[colonial] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[colonial] Brianna says, "Yay, fight-scenes ahoy1"

G_M says, "So when last we left our intrepid heroes, they were engaged in diplomatic negotiations...."

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "(Or) Yay, fight-scenes ahoy!"

[colonial] Tymen says, "I'd like to hear IC what Alonso just saw, but I don't think there's any way for him to tell us without looking suspicious."

[colonial] Brianna asks, "lag?"

[colonial] Alex says (to Brianna), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that Lag is what Iain always has."

Alonso stumps back around to the door, leaning on his staff, and moves to open it.

[colonial] Alonso says (to Tymen), "I may have a big speech in a second. I'll work it in"

G_M says (to Alonso), "Corley frowns at you. "No, padre.""

[colonial] Alonso says, "Okay, I'm going to work Oratory for all it's worth."

Alonso says, "Corley, I am confused. You claim to be afraid for what will happen to you, this man, and your CREW"

Alonso puts a bit of emphasis on this latter bit

Alonso says, "if you turn him over to the authorities here. You claim to want what is best for him, for us, and indeed for all of us who are foreigners here."

Alonso says, "But your actions belie your words. You have taken a course of action which can only endanger you, and more worryingly your CREW"

Alonso asks, "I can look in and see a man drinking Falisci wine, but I cannot talk to him? None of us can?"

Alonso says, "This is not for good. This is for evil. This is for plans which cannot be exposed to the light of day, for fear of what they will do to you in the eyes of your crew."

Alonso asks, "What do you hide, sir? Why can we not speak with him? What do you hope to gain?"

[colonial] Alonso says, "I think that's about enough usage of the rule of three."

[colonial] Brianna asks, "rule of three?"

[colonial] Alonso says, "In speeches, using three linked phrases or ideas to establish a rhythm"

(From G_M) Corley: (stiffly) The man is in custody and will be handed over to the local authorities.

[colonial] Alonso says, "Oh, should I roll oratory? I'm interested in what sort of things I can stir up between Corley and his crew."

[colonial] G_M says, "Interesting"

[colonial] Brianna says, "ah. I've seen it done, but didn't know there was a term for it."

[colonial] Alonso says (to Brianna), "It may not be a standard one, so don't quote me or anything."

[colonial] Tymen says, "I'm familiar with it from things other than speeches -- it comes up in writing and art, too."

[colonial] Alonso says (to Tymen), "yeah. You hear a lot about it in photography and art composition"

[colonial] Alonso says, "or at least I do."

[colonial] Brianna asks, "I don't recall where we all were specifically when we broke up last time. Was I with Alonso below-decks or still on upper deck?"

[colonial] Tymen says, "I'm still on our ship, but probably at the rails where I can see whatever's on deck on theirs."

[colonial] G_M says, "You were all together."

[colonial] Brianna says, "In some things, its more a rule of odd numbers. Having 3 or 5 or 7 of something is okay, but 2, 4 or 6 isn't."

[colonial] Tymen says, "Or that, sure. :)"

[colonial] Alonso says (to Tymen), "heh"

[colonial] Alonso asks (of G_M), "anyway -- roll to try to stir up the crew and get them muttering?"

Brianna asks (of Group(inanasid)), "Any idea when the locals will show up?"

G_M says (to Alonso), "Some crewman whispers, "are we in danger?""

Alonso says (to Corley), "He is in *your* custody, and you have reasons for keeping him separated from everyone else."

Alonso asks, "What is it that cannot bear to see the light of day?"

[colonial] Brianna says, "Well, your oratory inspired *me.*"

[colonial] Alonso exclaims, "yay!"

[colonial] Alonso says, "The benefit of having a week to think about what you'll say next"

G_M says (to Brianna), "Come to think of it ... you ARE the locals' representatives."

[colonial] Brianna says, "In fact, I think I'll give it whirl. I haven't used that skill yet."

[colonial] Brianna says (to G_M), "Uh, we are? I missed that part."

Brianna exclaims, "Men, your captain is harboring a fugitive!"

[colonial] G_M says (to Brianna), "Yeah, the General sent you all ... now Corley's insisting that the man be handed over to the *local* authorities, not you representatives."

