December and the Thul, Part I

Spring Dome Amphitheatre

Cut into the side of one of the sloping green hills of the Spring Dome is a large, granite brick amphitheatre bearing similarities to the ancient Grecian performing spaces on Earth. The seating follows the downward slope of the hill on three sides until it reaches a level hollow that houses the stage. Usually a simple tarmac slab, the stage has been fitted with a steel scafolding from which several hundred plasma lanterns of alternating colors have been hung.

O1-ex609 continues its survey of the scene.

William is standing a few feet below the two CSIS officers by the gate, eight officers of similar gear spread around the rim of the amphitheater.

Porter walks into the amphitheater, sees Staunton sitting near the back and makes his way toward her, a couple of drinks in his hands. He offers one to the Major. "Coffee?"

Rytorth stays curled up in her seat, watching the stage.

Staunton accepts the offer gratefully, cupping the seaming mug in her hands and sitting back. "Yes thanks."

Nemoni Light Cruiser  focuses a tiny camera on the stage, which makes minute adjustments now and then.

Kastaprulyi glides over the arm of the chair to hover above the seat next to Rytorth.

William taps his commlink receiver nestled in his left ear another series of times. "Temple in sector delta, somebody get backstage and ask if Carazz requires an escort back to the Minerva. And I'm still waiting for that VES list."

Porter nods, settling into the seat next to Staunton and looking down at the stage.

Rytorth tastes the air, not noticing Kasta.

Ezekiel remains quiet, eyes on the stage.

Jehanelin blinks, and her eyes turn fiery at the sight of someone heading for the front. Seated also at the front, although at right on the edge, Jehanelin taps Zeke's shoulder and points at Sundez. "If he starts a protest here like he did back home, could you break a piece of him and send him to medbay for me."

Volanta slowly turns to Volidana once more. ~Sorry again. I seem to be far too popular today.~ He sends with a bit of a smile.

Sundez suddenly looks very suprised, and stands up. He rapidly moves towards the exit, with a worried look on his face.

Rytorth glances over to Nel and Zeke, hissing with relief as Sundez goes away.

Volidana smiles up at Volanta, green aura bright ~Let's hope this encounter is more enjoyable than our last~ she sends

Ezekiel grins at the retreating Sivadian, "Looks like he wet himself just seeing us."

Porter takes a sip of his coffee, then looks toward Staunton, a faint smile on his face. "I heard you didn't exactly get off to the best possible start with the new Mystic on board."

~I'm too confused about what exactly that was to feel one way or another about it.~ Volanta sends to Volidana, aura flickering with a few bits of muddy brown. He shakes his head in disapproval at the thought.

A generic CSIS security officer descends the steps, objective apparently backstage. She passes the individual clusters of people with indifference.

Jehanelin grins, watching Sundez leave obviously satisfied with the results.

The tattooed Vollistan girl reaches Volanta and Volidana eventually - her aura dims back into steady featureless green once she catches site of them and remains that way until she closes.  she says in Volspak to the pair,  Her tone is rather dull.

Ezekiel nods to Nel, grinning, "The guy was about to have a heart attack when I finished with him, he's lucky he's alive. The guy's pretty damn out of shape, too."

Jasra's gloved fingers brush back a wayward curl of auburn hair that threatens her eyes. She glances around the gathering of people and once again casts a look at the gate as if watching for someone.

Rytorth tastes the air, murmuring to herself in Grimlahdi, "Thssss hush chuff ssissss thsssss thsisssss shush Urf? ThssSssssSssssissss thissss chuff hush chuff.", looking rather sad as she finishes.

Staunton considers the inky blackness of her coffee for several moments before answering. "You heard about that already, did you?" she asks finally. "That didn't take very long."

Jehanelin pouts. "I remember. I was also set to use my needles, to help him of course, but he must have noticed. He got up pretty fast after he collapsed, and ran off last time. Pity."

~Hello again.~ Volanta sends to Volaya, not commenting on her second statement. His aura shudders dimly. ~Looks like you didn't miss anything. Everyone's behind today.~ The Light Singer adds.

Porter smiles and nods to Staunton. "Don't worry about it." He clears his throat, leaning back in his chair.

KMF-242 has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Volaya smiles at Volanta, a little bit stiffly, and settles herself beside him. She glances over briefly at Volidana and nods. ~At least we aren't too late then.~ The green around her is utterly expressionless.

William turns his head slowly to cast a worried eye on the Grimlahdi. "Come on, it's okay. There will definately be somebody else," he says supportively, regarding the new arriving Phyrrian with a speculative eye.

Volidana nods with a smile to volaya, but her aura dims ever so slightly She says, "uaaEjanu eia Aiena uaaEjanu Aeeia"

Ezekiel nods slowly to Nel, chuckling quietly as he looks around.

On the stage below, the Vollistan returns, adjusting several microphones to varying hights and placing a thin, wood-wind recorder on a stand near one of the microphones. Several percussion instruments are brought out by a muscular reptiloid and set upstage.

Staunton blows at the rather dense haze of steam rising off her drink, then offers a small, crooked smile. "Aye, Sir."

Rytorth sighs, "Maybe. But thsssssissssss chuff sissssss..", turning a deeper blue-green as she realizes that she lapsed into Grimlahdi.

Volanta glance over to the stage for a moment, then slowly returns his attention back to the other Vollistans he stands with. He just listens silently.

William exhales a small breath of pity, his eyebrows lowering, left hand tapping again on the receiver. "Temple in delta, axe the VES list and prepare an escort for Carazz." He removes a commlink from his pants pocket with his right hand.

William speaks into his commlink, "Guardian Aquaeyes, are you monitoring?"

Volaya lapses into silence as well, her head turning off away over the crowd. She crosses her arms.

KMF-242 clinks its way into the amphitheatre, the metalic, spider-like legs carrying it smoothing towards a seemingly random seat. It climbs into the seat, squatting down with its hind legs hanging over the back of the seat. The forelegs rest on the floor, and the Phyrrian seems to settle, its eyes locked onto the stage.

On the stage below, the plasma lanterns raise to full lightning, revealing the space of the stage. Several CSIS event officers stand on the stage's lip, looking upward to the vast audience. A booming voice seeps from the amplifiers. "Please kindly welcome Concordance Station proprietor, Oswald Cottington III."

On the stage below, the amplifiers boom, "The IV."

Jehanelin starts to clap politely, eyes fixed on the stage. "Cool, it's finally starting."

Fulton joins the roar of applauses that ensues with his own clapping.

Rytorth glances up at the stage, clapping and lolling her jaw.

O1-ex609 continues to monitor the stage.

Jasra shifts restlessly where she sits, high above the stage. She crosses her legs and bounces the elevated booted foot as she claps.

Staunton applauds politely.

William remains indifferent of the events, the stereotypical security officer on another simple job, his commlink now pressed to his other ear. The marine steals a quick sentence into the intercom. "Heads up, it's go time."

Volanta casually begins to applaud, not seeming too enthusiastic about the whole thing. His aura remains a rather plain greenish shade.

Volidana chuckles lightly as she turns her eyes to the stage ~Looks like they're about ready~she sends

On the stage below, Cottington steps out onto the stage, smiling politely and nodding as he is caught in the beam of a spotlight. He sighs, nodding to the audience and waving. "Good evening, and welcome to our special event to benefit the cause of Thul Resequencing Virus research. It is our hope that through your generosity, we will quickly find a cure for this terrible genetic illness that appears to have been inflicted on corporeal life forms by hostile individuals. With your help, TRV will become as curable as the common flu."

Rytorth tastes the air, hissing softly.

Kastaprulyi, as Rytorth seems more distracted, moves closer to her in the adjoining seat.

Carduus has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

On the stage below, the CSIS officers shuffle nervously.

Marlan claps once more, ready for the show to begin.

KMF-242 watches without any sign of outward movement.

Ezekiel sinks in comfortably in his seat next to Jehanelin, offering a small amount of applause before going silent and glancing to her now and then.

On the stage below, Cottington clasps his hands together. "Now, without further ado, allow me to introduce Xavin Carazz, a member of the Vanguard Exploration Service and a talented musician in his own right. Xavin has brought together some varied musical performers to entertain us all tonight for a good cause. Enjoy the show!" He then turns and makes his way offstage.

Staunton sits forward a bit and claps.

On the stage below, the plasma lanterns immediately cut their light as Cottington leaves. In the darkness, silhouetted forms can be seen moving onto the stage.

Carduus rushes into the Amphitheater wordlessly, his curly hair bobbing as he powerwalks. His pants look slightly damp, but at least the folds aren't wrinkled. He stops, scanning the crowd, his breath coming out in quiet gasps.

On the stage below, a single high, clear note rings out in the darkness, held until it seems that it as always existed. Then it slips down into a rolling melody. It's bright and upbeat, like a river running along its course through the woods, yet there is a vein of sadness that runs through the middle of it. Its might convey the feeling of autumn - the joy of the river contrasted with the death and sorrow of the falling colors of leaves. The tempo increases slightly for a moment - rushing, almost - until out of the complexity there rises the first pure note once again.

Jasra is seated way above the crowd up the slope at the top of the amphitheatre. Her watching is finally rewarded and she waves to the artist to get his attention.

Rytorth closes her eyes, listening to the music.

Marlan frowns and turns her eyes down towards her comm-link, she searches for a quick exit, then turns her eys back to the link.

On the stage below, the distinct, clear notes of a ride cymbal can be heard, interspersed regularly with the boom of a muted bass drum and a light snap from the snare -- a simple rhythm, beautiful in its clarity, easy to follow.

Jehanelin smiles everytime Zeke glances her way, but her attention is primarily on the stage as she tries to put music to performer on the dark theater.

On the stage below, a powerful major chord is strummed on the guitar, proving a sharp contrast to the lightness of the flute and the rhythmic rat-a-tatting of the drums. As the chord hits the plasma lanterns immediately jump to life, revealing the performers in a vibrant glow. Upstage, Thunderhand sits at a drum set, stage left Windsong whistles on the Qua flute while right Xavin fingers a progression on the cherrywood guitar. A smile forms toward the audience on the Timonae's lips.

On the stage below, "One man torn,

walks down to the ri-ver of An-ti-mone."

Volidana smiles as the music rings out aura brightening all that she was contemplating a moment before vanishes as she concentrates on the sounds

Carduus quickly spies the silouhette of Jasra, and shuffles up to her, sitting down next to her quickly, his face looking guilty and slightly peeved.

Rytorth sees none of this of course, since her eyes are still closed. Not that she would've been able to see Thunderhand, Xavin and Windsong in this light anyways.

On the stage below, Xavin steps back from the microphone as he differs the strum, returning a sequence later.

"One man torn,

walks to the Cathedral of Enaj,

watches birds float down to the beggars,

and smiles hard, smiles soft, smiles down."

Marlan smiles slightly as she listens.

On the stage below, the drums pick up. The deep notes of a tom drum accent Xavin's last few words, preceding a loud crash from the cymbals. Thunderhand's sticks, which an afficionado would recognize as rutes, shift to the toms, rolling like gentle thunder under Xavin's words and alongside his guitar.

On the stage below, the flute goes from playing softly to the verse and enters more strongly into the main melody of the piece. The melody syncopates with the drums and harmonizes in strange overtones with the guitar. WindSong sways slightly to the music as he gazes into the face of the bear that is carved atop his flute, as if conversing.

Jasra smiles at Carduus, leaning in to give him a kiss on the check and pat his arm comfortingly. Her welcoming smile for him should dash any guilt. She glances back down at the stage as the music continues.

On the stage below, Xavin sings out in a clear, cascading tenor:

"And what we've found."

O1-ex609 monitors the performance on the scene while inputting information on it's datapad. It says, "zing Weep tik Weep meep"

On the stage below, Thunderhand's baritone echoes as he leans into a mic set up to the side of his drum throne, "What we've found ..."

