After getting the Karnors back to the townhouse, events seemed to move at a swifter pace. The Life Mage who checked on them the next day pronounced that they were fit to travel. Even Gabriel was animated after a good night's sleep and not showing the confusion and lethargy of the night before.

Tasha was caught up in getting The Rake ready to leave again (which involved dragging a few of the crew back from where they were passed out drunk in front of various Underside taverns) and getting Calligenia's and the Karnor's goods stowed. Time was of the essence, since Rephidim was at it's closest approach to Abu Dhabi and delaying would lengthened the voyage.

Spring Meadow manages to join up at the last moment, having gotten a friend to cover for her long enough for a visit to Abu Dhabi. Aisha tears her away from Layth to talk in private though as soon as they board the airship.

Tasha's mother sees them off from the docks, after giving her daughter a 'lucky scarf' that she happened to be wearing when she met Arkold. Captain Eyeshine has Tasha drive the pteras again, and takes Akkers 'under his wing' to show him a bit about airship captaining – and probably talk about his and Tasha's relationship as well.

Moving swiftly, The Rake manages to reach Abu Dhabi by the next afternoon, and Aaron quickly arranges for his brother to pick up the luggage and cargo. Because travel to Gateway is granted only to those airships which have special license from the Emir, The Rake leaves again almost immediately to catch back up with Rephidim until they hear back from Tasha or Calligenia (Spring Meadow, being a Journeyman Mage, can easily get discounted or free passage back via the Mages' Guild when she's ready to return).

When Alexander Lightfoot arrives to greet them, he suggests the group relax at the Harem Club while their rooms are prepared at his estate.

The Harem Club
Situated at the top of Dream Street in Abu Dhabi, this nightclub is a popular spot for both locals and travelers. Inside, it is laid out in circular tiers under a large canopy, with several areas separated by hanging curtains. At the very bottom is a circular stage where entertainers perform. The lighting is kept low and intimate, and the mingled smokes from hookahs and incense add to the dream-like atmosphere.

"There is little that cannot be bought here. This place exists to fill the fantasies of its guests," Layth explains as he leads the odd group through the curtains and into the low light. "Thankfully, most that come here wish only to be. pampered, combed, and catered too. Even with their faults, the Khatta are at least tame in most of their fantasies. For those that work here, do tip well. Most of their income comes from the tips; management pays little."

Wearing her mother's scarf around he neck, Tasha walks beside Gabriel, holding his hand. "Whew, wasn' tha' a rush?" She shakes her head, then smiles at the man, patting his hand.

Calligenia and Spring Meadow have seen similar before in Rephidim, but the Karnors are getting their first look at Abu Dhabian flare. "By the Star, it really is them," Dr. Zerachiel mutters. "The Khattan Trade Coalition ships were decorated like this… "

Layth glances about, nose twitching. Inwardly, he hopes he doesn't spot anyone who knows him; or worse, knows he used to work here. "If we find a seat, an attendant will come to us. Do you prefer a more private or more open sitting?" he asks the group.

"We're a bit too big of a group for privacy," Aaron notes.

"You mean, they were li' this back then, too? 'Ole ships o' them, with technology like The Fenris? Robot dancers," Tasha inquires of Dr. Zerachiel.

"Well, the dancers were not robots," the Terran scholar notes. "They preferred to keep their technology unobtrusive, and sought to preserve as much of their vanished homeworld as possible on their giant ships."

The relaxed and dreamlike atmosphere is somewhat marred when a black bird jingles through the archway. His voice is harsh and gravelly, but cheerful, only slightly put off by a lack of hinged door to crash through. "The Cutlass is in town! Lock up yer daughters an' bring on the drink!"

"Near the dancers, then," Layth says. Motioning for the group to follow, the buck makes his way through those gathered. "Pardon me. Please, forgive the trespass. I'm not worthy to disturb you, please grant me the honor of forgiveness," are just a few of the apologies he uses making his way.

"I don't believe it, he's still alive," Aaron mutters at the entrance of the Korv, nearly tripping while his head is turned.

"Friend of yours?" Layth inquires, glancing back towards the bird.

A Khatta attendant rushes up to the corsair, and speaks in hushed tones. "Please your eminence… " she starts to say.

"Sort of," Aaron admits, and risks waving to the bird.

"That man… bird… looks like a pirate," Gabriel whispers to Tasha, sounding stunned.

If Kensington notices Aaron yet, he makes no indication, simply laughing, looking around, and dumping a duffel off his shoulder with a crash. "Ah, yer service is quick, perfect! Bring a bottle o' yer finest brew, there's a good lass." He makes a swat at her bottom with one wing, and begins jingling around looking for a place to sit.

"He's going to make a scene," Aaron laments. "He always makes a scene. Get everyone settled, Layth, I'll be right back." With that, Aaron turns and heads back to rescue the out-of-her-depth attendant.

"Why do I sense a fight is in the future?" Layth mutters and shakes his head. He pats Calligenia and Spring Meadow's shoulders, then says to Tasha and the Karnors, "Come, let is get settled while Master Lightfoot gets himself killed." Onward he goes and in short order he locates a large round table with several hookahs and plenty of comfortable pillows to lounge in.

Tasha leans over and whispers back, "Migh' be 'e is. Bad sorts, pirates. Don' bring them up with Capt'n Eyeshine, 'e'll go on for says," she tells him.

The Khatta woman just works her mouth up and down, until Aaron swoops over and grabs up the dropped duffel bag. "Ah, don't mind my friend here, hostess," he explains to the woman. "He's Chronotopian, and… partially deaf after a boiler exploded next to him."

Two Khatta ladies approach the seated group – one with the classic tufted ears of a Himaatian lynx, and the other covered in a more cougar-like tan and white, with distinctive muzzle marks. "How may we serve you this evening, most honored travelers from far lands. We are humbled and honored by your presence," the lynx says, bowing low.