Brianna says, "This man is a criminal in this country, and has caused an international incident, yet he is given aid and comfort on this ship."

Brianna says, "Men, your captain is in danger of becoming an oath-breaker. It will go badly for you if you follow him."

Brianna says, "Captain, we are here at the bequest of the General. Turn the man over."

(From G_M) Corley (clearly losing his temper): Alright! If you are so insistent on speaking to him .... just one .... YOU (points at Tymen).

Brianna says, "Sir, I think you misunderstand me. This is no longer a request for speech, but for custody."

Alonso looks admiringly at Brianna.

[colonial] Alonso says, "Ah, someone after my own rash heart"

Tymen steps forward, to go in nonetheless, before he changes his mind.

[colonial] Brianna says, "Dunno what was up last week, with me trying to avoid a fight and all. I must have been off my feed. ;-)"

(From G_M) Corley throws up his hands in exasperation. "Very well, let us go into the harbour. The sooner this matter is finished, the better."

Brianna says (to Group(whispering)), "At least one of us should stay on our own ship, to give direction to the crew if necessary."

G_M says (to Tymen), "no-one's stopping you...."

Tymen opens the door, stepping in cautiously (lest the fellow be hiding behind the door with a blund object.

[colonial] Tymen says (to G_M), "Sorry, typing slow tonight."

[colonial] Tymen says, "Also, poor (blunt)."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Er, poorly. See what I mean?"

Alonso follows Tymen. Tap, tap, tap.

Brianna says (to Reginald-bot), "You take command of our ship."

G_M says (to Tymen), "the man is sitting on his bunk with a glass of wine. He looks vaguely familiar ... you get the impression that you might have seen him before, somewhere in Vendel."

[colonial] Brianna says, "oh, wait, he's not here, is he. He's fetching the locals. darn."

(From G_M) Reginald salutes and takes command of the ship.

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "or maybe he is. yay!"

[colonial] Alonso says, "He's gifted enough to be in two places at once."

[colonial] G_M says, "Oh right."

Tymen leans casually against the wall, and looks slowly across the room -- taking in the man, the wine, the pin, the state of the room...

(From G_M) Anders: I'm surprised Corley let anyone in. It makes me suspicious.

Tymen says, "So, you're the fellow with the dangerous lips."

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "Better watch him, Tymen - don't let him kiss you, too!"

(From G_M) Anders shrugs. "Clearly Corley's decided I'm not *that* dangerous, if he's willing to risk handing me over."

[7thsea] Tymen rolls 3k3: 9 3 1 | 13

Alonso says, "Interestingly enough, he wasn't too keen on us talking to you."

Brianna hollers to the crew of the other ship to follow closely when this ship moves and to help make sure they both make it safely into the harbor.

[colonial] Tymen says, "Drama die."

[7thsea] Tymen rolls 1k1: 10+6 | 16

G_M says (to Tymen), "Hm. Anders' pin is broken in almost exactly the same way as Martinez's pin. A clean break, nothing holding the two halves together but the pin behind."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "What nationality is he?"

G_M says (to Tymen), "Oh yeah ... now you remember ... you've seen this guy on occasion in some of the seedier bars in Kirk. There was some story about a murder, later, and then he disappeared."

Tymen asks, "You're a long way from home, aren't you? Come all this way to kiss and run?"

(From G_M) Anders: Oh, I've had some other business. Corley pays well enough, but some people (indicates the wine) are more generous.

Alonso says, "Oh? I didn't know the reach of Falisci extended even down here."

[Crows-Nest] (from Tymen) Alonso says, "You wouldn't happen to know Meander Verde de Falisci, by any chance?"

[Crows-Nest] Alonso exclaims, "Ha!"

Tymen says, "If Corley is willing to turn you in to save his own skin, maybe turnabout's fair play."

(From G_M) Anders: Falisci? Heh, to tell the truth I don't even know who my last employer actually was. We always shpoke through a a mi'le man.

Alonso asks, "Sir, are you feeling okay?"

[colonial] Alonso says, "Quick diagnose to make sure this is just drunkenness and not something more sinister"

[7thsea] Alonso rolls 5k3: 9 9 8 4 7 | 26

(From G_M) Anders Wine seems a (wheeze) bit stronger than I thought ... they said it was good stuff.....

