(OOC) Mon Mar 9 1998 04:01 -->

Business has changed for the worse, as far as many of the locals are concerned. With the major changes in the economy brought on by the new rules concerning Savanite status as slaves, one of Safar's primary exports – Savanite slaves – is simply no longer a factor worth mentioning. (Not legally, anyway.)

However, Safar still gets visitors. Rich poodle hunters from Gallis or Rephidim, looking for 'big game', as well as those who simply want to see 'the big wild world out there'. The 'Visitor Sector' provides a glamorized taste of that. But forget anything truly educational.

Today, the port city of Safar has a very special airship hovering above it – the Intimidator, battleship of Rephidim. This craft is not moored, though – It is said that it never drops below sky island level. However, it has stopped here for emergency supplies, word getting around quickly that it has seen battle … and may be on its way to another.

There is another airship here as well – the 'Most Magnificent', an airship in the service of the Nagai Empire. Today, it brings a Minister on a special mission.

And, there's plenty of riff-raff to be found, too…

Zoltan quietly wanders from spot to spot in the center, looking for a sword or armor merchant. "Prices here outrageous," he mumbles to a Savanite at his side.

A cobblestone circle encompasses a marble fountain, in the center of which is a complex cluster of statues of very friendly-looking Creens and other creatures of the wild (including the cutest Bromthen forest-hoglet anyone has ever laid eyes on), poised as if they are in play in the fountain, knocking showers of water into the air with their bounding and flapping about – if they were moving, that is.

Bassai is taking a slither around the visitors' area, stretching his coils after the time aboard ship. The area seems to be losing some of it's luster, but is still impressive. The Minister spares a glance overhead at the Intimidator, "I wonder what they've been up to."

Posh hotels and restaurants, all with a faux 'exotic outback' theme cater to those with too many shekels. There are also souvenir shops and 'education centers' (tourist traps) galore. There are also plenty of weapons shops – since hunters are common here – but the prices are not for the faint of heart.

Looking as though he were trying to be inconspicuous, a black Khatta cautiously rounds the fountain, glancing nervously this way and that, as if he were looking for something, but he didn't know exactly what.

Here and there, richly-dressed poodles, Kujakus, and others go from here to there. Even some Knights Templar can be seen taking in the sights – an armored feline in white, with a magenta cape, followed by four more warrioresses in similar (but slightly less flashy) attire, finally accompanied by a bookish-looking Savanite slave, and a white Eeee who keeps chanting something as she goes, and wiggling her nose on occasion.

The Vartan gives the blade presented to him by the Temple a gentle pat, looks like he's going to have to hold onto it a bit longer. He looks back over to the Savanite and hands her a few coins. "Go get something for us to eat. I meet you at fountain."

The Ringneck Naga pauses momentarily to admire the statues ringing the fountain. They present such an enticing face to the Savan, quite unlike it's actual nature. He flicks out his tongue, then pauses…

An obsidian-scaled Rokuga follows the Minister, two of his massive arms folded across his chest, and two more ready at his sides. He has no weapons … but his wicked horns, fangs and the many spikes on his shoulders and head suggest that he has little need for them. And that doesn't even count his claws. The garter darting about his feet looks far less intimidating. "Minissster, I hope the presssencsse of the Intimidator doesss not mean ill relationsss with Rephidim?"

The Savanite next to the Vartan bows her head to him, taking the coins. She sprints past the fountain … pausing for just a moment to glance at the black Khatta. She shakes her head, and moves on.

Jynx sighs, being with the Savanites has started to make him paranoid, especially when he's in a city renowned for its slave trade. Perhaps that's the reason why Third-Eye sent him here: she said to get a good look around at the place, but what to look for, she didn't say.

Bassai stares at the armoured feline, and her entourage. "I have no idea," the Minister answers the garter, "I haven't had the chance to review this week's diplomatic news. However I see someone I might be able to ask, if it's who I think it is. Come."

Zoltan waves to the armored felines and then wanders over to the fountain. He dips his hands into the water and splashes the liquid into his face. "Ahhhhh."

The water is cool and refreshing … and so is the air that blows across the Vartan, as the armored felines pass upwind of him. But as soon as they pass, the breeze goes back to its usual warm nature.

The black Khatta looks around some more, and pauses as he is gazed at by the Savanite. Funny, she looks… familiar… where has he seen her before? Jynx sneaks around to the other side of the fountain to get a better look.

The Ringneck Naga starts slithering towards the feline and her group, waving for the Rokuga and Garter to follow. He doesn't want to shout in a public, and tries to close the distance before resorting to that.

The Savanite weaves her way around a goofy-looking costumed person (whose costume resembles a caricatured and sickeningly-cute Creen) and over to a booth selling red-and-white striped candy-creens. She licks her lips, but resists the temptation, moving on to a booth selling some sort of rice-and-greens dish.