Kensington puts his wings on his hips, cocking his head. The feather on his large and rather outlandish hat waves a few seconds after. "What be this, a morgue? I seen livelier parties in the Wandering Roams!" He turns to glance at Aaron… there's no recognition in his eye. "Ah, puts it anywheres, blackeye. If I cans find it in the mornin', there's a fiver in it fer ya. Good lad."

"An' we're 'umbled an' 'onored by yours," the Vartan woman says back. She smiles at the hostesses, then nudges Gabriel saying, "Don' look too long – you don' wan' me jealous. I know where you sleep, aye? An' 'ow to make your favorite san'wich." She smiles wider, then squeezes his hand again. "So, wha' 'appened to their worl'?

"Kensington St. Germain," Aaron mutters to the bird, throwing his other arm across the man's shoulders to guide towards their table. "Don't make me tranq you. This isn't a dockside tavern, you know. And do you still have that bounty on your head?"

"Ah, thank you for attending to us. May honor flow always with your family for your diligence to duty," Layth says, Abu-Dhabian accent quickly returning, his arms spread to the servant women. His left hand waves towards the Karnors as he continues, "My friends have traveled hand and endured much. Tonight, I think they should forget the world outside these blessed halls and enjoy only the finest here. Which of the graced wines are the best this evening? Something kissed by the cool night air, perchance?"

"Oh," Zerachiel says, tearing his attention away from the bowing felines to tell Tasha, "It was destroyed. By war or… possibly… repossession. They aren't too free with that sort of information – or anything else really. They've since lived in their vast ships, and considered planets to be a bit too fragile and easily targeted."

The lynx kneels next to Layth, and begins to recite the available wines to him – a few of which are even imported from as far away as Nagai. The cougar, meanwhile goes around and makes sure everyone is comfortably seated, and introduces herself as Sascha, their table attendant for the evening.

The Korv looks momentarily stunned when Aaron uses his name, and he squints closer, until finally recognition dawns on him. "Why… why it's Aaron Lightfat! Light-… f-… LightFOOT! That's right." He laughs, slipping a wing around the Lapi's back and giving slapping it as if he were meeting an old comrade, and his voice doesn't get any lower. "Why, last time I saw you, we were shuttling that boat fulla Noh around! Y'put some meat on that scrawny carcass o' yers finally, I didn't recognize ye!"

"A plane' is easily targeted? You mean your wars coul' kill planet's? 'Ow do you even kill a plane', anyway? Aren' they, oi, big," Tasha asks the scholar, brows raised as if she doesn't quite believe teh doctor, but is willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Well, I got a girlfriend that liked to box," Aaron notes, and brings the Korv to the table. "Everyone this is Captain Kensington, an old… uh… associate. Kensington, this is Tasha," he says, starting with the hybrid, "Captain Gabriel Akkers, Doctors Caravelli and Zerachiel… " After the Karnors, he introduces the chocolate doe as Calligenia of Dianus, the gray one as Spring Meadow, Mage of Earth, the golden one as Aisha Al-Firaih his cousin, and finally the white and gold (and big) Layth as her guardian.

"Well… you make them… unlivable," Zerachiel notes, and then smiles to the sword-bearing Korv.

Layth nods sagely as each wine name is spoken. When the lady finishes, he pushes his lop ears back and smiles, saying, "I think tonight we should sample the wines of these lands. So, please honor us by bringing a couple carafes of the 'Dew of the Midnight Cactus', aged at least three years, of course. A gentle and satisfying wine." Another smile to the server, then the buck turns his head to look to the loud Korv Aaron has brought over. "Is there anyone you do not know, Master Lightfoot?" he asks.

Aisha gives Aaron a 'why did you bring him over' look of reproach, while Calligenia seems to focus on the bird's double sabers with interest.

Kensington allows himself to be led over to the table, waving a broad black wing in the direction of the attendant and cupping his wing-claw to his beak. "Oy! Make it a whole 'round fer me boyo Aaron here, an' his crew!" he hollars, then turns back to the seated folk, grinning around his beak. "Kensington St. Germain, the Cutlass, captaining the Wench o' Babel. At yer service," he says, sweeping his hat off and executing a remarkably courtly bow for someone so rough-looking. "Pleased to meetcher."

"Oh, I know the ones worth knowing is all," Aaron says, sitting down. The lynxette bows and goes to fetch the wine, while other servants begin bringing over platters of finger foods.

"Not. A. Tavern," Aaron reminds Kensington through one side of his mouth.

"Oi, s'nother Cap'n, Cap'n," Tasha says aside to Gabriel, the black-and-grey wolf beside her that looks to be about twice her age. She grins at the man, too, a smile that's more than friendly. Then, she nods to Kensington. "I'm Tasha, jus' off The Rake, an' this 'ere beside me is Cap'n Gabriel Akkers."

"The Wench is an airship?" the indicated wolf asks.

"Is it airship custom for the crew to mutilate words when they use them?" Layth leans over and whispers to Aaron. "I do not think we have met one yet that enunciates well."

"Well… I'm sure Kensington speaks Vartan quite clearly," Aaron whispers. "But his native tongue is Bosch, which is a bit more guttural."

"Other than that, I think the need to shout over the wind a lot damages their vocal chords," the Lapi adds.

"Aye, she's Babelite in design, no surprise," says Kensington, warming up to the topic and evidently pleased to meet other shipmen. He kicks a chair, pillow, or whatever's available to sit on, drawing it to himself to perch. "A trim cutter, just 20 guns, but she's as fast as anythin', and handles raidin' good. Not that I does that no more, I'm strictly cargo these days." He laughs, sounding as though even he wouldn't believe what he's saying.

"Do you have a license to fly into Gateway?" Calligenia asks, suddenly interested after the mention of 'cargo' and 'guns' and 'raiding'.

"Do you have enemies, then? If you used to raid, I would assume that you may. How much of an issue are they to you currently?" Layth inquires.