On the stage below, WindSong drops the flute from his lips and echoes softly in a a deep bass, "What we've found.."

Rytorth lolls her jaw, opening her eyes and glaring at O1.

On the stage below, Xavin leans forward, lips pressed to the wire of the microphone.

"I'll take with me."

On the stage below, "Down."

KMF-242 simply watches. Still no movement, no comment, nothing. If it weren't for the dim glow of its eyes, it would seem to be off.

Carduus smiles to Jasra, and turns to the action, stopping his movement to watch.

On the stage below, Xavin dances as he sings, the Timonae's thin legs bowing back and forth as fingers strum quickly over the vibrant bridge, his left hand changing chords every quarter of a second.

"One man torn,

dances through the spaceport of Val Shohob."

Fulton quietly enjoys the music, frowning as a group of teenage girls stand from their seats beside him and wail out in high-pitched voices their love for the performing artist.

On the stage below, "One man torn,

filters light through the autumn star to Quaquan,

filters poetry through brandy snifters

and slams one hard, slams one quiet, slams one down."

On the stage below, Xavin grins as he breaks into the chorus,

"And what we've found."

On the stage below, WindSong plays a rapid cascading apeggio, then steps down into the deeper register of the flute. He proceeds to play soft, supporting the words with long, drawn out notes.

Rytorth glares at all the noisy people, hissing very softly to herself in Grimlahdi.

On the stage below, Thunderhand's attention moves to the hi-hat, with sharp, clear ticks and resonant accents while the snare recieves more notice as well. "What we've foound ..."

On the stage below, "You'll take with you.

And what we've found."

On the stage below, as the chorus comes in again, WindSong lays the flute on his lap, "What we've found..."

On the stage below, "I'll keep with me." The Timonae winks an eye before looking back to his guitar.

"And what we've found."

On the stage below, Thunderhand strikes the crash and rolls across the toms, rolling thunder again. "What we've found ..." his words get added tension from a fast roll on the deepest tom.

On the stage below, "Is nestled close,"

On the stage below, "Down."

Jehanelin starts sing the chorus when it comes up. "What we've found!"

On the stage below, Xavin steps back from the microphone, turning his back to the audience above as he two-steps across the space of the stage, thin fingers sliding up the neck to pick single notes out of the melody.

Jasra slips her gloved hand into Carduus' elbow and smiles happily as she watches the show.

William moves to stand behind the back wall, projecting blue eyes passing the occupants of the theater, gauging and monitoring. He raises the commlink device again, whispering.

On the stage below, Thunderhand slows down his roll until the notes are distinct, until they follow only the simplest beat, and speeds up again into a quiet rhythm, still on the toms, allowing the guitar and flute their own prominance.

William speaks into his commlink, "(whisper) Guardian, I need you on guard detail in the Spring Dome."

O1-ex609 continues to stand motionless and observe the scene.

Rytorth hisses along with the melody, "And what we've found..."

Staunton nods along to the music.

On the stage below, WindSong raises the flute again and starts to play high, upbeat riffs. The notes flow higher and higher, until it reaches the physical limits of the flute. There he pauses and plays the note in syncopation to the main melody. Finally, he flows down into the mid-range and seems to ask a question of Xavin's guitar with three quick, rising notes.

On the stage below, the answer comes with three resounding hits of the guitar fingered on the lowest bass string.

William speaks into his commlink, "(whisper) You'll get filled in when you arrive. The concert is already underway."

Volaya's attention has slowly drifted back from the people around to the stage, and she watches the performance impassively, her aura still very still. Volanta she steals a quick glance at from time to time, as indicated by tiny quick surreptitious turns of her head.

On the stage below, follows the notes in perfect time, still in the bass of the tom-toms.

Marlan's grin widens as she listens, hand tapping along with the music.

On the stage below, Thunderhand follows the notes in perfect time, still in the bass of the tom-toms.

On the stage below, Xavin turns sharply back to the microphone, the strum slowed a fraction as his eyes turn upward to the manufactured sky of the spring dome.

"One man torn,

shrugs his shoulders as he boards the monorail."

Volanta's aura seems to pulse dimly with the beat, but the Vollistan himself is motionless and silent as he watches the performance.

On the stage below, shifts back to the ride and quietly hits the snare when Xavin changes chords.

On the stage below, WindSong plays two thoughful bass notes, then jumps to the high range - alternating between two clear tones. Then it slows, drops, whispers barely audibel above the other instruments.

On the stage below, Thunderhand shifts back to the ride and quietly hits the snare when Xavin changes chords.

Ezekiel keeps quiet, watching and listening.

On the stage below, "One man torn,

takes this now forever, dreams of Antimone,

wonders how his cup of coffee changes day to day,

drinks it anyway, drinks it quickly, drinks it down."

Aquaeyes has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Kastaprulyi remains quietly floating above the seat, 'listening' intently to the Grimlahdi more than to the performance.

William lowers the commlink and slides it into his pocket, walking the few steps toward the arriving officer, head leaning in to whisper.

Aquaeyes meets him listening and she nods.

On the stage below, WindSong plays a few jazzy blue notes as punctuation to the melancholy lyrics.

On the stage below, Xavin's voice shifts from the shattered falsetto to a slamming tenor.

"And what we've found."

Rytorth continues hissing along with the melody, bobbing her snout in time with the beat, "And what we've found.."

On the stage below, Thunderhand switches to the snare and toms for the last line. Halfway through he moves through his slow tom roll, and speeds it up for the last chorus, alternating between high tom and floor tom with one hand while keeping a constant beating rhythm with his other - effectively rolling with one hand and accenting with the other. "What. We've. Found."

As though slowly coming awake, KMF-242 starts to emit sound. It's soft and quiet, but still possibly audible to a being sitting near the Phyrrian. The sound is an exact replica of the common melody of the song currently being played on the stage below.

One of the officers begin to descend the steps toward the stage, sentinel eyes glazing past the people of the theater, his frame shadowed by the plasma lights.

On the stage below, WindSong sings strongly into the microphone, jumping into a range high for his bass voice. His brow wrinkles and his face turns slightly pink, "What we've found..."

On the stage below, "I'll take with me.

And what we've found.

I'll take with me."

Aquaeyes whispers to William "Will you be available?"

On the stage below, Xavin swallows and enters into his head voice,

"What we have, what we have found."

Volidana smiles as she listens to the music pictures of the scenes described forming in her head, hand tapping in rhythym

William shakes his head a bit, responding.

Aquaeyes nods

On the stage below, Thunderhand goes from tom to ride again, changing the tone of his drums from angry to sorrowful. He lets the rute roll on the ride, creating successions of clear notes between his strokes on the tom. "What we haaave founnd," he echoes, stretching the sounds out slightly.

On the stage below, WindSong brings the cedar flute back to his mouth and plays the high note for a moment. Then he brings it slowly, unwillingly down into a dark, woody bass. He trills the the note, then lets it fade off into the height of the dome.

On the stage below, "I will take with me, take it up, take it

Down." Xavin strums a last chord, his hand laying idly by his side with the pick pressed between thumb and index finger. He dips his head slightly toward the crowd as the plasma lanters shift in their lighting.

Rytorth hisses a bit louder, closing her eyes and listening to the music. And looking slightly disapointed when it ends.

On the stage below, WindSong holds the flute to his lips for just a moment after the song is done, then drops it to his lap and nods to the crowd.

Porter sets his drink in a cupholder and claps for the performers.

On the stage below, Cottington claps, standing just offstage.

Fulton applauds.

Staunton brings her hands together in applause, leaning over toward Porter. "And why is it he never plays for us in The Big Picture?"

William still appears indifferent of the stage, his eyes quickly appraising the eight guards spread at the rim. The man steps away from the Demarian, touching the exit wall. He whispers through the intercom, "Guard command has been transferred to Guardian Aquaeyes."

Volaya glances at Volanta again, quickly, then her face turns back to the stage. After a moment she shrugs and claps a couple of times.

On the stage below, Thunderhand alternates directly between the ride and the tom as Xavin begins the last line, beats out four final notes on the tom, then strikes the loud crash cymbal and echoes Xavin, "Down ..." as his own addition is drowned out by his repetitive strikes on the cymbal until all that can be heard from the drums is an ongoing rush of treble.

Mycroft applauds, removing his hands from his jacket pockets.

Jehanelin claps enthusiastically. "Great!"

Volidana rises to her feet and applauds with enthusiasm

Rytorth doesn't stand up but claps enthusiastically.

On the stage below, Xavin clears his throat, the guitar hanging like a seperate entity from the Timonae's shoulders. "Our thanks. This next song is for my children, unborn. For the hope that they may never experience what we are fighting today." He turns back toward the drummer, dipping his head slightly.

Aquaeyes nods and smiles, her eyes scanning the crowd noting the positions of the other guards

Ezekiel claps as well, a bit louder than his last small applause, but it ends just as quickly. He goes back to watch.

O1-ex609 Divides it's attention between the scene and it's datapad, quickly observing both. It says, "zeep wiir zeep wiir shhhh chhhh"

Volaya lowers her hands quickly enough, moving them instinctively for pockets that aren't there. Orange flickers faintly, and she crosses her arms again.

On the stage below, WindSong looks from dummer to guitarist, his flute held at the ready.

Staunton sits back and folds her hands in her lap.

Marlan leans back, "And he said he wanted uplifting." she smirks, gettign ready for the next song.

On the stage below, the Timonae speaks into the Thunderhand's microphone as he walks slowly upstage. "This is called Vocabulary."

KMF-242 continues to softly play back the song until it abruptly stops. It says nothing.

Cliff has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Rytorth glares at O1 again, muttering in Grimlahdi, "Sssshusssh THhhssssshhhSSsshh tlik thsSssssssSSSsss."

On the stage below, Xavin begins to pluck slowly at the strings of a soft minor chord, each note ringing from the amplifiers in a sad, cascading wave.

On the stage below, Thunderhand nods back and reaches down to replace his rutes with brushes, which make more muted, softer sounds. He opens up the hi-hat and sets the pace of the song with slow, resonating notes.

Jasra leans towards Carduus' ear and whispers something to him.

Porter is sitting in one of the back rows of the amphitheater with Staunton, watching the show.

Jasra is sitting way in the back next to Carduus, she turns back to watching the show.

Rytorth tastes the air, clicking her teeth together as softly as this can be done and hissing to herself.

Aquaeyes stands in the back eyes scanning, tail swaying slightly staying alert

Slowly ambling in from outside comes Cliff, looking as... Ragged as usual, really. Tucked in between his index and middle fingers in a mostly burnt cigarette, which he puffs on as if for dear life - He makes no move to sit down, scanning the area with his eyes, ignorant of whether or not this is a non-smoking area. At least, as long as he can. Lesse... Time to schmooze. Let's see who he could spot.

Aquaeyes wispers to William "Any special duties?"

Carduus leans in towards Jasra, kissing her on the cheek and whispering back to her.

On the stage below, WindSong nods in time to the music and begins to play a melody that harmonizes with the guitar, but in double time. One note after the next seems to fit exactly where it should be. It moves across the range of possible notes like a lone silouhette of a figure moving out across a barren tundra. It is sad, mysterious.

On the stage below, "Words, words, words." Xavin's voice is a trembling creeping of high harmonies, and following the words he offers a mundane bittersweet laugh.

William points covertly at Cliff, shaking his head. "That one. This is a no smoking zone. Have him escorted out if he refuses to put it out," he states amicably, arms folding behind his back.

Rytorth glares at Cliff, hissing softly in Grimlahdi, "Klik thsssssisssssssisssss chuff!"