[colonial] Alonso says, "Oh, *great*."

[colonial] G_M says (to Alonso), "You'd guess it was something more sinister."

Alonso rushes to Anders and sticks his fingers down Anders' throat, directing his head *away* from his robes.

(From G_M) Anders: !!

[colonial] Alonso says, "They never really told me this would be necessary back in the university"

Tymen says, "If you can clear Madam Selva's name and give them a lead on the big fish behind all this, maybe they'll g-- uh..."

Tymen just sorta stares at Alonso.

Alonso exclaims (at Anders), "Don't fight me! The wine may have been poisoned!"

G_M says (to Brianna), "And you hear the crash of something falling over in the cabin."

Tymen exclaims (at Alonso), "Don't kill him, you crazy priest!"

Brianna hurls the door open. "Alonso! What in the name of Theus is going on?!

Alonso exclaims (at Tymen), "Grab that wine bottle!"

Tymen grabs that wine bottle.

Alonso exclaims (at Tymen), "and don't let anyone take it from you! I think it contains poison!"

Brianna exclaims, "Legion!"

Tymen almost, but doesn't quite, drop that wine bottle.

[colonial] Alonso asks, "Does anything else come to mind for combatting such a thing?"

Brianna looks around for Corley, and charges in his direction.

(From G_M) Anders struggles but seems surprisingly weak.

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Counteragent?"

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Antidote?"

Tymen sniffs the wine bottle.

(From G_M) Corley turns to face Brianna, a little surprised.

[colonial] Alonso says, "An antidote, or something to slow the spread of poison, or even ground mustard to induce vomiting (assuming that's a good idea. I figure it's not a corrosive agent or he would have noticed when he swallowed)"

[colonial] G_M says, "It seems to be more of the narcotic variety."

Brianna slams Corley into the nearest wall. "Antidote! Where! Is! The! Antidote?!

(From G_M) Corley: What are you talking about?

[colonial] Alonso says, "and me without a Mr. Coffee"

[colonial] Alonso says, "or even Father Cadfael"

Brianna drops Corley. "You drugged him. The wine. What is it?

[colonial] G_M says, "And Brianna gets the Captain Kirk award."

[colonial] Alonso exclaims, "ha!"

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "hee hee!"

(From G_M) Corley: I don't know anything about any wine. Only wine we serve on this ship is Castillian Madeira.

Alonso assists Anders in sitting. "You've been drugged or poisoned. Stay with us. Where did you get the bottle? Where is the card that came with it?"

Brianna says, "Come with me." Brianna drags Corley to where Anders & co are."

(From G_M) Anders retches a little, expels some of the wine.

Tymen says (to Brianna), "I don't think he's faking the dumb act here"

Alonso says (to Tymen), "Do you see a card around? He was reading from it when I looked in the window."

Tymen looks for the card.

(From G_M) Anders gestures to the corner where he tossed the card. Brianna and Corley come in.

Tymen steps carefully around the new puddles forming.

Brianna says (to Corley), "Look. This man drank the wine from that bottle <points> and now he looks like this. That is *not* normal, even for harbor-grog."

Alonso says, "let alone Falisci wine"

(From G_M) Corley: poisoned Falisci. whew. Now that's what I call sacrilege.

Brianna asks, "Where did it come from? Who brought it in here?"

(From G_M) Corley: I should think Anders himself brought it here. It certainly wasn't here this morning.

Tymen, whils looking for the card says, "Anders, if you can talk, tell us who your middle man was... maybe we can get him back for you."

(From G_M) Anders: (cough) Ludovic Strange.

Tymen mutters something almost certainly obscene udner his breath.

Tymen says, "...I should have guess."

[colonial] Tymen says, "-ed"

Alonso says, "Strange is in many places, it seems."

G_M says (to Tymen), "the lettering on the card is carefully printed in block letters. It's in Vendel. "Thank you ever so much. This is a token of my gratitude.""

Brianna says, "Also, odd."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Careful in the same sense as the Eisen note?"

Alonso has disconnected.