"He'd have to be working for one of the Khattan trade lines for that," Aaron notes to Calligenia. "Or else be sneaking in through Titantown." He gives the Korv a suspicious look. Aaron doesn't have any problem at all imagining Kensington working with Titanians.

"Raider, is i'?" Tasha's brow furrows, and she leans forward to peer at the Korv in her own suspicious way.

"Perhaps Captain Germaine is a Privateer," Spring Meadow suggests quietly. "A lot of them are from Chronotopia… so I hear… "

The Korv looks momentarily surprised, his crest lifting a little. "Does I? Well, I'm sure I does! Truth be tol', me an' ol' Zoltan were summa the earlier hands to Abaddon… y'mighta hearda Zoltan Cambio, big hero, saved 'is life dozens o' times. Was me what negotiated wit' the Kampfzengruppe, on accounta they talked Bosch, sorta." He flaps a wing dismissively. "I don't raid paquebots or nothin', but I done some privateerin' fer th' Fatherland, make prizes of pirate ships, that kinda thing. The Wench is good fer raidin' in that her Eeee design lets fliers launch from it an' return real easy, good fer us flyin' types."

"Tha's respec'able, I s'pose," remarks Tasha, who leans back in her chair. "Me, I'm from a trade ship – The Rake. Ptera drawn, Rephidimite make. Ol', bu' a good ship, an' none o' tha' new engine pro'lem's. Can set sail any time, wha' with the live pushers. Oi, an' Gabriel 'ere is from a military vessel. E's teachin' me, righ', Gabriel?" The half-Vartan looks towards the Jupani expectantly.

"I've learned a lot more from Tasha than I've managed to teach her," Akkers admits.

"Wait… you've been to Abaddon, Kenny?" Aaron asks. "Do you know anyone in the Expedition there?"

"I's 'cause 'e's smarter than me, it is," the half-Vartan woman insists, grinning at the Jupani.

Akkers grins, but doesn't comment. He's been married, after all: he knows when to keep quiet.

The black bird grins around his beak. "Well, that's good then! Don't care whatcha fly, knowin' how t'fight's gonna save yer hide sometime." He puffs on his talons and begins polishing them on his vest nonchalantly. "As fer enemies, sure, man like me's always got someone gunnin' fer 'im… any green airman'd wish 'e could claim 'e brought down th' notorious Cutlass. But mosta the time, they're too scairt." He cocks his head to regard Aaron. "Expedition? Nae, mosta my dealin's was wit' th' Kampzengruppe as a translator, an' the' folk Zoltan met up with. His pa had some ties t' Abaddonians, clashed wit' the cheetahs. It's been a long time, so's I ferget some of it."

"But have you still got ties to the Leatherheads?" Aaron asks. "I mean, the Kampfzengruppe?"

"Spotties, was it? I 'ere they're called Silen' Ones out there, an' use 'and sign like ours do. Turns ou', I know Silen' One sign – jus' don' ask me 'ow," says Tasha. She shrugs a little, then reaches a wing over to wrap around Gabriel, indicating him. "Me an' me man 'ere are lookin' to meet up with the Expedition types."

"We… ah… have some customs issues with our cargo," Aaron mutters to Kennsington. "Stuff we don't really need the Khattans to be nosing through. And the passport paperwork requires a lot of background stuff that is also difficult."

"We feel if we're jus' able to make contact with the Expedition higher-ups, we'll do jus' fine. It's gettin' pas' the Gateway tha's the challenge 'ere," adds Tasha.

"In other words, we wish transport with no questions asked," Layth adds.

"Even if it means taking the back door with the Titanians," Aaron grumbles.

The corsair stares for a moment. "Whuh… is that it? Pssh." He rolls his eyes and cackles. "Well if it don't stink too bad, 'at be easy. Ye don't sail Sinai's skies weeout knowin' some tricks fer movin' goods. Dockmasters always be in somebody's pocket, an' iffen ye don't learn hows ta keep yer goods ta yerself, yer never gonna get nowheres widdit. Whatcher tryin' ta move, then?"

Kensington waggles a wing, and adds, "An Titanians're easy ter deal wit', ya just gotta knows 'ow ta talks widdem."

Layth repeats, "No questions asked." The buck then grins wryly.

Tasha nods to Layth's words. "Nothin' tha'll stink your ship, t'be sure," she contributes.

"Stuff that would… well, it's nothing you'd need, Kenny," Aaron says, winking and elbowing the Korv.

"Why wouldn't he need it?" Calligenia asks. "It is very useful and seems to work on many types of people… "

Spring Meadow hiccups.

The Korv grins back, pointing with both index claws and cocking his head the other way. "Ahhhh, no puttin' one over ye. Well, I moved all manner'n stuff. Long as it ain't Savanites. Too messy. I knows Aaron 'ere wouldn't steer an' ol shipmate wrong, an' I likes th' looks o' ye folks, so iffen yer looking ta get stuff troo da Gate, ye foun' th' right man." His eyes glint. "It'll cost ye, 'course."

"Do not tell my father the details of our travel arrangements," Aisha whispers to Layth.

Shaking her head, Tasha tells Calligenia, "Later on, remin' me to explain the 'abits o' shady airship cap'n's an' their dealin's."

"Because I doubt he is the sort of man who likes to dress in feminine clothes and prance around. That only appeals to a select few," Layth says rather flatly, then elbows Calligenia, hoping that ends the questions about the cargo…

"How much?" Aaron asks. "And will the price go down once you're drunker?"

"Will you pretend to be a proper lady if I omit certain details of our travels?" Layth asks Aisha.

The Korv roars with laughter, and claps Aaron on the back, pointing at him with the other wingclaw as if to say "Listen to this guy!" Once he wipes his eyes, he says, "Well me boyo, normally I'd ask a cut o' th' sellin' price, but I don'ts even knows what yer gonna do witcher stuff. I ain't taken no fares along, an' there's some risk, so's I'll bleed ye fer an standard merchant escort fee given distance an' resupply. If I'm stickin' me neck out as much methinks I am, yer gettin' a good deal."

