World Tree MUSH

    Welt watches Tingyun trot off, then turns to the others. "We should make some preparations before visiting any of the commissions. I'm sure this Madam Yukong would agree that coming unprepared and travel-stained as we are wouldn't provide a good impression." he then seems to deflate, suddenly looking his age. "Little miss fox moves at quite the pace -- I can't keep up with her." he chuckles breathily. "I've spent too long on the bench..." he shakes his head, taking a deep breath to reset his breathing before continuing. "Let's catch our breath for a moment -- we can expect a packed schedule ahead of us."

    Stelle frowns in the direction Tingyun left in, her form long-since lost in the crowds. "That Tingyun is a sly one..." she muses, "And this Yukong lady sounds like a tough cookie."

    "Miss Tingyun did the right thing to not trust us to begin with. We're an unknown quanitity after all... and the speed of her wanting to get rid of us can be attributed to her wanting us out of her hair, and up the chain... as for Madam Yukong, it'll be alright, we're not trying to get in her way, and we have nothing to hide."

    March scoffs softly. "We had nothing to hide in Belobog either..."

    "Before we go scampering off into the city, I should give you all a heads-up... our meeting with Madam Yukong is not without risk. We need to be prepared, and take it seriously."

    "If they put us up in a hotel to start with..." grouses Stelle.

    "The Xianzhou Alliance isn't like that, but there will be some difficult questions. Careless answers mean distrust and potential hostility... which would make our job much harder."

    "She's a savvy negotiator." Talia agrees. "She's likely been doing this a long time, and Yukong as well. Since dust was invented. We'll need to prove ourselves useful, or at least keep out of their way. We stumbled into someone else's business, as usual."

    "Please refrain from careless answers." Svarog says matter of factly.
    He's looking *directly* at March and Stelle as he says it.
    Clara lightly tugs his sleeve though and clears her throat.
    "What Mister Svarog means is thatm maybe we should think about what we have to say to them before the meeting. And think really good and really hard."

    "Not a bad idea," Bi De agrees, though he flits wings up lightly. "Although I admit that I am not sure what we need to negotiate. Su we should decide what not to mention, perhaps? Such as who guided us here?"

    The rooster cants his head, checking with the others if they agree with that. "As for our skills... perhaps being 'offworlders' will help in this."

    Jessica, as usual, frets. "O-oh. So um... be a little quiet? That's okay with me, I'm not... sure I can negotiate well. I won't say anything unless one of you ask me something!" She bites her lip. "You all know I'm bad at lying though."

    Welt nods a little. March mumbles something as she's stared down by Svarog, and Stelle just stares right back into that baleful red optic, like she's challenging the big robot all over again.

    "We'll be alright," says Welt in response to the others, laying a gentle hand on Jessica's shoulder. "We'll find a way through this, let me do the talking, alright?" he suggests.

    Barring any intense arguments to the contrary the group is about ready to set off... when Stelle's phone bleeps a message tone.

    Stelle pauses to check it. "It's Tingyun." she states, reading the message, and tapping out a few quick responses. She frowns a bit, then sighs. "She asked me if we were here seeking immortality... but that's forbidden in the Alliance, right?" she looks to Welt for that answer. "She, also warned me to be careful.. the higher ups on their hierachy may hold suspicions about our motives."

    Talia's eyes narrow. "I can't say it's surprising. We did come at a convenient time and asked a load of questions..." She folds her arms, "Svarog is right, we need to choose our words carefully."

    "My Master's route of enlightenment does not lead to immortaility," Bi De says firmly. "That is the reason it is rarely chosen. Yet it is a common goal, I understand this. The temptation to have more time is always with us."

    "Immortality?" Clara blinks. She looks to Svarog.
    "We don't, though. We're just here for the Stellaron." She says, frowning.
    "Are they going to make this difficult for us and then we have to go on a sprawling adventure filled with danger and chaos just to get to it?"
    "Don't be silly, Clara." Svarog says tonelessly. "That is absolutely the likeliest course of events."
    Clara siiiiiiiiighs.

    Jessica blinks a few times. "That's a thing you can do? And why is it banned?" She looks puzzled, her ears twitching uncertainly. "I guess I never thought about it. If you live long enough where I'm from, you just explode anyway. Nobody wants that."