On the stage below, Thunderhand echoes the laugh on his drums with a military-sounding roll on the snare and a subtle addition of a muted crash before going back to the hi-hat and snare.

Kastaprulyi floats quietly above the seat next to Rytorth, shifting slightly away from the annoyance.

Volidana smiles at Marlan's comment "It seems difficult for him to keep a joyful mood for long. Asi told katya, his moods are like the wind, but it's part of the gift i suppose"

Jehanelin is oblivious to the smoker as she's safe in her bubble. She just enjoys the show, trying to mouth and sing the lyrics.

On the stage below, "Falling soft through liberty.

Words, words, words

signed on this dotted line:

just wash away, won't you wash away.

And I walked south on

Sanctuary.

And watched a child, in the Autumn Dome, no more than

two or three.

She smiled shyly, and pointed u-u-up

toward this man-made moon.

And somewhere from the ether, falling

hard through my blood.

I caught a bit,

a little bit,

a little strand of truth."

Cliff twitches, a bit, looking around as a number of people point him out. Aw, crud... Well, he was -trying- to make a good impression. With a visible expression of indignation, he drops the butt onto the floor and steps on it with his boot, mumbling under his breath. "Yeah, yeah, yeah... Jeez... Guy can't even get a good smoke. Whatever." Lifting his head up, he spots the primary target. Smirking at his luck, he holds both hands up to display mock apology to the people who warned him against his habit before moving towards Lt. Col. Porter's seat, not far off.

On the stage below, the notes creep slightly higher, and each note is filled with vibrato and emotion. The notes continue to drive on forward, relentless and filled with anticipation, as if warning of something terrible about to occur, or an event to wonderful to descibe.

Marlan leans forward in her chair and nods slightly, "And talented he is."

On the stage below, Thunderhand rolls on the snare again, sweeps across the toms while he slows from a quick fill-speed to the tempo of the song, and begins keeping time again on the ride cymbal. Treble notes come forth in slow, jazz-like triplets - a steady rhythm while Thunderhand keeps another rhythm syncopated with it inside the snare and toms.

William frowns a deeper shade, almost imperceptible beneath the darkened lighting of the back. "You see the way he put out that cigarette?" he asks of Aquaeyes. "That could be called the 'incorrect way'. How would you like to handle it?"

On the stage below, Xavin looks straight into the center of the audience, eyes shifting from side to side as his voice enters a firm, whispy falsetto.

"And won't you,

fall down to me.

Won't you, fall do-own to me.

Wash away these jealousies,

Won't you, fall down to me."

Aquaeyes says, "To prevent disturbance even though he did not dispose of it properly, perhaps just picking up the offending butt and tossing it would be best? (whisper)"

On the stage below, "Vocabulary," the finger-picking begins to slow until it is merely the flutist that supports the melody line.

"Words, words, words." He smiles sadly.

Jasra glances sidewise at Carduus and chuckles at his whisper, then looks back at the stage.

Rytorth hisses softly to herself, closing her eyes and listening to the music.

On the stage below, the notes of the ride come down in time with Xavin's words, the end of each line marked by the snare. The ride hisses almost like a baby Nall laughs, until Thunderhand picks up on the snare ... and accentuates each "words" with a strike on the crash.

Volaya keeps her mirrored glasses aimed in the general direction of the stage, her arms still crossed. A sigh escapes her at one point, though her light doesn't admit to whatever emotion spurs it.

O1-ex609 continues to observe and the scene and handling a datapad in one of it's hands.

On the stage below, Xavin shakes his head slightly, rounding shoulders to accompany the last words.

"Just vocabulary." A single chord is strummed, each string picked individually and left to fade into the theatre's maw.

Staunton claps as the song ends.

Porter nods, applauding as well.

Marlan claps loudly.

William nods slightly in agreement, although his sentence contradicts the head gesture. He replies in a normal tone, since the song is over. "In a situation like this, yes. I don't like to play janitor, so usually I would make the person pick it up himself."

Jasra releases Carduus' arm long enough to clap for the performance.

Aquaeyes says, "Yes I would also.."

On the stage below, Thunderhand abruptly lets the tension and speed fall back to the pathetically alone taps of the ride.

On the stage below, Xavin smiles genuinely toward the entity of the crowd, slinging the guitar from his back and turning up toward the Qua drummer. He takes a few steps upstage, mouthing the word: "December?" He raises a querying eyebrow.

On the stage below, WindSong follows the last traces of the song in soft triplets. He pauses on the second note of a triplet and lets it hang in the air, unresolved.

Rytorth applauds, hissing softly.

Cliff was likely gonna have to put it out, anyways. He's tryin' to secure himself a position, anyways... Little buggers apparently care about -their- lungs. Well, their loss. Slowly approaching Porter uncontested by William and Aquaeyes, the scruffy-looking greasemonkey casually tries to move into the same row, making no effort to draw further attention to himself.

On the stage below, Thunderhand finishes that song with a cymbal roll as well. As Xavin approaches, he taps his brush against his lips, thinking. "Ending the set with it would be better," he says quietly, hand over his mic.

William grins slightly at the figure of Xavin, before nodding to Aquaeyes. "Indeed. Get to it, marine. Not my authority anymore. I'm granting you weapons free," he says with a sort of fatherly smile, as if passing the bane of authority down.

Carduus claps loudly, whistling as he puts his fingers between his lips.

Aquaeyes nods "Understood Senior Guardian"

Jehanelin cheers loudly. Perhaps too loudly for her own good. She starts to cough inside her bubble.

On the stage below, Thunderhand actually says, "Ending the set with it would be best," and nods his agreement. Anything else you might have seen is just a figment of your imagination.

Rytorth lolls her jaw, glancing over to Nel as she starts to cough.

On the stage below, Xavin nods slightly, grinning toward the drummer. "We'll start a month earlier then." Returning to the microphone, he raises the guitar back to primary position and leans forward. "This is called November."

Marlan raises an eyebrow then grins, "Must of been what Katya was talking about." she tells Volidana.

Aquaeyes quietly moves over to where the man stomped out his cig and using a tissue picks it up dropping it in a waste container, she smirks not pleased by having to do it

Cliff looks from side to side, as everyone else begins to applaud. He, however, doesn't, as he sits down and reaches for his headphones.

On the stage below, Thunderhand grins broadly and picks up a thick pair of sticks. He rolls experimentally with them briefly, then stops by putting his hand on the snare and awaits a cue from Xavin.

Rytorth glares over at Cliff, whispering to him fiercly.

It seems the excitement has been a bit much for Jehanelin, hands grasping tightly the sides of her chair, she keeps coughing, her cheeks turning green.

Kastaprulyi rubs a few arms on the breather, not responding to the performance out loud, but only with faint radiant interest.

On the stage below, Xavin nods his head, fingers tapping mutedly against the strings in anticipation.

Cliff begrudgingly pulls his headphones off, scowling a bit.

Rytorth flicks her tongue at Cliff, muttering under her breath, "Stupid softskin..."

Ezekiel blinks at Jehanelin's obvious trouble, concern coming to his face as he murmers to her, "You Alright? I'll drag you back to Med Bay if you keep that up for your own good, Nel."

Aquaeyes moves toward the other marines checking in with them in very soft whispers, only staying a moment with each one. Not using her comm so to be less obtrusive to the performance

Jehanelin manages to stop coughinafter Zeke's warning. "I'm fine. Really." Nel looked a little pale.

On the stage below, Thunderhand lifts one stick high and twirls it in the air three times before sending it flying down to strike the snare. Before it has rebounded all the way Thunderhand is in a fast, vibrant snare roll. He keeps it up and begins accenting it on the third beat or fourth round for three times by hitting the tom. By the second round it's evident that he's keeping up a punk-speed roll with one hand. His accenting stick ventures to the ride, and goes there with increasing frequency until his roll finally departs the snare and goes both-handed to the ride. Two more beats and the roll is back to the snare, is slowed with strikes on the toms, and ends with three loud strikes of the cymbals. He settles into an upbeat rhythm on the loud, opened hi-hat and snare, beating the bass drum with his foot pedal twice before hitting the snare and then once after.

Cliff crosses his arms, sneering as he mutters under -his- breath. "Stupid effin' overgrown gecko...." With that, he quiets down. Thank God.

Ezekiel glances over to the nurse a seat away, and eyes her questioningly at Nel's altercation.

On the stage below, Xavin grins fiercly at the drum solo, standing perfectly still until the snare drum hits and he slams into a jazzy progression of chords, his pinky finger sliding several frets up the neck to emphasize particular notes, singing in a lowered baritone from the corner of his mouth like the Terran rockstar Elvis.

"Says it's November,

and the frost begins to form

on the gray man

at the shuttle

in his Vanguard uniform.

Valshoan jokers,

are down on their luck,

and why do old men, scream nostalgia

while their daughters only dream of growing

uhhhhh-up."

Rytorth whispers to Cliff, obviously having heard what he muttered.

Fulton stands up and heads for the exit, throwing the stage a final appreciative glance before he goes out.

Jehanelin suddenly starts to vomit inside her hoverbubble. Slimy ooze coated part of her bubble screen and a foul odor start to come from her area. Between hurling Jehanelin curses, "Damn, damn, damn."

On the stage below, Thunderhand rolls again at Xavin's last word and hits the crash. His sticks finish their journey on the ride and lowest tom, treble notes ringing and lingering in the air a moment with each strike. His hits on the tom increase in frequency as Xavin begins the chorus.

Ezekiel widens his eyes and mutters, "Shit, damnit Nel." he stands, and immediatly starts to drag Nel's chair outside, whether she likes it or not.

William begins to descend the steps of the amphitheater, this now being his turn for visual patrol. His eyes settle on Jehanelin. Wait, ooze shouldn't be inside the bubble. The marine holds his hand out in an universal 'stop' gesture. "The hell," he asks of Ezekiel.

Marlan looks up and over towards the sound of the couhing and vomiting and sudden commotion.

Cliff frowns at Rytorth, a bit embarassed and a bit angry. Hadn't expected to be overheard by he--...Him? It? He never bothered to learn the difference. But, nonetheless, he goes quiet, apparently having accepted defeat.

On the stage below, Xavin wrinkles his nose and shakes his head jerkingly back and forth, the thin hoop earrings that hang from each lobe bouncing furiously against his cheekbones.

"And maybe next year.

We can fly away from here,

maybe next year,

I'll ignite this fear,

And maybe someday,

I'll see you in different light,

Maybe next year, maybe next year.

We'll go back to Novemeber?" And the Timonae returns to the verse's chord progression.

On the stage below, WindSong closes his eyes for a few moments without playing, his head swaying in time to the music. As Xavin moves into the chorus he furrows his brow and cascades quickly up the fingerholes. He falls into a pattern of of a fast bluesy pattern that ends in a question, a pause, and a confident returning answer.

Jehanelin does not look happy, but manages to stop vomitting for a second. "Darn it. Zeke get me out of here. I'm making a mess."

Rytorth tastes the air, hissing softly as she listens to the music.

Ezekiel mutters to William, or 'Temple' as he likes to call him, "She's sick, always throws up. It's getting a bit serious, she's heading back." He continues outside, dragging Nel with him.

Aquaeyes moves down another isle moving with William

Cliff curls his lip a bit, stifling a malicious snicker at Jehanelin's situation, resisting the urge to comment only due to the impression he's -trying- to make.

William stifles a curse of apprehension as he follows. "We're taking the patrol car. This seems serious."

Marlan sees that the situation is under control and shakes her head, turning her attention back to the stage.

Ezekiel has left.

On the stage below, "Says it's November,

and the snow begins to fall.

On the Sand Mother desert,

the Pack is stuck between the walls.

Sometimes the ship's engine is all that she longs,

but when you hear the midnight claxon,

at two A.M.

you know something's

wrong-ong."

