... was, Henry's sister so that means she was the daughter of one of His incarnations named Drake Vand." The rodent absent minded sat down beside Henry to think, "Both of you are emotional about it, if it's true Toby is causing this then it would stand to reason that He will appear in Drake's form."

"Despicable bastard. Even now I look back and I hate myself. I hate myself for wishing I was there to save her, because I would have left Henry alone. I hate myself for doing what I did because she died." His eye's opened again, they almost seemed purple for a moment, an odd reddish tint to them, "In the end I suppose I should consider myself lucky he didn't find a way to kill both of them."

The rodent muttered incomprehensibly, rubbing his chin.

Ottilie listened as she worked, allowing Toby and Kevin to discuss their thoughts without interrupting. She was glad the rabbit felt comfortable enough around her to go into detail about a painful part of his life, but the creature still considered herself unfit to comment on events and individuals of which she knew so little. That aside, words couldn't return Lori to life, or take Tobias back in time to make a different decision. Words couldn't undo Ottilie's own crimes, follies, and record of misfortune anymore than they can at this moment bring back the lady I love and drove away. Nevertheless, the younger girl believed in them, even when she wasn't sure which ones to use or when to use them. "I don't really know what ta say," she admitted when the conversation hit a lull, "I didn't know Lori o'course, but m'sorry her death an' the circumstances surroundin' it brought ya pain." She paused, then asked gently, "what was she like? F'its not too bold ta ask, that 'tis."

"To be honest she was like me. Little of everything, always trying to be what people she likes want her to be. She was kinda like Aria... eh, sorry, that was John's life. All that's going on I sometimes get confused."

Kevin's ears twitched, "So you do have the memories of all the people Tanmaslak has inhabited?"

Toby sighed, "Sometimes, Kevin can we talk about this later? I know you're curious but it's... not really important now."

The rodent snorted, "Fine, finish smooth talking about your new sn-er, I mean. Stop glaring at me kid! It ain't my fault he's using your sister to get a date." He'd noticed the ferocious eyes staring at him from under the boy's shaggy mop of a head.

Toby came out of his trance and grunted, "To be honest I'm doing nothing of the sort. You can stop your jealousy before it ruins your life again because she's not interested in that. Neither am I, my heart is already taken. Well, it will be. And not by anyone here."

Henry let out a low growl and hissed out, "No kidding, if you HADN'T noticed Tobe the rat's been staring at your ass since he popped up here. You sure HE'S not Raven?"

Toby sighed, "There's no way to know, I'm not going to start assuming anyone is. That'll just turn us on each other." He shook his head, "Sorry, O. We're all stressed. Like I was saying I wish I would have known her better. Not for lack of her trying, she was always like I am now, I didn't even have to ask and she'd spill her life story to me in detail and at length. Thats how I knew who Henry was almost the first day I met him. I'm not sure how that soaked in considered I ignored her talking to me almost consistantly, I guess she mentioned him a lot." He looked distant again, "I wish I hadn't ignored her for so long. I was so hurt by Rico I just didn't want to trust anyone again, ever."

Ottilie shook her head wildly at this and spoke with uncharacteristic vehemence, face still somewhat flushed from the revelation of Kevin's discourse, "not 'tall! How could ya have known what was ta come at the time, aye? 'Sides, ya were hurt. Ya needed ta heal 'fore ya could trust anyone 'gain. Expectin' yer psyche ta bounce back straightaway would be as ridiculous as expectin' ya ta walk normally right after breakin' a leg! No, fars m'concerned yer feelin's are an' were as understandable as any stress y'all're under right--" she covered her mouth, embarrassed, Legs rolling his eyes, "--oh dear, m'sorry. S'not me place ta say." Eager to change the subject she looked down, and remembering Kevin's words, colored again, saying, "'pologies ta ya s'well, Kevin. Didn't mean ta give ya the wrong impression 'fore. I thought ya were jokin' an' me reply were meant ta be in keepin' with that. I assure ya Toby's quite correct, though. I've--" she stopped mid-sentence as Nochtli put a firm hand on her wrist. Only then did Ottilie become aware of the numbness of her goopy palms and realize it must be time to re-set Toby's shoulder. Moving out of his way, she translated, "he says ya might feel a bit o'a pinch, but won't be nearly as bad as 'twould without the gelly." The words had no sooner left her mouth when Nochtli seized the rabbit's shoulder and unceremoniously popped it back into its socket. He kept his hands upon him a minute longer, head moving to scrutinize his handiwork. Finally he grunted, satisfied, and released him. Shuffling back, the doctor made a few passing gestures to Ottilie, who nodded gratefully, sitting beside Toby, "yer shoulder might feel a little stiff at first, an' ya shouldn't strain it o'erly fer a few days, but should heal up nice." She nudged the tube of gelly with her foot, "an' ya may keep this ta relieve any pain ya feel."