"I am a proper… " Aisha starts to claim, then snaps her mouth shut. "You'd better omit half the stuff we've done together too then," she points out.

"Well, we can cover that," Aaron notes. "The stuff we're bringing isn't exactly for sale anyway. Oh, and you can't have Tasha either. I know your taste in women."

"We did no worse than you could do in this club," Layth points out. "I saved the more involved moments for Spring Meadow… " There's a slight nudge of Springer's leg from Layth's toe, then he continues, "But yes, I did intend to leave out certain details."

"There migh' be some reward in 'elpin' us. No promises there, bu' the Expedition migh' be gla' to see us. Migh' reflec' well on you to be gettin' us to 'em," says the Vartan woman. "Other than tha', I won' puck your tail: migh' be dangerous. Migh' be."

The Earth Mage blushes. "I guess I'll be heading back to Rephidim with the Rake by the time you head out for Gateway," she notes to Layth.

"Unless you come with us," Layth offers, "But I imagine you cannot. That means I must find something special to do with you the night before we depart."

The Korv throws his wings up, beak gaping merrily. "Well if it weren't dangerous, wouldn't be worth doin', now woulds it?! Hahaha!" He folds his wings again, grinning and bumping Aaron with his shoulder. "Kaw, y'wound me, boyo. I'm a right gennleman, an' she's attached. More's the pity, she's a fine lookin' lass." The Korv winks broadly. "Well, anyhoo, gettin' some favor never hurts neither. Iffen yer decided, then the Wench o' Babel's at yer service."

"I never get tired of hearing 'wench' followed by 'at your service'," Aaron notes with a grin. "Although… this is probably the first time I've actually heard it."

The Korv rubs the ruff of feathers under his beak, snickering. "Oh, neither does I, me lad, neither does I."

Tasha grins widely at the remark of 'having her,' and even more so when the Korv calls her a "fine lookin' lass." She winks back, but also pats Gabriel's arm as if to tell him he's in no danger of losing her. "Korv's is alway's good for a laugh, an' were I no' settled, we migh' 'ave 'ad a time o' it. As it is, Gabriel's me man – put 'im together meself, so 'e's my responsibility." She then pats the Jupani with the wing she squeezed him with earlier.

"Wait… you're serious?" Dr. Caravelli asks Tasha, and looks between her and the avian. "He's… a bird! Is that even… possible?" The Karnor looks perplexed and intrigued at the same time.

Calligenia gives Kensington a measuring look now. Given that her mother was wondering if Lapi could breed with Tasha to produce winged offspring, it's probably a safe bet that she's considering the same thing.

Tasha sputters a laugh, then smiles toothily at the doctor. "Me mum's mos'ly a bird too, aye? I'm 'alf bird meself, though I don' show i' as much as she does. 'Sides, Korvs 'ave all the righ' bits – you jus' 'ave to poke aroun' a bi' more, an' mind the feathers. Oi, an' be careful wit' the kissin', or you're in for a sore muzzle, or in for an eyepatch." She then laughs again.

"No," Layth tells Calligenia.

"Fascinating," Dr. Zerachiel comments, looking thoughtful. "If we'd known that before, then our relations with the Confederates might have been… uh, but that's all in the past."

The scruffy Korv makes a show of leering for a moment, even glancing at Calligenia appreciatively. "Oh, ye learn all kindsa tricks on th' airways, friend. Now, upside down, wit'n eeee, that was a challenge, aye… " He rocks back in his chair as if reminiscing fondly.

"He has two swords," Calligenia tells Layth, and affects as much of a pout as a warrior is likely to manage. "I was just wondering what it would be like to fight him."

"Always foun' the eeee a bi' o' a rail for my tastes. Now, you get yourself a Rhian, or better, a strapin' Vartan, an- … " The woman suddenly blushes, then glances at Gabriel and pats his hand again. "You remember wha' I said abou' me pas', aye?"

"Kenny is the only swordsman I know who can wield two blades and two bottles of booze at the same time without spilling any," Aaron warns.

"I know what kind of fight you were considering. And again, no. Leave such thoughts behind," Layth warns Calligenia.

"Well… I can't say that I do not enjoy the, ah, fruits of your education," Akkers tells Tasha.

The corsair angles forward again, resting his 'chin' on his knuckles and smiling winsomely. "Well, li'l sparrin' never hurt nobody."

At that, Tasha blushes even more. But, she can't help but smile widely, even if she tries to hide it behind her hands. "Maybe I ought an' find the good doc bird watcher a Korv an' let 'im see for 'imself," she mummbles.

"You've never sparred with an Amazonian then," Aaron notes. "They don't really understand the 'sparring' part of sparring. You know: how it's all in 'fun'?"

"Amazonians fight for a quick kill. Combat is not for 'fun'. No sports such as boxing and the like," Layth tries to explain.

Appetizers begin arriving, born on platters by scantily-clad Kavi. The central stage lights up as well, as the first of the evening performances begins: Khatta harem dancers with blunted scimitars.

Tasha nods, her blush clearing a bit with the change of topic. "I was one o' their religious sorts for a while, was taugh' in the Temple o' Abbadon, the temple o' war. Amazonian's go' a 'ole diffren' idea o' a frien'ly figh' than your average shipman," she explains.

Kensington considers this. "Hmm. Well heck, even life or death, 'at kin still be fun. Y'gotta love life, e'en when yer just 'bout to let it go, aye? Fight an' love wit' equal vigor, at's what I says."

"Vigor is something Lapis are not short of," Aaron notes. Meadow blushes again at that, even if it isn't directed at her.

"I'm mos'ly 'ard o' lovin' an' learnin' these days. Never was much o' a fighter, 'cept in a pinch. Goin' to figh' me brain agains' some o' tha' Expedition technology, see if I can' be somethin' more. 'Ad a, oi, let's call 'er a mentor tha' taugh' me to aim 'igher, so 'ere I come," says the Vartan woman.

