A Gathering of Allies

New Alhira Medical Center  -- Nothing had been stinted in the building of New Alhira's medical center. With ample stores and equipment, the wards are spacious enough to accomodate hundreds of patients in anticipation of the colony's future needs, while laid out to allow doctors and nurses maximum access in a minimum amount of time. With wings devoted to everything from pediatrics to emergency, the center is well-equipped to handle any case that may yet arise in the new capital. --

Jest makes her way into the medical center with Kiro, her pace limited by the crutches she is bound by. However, she seems quite determined and keeps moving. When she reaches the door for the Faux room, she gives a single knock before she turns to beam at Kiro. Once more, eyelashes flutter. "Mind if you go ahead and get that for me, darling?"

"Well I'm not surprised, considering we've all been laid up here." Nix replies sourly, still looking a little disorientated. He takes a moment to stretch out his limbs, being one of the few who didn't break any bones - just a lot of internal injuries. "If I've said or did anything that wasn't like me, I apologize, because that wasn't me. I'm not sure what it was, but I can finally think clearly for the first time since last week. Too bad I only just get a hold of myself a day before everything goes to shadowlands."

Kiro nods his head slightly before reaching out and opening the door. He stepped aside to allow Jest to go in first, his hand slightly out just in case she trips.

Kit occupies one of the beds in the intensive care ward along with the rest of the erstwhile Faux's crew. While she has been housed with them, though, she appears to be a refugee from another disaster altogether - still bundled up by long swaths of bandages, she seems to have a little more mobility, having had the benefit of a few more days' worth of recovery time. Her bedside too, seems to be piled with a load of esoteric computing equipment. "At least it will no doubt be quick," she simply notes to Nix's comment, her gaze returning to the datapad perched upon her knees.

Nicholas patiently and quietly surveys the activity of the room as he sits beside Aadzrian's bed, Sara pulling a majority of his quiet attention.

"Okay! You are now Uncle Roland." Sara squeals delightedly, snuggling against Aadzrian, "Now I have Nicky, Momma Ace, Swifty kitty, Auntie Sinopa and Uncle Roland. Lots of family!"

In Demarese: Quicksilver isn't that far behind Jest and Kiro, ultimately...though it has more to do with their pause for negotiating doors vs his much longer legs than having started out with them. He turns a corner as they're negotiating the door, moving towards the ward with a nurse flanking him, rattling off instructions on the move. "Yes, yes, I'll tell her you said that. But you know as well as I do that my telling her it for you isn't going to make her change her mind. "

"Thank you," Jest says to Kiro. Then she's walking further into the ward. Her eyes widen at the people and she takes a few quick steps to the side to get out of the crush, "So, tell me. You know anyone in here then? Or you relying just on lil ol me?"

Aadzrian looks moderately resigned to his new name change, keeping the good arm around the girl in a paternal half-embrace. "Is glad to be maked you happy, little one," he states with a half-smile coming to his scarred face. The new entries, however, win his attention- Quicksilver in particular. "Is good to seeing you-" he calls out to the Demarian, "-and is to t'inking you shoulds maybe put ship in orbit. Would be good time for Phyrrians to... stop it wit' little maschines."

Kiro walks in after Jest, taking a look at the gathering in the room. He remained quiet as he surveyed each person in the room.

Ace comes in from behind Quicksilver and Jest, relying heavily on one crutch while the other arm is free to carry a sack slung over her shoulder. The cast is off of the leg, but she still favors it heavily, and the one side of her face is an ugly shade of splotchy, bruised green and purple.

Whereas Quicksilver is a very fetching shade of silver, where not covered with golden Demarian body armor.

The Qua blinks, seeing more than a few new people in the room. "I've really been out of it." he notes, moving his appendages more in a testing fashion. "I will say I haven't felt this good in some time." he says, sitting up and swinging his legs over his bed. The movement is perhaps a bit too much as he flinches at his yet again wrapped abdomen. He stays where he is, giving those entering a welcome nod.

Kit catches the litany of newly dubbed family members and winces, glancing surreptitiously toward the little girl reciting them with a pained expression before she is happily distracted by the newest entrants, brows rising in both recognition of familiar faces and the interesting attire of the Demarian.

Jest looks at Kiro, moves to elbow perhaps slightly, and nods towards Ace and Quicksilver. "Two options." She says bluntly. Ace, it would seem, keeps Jest's attention for a longer moment than the cat. But the cat gets a subdued smile.

Kiro turns towards Jest and whispers, "I suppose it's better than getting stuck on this planet. I will see about it soon." He returns to his position and takes a look at both of the mentioned.

"Hi Momma Ace!" Sara calls brightly, half-turning to give a wave to the Ungstiri woman, "I have an Uncle Roland now! Who's the fuzzy kitty with you? What's his name? Can he be my uncle too?" The Terran girl was full of questions tonight, it would seem.

"Sara, you musn't call them kitties. Miss Swiftfoot allows you to do so, but you musn't say such of others." Nicky scolds gently.

Aadzrian glances Kiro's way for a moment, remarking to him absently, "Sorry about earlier, were grumpy," before Ace's arrival steals his attention, winning a blink of dumbfounded surprise. "...wel, you is hel of a sigh'. Ace! Righ! You see your Josh yet? He comed in." Sara gets a lopsided little grin, the Timonae evidently not too distracted yet to attend to his new niece. "I t'inks Momma Ace migh' be little busy for questions soon, t'ough. Maybe bot' of us should be quiet," he notes, chagrined.

The drab olive green jumpsuit Ace is wearing is far from flattering, but it's practical for the moment. She drops the sack by the door and puts a hand on Jest's shoulder, "Is good to see you up and about," she smiles at the woman, the smile broadening at the sight of Sara. "And is good to see you as well, little one. This is Quicksilver," she introduces the Demarian in question, "Is very good tovarisch...is meaning friend." She looks at her crew, then, nodding to Nicholas, "Should be getting out of here soon, but have asked many to join us tonight. Is the eve of the Phyrrian deadline and is for us to decide what we wish to do as a family. All of us," she ruffles the hair on Sara's head. She stares at Aadzrian as if he had just said something about it raining daisies and ladybugs, "Josh...? They found him?"

Quicksilver bobs his snout to Aadzrian, his tail lashing a bit concernedly, but his stance otherwise solid and proud. "I can't lift her off till whoever is going with her gets aboard." The Terran girl, however, draws a small smile from the large Demarian, and he lifts an armored paw to wave lightly at her. Jest receives a smile, before his attention shifts to Kit, and an inquisitive eyebrow lifts. "It has been quite some time, hasn't it?"

"Later," Jest agrees with Kiro's estimation. She chews her lower lip for a moment but winks at Ace.

Kiro gives Aadzrian a solumn nod. "Yes, well, don't worry about it. I'm a bit grumpy myself now...with recent events." Kiro shifted his feet as he listened in on the conversation interestedly.

Quiet, Kit's eyes follow the dynamics of the group from participant to participant, visibly mulling over the ties between them. At Quicksilver's address, she simply tilts her head in both greeting and confirmation of his words.

"Then if anything, we should get a move and start moving people." Nix says. "If anything else, we can figure out what to do once in the air. After hearing about what happened on New Luna and Waldenheim, I'd rather not take the chance that it could happen here too, and get stranded." he points out, pulling over a near-by wheelchair. "Ugh, I really hate these things." he notes, sliding himself off the med bed and into the mobile chair.

Freyssinet arrives, her older daughter right after her, and baby Remy in her arms. "Sorry for the delay, lots of people on the landing pad..." she murmurs, as Remy (Sr) follows her in.

LeBeau follows right after Frey, holding a gurgling bundle wrapped in a yellow blanket.

Ace is standing not far inside the door, leaning on a single crutch, majorly favoring her left leg.

"Yes, Ace, t'ey finded him and he are... as al righ' as any rest of us," Aadzrian notes to Ace, with a slight smile. He's in bed, one arm around a cheerful little girl in a paternal embrace. "Happy birt'day, or somesush, yes?" The Timonae abruptly sobers, however, his lips thinning into a thoughtful line. "Would be perfect time righ now for Phyrrians kil ships, when so many is in Demaria. But if we take off and t'ey kill ships and we in space, we die, yes? Mus to being careful t'inked."