(From G_M) Anders: (wiping his mouth) Strange handles most of o-- my business dealings around here.

[colonial] G_M says, "Oh yes. Someone clearly not wishing to let their handwriting give them away."

Tymen pockets the card. "I guess he's been around longer than I thought."

Brianna asks, "And poisons people he decides not to like on any given week?"

Tymen asks (of Alonso), "Is he going to live?"

Brianna asks, "Have any of this other, ah, associates, gone suddenly missin? Or dead?"

G_M says (to Alonso), "probably."

Tymen nods discretely to Brianna.

(From G_M) Anders: (smiling sickly) part of our business is in killing each other. So dead? Yes. Not by poison, though.

Alonso has connected.

(From G_M) Corley: Well, that's enough. I hope you're all very happy. Perhaps you should see about investigating this Ludovic Strange now.

[Crows-Nest] Alonso asks, "Whoops. Last I saw was my message to Tymen. Anything happen since then?"

[Crows-Nest] G_M says, "Anders: (wiping his mouth) Strange handles most of o-- my business dealings around here."

[colonial] Alonso asks, "Can I tell if this dose of wine is going to be fatal to Anders?"

Tymen says (to Corley), "Not a bad idea. But I'm still curious why you didn't want to let us speak to this man."

[colonial] Tymen says (to Alonso), "I think the GM said he'd probably live."

[colonial] Alonso says, "aha"

[colonial] G_M says (to Alonso), "Yes, it would have been fatal, had he drunk the whole glass and if you hadn't noticed the onset of the symptoms in time."

[colonial] Tymen says, "Also... the card's in Vendel, but in the same non-handwriting as the note. And Strange handles most of Anders' 'business dealings' around here."

[colonial] Alonso exclaims, "Wahoo! My fingers don't smell nasty for nothing!"

[colonial] Brianna says, "And it apparently didn't suprise him to have someone make an attempt on his life in relation to his "business dealings.""

[colonial] Tymen says, "I imagine I know what business that is."

(From G_M) Corley: If you must know, I am involved in certain high-security dealings for the crown of Avalon. No offence, padre, but I doubt if your government would be too happy about it.

Tymen asks, "And do those dealings involve having the general's wife put to death?"

Alonso asks, "With Avalon?"

Alonso says, "I will try not to be shocked."

[colonial] Tymen says, "(Hmm. If he can't tell that I'm not a priest, I guess I might as well not correct him.)"

(From G_M) Corley They have nothing to do with the General or his wives or this city.

[colonial] G_M says (to Tymen), "Oh, he refers to Alonso for that second bit"

[colonial] Tymen asks, "He just wanted a lowlife-for-hire, and made the mistake of picking one who was just finishing up another high-profile job?"

Alonso continues supporting Anders, but shifts to try to get in a more comfortable position.

Alonso says, "I wonder where Strange is now."

Tymen says, "Last I saw, at home."

Tymen says, "He was awake a few hours ago, but I doubt he is now."

Alonso asks (of Anders), "Stay awake! When did you get the bottle of wine?"

[colonial] G_M says, "Given that they probably came here on the same ship, it's quite possible that Anders was working for Corley before he picked up this other job here."

[colonial] Alonso says, "He doesn't strike me as the brightest fellow"

[colonial] G_M asks, "Anders?"

[colonial] Alonso says, "yeah"

[colonial] (from Tymen) Alonso says, "He's all wobbly, and can't stand up straight, and he talks like he's on drugs or something."

(From G_M) Anders: it was waiting for me at an appointed spot. A hollow tree just a few yards in from the Colonel's.

[colonial] Alonso says (to Tymen), "yay"

Tymen asks, "Is that where your orders magically appeared, as well?"

(From G_M) Anders: No, those were passed on to me through Strange.

Alonso says, "madre de theos, but this is most vexing"

[colonial] Tymen says, "(Wouldn't that be blasphemous on Theah?)"

[colonial] Alonso says, "I'm under stress"

[colonial] Tymen says, "(Hee.)"

G_M says, "You hear the anchor being dropped. You must be in port now."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Did we unhook from our ship at some point, I hope?"

[colonial] G_M says, "I thought the idea was that your ship would escort this one in."