    She looks at Clara, "Oh, yeah, that will always happen!"

    Preliminary plan in place, Welt points the way to the Palace of Astrum, the Navigator's Pavilion and seat of the Sky-Faring Commission. The trip through the throngs is a short one, most routes are closed off by Cloud Knights, as they try to guide people to where they can get medical attention, shelter, food or other necessities after being displaced from the various compromized Havens, Delves and other areas of the vast ship.

    Tingyun is stood outside the large doors to the Palace, hands clasped in front of her as she dutifully awaits the groups arrival. "Ah, you're here. Madam Yukong is waiting for you. I will not be accompanying you however, I have other duties to attend to. Madam Helm Master is up to speed on what you have told me, so it's over to you now~." She then bows, and turns to head off in the direction of the market street nearby.

    Approaching the doors, the Cloud Knight guards come to attention. "Open the doors, Outworlder Guests have arrived." announces one, causing the great doors to swing open, and reveal a hybrid of 'Bridge' and office space. Desks line a central holographic 'pit' that shows the Luofu through-holo, various sections labeled in local script in various colours, engine readouts, hull integrity, current course and speed, projected corrections. The desks have terminals, chairs and paperwork strewn upon them and several people in various uniforms mill about, couriering reports, manning the various stations and otherwise performing the tasks required to navigate a ship on the scale of a whole world.

    At the eye of this storm of activity is a tall, dark-green-haired foxian, her ears perked straight, tail held at a regal angle. She's speaking to someone on a holographic screen that floats in front of her. "Report the losses to General Jing Yuan and find someone from the Divination Commission. They can't just stand there watching while we deal with this mess." she growls softly, tail swishing in agitation.

    Her tone shifts subtly, as she waves a hand to dismiss the comm screen and turns to the group as they approach, flanked by a pair of Cloud Knights who stand respectfully to the sides, out of the way.

    "Greetings, guests from the Astral Express." her voice is deep, with a motherly bent to it... the type of mother who just as quickly as praise a well behaved child, scolds one who misbehaves in equal measure. "Tingyun has informed me of the purpose of your visit. Receiving guests isn't normally one of my responsibilities... but since you know about the Stellaron and have stated that you want to help the Luofu, I thought I should at least meet you in person..." she folds her arms under her bust, and narrows her eyes, the pupils contracting into slits as the slight smile she wore vanishes like morning mist. "And politely decline your proposal."

    Talia's smile is polite and practiced, like any trained diplomat. She must've had a lot of experience trying to look non-threatening. "Hello there." Bowing, Talia greets Yukong with that chipperness that just has to be faked for now. In her defense, it's been a long day.

    "Our arrival is more than a little unexpected, I'm sure, but our intentions are purely altruistic, I assure you!"

    As she said she would, Jessica quietly lingers at the back. When people start greeting, she lifts a hand timidly, her ears splaying to the side and her tail fidgeting in agitation. "Um... hello. Sorry." Sheepishly throwing that apology out in what's her basic best attempt at diplomacy. She doesn't think Blacksteel's normal methods will be very effective here.

    A sweeping, deliberate bow joins Talia's greeting, from the chicken just to her side. "This Bi De greets you, and apologizes for our intrusion into your domain. We are under the impression that there are troubles here, and simply wish to help." He straightens up and clucks softly, "Is there some reason we should be aware of that our request be denied? We have no desire to effect change in your realm's stability, less it be to calm any dire threats to it."

    Time to see the lady!
    Except the lady declines the group's proposal.
    "That's fine. We don't need your permission. Stelle will just probably do things anyway." Clara says...
    Well.
    It's kind of the truth isn't it?
    "Clara..." Svarog prods his ward verbally to be a little more polite before he stands to his full height and turns his attention to Madam Yukong.
    "Unfortunately, however, Clara *is* likely correct. The Nameless designated 'Stelle' lacks the ability to refrain from getting involved in events and crises such as this, and somehow manages to drag others along with her."
    Like how Clara and Svarog are here right now because of Stelle.