Toby nodded, testing the arm lightly, "That seems a reoccurring theme with you. I don't mean offense, I'm just curious. It is taboo in your culture for females to hold opinions? Or maybe opinions are only expected to be given to family and other close knit groups?"

"The latter," Legs chattered, "among our kind it's considered impolite to comment on the affairs of strangers as if you know their business better than they. It's a matter of propriety." He kicked Ottilie in the neck lightly, "and this one forgets her manners frequently." The girl clenched goopy fists, rolling her eyes as she translated, "aye, s'as Legs says. Among family an' close friends opinions have their place. But with acquaintances an' strangers they're most unwelcome, an' 'tis quite unbecomin' in high society 'specially fer females or males ta let their tongues lash so freely." She sighed, "m'fraid m'often guilty o'lettin' me country manners show. I hope I haven't offended ya."

Aurora absorbed this latest nugget of information with some concern. It explained a lot, of course, but it also drew attention to some dangerous implications as well. It certainly explained why Jerin had been so confident of his finding Ottilie after she had joined his company- a link seldom failed to see to that. But the very fact that he had such a link with Ottilie begged the question: Did Jerin have such links with others? and if so, how effective was such a link? Aurora had some insight upon the latter question and so considered it first. From some espionage experts she'd had the fortune to encounter- in a friendly capacity- Aurora knew that it wasn't uncommon (though not especially common either) for some spies to use links not dissimilar to the one Jerin had just described. Use of such links wasn't as effective as it might at first sound though. One problem was that the link had to be formed through strong emotion. If the emotion wasn't love, hate- love's opposite- accomplished the task with the most success. This was because hate, like love, often compelled individuals who harboured such feelings for each other to seek each other out ruthlessly, though for entirely different reasons to those linked by love. The problem with that was, any individual who possessed such hatred for another was hardly likely to be objective if assigned to find that individual. Another factor that limited the efficiency of such a link was that it was often- of need- formed without the consent of the other. This meant that although the link could be used to track the other, that was about all it could be used for. Whilst, admittedly, any strong emotion the other was feeling might sometimes be sensed through such a link, picking up on thoughts and specific information was impossible: That required admission.

Thinking that over, Aurora wondered what emotions Jerin had used to establish his link with Ottilie. She doubted that it was hate, since he seemed truly fond of her. Perhaps the key was that he had used emotions plural, rather than any singular one. After all, between the obvious strong emotions people could put names to, there were whole shades and nuances of emotion that went unclassified. Having thought about that, Aurora turned her attention back to the first question. Might Jerin have links with others? Like herself for instance? A shiver ran down her spine as she considered that. Offhand, she woud have flat out denied that any such link existed between Jerin and herself. But she knew that, when it came to links like the one Jerin had hinted at, often the link went undetected by the one with whom it had been established. Ottilie, Aurora mused, would probably believe that she possessed no link with Jerin. Therefore Aurora couldn't be sure that Jerin had no link to her. Which meant that, although she might keep her emotions to herself, she couldn't gurantee that Jerin hadn't now and then picked up more than she'd intended him to. Considering all this- and the implications involved- Aurora continued to listen to the conversation unfolding around her.

The rabbit shrugged, "Actually I like it. My people's higher social classes weren't much different. All pomp and circumstance, dancing what they really mean, to me it always seemed rather cowardly not to tell someone what you thought. But I'm just a rodent, what do I know."