The Karnors are distracted from the conversation by the sword dancing, along with Calligenia. Aisha just rolls her eyes a bit and leans against Layth, opposite Spring Meadow. The Earth Mage Lapi watches the dance with a jealous eye. "I really need to learn dance sometime," she mutters.

"They only think most Lapis are short on is height," Layth comments, looking amused. "Thankfully I am not lacking of height." To Spring Meadow, he whispers, "I used to dance similar when I worked here. It is not too difficult. It mainly requires flexibility. The rest are merely memorized movement."

The Korv nods briskly, and claps his rough, scaley hands together. "Well, we'll getcher there. Let's celebrate a new deal, aye? 'Ave a drink! Dance some!" At this, Kensington slaps the table enthusiastically, rattling the glasses on it, and gets up to go join the saber dancers, despite the fact they're dancing solo, and making a clumsy go at dancing as well whether they like it or not.

"I've never been that flexible!" Springer notes, nodding towards a Khatta that is practically bent double – backwards.

Tasha glances at the dancer and, noting Gabriel's interest, leans over and whispers to him.

This being the Harem Club, it isn't unusual for the audience to be drawn into the performances (Tasha should know this first hand!), so the felines incorporate the Korv into their dance as best they can. Calligenia looks to Layth, as if asking permission to try it as well.

"Nor were they at first. You have to practice at it for a long time," Layth notes. "It's also moderately painful to work up to." To Calligenia he says, "If you wish. Just … remember it is dance and for fun. No violence."

Considering something for a moment, Layth asks Spring Meadow, "Would you wish me to dance for you? It does not seem that Aisha would appreciate it, since she doesn't find much interest in the dancers on stage. But, if you think you would I can speak with the manager on borrowing some clothing… "

The brown bunny grins and hops to her feet. She strips down to her underwear (which is, fortunately, not made of bronze armor tonight) and leaps into the fray of dancers. Or maybe she just wants to try one of the scimitars.

"I would enjoy seeing you dance," Aisha says. Spring Meadow just nods wide-eyed at the suggestion.

"But you do not seem to care for the current dancers?" Layth comments to Aisha and motions towards the managed chaos of the stage.

"I had to practice that dance myself," Aisha notes. "It is not so entertaining for me to watch after that."

"Can you bend near-double backwards?" Layth has to ask.

The Korv seems pleased to have been drawn into the dance without too much fuss, and when Calligenia joins, he grins all the more, welcoming her with a gravelly croak. His sabres jingle and ring as he turns and sways and stomps and claps, his billowy tunic and sash fluttering. "So, yer a dangerous one, is ye? Ain't met too many Lapi like that. Ol' Aaron there, I 'ad ter teach 'im, gave 'im 'is first shiv, ye know."

"Yes," Aisha claims. "And put my foot behind my head. I was asked to teach the form at Anisa's Gym, but… I am not that brave."

"Xavier is of no use as a fighter," Calligenia notes, swinging a borrowed scimitar around like a baton. "I do not think he has ever held a sword."

The Korv tilts his head. "Eh? O's this Xavier, then? Y'mean Aaron, that what 'e's called?"

Layth pats both Aisha's and Spring Meadow's cheeks as he stands. "Give me a few minutes to see if they will loan me clothing, then," he says, then disappears in the direction of presumably the kitchen and employee rooms.

The older Karnor coughs, nearly choking on his drink after Tasha whispers to him. "Now… that would have been quite the performance… " he gasps.

"That is his proper name," Calligenia notes, eyeing the corsair's sabers. "He is only called Aaron out here in the demon lands."

Tasha just pats Gabriel's cheek, grinning from ear to ear. "A lil' somethin' for you to look forward to, you jus' keep your eyes open an' we'll see abou' it. Figured you'd 'ad it rough' enough', an' deserve a bi' o' a treat," she insists.

"Ahhhh," says Kensington, nodding his head thoughtfully. "Well, he were pretty soft'n squishy whens I first met 'im. Looks like 'e went'n put some meat on. Butcha knows, 'e kept 'is 'ead when it cames down ter it… somethin' ta be said fer that." He follows the brown doe's eye down to the hilts of his weapons, and he grins. "Y'likes 'em?" he asks, nudging the crosspiece of one with his thumb to loosen it, letting a sliver of steel gleam from the neck of its scabbard.

Calligenia assumes permission is being given, and draws out the slender blade (while still swinging the scimitar around in other hand in time with the dancers). "This is very light, and it is not bronze," she notes. "But… it seems unlikely to split shield or armor."

"I… never really looked at those Kavi before, I suppose," Akkers tells Tasha. "I'm not even sure of their origins."

"I wonder if I should arrange to have the two doctor's smothered in kitties," Aaron muses to Spring Meadow and Aisha. "You can do that here?" Springer asks in surprise.

Kensington allows the weapon to be drawn, still smiling as the doe looks long blade over, affording him a chance to let his beady black eyes slip down over Calligenia herself. They're back up by the time he replies. "Aye, me style o' fightin's not th' lumberin' crash o' the Templars, no miss." He sets his hand idly and easily over the hilt of the other saber, and casually lets his eye scan over the club, looking for an unattended piece of fruit or winebottle cork to direct his dance partner's attention to. "Ye don'ts need to cut armor when ye only cut what's soft, an' cut it fast."

"Thinkin' Kavi, are we?" Tasha raises a brow curiously, then turns her attention towards the serving girls, studying them. "They're energetic little bits, bu' don' go along wit' 'em if they say they've go' an' idea goin'. Bi' surprised you're thinkin' Kavi, I am. Migh' be you're a diffren' man than I though'!" She grins and nudges the Karnor.

"Well, it just that you described them so… " Akkers says, and then stops, not wanting his colleagues to get too curious.

"An assassin's weapon!" Calligenia pronounces, and slides the blade back into Kensington's scabbard smoothly while performing a spin.