Chuckling, Zoltan shakes his feathers out. He sprays a few droplets of water around and then splashes a bit more of the liquid into his feathers.

The Champion of Roses halts, and her escort immediately does the same. Except for the bat, who almost stumbles into the bookish-looking slave. The Champion nods her head to the Ringneck and his small entourage.

Jynx drats, even from this angle its hard to see the Cheetah. He scoots around the fountain some more… and bumps into something large and feathered! "Ack! I was just looking, honest!"

"I have a few things to discuss with you," Bassai hisses, as he draws closer to the Champion. He gives a small nod to Ibis, before turning back to the feline. "It can wait if you're busy."

"Is alrights, Hope I no make you w-" The Vartan pauses and eyes the black Khatta. "You look familiars… "

The headband-wearing Savanite, still standing in line, snaps around, seeing the Khatta collide with her Vartan master. Immediately, she sprints back toward the fountain!

Jynx spins around to look at the Vartan, "Seriously! I was just-… Zoltan?" The cat looks perplexed.

The Champion looks to one of her Lancers. The Lancer says, "Greetings, Minister Bassai. I do not believe the Champion is any hurry. We are simply stopping by Safar for supplies."

The headband-wearing Savanite skids to a stop … looking as if she was fully prepared to ram into the black Khatta. She wiggles her hands at Zoltan. "Did he attack you? Are you all right, Master?"

Zoltan quirks his head sideways. "Feli? What you doings here? You decide to take vacation with iron I gives you?" He makes a waving gesture at the Savanite, "No… just wasn't paying attention to where he was going. It alrights."

Zoltan's servant's ears flush visibly, and she bows to him in apology, then returns to the stand again … and goes to the end of the line once more.

The Khatta peers at the Cheetah… she looks like… Jezebel? But different… He takes a chance, "Third-Eye?"

A couple of young Naga apprentices slither by, happily clutching candy-coated 'Naga Truffles'.

"My ship has stopped over for the same reason. I am bound for Rephidim to deal with some regrettable business. Explaining away a cargo that was lost to pirates," the Ringneck Naga says, focusing on the Lancer. He makes a jocular hiss, "I'm curious, why is the Intimidator overhead? Have my assistants failed to mention something critical to me… such as a state of war?"

Zoltan reaches out and grabs the Khatta's hands, shaking his head. "Careful," he whispers.

Jynx jolts as he is grabbed by the Vartan, "Zoltan! What are you doing here? And who is that? And since when are you friends with Third-Eye? And… " The questions go on and on.

The Lancer who spoke earlier answers, "We were in pursuit of some enemies over Nordika, who led us to the Himar. They had mages and other weapons at their disposal. The supplies we get here will hopefully tide us over until we can re-fit in Rephidim."

The Vartan winces and makes shushing noises at Jynx. "Calm down and be quiets."

Fortunately, it seems that with the music playing and other sounds of tourists enjoying themselves, no one has taken much notice of Jynx's outburst. Or, so one might hope.

"And… and… !" The cat's fur is standing on end, since the Vartan is one of the last people Jynx had planned on seeing here. At Zoltan's request, the Khatta's fur settles, but he still looks up at the hippogryph curiously.

"Most strange… " The Minister hisses, "Reports indicate the pirates were assissted by mages. Are you by any chance searching for a black ship of unusual design?"

The Lancer looks to the Champion, and gets a head-shake in response. "I do not believe we are looking for a ship of such description, though it is possible our superiors have not informed us."

Zoltan rubs his head, "I am here with Intimidator… our ship was damaged by Babelite invaders. You hear what happen to Himar?" he whispers to the black Khatta.

Bassai nods. He adjusts his robes, "Well, if you do encounter it, try not to destroy it. From what I understand it is a very ancient design, and I'd like to determine where it was found. It seems like a very elaborate hoax for a mere pirate, I suspect there is something deeper… " His sentence trails off in a hiss, as he looks around the square for a private corner. "There is one brief matter I would like to discuss only with the champion."

If there's one thing a 'tourist trap central' like this is lacking … it's a 'private corner'.

"Himar?" Jynx blinks up at the Vartan, "With all I've been through, I barely have a clue of what's been happening to my whiskers!"

The Vartan's Savanite slave eventually gets through the line, and returns with a rice dish with green and red speckles in it, set upon a large clam shell used as a plate. She sits down on the stone running about the edge of the fountain, putting Zoltan between herself and the black Khatta.

"Himar's gone. Destroyed by the Babelites. They used very very powerful weapon, and chose to drop it over Himar then gives it up. Was intended for Rephidim though I thinks." The Vartan straightens his chest and traces a strange translucent marking that runs from his right shoulder and down across his chest. "I was lucky… was only marked by explosion."

Jynx peers around the Vartan curiously… where has he seen her before?