OOC: As an aside, roughly 85% of the creature population lives in the wilderness, small rural villages, and on farms. The other 15% live in large cities where they're outnumbered (for the most part) by humans, human hybrids, robots, etc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

She frowned, puzzled by the last thing he'd said, "there's always been a degree o'posturin', aye, but s'got more ta do with residence." Recognizing how ambiguous this was, Ottilie elaborated, "my kind're fer the wilds. We outnumber humans five ta one, though ya'd hardly know it lookin' ta any o'the major cities. Even creatures what call 'em home tend ta not live within 'em exclusively. Nothin' wrong or better 'bout it, s'jus' how we are. City livin' doesn't suit us fer a variety o'reasons." She sat back, "since the majority don't make or consider cities their proper homes their presences therein're usually business related, an' bein' practical thinkers they want ta be 'bout it quick an' efficient as possible. So within cities it came ta be polite ta speak mainly o'yer business ta ensure ya weren't keepin' any company ya made from more important endeavors. An' s'why s'impolite ta comment on or bring up personal affairs, 'cause the majority o'creatures in cities aren't lookin' fer such. They're only lookin' ta exchange information, complete whate'er business they have, an' depart. 'Ventually that were a common courtesy 'mong all creatures."

"Exactly." Legs chattered, "it's about being considerate of another's agenda." He continued sardonically, "and most agendas don't account for time spent commenting on what's none of your business." Ottilie ignored him, adding, "s'fine ta give yer opinions 'bout things like city policy, new weaponry, books, etc., f'the conversations goin' that way, though. An' mine're o'erall a pleasant lot. Even when someones blatherin' brutal at a party they're more likely ta jus' walk away an' avoid the individual than call attention ta him or her." Feeling Legs's growing impatience through their link she finished hurriedly, "anyway, I hope that makes sense." She paused, considering something, then looked back at Tobias shyly, "um, f'ya don't mind me inquirin', a moment ago ya seemed ta call yerself a rodent s'though s'a low thing? But perhaps I misunderstood. Me friends o'rodent descent got it good, they got those lovely large teeth fer hackin' an' crackin' nuts. Great fer when yer caught up in some rope, too."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Burnu cleared his throat, interjecting while Cho collected herself, "right. Get the little blighter back 'ere. We're on a timetable ourselves an' we still need ta find Noc." Jerin nodded, "of course, please forgive me. I assure you we'll find him as soon as I've secured Ottilie." He turned his attention to Ball, "call Jack back, small one." Ball assented with a drone and hailed its absent comrade. Meanwhile Jerin stood, stretching. With two viruses for his own to 'feed' upon he was quickly returning to a standard of health thus far unseen about his person. The puncture wounds from the rat's teeth were mere scabs, his fur had acquired a new sheen, and his eyes twinkled with more of their old fire. Watching, Dirac found he could believe what Jerin had said despite his initial misgivings. What else would explain such a speedy recovery? Rubbing his beard, the human broke the silence with a relevant query, "the badge?" Jerin scratched the place on his left hand where his palm met his wrist, tilting his head at the mercenary with a slow smile, "what would you suggest?" Dirac frowned. Finally he said, "we find her first...the hard goodbye." Jerin raised a brow at him, but didn't comment, looking instead to Aurora, "do you agree, my dear, or would you do otherwise with the P.I.A.'s agent?"

"That's what the Kydane nobles said too. If it's not going to gain them anything, it's not worth talking about. I hated it." He looked at the ground through narrowed eyes. "Where I came from people of prey species were looked on as incapable of defending themselves... or another term would be inferior. Rodents had it worse because some side remarks in an old book people worshipped talked ill of rodents... so we all suffered. After so many years it effects your mind permanately."

He took a sideways glance at Henry, "Physical halfbreeds too, seen as examples of the death of the pure bloodlines. Cork and I both had that to deal with as well." The youth snorted, "Wasn't there long enough, remember? My so-called father made sure his pride and joy was never made fun of. Least he did that much for me."

"Hardly justifies what ELSE that abomination did." Toby snorted. He cursed, then sighed out, "Sorry bud, shouldn't have said that." The boy shook his head, "S'ok, not like it's not true." Tobias nodded and turned back to Ottilie, "Anyway, seems we're from different worlds figuratively as well. I left Kyzarie the second time because of that attitude. Rico had that attitude with his son and it nearly destoryed the kid." He shook head, "No, anyone you meet could be a potential friend. Keeping them at arms length is not a good practice, at least in my experience."

Kevin snorted, "Thats why you get hurt all the time, Tobe. You try to trust everyone and they burn you." The rabbit shrugged lightly, "All business work real well for you with your last boyfriend?" The gerbil grunted and scowled.