Jest is a mimic to Ace, flanking the left of the door with crutches keeping her up. She seems to be doing her best to remain unobtrusive.

"Can mister Quicksilver be my Uncle too?" Sara asks of Ace, unconcerned for the reasonings behind such a large gathering. She smiles brightly to the aformentioned Demarian, waving to him in return.

"Lady Ace." Nicky greets somberly, though it could be said to be his natural state, his expression free of well, expression.

Ace looks relieved at Aadz's news as she gazes around the gathering of friends, family and strangers, her dark eyes coming to rest on Kit as she makes her way carefully over to the woman. "Is many questions I have for you if you are free to answer them. Think perhaps now it is too late to be keeping any secrets, not with such danger so close."

Quicksilver can move quickly when he wants to....and so it is that he goes from straight stance to crouched on one knee in all of a moment, flowing downwards with felinoid grace. From this position, he offers Sara a mock serious look,

"Only if there's a hug involved in the deal." He grins at the little one, though his ears are twisting this way and that to follow one conversation after another.

Kit's eyes narrow at Ace's blunt introduction, but a corner of her mouth is curving in wry appreciation of her candidness. "One should never pretend there is no future if one wants to see it," she retorts. "What can I do for you, Ace?"

Freyssinet just settles wherever she can seat and make herself comfy with baby Remy. Gracie, though, notices Sara and grins, the little six-years old making her way to the other girl. "Hey, my name's Gracie, and those are my mommy, my papa, and my siblings." she whispers to Sara.

Aadzrian sits back, his gaze landing on Ace and Kit with a cool, thoughtful expression settling in on his face. He simply listens now, awaiting their discussion before throwing out any more commentary of his own... and keeping half an eye out on Sara with an absent watchfulness.

"Would know about Soft Soil," Ace replies, sticking to the blunt for the moment, "If there is anything that can be done to stop the Phyrrians, attack the Overmind or guard against the nanites. Many of us, we are willing to fight, but if there is no protection and no offensive plan we can follow, it may be best to run until one is found."

Nixkamich slowly settles himself in the wheelchair with a quiet grunt. He stops talking, now listening. Much he has missed in his time unconcious and needs play mental catch-up.

"Okay!" Sara declares to Quicksilver, giggling as she gives Aadzrian another squeeze before squirming free. The Demarian is near-pounced with a hug and nuzzled, the Terran girl as happy as can be. It gets better though, as Gracie comes around, the other child offered a happy smile, "Hello Gracie!"

Much the same as Aadzrian, Nicholas is content for the moment to sit back and listen, while keeping an eye on Sara.

"Dear lord, Quicksilver. Contain yourself," Jest mutters in an undertone that is likely audible to Demarians, or someone standing right next to her, alone. She's smirking slightly.

LeBeau moves to settle himself down with Frey, rocking and bouncing the little bubbly yellow bundle in his arms.

Quicksilver wraps the girl in a very light hug, the more light to avoid pressing her into his combat armor to harshly. "Thank you, little niece," he offers, before glancing up at Jest and giving a good-natured snort. "Just because the world is ending, doesn't mean I can't get hugs." He winks.

Snowstreak tooth-whistles as he enters and looks about at the crowd. Its a strange sound coming from a Demarian. Kind of a mix between a fweee and a hiss but somehow coming across as a whistle. He takes in a breath and looks around then trying to sort out those he knows before he goes quiet.

"Soft soil is old news," Kit answers without hesitation, leaning back against her brace of pillows with a grim expression. "Part of it you saw in the news. Different types of attacks. All incapacitating...but for the instance of Kip Caspar's intervention. I have indications that pretty much all the civilized worlds are on the list for similar occurrences to happen. I do not have a timetable or a good guess as to which one will be next."

Freyssinet whispers something to Remy, and resumes to listening to the discussion, frowning. Gracie grins to Sara, "Uncle QuickSilver is very nice, and very strong. And he got three kits! What's your name?"

"Opportunist," Jest mutters. Her gaze travels the room frequently, bobbing between Ace and Kit, but scanning over Remy and Frey on occasion as well. Still, she's doing her not-inconsiderable best to remain out of the way and unnoticed.

"Five kits," asides Quicksilver to Freyssinet quietly, with a small grin, though he avoids raising his voice enough to distract from the matter at hand. A chuckle escapes him at Jest's charge, and he shrugs armored shoulders slightly.

Ace leans on a crutch, standing by Kit's bedside as they talk, lifting a hand in greeting to people as they enter. "We will be needing to make a decision tonight," she replies with a nod, "So the more information we have, the better off we will be. And do not know if you have a place to go, but you are welcome to join us on the Streak. Is there anything else you have learned that might be of help to us?"

"My name is Sara!" The Terran child beams, looking up to Quicksilver, "Does that mean I have three cousins? Kits are little kitties, aren't they?" One arm disentangles to reach out to Gracie, inviting her into the hug.

"Sara, I do not wish to have to remind you once more that you musn't call Demarians kitties." Nicky again scolds, quietly though, his eyes shifting to the little girl.

"Ace," Aadzrian calls across the room, "You wanting me ask anyt'ing? I ask it." He lifts his arm to tap at his temple. "Canno promise wil be able telling you anyt'ing of any use, but wil try if you is to wanting." The Timonae and Kit are the only ones in bed in the Faux ward, everyone else standing around, using crutches or- in Nix's case- in a wheelchair.

Kiro notices the new arrival Snowstreak out of the corner of his eye. A flash of pain appears on his face, but he quickly hides it under a solumn facial expression. He crossed his arms over his chest before turning back to listen in on the conversation again. His right hand was noticably clenching tightly. Hearing Jest's words, he nodded absentmindly, as if he was not really listening.

Volouscheur makes her way to the ICU ward, finding a spot to park her hoverchair-ensconced self. She looks around quietly, aura matte green. ~How likely do you think it is that Vollista will be attacked?~ the Vollistan pipes up. She glances at Snowstreak, quirking an eyebrow at him.

LeBeau nods to Frey then looks back towards Ace and the couple bodyguards she seems to have at her sides to help her.

Kastaprulyi slips silently into the hospital room behind Volouscheur, offering just an uncertain feeling of greeting to those nearby.

Kit spreads her hands in a gesture of helplesness as she gazes calmly back at Ace, ignoring the growing hubbub of the crowded ward. "Anything more would take time, time which we do not have much of left. If we manage to survive this first salvo...then, maybe, more can be found. Kip may be a better one to question about initial survival. But in the absence of him...the trade minister was very busy. He visited many worlds before his suicide. The Odarites have had a long time to work on this." Kit glances aside at the Vollistan's inquiry, and she gives her head a simple shake. "As likely as any other - organics are organics," she notes with blunt neutrality.

Kiro grits his teeth and slowly walks over to Snowstreak. Stopping in front of the Demarian doctor, Kiro swallows his pride and says in a soft tone so that only nearby people could hear, "I...wish to...apologize for my behavior these last three days. It was out of line."

Jest's arms cross over her chest and she exhales.

Ace nods and then looks over to Aadzrian, "Am thinking perhaps it is necessary, da, to see what you can about the odd of survival if we stay here to fight. At the moment, it would seem the smartest move is to shift everyone to Ungstir as soon as possible, gather whoever we can from here and go until we can plan a better course of action."

Freyssinet frowns to Remy, as if not understanding. She continues to listen. "How did that ... Kip Caspar? Stop them?" Gracie grins to Sara, "Yeah, they are little Demarians, like us. I hope we can all play together, if we go on QUickSilver's big ship! And we cal also play with Raz - he is a Castori..." Yep, big travelling party, that's how kids see it.

Snowstreak wanders towards Vol though he pauses to Kiro. He takes in a low breath and observes him, his whiskers twinging forward as he offers "It is good of you to step up but I forgive. All have been on edge with what is going on at the moment." His tail twinges behind him though as he folds his arms across his chest.

Quicksilver nods, shifting to stand after gently extracting himself from Sara, letting the two girls play. "I think we can generally assume that they intend to attack all planets. I do wonder if anyone's contacted the Nall? They are a quarter of the available military forces, perhaps more. If they're even still intact."