"Nyuk nyuk!" says a costumed Naga that slithers up to Bassai. A Naga costumed like a caricatured Creen, that is. "Hi there! I'm Cris Creen! Will you be my friend?" He 'flaps' his 'wings', making a colorful commotion.

Zoltan puts a hand on the Savanite's shoulder. "This Star."

The Khatta turns his attention back to the Vartan, and now that he mentions it, he does look a little… crystalish. "Destroyed? You mean, like they burned everything or something?"

Star bows her head, stopping in mid-bite, but does not look up at Jynx.

"Good afternoon," Jynx signs to the Savanite.

Bassai pulls back from the costumed Naga, briefly startled in the middle of his thoughts. The Creen brings back a few happy memories of the rescue from Fetiss island, "Yes… but not now."

The Savanite's tail flicks, and her eyes show a flash of surprise at Jynx's sign … but all she does is bow her head again in response. (After all, her hands are full.)

"No. I not know what happen to it. Never seen anything like that before." Zoltan whispers. "It look almost like someone take big piece out of Himar, and stick some other chunk of bare, desolate land in it place." He lowers his head a bit to Jynx's level. "Now, before I answer rest… tell me what you doing here."

Cris Creen nyucks, "Well, be sure to visit me at the Wonderful Wild World, right next to Gemstones 'R Us! Bye now!" He shuffle-slithers away, zeroing in on those two Naga apprentices, whose 'naga-truffles' are now bulges in their throats.

Jynx just looks at the Vartan blankly, since the full magnitude of whatever Zoltan is speaking of isn't quite apparent to the cat. At the request of how he got here, his expression changes to one of embarrassment, "Well, it's a long story… "

Failing to find any place to conduct an unobserved conversation with the Champion, Bassai says reluctantly. "What I have to tell your leader can wait till another time. I have no wish to detain your group, or other official business to mention." The Ringneck Naga looks over at Ibis for a long moment.

"I listening." Zoltan answers, offering Jynx some of the food in his bowl.

The Champion taps the Lancer on her pauldron, and points over to one of the restaurants, making a few finger-flicks which don't seem to be Savanite sign. The Lancer nods, then says, "The Tomb of Doom is a very interesting attraction that doesn't draw quite the crowd it should. The Champion may visit it in a few minutes. Perhaps you might be interested in seeing it as well."

"I just may, that's a wonderful suggestion. I'll take your leave now." Bassai bows to the group, turning and selecting a visible place in the square to slither towards.

Jynx shakes his head at the food (a first), and continues with a sigh, "Well, it all started when I got invited to the opening of Lucky's Game Shop. Ever met Lucky? Nice rabbit, but a bit strange. Anyways, I played this game and… lost my voice. And you know how I get trapped in the sewers alot? It happened again. Thanks to this weird raccoon and some wacko bat, my fur got bleached. Later, I got sprayed with some nasty black stuff, and my fur got all spotty." The Khatta takes a breath.

Zoltan quietly eats his meal, wincing a bit at the taste. It's not quite to his liking, but Star hasn't learned what his tastes are just yet. He gives Jynx a nod and waits for the rest.

The Champion nods her head to the Minister, and the Lancer says, "Good day, Minister Bassai." And with that, the Champion and her entourage move on. The air gets warmer around Bassai as they depart.

Not any warmer than it OUGHT to be on a day like this, though.

"Is it unusually hot all of a sudden?" Bassai asks his two companions as he turns away from the Champions group. "It must be tremendously uncomfortable for someone who has dark fur, such as… Great Coils!"

A lady Naga slithers by, stares at Bassai, then flicks her tongue. "Why, thank you!" She saunters off.

The garter stares at the departing Naga lady for a bit … then remembers himself and hurries to keep up with Bassai.

The Minister of Savanite affairs stares at the small black Khatta beside the fountain. "You're welcome madam… " Bassai says, glancing after the lady, then slithers over to the cat. "Jynx?"

Taking a deep breath, Jynx continues, "I couldn't go home, because stupid Dad didn't recognize me, so I wandered around the bazaar for a while, and these two rats tried to take me as a slave! I got away and hitched a ride on a Savanite ship, a WEIRD ship and- huh?" The cat turns his attention to the snake. "What in the name of Dagh?!"

"That is you, isn't it Jynx? That sounds like your sort of luck," the Ringneck Naga hisses. "I believe we have met before on occasion."

The Vartan nods his head to the Naga and shoots a glance at Jynx.

Jynx blinks at the snake, and recognition dawns, "M-mister Bassai? What are you doing here?" ( What is this, some sort of reunion? )

"That'sss MINISSSTER Bassssssai!" the garter Naga dwarfed by Bassai corrects.

The Khatta jumps at the sudden hiss of the smaller snake, he's always been a bit squeamish of the littler ones.