[colonial] Tymen says, "But but we don't want the gangplank to snap off :)"

Tymen says (to Anders, Alonso, Brianna), "Let's get to the prison, for now. We can deal with Strange after."

[colonial] G_M says, "Heh. Someone's probably fixed that."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Also, so Anders didn't have a ring on, right?"

(From G_M) Anders: Riiight. You save me from sleeping to death, so I can get stoned to death. Makes sense.

[colonial] G_M says (to Tymen), "Oh? No, no ring."

Brianna says, "If we find out your going to be stoned, we'll return your wine bottle to you."

Tymen says (to Anders), "Look, I'm sure you're a bright fellow. I'm sure you know a few things the authorities might find valuable."

(From G_M) Anders: (smiling) much obliged.

Brianna asks, "After all, does not the good book say to give wine to those in distress or in agony?"

Alonso says, "I certainly am for someone being comfortable if they are to be killed."

Tymen says (to Anders), "And if you can't find a way to make a deal, I'm going to wonder if you're really a vendel."

Alonso helps Anders up.

Alonso says, "Besides, I imagine you know things that might keep you alive yet."

Alonso says (to Brianna), "Bring my staff, if you don't mind. I'm going to be busy enough supporting this man."

Brianna asks (of Alsonso), "Why don't we switch?"

Alonso says, "That's (oof!) fine with me (urf!)"

[colonial] Tymen says, "If Corley's willing to turn Anders over to us, I don't see why Anders couldn't repay the favor."

Brianna asks (of Anders), "Can you walk at all?"

[colonial] G_M says, "Perhaps he's still hoping to escape and return to Corley's employment."

(From G_M) Anders: I'll manage.

Brianna smiles. "No, really, I insist." She wraps an arm around his waist, and practicly carries him off the boat.

Alonso shrugs and gathers his staff.

Alonso says to Corley (as he passes), "Your stalling may yet not have bad consequences. Theus watches over babes and fools."

(From G_M) Anders: (softly, to Brianna) I suppose you've heard of the plague that's struck Puerto El Pedro? Terrible, isn't it?

[colonial] (from Tymen) Alonso says, "Like my two companions here."

[colonial] G_M says, "hee"

[colonial] Alonso laughs.

[colonial] Brianna asks, "So are you saying I'm a babe and your a fool?"

[colonial] Tymen says (to Brianna), "Well, unless Alonso's orientation is different from what I assume."

Brianna asks (of Anders), "Not really. What of it?"

[colonial] Alonso exclaims, "Ha!"

(From G_M) Anders: (softly, to Brianna) Just making conversation.

[colonial] Tymen asks (of Alonso), "What do you think about blonds, huh?"

Brianna says (to Anders), "Then you can stop. If I need conversation, the good Father here <slaps Alonso companiably on the back> have looots to talk about."

[colonial] Alonso says, "I'm Castillian. I'm fine with large, strapping women."

(From G_M) Anders: (softly, to Brianna) You know ... ah ... if you ever find the whole Swordsman's Guild thing a little restrictive, I could perhaps get you in touch with certain people.

Brianna asks (of Anders(quietly)), "What are you saying?"

[colonial] Tymen says, "(OK, Alonso's right about him not being so bright...)"

(From G_M) Anders: (softly, to Brianna) We're far away from Theah. Who cares about guild dues and all those other things?

[colonial] Brianna says, "Yeah, he's about to get dropped or slapped, depending on what comes out next. Twit."

Brianna stumbles on a clump of grass and drops Anders unceremoniously on the ground.

Brianna exclaims, "Oh, I'm so sorry!"

(From G_M) Anders: (softly, to Brianna) Think about it. The freedom to ... ow.

Tymen says (to Brianna), "Do be careful -- why, I think you broke his pin."

Brianna asks, "I'm so sorry, Anders. You were saying something about the freedom to Ow?"

(From G_M) Anders: nothing.

Brianna hauls Anders back to his feet, and contiues to "assist" him with walking.

Alonso walks on with them, certainly not smiling at poor Anders.

Tymen says (to Anders), "Y'know, Brianna might not be interested in meeting those people, but I'm sure where we're going you'll find someone who is."