Kiro nods his head and walks back to Jest. Standing there quietly, he watched the proceedings.

"Odds of survival if stay here to fight. Yes," Aadzrian notes, briskly nodding. "Any ot'er queries? I is t'ink of ask who be hit by Soft-soil next. At least I cans to be trying and see t'at. No question is too hard... well, no true, some question is too hard but if fails can jus turn up morphine."

LeBeau looks over to Ace. "Not sure if Ungstir is the best choice, with Kip's halt of one attack might just be more of a reason for a more direct attack." Nixkamich has nothing to say for the time being. He just listens to those talking. He does look to the side and under the med bed, looking for his clothes, wherever they were put.

Volouscheur shrugs to Quicksilver, ~I don't think anyone has. I'm not sure anyone knows any methods of contacting them, for that matter - it's not like they bothered to leave a change-of-address card behind them, after all.~ She listens, chewing on her bottom lip quietly.

A mirthless smile crooks Kit's mouth. "Be that as it may, but Matrose Caspar is also our one proven defense against their attack thus far - at least, of the type that are not so easily defended against. Perhaps he might draw more fire...but at the same time, he might still give us enough of an edge to hold out better there than anywhere else."

"Goldenfur said to remind everybody that we need to take off as soon as we can," Kas adds, speaking up a bit, "because the nanties can attack people and machines both..." Kas then comments, "Probably the Nall people wouldn't be friendly if we visited them. But they're still people, and they never said they wanted to kill everybody else."

Jest takes a few steps back and shifts to the side, perhaps seeking to find the exit again. Perhaps just looking to find a bit of rest for the crutch.

"Kip," Ace says, turning to address the room, her gaze going to Jest for a moment before continuing to look around at everyone. "Kip is some sort of Kamiroid...changed by Hivers. Was the sole survivor of a ship that was attacked by them and he was somehow changed. Think that is how it is that he managed to defend." She looks over at Kit, "Is there a way to defend against the nanites? To detect and purge them from a system?"

Freyssinet ohs at Ace's explanation, watching between Ace, Jest, and her husband, frowning even more. Gracie continues to chatter with sara.

LeBeau looks down at the small child in his arms as she seems to be calming down some and starting to doze to sleep some in her father's arms.

"Mus be," Aadzrian states simply. "Mus being way. He didded it." The Timonae closes his eyes, taking slow, deep breaths. He shifts back down into a lying position, looking as if he's about to try and sleep right in the middle of the meeting- probably a different task to say the least.

Kiro coughs into his palm. "I have something to do. If you will excuse me." Kiro gives Jest a nod of appreciation before he turns around and heads toward the exit.

Giving up on his search for his clothes, Nix snorts in frusteration, then looks back towards the disscussion at hand.

Kit shrugs one shoulder, rubbing stiffly at the other as the motion jars it. "I believe the battleclaw has already ordered scans for nanites, after hearing about the culprit behind the attempted attack on Ungstir. When found, they can be neutralized. He can confirm if this was already done on Demaria...I do not know if there were other traps laid, though."

~Well, Iast's just going to *love* that,~ Scheur mutters. She looks around quietly and then glances at Kiro as he leaves. She shrugs, falling silent again.

"Let me know, Ace.." Jest murmurs quietly and then slips towards the door, gait uneven.

"Speaking of taking off..." begins Quicksilver. "Many but not necessarily all of you know that I've offered to take those who wish it on the Streak." He glances to Freyssinet and LeBeau. "Frey, LeBeau....if you two want to come along, I believe your ship will fit in my docking bay alongside the Everstar....I don't think any more than that two will, though. Let me be clear, however, that the Streak is not a warship. She's about the size of a small frigate, but she's underarmored, unshielded, and barely armed. On the plus side, she has a spindrive and jumpsails, and she's fast....so she can run most anywhere we choose as long as we avoid getting clobbered by warships or nanites or whatever else can disable us."

Kastaprulyi remains at the side of Volouscheur's chair, near the entrance to the ICU in the crowded ward taken over by the Faux crew and Kit.

Kit occupies one of the beds, a data tablet upon her lap and other esoteric computing equipment piled on a sideboard nearby. Ace on crutches and looking much bruised and LeBeau are nearest.

LeBeau looks over at Quick and nods. "I think Frey and I can manage that. Might be best for us to stick together anyway. And while the Wolf might not have alot of space for passengers, she can put up quite a fight if your ship needs someone to cover its ass while you run."

Ace stands by Kit's bed, leaning on a crutch as they talk. Aadzrian and Nixkamich are abed, Remy and Frey sit with infants in their laps while Gracie chatters away with another young girl, Sara, with Nicholas watching over them. Quicksilver stands guard as Kas and Scheur settle somewhere near the door to the ward. Jest seems to be on her way out the door.

"Kit," Ace finishes, "Is there any way for us to scan a ship and rid it of nanites so we know that it is safe?"

And into all of this controlled chaos comes the massive Stars, leaning on his crutch and carrying a mocha. Mmm. Mocha. He doesn't so much pause, really, limping his way to the back of the ward - on a line for Kit. He even calls behind him - "Be nice." It's wry, and still amused. "I'm in no shape to thrrow anybody out at the moment."

Ruin makes his way in, showing his PDA - and invitation - to anyone wishing to impede his progress to the relevant room. Peeking in the door, following Stars, he offers a nod and, "Sorry I'm late. Narrative causality."

Snowstreak joins Scheur in her settling by the door to keep out of the way, yeah. Feline is about as eager to make big-time decisions as a 60 year old Senator faced by a mob of Pro-life and Pro-choice lobbyists.

A diminutive shadow at Stars's side, striding with the rolling gait of a spacer, is Reilly. Hands tucked in pockets, she seems to find safety at his back, and lingers near him, gazing around with obvious apprehension.

The doors to the medical center burst open and a pair of heavily armed militia Demarians flanking a rather pissed off looking Bloodclaw in duty fatigues head straight for reception. Outside a group of militia ATVs full of soldiers can be glimpsed briefly through the open doors. The Bloodclaw and the receptionist exchange words before the former speaks into a commlink. Soon the medical center is swarming with soldiers and orderlies moving every scrap of medical supplies that the building has to offer out the door with a few patients to boot. The group in the trauma ward is largely left unmolested.

Leodhais follows after Stars and Ruin, short legs moving fast to keep up.

Kastaprulyi offers a feeling of greeting to the visitors entering the ICU ward, keeping quiet for now. At the commotion outside, the young Centauran shifts slightly for a better view of the hallway.

Volouscheur looks over to Ruin and blinks, ~...narrative causality?~ She blinks again as the medical centre is steadily stripped of all its' medical-y goodness.

Kit nods. "Yes, you can scan for them. And in desperate times and the lack of more elegant methods, a large magnet can usually do in a pinch," she suggests with a wry quirk of her her mouth. "I would suggest you be careful where you go waving those around on a ship, of course."

In Timonese: It would be strange if Aadzrian was as asleep in the midst of the noise and chaos as he looks, face slack and eyes closed as he lies back in the bed. So perhaps it's not so strange, if abrupt, when he begins to speak calmly in level Timonese. "Ace, I know you're busy, but I'm ready and willing to throw my brain against a wall now. If you or someone you delegate it to would be so kind as to get a list of questions ready for me... I'll get going on trying to answer them."

Ruin lipquirks at Scheur, and quotes. "The Tower trembles; to the tombs of kings doom approaches. The Dead awaken; for the hour is come for the oathbreakers; at the Stone of Erech they shall stand again and hear there a horn in the hills ringing. Whose shall the horn be? Who shall call them from the grey twilight, the forgotten people? The heir of him to whom the oath they swore." A shrug.

"Sorry. I couldn't *not* read it when I was in school. I'd have missed two thirds of the in-jokes in every class I took. Anyway. Business." He looks at the injured crew. "Are any of you relocating to the Mercy? Seems people are leaving this planet."

Ace turns from Kit and looks arond the room at all that were gathered, nodding as she leans on her crutch. "Spaciba everyone for coming," she says, looking to Ruin, "How many ships do the Watchers and Osirans have here?"