    The various flavours of 'Why?' are answered by a severe expression. "The Xianzhou Alliance knows what a Stellaron is, and is more than capable of handling it ourselves. We have been around for over 8000 years and weathered countless dangers and crises in that time. While the situation is serious, we have more than enough resources to spare. Outsider help is not needed on this occasion." She eyes the group, especially Svarog and Clara, and the aforementioned Stelle "You are guests from afar -- ther eis no reason for this matter to concern you... Am I making myself clear?" she asks rhetorically.

    Welt lifts a hand to give pause to the others so he can speak. "From what we've gathered, this incident can still be contained. If we can locate and contain the Stellaron quickly enough, we can still reverse the corrosion and save any spaces... and individuals, affected by it." he straightens a little. "We have experience in preventing Stellaron disasters, and we've only come to lend you that experience."

    Yukong, however, seems unshakable from her choice. "I have said this and I will say it again: This is an internal affair of the Xianzhou Alliance and there is no need for the Astral Express, or anyone else from outside to get involved. I decided to arrange this meeting with you as a gesture of respect, but my decision is final."

    March pipes up, cutting off Welt's attempt ti argue. "Save your breath Mister Yang, if she doesn't want our help then she won't get it, lets go." She starts to turn to leave.

    Yukong's entire demeanor shifts then, and the Cloud Knights grip their weapons a bit more firmly. "I'm afraid that's impossible."

    March blinks. "And what's that supposed to mean?" Stelle shifts her position in the group, coming up near Jessica to lend support in case things turn ugly.

    "It's only been a few days since the presence of a Stellaron was detected aboard the Luofu. Starskiff Haven has been under full lockdown -- no one has been permitted to leave." Yukong lifts her chin, tilting her head with a narrowed gaze. "How did you come to know of this incident, and what led you to conclude that it was linked to a Stellaron?" Her tone turns a bit darker now. "I acquired the access logs for the Jade Gate and Starskiff Haven. Not long ago someone by the name of Silver Wolf, hacked into the system and opened the Gate, then guided you into our territory. Silver Wolf, is a Stellaron Hunter." she plants her hands on her hips. "What say you in your defense?"

    Talia has a VERY bad feeling about this now. Especially as the guards arrive. "Wait a minute, how did this happen twice now? We're smarter than this!" Apparently not, Master Kyras.

    She slowly reaches a hand toward her lightsaber hilt, watching the guards with a wary eye. "You don't want to do this, I promise you."5r

    "Wait..." Clara says... "You don't want our help... But now you won't let us leave?" Clara frowns.
    Especially as the Cloud Knights stance up and look more aggressive.
    She just kind of... Slides behind Svarog.
    Svarog looks from Yukong to the guards and their weapons.
    He says one thing, tone level and cool as he assesses the situation.
    "Threat index rising."
    HOWEVER he holds an arm out to his side as Talia's hand edges for her trusty saber.
    "It is not our intention to initiate hostilities." He notes attempting to forestall conflict.
    But he is ready to throwdown if it comes to blows.
    

    It's not a pleasant thought, and Jessica just looks... confused. "But we don't know anyone named Silver Wolf? Do we? I guess there's Lappland but she's never been on the Astral Express, and she's definitely not a hacker." She forgot about the whole 'don't talk' thing. But things are getting tense, and she frowns, hand hovering near her pistol without drawing.

    Bi De looks on stiffly, seeing the comments and hearing the statement. "As I have no knowledge of this Silver Wolf, I too must insist you either allow us to aid you, or allow us to leave." His tailfeathers rise, wings spreading.

    "We came here with good intentions, and you have stated you have no intention of letting us leave. This is an affront to hospitality and an insult to my honor." The chicken's Qi rises dangerously, but he does not make an aggressive action. Instead, his voice grows more cold, and he scratches a talon on the floor. "It would be best if you corrected this... misunderstanding. Such an insult cannot be left unanswered."

    Yukong notes all the tension, reaching for weapons and the general shift in the outsiders. "You are forbidden from leaving the Sky-Faring Commission until the aforementioned questions have been investigated." she states with finality.

    Then a deep, smooth male voice with a natural chuckle behind it. "Don't be so harsh Yukong. If this gets out, the whole galaxy will thing the Alliance has forgotten how to treat our guests." he says, as a hologram walks into view.