G_M says, "The General's second-in-command is waiting for you on the docks, along with the harbour master and some more soldiers."

Brianna drops Anders once again (more carefully this time) and salutes. "Sir!"

Alonso helps Anders to his feet, and refrains from pointing out how strong drink can be a mocker.

[colonial] Brianna says, "And so can the people around you be when you've had too much of it. :-)"

(From G_M) 2IC: So, this is her ladyship's lover.

[colonial] Alonso says, "heh"

Alonso says, "This man may have been as much a dupe as Selva in this matter."

(From G_M) 2IC gestures for the soldiers to take charge of Anders, and salutes the rest of you. "The General is currently indisposed, but he will be sure to give you his official thanks and gratitude in the morning."

Tymen says, "Sir, I do not believe this man is her lover."

Alonso says, "Sir, if you will hold but a moment? We believe this man was not the instigator in this matter."

Tymen says, "I believe he is a thug who was hired to accost Lady Jayakumar."

(From G_M) 2IC: (a little annoyed) It is because he told you so? Such men will say anything.

Alonso says, "No, sir. It is because someone attempted to poison this man."

Tymen holds out the bottle. "His employer paid him with this. Drugged wine, intended to kill him so that he couldn't tell you the truth."

(From G_M) 2IC: Then it is indeed an interesting night to be alive. Still, we cannot let him go now.

(From G_M) 2IC: You will have to give his lordship the warden the full story.

Alonso says, "Let him go? No. But with your help we can find the man who is truly behind this terrible incident."

Tymen says, "And, even if this 'Anders' is kept in custody, his victim can now be released."

(From G_M) 2IC: Oh, I am sure we will get to the very bottom of this matter. But there is the trial. and it is as they say, that no-one can be said to be innocent until proven so in a court of law.

Tymen blinks. "Not even yourself?"

[colonial] Tymen says, "(Sorry... couldn't help it.)"

(From G_M) 2IC ignores Tymen's smartass remark.

Brianna shoots a glare at Tymen.

Tymen decides it's safer to pretend nothing happened.

(From G_M) 2IC: If you will be so pleased to follow, we will be speaking to his lordship the warden in a very very short time.

(From G_M) 2IC turns and leads the soldiers (and Anders) into town towards the prison.

Alonso is pleased to follow.

Brianna follows, pleasedly.

Tymen of course does so as well.

G_M asks (of Tymen), "but not pleased?"

Tymen is ambiguous with respect to pleasure or lack thereof, but a degree of pleasedness may be assumed if desired.

G_M says, "Back to the prison. Anders is taken away to another cell. The Official (looking even crabbier than when you last saw him -- this being the third time tonight that he's been called out of bed) is prepared to take your statements."

[colonial] Brianna says, "chortle"

Tymen says, "We, uh, caught one."

(From G_M) Official: oookay.

Tymen says, "He's the guy who was hired to accost the Lady Jayakumar, you see."

(From G_M) Official: hired.

(From G_M) Official: you have proof?

[colonial] Tymen says, "'Guy' being a vendel slang term."

Alonso says, "and whose employer tried to kill him"

Tymen says, "We have this bottle of wine, which was part of his payment."

Tymen sets it down on the table, and pulls something out of his pocket. "And this card, which came with it."

Brianna says, "He stated he'd been working for Dr. Strange, but was less clear on whether or not that employement was concurrent with his attempt to see the Lady Jayakumar comprimised."

(From G_M) Official: Dr Strange.

Alonso says, "You have an unerring grasp of our sentence topics."

Brianna says, "Yes, the odd one. Also, strange."

Tymen whispers, thoough not so quietly tht Alonos and Brianna can't hear, "And I believe he's involved with the people responsible for the murder on the docks, last week."

Brianna says (to Alonso), "Apparently our nouns are the clearest parts of speech, whilst the nuances go sadly lacking."

(From G_M) Official (to Tymen): That is a serious accusation. Prove it.

Brianna says, "Nuances, for example, like: the payment was poisened wine."

Alonso says brightly, "Of course! That's why we'd like your help!"

Tymen says (to Official), "It's a suspicion, not an accudation. But he wore a perfectly matching broken swordsman's pin."