Ottilie hesitated, then offered, "perhaps both opinions've their merits, an' both should be retained an' called upon accordin' ta circumstance." She leaned forward, smiling up at the rabbit, "Legs says m'too familiar with others an' he's right." She raised a still goopy claw, "but, I like ta think m'able ta be so 'cause he's the opposite." The decipede stared at the wall stonily as she went on, "an' m'bolder 'cause I know he'll stop me or 'least try ta f'tis too bold. S'why I know I can like ya, Toby. 'Cause even though I haven't quite got the who-ta-trust balancin' act figured, I got a good friend ta remind me ta keep ya at arms length occasionally f'I can't see that I should." She raised a brow at him, impishly drawling, "an' as s'the case, s'now me duty ta inform ya there's sumthin' on yer nose--" and quick as a wisp, Ottilie smeared a glob of the gelly that still clung to her foreclaw on Tobias's nose. Legs was so surprised and horrified he couldn't speak, eyes wide, mouthparts moving mutely. The perpetrator herself leaned back, hand covering her smile, "--hee hee hee."

"Oh for fucks sake." Kevin muttered jealously. Henry on the other hand had a look on his face she couldn't place. It almost looked painful, but it wasn't his frown or his a look of anger as she'd seen this multiple times. It was fear or sorrow as she'd seen those too. The only other emotion had to be, happiness? Was that his smile?

Toby wiggled his nose, staring at the glob for a few moments. Then slowly, like a wave moving unto the shore, the old Toby seemed to return. A smirk played across his face as a hand reached up and removed the hanging mass of gel. "You know what they say... Revenge is a dish best served...WET." The last word punctuated with the residual gel hitting Ottilie in the forehead. The bullseye announced by a new, and very odd voice. It was a laugh but didn't sound like any of them, it sound like a hoarse child. It took a minute to realize that the exchange had made Henry laugh outright, to the point of his voice breaking mid-laugh.

Aurora considered Jerin's question for a moment. Did she agree with Dirac's reccommendation? She'd always found killing distasteful, not simply because it meant blood on your hands, but because each time it became necessary, it almost felt like an admission to the shameful fact that she'd been unable to come up with anything more original or sophisticated to get rid of a problem individual. Not that the agent was a threat exactly- not to her & not yet anyway- but she was an irritant. And she'd tried to stand between Aurora and her decided course of action. The agent would have to render an accounting for that. Bearing that in mind, Aurora felt ready to answer Jerin's question.

"I can see the attraction to Dirac's recommendation," she informed Jerin, "but I can't say I'd be for it. Not because she isn't worth killing- I don't think any of us disputes her value there- but because simply killing her wouldn't give me nearly enough satisfaction". Having said that, Aurora grinned an uncharacteristic & diabolical grin as she continued, "besides; if you kill her she's never going to learn anything. She won't be alive to know you've beaten her will she? Leave her alive- if humbled- though, and for the rest of her life she's going to know you beat her. She's going to know just what a bad idea it is to cross individuals like ourselves. And I, for one, want her to learn a lesson from this. I don't want to kill her- I want her to wish I had". As she finished voicing her opinion, she noticed that Dirac seemed to be giving her the strangest look. Perhaps he hadn't realised that, simply because she favoured non-lethal missions, that didn't always mean she favoured mercy. Or maybe she'd just started to sound a little too much like his employer for Dirac's liking...

OOC: I didn't know Ottilie was a Roald Dahl fan =P

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elated and encouraged by Henry's laughter, Ottilie raised a brow at Toby, tail wagging from side to side as she rubbed her hands together, gathering the gelly into a ball, "prepare ta defend yerself, mate--"

"--What're you doing? Stop acting like a kit!" Legs exploded, throwing two pairs of arms up, "this is my personal nightmare!"