    Yukong's entire demeanor shifts once again. "G-General Jing Yuan--" she stutters, eyes wide in surprise.

    "It's very unlikely that the Express has joined forces with the Stellaron Hunters. They are mortal enemies, after all." The hologram bows formally. "Apologies for interrupting your meeting. My name is Jing Yuan -- I'm the general of the Cloud Knights here on the Luofu." he has an easy smile, as if his face is naturally set that way, and his tone is gentle yet commanding. "While I do agree with the Helm Master that this is an internal affair, and we cannot accept outside help, it would be inappropriate of me to let you return without something to show for your troubles. While I cannot accept your help in regard to the Stellaron, I do have a favour to ask. Please... if you would?" he gestures to one of the side alcoves... everyone in said alcove very quickly makes themselves scarce as the hologram flickers over into the area.

    The silence is tense until General Jing Yuan intervenes. It seems that there's still some friends looking after the crew after all. Talia releases her hilt and relaxes her posture. When Jing motions to head for the alcove, Talia follows him with promptness in her pace.

    Seeing someone intervene, Jessica relaxes. "Oh, thank you. I think Bi De really would have gone at you, and nobody wants that." She huffs, looking over toward the alcove and following behind Talia. "These Stellaron seem to be a lot of trouble. Wouldn't it be easier to just get rid of them? It'd make our lives easier." She pauses. "Hum... though I seem to remember someone saying that wasn't easy to do..."

    It's very tense. Svarog is ready to defend Clara at the drop of a hat.
    And Bi De...
    This is very much a Do Not The Rooster moment.
    "Threat index rising significantly." Svarog notes as the mighty chicken displays his power.
    It is only General Jing Yuan who prevents Yukong from getting mauled by an angry rooster.
    "Oh..." Clara sounds relieved that she doesn't have to witness that.
    

    The incoming transmission causes Bi De to pause, then... his feathers relax. His eyes remain narrowed at Yukong for a long moment, then the dapper-clad rooster bobs his head to the General. He doesn't try to speak, after that angry outburst, but at least there's a de-escalation.

    Stiffly, the chicken turns and walks toward the indicated alcove. Fortunately, the intervention worked before things could get har- difficult.

    Joining the General in the alcove, away from other ears, for the most part, he turns and bows again. "The Astral Express! I must confess that the train's reputation precedes it, such that it is often close to my thoughts. How delightful to come face to face with its passengers!" he says, clearly giddy and genuine in his enthusiasm.

    Stelle looks the hologram up and down curiously. "Are you really a general?" she asks, but Welt quickly steps in to deflect. "It's an honour to meet you, General... may I ask what the favour you spoke of is?" he says, making a shushing gesture at the greyhaired young woman.

    "Ah, a matter that requires capable people such as yourselves. We captured a member of the Stellaron Hunters a few days ago, who goes by the name of 'Blade'." Jing Yuan 'taps' at a console only he can see, it doesn't manifest in the projection. "During our investigation, the Divination Commission -- the department in charge of intelligence processing -- intercepted a transmission sent out by his accomplice, Kafka, who has managed to hide aboard the ship. As for where that transmission was destined..." He lets his statement hang in the air... waiting for those gathered to finish the thought for him... though he clearly knows the answer already.

    "Do you think we can have a chat with this Blade fellow?" Talia asks. "Perhaps we'll be able to figure out what he was after specifically." She was rather eager to have some words with Kafka, herself. It seems Kafka had sent the group into something of a den of wolves.

    "Oh isn't that the transmmfmmfmfmmnnfmh." 
    Clara starts to speak before Svarog gently covers her mouth with a finger.
    Clara pouts at this. "Mmf."

    Jessica is savvy enough to not talk about Kafka, just listening for now and nodding her head a few times. "It's mostly Stelle and these guys who are part of the Astral Express. Bi De and Talia and I are kind of along for the ride!" She gestures, indicating who she's talking about. "It really has been pretty busy so far! I can't say it wasn't boring! I really just kind of um... fell into their laps one planet back."