Tymen asks, "What is the likelihood that two swordsmen would have pins broken precisely down the center, and that neither would consider it worth his time to have something so important mended?"

(From G_M) Official (angrily): Do you know what time it is? All people are in bed, which is where I should be. And you, everytime you come, is more wild stories.

[colonial] Tymen exclaims, "I *was* in bed!"

[colonial] Tymen exclaims, "But they woke me up! It's their fault!"

Alonso bows his head. "For which you have my apologies. But lives do hang in the balance."

(From G_M) Official: Tomorrow! We have the trial, you say what you have to say, all will be finished in civilised manner.

Tymen asks, "What time and place is the trial scheduled for?"

(From G_M) We are finished here, yes?

G_M says (to Tymen), "9"

Tymen asks, "Here?"

Brianna says, "Good sir, that is why Theus, in his infinite wisdom, created coffee."

(From G_M) Official waves away Theus like he was some holy-cow-worshipping non-believer.

(From G_M) Official: I say we have enough. I am going to sleep.

Alonso says, "May Theus give you good dreams, sir. I'm sure we won't need to bother you again."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Wait. Why won't he tell us where the trial is?"

(From G_M) Official: Unless it is because the palace is on fire, do not wake me up again before the sunrise.

[colonial] G_M says (to Tymen), "He assumes you know."

[colonial] Tymen says, "Oh."

Alonso says, "As helpful as you've been, I would let you sleep even then as reward."

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Do we?"

[colonial] Alonso says, "and let him read that however he wants"

[colonial] Alonso says (to Tymen), "probably the post I saw the other day, where they chain people and kill them"

[colonial] Tymen says, "OK."

Brianna says, "Speaking of coffee . . ."

Alonso asks, "you are hoping Strange has some?"

Brianna says, "I'm hoping I brought some with me. I'm going to need it in the morning. Or rather, later this morning."

Tymen says, "Personally, I'm willing to take good advice. We can meet with the doctor tomorrow."

Alonso asks, "I wonder if he knows that Anders has been taken alive?"

Brianna asks, "Then are we all for taking a rest and meeting back here in few hours?"

Alonso says, "or how he would react if rumor had it that Anders was dead."

Tymen says, "I wonder if he really cares, or if he just deals in information and communication."

Alonso says, "My main fear is that he would find reason to leave for a while, beginning now."

Alonso says, "but I must confess, I am tired"

G_M asks, "everyone sleeping then?"

Tymen says, "Mmm. If so, he probably wouldn't have time to take much with him..." He appears to be talking more to himself than to anyone else. "He'd probably end up leaving a few interesting things behind in his house.""

Tymen goes back to the ship, finds his bed, and uses it.

Alonso sleeps, though not well.

Brianna sleeps, swearing she's going to tackle the mountain of paperwork *tomorrow.*

G_M says, "And you wake in the morning with maybe two hours to go before the trial."

Tymen asks, "Morning comes early in the south, doesn't it?"

Alonso is trying not to pace while waiting for the others.

Tymen washes his face, puts on clean clothes, and generally tries to make himself look respectable and classy.

Alonso has changed into less-vomit-stained clothes. And washed his hands thoroughly.

[colonial] Tymen says, "Hmm. Some folks would ahve considered doing that last night."

[colonial] Alonso says, "I didn't specify *when*, mind you"

Brianna performs her morning ablutions, and makes sure her panzerhand, weaponry and acoutrements are well honed and polished.

Brianna also brews a strong pot of coffee.

G_M says, "Two hours to go before trial."

Brianna asks (of Alonso&Tymen), "Coffee?"

Alonso says, "I would like to talk to Strange -- oh, yes, thanks."

Brianna quaffs a large cup of the brew, black and unsweetened.

Tymen says (to Brianna), "Never touch the stuff."

Brianna says (to Tymen), "But I do, actually, often."

Tymen says (to Brianna), "Er, I mean, I don't. Never mind me."

Brianna asks (of Tymen), "Oh. Shall we be off, then?"

Tymen says, "Certainly. Some would say we already are, a bit."

Alonso has been drinking his coffee, staring out at the town from the railing. "Er? Yes, yes."