Tasha's tail wags, then shakes her finger at her partner. "We'll talk abou' i' more on the way," she promises.

"You can do most anything here if you have the money," Layth explains from behind Aisha and Spring Meadow. As he walks back into view; his attire has certainly changed. Gone is the simple tunic and belt. The Lapi buck is topless, save for a series of sparkly 'chains' of chitin draped over his shoulders. They have the effect of pressing down his fluff of fur to highlight the actual musculature beneath. Each of his lop ears also bear several colorful chain-clips. As for his pants, well, they're shiny blue zolk. The sides have been split to near up to the waist so that the white fur of his legs show through. And along his arms, well, scarves made of zolk have been entwined along them. "You are certain you wish me to dance?" he clarifies.

"Yes!" Spring Meadow declares, nearly spilling her drink.

"Aisha?" Layth checks with the other doe. "And how … involved do you wish it to be?"

"Nay, not an assassin," protests Kensington, thumping his chest with a fist, then jutting his hip out to let Calligenia return his sword to its scabbard. "In a straight-up fight, I means. No armor's faultless… there's straps, there's joints, there's eyeslits. See iff'n ye can follow th' flash o' silver. Don't blinks." With that, the Korv leans back nonchalantly, as if stretching, watching when one of the Khattan dancers turns away… and then suddenly his wing blurs. There's a rapid "shing-shing" noise, and Kensington is once again dancing and swaying as if nothing happened, ignoring the black feather left floating on the air.

"Involved?" Aisha asks sitting half on her side. "Are you asking for a partner?"

"Not exactly. More on how … touchy, you would wish me to be with the both of you," Layth explains.

Tasha glances at the Korv, and then tells Gabriel, "You'd look righ' 'andsome with a sword at your 'ip."

"No' tha' you're no' righ' 'andosme now," adds the Vartan.

The dancer next to the Korv doesn't notice when her costume falls away.

"I don't mind," Springer says, grinning. "Will it makes the wolves blush?"

"It would be a good measure of your skill," Aisha says, nodding.

The black bird beams at Tasha, acting oblivious to the string and zolk fluttering away from the dancer next to him. "Why, thank ye kindly, ma'am! 'Tis but a pale reflection o' yer beauty, 'course."

Calligenia's ears perk up at the display of speed and skill. "Very… deft? Is that the word?" she comments.

"I wouldn't know how to hold one," Akkers admits, his eyes going wide at the sight of the stripped dancer. They get even wider as the others quickly drop their costumes to match, making it seem that it was all part of the dance.

Tasha now points to the naked dancer. "'ow abou' tha'," she queries Akkers. "Only rule is, you can' like 'em better than me!" She then blinks at the Korv, shaking a finger at him shortly after. "Me mum warn'ed me abou' men like you – warned me to point 'em 'er way!" She laughs, then offers Kensington a kind of salute. "I'd sign on with you if I didn' need to be elsewhere, you're a righ' riot!"

Kensington turns back to Calligenia, still doing that odd little rhumba of his, enjoying the dance in his own odd way. The new flavor of the dance going on around him seems to suit him just fine, onyx eyes ogling for a moment or two before he makes a point of paying attention to Calligenia. "Aye, deft! Why, ever eeee I e'er shipped wit' said I was completely deft on account o' bein' in too many 'splosions… actually, 'at ne'er made no sense ta me, but it's true 'nuff. Totally deft."

Layth chuckles at that and shakes his head. "As you wish," he tells them and slides himself back. There he stands for a moment, drawing in several deep breaths, then shakes out his head, getting his longish golden mane to settle down lightly over his shoulders. And there … the Lapi begins. The dance starts off simple and slow enough, twirls and gliding steps as he circles the two does. A roll of his neck here, a twist of his hips there, all serve to cause his clothing and hair to sway and flow around him like liquid. Things begin to speed up as the buck moves in closer and closer to the women. In twirling passes, he reaches out, his fingertips brushing over an ear here, a cheek there, to even their shoulders, back, and chest. The touches are light as a feather.

Seeing that Layth is too distracted now to stop her, Calli alters her own attire to match that of the other dancers. "I still trust my armor," she tells the Korv.

Spring Meadow looks like she might explode, so hard is she blushing. Aisha takes it with more grace, smiling and bobbing her head appreciatively. Caravelli and Zerachiel are torn between the spectacle next to them and the one on stage. "Miss Calligenia is certainly… fit," Doctor Zerachiel comments.

"Well this is somethin', so much skin an' I'm neither drunk no part 'o it. You're a ba' influence on me, Gabriel," the Vartan tells the Karnor, who she promptly leans heavil against and grins at. "You know, firs' time I met Calli, she 'ad on this shiny bronze armor an' I took a go at 'er. S'how this 'ole mess star'ed."

With his arm around Tasha's shoulder, Gabriel asks, "You… attacked her?"

"Fair 'nuff, lass, but I gotta say, yer a fair sight weeout it," comments the Korv, seasoned eye following lean musculature appreciatively. The plumage around his throat and chest puffs up, and his tailfeathers fan out.

After scooting comfortably closer to Gabriel, Tasha shakes her head against his shoulder. "Though' abou' tha' at firs' when she started up in me mum's tavern, bu' no. Tried to get un'er tha' armor, if you know wha' I mean. It was very shiny."

The other dancers raise their scimitars overhead, and then bring them point-down onto the stage with a 'thunk' sound. The stage lights go out, and there is appreciative applause from the audience. "I think the dance is over," Calli comments.

"Kawwww… " comes Kensington's voice.

"Ah, does this mean I will have to get a pair of pants like Layth has?" Gabriel asks. Aaron chuckles, and says, "Yes! Join the Brotherhood of the Shiny Pa- CALLI! Get back here and put some clothes on!"