    "Hmm." Bi De walks along, but Talia already requests to speak with Blade. "My own aims are often unaligned with these Stellaron and such things. Human social systems are confusing. I am merely here to defend the weak and bring a more stable life to everyone."

    Jing Yuan's expression shifts subtly at Talia's question, "I'm afraid that is impossible. He is being held in the Shackling Prison for crimes perpetrated in accordances with the Plagues Author(Yaoshi) and his own selfish designs." he states, before the serene smile tugs at his lips again. "Though, I do have some knowledge of the Nameless' relationship with the Stellaron Hunters. The Divination Commission is convinced that you made an alliance with them... I say that's impossible. The crew of the Astral Express are honorable people whose valiant deeds are lauded across the universe. There must be some kind of misunderstanding." he continues, giving Clara, then Svarog a kind look in turn. "As such, I came to the conclusion that the communication must have been an attempt by the Stellaron Hunters to sow dissent between the Express, and the Alliance."

    Stelle remains quiet, her golden eyes flicking between the others, as if seeking a guideline to follow. Welt remains pensive, March has chosen to stand well back and keep quiet, and the others are all taking their own tracks.

    Jessica's explanation earns a thoughtful nod from Jing Yuan. "Estemed guest, you arrived aboard the Express, in the eyes of the Alliance you are part of the crew and will be extended the same hospitality as they are, fear not." he assures.

    "Master Bi De, your goals and aims align well with the Alliance... though you are clearly not from this universe. I extend a personal apology for Madam Yukong's treatment of you to accompany the one extended to everyone. I am sure we can work together on such an endeavour." he adds to Bi De.

    "That said, we of the Luofu can handle the Stellaron ourselves, though that will require time and the bulk of the Cloud Knights to accomplish. Kafka, concerns me most." he frowns slightly. "The longer she stays aboard the ship, the bigger the threat she will pose." he taps another few buttons, and small placards appear next to each of the outlanders, before flicking off. Their presence can be seen out of the corner of the eye. "Since the Stellaron Hunters lured you to our ship, we shall move with the current." he gestures in the vague direction of the placards. "You are hereby authorized to do as you deem fit on the Luofu, with the goal of bringing Kafka out of the shadows and under out control... those identity markers I gave you are to inform any Cloud Knight or Divination Commission officers of your purposes."

    Dissent? Is that what that was?
    Clara frowns. She doesn't know Kafka well. ... At all really, but Svarog removes his finger from her lips.
    "Wait why would they want to cause dissent though?" She asks brow furrowing.
    "it is a good question. What do the Stellaron Hunters stand to gain by this course of action?" Svarog asks in turn. 
    "Also Mister Bi De got really mad. It's good that you're apologizing because he looked like he was getting ready to -mmfmfmnnbfl."
    Svarog once again gently shushes Clara.

    Talia doesn't know Kafka nearly enough. It's curious, why would they be sticking their noses in here?

    It doesn't make much sense to Jessica, either, but she does get some things. She's not sure how to explain it gently to Clara. "Well... if I had to guess, it's because they wanted to do something while we were arguing. Right? If the Astral Express is fighting um... the people here, then the Hunters can do what they want while we're all distracted."

    Bi De fluffs his feathers. "I truly was angry, yet I am forgiving as well. I strive to be as kind and understanding as my Master. It would not reflect well upon him if I were not willing to overlook a misunderstanding, now that the matter has been settled." He clucks lightly, "Though it truly does worry me that someone would attempt to stir others into battle. I have seen such things before, and they rarely end well."

    Jing Yuan nods. "Doing this for us would clear the misunderstanding between us, reveal the true intentions of the Stellaron Hunters, and help us understand their connection to the Stellaron burst, if any." he says.

    Welt glances around, then looks to Stelle. "What do you think, Stelle?" he asks curiously.

    "M-Me?" asks the grey-haired newbie, she then takes on a contemplative look, cupping her chin with one hand. Golden eyes look up at the hologram of the general, and a small smile tugs at her lips, mimicing his own. "Let's move with the current, and help out."

    Jing Yuan smiles a bit wider. "If you are able to capture this Stellaron Hunter, the Xianzhou will be indebted to you. The Luofu never fails to reward that which is given." he says.

    Welt glances around, looking for the input from the others before he makes a solid decision.