Azzan has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Aquaeyes nods to William stopping as she sees he has gotten there first

Azzan emerges from the exit, muttering a bit quietly as he heads to grab himself a seat near the back.

William dosen't stop as he passes Aquaeyes, muttering a hurried, "You've got command, Aqua. I'll be back if possible." The marine runs out, not even acknowledging the two guards by the door.

Marlan gives a sad half smile as she listens to the words from on stage.

On the stage below, WindSong plays a soft jazz riff through the chorus, dotting the wild canvas of music with soft highlights where its needed.

Aquaeyes flicks and ear and nods as he runs out, she turns moving to a marine whisper

O1-ex609 stands completely still, not moving an inch, almost as if it was turned off, as it continues to study and observe the scene.

The marine nods silently and moves off

Carduus grins, his eyes squinting thoughtfully.

Jasra and Carduus heve the fortune of being too far from the puking bubble occupant and continue to enjoy the day.

Rytorth glances over to Azzan, tasting the air and hissing softly with curiosity at the softskin before turning her attention back to the musicians.

On the stage below, Thunderhand returns to the hi hat and snare, rolling on both as long as one strike can keep the stick bouncing up and down at no apparent regular interval - just when, to his ear, it sounds good. He begins to strike the hi-hat three times before striking the snare, with the hi hat closed. He keeps the volume low enough for Windsong to be heard but increases the tempo after each verse. Pulling the hi-hat open again to make a loud, ringing roll, he goes from there to the snare into a drumroll that sounds almost like the introduction to the Earth surfer-song "Wipe Out." A jubilant strike of the crash ends Thunderhand's contribution to that verse, and he goes back to the hi-hat, accenting every fourth with a pounding of the bass drum as the tension mounts before the last chorus.

On the stage below, Xavin grins, teeth grating against his lower-lip before he breaks into the chorus.

"Maybe next year,

I won't be afraid no more,

And maybe next year,

You'll come knocking at my door.

Maybe someday,

I'll see you in different light,

And maybe next year, maybe next year.

We'll go back to November."

Rytorth sighs, tasting the air, lip-synching as well as a Grimlahdi can.

On the stage below, Thunderhand releases the tension by striking the crash again and goes to simply keeping tempo on the ride for the last chorus.

KMF-242 stands, pushing itself from its seat. It scuttles toward the aisle whereupon it desends the steps towards the stage. As it seems a large number of people have chosen to sit in the back, the Phyrrian is able to find a new seat quickly and easily.

On the stage below, "November." The song ends awkwardly, with a succinct closure to the melody line through a vibrant, single downward strum. Turning back to the Qua, he reaches out to extend a hand over the microphone, resulting in a scratchy feedback. "Shall we, gentleman?"

Porter claps for the performers.

On the stage below, WindSong increases tempo and volume into the chorus. He pushes the intensity of the melody with each "Maybe" phrase, only to release the tension on the answering phrase. After the "back to November," he lets the tension go and plays a rolling melody - sublime and distant. It fades off into the dome.

Rytorth applauds, hissing softly.

On the stage below, Thunderhand lets the tempo drop with a summary tap on the base and snare after the last word.

Cliff applauds almost sarcastically, before leaning back into a relaxed seat. He'd get at Porter when it'd be less likely for him to disturb him.

Azzan watches from afar, settling the bass from off his shoulder and infront of him so he can lean back and watch quietly.

Staunton sits quietly and still for a long moment before she begins to applaud.

Jasra brings up her gloved hands and claps politely.

On the stage below, Thunderhand nods. "Onward into next month," he says, and absent-mindedly plays taps on his snare for a few beats.

Aquaeyes flicks her ears enjoying the music moving around the crowd quietly watching

On the stage below, WindSong nods, "Let's do it... Just a second." He shakes the flute carefully to remove moisture and runs a brush through both chambers to clean it out. He looks back to Xavin, "Ready."

Rytorth tastes the air, glaring at Cliff and hissing softly, listening to the music.

Carduus claps quietly, his smile enigmatic, his eyes glossy.

On the stage below, Xavin grins wickedly, the emote never leaving his face despite his turn to face the crowd. "I would hope, for my fortunes, this needs little introduction. Only that it seems more potent now, then when it was composed over a year ago." He begins to strum slowly, though the tempo raises after several measures to a folky, singsong temperature. It is unmistakably, for those who heard the song on the long months aboard the Sanctuary, December and the Thul.

Cliff looks back towards Rytorth, cringing. "What? What the Hell d'ya want, now, eh??"

Members of the audience cheer the announcement of the coming song.

Aquaeyes moves toward Cliff and Rytorth standing about 5 feet behind where they are seated just observing for now

Marlan shrugs slightly, "Ya know..I've never heard it." she tells Volidana leaning back.

On the stage below, Thunderhand sets the tempo - a basic rock beat, allowing the lyrics to be the emphasis of the song.

On the stage below, WindSong plays softly, basic harmonies that bring out the strength of the song's main line.

On the stage below, Xavin phrases the vocalization with a slender smile, his eyes looking to the farthest row of the amphitheatre and tracing slowly between the hazy faces.

"December and the Thul,

have captured.

Our youth and faith in all.

And when Sanctuary returns,

will we all be reborn?

Or will December and the Thul have torn."

Rytorth closes her eyes, hissing softly with the melody.

On the stage below, Thunderhand brings out emphasis in the words with sharp, abrupt deep notes from the toms, as if angrily pointing out there importance.

Marlan leans back, expression contemplative as she listens.

On the stage below, WindSong continues his simple, one-note harmonies until the very end of the verse where he launches into a mournful, gut-wrenching line. There is an anguish that underlies the melody.

On the stage below, "December and the Thul,

are empty.

Valsho Peak's snow remains.

White upon cedar,

babe to the feeder,

And the Thul seep into the grain."

On the stage below, Xavin dances with the guitar as if it were a tango partner, dipping the neck toward the floor and bringing it back up in a quick gesture, the fingers of his strumming hand weaving throughout the strings as if it were an ancient lyre.

Aquaeyes turns and moves back toward the top of the theater, eyes continue to scan the crowd

On the stage below, Thunderhand repeats the pattern he has set out, quietly keeping time until his instruments suddenly reappear, this time pointing sadly at the last line as if in regret.

On the stage below, the flute line moves from mournful tones to anger. Like a weeping widow turning upon her husband's murderer.

On the stage below, "December and the Thul,

have fallen.

Down the divides of the rain.

And will Sanctuary remember,

the faith of her members?

Or will I fall after again."

On the stage below, "December and the Thul,

have broken

the heat we have sought to keep

And for one fleeting minute

I've felt myself in it

But Hiverspace is too deep."

On the stage below, Thunderhand counters Windsong's argument, using the ride in sharp reproach and letting the toms linger sadly.

On the stage below, WindSong backs off a little, and the tones, while still tense, are no longer as harsh. He looks to Xavin with a sad countenance and nods slightly to the lyrics.

Aquaeyes flicks her ears back briefly

On the stage below, Xavin steps from the microphone, making his way across the stage toward Windsong where his eyes fall sharply upon the flutist, hands swinging up the neck to pick out individual notes that harmonize with the crispness of the recorder.

The big phyrrian O1-ex609 continues with it's, what seems like never ending, observing of the scene.

On the stage below, Thunderhand drops into a basic beat while Windsong and Xavin play off of each other like a musical game of tag.

William has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Aquaeyes nods toward William as he returns

William steps back into the amphitheater, nodding in return to Aquaeyes.

On the stage below, WindSong moves to a swinging, shuffling beat, moving to either end of the scale as he pleases. He creeps higher, higher, higher, up the octive while still remaining clear and pure rather than shrill. He pops a half-step higher, then drops to the lowest note and holds it. He looks to Xavin mischieveouly, a twinkle in his eye. Perhaps a friendly challege has been issued?

On the stage below, Xavin sends his wrist sailing down to the low-end of the neck, picking out bass notes that emphasize WindSong's trill and leaning forward to the flutist's microphone he begins to scat,

"Sceebop, da da do dee da. Sceebop, da da do. Sceepbop, ah-doo doo de dah! Scee rat-a-toup ba da."

On the stage below, "A scee da down, ripp-a-ta ro-do, ski-at-a-no."

Aquaeyes moves over to William.

On the stage below, Thunderhand picks up the tempo as Xavin starts his vocal gymnastics, loosening the hi-hat so the notes decay slower and changing his beat from rock to punk.

On the stage below, WindSong plays quick riffs to mimick Xavin mimicking an instument. He then breaks away and joins in the scat.

Carduus blinks, shifting in his seat, looking upon the performers thoughtfully and swallowing.

Rytorth glances over to Will, noticing him just now and tasting the air, hissing softly, bobbing her snout to him.

William nods again to Aquaeyes, leaning in to whisper something. This done, he begins to descend the small steps to stop by Rytorth, also whispering something to her.

On the stage below, "Do, wow. Ah dop, dop, dee bu du bob. Be ow. Sa wheeee. Ma nop, nah, na, na, la de."

Aquaeyes nods as William moves away

On the stage below, Xavin grins, returning to his own microphone and pointing back toward the man. "Ladies and gentlemen, on flute, Windsong." He awaits the applause then gesturing upstage with the neck of his instrument, "On drums, Thunderhand."

Porter claps.

Volidana applauds

KMF-242 sits in silence in its seat closer to the stage.

Cross has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

On the stage below, the flutist chuckles a little as he turns back to the flute plays quick, virtuostic phrases as Xavin acknowledges him.

Aquaeyes nods to Cross as he enters near the door with the two marines

Azzan applauds as well from his seat, glancing regretfully at the bass guitar that he set down earlier infront of him.

Kastaprulyi seems to look back curiously at William.

Eight guards are spread evenly throughout the rim of the amphitheatre, two more by the gate. A dozen or so are backstage, unseen.

Rytorth bobs her snout, whispering back to Will.

On the stage below, Xavin dips his head, "Both aptly named. My name is Xavin Carazz." Returning to the guitar he switches back to the basic chording of the song.

"December and the Thul have captured,

captured

Our youth and our faith in all.

And when Sanctuary morns,

will we all be reborn?

Or will December and the Thul, have torn." He exchanges a glance with the other two before ending the song in an easy fade.

On the stage below, Thunderhand twirls his sticks in the air and brings them down on the crash cymbals after Xav introduces him, and stands slightly to bow from a half-sitting position.

William nods as he backs away slightly from the line of seats, moving the short distance toward the gate. He stops beside Cross, saying something in pasing.

On the stage below, Thunderhand hurriedly picks up the beat again when Xav launches back into the song without warning.

Cross steps into the amphitheater, hanging by the doorway. He blinks as his eyes adjust and he nods back to Aquaeyes. Finding a space on the wall, he leans, watching the stage.

Aquaeyes moves around the edge again..checking in with the guards

On the stage below, WindSong plays one last quick cascade of notes and puts the flute softly to the side. He stands and nods slightly to the audience.

William nods in finality at the Guard Corporal, his frame stepping outside into the lighting of the spring dome.

Rytorth stands up, following Will out, glancing backwards only once and shrugging.

Porter applauds.

Cliff is woken from a slight sleep by the sudden burst of applause, looking from side to sight and slowly clapping his hands together.

Jasra smiles smuggly takes her arm from around Carduus' waist so she can applaud.

On the stage below, Thunderhand lets the sounds drop away as quick as he changed into them, letting the last fading notes of the crash cymbal die away before he sits back and wipes a little moisture from his face.

Aquaeyes makes her way back around to stand next to Cross at the gate

Marlan applauds as the music ends.

Kastaprulyi remains floating over the seat as the Grimlahdi departs.

A container in the midsection of O1-ex609 opens up almost like a drawer and a combined safe, The phyrrian puts it's datapad into it and it closes shortly after. It return it's attention towards the stage. "Interesting.."