Layth's dance becomes far more intense as time goes on. From the graceful twirls it now turns to contortions where even he nearly bends double, reaching back to caress both does cheeks. Then, without losing a step, he spins around and drops down to all fours. His lop-ears and mane frame his face as he approaches the two does, back rolling in an a rather predatory and khatta way. When he's right before the pair, he draws back to his haunches and rolls his arms in circles around then, now draping the scarves he wore around each's shoulders. First, he draws Aisha close to him, his slowly quivering nose just barely touching hers. As he peers at her through half-lidded eyes, his lips brush against hers lightly. Just a short touch of warmth before they're drawn away. To Spring Meadow he moves next, drawing her closer and closer, as if the cat with his prize. There he lightly bites her lip, pulling it back justa tiny bit before releasing. And just before he draws away, he concludes with a nip of of one of her ears. He settles back on his legs, looking pleased. Right up to the point Aaron yells about Calligenia. His eyes close and he just sighs.

Several of the dancers learn quickly not to bend over when collecting their costumes – at least, not to do so near the Korv. Calligenia ignores her shed underthings, and returns to the table so she can join the other does in Layth's dance.

"Wouldn' 'urt," Tasha replies, suggestively. She grins again, then flops her head against the man's shoulder. "Bu' I like you as you are, too. Don' you think you need to change for me."

"I guess I'm shiny on the inside, eh?" Gabriel asks.

"You missed it," Layth points out to the naked chocolate doe now near him. Brow now arching, he adds, "Which may be a lesson in running off and losing your clothes along the way."

Kensington jingles back down from the stage, chuckling a little to himself, mischievous talons folding under his wings after 'accidentally' straying… it was so dark, after all. "Good times, good times!"

"Don't get any ideas," Aaron tells Kensington. "Calli is young enough to be your… neice… "

"Y'are, even said so on your medical char's. 'Cap'n Gabriel, shiny on the insi'," Tasha teases the Karnor. "Course, a bi' o' shine never 'urt, either. "

"I did not lose them," Calligenia claims, pointing to the pile next to the table. "I know exactly where they are."

"I do not approve of what you just did. The men here are more than willing to steal your virtue," Layth comments dryly to the doe, then even points towards Kensington. "Case in point."

"My what?" the Amazonian asks, and looks through her pile of clothes to see if some piece is missing. "It's all here."

"Be' 'e's stolen enough virtue to buy 'imself a saint," Tasha remarks aside to Gabriel, pointing a finger at Kensington.

"Your virtue," Layth repeats. "As in they would drag you to chambers and bed you," he adds rather bluntly

Kensington's plumage stays fluffy. "'Ere now, I may been 'round the world a few times, but I's still a young man at 'eart." He says it good-naturedly, however, and doesn't dispute the accusations levelled at him.

The chocolate doe looks at Layth for a moment, and then bursts out laughing! "They are only khattas," she points out. "I could kill them all with little effort."

"And that would get you killed by the guards. You would be shot down. Or, have you forgotten you aren't wearing armor," Layth points out.

The Korv holds his wing-claws up. "Aw, c'mon now. I weren't tryin'a get 'er in no trouble."

The doe frowns, and says, "You are as bad as Xavier. I was only enjoying myself."

"Given your own performance, Layth," Aaron mutters, "I'd keep an eye on our neighboring tables too."

Tasha just shakes her head, telling Gabriel, "Poor Calli, an' poorer Layth for i'. The doe needs a 'ard lesson to learn 'er, thinks she's untouchable 'cause she thinks people figh' an deal li' she does."

"The problem there is you do not understand how others see you," Layth continues, "And what it may imply. In these lands women are expected to be submissive. With you dancing out there, they would think nothing of simply taking you for their pleasure. You have to learn the customs of the lands you are in before you expose yourself. You would be considered in the wrong if you killed someone who accosted you."

"Given what we've seen of her homeland," Akkers says, "it is understandable. She expects to defend herself, and that nobody will interfere with such action."

The Amazonian sighs, and starts putting her clothing back on. "Very well, Layth. I will let you and Xavier defend me then while in these lands," she concedes.

"She still doesn't quite grasp it," Aisha notes.

"It isn't about defending. It is about understanding what your actions mean to people here," Layth says, actually sounding exasperated.

Tasha nods to Gabriel, and adds, "An' she doesn' think anyone will pull a dir'y trick, blackjack 'er in an alley, or drug 'er beer. Don' ge' me wrong, Calli's fierce, bu' fierce alone won' save a woman if she doesn' 'ave a mind for danger. S'more to bein' safe aroun' 'ere than a strong sword arm."

"Is this true, Aisha?" Calli asks the golden-furred doe. "Am I… wrong… in the way I think here?"

Kensington's attention, on the surface, seems to have swiftly wandered after sitting back at the table, snatching up whatever to drink is at hand, though he does listen.

Still shaking his head a bit, Layth stands then goes to change back into his own clothing. "They're all your problem," he tells Aaron in passing.

Aisha smiles, and nods. "Forgive me, Calligenia, but the world outside your home is filled with hidden perils, just as Xavier has warned," she explains. "Just act as I or Meadow… er… act as I do and you will be fine."

"Wait… did you just insult me?" the gray doe asks Aisha. "Very well," Calli says. "I can fake being docile as well as you can," she tells Aisha.

"That… is all I ask," Aisha says.

Aaron lets out a breath he'd been holding, glad that does have worked things out without him. "So… yeah. No touchy, okay Kenny?" he says to the Korv.

Turning her attention Korvwards, Tasha tells Kensington, "I've 'ad me mind on gettin' me own ship some day. This 'ere pile o' fur beside me changed tha' for now, bu' I'm still 'opin. E's worth i', though." She squeezes Gabriel's arm, and adds, "Almos' los' 'im, several times."

"Tasha broke my old ship," Akkers says, grinning.

"I di no'," Tasha insists a bit loudly, ears shooting up. "You ship tried to break me! S'not my fault it up an' 'ad it's mind out on killin' me, then blew itself up tryin'. I tried to be be peaceful li' with it."

"Tasha can have that affect on other women," Aaron notes, also grinning.