"I thought yer personal nightmare involved birds or parties? Maybe a party thrown by birds." He shot her a look, and she winked at him, then sighed, lowering her head, "m'sorry, Legs. Yer right, 'twas thoughtless o'me." Unused to seeing her repent so quickly, the decipede narrowed his eyes, "well--" realization hit him however when he noticed the corners of her mouth turn up, "--don't even think--!" She clapped both hands around him as he tried to leap away, rubbing them together roughly before opening them again to smirk at her partner, "gotcha, genius!" Legs stood in her cupped hands covered in gelly, and claws curling into fists, emitted a high-pitched, furious chirp, "UGH! You're incorrigible and infantile and impossible!" Shaking wildly, he sent small pieces of gelly flying everywhere before hopping to conceal himself among the thick foliage that lined the walls. Ottilie only laughed, calling after him in a singsong voice, "a lil nonsense now an' then s'cherished by the wisest men!" And with that, she chucked another glob at Toby and dove for the tube of gelly, attempting to secure the main source of ammunition for further messy hijinks...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Hear me out," Dirac persisted with a frown, turning to address Jerin, "you made it clear you've no intention of going on without Ottilie. In her message the badge made it clear she has no intention of letting you near Ottilie. Said something to the effect of if she saw you again her next warning 'wouldn't be nice,' right?" He crossed his arms, "considering that and the fact we've seen firsthand how volatile she can be odds are she'll come at us guns blazing. We'll probably have to kill her anyway to avoid catching it ourselves." He grunted, "and even supposing for some reason she doesn't, if kept alive time could present her with an opportunity to gut one of our company or call a slue of her badge friends for back-up." Dirac shook his head, "don't mean to sound paranoid, but I also don't relish the thought of wrestling with the P.I.A. just to teach someone a lesson. Seems counterproductive."

Aurora listened to Dirac's argument, even though he seemed to be directing it towards Jerin. It was possible, she mused, that he was trying to persuade Jerin, Cho or Burnu to do things his way. Not that either of the two Thousand Needle Squad members was likely to need much persuasion. But if Dirac hoped he'd be able to persuade Jerin to do something staight away, Aurora could tell he'd be disappointed. Now that he had two different people voicing different opinions, Jerin was likely to stay where he was for the moment, smiling and listening quietly, while thoughts whirled around in his head. Then in all probability, he'd make up his mind, start moving & do something different to what either of them had suggested. Sure enough, once Dirac paused, Jerin's eyes shifted to her, to see if she had anything to add to her suggestion. Running what she'd already said through her mind, Aurora realised she probably hadn't expressed her intentions in regard to the agent clearly enough. Her limitations in effective communication were showing through again. Keeping that in mind, she spoke again, focusing on one word Dirac had used to start off with.

"Wrestle?" she remarked calmly. Pausing for a second to let that word hang in the air she then continued. "I don't intend to wrestle with the P.I.A. at all if I can avoid it," Aurora told Dirac, "but I see that when I said I'd want to 'teach her a lesson', I wasn't clear enough. What I meant by that," Aurora informed the group, "wasn't a simple act of physical aggression. Such an approach would hardly be original and would accomplish nothing besides- except perhaps to make the agent more determined. When I used the phrase, 'teach her a lesson'," Aurora clarified, "I meant literally to focus upon her mind; to educate her in a manner she's never experienced before- and one she's not likely to forget. That approach, I admit, is usually best done gradually over time, but it could be done quickly too, and if done well enough could make our agent very susceptible to outside instruction- at least for a time. Of course, such an approach may require some specialised tactics or equipment," Aurora concluded, "but it can be done". Having said this, Aurora waited to see if Dirac would again press his argument, or if Jerin would suddenly decide the issue.

OOC: This one-shot came to me late at the bottom of a bottle of vodka. I think Jerin would appreciate the irony =)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jerin was being watched. He tried not to notice, partially because he didn't feel like being about those particular duties that night and partially because he was engrossed in his book. But the feeling nagged until finally he sighed, marked his place, and set the novel on the table. Resting a hand on its cover, his foreclaw tapped against the D in 'Divine' while he tried to squint past the street lights across from the café. Cities were unnecessarily bright...

"Another espresso, sir?" Jerin looked up, offering the waitress an apologetic smile, "certainly not, and do forgive me. You're most definitely ready to close if only I'd let you." She blushed without knowing why and told him he was fine, though earlier she'd been as livid with their singular patron as the rest of her eager to depart co-workers. He smiled in return and stood, absently leaving several credit chips on the table. A moment later she was chasing him into the street, "wait--!"

"--Not enough? I apologize again, my head is elsewhere."

"That's not it. You forgot your change, and you left an awful lot."