The garter happily flicks his tongue at getting such a respectful response from the black Khatta.

Zoltan looks sideways at the Khatta. "I thought you name was Feli?"

Bassai takes a moment to look over the Khatta's companion. He glances at his Rokuga guard immediately afterwards, just to make sure the lizard is where he should be. "Yes, Minister now Jynx. In totality, Knight of the Emerald Coil. Minister of Savanite Affairs, Conqueror of Fetiss Sky Island, and a few other titles best not mentioned at the moment."

The garter adds, "And, Honored Archaeologist of Nijushiho Institute."

Jynx looks shyly up at the Vartan, "Jynx is sort've a… nickname." The Khatta's ears then perk up as the Naga mentions one title in particular, "Minister of Savanite Affairs?"

The big obsidian-scaled Rokuga accompanying Bassai just stands with two arms across his chest, two at his side, still as a statue, having nothing to comment on Bassai's status, other than to show that the Naga has his own muscle, at least.

A blackfeathered eyeridge quirks up at the mention of one of the titles. "I am Zoltan Cambio, Baron of Paradys and currently servings Rephidim Temple against Babelite menace."

Star licks her shell 'plate' clean … looks over toward one of the trash receptacles … then wipes the shell off on the edge of her tunic, and tucks it away in her satchel. The inside of the shell IS somewhat pretty and shiny, after all.

"Ah yes, the titles do add up." The Ringneck Naga nods to the Khatta, "I was appointed that upon my return from my expedition. I suspect you haven't talked with Fenter lately." He turns and bows to the black Vartan, "Greetings Baron."

The garter hisses, "Paradysss? I thought that wasss a fantasssy."

Zoltan returns the bow with a nods… unable to do more with the shell in his hands.

The Khatta grumbles at the mention of the raccoon, "Unfortunately, I have. But he didn't mention any of this." He turns back to the Vartan, "Anyways, that's only part of the story, but I'll tell you the rest, er, later… " The cat idly toys with a strange tribal looking bracelet he wears.

"I had hear rumours about Paradys, rather fanciful ones involving an island made of gold and diamonds. One that is believed to be inhabited by siren-spirits who draw unwary sailors to their doom, crashing them against its spiky sides, with their treasure cargos accumulating on the Island." Bassai says, flicking out his tongue, "I presume the reality is less pleasant, and that you are behind the rumors that it was discovered."

"Then I Baron over a fantasy," Zoltan replies to the garter, then turns his attentions back on Bassai. "I been hearing there lots of slave problems in Empire right now."

Jynx perks his ears up at the mention of slave problems.

"As to the Empire… I am sure reports are exaggerated. There have been some difficulties, but also great advances. It is only a matter of time, I am sure," the Ringneck hisses hopefully.

The garter shuffles through a handbag full of documents he's brought along.

The Vartan smirks. "There no treasure on Paradys, I no be here if there was I assure you. The Intimidator just gots back from there… and we goings to be traveling to Rephidim soon."

A poodle with a patch over one eye and attired in a foppish-looking 'pirate' costume strolls by, with a gaudy 'walking cane' that he doesn't really use for support.

"Matter of time until what?" Zoltan asks, glancing at 'Star'.

Star returns Zoltan's glance, her ears in an attentive position.

"Yess, that is my destination. I have to speak with the owner of a… Oh?" Bassai sits back with a smug smile, "Only a matter of time before the recalcitrant factions come to realize that the Empire will be better with Free Savanites instead of slaves, and our good example spreads to the other cultures."

"Rephidim?" Jynx looks to the Vartan, "You're going back? When?" A thought occurs to the Khatta about a question he should ask the Vartan, but he saves it for later.

Star peeks at Jynx, then looks at a spot on the Vartan's wing, and starts brushing the feathers.

The patch-wearing poodle seems to have stopped in mid-passing. "Better off, eh? Good example?"

Jynx feels the Savanite's gaze on him, and he turns to watch her. She's so familiar…

The Rokuga, a silent statue up to this point, slowly cranes his neck around to gaze at the poodle.

Zoltan's tail flicks, gently brushing against the Savanite's leg. "I hope you 'good example' happen soon. Rephidim being flooded with slaves from Empire, because they masters no want to give them up. Many of them in no very good condition." He reaches back and itches a spot on his shoulder.

Bassai looks in the poodle's direction. "Yes, perhaps you should remove your eyepatch and then you will be able to see that a free individual working towards their own goals has a greater economic potential than a prisoner who costs more to keep in chains than they would to voluntarily do the same job."

Star helpfully reaches to scratch the spot on Zoltan's shoulder for him.

The Minister nods at the Vartan, "Yes, that is one of the reasons I'm making this trip. Many of them are disappearing en route, and it is becoming expensive reimbursing their owners… as that now seems to also fall into my ministry's portfolio."

