(OOC) -->

Ambassador Kara has been granted a few days of recovery, though she is expected not to regain full use of her wing for at least three weeks, under strict pains of detaching newly grown muscles. Still, from her unique perspective, she has been able to observe the slow rebuilding of Babel under the rulership of High Prince Boghaz, and to see that at least for now, the new rulership does not seem to be malevolent.

But now, however, it is time that she be briefed, and sent to the floating island of Rephidim along with her immediate ambassadorial staff. Word has been sent ahead to the Temple advising them to expect her arrival, and attesting to her credentials.

And so Brishen meets with Minister Thath in a secluded room of the palace, once the Sabaoth's, now being transformed into the home of High Prince Boghaz as the son sweeps away the cobwebs and trappings of his cruel father's.

Thath sits at the head of the table, dressed in full ornate robes, and gestures for the smaller bat to join him. He looks quite used to his position, as if he had never been sent away from the palace in disgrace.

Brishen presents quite an image as she settles down on an ornate stool next to the advisor. Her hair has been carefully oiled, and twined through with flowering ivy. The pale petals match her elegant dress, cut expertly to allow her wings freedom of movement. While outwardly calm in appearance, however, the young bat's mind is somewhat troubled. She's returning home, but what will greet her in Rephidim? She's not the same bat she once was…

"You have risen in the world, Ambassador," the lean black-haired, white-furred bat says with a chuckle. "But do not think that I have intended you to go to Rephidim without the benefit of instruction, considering that your education has almost certainly been in matters less, ah, portentous than those of state. I will be sending along an experienced and politically neutral secretary, who will guide you through such difficulties as you may encounter. However, at this point, I felt it best to meet with you to give you your general instructions."

Thath continues, "As an ambassador, Brishen, you will represent us to Rephidim. This does not mean that you have been granted unilateral powers to declare war, sign trade policies, or take other actions on the behalf of the High Prince. It means that you are there to listen. If necessary, to object to actions and policies that would harm Babel. And to tell the other nations, many of whose ambassadors will also be established on Rephidim, that Babel wants no war with anyone. Are there any questions?"

Brishen tilts her head slightly, fixing her bright brown eyes on the tall advisor. "I have no illusions about my position. I won't do anything to harm Babel, and you can expect to hear from me frequently." She smiles slightly, clasping her hands neatly in her lap. "It will be good to see Rephidim again. Even better to see it knowing that I'll be doing so in the service of Babel."

Thath pours wine from a carafe into two goblets and allows Brishen to choose one, then toasts her from the other. It's a spicy honey-flavored beverage, slightly fizzy. A Babelite choice for launching new enterprises. "Your actions showed bravery, Ambassador Kara, in particular, as you did not know that High Prince Boghaz was on his way to seize the Palace and depose the Sabaoth. Perhaps I have underestimated your talents, and you may yet mature into your position. I shall look forward to observing your progress." A faint smile flits over his muzzle.

Brishen cradles the goblet carefully, allowing herself a sip before looking up at the advisor again. "Thank you." She also allows herself to furrow her brow slightly, "I admit to being somewhat concerned about how Rephidim will receive me."

"You should not expect warm welcomes," Thath says. "I am informed that our accounts, such as we were not able to retrieve before the declaration of war and the retraction of our officials there, were seized, and the embassy itself was destroyed by angry mobs. Part of your responsibilities will be overseeing the construction of a new embassy. I will send along a small purse with your secretary, who will approve such expenses, and you will be granted a modest salary for personal purchases as well. Beyond that however… " He gestures to a window overlooking the rooftops, some of which are still smoldering in the aftermath of the revolution. "Our funds are presently needed for rebuilding the city and restoring our defenses, which have been savaged by the Sabaoth's last foolhardy attack. In time, we may be able to approve more funds to support your embassy on Rephidim."

The young ambassador looks out over the city, closing her eyes for a moment as she remembers how she once flew over those rooftops, leading a mob that probably set some of these ancient buildings afire. Something, perhaps, to remind her that as small as she considers herself, she's at a place now where her actions can have unpleasant consequences. Not only for her, but for a multitude. She reaches up and brushes a lock of hair from her eyes. "It appears then that I'll have my work cut out for me."

The Minister nods. "It would appear so, Ambassador. Do you have any other questions?"

Brishen shakes her head slightly. "No, not now. Though you can trust that I will in the future."