"Ah." Frowning, he scratched the tuft of fur on his chin, "hm. Well. Serendipity is a lady far less attentive, charming, and fair than you my dear. It would therefore be quite deplorable of me to rob you of her fickle favors," and inclining his head to her, Jerin walked backwards with a mirthful twinkle in his eyes, "do have a pleasant evening." Trading the brightly lit street for a darkened alley across the way, the creature padded quietly. Before long he was joined by a small human girl, no more than six or seven years old by his estimate. She wasn't exactly thin, but wasn't exactly well fed either, and though her clothes weren't the worst, it would be a stretch to say they were acceptable. He paused midway, turning to stare down at her. When the girl caught his eye she paled, and the carefully prepared words she'd brought with her fled. Worried she might do the same, Jerin took three steps back, allowing her to collect herself. Several minutes crept by while she found enough voice to ask, "do I call you Mr. Jestwood?"

Careful not to make any sudden movements, he crouched in front of her, "Jerin will do. And what is your name?"

"Mattie. I don't taste good."

He raised a brow at her, "Charmed, Mattie I don't taste good. Do you have a nickname? Because while your full name is quite unique it's also the mouthful you should apparently never be." Mattie very nearly smiled, "my name is just Mattie. I wanted to let you know I don't taste good 'cause I'm covered in dirt FOREVER. And I taste like poop and throw up. And the dirt NEVER EVER comes off FOREVER even WITH soap!" Jerin covered his mouth, feigning horror, "goodness, you sound disgusting!"

"I am! AND I 'cause throw up 'cause I taste like throw up. 'Member? And poop."

"I do remember. Thank you for telling me. I definitely wouldn't eat you now even if I was hungry. Which I'm not."

"Then will you take me?" His expression softened, "take you where?"

"You know. Away."

"Have you been good to your parents?" She bit her lip, thinking. At long last she replied, "I'm not sure. I don't see them a lot." The child added quickly, fearing he would eat her despite her terrible taste and his saying he wouldn't if he thought her bad, "but I try really hard!" Jerin nodded, moving to lie on his side and prop his head up. The girl shifted as well, somewhat bolder. "You're smaller than I thought you'd be. And skinny." Jerin chuckled, "are they saying I'm fat now?"

"Uh uh. Molly Mylar said you were prolly a serpent 'cause her mummy said you were scary an' serpents are the scariest things Molly could think of."

"Is Molly a creature?"

"Uh huh. She's the only one I ever known and when I was little HER mummy told me you ate bad children. Then after Molly said that was right but creatures say something else too. They say sometimes you don't. Sometimes you steal them away 'cause they aren't wanted and the not wanting them makes them belong to you." Mattie wrinkled her nose, "I kind of thought Molly was making that up. But then she told me the reason I never heard its 'cause it wasn't a warning for kids. Its for parents." Jerin's eyes regarded her unfathomably, "have your parents been good to you?" The girl's hands curled into fists, "no." The word impelled her, and she opened her thin arms to him resolutely. He gathered her up, frowning when she shivered at his cold touch. Rearranging his hands to rest on cloth instead of skin so she'd be more comfortable, he kept to back streets, weaving his way out of the city. He didn't look for so much as find them. Lately though something strange had been happening: they'd been finding him. He wasn't sure why or how children recognized who he was, but it was interesting enough that when they came calling he nearly never refused. Most weren't even his own kind, though he didn't find that fact surprising. On those occasions when a creature was neglectful or abusive the offspring were more likely to be eaten by predators before anyone could reach them. "Thank you." Her quiet voice in his ear brought him back. He patted her head as best he could, hoping to comfort her, "your welcome, Mattie."

"Jerin?"

"Mm?"

"I'll help you someday. If you steal me to someplace better."

He smiled to himself, "that seems more than fair."

"'Kay. Promise. Cross my heart."

OOC: Following the example set by Jess, I'm placing a stand-alone post here whilst we all plot out the best way to move the RP forward. Anyway, down to business...

IC: Several years previously...