"Remove … my EYEPATCH?" the poodle yaps. He lifts it, revealing a scar and an empty socket. "How is that, you impertinent slitherer?"

"My apologies, I thought you were one of the costumed fools wandering around this entertainment centre." The Minister hisses. "Now, if you wish to discuss this further, I can supply you with my office hours. At the moment, I am engaged in other matters."

Zoltan twitches and gestures at another itchy spot. He glances at Jynx again.

"Freeing the Savanites?" Jynx stares at the Naga, "But, I thought the slave trade was how the empire made its money?"

"Costumed … FOOLS?" the poodle repeats, in case anybody missed that. "How dare you!" He lets the eyepatch snap back. He removes one of his lacedgloves.

The Vartan's feathers bristle, one hand slowly starts to slip down towards his sword.

Jynx blinks up at the Vartan. Gee, he sure is itchy today, maybe he has flea- wait… she's signing something… but what? The Khatta is unable to make out the words…

*swat* The poodle slaps Bassai with the frilly glove, then lets it fall to the ground. "I challenge you to a duel!"

All four of the Rokuga's arms leave their 'stand-by' positions.

Zoltan lets his hand relax, he motions for Jynx to move closer

The garter gasps, "A … duel?"

The black Khatta blinks in amazement at the poodle, but keeps an eye peeled at the Vartan. He notices the gesture, and blinks again. He slowly slips over, trying to be nonchalant.

Several passersby stop in their tracks, watching the confrontation as if it were just another part of the show, some munching on pop-bugs or candy as they watch.

The Vartan partially unfurls a wing, as if shading Jynx from the sun and then presses his hand into the Khatta's back.

"I suggest you reconsider your offer, in light of the fact that you are in the Nagai Empire, and I have already given you my apologies." Bassai hisses, as he draws himself up to his full height of six feet. "Guests can be killed without recrimination in duels, and I am allowed to choose a champion if I so desire. Bash… wait until I am sure he understands fully what he is asking."

"Wha? Ouch! Hey!" The Khatta looks up at Zoltan, and whispers, "What?"

The Rokuga freezes in mid-movement, a couple of fists having been en route to the poodle.

The poodle snorts. "My, so you will hide behind a champion, then? I have no interest in taking on a brainless lackey who can be replaced in the blink of an eye. I know full well how you treat your dear 'citizens'. Very well, then … have it your way. I withdraw my challenge … but you will regret this, believe you me… "

Zoltan quickly draws his hand back and just studies the two. He sizes the poodle up with his eyes, trying to judge his skill.

"I'm sure I will. Perhaps in the future you will refrain from joining in conversations that you aren't a part of, it allows things to be much more amicable. In any event, good day." Bassai turns his back on the poodle, facing Zoltan and Jynx once more. "Regrettable business this."

The poodle's good eye narrows. "And perhaps you should learn not to meddle in the affairs of others as well. Good day to you as well. Until we meet again… " He strides away, abandoning his glove, and taking off the other to throw to the ground as well in a show of disgust.

The garter hisses, "Too bad. I'm sssure the tourissstsss would have enjoyed the ssshow."

Zoltan reaches out and gives Jynx a pat on the back, winking. "Of course, Minister. So what does you job entail? And how you come to be in such position?"

The 'audience' breaks up and the tourists head their various ways, now that it's evident there won't be a fight.

Jynx just shakes his head to get the cobwebs out, its been a long day.

Bassai relaxes, nodding to his assistant garter before answering the Vartan. "I have rather broad sweeping responsibilities. Anything pertaining to Savanites, essentially. As to how I got this position… "

The garter stands up taller, "By hisss demonssstrated accomplissshmentsss and a consssissstent record of competence and achievement above and beyond the call of duty!"

"Anything?" The Khatta eyes the snake curiously, "Does this include wild Savanites?"

"Yes, I am an archaeologist by profession. You may have heard of a new Sky Island. I was… yes, it does." The Minister nods, "According to the recent changes, any Savanites who were not slaves are to be considered free citizens of the Empire, and accorded a legal status which puts them on par with the Jingai."

"Which incidentally means a free Savanite presently enjoys more rights than that recent disturbance. In any event, that includes the unborn, wild Savanites, and any slaves people magnanimously free." Bassai concludes.

"Looks like they were already free to me to begin with… " The Khatta says under his breath.

Zoltan shifts his seating a bit and looks at the Naga with a different expression, as though viewing from another perspective now. "And what abouts the slaves that I hear rumors abouts getting killed, or sold out of Empire?"

"And those still being captured as slaves?" The Khatta adds.

"It's a little more complicated than that. I've spend considerable time with lawyers as it is, but those are the essential details." The Ringneck says, glancing around the square. "Those are some of the details… execution of any slave is a crime, the people responsible are being prosecuted. Others would prefer to have their investment back, instead of possibly lost, and so are selling the slaves out of the Empire. I consider that a gross tragedy, but there is only so much we can do."