    "I really need to defer to the others here, because I don't know a lot about this, but if it helps out then I don't see the problem with pitching in, right?" Jessica shrugs to everyone else, making sure she looks around, ears twitching, to make sure her logic is sound.

    Talia regards Stelle with contemplative eyes. Perhaps catching this thief could offer the crew some leverage, a chance to get out of here. It seems like Stelle will be the tiebreaker here. "That would offer us some much-needed leverage, indeed." She concurs to Jing Yuan.

    Another soft cluck, and Bi De points out, "It is also the right thing to do." Though his voice sounds distant, thoughtful, as if considering some other things.

    Once more Svarog un-silences Clara-- who immediately shoots her metallic father figure a pouty look.
    "Well." She says at length. "If we're going with the flow like big sis Stelle says... We'll help too."

    Welt nods to each speaker in turn. He looks appreciative of everyone's input, and when he turns back to Jing Yuan, he nods again. "... Okay."

    The general smiles a bit wider. "Wonderful, it's a deal then. I shall notify Yukong that all intel is to be shared with you and our best personnel are to aid you in your search." He fiddles again with the terminal outside of the hologram field while he continues, likely sending the messages to where they're needed. "If there's anything the Sky-Faring Commission or the Cloud Knights can do for you during your stay, don't hesitate to make it known."

    Welt turns, and as his hands move out of sight of the hologram, he makes a gesture that's been shown to everyone. 'We need to talk this out on our own', it says.

    Welt wanders off to a different, unused corner of the bridge area. Noone stops them or gives a second glance, save for Yukong's gaze following them until they move far enough she would have to physically turn to keep tracking them... she doesn't seem upset, but she's clearly not happy with the current arrangement.

    Welt sighs softly. "I think we only scratched the surface of this General Jing Yuan." he says once everyone gathers up again, his voice kept at a lower tone so it doesn't travel.

    Stelle asks, "Do you think there's something strange about him? He seemed fine to me..."

    "I don't know about 'strange', but my gut tells me something is off..." muses Welt again, cupping his chin and tapping his cane on the deck... "Ah! That's it. A minor detail, but curious... apart from responding to Miss Kyras, he avoided talking about Blade... and I think he was lying about the prison."

    Talia smiles broadly and bows her head, giving a two-fingered salute in thanks. "We'll be in touch, general." She says.

    Once they're out of earshot, Talia gives Welt a nod. "I think we've just wandered into a much grander game than we expected. I've got a bad feeling about this." Jing was evading that question like it was trying to stab him in the chest.

    "Off? Off how?" Clara asks blinking.
    "This isn't going to be like Belobog again is it?"
    "It would be preferable to not have to cover up another 'noble sacrifice'." Svarog says while Clara makes a face.
    "What makes you think he was lying, mister Welt?"

    "M-maybe it's just a really uncomfortable topic," Jessica offers. "But..." she sighs, her tail and ears drooping. "It would be a good idea to be careful. I really don't want to be a scapegoat again. I'm a cat, I don't even have hooves or horns!"

    "Our friend Talia is correct," Bi De agrees. "We cannot simply continue without knowing what we are getting into. That will lead to more fighting, more danger, and possibly injury. To us, or to others, especially innocents." He flicks his comb back with a warbling sigh. "The question we must ask now is: how do we find out more?"

    "The General did say if we had any questions..." Stelle points out, glancing meaningfully at Yukong over her shoulder. The foxian isn't looking this way, but her closest ear cocks toward the group, likely having picked up her name being mentioned if nothing else.

    "We should be careful, this is clearly a delicate situation. He's clearly in need of help that can't be linked directly to him. Blade has clearly either escaped, or was never captured in the first place, and Kafka is now his best bet at luring in the Stellaron Hunters." Summarizes Welt with an adjustment of his glasses.

    With nothing more to be gleaned, at least without tipping off anyone to what could possibly be a very delicate situation for the General, the group head outside.

    Stelle's phone bleeps, and she looks at it curiously. "It's Tingyun again... she says she'll meet us at the docks."

    Talia has the sneaking suspicion that they're about to stumble into another conspiracy. "I guess we'd better not leave her hanging, right Stelle?"