Carduus claps politely, breathlessly, calming down a little bit and grinning broadly.

On the stage below, Xavin extends a hand palm forward to the cheering audience, offering those gathered a genuine smile. "Thank you, you're very kind. Good night." He unstraps the guitar from his torso, setting it against the stand and making his way off stage.

Cross looks to Aquaeyes, head tilting down. In a soft tone, he asks, "So, how was you're first guard assignment? Seems pretty uneventful from here." He manages to clap as Xavin starts off the stage.

Cliff rises up from his chair, yawning and stretching. The things he does for success... Applauding lightly a few more times, he looks to the side again, to spot the reason he came here...

Aquaeyes claps politely and nods to Cross "Yes it was quiet, well handled"

On the stage below, Cottington claps for Xavin, Thunderhand and Windsong from offstage.

Cross nods, "Good."

Staunton stands in front of her seat, applauding as the musicians leave the stage.

On the stage below, a group of technicians make their way onto the stage, switching plugs back and forth. The lights in the house have not risen yet, however.

Marlan stands and begins applauding, a grin on her face.

On the stage below, WindSong sets the flute onto its stand, waves and nods. He walks out slowly behind Xavin.

Aquaeyes says, "Do you have time for a discussion tonight about some questions I have?"

On the stage below, Thunderhand does a second-long snare roll, ends it by hitting the bass drum, and then hits the cymbal by way of farewell. Muting it with a hand, he sets his sticks down between torsion rods on the bass drums and rises from his throne, stepping down off the raised drummer's dais and heading off to join Xav and Windsong.

Marlan claps, "Encore! Encore!"

Azzan stands, and gathers up the guitar on the floor infront of him, slinging it over his shoulder as he starts to look around.

Aquaeyes looks at the guards in her care, nodding as they step forward slightly to make sure the crowd exits smoothly without trouble

Cliff moves across the row towards Porter, casting a glare towards Marlan. "Encore my ass...." With that, he cups his hand to his face, lifting it towards the ranking officer and raising his voice. "Yo! Lt. Colonel Porter? That's you, right?" Of course, he knew - But it would make a better show if he feigned surprise.

Kastaprulyi rises a bit from the seat and brushes a light coating of rime from it.

Aquaeyes flicks her tail hearing Cliff shout

On the stage below, a long moment passes before the technicians make their way offstage and the plasma lanters flail to life again. After a moment of basking in the applause, the trio returns to the stage, Xavin slinging the guitar back over his neck and gesturing up toward the dias. "Please give your graces to, Thunderhand." He steps back from the microphone, playing a single lick on the guitar.

Cross looks back at the stage, raising his voice slightly to compensate for not looking in Aquaeyes' direction, "What've you got on your mind, Aqua?" His eyes lock on to Cliff, narrowing slightly, "Damn, always gotta have one of em, always.", his tone one of resignation.

Porter is in the midst of clapping when he hears Cliff calling. He looks toward the stranger and nods, his brow furrowed and the smile on his face fading into a frown. "That's right."

Aquaeyes moves toward Porter and Cliff in a steady motion, one paw raised a guard joins her just in case

Cliff pauses, head turning down towards the stage. Sheeesh... Shrugging, he holds one finger up to the superior officer, as if to say, "In a bit." Not quite an expert in etiquette, is he? With that, he returns to his seat, to wait for whatever it is the people below plan to do.

Jasra smiles and glances at Carduus, patting his knee with her gloved hand, "This was fun." she says to him and looks back at the stage the band get's acknowledged. She begins clapping again.

On the stage below, Thunderhand sits down and adjusts the seldom-used vocal mic as he reaches for thick sticks. He glances questioningly at Xavin.

Aquaeyes stops a bit of distance from them, just watching

Porter shakes his head at Cliff, then sighs and looks toward Staunton, shrugging.

On the stage below, Xavin nods his head toward the drummer, standing idly with his back turned against the audience.

Volidana applauds thunderhand and whistles once

On the stage below, WindSong sits on the stool and is about to reach for his usual flute, but insead picks up a bass Qua flute with a design of an eagle gracing the top. It is about a half-inch wider and 4 inches longer. He holds it and looks questioningly at the other musicians.

Carduus pats Jasra's knee in return, quirking an eyebrow to her. "Yeah...", he says with a quiet amused snort. "Yeah, it was."

Cross quietly makes his way to Aquaeyes' side, eyes still on the man, never wavering, "Not yet, Aqua. Just keep an eye on him, he could just be a rude son of a bitch, not necessarily dangerous."

Aquaeyes says, "Of Course Sir..I move closer to watch"

On the stage below, Thunderhand grins out at the applause, and taps the mic to make sure its still on. "Well," he says, after a brief pause, "While I'm not quite so accomplished as Xavin over here," and he gestures to the aforementioned master bard, "I do sing on occasion. If you'll entertain a drummer's attempt at a tune, I'll recite something I wrote when I still lived on Qua, about a vision quest." He holds his hand over the mic a moment while he calls out a chord progression to Xavin.

On the stage below, Xavin starts off the melody line, selecting low minor chords that ring with a haunting, eerie mist. As the Timonae is half-obscured in shadow, the choice seems all too appropriate.

Azzan takes to lean against the wall near the exit, folding his arms as he watches.

On the stage below, Thunderhand adds, "Its called Armageddon Shores." He then starts keeping time on the bass drum as Xavin starts, following each chord change with the toms. He glances beckoningly to Windsong.

On the stage below, WindSong nods at Thunderhand and begins to play a light airy melody. It sounds like fog drifting through a dark forest. He sways slightly in the half-light.

On the stage below, the drums play under the flute and the guitar, keeping a steady, haunting tempo filled with urgency. In a slow, deep, voice, he begins to sing. It comes out almost as a chant:

"The rain comes down like a fallen angel's halo

The sky turns black like a fire on the sea

Thought explodes inside my apocalyptic window

A state of grace is nowhere for me ..."

On the stage below, the tempo speeds up, building apprehension even more. The air is filled with tension like a spring gradually approaching its breaking point.

On the stage below, Xavin moves with the beat, his boney knees buckling and torso shifting back and forth with the beat. Creeping up the neck of the guitar he alternates between the minor chording with single, finger-picked notes.

On the stage below, WindSong moves deeper into the harmony, seeming to get lost in the darkness. He quickens with the tempo, but still seems to be playing another, darker song that happens to match the one being played.

On the stage below, riding the wave of mystery, Thunderhand's voice continues in its own hypnotic rhythm.

"Dancing in the firelight I see no end

chanting secret songs among the champion dead

Mind and life and love and soul

flow like wine dripping from the cieling of the hallways of Time ..." halfway through the last line he rolls across the toms before picking up the beat again on the hi-hat and snare.

Volidana sits, a light blue dances in hera to accomany the melanchly tune, the darker imagery

On the stage below, Thunderhand opens up the hi-hat so that time is kept in a series of crashing notes that meld into one another. The snare beats angrily in a partial release of all the pent-up energy in the song. Through the vibrations that come from his cymbals, he sings at a volume higher than he has before, filled with determination and matching the dark tones of his fellow players.

"Shades and shadows ride the surf

Ghosts wading on the beaches of death

The valley left behind, there's no grassy meadow

I grabbed and pulled at life until there was nothing left,"

Without pause he moves into another verse.

On the stage below, the flutist seems to draw out of the dark mood he was in and moves closer to the tune being played. It moves smoothly along the flow of the line.

Kastaprulyi slips into the aisle in the rear of the theater, though doesn't seem to be leaving.

On the stage below, Xavin shifts his weight, stepping into the light with his sharp nose turned toward the drummer, direction the audience's focus. He quotes the rumblings of the drums with a lick of the guitar.

On the stage below, Thunderhand picks up the tunes of anger, releasing more energy and giving the distinct impression he is drawing towards a climax.

"Come play with me on the dunes of destruction,

Dance with me on the armageddon shore

Pain and want and hate and joy

On the stage below, WindSong backs off and lets the drums and guitar take precidence, only playing sharp, sudden notes when they seem to be needed.

On the stage below, Thunderhand picks up the tunes of anger, releasing more energy and giving the distinct impression he is drawing towards a climax.

"Come play with me on the dunes of destruction,

Dance with me on the armageddon shore

Pain and want and hate and joy

Emotions unneeded, leave them behind -

Join the legions of gray with soul, no more ..." Thunderhand becomes lost in the song and the beat as he finishes the verse, raising the volume of his drumming to match his voice. Abruptly, he lets the volume fall away, energy incompletely spent. He nods to Xavin's guitar, as if indicating it was his turn for a few beats.

Jasra scoots closer to Carduus, once again slipping her arm around his waist.

On the stage below, the tone has returned to the mysterious, more sorrowful ... the notes are subtle again, not powerful.

Carduus smiles softly to Jasra, turning to watch the music once more as he puts his hand behind her as well.

On the stage below, Xavin steps to the stage right crimson spotlight, focused by a dangling plasma lantern. Fingers drift up toward the strings of the guitar, whisping wildly between soprano and bass notes. Forming a bridge with his finger, he slides his hand toward the lower neck, the chords not whining melancholy.

On the stage below, WindSong begins to use the lower ranges of the large bass flute, letting the rumbling of the lowest notes augment the other's explorations of the eerie tune.

On the stage below, his own playing dropped to the ride and snare drifting in and out of his partners' ventures, Thunderhand's voice comes through, clear and calm, more rational than he was for the last verses.

"And the rain comes down like a fallen angel's halo ...

The sky turns black like a fire on the sea.

Time shatters open my apocalyptic window;

A state of grace is nowhere for me." His drums pick up volume again, as if re-addressing the business he left unfinished. He hits the ride harder and harder, until the rhythm is just the ride and the snare struck at the same time with accent from the bass drum, all steadily increasing in volume out from under the other two instruments.

On the stage below, as the drums take the leading voice, Xavin maneuvers his fingers to a supportive rhythm role, adjusting his chordings to match the tone of the tomtoms.

On the stage below, WindSong lets the barely discernable notes die out completely and just watches Thunderhand as he works on the drum set. He nods with his eyes closed to the rhythym.

Nemoni Light Cruiser  fires its ventral thrusters and lifts off from the ledge it has been sitting on. Retracting its landing gear, it proceeds over the heads of everyone towards the exit.

Nemoni Light Cruiser  has left.

On the stage below, amidst a steadily increasing volume of treble sound, Thunderhand's voice gains emotion and loudness as well.

"Existence shatters open my apocalyptic window

A state of grace is nowhere for me ..."

The drums increase in speed as well, the ride abandoned in place of the crash and the snare in place of a succession of one-handed tom rolls.

"LIFE SHATTERS OPEN MY APOCALYPTIC WINDOW,

A STATE OF GRACE ... is nowhere ..."

He reduces volume and speed again, aggression finally vented, conflict finally resolved. An almost jazzy return to the ride complements the final words of the song.

"For ... me."

A quiet crash roll signifies the end of the vocals, and he sits back, letting the last notes fade away.

Jasra glances at Carduus for just a moment and smiles, shifting her arm a little behind him.

Porter claps.

Cliff is once more jilted from sleep, and abruptly begins to applaud.

On the stage below, WindSong opens his eyes, lays the flute across his lap and nods at Thunderhand appreciatively.

Volidana claps, aura slightly muted, mind caught in contemplation

On the stage below, Xavin picks four notes in alternation with the lulling roll. As the Qua finishes his piece, the Timonae returns his gaze to the audience with a half-step forward to the microphone. "May we find a cure soon." Unstrapping the guitar from his back he holds it up toward those gathered as if it were a thin-stemmed wine glass. "Goodnight. Be well." He shyly turns away from the stand, heading offstage.