"You may send them by diplomatic pouch, and they will be couriered here as quickly as possible," Minister Thath says with some slight irony. "Very well, then. Your flight will leave tomorrow at sunrise. Be ready."

Brishen tilts her head slightly. "Would it be possible. Minister Thath, for some of my previous servants to be retained? I've developed a close relationship with some of them." She smiles, "I would like it if they were with me in Rephidim."

Thath says, "That, you will have to arrange with the Chatelaine for the Palace. I am not responsible for the deposition of minor functionaries. However, under the circumstances I see no reason why it would not be possible." He lifts his goblet to bid Brishen farewell, then sits back in his chair to await the next appointment.

The trip to Rephidim took a few weeks, considering that the ship had to be heavier-loaded to pass over the ocean separating the continents without the paquebots there to re-supply it. It is however, at last over. With relief, the Ambassador sees the city of Rephidim growing over the horizon, a fleet of airships drifting into and out of the harbor.

Two Rephidim warships, small destroyer-class armored dirigibles, escort the unarmed Babelite merchantman into the port, and a delegation of Temple guards meet the Ambassador and her secretary, a mousy gray sort of bat named Degarde, at the docks. "This way, Ambassador," the Jupani Lieutenant says brusquely.

"That way" would appear to lead to an unmarked black carriage pulled by two drokkars.

Brishen pauses for a moment to look about her. How long has it been since she set foot on these docks? It's hard not to look towards the dock where she was taken aboard the Sabaoth's airship.

The workers nearby sound unfriendly as they comment to each other about the Babelite ship that's in dock. For them, the war began when they saw the Plaguebringers attack, and it's not clear to them that it's over yet. Some are pointing at Brishen and her small batly delegation.

Brishen turns her head away slightly, keeping her steps measured as she walks towards the carriage. I should expect to see that for a long time – And Temple Guards as well.

The guards say nothing as the carriage wends its way through the streets, drokkar hooves clattering on the city's cobblestones. It feels as if she is being escorted to a funeral.

The drive ends at the Temple's front, where Ambassador Kara and her secretary are escorted into the Temple. There, they pass through several security checkpoints, until they reach…

Bridge Officer Nimiss himself stands and ushers the Ambassador to one of the chairs, the secretary left to take the other one by himself. "Welcome to Rephidim, Ambassador," he says in his deep, quiet voice. He is completely black where Thath had white fur, but the two Eeee seem to carry a certain similarity of personality. Curious, that.

The Bridge Officer sits down behind his desk and gestures for his own secretary to pour wine for his visitors.

Brishen doesn't fail to notice the similarity, though doesn't dwell on it as she smooths her dress out, sitting carefully on the offered chair. "Thank you. It's good to be back."

Nimiss raises his eyebrows. "Back, Ambassador Kara? Am I to take it then that you have visited Rephidim before? I trust you found it salubrious."

The young Ambassador's smile is warm as she gazes at Nimiss. "After a fashion. For some time Rephidim was my home, Officer Nimiss."

Degarde hastens to insert, "Minister Thath felt that someone who had lived in Rephidim would be best to represent Babel. A closer kinship, you see." His voice, like his demeanor, is small and shy, but he seems quick to try and cover up any apparent awkwardness.

"Indeed. I see," Nimiss says. It seems to Brishen that she can pick out some differences now – the black bat has a more deliberate way of speaking. "As you are undoubtedly aware, Ambassador, we are presently… between Captain-Astromancers. Once our new candidate has been invested with his office and anointed, you will be called upon to present your greetings to him. Until that time, however, you may address any concerns you have to the Bridge of the Temple." He leafs through the papers, which appear to be those that were sent ahead. "I have conferred with the other officers of the Bridge and we've decided on a pro-tem embassy site for you. As you know, the previous Babelite embassy was firebombed by unknown elements, during the war, so it will be necessary for you to construct a new one."

Brishen nods slightly, her voice quiet, "I was made aware of the incident."

Nimiss nods, his black eyes on Brishen as he continues. "Here are the papers to the site. I am certain you will find the building, if somewhat worn and in need of repair, suitable to your embassy, Ambassador." He separates out a few sheets of parchment from the rest, these marked with the Temple seal, and slides them across the desk.