Stars glances back at Riley, then booms across at Ace - "Hey, Ace - frriend of yorurs wanted to check in. And see herr." A claw is hooked at Kit - "If you'rre not minding the company." A broken-toothed grin, follows, and another sip of coffee. Mmm. Mocha.

"I didn't come for Ace," Reilly retorts frostily, giving the broken captain a disapproving once-over before taking a step from the safety of Stars' side to place herself nearer to Kit.

"I shouldn't be surprised, I guess," the disfigured pirate remarks upon connecting Smoke's description with Kit's presence.

LeBeau looks over to Ace. "You have a place to stay yet Ace, aside from here?"

"The Mercy and Iuppiter're here," Kas offers helpfully, then adds uncertainly. "Is somebody taking the Streak to try talking with the Nall people?"

Snowstreak mmmms and smiles quietly up at Ruin, his tail moving easily behidn him. The Demarian is a sucker for good poetry. Verse alone could tame the mighty beast from even the most frightful and venomous mood

Kit arches a brow at Star's address, the Demarian earning a bemused look of greeting before her eyes slide toward the far more dimunitive figure that steps out from behind the Demarian...and she blinks. In a rare moment of complete discombobulation, she stares at Reilly and then simply states with astonishment, "*You*."

Quicksilver perks his ears at the sounds that he, at least, can hear...whether others can or not. Gotta love Demarian hearing. "The evacuation is beginning, Ace. The militia are pulling out everything that's transportable."

Ruin sighs. "Yes, apparently everyone knows who this is but me. A proper introduction would be greatly appreciated, but the point of this person's presence is a useful plan."

"That makes two of us." Nix notes over towards Ruin, sparring he and th newcomers a nod.

Freyssinet raises a brow at the introduction of a new person, and the little drama going on. "Useful plans and IDs are good, but looks like we should hurry..."

LeBeau looks towards QS. "I guess that is our cue to get airborn and get the Wolf on your ship Quick"

~And me,~ Scheur interjects. ~I haven't a clue who this person is.~ She eyes the militia people and then nods, ~I think we should get going. Or adjourn to the landing pad, at least...~

Kastaprulyi returns a feeling of agreement at Scheur's remark. "Should we make a plan for communicating later?" Kas queries.

Ace meets Reilly's appraising gaze with an icy one of her own, "Whoever you are, now is the time for uniting and not for dividing. Introduce yourself and let us move on with things and da, it looks as if we should be going. Quicksilver, he has been kind enough to give the Faux crew the use of the Streak, but I know nothing about contacting any Nall...you have me very confused with that, Kas. I propose that all of us - Watchers, Osirans, Foxes, Hounds, Wolves and those who would travel with us band together for whatever is to come. We work together, watch out for one another and do our best to survive and counter the Phyrrians however we can. We on the Streak, we have children on board...Frey's, Quicksilver's, my own son and Nicholas, provided he and Sara will be joining us. Is much to protect and much to live for, but none of us are cowards who wish to give up."

Ace looks to Kas then, "Is questions that Aadzrian is going to try to answer for us in his visions. What worlds are to be hit by the Phyrrians, what will happen if we remain here...would you do me the favor of standing by his side and asking him as he goes into a trance state?"

Ruin lipquirks. "I told it not half an hour ago that its best talent is in asking the right questions. But now really isn't the time. We need to move. The question is, who to where?"

The scarring on Reilly's face does a number on the lopsided grin that spreads across her face, warping it into half a snarl, but it is solely for Kit. When she glances back at Ace, she is frowning, but listening. "Name's Jay," she informs everyone, "an' Kapitan 'ere is right. They're tellin' people ta make fer th' forest. But I am not going inta space..." -- she levels a finger at Scheur and literally recoils, voice loaded like a shotgun, "with THAT."

Kastaprulyi seems to listen attentively to Ace's speech. The young Centauran replies with a bit of uncertainty, "I can stay with Aadzrian if we haven't left yet..." The remark from Reilly gets a feeling of concern.

"Takes me... wherever needs me," Aadzrian says, the Terran words coming out very slowly- it seems to take him active concentration to form them, brow furrowed. That said, the Timonese lapses back into a blank-faced silence, looking like nothing so much as... well, a brain-dead vegetable.

Ruin sighs, putting fingertips to his forehead as if the universe is giving him a headache. Which it probably is. "Jeff, Jeff...you were a remarkable man, not least for your ability to *give me a migraine* from beyond the grave you didn't leave enough of yourself left to earn." He looks over at Reilly. "*She* isn't bent on destroying all organic life, yourself included," he snaps. "She's only at worst been intent on sleeping with about a third of it, and she hasn't been lately, so *could you _please_ get your priorities in order*?"

Leodhais instinctively reaches out for Scheur, almost protectively, putting himself between Reilly and the Vollistan. Blocking.

"Jay?" Kit echoes before promptly frowning at the woman. "Doesn't suit you. And perhaps you should close your eyes and pretend very hard that she is not there, then, because I think some are becoming impatient to be moving..." she says as she tilts her head, regarding the evacuation preparations outside before moving to slide out of her bed, jaw set against stiff movements. "Make yourself useful, Jay. Feel free to distract yourself with insults and helping me move these tablets, because I'm not going to pull any shots just because you come back looking like that."

~I am *not* intent on sleeping with a third of all organic life!~ Scheur protests. ~More like a fifth of it.~ She peers at Reilly warily, ~But yes - I have no interest in whatever's inside your mind up until the point when you *want* me to take an interest. And either you can stand being on the same ship with me and my Joined - or you can find someone else to ship out with, 'cause I'm not leaving the Mercy just because you've got some stupid prejudice against psionics or Vollistans, or whatever.~

Kastaprulyi slips over toward Aadzrian's side, giving a couple yards of physical space to the emotions of those around Volouscheur and Reilly.

Ace stares at Reilly with one good eye, the other still a bit swollen and shot through with red...and then her jaw drops only to snap shut a moment later. "Scheur, she is on the Mercy...or the Iuppiter. Not certain which at the moment. You, on the other hand," she says, "Should come with us on the Streak. Could use someone of your skills unless you have a better place to be." She looks to Kit, then, "Will you be coming with us as well? Is time we should all be leaving, but do we go to Moonstalker for now or to Ungstir?" She turns to Ruin, "Where do you think we should go?"

Either missing or just entirely ignoring the racial spat, Aadzrian speaks slowly to Kas, in that same deliberate fashion, "Start to t'inks of question. Wat is mos want to know about future. More vague is, harder answer. More furt'er in future is, harder answer. Too hard question and head hurt, must stopped. If you wants go ask everyone else for more question. Wil searsh and searsh until can no more."

Snowstreak takes in a soft breath and sighs out while reaching down to rub at Scheur's shoulder kindly, just that gentle touch meant to say 'I'm here if you need the backup. I'm right behind you' kind of thing. His long tail begins wisking back and forth again as he keeps his whiskers clean of the conversation otherwise

"Ungstir," says Ruin. "Space stations are going to be mighty busy with soldiers very soon. We're not up to a fight yet - better to get out of the way until we are. Please not to be assigning my crew around where I might not find them again, I've got enough issues keeping track of them. Is the Streak a military or civilian vessel? How far can it go, how many ships can it dock?"

Whatever Reilly might have had to say to all the scolding is halted abruptly as she cringes, terrified, in the wake of the Vollistan's words. "Speak ta me ALOUD," she growls dangerously, "or don't speak ta me at all. We clear?" Hate boils in her blood; and a glare from Scheur to Ace lets all parties know it is for the two of them, exclusively. "I go with Kittianna. End o' story. Talk while walkin', goddamnit."

~...can you not ask the impossible, please?~ Scheur replies. ~I *cannot* speak out loud. Difficult to do so, when you aren't born with working vocal chords, after all.~ She tenses at the emotions coming off of Reilly, falling silent.

"I will go...whichever ship has the most versatile communications arrays," Kit answers Ace tersely, slapping a tablet against Reilly's arm to get the woman to take it. "Focus, woman. Forget all that - I need these two also," she says as she crouches down stiffly to disconnect cables. "There's a bag by the foot of the bed. Can dump things in there."