Tymen checks the polish on his shoes and makes sure Dona Antonia's pin is straight on his lapel.

Brianna says, "Then let's go." Brianna heads out."

Tymen follows.

Alonso does as well.

[colonial] Tymen asks, "But are we pleased?"

G_M says, "People are going about their business, setting up for the day."

[colonial] Brianna says, "I'm not."

G_M asks, "where are you all headed?"

Alonso says, "I'd like to visit Strange"

Brianna says, "Fine by me."

G_M says, "You find Strange's house."

Tymen says, "And there it is."

[Crows-Nest] Alonso says, "Strange's house? How...odd."

[Crows-Nest] Alonso says, "Also, how much later are we planning on going? I'm getting rather sleepy"

G_M says, "You hear strange muttering somewhere inside. It's Strange muttering."

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "boo, hiss!"

Tymen says, "Perhaps he's preparing to attend the trial andexecution."

[Crows-Nest] G_M says, "Honestly, I'm getting a bit worn, myself."

[Crows-Nest] Tymen says, "I could handle stopping, if folks wanted to."

[Crows-Nest] Brianna says, "I'm fine with whatever."

Brianna would this make a good stopping point?

[Crows-Nest] Brianna asks, "would this make a good stopping point?"

[Crows-Nest] G_M says, "Well, you're about to knock on the door of a Highly Suspicious Individual."

[Crows-Nest] Tymen says, "Alternately, we could stop after Strange, but the person who most wanted to meet him is the most tired."

[Crows-Nest] Alonso says, "I can go a while longer"

[Crows-Nest] Alonso says, "...zzz"

G_M says (to Alonso), "The somewhat sing-song pattern of the strange muttering behind the door ... hmmm ... Strange is either reciting poetry or conducting some sort of unholy ritual."

[colonial] Brianna says, "I'm more inclined to suspect the latter."

Alonso walks into Strange's house. "Hallo inside!"

[colonial] Tymen asks, "Is it in a recognizable language?"

[colonial] G_M says (to Tymen), "native."

[colonial] Tymen says, "Maybe he's memorizing something."

G_M says (to Alonso), "Going in without knocking? Door's barred on the inside."

Alonso exclaims, "oof!"

Brianna asks (of Alonso), "Problems, Father?"

Alonso says, "No, no, not at all."

Alonso straightens his robes.

Alonso says, "I merely thought this door might be open."

[colonial] Alonso asks, "Any windows?"

Tymen says, "Ah. The darn brown color, as opposed to a more transparent hue, is often suggestive of a door's status."

[colonial] G_M says, "Many"

Alonso says (to Tymen), "Open*able* and not barred, as this seems to be."

Tymen leans sideways, to peer through a window.

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "ha!"

G_M says (to Tymen), "The dimly-lit front room, with a square of illumination from what is presumably another window looking out into a courtyard on the other side of the building. Someone (Strange, probably) is standing before a table, rocking slightly on his heels. The table is stacked with ... something ... a figure, possibly with horns...."

G_M says, "<end>"

[colonial] G_M thinks we're close to the end of this story ... one more session, probably.

[colonial] Alonso exclaims, "That's unnatral goings-ons, that is!"

[colonial] G_M says, "Also, extra drama die all around for rousing speeches and such."

[colonial] Tymen says, "Yay."

[colonial] Alonso says, "woo"

[colonial] Tymen says, "We need to start making more rolls."

[colonial] Brianna exclaims, "whoohoo drama!"

[colonial] Brianna says, "looks like its time to break down a door. next week."

[colonial] Alonso asks, "What, just because my hard head didn't?"

[colonial] Tymen says (to Brianna), "We could try going through the courtyard instead."

[colonial] Brianna looks disappointed. "But door breaking is more *fun* and I've already exhausted my pacifistic tendencies.

[colonial] Alonso says, "heh"

[colonial] Alonso exclaims, "Okay, I have to run. Later!"

[colonial] Tymen asks, "How about I sneak in the courtyard while you're distracting him by breaking the door down?"

[colonial] Tymen waves to Alonso.

[colonial] Brianna says, "Okay, next week."

Alonso has disconnected.