Staunton gets to her feet once more and applauds loudly.

From the back, Cross brings his hands together sharply.

Volidana stands to applaud again

Jasra's arm drops from around Carduus as she stands and claps her gloved hands, cheering the musicians.

KMF-242 stands abruptly in the midst of all the applause. It skitters out to the aisle and up the stairs towards the exit.

On the stage below, Thunderhand returns to the mic for a final "Thank you ... before we go, a final applause for Xavin Carazz for bringing us together, and for Mr. Cottington for providing the venue for this event." He rises, and applauds along with the audience.

Aquaeyes claps flicking her ears

Carduus pulls his hand slowly out from behind Jasra, and begins to applaud, smirking to Jasra as he stands.

On the stage below, Xavin extends a single palm toward the attendees, the Timonae's offstage destination more of a calling then the applause.

Porter applauds.

O1-ex609 heads for the exit as it calculates the performance to be over.

Cliff. o O (Took 'em long enough.) With that, Cliff begins to applaud again, simply because it is called for. Now...

Staunton applauds again as the musicians exit.

Azzan applauds from his position near the exit, watching.

On the stage below, WindSong nods firmly and with glassy eyes at the Timonae. He nods at the audience and walks quickly to catch up with Xavin, whispering to him quietly as they leave. Hearing the applause, he also claps softly and smiles.

On the stage below, Thunderhand sets his sticks to rest on the bass drum and turns to walk offstage as well, with a final wave for the audience.

O1-ex609 has left.

Aquaeyes lifts her eyes watching the crowd exit..

On the stage below, the plasma lanterns dim as the house lights come up. Ushers appear in the entryways alongside CSIS officers to direct people from the theatre.

Porter turns toward Staunton. "Let's go see Xavin."

Staunton nods, turning for the aisle. "Will they let us back or should we wait at the backstage door?"

On the stage below, WindSong makes their way to the amphitheatre and enters inside the entertainment complex.

WindSong has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Jasra catches Carduus' look and smirks back at him, as sh stops clapping and sits back down, "Think I'll let the crowd thin before heading out, what do you think, Artist?"

Porter chuckles, shrugging. "I figured we'd just walk down. Worse comes to worse, I pull rank or something." He winks, then begins to make his way along the row of seats toward the steps that lead down toward the stage.

Cross says, "You got things under control, Aqua? I'm going to go talk to someone."

Aquaeyes says, "Yes Sir I do.."

On the stage below, Thunderhand pats Xav on the back as they exit from the stage and says, "That went very well, I think. It was a pleasure to play with you again."

Cliff drops his hands to his sides, shifting to get nearer to Porter, not noticing that he has other places he intends to go. "'Ey! Sir! Sir!" Nearing, he extends a hand, putting on the best 'Look, I'm Polite!' smile he can. Point and laugh, everyone.

Aquaeyes waves folks gently by her with a smile, keeping and eye on Cliff

On the stage below, Xavin nods his head, wiping sweat from his brow with a satisfied smile. "Through your rhythms, Thunderhand. Through that." He winks, stepping down the stairwell toward the stage door and exiting.

On the stage below, Xavin makes their way to the amphitheatre and enters inside the entertainment complex.

Xavin has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

On the stage below, Thunderhand makes their way to the amphitheatre and enters inside the entertainment complex.

Thunderhand has their ticket checked at the security gate by a pair of CSIS officers and enters into the amphitheatre.

Porter eyes Cliff darkly, looking him up and down. "You have a nerve or muscle disorder that keeps your hand from making it to salute position?"

Carduus shrugs wordlessly and nods, following Jasra's lead. "I don't have anywhere to go.", he admits, lounging out a bit less formally now that the performance is over. He blinks his eyes a few times at the lights, smiling.

Cross nods absently, steering through the crowd as he makes his way down the amphitheater stairs.

Thunderhand grins and flips some sweat off his own brow as he says to Xavin, who walks offstage with him, "You're too kind."

WindSong steps softly from the stage, looking at his feet. He nods and thanks a few people that come to greet him with a whisper.

Azzan keeps an eye on the group that comes down, and moves forward a bit, as if expecting one or more of them to recognize.

Xavin enters from the stage door, the black leather guitar case slung over his back as he preempts the CSIS officers stepping toward him, "I'd rather not have an escort. My thanks." He nods sternly toward the men, beginning his trek up the amphitheatre stairs.

Cliff's lips part for a moment, as he resists the urge to shrug, striking a crisp salute - A bit late, however. "Uh, sorry, sir... I'm Grant. Pvt. Grant?"

Aquaeyes keeps on eye on her guards, using sutle hand signals they understand to keep the crowd flowing

Porter nods curtly. "Private Grant. Yes. I'll remember that." He lifts his eyebrows, then looks back toward Staunton. "Coming, Major?"

Staunton falls in line behind the colonel. "Right behind you, Sir."

Cross steps from behind the two CSIS officers flanking Xavin, "Sorry, I'm going to have to insist on that one.", he says, bass voice rumbling slightly.

Volidana grins as sees porter and staunton heading for xavin and proceeds across to join them

Thunderhand rubs his biceps absentmindedly as he flags down the CSIS guys who are headed for Xavin. "I have a use for you ... that kit up onstage, some friends of mine from Quaquan brought here for me. Their names are Mixedeyes and Fleetarm. Could you make sure that they can get upstage to collect it?"

Aquaeyes shoots her eyes toward Cross and heads toward the stage and Thunderhand at an even pace

Xavin grins toward the Guardian Corporal, easing his pace to match the man's. "I'm drenched with my own sweat, Victor. I'm warning you now."

Cliff scowls a bit, dropping his hand as he stares towards Porter, moving away. Tonguing the inside of his cheek, he slowly remains as they both move away, failure painted all over his face as he was shrugged off. The only thing keeping him from releasing a string of obscenities, of course, is that that would do nothing more than make the situation -worse-.

Azzan heads off purposefully torward Thunderhand, faint smile coming to his face.

WindSong seems a little aquward at the CSIS officers that have come to flank him, but he shruggs and makes his way slowly to the back of the amphitheater through the crowds.

Cross looks at Xavin curiously, shaking his head, "I can see that,", he glances back at the stage, "I only caught the tail end of the concert, but it looked like it was hit from this end."

Porter makes his way down the steps, followed by Major Staunton. As he gets closer to Xavin, he extends a hand, the smile returning. "Corporal, excellent performance." He nods to the other performers. "By all of you."

WindSong nods and says softly to Porter, "I thank you, sir."

Thunderhand nods his thanks shyly to Porter, his discussion with the CSIS red-shirted ensigns apparently done.

Xavin clasps the Colonel's hand with a dashing smile as he reaches him. His pause on the stairs have cluttered the area, with a group of Demarian kits scrambling for a closer view of the Timonae. "Let's just hope some good comes of it."

Aquaeyes walks up to Thunderhand with a smile as the two guards fall into position to escort Xavin "Thunderhand isn't it?" Aqua smiles "What was the name of your friends who will pick up your equipment? I'll make sure they are able to"

Cliff turns away coldly, stomping off and out of the ampitheather, muttering a lengthy string of obscenities worthy of the sailor he is.

Kastaprulyi wanders in the direction of the stage.

Thunderhand turns to Aquaeyes as she approaches him, and nods. "Thunderhand I am," he says. "My friends are Mixedeyes and Fleetarm. They need to be let up onstage - they'll take the kit back to Quaquan. And you are?"

Aquaeyes says, "Guardian Aquaeyes CSIS Communications"

Staunton approaches from behind the Colonel, and nods. "It really was a very moving concert, Mr..." She pauses, looking for a moment at the leather guitar case, then back. "It was good, Xavin."

Azzan says loudly as he approaches, "Handy!" he waves an arm in the air to bring attention to himself, grin on his face broadening.

Porter smiles slightly, then nods. "I'm sure it'll do some good."

WindSong looks at those that surround him, grins slightly and bends down to one small Demarian that is asking for an autograph and inscribes the program carefully.

Thunderhand grins. "An appropriate title." He turns as his nickname is called. He waves at Azzan and stands up on his tiptoes to gesture to where the performer's route ends outside the theatre. As a pair of Sundez-like rockers press through the crowd to start talking to him, he nods and points again before coming down and talks briefly about the different sticks he uses.

Xavin dips his head respectfully toward the Major, reaching up to untie the silver bandana. As the cloth is folded into the Timonae's hand, it reveals a mess of damp locks that equal the color. "I'll return to duty as soon as my instrument is stoed." Glancing up toward the crowd still filtering from the arena, he smiles haphazardly. "Though that may prove to take some time."

Aquaeyes turns smiling at the kits and gently pats one as she passes her

Carduus puts his arm around Jasra once more, pulling her close. "So who are we waiting for, mon cherie?", he asks with a silly tone, his eyes twinkling green and brown specks.

Staunton laughs despite herself. "You can take a little time to gloat, don't worry," she says.

Porter nods. "Sure. But just because you're a performing icon doesn't mean you're relieved of KP."

Azzan gives a nod, and starts outside of the theatre quickly.

Jasra grins at Carduus, "Waiting fro the crowd to thin." she glances down the slope, "Think it's thin enough yet?"

WindSong rises to his feet after doing a few more autographs and continues to move forward, looking at the mass of people with true amazement. He whispers something in Navajo under his breath.

Volidana reaches hher superior officers, smiling broadly,she turns first to the flutist " Volir's light to you. Thank you for sharing your gift with us"

Aquaeyes looks around making sure everything is going smoothly

Cross comments, "If you can avoid being mobbed." He nods, acknowledging the VES officers in turn, "Colonel. Major.", he states. His hands have wandered behind his back, and he looks around slowly, eyes stopping on members of the crowd from time to time.

Xavin quirks a humorous eyebrow, "Gloat? It isn't often you overestimate, Major. And not often you, underestimate Colonel Porter. The job was done two days prior." He smiles in exhausted satisfcation before reaching over to lightly punch Cross' shoulder. "So does this escort know a faster way out of this place?"

Thunderhand is handed a felt-tip pen and a pair of drumsticks. He scrawls his name across one, and a short message on the other, and hands them back. He nods to Aquaeyes. "Sorry, but I should probably go find somewhere to take a shower," he says, pulling his sweat-soaked shirt off of his body a little. "Thank you very much, Aquaeyes," he says, and walks towards knot of people around Xavin.

Aquaeyes says, "Your welcome Thunderhand"

Thunderhand says, "A quick exit would be much appreciated, friends of Xavin, if you'd permit me to bring up the rear."

Porter chuckles at Xavin, then looks toward Staunton. "He thinks I'm talking about the *last* KP assignment."

Carduus raises his eyebrows, yawning slightly before using the back of his hand to plug his maw. That urge sated, he pulls his arm away. "Depends on what for.", he retorts.

WindSong nods at the Light Singer, "I thank you, but all credit must go to the Great spirit for the gift. What is your name?" He takes a corner of the bottom of his shirt and mops his brow.

Jasra stands and pulls her trenchcoat around her, "For getting through, Artist. Now up with you." she reaches to take his hand and tug him up.

Staunton smirks at that and nods to Cross. "Good evening, Mr. Cross. Did you get to see much of the show?"

Cross shrugs, "Left my magic teleporter in the other uniform." He smirks, "You managed to draw a pretty good crowd." He turns toward the Major, "Only the tailend, Major. I was otherwise occupied, unfortunately."

Aquaeyes flicks her tail nodding to a couple of the marines and they move toward the rows closer to the stage to stand as the rows empty

Kastaprulyi ducks around the crowds, making for the door.

Carduus purses his lips, letting her pull him up but putting a little weight behind it. "Ahh.", he chuckles, moving in line behind her to get out of their row.