Kastaprulyi returns a sense of acknowledgment to Aadzrian. "Should we ask Aadzrian about whether Maltar and Comorro Station have organic people in four years?" Kas queries.

Stars simply listens to it all, sipping coffe and, as best something of his size can, staying out of the way.

"Do not know what is on the Mercy but know the Streak, she is very upgraded and state of the art," she explains. "Has a bay for two smaller vessels, most likely the Everstar and the Wolfsbane. Big ship can carry dozens of people easily...will be moving Faux crew, Wolfbane family and Torr to there as well as Nicholas and Sara and anyone else needing a home." She blinks in confusion, looking from Ruin to Reilly, "Apologies," she says quietly, a bit lost it seems and sounding almost hurt, "Did not know she was part of your crew."

"I has no damn idea wat t'at means, Kas," Aadzrian states calmly, "but if you know wat you asking, I wil jus telled wat I sees and hope make sense to you. Let to be explain somet'ing you mus keeping in mind. Wat I seeing is poss-ible future... if I see clearly, is most likely future. Is for sure fut-ure? Never for one hundred percented sure. Question like t'at... wel. I do no t'ink answer be mush use."

"GOD!" Reilly barks out a sound somewhere between anguish and rage, and now it's just for everyone and everything in general, it would appear. "Stay away from me," she warns the Vollistan, and to those gathered about Scheur, she adds, "an' bloody WATCH 'er." Surprisingly, she does not complain about being Kit's packmule, focusing her negative energies on the task of scooping up the cyberwitch's belongings, all with the intent of storming out.

"Comorro Station's in Hiverspace," Kas explains. The young Centauran suggests some concern at Reilly's outburst, but finishes, "And the Maltarian Empire's far away... Should the question be more specific, like a certain day, a certain building?"

Ruin nods at Scheur. "She is," he says. "The only rank I know of is admiral; Rath and Alandra are both captains, but they also both work for me. Their crew, both ships, are my crew." He shrugs. "Jay wants to help and has some good ideas. If we're all flying together she can go where she wants unless she decides she's one of mine, or yours, or whatever. Scheur's mine." He blows out a breath. "It's been a long day. This morning I was clearing refugees off the Dragonfly onto Hancock, hearing the bright military geniuses talk about getting all the soldiers offplanet and telling the civilians to try hiding in the caves and jungles; I've less patience than usual." And he proves it by rounding on Reilly. "Volouscheur. Is. MUTE," he snarls. "She CAN'T. SPEAK. WITH. A. VOICE. She isn't trying to be antagonizing. I, on the other hand, may well START. If you understand sign language or flick she can try speaking in that. Otherwise you're just going to have to cope until notepaper or a whiteboard materialize out of the hoopin' *ether*."

Kit casts Reilly a narrowed look at the woman's outburst, but when nothing more occurs other than tablets and cables being scooped unceremoniously into the small duffel, she seems satisfied. "Ace...ready when you are, or can meet you somewhere. Better if I get her out of here first, I think," she notes with a nod toward Reilly. "Can catch me up on plans later. I need to get familiar with what systems are available anyway."

Leodhais rubs the bridge of his nose. "That's a good question, Kas," he finally says in a soft voice. He puts a very light hand on Ruin's arm in a gesture of support. He nods to Kit in agreement.

"T'at would helping... be specific alway better," Aadzrian allows distantly to Kas, keeping his eyes closed. "But al-so... questions, t'ey is no always yes and no, yes? In fact yes and no question is almost more use-less because is not going to just get 'yes', is going get... somet'ing, image could says, t'at I mus making into yes or no- also, when is not 100 percenting, yes or no is no use-ful. But! I do no know. If my mind is wit' me, may be t'at is enough."

Quicksilver lashes his tail slightly, before looking around the room, "Alright....so let us focus on the matter at hand. Who and what needs carrying to the landing pad? We should probably take any medical equipment the Militia leaves behind that might be useful for treating our injured. Streak has no medbay. If you're going on the Streak, the boarding code is 'tawntoe'. Stay out of the port cargo hold without permission from me or Ace."

Quicksilver glances to LeBeau, and adds, "That last doesn't apply to you and Frey...the port hold is the landing bay."

Ace looks to Aadz and Kas, "Can continue this on the Streak...do you mind if we take Kas with us for now? Will make certain it gets back to you, but is no one better for asking questions and recording data," she gives a smile to the Centauran. "Need to get my crew to the Streak...Sinopa to the Mercy for now if they will take her, she is still critical. Most of us were discharged today and are partially mobile at least."

LeBeau nods to quick as he waits for everyone to move towards the landing pad

Kiro walks into the crowded room, his hair still slightly wet. Standing quietly, he watched the proceedings.

Ace takes a moment to finally offer Remy the long overdue, one armed hug, still leaning on her crutch. She then takes a moment to distribute drab green jumpsuits to her crew before catching sight of Kiro as he enters. "You...you came in with Jest, da? Do you have a ride out of here?"

Kiro looks at Ace, surprised at the sudden attention. "Yes, I came with Jest, but no, I don't have a ride out of here. I was planning on asking you about that after the meeting."

LeBeau does his best to hug Ace back with out disturbing the sleeping Jest he has been holding.

~We'll take her,~ Scheur reassures Ace. ~We've got a huge medbay.~ She nods to Quicksilver, ~And taking any medical equipment the militia doesn't would be a good idea. It might be needed, later.~ She rubs her eyes and then asks, ~Should we go *now*, then?~

Kastaprulyi is rather more substantial than ether, but does seem to have something like the requested materials. The young Centauran fishes a datapad out from a pocket beneath its bell to offer Reilly. "I've never seen Maltar before. I guess a question about Comorro Station'd be better. Would a question about the smallest number of organic people that you're sure will be on it be useful?" Kas suggests some interest at the question from Ace.

Stars starts for the door - staying quiet and moving slowly - but with an odd look at Quicksilver, and a strangely worried air. "don't forrget swiftfoot in all this, Ace." But he? He's moving out.

Ruin sighs. "Everybody wants Kas with them," he says, tired now. "And no wonder, really. It can go where it wants to go and where it feels most useful, but I'd like copies of the data - the Sidhe's good at keeping files findable." At Kiro's entrance he levels a narrow-eyed stare. "*Now* you learn manners," he says in a low voice. Then to Ace, "Sure, take Kiro if you want him. Me, I'm not repeating the mistake I made with Nathan."

Jay narrows her eyes at Ruin. "Buddy," she shoots back, "you don't even KNOW antagonizin'." But as she grows ever more volatile -- indeed, teetering on the brink of explosion -- it is mildly diffused when Kit drags her out the door. Aadzrian opens his eyes with a sudden snap, staring blankly forward for a long moment and fumbling with that jumpsuit. "More question talk later, Kas," he notes. Once his gaze refocuses, he looks around uncomfortably at the very crowded room, and then down at himself, swathed in blankets. The crowd... himself. His brow furrows unsurely at this conundrum. "I cans walk t'at far my-self... no need takinged. Tirax need takinged, but is sure someone can carries." He waves at the Timonae sleeping in the bed next to his. You paged Ruin with 'is he an ooc problem I should worry about?'. Ruin(Roon) pages: nope, nothing OOC. But IC, man is this kid weird. Long distance to Ruin: Ace nods, right now, Ace doesn't care about weird. Ace's player doesn't want any ooc trouble tho Leodhais seems relieved to see Jay go, for Scheur's sake as much as everyone else's.

Ace takes a moment to move to Stars, trying to catch him before he's out the door, looking over to Kiro. "You're with us for now, then, unless you have a better option." She gestures to where Swifty lies unconscious, "Get her to the Streak...carefully."

Kiro 's lips thins at the Ruin's comment, but he kept quiet. Turning his attention back to Ace, he gave her a smile. "I would glad to accept your offer."

"I may carry you both, one at a time." Nicholas offers, breaking his long tenure of silence, "Sara is very well behaved. You will stay with lady Ace, and walk along nicely, won't you?"

Sara offers a bright smile and a nod, "Yes, Nicky. I will stay with Momma Ace." She giggles lightly before going back to chattering with Gracie.