Despite the torrential rain Aurora remained sure-footed as ever. It wasn't difficult really, not with opponents like those she now faced. For novices like these she barely had to concentrate and could almost fight on reflex and instinct, yet still emerge the winner. Almost. Actually doing that, Aurora knew, could cost you an otherwise certain victory. Shifting into a low crouch, Aurora swept the legs from under yet another of them in a fluid motion. Her opponent- a young human male- toppled to the ground, his head striking the ground roughly as he did so. Aurora wouldn't have to worry about him for the forseeable future. She turned to face her remaining and final opponent. The nervous creature held up a pistol and, with a nervous quaver to his voice told her to stay where she was. "Or what?" Aurora asked, ignoring the threat the creature evidently thought the pistol presented. "Or I'll be forced to shoot you," her opponent snapped, "and you wouldn't want that!" Aurora, her expression impassive, calmly asked, "why not?" Clearly her opponent hadn't expected that question. He paused for a second before saying, "don't you know who I am? I'm Aurora! You really want me to shoot you?" Aurora raised her eybrows slightly at this. If she hadn't felt a slight sympathy for the young creature, she might have burst out laughing. "Actually," she informed the imposter, "you've just told me that you're a liar as well as a rank amateur. You should probably consider a different career". She watched the questions rushing behind her opponent's eyes. "What do you mean?" he finally asked. "Well," Aurora explained, " if you are Aurora you've had a sex change. Aurora is a girl. Secondly, the way your eyes wander & the quaver in your voice- not to mention that you've hesitated for nearly a minute now- give away your fear. If you were anyone like you claim to be you'd have shot me already; without hesitation and without fear.If you cannot overcome, or hide, your fear you'll always be obvious to everyone. Thirdly, your armour,"- here Aurora shook her head slightly,-"tells me exactly how experienced you are. If you were Aurora you'd have quality armour, not that low-grade outfit you're wearing. Moreover, you'd know not to use components from just one suit of armour, but to selectively pick different pieces from different suits, in order to make a high-quality, multi- functional outfit". The youth's eyes widened at this remark. "But I can't afford that kind of armour!" he exclaimed. "That's why you can't be Aurora or anyone like her," Aurora replied, "because if you were you'd have that kind of money. And your armour would be considerably more worn and used than the suit you're wearing. And don't try to cheat on that last one by getting armour that's already worn or scratched beforehand, because any mercenary worth their pay can spot an imposter".

Aurora then sped forward, so that she was suddenly behind her opponent and leant to whisper into his quivering ear. "Finally," she whispered, "if you'd done your homework you'd know that the real Aurora has very little to fear from firearms, since as a rule, weapons of that kind are only effective if they hit their target". The youth blinked and gasped at the sudden speed with which Aurora had switched positions. Before he could do anything else though, Aurora whispered, "I suggest you put the gun away". As quickly as he was able the youth complied. "Now," Aurora continued, "who are you and what are you doing here?" Her former opponent was silent for a moment, until Aurora added, "you remember what I just said about hesitating?" He gulped, nodded, and began to talk. He and his companions, it turned out, had realised that there was more money to be made at this time, by becoming a free-company than remaining in their former occupations. So, after six months hard training, they'd got lucky, and secured a sizeable contract for their first mission. Their employer- who wished to remain nameless- had assured them that he had selected them personally, for they possessed the qualities absent from many other free-companies, or free-lancers. Listening to the details of their mission, Aurora knew what those qualities were. They were young, untested, and wholly expendable. They'd been sent as cannon-fodder, to serve as a decoy or diversion, serving some purpose on someone's agenda. And Aurora could guess who's. From everything he'd told her, it sounded like one of Boss Houiri's subordinates was getting ideas above his station. The group of novice mercenaries Aurora had stumbled across- and others like them- were being thrown into the jaws of Houiri's forces, to create the illusion that one of Houiri's rivals was getting restless. That would draw Boss Houiri's attention, and give his deceptive subordinate the opening he needed to attempt his coup. That the whole scheme would fail was obvious to Aurora, if the same couldn't be said of her former opponents and their client.

After listening to his tale, Aurora shook her head slightly. "You were heading not towards a large pay-cheque, but to an early grave," she informed him, "in a way you're almost fortunate you ran into me. So now let me give you a little advice: Choose your contracts more carefully next time, since you're better off with less capital but still alive. Also, if you choose to complete this contract- and succeed- do everything in your power to make your client pay up, or you'll never see any of the reward promised you". So saying, Aurora sped away through the rain, wondering exactly how Boss Houiri would react to the scheme the inexperienced free-company had found themselves mixed up in...