Jasra chuckles and leads Carduus semi-willing towards the gate, falling in behind the end of the line.

Volidana smiles "My name is Volidana" she says "and the gifts are indeed volir's to give but we must open and ready to accept them. Clearly you spend much time listening to his voice"

Staunton shakes her head. "No rest for the weary," she says with a sigh. "And in that vein, I do have some things to get back to on the ship" She turns once again to Xavin. "But thank you for inviting us, Mr. Carazz."

Xavin nods toward the officer, staring up at the crowd. "I think I might have an idea here." He gestures toward the stage with a tilt of the head. "Follow me." And begins the trek down the stairway to the amphitheatre's center.

Porter nods to the major, then looks toward Xavin. "I've got some supply requisitions to sign off on before we head to Centauri." That said, he turns and begins to walk upstairs.

Thunderhand, now unpestered, starts shuffling past the knot of people around Xavin and heads for the exit. As he passes, he says, "You've done your duty on one front tonight, Xavin," and grins, "Good luck in your duty on others. I shall see you about, eh?"

Thunderhand turns away and disappears down the performer's lane, off into the distance.

Carduus puts a wry smirk on his face as he straightens his jacket. "Why you in a hurry now?", he asks quietly.

Aquaeyes looks at the Demmie kits "Off with you now..go on" chuckles as they spread out heading for the exit

Xavin merely extends a palm toward Thunderhand, heading down to the stage.

Staunton follows behind Xavin, eyes taking in the more technical aspects of the backstage area.

Xavin glances sideways toward his compatriots as he takes the stairs two at a time. "With your approval, Major, I'd like Victor to accompany us back to the Minerva. There's been some developments." He smirks slightly, running a hand through the dampened hair.

Spring Dome 

Rolling green hills provide a comforting contour that creates a jarring contrast with the distant gleam of the cold steel bulkheads, which is eased to some degree by the application of bright blue plastic meant to simulate a placid Terran sky.

The hills are dotted with homestead sites and brief gridworks of fresh roads. Glittering blue artificial lakes ripple under simulated sunlight reflected off mirrors high overhead.

A monorail track, built upon pylons above the ground, wends off towards the hills with the communities. An archway leads back out into the residential quarter.

Azzan is standing outside the theatre, talking to the Qua.

Porter walks down the path leading to the residential quarter, unclipping the datapad from his belt.

Thunderhand shrugs. "No worries. I barely made it myself," he remarks. "How'd the audience like the concert? I was a little occupied to check the crowd." He grins.

Azzan grins, "Well, if there's ever another, count me in. I wish I could've been up there with you all. They utterly loved it from my point of view, could've used a bassist."

Kastaprulyi seems to peer around the Timonae at Thunderhand, keeping quiet for the moment.

Residential Quarter 

A broad chamber with a crazy-quilt patchwork of girders high overhead. The bulkheads are adorned here and there with graffiti and portraits of people from most every race and walk of life - remembrances of home and the way things used to be before Concordance Station.

Spaced at regular intervals around the vaguely pentagonal chamber are glowing sulfur lamps on tall posts, giving warm illumination to the residential quarter.

A rainbow-hued starburst compass rose emblazoned on the gunmetal gray floor shoots streaks of color in all directions: A green stripe leads toward the Spring Dome, a yellow stripe leads to the Summer Dome, a red stripe leads to the Autumn Dome, and a white stripe leads to the Winter Dome, a light blue stripe leads toward a companionway that accesses the colony vessel's commercial quarter, while a black stripe ends at the double doors of Concordance Station's colonial courthouse facility.

Porter makes his way toward the monorail station.

KMF-242 makes music as it stands in the center of the large room. The sounds are all from the concert just heard, and it seems to be trying to recompose.

Porter glances curiously at the Phyrrian, then smiles and nods.

Every recomposition follows similar patters. Sometimes, it grates on the ear, even though it sounds just like the previous. Other times, the slightest divergence in a single note causes the music to actually sound better than the original, if that is possible.

Porter continues smiling as he heads toward the monorail station.

A few minutes later...

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 fires its braking thrusters as it arrives.

The lighted sign atop the yellow hoverlimo switches on indicating availability.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 whirs to a stop near the Spring Dome. The driver's side window rolls down. A pasty faced man with a Kaiser Bill moustache inquires: "Conveyance?"

KMF-242 stands in the middle of the quarter, people passing it by, listening to it remix the concert that just played. It seems to be testing sound, and the way certain sounds work together.

Xavin glances toward the Major as the cab approaches. "Cottington promised a limousine following the concert." His eyes focus narrowly upon Buteo. "After you, Marlan." He gestures toward the door.

Marlan turns her eyes to the limousine and grins as she steps inside.

Marlan climbs into the yellow hoverlimo.

Staunton nods. "Well, if Cottington is providing it for free, this doesn't surprise me at all."

Staunton climbs into the yellow hoverlimo.

Xavin smirks and glances to Cross as he enters the limo. "I wonder which is deeper, Cottington's pockets or his ability to keep them that way."

Xavin climbs into the yellow hoverlimo.

Marlan notes, "Don't think I've been in one of these before." her hands smoothing out the simuleather. "And hey, we've got a super star in our midst now Major..we'v got to get used to these concessions." she grins.

Kastaprulyi drifts through the crowds in the direction of the monorail, pausing here and there to circle an interesting group.

Loud salsa music begins to blare from the radio. "SQUAWK!" proclaims a frazzled-looking osprey within its cage on the front passenger seat. Buteo glances through the partition and grins. "Buteo is most curious: To what destination will you be traveling this evening?"

KMF-242 stands in the middle of the quarter, people passing it by, listening to it remix the concert that just played. It seems to be testing sound, and the way certain sounds work together. Some times, the music will be jarring to most, other times, it will be better. The Phyrrian changes tempo, beat, octave, everything about the songs it remixes.

Cross waits for the others to enter the limo. He stands by the open door for a moment, scanning the crowds. With a satisfied look, he enters.

Cross climbs into the yellow hoverlimo.

Xavin ducks as he presses toward the back of the hoverlimo, easing into one of the disgustingly apholstered seats. In a humble attempt to ignore Marlan's tease he leans forward toward the plastic window, "Military vessel hangar, by your grace."

Aquaeyes looks around, checks her comm she waves at Kas in greeting

Staunton draws back at the loud squawking, cutting her eyes at Xavin. "You sure you're not up for a nice walk?"

Kastaprulyi returns a feeling of greeting, sliding closer to Aquaeyes. "Hello..."

Loud salsa music plays on the car stereo. The osprey caged on the front passenger seat ruffles its feathers and glowers huffily at the driver. Buteo nods to the Timonae. "Military vessel hangar. Yes, I think Buteo remembers the way."

Aquaeyes speaks into her commlink, "Corporal Cross I have secured the Theater and made my report"

Aquaeyes says, "Did you enjoy the music Kas?"

Cross comments, "At least it's caged now."

Xavin raises an eyebrow, "They have birds on Centauri, Major?"

The lighted sign atop the yellow hoverlimo switches off indicating it is in service and taking no more passengers.

Cross speaks into his commlink, "Roger, Guardian. Good job, I'll see you back at the station in a while."

KMF-242's music making continues to the point where it's hard to recognize the original music from the concert that just played.

Staunton shakes her head slowly.

Aquaeyes speaks into her commlink, "Yes Sir"

Buteo engages the drive, grips the control wheel and begins to arc the cab around as one brass-heavy song ends and another begins with a thumping bongo beat.

Kastaprulyi agrees, "I liked seeing the concert."

Aquaeyes says, "I did too even though I was on duty, I think it will help"

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 whirs in an arc away from the Spring Dome.

Marlan leans back, eyes surveying the limos interior. "You know..it's a shame the seats scratched like this." she says, fingering the scratch marks.

"SQUAWK!" proclaims the osprey over the music, pecking angrily at the bars of its cage.

Xavin rounds his shoulders, speaking through an impish smile. "I'll enjoy what we have, then."

Carduus wanders into the Residential Quarter, grumbling quietly and standing on his tiptoes of his boots to see over at least some of the crowd.

Kastaprulyi inquires, "What do you think will be helped?"

Jasra comes out of the spring dome just ahead of Carduus, laughing and glancing back at him. She turns and stops to let him catch up, "Drinks or dinner." she asks him.

Aquaeyes says, "Oh the concert was to raise credits for those ill from that recent disease"

Though clearly not finished with all the posible recompositions of the concert, KMF-242 stops. It pushes itself higher on the four metallic legs, standing to over 8 feet in height to look out over the crowd. Lowering itself once more, it moves, skittering slowly towards the Commercial Quarter.

Buteo shakes his head, sighing. "Hero, my devoted friend and sometime nemesis, you must not be so belligerent. Buteo knows you are hungry. One moment, my feathered friend." He leans to look back through the partition, nodding to Staunton. "If you please, look under the passenger's side seat and you will find a small wicker cage containing a most juicy and delectable field mouse."

Carduus shrugs a shoulder as he puts his hand on Jasra's. "Dinner's gonna be leftovers, remember?", he teases. "Won't keep for too much longer."

Kastaprulyi circles around to the Demarian's shoulder and asks curiously, "Do you guess that helps better than news reports?"

Staunton straightens in her seat. Her face, however, shows no change in expression. "No," she says flatly. "I assure you that I won't."

Aquaeyes says, "Both do Kas, the News report lets everyone know what is happening, how they are progressing with a cure and the concert will raise credits to help them continue there research so they can find the cure faster"

Jasra chuckles at Carduus' poutiness, "Oh yeah... forgot. What would I do without you to remind me, Artist." she mock-pouts right back at him.

Marlan turns her eyes to Staunton and breaks out laughing.

Xavin focuses his attention on the bandana in hand, eyes drifting up to glimpse the Major's reaction before darting down to his lap in an effort to mask his bemusement.

Buteo knits his eyebrows. "You would starve poor Hero?! Cruelty incarnate!" As he continues to drive, he uses his right hand to lift the cage with the bird, setting it on the floor board. The cab swerves just a bit as he does this, his attention distracted from driving.

Marlan makes no such attempt, "Come on major." she says, the laughter dying away and turning into a grin, "The poor birds hungry..feed 'em his dinner!" this is said just before he reaches for the cage.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 swerves slightly as it heads toward the commercial quarter.

KMF-242 seems to randomly stop and look to the being closest to it as it says, "Define music in personal terms." The direction of question, it seems, is towards Aquaeyes or Kastaprulyi.

Aquaeyes looks at KMF-242 "Pleasant combination of sounds that enhances emotional states"

Carduus shrugs again, this time the other shoulder. "So...the question is, you wanna go eat our wonderful nuked leftovers, or what?", he asks, his eyes half-lidded, his grin becoming lopey.

Cross glaces at the passenger side seat curiously, trying to get a look at said field mouse. The swerve jostles him, slightly, and he looks at Buteo with a withering glare, "You mind looking out the window while you're driving, I haven't got a hell of a lot of desire to become one with the deck any time soon." He watches Marlan reach for the cage and he settles back, muttering, "Cheap bastard.", angrily.

The centrifugal force from the turn sends the major pitching toward Cross with a startled cry. "Dammit. What's the matter with you, Buddy?"

Kastaprulyi seems to wait for Aquaeyes' response before replying thoughtfully, "I don't know much about music. I like the patterns, the way people change from them."

"Is there a common pattern among all beings to what is considered music?" KMF-242 asks. "For instance, was the concert this evening considered good music by all beings?"

Buteo shrugs, grinning sheepishly at Staunton, watching her in the rearview mirror. "Buteo is sorry, but I asked you to assist in this matter. You chose not to, most vociferously. I have little choice. My feathered comrade has needs that must be met. It would be great folly for me to refuse." That said, he uses his right hand to lift the front passenger seat cushion, revealing a wicker cage beneath. Again, the car swerves slightly. He quickly corrects to straighten the course, however.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 swerves once more continuing on its course toward the commercial quarter.