Quicksilver shifts from his position, offering, "I can carry the Timonae....depending on his wounds, I can manage a second, if they can be carried over a shoulder without injury, or something."

Kit limps out when it seems things are being slowly shuffled into place. "Shut up," she tells Jay as the woman tries to get in the last word, though the imprecation is almost neutrally given, lacking any true vitriol. "Plenty of time to be yelling at some talking tinbots later," she grunts, stretching one leg carefully with a grimace before she manages a slightly more natural stride as she leaves the ward.

The gimp chaseth the gimp, it seems - that's a very slow speed chase that ends up with Stars pausing at the door to Trauma to fumble with that crutch, and Ace having ample time to catch him as he does.

"Meet you on Ungstir then?" Ace says to Ruin as she turns to talk quietly to Stars.

Aadzrian sighs unhappily as people go away, but not fast enough. He reaches over and yanks out his IV with a mild grimace, noting to Quicksilver, "Tirax need be carry careful. If you cans get him, please to be only getting him. I wil walking just fine. But, uh, I need put clot'es on?" Kastaprulyi tucks the datapad back under its bell as Reilly is removed. "Aadzrian, should you and Tirax come to the Mercy with us?" Kas queries. "We have a really good medbay..."

In the absence of anything worth snarling about, the engineer is just....tired. "Da," he says. "Sometime after I've remembered sleep." He frowns a bit, thinking. "...Yes, they should go to the Mercy, Kas, but make sure you leave word so Rath doesn't walk in, or I'll have to stun him to calm him down. And we haven't got time for that sort of nonsense."

"Tom and Aadzrian, they have..." Ace looks to Aadz, "Come to an understanding. Do not believe there will be anymore violence."

Leodhais quietly slips one of his hands in Ruin's.

Volouscheur watches Riley leave, but doesn't say anything. She relaxes slightly, though, once Riley is out of the room. She looks over at Ace and Swifty, and then at Ruin. She shrugs to Aadzrian, ~If you want to. I think getting out of here, and onto your ship, is more important than being properly clothed by Human standards.~ She looks at Ruin again, ~Are we going *now*?~ "Would you take one and I the other, then?" Nicky queries quietly towards, Quicksilver as he slowly stands. He sighs lightly as he rolls his shoulders back, head angling towards the Demarian gently, "Whichever you would like, I shall take the other."

Sara offers a wave in farewell to Gracie, then heads over to stand beside Ace. The girl hums cheerfully to herself as she waits for the Ungstiri to be ready to depart.

Quicksilver nods to Nicky, before moving towards the more injured Timonae, "I'll take him....he'll weigh little enough, so I can maneuver him as needed. Though if he's not going on the Streak, perhaps we should look for a gurney so he can be put on the other vessel?"

Ace puts a hand on Stars arm, shaking her head a bit.

Ruin looks a bit relieved at that. "Oh good. Between Reilly and Kiro, if you're going to be so adventurous, I think we're fully stocked on troublemakers. Having to chain Rath down would just be aggravating." He blinks, pauses, frowns - snaps his fingers. "Oh yes. As per usual, the NLM pays not in cash but in goods. They're not the hottest guns out there, but I suddenly have a lot more guns than I used to. Easy handouts to whoever needs them later."

Stars glances up to Quicksilver, then back to Ace - chuffing softly to her, tail flicking.

"I do no need the Mercy," Aadzrian notes, "no like Tirax. Is in mush better shape t'an he is." Sighing, the scarred Timonae throws aside the blankets and climbs to his feet a little shakily, not bothering to remove his hospital gown- maybe in deference to the children present. "But I go wit' you if Tirax is t'ere and I needs take records wit' Kas. Switch to Streak on Ung-stir."

"Okay, then," Ace says, "Get Tirax to the Mercy. You go there with Kas, Aadzrian, and let me know what he says, da?" she adds to the Centauran. "We will all meet on Ungstir where we can plan our next move."

Kastaprulyi circles around Aadzrian, returning a sense of acknowledgment and starting toward the exit. "Maybe Scheur or Iast could watch what you're seeing when you try seeing the future," Kas adds thoughtfully.

Nicholas offers his arm to Aadzrian, insurance, as well as extra balance, "Come, I will accompany you then, Sir Aadzrian. Or shall I say Roland?" He queries quietly of the injured, though mobile Timonae. Showing the faintist, and a rare hint of humour.

Sara still hums away, happy in her cheerful ignorance of the situation at hand. She stays with Ace, naturally.

Ruin is looking more drained by the moment. "Scheur...if you'd see them onto the Mercy? Maybe we can ...figure something out..." he trails off, shaking his head. "I've got to rest. Sorry. Even the distilled stuff's not working well now." He heads for the doors.

Aadzrian leans on the slightly smaller Nicholas, accepting the aid and throwing his jumpsuit over his shoulder. "Sir Roland wil doing," he notes wryly, "because at least people can be *sayed* it proper. Come on, t'en, let us be to te going." He begins to shuffle his own way out, not quickly but mostly steadily.

Quicksilver bobs his snout, taking up the more wounded Timonae gently. "Someone find us a gurney on the way out....Ace, I'll meet you on the Streak's bridge. Go ahead and prep her for launch."

LeBeau looks around and then stands. "Guess I should head back to the Wolf and get her ready to go. I'll meet ya in orbit to dock when your ready Quick."

Ace shakes her head at Stars and murmurs back.

Volouscheur nods to Ruin and then turns her attention to the situation Ruin's put her in charge of, looking around and then starting to hover after Quicksilver, ~I'll get it - assuming the miltia haven't already snagged them all.~

Kastaprulyi slips out ahead of Nicholas and Aadzrian. "Can I help you with anything while we're leaving?" Kas queries.

Nicholas nods solemnly, showing the faintest hint of a smile, "This is quite true, Sir Roland. Now then, let us be off." The Lunite sets an easy pace, of course not wishing to give the slightly taller Timonae much extra strain.

Yup, Sara sticks by Ace, humming on.

Stars moves for the door again, tail flicking - after one more glance at Quicksilver, and a wry, quiet murmer to Ace.

Quicksilver nods to LeBeau at his words, and then to the Vollistan as well, "That's good of you...I'll meet you at whatever point you catch up to us. Don't linger too long."

"Will see you up there, Remy," Ace says, continuing to organize and shepherd people out the door to their ships.

Kiro stares at the leaving individuals with a tiresome gaze. He glanced at Ace and commented, "It would seem this meeting is mostly adjorned. We should help your crew leave now."

"Da," Ace says to Kiro, pointing to Swifty's bed, "Get her to the Streak."

~Landing pad. That or just outside the building; I'm not going to search very long for a gurney,~ Scheur replies. She hovers off in search of that gurney.

Kiro glances at Ace. "I never heard what crew you are with. Would you mind enlightening me?"

[In ones and twos, the ICU clears out, leaving Ace and Razorback to bring up the rear]

Ace looks to Razorback as she shepherds the last of her crew out the door, "Are you coming with us?" she asks hopefully.

Razorback looks up as he comes through the door, leaning on a tall cane. "Forrr now," he says quietly with a nod, moving to Ace's side.

Ace nods as she offers him support, taking some in return, "Let us assess things from safety...get weapons and armor...then decide when and how to fight. Most of us, we can barely walk right now, so we will go to Ungstir for now."

"Verrry well," the Demarian replies. There is a grave manner about him for now, his grey eyes hard and determined.

Landing Pad  - New Alhira - Demaria - -- A large area of ground has been flattened out and filled with thickly poured ferrocrete; yellow lines and blinking lights mark off landing pads, taxi lanes, and runways. A large building that serves as the small spaceport's terminal sits at the edge of the area, opposite the tall flight traffic control tower. Service crews stand by to help people through the decontamination corridor. To the west, far past the outskirts of the spaceport, lies the blunt Stubtooth Mountains. --

LMS Artemis powers up and thrusts upwards, departing into space.

Quicksilver moves over to settle the wounded man down on the gurney, then leaves him to Scheur's care, offering her a smile. "Well done....I'll see you on Ungstir." That done, he moves towards the Streak, to power her up. "I'm going to get Streak spaceborn so the Wolf can dock, then we'll be landing again. No one panic."