"Pff," the corsair snorts at Aaron. He doesn't elaborate, nodding at Tasha, and leaning across the table again. "Well now, don't give up 'ope. The Wench weren't me first command, an' fate willin' won't be me last. I love 'er, but she's just a cutter… I 'spect to go on ta bigger'n better things. Ye will too, witcher man at yer side ta boot." He arches a brow. "Sounds like quite a story behin' that'un."

"Yes, she made a poor impression on Captain Akker's MOTHER. MOTHER then tried to kill her," Layth adds as he returns, dressed back in his boring garb. He sits down a bit heavily near the table and actually away from the does for the time being.

The stage has been cleared off, and the lights brought back up. A familiar group of half-naked Kavi acrobats has taken it now. One of them even waves to Tasha.

"Oi, MOTHER. MOTHER's … somethin' else. I- … She go' it in 'er 'ead I was ou' to take somethin' she didn' wan' to give up, an' she up an' tried to kill me, then all o' us to stop it. Almos' killed us with me big metal look-alike, at tha'," the Vartan explains. Then she nods, saying, "I 'avn't given u', bu' I'll 'ave to see wha' Abaddon offers. Migh' even try for a comission with the Expedition – I know Gabriel 'ere knows somethin' about tha' sort o' capt'nin'."

"That's right… did you see anything called a 'Titan' on Abaddon, Kenny?" Aaron asks the Korv.

"Aaron, I have a small favor to ask of you," Layth whispers quietly to the other buck.

The smaller buck's black ear perks up and turns towards Layth. "Is it something that will get me into trouble?" he asks quietly.

"Big suit o' armor, all made up o' machines," says Kensington, tapping the end of his beak, a distant look in his eye. "Dagh knows 'ow theys works, but they got 'em. All of 'em got 'em, or something like 'em. The Silent-Ones call 'em Lawbringers. I… knows how to run one." The Korvs face takes on an odd expression.

"They still exist?" Dr. Zerachiel asks Kensington in surprise.

"Will you walk the does home tonight? I ran into an old friend in the back and they … need help. I'm sorry to ask you, but … " Layth tries to apologize, "And … ah, if I don't make it home in the morning, you may leave without me."

At Kensingtin admitting to knowing how to run a Titan, Tasha's ears shoot up again. "Oi, you too?! I mean, I migh' 'ave … well, 'ad me 'and at one, no' tha', well … " She makes a vague gesture with a hand, then shrugs.

"Aisha isn't going to leave you behind," Aaron notes. "But we still have another day of preparation, and she has to get permission anyway," the buck notes. "Is this about the Pit?"

The Korv nods again, his expression neutral. "Aye, they does. Zoltan 'ad ta fight a Lawbringer sword ta suit. Woulda had a cannon round through th' chest if I 'adna warned 'im." He looks distinctly surprised at Tasha's statement. "Ye do? 'Ow'd ye come by that, then? Me, it were from this strange bug… brain… thing. Tell me ye didn't get subjected ta that."

"Not exactly. It isn't your concern; it's mine," Layth answers a bit vaguely. "If it was the pit, it would not carry a risk of being … fatal."

"Err," Aaron whispers. "Fatal? What sort of trouble is your friend in exactly?"

"Oi, no," Tasha answers, head shaking. "Me big brain was made o' crystal, no' bugs." She rubs at an ear, then goes on, explaining, "The Titan showed me 'ow to pilot it, sort 'o spoke into me 'ead, 'ad me thinkin' I was i'. Course it was all an illusion o' sorts, somethin' they old pilots used to train. The Titan itself wasn' goin' anywhere."

"It isn't your concern," Layth notes.

"Huh!" The Korv seems quite surprised, but he nods thoughtfully. "Well, affer the Progenitor, I kin believes it. So yer lookin' ta learn more then?"

"The does are, and they'd be concerned," Aaron points out. "Besides, we can handle whatever it is safer with more people, right? No reason for you to risk things on your own."

"Aye, I am. I 'ad a touch with Expedition technology an' artifacts, an' it opened me 'ead. S'how I met Gabriel 'ere, an the docs; they're sort'o scholars of them bits, in their own way. Gabriel's ship was near the Titan's sleepin' place, an' MOTHER. MOTHER's rampage up an' destroyed 'em all, though, so there's no goin' back to show anyone." The Vartan shakes her head, frowning morsely at the loss of the Titan. "In all tha', I got it in me 'ead I coul' learn all this too. Expedition's me bes' bet."

"They don't need to know, Aaron," Layth notes quietly. "Calligenia has her trading duties and Aisha is a part of that. Meadow is on her vacation. And you also have to keep an eye on Tasha and the Karnors."

"If anything happens to you, those does will tear me to shreds," Aaron whispers to Layth. "It's safer for me to back you up."

Kensington smooths the feathers on his head down idly. "Well, let's getcher ta Abaddon an' see what we see. Been a while since I dropped anchor there… been so busy back here, forgot all abouts it. Maybe it be time ta stop in and see iffen I recognizes nobody."

"Glad to 'ave you, Cap'n," the Vartan tells the Korv, offering him a smile. "Says somethin' there's still Titans aroun', I can' wai' to see 'em move."

And now looking back to Tasha, Layth can't help but note, "So much for the no questions asked. You have told him most everything." The buck even smirks slightly.

Tasha glances at Layth, then waves a hand at him, "Oi, 'e ain' 'eard nothin', an' Aaron trus's 'im, so so do I. Ain't like Aaron no' to know the bes' way to run pas' danger, an' I 'ave wha' you migh' call a sense for good shipboard sorts. Course, I wouldn' let me bum near 'im." She then winks at the buck.

The black bird extends a hand across the table. "Glad ta be aboard. This'll be a right good rip, by me reckonin'!"

"I think that was a backhanded compliment," Aaron mutters.

Tasha extends her hand back, and meets Kensington's with a firm grip. "Glad to 'ave someone 'o speaks me language, too! Haw."