A Cobra Naga slithers by, adorned in rich robes that have a few patches on them, and cheap jewelry. "Sssay! I sssay! Isssn't that … Why, yesss it isss! It'sss Minissster Bassssssai! Good day, I sssay, good day, Minissster!" The cobra slithers along, accompanied by a couple of red-scaled spine-frilled Rokugai.

Bassai looks at Jynx, "Unfortunately, we can only protect the citizens that we know exist. It is hard to prove that a recently kidnapped wild Savanite was taken after the trade ban."

Bassai bows to the passing Naga, waving pleasantly, "Good day Sir, have an enjoyable stay."

Jynx grimaces with a small hiss at this reply.

The cobra nods, "Yesss, I'm afraid I can't wisssh the sssame to you, sssince you are resssponsssible for all of my troublesss, and I hope that a piecsse of the Procssessssssion fallsss on you and crussshesss you … but, yesss, a good day!" And he just keeps slithering along, Rokugai in tow.

Zoltan waits for the Cobra to move on, and then looks deeply into Bassai's eyes. "What is you stake in all of this, Minister? What you care abouts whether Savanites is free or slaves?"

The Ringneck Naga stares up into the black Vartan's eyes. His own have a cold, emotionless gaze. "Stake? I am not gaining any popularity or riches by this, I can assure you. It is the right thing to do. On my expedition to the Vykarin wastes, I saw the full potential in my personal slave, when the extreme cold forced me to shift greater responsibility on him than I ever have. That is a waste, under the old laws. He is capable of much more than he was doing as a slave. I believe they have matured, and their present status is holding them back."

"Freed, they will be capable of much much more, and this will only add to the glory of the Nagai Empire," Bassai says proudly.

"Matured? Who's to say that they weren't already matured?" The Khatta looks a bit angry by the choice of the Naga's words.

Star fidgets with Zoltan's feathers again, looking nervous.

Zoltan doesn't flinch. "I no mean to be disrespectful, sir. But rumors is that the only reason why Empire is doing this is some elaborate scheme to control slave market for all of Sinai. Repercussions of it is already felt in many places, as you probably have noticed." He reaches out and gives Jynx's shoulder a squeeze.

Jynx swallows and settles down a bit at the squeeze, but he still looks visibly miffed.

The Vartan gives Jynx three gentle pats on the back.

"Have you been talking to Exiles, Jynx? I've heard a few say equally strange things as you do." The Minister gives the black cat a pat on the shoulder before facing the much larger black bird again. "I understand. Very often the motives of the Nagai Empire are questioned, or misrepresented. I can simply say that I presented my case to the Potentate, he agreed, and assigned me to this portfolio to manage the transition."

The garter rifles through his handbag, and pulls out a long scroll that promptly rolls out to the ground. "I have all the cssertificationsss asss proof, in cassse you doubt!"

Jynx flares his nostrils a bit, but calms down. He nods up to the Vartan, then looks away, somewhat in Star's direction.

Zoltan's ears shoot up. "So you is the one that started all this! I been hearing abouts Potentate's decision… "

The garter seems disappointed that nobody is taking time to read all the legalese he's carrying around … and starts to the task of rolling the scroll back up again.

Bassai slithers back a pace, glancing at Bash, "Yes, I am responsible. I gather you are not in agreement with this policy?"

Bash gives Bassai a "You want I shoulda bust 'em up, boss, huh, huh?" look. Well … not really. To the untrained eye, it looks more like a "Duh?" look.

The Minister holds up his hand, holding back the Rokuga. If the Vartan attacks, that hand is likely to come down its own, killing two birds with one stone so to speak – if the analogy can be excused.

"I own slaves, and I see same things in them you say you see youself." Zoltan glances over at Star as he says this. "But I also see what go on in Rephidim because of you policy… half starved slaves being sold for shekels in Bazaar for work no even criminals do because they Naga masters feared new laws, and I hear rumors of riots where many many die."

Seeing the large bodyguard as if for the first time, Jynx backs away from Bassai with ears down, and makes to go behind the Vartan.

The hippogryph scoots forward a little to allow Jynx room to duck behind him. He keeps his hands quietly resting in his lap, away from his weapons for the moment.

"Yess… " Bassai says, looking down from the Vartan's glare. "That is happening. There are no easy solutions to this. I have tried for a gradual period, which would allow the Savanites to buy their freedom, like any Jingai slave can… but some nobles are unwilling to wait and see."

"I said free Savanites would benefit the Empire, the Potentate left that up to me to prove, "Bassai says, "I would have a hard time convincing anyone who had losst fortunes of gold on their slaves overnight that they were experiencing a benefit."