With considerable effort, Jay totes the baggage up the ramp behind Kit. "They won't 'ave ta," she counters cheekily. "Not if yer gettin' all shot on day one." Closing her fist, she pounds on the hatchway.

Ace brings up the rear, her and Razorback leaning on each other as they wait for the Streak to return, "Think everyone, they are accounted for."

The DCV Silver Streak launches slowly, so as not to kick up too much force against the wounded approaching, moving skyward for the Wolfsbane to dock with it.

Volouscheur pushes the now loaded gurney up the Mercy's ramp, moving slower now. Mostly so she doesn't ram into the hatch before it can open.

IND Star of Mercy powers up and thrusts upwards, departing into space.

Stareyes is leaning next to the Decon typing away.

Razorback is standing at Ace's side, dressed like a civilized Demarian finally and leaning on a tall cane. He seems pensive, his jaw set as his eyes and ears flick about the landing pad.

Ace turns to Stareyes, "Tell Silvereye that we are moving to Ungstir for the moment. With no weapons or armor and too many injured, we are not yet fit to fight. Once we can stand and once the children are safe, we will see what can be done."

Kit actually pauses long enough to turn in her stiff awkwardness to bestow a dark look upon her companion. Apparently, that is a pretty sore point, elucidated by her frigid, "How was I to know four Neidermeyers were going to suddenly pop out of every nook and cranny of The Rock, and that the one bug who has a bone to pick with the OGM has an even bigger one with him? Utterly incredible. I would laugh if it didn't pull stitches."

Silvereye steps out of the decon corridor. With the evacuation in full swing the landing pad is a hub of activity as civilians scramble to leave the spaceport. The Battleclaw makes his way towards the civilian ships, his gaze scanning the pad.

And Jay meets Kit's black countenance with a shit-eating grin, or some facsimile thereof, since only one half of her face accommodates that kind of movement. "Fine," she concedes, "then I'll laugh twice as much fer ya. Kee-RIST, Kittianna!" Grunting, she shoulders her burden of parcels and packages as if they were lead. "Who TAKES this much bloody Snow inta th' blinkin' 'ospital?"

Razorback's nose twitches gently, his tail swaying as a familiar scent comes to his nose. He turns towards Silvereye, his head angling down in his direction.

Stareyes looks up at the Battleclaw as he passes. "Hello sir." She murmurs to him and starts up to come up next to him as he walks. "Its been like this for some time."

Ace steps up besides Reilly, reaching silently to take one of the bags up onto her own shoulder if she'll let her.

Silvereye doesn't slow down for Stareyes, keeping up his motion. He looks skyward as the Silver Streak descends, heading towards it. "Good." He replies to the Dokcha. "We're making good progress."

Kit's expression takes on a distinctly pained cast at her companion's choice of words, but simply shakes her head before addressing the complaint with a sniff as she limps the rest o the way up the ramp to punch in the access key to the White Streak. "When a government wants you to do some hacking while you're resting up. Maybe it can help here, maybe not. But at least it is all prime equipment and should not be left behind, no?"

Razorback turns away from Silvereye to give Ace and Reilly a hand, lending his back and arms to the task although he visibly favors his left side, both arm and leg.

"Hackin', eh. Somethin'," the pirate remarks wryly, moving into the ship behind Kit, "is vibratin' in 'ere." She grins like a dope and goes to give one bag an exaggerated shake, only to find Ace holding it firm. The smile vanishes, and she declines the offer with a flat, "you're all blown up." Whether it's concern or a mere snark is unclear, unlike the latter swat at Razorback. "Boys are icky. Paws off, furball."

Stareyes nods and hands her PDA over. "Been keeping a list of departing ships." She says to Silvereye.

Ace blinks again at Reilly, keeping quiet for now as she turns away towards Silvereye.

Razorback looks over at Reilly with an expressionless gaze for a moment before he places whatever he is holding back on the ground and turns away to follow Ace back towards Silvereye, the cane in his hand the only sound he makes as he strides semi-limpingly across the landing pad.

Silvereye nods slowly to Stareyes, "Anything of note?" He asks idly, his focus on Ace and Razorback as they come towards him. "Glad to see you two up and about." The Battleclaw remarks evenly. He turns to Ace. "Ungstir, then?"

Kit rolls her eyes, preparing some scathing remark no doubt at the direction of Reilly's thoughts before the unexpected detours has her glancing back to see who has joined them. Nodding slightly in greeting to Ace and Razorback, she heads into the Streak and simply admonishes, "You break it, you bought it."

Goldenfur comes in, quite fast, and as soon as he sees Ace he go directly toward her, he is not using his crutches, he is using his three limbs to move around faster, altought woobling around, and his crutches are on his back.

UKT Wolfsbane powers up and thrusts upwards, departing into space.

Reilly steps into the Streak on Kit's heels.

"For now, da," Ace nods, "Half the crew, they are still in bed and on the Mercy. none of them have any armor or weapons to speak of and those of us who can stand are barely on our feet. Once there we will assess what we have and what we do not, try to re-equip as best we can and decide on a course of action. When we are fighting fit, we will decide what to do."

"Ssilverrreye," Razorback says, his brow furrowed tightly and his ears leaning back against his head, "I sstill would like to help, but I am none too scerrrtain now that therrre is a plasce forrr me herrre."

"Nothing sir. Been a madhouse but nothing too strange." Stareyes replies.

Goldenfur stands, now with the help of the left crutch that he grab on his back, near Ace and Silvereye, then he asks, to noone in particular, altought he is looking to Ace "What got decided? I needed to see the Theorians before possibly going back to ungstir..."

Silvereye nods to Razorback. "I understand. Tomorrow I'm heading up to take command of the fleet. You are welcome to station yourself with the civilians in the mountains, on Moonstalker or with the fleet. Most of my ground forces are going in the mountains, we can always use a strong hand on an Imperator Class if you decide to fight for Demarian in that way." The Battleclaw turns back towards Ace, his gaze on her for a long moment before he moves to try and hug her gently. "I'm sorry we got so mixed up this past week." He says softly. "Good luck, and I'll see you again soon."

The DCV Silver Streak cycles its engines as it sits on the pad, the loudspeaker crackling, "All aboard who's coming aboard....we need to get moving here pretty soon. We're going to be on the tale end of the outbound traffic."

Ace steps forward to hug the Battleclaw, "Am sorry as well, tovarisch...will come back if we are wanted if we can."

Goldenfur wave both arms, and say "Hey! I should stay with silvereye to engineer to the silent fleet or I can go with Ace back to ungstir? I am willing to do both! It depends if I am more usefull as engineer at the silent fleet or trying to reverse engineer the nanites on ungstir..."

Razorback sighs quietly, his jaw set tightly despite the indecision in his eyes for a moment. Turning back to Silvereye, he sighs. "I believe I sshall be going with them," he says, a paw gesturing towards the Ungstiri woman, "Any sstrrrong, young Demarrrian can do the ssame that I can do forrr you herrre forrr now. They may actually need my assssisstansce in ssome way. You have my worrrd, howeverrr, that I will indeed rrreturrrn. One way orrr anotherrr."

Silvereye steps back from Ace after they hug, his gaze wavering between her and Razorback. Finally the Battleclaw nods. "Very well. I will see you both again soon, but I believe your ship is waiting." He turns towards Goldenfur. "One foot. Better for research than battle."

Stareyes gives Ace and Razorback a nod. "Perhaps we will meet again sometime." She murmurs then follows the Battleclaw's gaze towards Golden.

"When we are ready, we will be back, tovarisch," Ace reiterates, turning to board the Streak.

Goldenfur turn toward Ace, or Ace back, and then he promply asks "Ace, may I go with your crew to ungstir?"

"If that is what you choose to do," Ace nods, "Then da, will give you a ride to Ungstir. From there we can regroup and see what there is we can do."

Goldenfur nods, turn to Silvereye, and says "Silvereye, I will return to Ungstir, but I am willing to defend Demaria, if needed, I am ready, even to fight on ground, altought of course, I prefer to be not fighting on ground without a foot, even being a good marksdemarian..."

