SoS B1 C2 X2: On Your Mark...
"We all know why you're here, so I won't dance around the matter. You're all competing for the allegiance of Saumai, for which I speak. This of course begs the question of how I will choose a ‘winner’.”
She paused to let the anticipation build.
“The answer is easy, the execution is not, but seeing as how each convoy is so well armed I am optimistic. Saumai is in a grim state, and needs assistance. Whomever can help without deferring to calling in a contingency of allies will have my signature on their treaty.”
A hologram map appeared before each of them.
“Three hundred years ago, the dead rose. Each corpse that is not properly disposed of rises again, and each soul freed from its prison goes on to wander the wastes between the cities. We’ve charged the walls of the cities and the rails between to keep the monstrosities at bay, but, slowly, we go silent. Our only hope is in the city of Abisk, where we hope to find survivors, supplies, or at least the terraformation tower to reset the weather. The problem there is that the lines between Vien and Gorshi, and Ymiro and Ymira, have been compromised. You will all have to work together to clear them. I also want you all to take turns exploring each of the cities along the way and get them in working order. I will know how you’ve fared at each city, and in the end will reward you all properly.”
She smiled.
“First, however, a contest. The energy barrier around Karim is faltering. There’s a settlement a few miles out with energy cells. It would be safer to wait until morning… but the first to bring me the cells, on my mark, wins.”
She looked to each table in turn. Everyone was tense.
“Am I clear?”
Many thoughts ran through Immuena's head, and for a moment, she looked in a trance, accepting all that Lady Venestasia said. "Oh!" Excitement riddled her tone, "Are you guys up for an adventure tonight?" Brazenly asking the crew in front of the Somnolent, she grinned.
"If you were to ask me if I'd fancy another cup of tea, or if I'd like to play a rugby match with the Somnolent's envoy, my answer would be the same." Don announced, the fervor from before returning to his features as he prepared his follow-up, like a bowler ready to send a cricket ball to a batsman.
"OF COURSE, MY GOOD LADY" He cheered, a fine mist of tea and spittle accompanying his words.
Several tables away, at the Pact table, there was a boisterous roar and a Ka stood. "HEAR HEAR!" This garnered a wave of laughs and polite claps through the hall.
Allarah began quickly gathering her skirts in her hands. Not proper runware, but at least she hadn't worn heels. When she had them hiked up to her knees she tucked and tied the excess to her belt. She would not be tripping on her finery tonight.
Tskahn stood up with speed that could challenge lighting itself, his ceremonial curved sword knocking against the chair."I'm up for either of the three." He rested his hand in the opening of his robe, just above his obi. "Immuena, Allarah; you guys aren't for rugby I'm sure.
Ulysses raised his hand. "Just to understand, she did just say we’re in a zombie apocalypse right? And that the shield that’s keeping us away from the zombie apocalypse is going down, and you want us to go get you a fuel cell?"
"Yes. To keep power to the shield Ulysses." Allarah gently slapped his arm, more a pat really.
"Didn't you read the pre-mission reports?"
"Ulysses, it's half the reason you're here. We need good, strong men to fend off the terrors." Immuena gave him a playful wink.
"I remember them saying that there were small power failures, I don't remember them saying there were monstrosities... but hell, I'm here for the job so I'll get it done." Ulysses looked over at Allarah noting her preparation. A grin stretched wide across his face. “Looks like tonight's going to be fun.”
"The dead rising typically means zombies. Sometimes not. But often, well..." Don trailed, letting the last syllable hang for a moment.
"So rugby isn't going to happen?" Tskhan fiddled with his sword "Dealing with undead then?"
It was about that time that it became readily obvious that there were mics in the table. The Federation's playful conversation was played back around the room for all to hear and delight in. Chuckles abound.
The Lady herself seemed rather tickled by this, if her soft smile was worth anything. "I was told the Federation had spirit, but I am impressed. Worry not, everyone will have a chance to gear up before being sent to the surface, so let your stomachs settle, talk amongst each other, and I will give my mark after the feast is complete."
"It looks that way. Rugby in the morning maybe." Immuena replied to Tskhan before turning her eyes to the Somnolent's leader. "What about your group, do you intend to go bump in the night? We could always use more company." Keeping a kind tone and a smile, Immuena was earnest. "Maybe we could have a proper introduction."
The blond Ireheart to Tyodor's left smiled, chuckled, and sipped his wine as the FirstHeart answered.
"The company would be welcome, if company could keep pace. I am Tyodor of Earth, it's been a pleasure."
Immuena extended her hand. "Immuena, of Syndao. The pleasure's all mine." she kept smiling. "As long as we all don't sprint, I doubt we'll have trouble keeping up. I look forward to helping one another out."
Allarah looked at Immuena for only a moment before turning to the Lady. She curtsied low and respectfully. "Would you mind if I excused myself then Lady Venistasia? I hate to leave the wonderful food that has been prepared, but I find myself a tad overdressed. I would like to go and rectify this with your leave."
The Lady quirked her brow, then pursed her lips and inclined her head. "Eager to prepare, I see. As you will."
"Thank you Lady." She curtsied once more and walked briskly out of the room. More an escape than an exit.
"If you don't mind I'd like to be excused as well. I like to get mentally prepared and get my gear ready before we had out. And to whatever chef made this tonight, seriously, they’re not paying you enough! This was amazing." Ulysses turned his full attention to Lady Venistasia. "If that is okay with you my fair Lady?"
With another nod, this one more terse than the last, Lady Venistasia excused Ulysses. The final drinks were being delivered to the tables, some fizzy alcohol with a pink mist pouring off the top.
The Ireheart smiled gratefully and bowed before heading back over toward Immuena. Attempting subtlety, he leaned in close and muttered, "It seems as though the gilded Ral-Mi has chosen to take his leave early as well."
Immuena turned and took his arm. "Let me fix your shirt." She spoke with a motherly tone. While making all his loose clothing more formal in appearance, she made the most subtle divination link she could; a link through physical contact.
<Keep an eye on the Ral Mi, but don't act. Just gather information. Every other Faction knows something we don't.>
She tried keeping it as short and to the point so she could disband the link. "There, like the gentleman you are." Smiling, she turned back to the unfinished feast.
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