Jynx glares from behind his Vartan barricade, "Maybe if you hadn't taken them as slaves in the first place, then you wouldn't have any of these problems. Besides, would you want to help people who had made you a slave your whole life?" His fur stands on end.

"I understand thats," Zoltan replies. "Is just no easy to look at what happening now and see progress. My main concerns lie in you sincerity, Minister." He draws up a knee and casually rests his hand upon it. "You either very passionate about what you believes, or you biggest opportunist in Empire." His ears flatten and he gives Jynx a quick jab with his elbow.

"Thank you Baron, it's nice to be able to share my views with someone who doesn't want the procession to honour me." The Ringneck relaxes a little, then turns to answer the black cat.

Unfortunately, the Vartan forgets how much bigger he is than the small cat, and Jynx goes tumbling into the fountain! "Ack!" *SPLOOSH!* *SPUTTER!* *Hiss!* Jynx thrashes around in the water.

Star's ears flatten back … she reaches out, trying to grab at Jynx.

Bassai is forced to look further behind the Vartan, into the fountain.

Zoltan's feathers poof out and his spins around, helping star fish the soggy Khatta out. "Sorrysorrysorrysorry… "

Star pats Jynx once he's out, sending droplets spraying.

*Cough cough!* The black, sopping wet Khatta climbs out of the fountain with the help of the Cheetah and Zoltan, and he gives the Vartan a slightly annoyed look. The water is cold, and soon the feline starts to shiver.

The hippogryph digs in his pocket and hands Star another handful of coins. "Go buy something to dry him off with, hurry now."

The Ringneck waits for the Khatta to stop sputtering before speaking. "Jynx, those are all hypothetical questions. The reality is that Savanites were slaves, have always been either wild, or slaves, and now they have an opportunity to prove… without violent, bloody rebellion, that they are greater than the role they have been previously allotted."

Star nods, clutching the coins, and sprints off, heading for one of the souvenir stores.

Shivering, Jynx looks back at the snake, "They have not always been slaves!" He stops at this, thinking that he might have already said too much.

"I can only put so many economic incentives on the books to encourage Nobles to free their slaves, and only find so many loopholes. The Savanites are going to have to prove it to everyone, I've just made an opportunity for them to do so, "Bassai says.

Frowning, Zoltan attempts to dry Feli off as best he can. "Cold water get to you brain. Stop you silly talk." His hands scrub away at the water on the feline's back.

"Yeah… it must be the water, silly me… " Jynx helps the Vartan with the drying off, trying to change his expression to a much more pleasing one.

The Ringneck Naga smiles slightly at the Khatta's outburst and explanation, "of course."

Star sprints back with a colorful towel that proclaims, "Visit Scenic Safar!" over an image of a muscle-bound, bare-chested poodle in a tattered safari outfit, standing one foot up on a dead giant lizard-monster, with a buxom bimbo of indeterminate species clinging to him as if in fright of the dead thing, the jungle all around them. She drapes the towel over Jynx's head and starts scrubbing.

"Mrphle burds!" protests Jynx at the sudden violent scrubbing.

As the Savanite works on drying off the Khatta, the Vartan turns his attention back to the Minister. "So what you business in Safar, if I may asks?"

"Regrettably, while I have vast Ministerial responsibilities, I don't have an equally large budget. Government cutbacks, you understand." Bassai nods at Zoltan, "I'm here en route to Rephidim to try and calm a noble who lost a great deal of slaves recently, without spending any of that budget, and to try and stop the pirates responsible for stealing them."

"This no the best time to visits Rephidim. Babel is getting desperate in they war, and Rephidim in danger. surely you hear of what happen to Himar?" Zoltan flicks off some of the water clinging to his feathers.

Star finishes scrubbing Jynx's head … and hands him the towel so he can handle the rest.

The Minister shakes his head, "Only brief rumours. I've been occupied with internal matters and a few other things. I only became aware of it in the last few days. What happened?"

Jynx shakes his head as the darkness lifts, and teeters a bit. He catches himself before he takes another bath, then scrubs a bit more with a timid nod of thanks to Star.

Star's ears wiggle-twitch once, but she quickly recovers, bowing her head in proper subservience.

"Himar has been destroyed by Babelites. They use some kind of exile weapon, I was there to see it destruction." The Vartan's ears flatten against his head. "Stupid squeakers was willing to unleash they weapon on Himar instead of risk givings it up to Rephidim."

The Khatta looks embarrassed, and continues to dry off.

Bassai stares at the Vartan's news. "I can believe it, I have experienced their savagery first hand… " He runs out of things to say, and just shakes his head with a quiet hiss.

"It no over yets. If you do plan to continue to Rephidim, I suggests you travel with Intimidator," Zoltan says quietly, pointing upwards at the gigantic ship.