Razorback nods again, performing a low, sweeping bow, his tail flourishing out behind him. "May the Motherrr put off yourrr rrresception jusst a little longerrr, old frrriend," he says to Silvereye as he straightens up. He turns briefly to Stareyes, his ears flattening a bit. "Missss Ssharrrpearrr, I owe you an apology," he says, glancing back at the retreating Ace, "But therrre is no time now. Forrr now, I thank you forrr yourrr company when I was not well." With that, he turns 'tail' and heads off for the Streak, his long, albeit limping strides allowing him to easily catch up with the Ungstiri woman.

Silvereye nods to Goldenfur. "It seems that you'll all be back, and we'll welcome you. Brakir watch over you, and may you have Altheor's courage and strength." The Battleclaw says to the departing trio. "Good bye."

Ace boards the DCV Silver Streak.

Bridge  -- The hatchway opens up to a small metal platform, which overlooks a compact command center. Light filters out from hidden coves, providing an even illumination across the bridge consoles. A rainbow of telltales and monitors add a touch of color, breathing life into the functional and utilitarian space. A few steps down, the bridge workstations are arranged in a rough semicircle, following the shark nosed form of the ship's bow. Two stations face forward and are centered beneath the main canopy. The other two workstations face the port and starboard, one on each side of the bridge. The space is tight, with arely enough room to move when all the stations are occupied. --

Ace very carefully settles herself into the pilot's chair, resting her crutch on the floor beside her before strapping in. She peers out onto the landing pad, her expression a mixture of emotions; sad, angry, frustrated, determined. "Feel as if I am a coward," she whispers.

Goldenfur steps in, following Ace, he suddenly say "Ace, no need to worry, you are not coward, we will just gather on Ungstir, your home, also my home, where they need us more than on Demaria, that have the Silent Fleet on the defense, and they never lost" then he approaches the Engineering station and asks "May I engineer? I already engineering this ship before, when we rescued you..."

Razorback nods slowly, moving up beside the woman and putting a heavy paw on her shoulder. "I know," he says quietly, his tail swaying gently behind him, "Sso do I. But Aadzrrrian is rrright. What could I do herrre that any new rrrecrrruit of Silverrreye's could not? My fatherrr ssaid the ssame when I ssaw him today."

"Am sorry," Ace says quietly, "If..." she begins, biting her lip and opting not to go there. "When we are ready, we will come back."

Goldenfur nods to Ace from the engineering station, already finishing what is needed to take off, and repling "Ace, we all, the Fauxites, me, and many Athenauts or ex-Athenauts, have two homes, being Ungstir and Demaria, we are going to defend both, do not worry"

Razorback glances back at Goldenfur for a moment, his expression blank. Turning back to Ace, he gently squeezes her shoulder. "Indeed, we will," he says quietly, "In the meantime, we will have to ssee if we can trrrack down thiss Kip Cassparrr, no?"

"The Faux was my home, Goldenfur," Ace says simply, "Now I am without a home, but at least I have a ship and a family and with both we will fight as best we can." She looks over at Razor, "Da, but this will not be easy on Jest," she shakes her head.

Goldenfur nods, then he says "Ace, my home is also a ship, the Teamhair, right now I have no idea on where the Teamhair is, but I remembered that the greatest places on this galaxy outside a ship are Resilence, and Altheor's Hope, not because these places are great on themselves, but because on Resilence, on the landing pad, where I slept many nights, I could visit my friends by just pressing the buzzer button outside the Faux, the Jackal and the Teamhair that spent most of the time there." then he look to Razor, and says "And Razor, despite on what happened, I always though you to be a friend, not close like Kas, but you are still a friend..." he taps his side, where the holster that Ace gave him is resting and say "There is a reason for carring that even when there are no weapon to place on it... I carry it proudly"

The ex-noble casts another brief glance back at Goldenfur, nodding faintly before he turns back to Ace. "We have all losst homes, Captain," he says quietly, going pensive for just a moment, "Ssome morrre than otherrrs. But we musst do what is given uss to do. The rrresults of ourrr actions? They will take carrre of themsselves."

"Da," Ace says, giving a slight nod, "Will do what we can," she says simply.

>> Outside the Ship: Ungstir Landing Pad (#4075RD^) -- Rough hewn walls of iron and basalt, grooved by machinery used to carve this spaceport facility out of the glinting black and gray rock, rise on all sides and arches above of the broad pad that provides ample room for starships to rest during their stay on Ungstir.

Bright sulfurous lights seem to cast the chamber in permanent daylight despite the gloomy darkness and stars that loom beyond the huge portals, protected by the hazy shimmer of the prot's atmospheric containment fields. Through the force screens, silhouetted by the glow of the distant star Perseverance, one can make out the rolling, drifting shapes of rocks and planetoids - remnants of the world to which this chunk once belonged.

Squat, dark-haired technicians with pale skin and gruff demeanors move from ship to ship, checking fuel levels and mechanical fitness of the vessels. An archway leads out of the landing facility and into the city of Resilience, via the customs station.

Several large bays are set aside for ship maintenance and repair, serving as a general purpose drydock facility.

You can hail a Transport Rockhopper from this location. Type +hopper/hail. --

Razorback watches the stars return to normal, flicking his tail quietly. "Sshould I get the otherrrs rrready to move?" he asks, "Orrr will they be sstaying aboarrrd forrr the moment?"

"Think everyone is where they should be for the moment," Ace says, cutting the engines and leaning back, scrubbing her face with her palms.

Goldenfur checks if everything is in order, then he look at Ace and asks "So... What now? No idea?"

Razorback sighs quietly, squeezing Ace's shoulder again. "You sshould get ssome rrresst, Captain," he says quietly. He glances back at Goldenfur. "It has been a long day, forrr all conscerrrned," he replies to the other Demarian, "And none of us arrre at ourrr full capascity yet." He turns back to the Ungstiri. "Would you like me to look in on Ssinopa? Ssee how sshe handled the trrrip?"

"Spaciba, da," Ace replies to Razor, "As to what next? We heal, we arm and armor ourselves and we find out what is going on and what can be done."

Speaking of which, the young Qua glides in, in her handy hover chair, "Evenin'" she says with as bright a smile as she can get.

Goldenfur nods, and after some time he suddenly says "Ace, if needed, I still have the mydviet pistol, and I think that the last security officer of the AOP that disapeared, also left his weapons and armor... It is no use of us at AOP all this gear, at least not with Dement behaviour toward battle, do you want it?"

Razorback nods slowly. As Sinopa comes in, his face brightens up a bit. "Good evening," he says with a slight bow, leaning gently on the tall cane at his side. "It is good of you to join uss."

"Spaciba, Goldenfur," Ace says, "Will let you know soon. One thing we are not hurting for, it is money. Just need to see what it is that is available to us here and on 999, but if we can use what you have, we will gladly take it...except for your own pistol. Was gift I will not take back." She turns to wearily look over at Sinopa, her crutch lying by her chair, "Da, is good to see you up and about."

Goldenfur turns his head, he is in the engineering station, he smiles and say "Hi Sinopa, how are you?" then he look around and say "Lot of crutches around..."

Sinopa smiles and moves her chair a bit closer to the Demarian, "Thank ye'all," she says, "I'm feelin' much better," she says to Goldenfur, "And how is everybody?" she asks.

"That tends to happen when you fall out of the ssky Goldenfurrr," Razorback replies wryly. He nods quickly to Sinopa, a toothy grin forming. "Much betterrr mysself," he says, "I was jusst going to check on you."

"We are alive and on Ungstir," Ace replies, "We are together and we have a ship. Is not much more we could ask for at the moment."

Goldenfur nods to Razor, then he chuckles and say "So... Erm... I have no idea of what I will do now... Maybe go to the Farseeker and seek for the equipment that the security officers left?"

Sinopa smiles up at Razor, "And just like a bad penny, here I showed up," she says with a smirk, "And I'm doin' well. So, what's the plan then?" she asks.

"Rest, re-equip, check with Ungstir military, try to find Kip and see if the shipyard is still doing work," Ace says, "We could use some shields but otherwise, the Streak, she is a superb ship for now."

"Rrresst, heal, rrre-equip," Razorback says quickly, "Forrr now, that is all we can do."