(OOC) Tue Mar 10 1998 04:27 -->

At the local Constable's Office, Bassai has, unfortunately, had to deal with the bureaucracy that far-flung parts of the Nagai Empire are known for (and, really, lots of not-so-far-flung parts, too) but at last he has been ushered into the office of a large and sleepy-looking Boa-Naga. A lump in his fish-scale-white belly indicates he must have swallowed a whole Bromthen forest-hog sometime 'recently' in Boa-Naga-dinner terms.

A Garter darts into the room. "Greetings, Constable Apariah. I am Assistant Undercoil, attendant to Sir Bassai, Knight of the Golden Coil… "

The Boa-Naga looks up from his desk at the Garter.

The Garter stammers, then continues, "… ah … I mean, Order of the EMERALD Coil, forgive me … Minister of Savanite Affairs for the Nagai Empire… "

The Garter begins counting off on his fingers, "… Archaeologist of Nijushiho Institute, and Conqueror of Fettis Sky Island."

The Minister of Savanite Affairs follows the Garter. He is no stranger to paperwork, and the many ways through it, however he is also quite aware that he will not be as well received as someone from the Revenue Service would be. Almost any other Ministry in fact. His hopes are that this will go well. He bows as he enters, and says, "Greetings."

"This should only take a moment, I wish to report the actions of a Guest of the Empire," the Ringneck hisses, "One that had the gall to hire thugs to assault me and my entourage."

A bandaged-up Rokuga, by the name of Bash, also accompanies the honored archaeologist.

The Boa-Naga hisses, in a deep, resonant voice, "That sounds terrible. I hope you were not injured, honorable Minister?"

"I was fortunate to escape harm due to the assistance of a passerby, however my guard was not." Bassai slithers forward, nodding to the Boa, "While I realize creative economic measures are required, I still do not think it legal for a Guest to hire someone for an assault. I believe the minimum status that allows for that is still a Citizen Jingai with a clean criminal record."

"I feel it would set a bad precedent if the Empire tolerates such behavior. I think the established precedent, where they are arrested, arraigned, sentenced, and then allowed a pardon if they demonstrate themselves to be a suitable friend of the empire should be followed." Bassai gives a brief glance around the office, "I'm sure you would find a suitable use for the funds."

The Boa-Naga nods. "Oh, of course. So, who dared to attack you?"

"The stress of the moment has caused his name to slip my mind, if he provided it at all. I will however give you a description, which my assistant may have details to add that I overlooked." The Minister hisses, "He was a poodle, very distinctive because he had an eyepatch, and a cane which he was carrying more for effect, than need."

The Boa-Naga nods. "Oh. Of course. THAT one-eyed cane-carrying poodle. I'll have the guards keep a watch out for him."

"I gather one eyed poodles are not a common occurrence around here. Does he have any previous complaints, or a name?" Bassai asks.

The Boa-Naga says, "No. But I'm sure we'll find someone matching that description."

"I am sure there is no need for me to emphasize how vital it is you get the right one. We would not wish to anger or discourage the many agreeable guests who visit here. As there was no permanent damage done, and a little economic activity, I suggest that he not be given a death sentence." Bassai says, adjusting his robes. "After all, there have been no changes in slavery with regards to criminals, and I am certain this poodle would fetch a high price."

The Boa-Naga nods. "Of course. We will do our utmost to bring to justice anyone who harms the well-being of the citizens of Safar."

Bassai returns the nod, with a slight smile. "Of course, or Public Officials. It would not do to encourage the criminal element to contemplate assaults on government offices. It would lead to anarchy, I'm glad we understand each other."

The Boa-Naga hisses, "So, is there anything else?"

The Minister starts to reply, then pauses to think a moment. "Yess… have you had any reports of strange activity among the wild Savanites, or sightings of an unusual airship? My Assisstant Undercoil can show you a composite sketch of the vessel in question."

The Boa-Naga hisses, "Yes, of course. It has been preying just east of here, along the river. But Safar does not have its own fleet. We have our coils full enough with one-eyed poodles and other rabble-rousers, you see."

"I understand completely, however my reason for being here is to deal with that airship menace. Having to take time out to escape bodily harm, and then report the crime, is time taken away from my real mission." Bassai says, flicking out his tongue and waving offhandedly at Bash. "Also, concern for my well being may delay my attending to any new matters that should arise in this area if I hear that the criminal is still at large, and I am unable to procure enough guards to conduct my visits in safety."

The Boa-Naga nods. "Of course. We would surely be unable to go on without your assistance. I assure you, I will do my utmost to see to it that heads will roll."

Bassai bows to the Boa, "Very good, I will not use up anymore of your time. Unless of course it involves slave matters. Have there been any complaints of Savanites rioting, strange activity, or even a dance troupe performing without a permit?"

Constable Apariah leans back, and hisses, "No. None that have come to my attention. We are fairly well-equipped for dealing with out-of-control Savanites in Safar. Renegade mages and pirates, however, are another matter entirely."

"I have had fairly substantial reports cross my desk, which I assume you may have had a hand in. However, were any details left out? The ship design requires mages, but none were described on board. Just Savanites, and nothing unusual except for their dancing was mentioned," the Minister says. "Did they use captured weapons, or Nagai ones. Were any of the slaves bearing any distinctive marks? Could it have been a normal airship under an illusion to fool the victims?"

The Constable hisses, "The survivors, I think were far too busy escaping and trying to stay alive to make a more … detailed analysis of the enemy. I am quite certain that any reports you received were quite complete, to the best of our meager ability to provide such details."

"I shall not trouble you further then, and will review the reports in greater detail." The Minister bows to the Constable, "Thank you for your assisstance." He slithers from the room.

The Garter bobs his head, and slithers after Bassai. The Rokuga is last to leave, taking a few seconds to realize that it's time to move again.

The Garter, trying to keep up, hisses, "Ssso, what nexsst, sssir?"

"What is our departure time? I am still considering travelling with the Intimidator, but need to seek permission from the Rose Champion to do so." Bassai says, as he progresses through the constabulary towards the open air. "I also would like to question that little black Khatta, if he could be located."

The Garter hisses, "Ah … I heard the Intimidator would be leaving very sssoon. Asss for that Khatta … " The assistant shrugs. "… did he leave a meansss of contact?"

"He did not. However he did stay overnight on the Intimidator, and mention a desire to leave it. There is the possibility he will be on its last supply ship, and that will be the likeliest place to find the Champion if she is not already on board. We should head for the docks." Bassai replies, turning towards the port.

… So, a trip to the docks later, Bassai – He of Many Titles – manages to acquire passage on the Intimidator, thanks to the permission of Arch-Inquisitor Azrael. From one of the glassed-in viewing lounges running the equator of the ship's armored envelope, Bassai has a majestic view of the Savan. From up here, even the whole of Safar – the slums included – looks beautiful next to the sea and the Xenean Delta.

Bassai watches one of the many gems of the empire slowly receding, and hopes that it will not be another part of the price of the changes he is trying to control. The sun flashes gold across the water, but the thing he really wishes to see remains hidden down there, in some shadowy black spot.