"You have my condolences Baron, you must have lost family, friends… this weapon destroyed the entire Himar region? I shudder to think of what could be that powerful." The Ringneck Naga says in a subdued tone.

The garter looks up. "Isss that really possssssible? It would be sssafe … but… " He ducks his head, hushing up, deferring to the Minister.

Jynx just watches the scene shyly, glancing over to Star quickly now and then, he can't believe how much she looks like someone else he knows.

Zoltan shrugs. "I have no family… no blood family anymore at least. But that happen long ago, only family I had died in Himaat over a year ago. My friends in Rephidim now… and I plan to protect them." He looks at the garter, "I asks the Champion of Roses abouts it. I think she the one who grant permission."

Bassai looks up at the Intimidator, floating like an ominous brick in the sky. "It certainly looks secure… however Baron, one of my reasons for travelling on the Nagai ship was it seemed the easiest way to encounter the pirates. Truth be told, I'd rather meet them than the noble, reports describe them having a rather distinct ship that has piqued my curiosity. Oh… you know the Champion?"

The garter hisses, "Ah yesss, I have a composssite sssketch right here… " He ruffles through his satchel.

Jynx looks up at the mention of the Champion, he's ran into her too. Oh well, he doesn't have to worry about Blossom being with her at least. "Pirates?"

The Vartan pats his sword. "I train under her… she very good sword teacher, and I respect her very great deal."

The garter says, "Aha!" He pulls out a picture with a sketch of a spiky-looking black ship, with a strangely-constructed forward 'split-level' deck.

Zoltan squints his eyes at the picture, studying it.

"She has helped me in the past," Bassai confides.

The black Khatta takes a pause at his drying off to glance at the picture, and his eyes go completely wide.

"You s-say these were… pirates?" Jynx looks at Bassai quizzically.

Zoltan just shakes his head at the image. "No look familiar to me."

Bassai leans down to peer very intently at Jynx, "To anyone who has never seen that ship, pirates would be sufficient to explain it away. To someone who has, I would go into greater detail. I have no wish to start any more dangerous rumours about what is happening in the Empire."

There are a few cries of alarm from the edge of the court.

Bassai straightens up abruptly, looking in the direction of the screams.

Jynx flinches at the Naga's hard gaze, "Oh, uh, I was just c-curious, I haven't seen it either… " he Khatta quickly goes back to drying, especially his face.

The Vartan looks nervously between Bassai and Feli, then jumps to his feet at the sound of the noise… looking for the source of it.

"That's too bad, I need to contact them." The Minister says with a distracted hiss, as he sways back and forth, trying to see what is happening.

The black Khatta halts his drying at the sound of the scream, and peers quickly at Bassai while he isn't looking in curiosity.

It looks like there are several tough-looking fellows, heavily supplemented with Shigai, Rokugai and even a few token Kirigai. At the head of them is a frilly-looking poodle, with a patch over one eye. He grins … then disappears as the thugs sweep past him.

It looks as if the thugs are headed this way. Bash claps his hands together. It looks like he'll get to see some action … for all of maybe a few seconds.

Jynx turns his attention to the thugs, and flattens his ears as they approach.

The thugs don't look like they're here to make friends. Or to make speeches before they get to business.

Zoltan quickly draws his blade. "Stay behind me, Star, Feli." His other hand draws out his crossbow.

Several more come out. It looks like it must be a convention. Maybe forty of them. And the tourists are getting scarce.

The black Khatta does as he is told, but his paw goes to his belt and pulls out a stone dagger. Jynx crouches down in an attack stance just in case.

"This is becoming increasingly pathetic, how insecure is that damn poodle?" Bassai hisses angrily, looking for a good way to escape.

The best means of escape would seem to be either straight up – or in the opposite direction.

Zoltan looks at Bassai, then at Jynx and Star. He calculates his flying strength… unsure if he can hold three passengers. Perhaps for just a quick flight, but he's not sure.

Star doesn't stay around to help in the calculation. She signs, "Sorry!" to Zoltan … then takes off like a flash!

Jynx blinks in amazement as the Cheetah tears off, "Hey, wait!"

The Vartan grimaces, quickly puts his weapons away, and then spins around and grabs Jynx by the waist. "She can take care of herself… I learn that much by being around her." He makes a leap to grab Bassai in his free arm and then tries to take to the air.

Bassai starts slithering backwards, "Good day gentlemen, it's been nice chatting, but I believe I'll follow th… URK!" He is interrupted, grabbed by Zoltan, and lifted.

Up into the air go the threesome! "Aaaaa!" cries out the garter … and he makes a quick escape by diving into a gutter.

"Hey! So can I! Leggo!" The young cat struggles a bit, but as soon as he notices the ground disappearing below him, stops moving completely.

"And no claws this time!" Zoltan scrawks to Jynx as he rises upwards.