Aquaeyes says, "Probably not, each person has there likes and dislikes in the forms of music they enjoy. Generally those that did attend the concert probably liked the type of music played here tonight"

Jasra giggles and slips her hand around Carduus' elbow as they walk along, "Let's go eat, Artist. Before you embrasse me."

Aquaeyes says, "Those that didn't like this style of music probably would not have attended."

Staunton straightens herself again, jaw set. "Mr. Cross, are you going to shoot this guy in the back of the head or am I?"

Xavin raises a stiletto-thin eyebrow toward Staunton. "Come now, Major. It isn't such a difficult task, is it?"

Staunton rolls her eyes at the driver, then quips, "Don't push it, Carazz. I think Mr. Steele is making lasagne for dinner and that makes a real mess.

"The musical scale commonly played is only 5 notes. There are limited combonations of pattern. Is it beat that defines a musical style?" KMF asks, not moving now that it is questioning.

Cross grins at Staunton, "I doubt he'd drive any worse, Major."

Marlan chuckles, "He *does* do a good job cleaning those floors doesn't he."

Aquaeyes speaks into her commlink, "Corporal Cross Im now off duty, do you wish a meeting tomarrow?"

Buteo lifts the cage from the underside of the seat. As the salsa tune begins to thrum in full brassy crescendos, the mouse inside the cage dashes back and forth, squeaking pathetically. The bird in its larger cage eyes the mouse hungrily.

Marlan's chuckling dies down as the mouse begins squealing, "Hey, maybe they're right...can't you wait to drop us off before you feed him that thing?"

KMF-242 waits in silence for an answer, unmoving.

Xavin grins his reply, folding one leg over the other and leaning back against the cushioned seat to view the scene outside. "I wonder what INN thought of the performance."

Cross speaks into his commlink, "Sure, Aqua, I'll been in the officer by 2200.""

Aquaeyes looks at the unit "Yes you are correct"

Kastaprulyi circles around the Phyrrian. "Beat matters. Lots of notes can happen in the time one's still thinking about the ones before."

Carduus nods slowly, leading the two towards the monorail station. "Works for me. Day old potato salad. Mmmmmm.", he murmurs, chuckling.

Aquaeyes speaks into her commlink, "Yes Sir, I wish to discuss advanced training in some of my skills, will meet you in the office after your arrival"

Buteo sets the cage with the mouse on the middle area between the driver and passenger seats, closes the cushion on the passenger seat, and then leans over to pick the osprey cage off the floor board. The car lurches hard to the right.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 lurches suddenly to the right approaching a T-shirt vendor selling STOP TRV! shirts.

Aquaeyes says, "Kas Im off duty now and going to my apartment, I will talk to you soon"

Kastaprulyi wishes, "Be well."

Cross starts to lean toward the divider. His eyes widen as he sees the hoverlimo's impending target, "Damn it, get your eyes on the road."

Staunton lets out a long, hissing sigh and grabs for something to hold onto as the taxi lurches again. "You know, Mr. Carazz, nothing helps a career in entertainment more than dying young."

Marlan hangs on to her seat, "This guy crazy?" she asks.

"Understood." KMF-242 states to Kastaprulyi. It raises a little and begins to walk away.

Xavin grips the rim of the faux-leather seat, eyes intently peering out the glass of the window. "What will be, will be Major." He smirks in a demeanor that radiates too calmly. Then, seeing the T-Shirt stand, the Timonae wrinkles his brow, straightening in his seat. "By Maza, leave the bird alone!"

Kastaprulyi doesn't seem particularly interested in a robot, continuing off in the direction of the train.

Buteo is picking up the cage with the osprey in it when he sits upright and sees he's rapidly approaching the T-shirt vendor. His eyes widen: "Hero! Look what you have caused!" He drops the cage on its side, then jerks the wheel to the left, correcting his course. The osprey's cage door falls open. The mouse cage shifts off the front seat and thumps on the floor board, popping open. The mouse scampers quickly out, survival instinct kicking in.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 just barely avoids hitting the T-shirt stand swerving back toward the commercial quarter.

Cross breathes a sigh of relief, sinking back into his seat, "Do me a favor, leave the bird alone until we get there."

Marlan announces, voice urgent, "Those things are loose!"

The cab is currently occupied and driving somewhat erratically.

Staunton groans, bracing herself with one hand on the headliner of the taxi. "Remind me to send Cottington a thank you note, Corporal."

Buteo smiles broadly, looking back at the passengers. "Nothing to be concerned about. The turnoff for the flight deck shaft is just ahead. Please secure all valuables and remain seated." He tweaks his Kaiser Bill moustache, then goes back to driving.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 fires its hoverthrusters and maneuvers away heading into the superstructure through a broad hatch marked AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ONLY!

Concordance Station Flight Deck

A high, broad chamber that serves as the flight prep and launch deck for the Concordance Station colony ship. A blister module high atop the port wall, above the entrance, serves as the control tower. To starboard, a wide slit opens onto the blackness of space. The cargo bay is aft. A muster room is fore.

Burn marks and rubble from broken vessels litter the area.

Buteo Limousines Cab - 9327 fires its braking thrusters as it arrives.

As the hoverlimo fires its braking thrusters and settles on the flight deck, it does so at an angle. The osprey's cage rolls slightly, and the bird squawks angrily. The salsa music continues to pound out of the speakers. The bird ruffles its feathers and its golden eyes glint as it seems to realize the cage is open.

The Timonae's knuckles whiten as they grip the guitar firmly. As the cab clears the residential quarter, Xavin is nearly thrown from his seat but manages to catch himself before meeting the cage's fate on the limousine's flooring.

The little white field mouse scampers out from under the passenger seat, at Staunton's feet.

Cross is in a bit of a jumble, having been tossed around. He fights to sit back up, growling, "I swear to god, I'm going to have Urf dismantle this damn thing."

Despite the fact that the taxi is still coming to a halt, Staunton begins pushing Cross toward the door. "Go, go, go."

Buteo continues driving across the flight deck. He leans forward, watching the large hangar openings. "Civilian hangar. Cargo bay. Ah, yes, military vessel hangar."

Xavin rises from his seat, signaling the drive and raising his voice so that it can be heard through the plexiglass. "This is fine, sir, lower us."

Hero muscles his way out of the cage, flutters his wings and lifts his beak, squawking before leaping into the air, settling on the seat and then shoving his way through the partition's opening. It eyes the white mouse, which has now made it next to Marlan's feet.

Cross gives Staunton a strange look, "I would, but this maniac is still driving." He tests the door, "Besides, its locked."

Buteo glances over his shoulder, jaw dropping in dismay. "Hero! This is most unacceptable!"

Marlan leans down in an attempt to grab the small mouse, "Someone get that bird, not gonna let us go until he has him."

The mouse dodges Marlan's grip, skittering under the driver's seat.

Xavin lifts his feet above Marlan's head as she attempts to scramble for the rodent. Losing his balance he topples over toward the Major beside him.

Hero squawks and divebombs the back floorboard, flapping his wings and slapping feathers in the face of Marlan and Xavin as he extends his talons and tries to snatch the mouse skittering toward the driver's seat.

Xavin lifts his arms up in an instinctive defense, squinting his eyes and kicking his foot toward the bird, managing only to nail Cross in the shin with his combat boot.

Cross bangs on the partition, "Stop this damn,", he starts, cursing as Xavin's foot meets his shin with a loud crack, "Goddamn it, Xavin."

Marlan shouts an exclamation as Xavin comes down on top of her as the bird's wings flutter in her face, "What is this!" she calls out, hands moving down to protect her head as she sees Xavin's foot come flying across.

Military Vessel Hangar 

A massive hangar with an arched ceiling, bearing the logos of the various military organizations represented aboard the Sanctuary colony vessel. Mechanics and technicians work on fighters and other larger craft, making repairs and providing upgrades. A broad archway leads into the flight deck.

Buteo shakes his fist as he drives. "Hero, you will not hear the end of this for SOME time!"

Xavin retracts his foot quickly, the bird's wing slapping him across the cheek and sending his head awkwardly into Staunton's lap. "I swear through the Lady's smile," his voice drops.

The bird squawks, settling on the floor board and then eyeing the Timonae who tried to kick him. Larger. Meatier than some tiny morsel of a mouse. "RAWK!" the bird proclaims, flapping and leaping.

Marlan is meanwhile crouched down, trying to protect herself from the flying arms and bodies on either side of her.

"No, Hero! Desist!" cries Buteo, slamming on the brakes.

The bird suddenly lurches to the left and thumps against the partition, falling to the floor board in a daze.

Xavin reaches down instictively for one of the pistols holstered at his thighs, forgetting his casual clothing. Watching the bird hit the floor of the cab his breathing steadies somewhat and he lifts himself from the Major's lap, eyes circling between the group.

Buteo presses a button, smiling winningly in the rearview mirror. "Buteo hopes you have enjoyed your conveyance! Enjoy your evening on Concordance Station. Come again!"

Marlan topples forward some as the cab brakes hastily, luckily her momentum doesn't carry her with quite as much force as Hero. As the cab doors unlcok she sits up slowly, eyes scanning the others as if to ensure that it is in fact over.

Salsa music blares from the speakers. The white mouse scrambles out around Cross' feet.

The slightly stunned osprey eyes the mouse and squawks a little weakly before ruffling his feathers, preparing to pounce.

Cross slams back into his seat as the cab stops. His head lifts as he hears the familiar click of the door lock, and, without thinking, he's already grabbed the handle, opening the door. He rushes toward freedom, seeing the mouse just in time to avoid stepping on it. Of course, this throws him off balance, and he falls toward the door, hand just barely catching the door jam and keeping him from falling out.

Staunton straightens her jacket, color high in her cheeks. "Mr. Carazz, I think I'll walk next time."

The mouse sees the osprey coming, and dodges back under the driver's seat with a squeak, leaving a leaping bird snapping its beak at the leather of Cross' boot.

Xavin rises slowly from the seat, awaiting the exit of his compatriots before ducking toward the hatch of the limousine. As he passes Hero, he stares down toward the osprey with pursed lips.

Cross turns his head, looking over his shoulder and down at the birf, "What the hell is that ratty looking chicken doing?" He nudges the osprey with his bootheel, not bothering to be particularly gentle about it.

The osprey squawks as it takes a bootheel in the craw, snapping angrily before the mouse peeks out from the passenger side floor board. The movement catches Hero's gleaming eye, and he launches himself at the mouse.

Buteo clears his throat. "Hero! Enough, my feathered friend! Buteo will take you home and provide you with sustenance. Two rats? A chihuahua? Your wish is my command."

Cross uses the opportunity to launch himself out the door.

Marlan shakes her head, "I'm getting out of here." she says, scrambling to exit the limo she so happily entered just a few minutes ago.

Staunton is right behind the marine without another word.

Cross is standing a couple of meters away from the hoverlimo, trying to look at the heel of his left boot. There's a ragged gash in it, which he frowns at, cursing.

Xavin smirks slightly to the osprey, then ducks beneath the entryway to step out of the cab.

Xavin shakes his head slightly as he steps down from the cab, his eyes darting immediately toward Cross. "You're alright, Victor?"

Staunton walks away from the hoverlimo straightening the hem of her jacket and muttering under her breath.

Cross says, "I'm fine.", his gaze turns from the bootheel to the hoverlimo, eyes narrowing.

Xavin nods curtly as he makes his way toward the Minerva, starting up the boarding platform to the airlock. "Let's get on board then before the raptor launches out the hatch after us."

Staunton says, "Right behind you."

Xavin enters an access code and boards the VES Minerva.