Degarde looks at the deeds. "Marvelous. I'm unfamiliar with Rephidim real estate, but this looks more than sufficiently spacious," he says, examining the map. "I'm sure they'll be most adequate, don't you, Ambassador?"

The map shows what would indeed be a goodly amount of lands surrounding some buildings, bordered by walls… The deed explains that this is the former house of Kame Ikata, vacant for some years now due to his condition. It is located in the Old City.

It takes a great deal of self-control, but Brishen manages to nod, her hands clasped carefully in her lap. "It is certainly an interesting part of the city." She turns towards Nimiss, "I trust, Officer Nimiss, that the site has been made secure. The war is still fresh in the minds of many in both Rephidim and Babel."

"So it is," Bridge Officer Nimiss agrees. He leans forward. "Under the circumstances, it is a generous gift of the Temple to grant you this land, Ambassador Kara. If," and there is a certain emphasis on that word. "Relations between our nations improve, it may be seen fit to grant you a more centrally located embassy. Until that time however, this is the decision of the Temple."

Degarde looks fidgety as he glances toward the Ambassador, apparently wondering what there is that he doesn't know.

Brishen manages a polite smile. "I hope that our efforts in the Old City will contribute to the greater beauty of Rephidim. I thank the Temple for its gift."

Nimiss nods. "Well spoken, Ambassador." His eyes seem to weigh Brishen upon some unknown vast scales, and then he continues, "I am certain that you will have numerous opportunities to grace the numerous occasions and celebrations for which our nobles are so famous, Ambassador. I look forward to our future meetings."

Degarde sits nervously. He lacks Brishen's knack for hobnobbing with nobility.

Brishen inclines her head slightly, her smile growing a little warmer. "As do I, Officer." She glances at Degarde, then continues. "The journey from Babel has been a long one. I'm looking forward to sleeping on a bed that doesn't move quite so rapidly."

Bridge Officer Nimiss chuckles softly. "Some things, such as wines, do not travel well, Ambassador. Well then, if there are no further concerns… ?" He sips his wine, a carefully casual gesture.

Brishen nods, "For now, there are none." She stands, gathering her dress about her, then casts a meaningful glance at Degarde. "Degarde, if you would gather the necessary documents, I believe we can be on our way."

"Of course, Ambassador," her secretary says quickly. He gathers up the deeds necessary to prove ownership, and the map of the land, and bows to Nimiss. "We're deeply thankful to you for taking the time to meet with us, Bridge Officer."

"Ah. One other thing, Ambassador," the black bat says quietly before Brishen can get up.

Brishen turns towards Officer Nimiss, "Yes?"

"As you may already know, as an ambassador you possess diplomatic immunity, and the grounds for your embassy are considered Babelite soil for purposes of law enforcement," the Bridge Officer reminds Brishen. "Don't abuse the privilege. If it becomes necessary, your diplomatic immunity may be revoked and your embassy deported from Rephidim. I trust that this will not become necessary."

"Good day," Nimiss finishes.

Brishen carefully brushes a lock of hair from her eyes. This, in the grand scheme of things, is not quite the casual motion she'd like it to be, but she tries, "It won't. Good day, Bridge Officer Nimiss."

For now, of course, the new Embassy is not entirely safe to inhabit, and quarters have been obtained elsewhere: The Three Thieves is not quite what Brishen was hoping for, but given the amount of work ahead, it wouldn't be wise to spend shekels on opulent, but ultimately temporary housing. "Degarde," Brishen squeaks quietly, "A lot of work needs to be done, before Kame Ikata's old house can truly be an embassy worthy of Babel."

"Ummm. Did they really give us an embassy in the slums?" Degarde looks outraged. "This is an insult to Ashdod!"

"Begging your pardon for the outburst, Ambassador," the secretary says hurriedly.

"I can't say I'm entirely happy with it either." Brishen furrows her brow, "But Nimiss was correct. Given the circumstances, the Temple has given us a gift of sorts."

Degarde looks puzzled. "How can you say that, Ambassador?"

Brishen slumps faintly. "Somewhat reluctantly, Degarde. This is not the most auspicious of situations. Still, it was Babel who went to war with Rephidim. And now that we are no longer fighting, there will be many here who'll wish to strike back. Under the circumstances, the Temple could have denied us entrance, or worse."