    Tingyun is calling huh.
    "Huh." So Blade is still a wildcard too on top of it all.
    "We should see what Tingyun wants." Clara considers, pursing her lips.
    Svarog remains silent, keeping his machinations and calculations to himself for now.
    "Maybe we can learn more from her." Clara does point out to Bi De.

    "I guess I can ask stuff to the General. I don't know what I'm looking for but he might talk more to me, maybe, if I um... talk about guns or something." Jessica suggests, trying to leverage the military part of 'PMC' to see if that would help. "What do we want though? Should we help them catch Kafka?"

    It's a short walk back to the docks. Most of the people have cleared out and the Cloud Knights assigned to the task have dispersed back to other stations and duties. Only a few locals, and a couple of Starskiff pilots hang around on the docks. None of them pay the visitors any more attention than a passing glance.

    Tingyun is standing at the very edge of the pier where they alighted on the transport skiff, which has since departed. She's looking out across the skyscape before her, a dizzying view of a vast blue sky that surrounds the 'floating island' of the Haven. Beyond, looming massive is one of the many Gates that lead outside of the protective bubble surrounding the massive ship.

    Tingyun doesn't turn, but one of her ears flicks back at the approaching footsteps. She sighs softly, "Madam Yukong has asked me to look after you." she chuckles a little dryly. "Seems we were destined to be in each other's company..." She turns then, clasping her hands in front of her like a service staff at a restuarant or something. "The Sky-Faring Commission has reserved rooms for you at the Petrichor Inn. When you finish your business here, have about we take tea together?" she suggests, offering that diplomatic smile like she did before.

    "A hotel? Again?" asks Stelle, clearly remembering what happened last time.

    Welt gently taps her shoulder. "Easy... I know this may be bringing back bad memories."

    Tingyun hails a Starskiff. The craft circles in, unmanned, apparently they have an autopilot feature. She steps aboard, takes the controls and gestures for the group to embark. This is a passenger skiff, so there's proper places to sit, and a guard-rail around the seating area, it also doesn't judder as much when the engine powers up. Tingyun pilots the craft away from the Haven, and toward another nearby pier on the same general 'island', coming in to dock and extending the ramp again.

    That done, she leads the group to a fairly large and ornate building with an outdoor seating area. It's a fairly traditional looking, if ostentaciously appointed 'travellers inn' that one might see on a planet before the industrial revolution.

    March gives a big yawn. "Well, here we are... I'm feeling sleepy already." she grouses, rubbing at one of her gradiant hued eyes.

    "Ready for a nap already? That's not like you March." teases Stelle... though she looks a bit wary at the inn.

    "Hey, that's not fair! My eyes are peeled this time -- I'll make a run for it the moment things go wrong." retorts March lightly, then turns more serious. "Jokes aside, did you see the way Madam Yukong frowned at us? I thought her guards were going to jump out of nowhere and put us in jail for sure. I'd rather deal with monsters than thes big shots."

    As March is talking, Tingyun's ears flick toward her... she breaks off the quiet conversation she was having with Welt, and turns to look at the archer, arms folding lightly under her chest... Stelle does a quick flicking of her eyes, but March doesn't notice until it's too late.

    "Worry not, Benefactor. My lips are sealed~." purrs the foxian, "But as her subordinate, it is my duty to say that Madam Yukong means well, but she must keep her guard up. We are in the middle of a crisis right now, and she is responsible for security of the Xianzhou's customs and borders." Tingyun then smiles playfully. "She's actually a very reasonable old girl in private~."

    Talia fights the urge to yawn. She's lost track of just how much sleep she's had, especially since she got here. The Force can only really keep you awake for so long before you go a bit loopy, and the last time she pulled an all-nighter like this, well...

    Bad things happened. She saw bad things.

    "I'm sure she is." Talia answers Tingyun, "This just hasn't been our day for warm welcomes I suppose. But I'll definitely accept tea and a warm bed."

    A hotel.
    Clara looks to Stelle.
    "Are hotels nice? I've never stayed in a hotel."
    She's clueless about why Stelle might not like hotels.
    They only had the one hotel in Belobog's underworld and she never got to stay there.