The secretary frowns. "You're right of course, Ambassador. Perhaps I'm just used to how we're treated in other nations. I was an attache to Abu Dhabi before this." The mousy little bat shrugs. "Well, we'll have to make do with what we have. Why don't I hire an architect in the morning to look over the site, and see how much it will cost to make it livable?"

Brishen sighs faintly. "Still, it would have been more reasonable for them to have given us a small apartment in the Noble's Quarter. They want us to spend Ashdod's shekels to make a long-neglected part of Rephidim better. I'm sure there are many in the Temple that find the idea tremendously amusing."

This brings another frown to the secretary's face, but he nods slowly. "We're lucky they haven't… " His voice trails off. "Ambassador, I think it's only a matter of time before they bring up something else."

Brishen tilts her head slightly, then nods. "Do so, Degarde." She adds, quickly, "But before committing our resources, ask me. I know a lot about Rephidim. More than you, and maybe even more than Nimiss."

"War damages," Degarde says faintly. "Reparations for shipping that was destroyed or pirated, buildings attacked and damaged or destroyed… Why, I can't begin to envision how much the majority of Himar would be worth! Oh my. This could run up to the hundreds of thousands… In gold."

"Exactly. Babel may have a new High Prince, and certainly there were many in Ashdod that didn't want war with Rephidim, but nevertheless a war was fought, and many will seek justice or revenge. It will not be easy here." Brishen sighs quietly, shaking her head.

Degarde makes whimpering noises. "Oh goodness. The S – the High Prince will be most irritable. For months! For years!"

"We'll be the most hated embassy in Rephidim!" the little mousy bat wails.

The Himar. It's impossible for Brishen to even grasp what happened there. The stories seem too much like fantasy. "Well, yes. We will. But that will change."

Degarde sobs on Brishen's shoulder. "We'll never get invited out to a single party! Never negotiate trade agreements on an even basis without someone mentioning this! We'll be ostracized! Pariahs!"

Brishen pauses, her eyes widening slightly, then fixes her dark brown eyes on the secretary. "Calm down," she squeaks. "It won't be easy, but we aren't doomed."

Degarde sniffles. "We aren't?"

Brishen brushes a lock of hair from her eyes, aiming a frustrated squeak at the sobbing secretary. "We'll have allies in Rephidim. Perhaps not many at first, but enough that know that the Sabaoth's actions did not reflect the desires of everyone in Ashdod." She slumps faintly, resting her chin on the palm of a hand, "For those, the revolution may be seen as the wounds we inflicted on ourselves to remove an illness. Few would argue that the damage done to Babel is worse than the damage done to Rephidim."

Brishen fixes her dark brown eyes on the secretary. "But still, there's the Himar. Damage has been done that can never be repaired. We'll have to expect it to haunt us. Perhaps forever."

Degarde straightens himself up hurriedly. "Oh my. I'm sorry, Ambassador, but it was just… the tragedy of the moment striking home at last. Alone, in a city far from home, where the inhabitants have every reason to hate us… Wah!" He shudders and then says, "I can only hope you're right that there are those who will forgive, Ambassador. I'll do my best to carry out our diplomatic duties."

Brishen nods, smiling warmly, her dark brown eyes fixed on Degarde's. "I know you will." She adds, almost as an aside, "Degarde, you must never call the High Prince the Sabaoth. Do not slip. Do not forget that the name bears unwanted weight."

Degarde nods and squares his chin. "I won't forget, Ambassador. You can count on me."

Brishen's smile fades a little, her countenance growing deadly serious. "Every word we speak here will be remembered, every movement considered. Neither of us can make mistakes. I'm counting on you to be my voice of reason, as much as I'm counting on you to trust me. I know this city very well, Degarde."

Degarde smiles a little. "I'm sure you do, Ambassador. And might I say, I was prepared to shepherd a lost girl through the halls of power. It's very humbling to see how well you handled the situation with the Bridge Officer Nimiss, Ambassador." He bows his head.

Brishen smiles, inclining her head gracefully. "Thank you, Degarde." She stifles a yawn, "Mf. Well, I think we should value the moment of peace we have. Tomorrow will be a very busy day."

"Oh yes, Ambassador," Degarde says, nodding fervently. He stands and begins to back out of Brishen's bedroom. "Until the morrow then, Ambassador. Good night."

Brishen waits for a long time after Degarde leaves before she calls Sunrise and Snow-Ivy in. She needs some shoulders to cry on as well. "Wires, is this a difficult homecoming."