The better part of the day was spent dealing with the bureaucracy of the Temple. Although Envoy has had plenty of experience with it in the past, she finds that she nonetheless seems to have fallen out of practice during her years of adventuring and studying the arcane arts. (Granted, the College has its own bureaucracy, but the Temple has perfected it to an art.)

Her attempts to gain an audience with Bridge Officer Nimiss came to naught, as it seems that despite Nimiss's earlier eagerness to find Envoy's insights of information on the strange and unusual, she seems to have slipped from the top of the list of names (assuming such a list is kept) of people to be ushered in to see Nimiss if they have information of use. However, Envoy had far better luck when she aimed her sights a little lower, and called upon a certain Arch-Inquisitor…

The door to the chamber cycles open with a hiss of steam, revealing a pair of burly Jupani Temple Guards flanking a lone "Aeolun".

A black unicorn with a fiery red mane – dressed in robes that mirror this pattern in black and red – is seated at a broad desk upon which are arranged neat stacks of parchments, and an assortment of writing instruments. "Welcome, Mage Envoy of Lothrhyn," the Arch-Inquisitor says. "It has been a long time."

Wanting to make a good impression, Envoy is wearing her formal Mage robes as she steps in and bows. "Yes, sir, it has. It's good to see that you haven't changed."

The unicorn only nods in response to this, and the door is cycled closed again behind Envoy. Only once it is shut, does he ask, "What brings you to see me, Earth Mage?"

Envoy has a seat, and smiles to the Aeonian. "Firstly, I wanted to thank you for sponsoring my College education. But mainly I've come to deliver my reports on the Seven Sisters incident and what I've discovered on my recent off-world travels, including information from the Sutaranakh dating from the time of the Expedition. And … a few other things."

"You have been very busy," the unicorn says. "I trust that your reports will be interesting to read, as always."

"I was also hoping you could help me with a … minor issue," Envoy asks, trying not to sound too apologetic already.

"I see," the unicorn says, setting aside a form, and clearing a space in the middle of his desk, then looking up at Envoy for the first time since she entered the chamber. He places his hands together, steepling his fingers, as he regards the Aeolun. "What sort of minor issue?"

"It's about Vielanika, the Bard? I'm sure you remember her," Envoy says, wishing for the first time in quite a while that she could turn this sort of thing over to Dragon. "It seems there was a misunderstanding with the Audit, and she was fined rather heavily. She had to take out a loan to cover it, and I'm given to understand that the lender was … a bit less than legitimate. I was wondering if there was a legitimate agency which her debt could be transferred to, so that she could accompany me to Abu Dhabi on a job that would allow her to pay it off more quickly."

The unicorn raises an eyebrow. "I do believe that the Audit has officers specializing in just this sort of business, and they do not think highly of those who wish to circumvent normal procedures."

"I haven't been able to get an appointment with the Audit yet," Envoy explains. "Since the fine was a mistake to begin with, I'm not sure how willing they will be to get involved, either."

The unicorn nods slightly. "Putting 'mistake' and 'Audit' together would not please them, no," he says. "Have you any compelling proof that such a mistake was made?"

"Well, Vielanika said it was because they thought Rawrii, her Vykarin drummer, was her slave," the Aeolun says. "But he's just her drummer; he was never a slave."

The Arch-Inquisitor frowns. "I see. I think I understand how this may have come about, then – and that it might be dealt with. Has she paid her fine to the Temple yet?"

Envoy nods. "That's why she's in debt to someone else now."

"A pity," the Arch-Inquisitor says. "That makes it more difficult. Once the Audit has its money, it is more inclined to consider such matters closed. Has she any services or information of value to the Temple that might warrant some special arrangements being made on her behalf?"

"Well," Envoy says, thinking. "She has me? Surely the information from my reports is worth some credit, isn't it? She'd sort of be working for me too, but I need to be able to take her off Rephidim, and her creditor right now isn't likely to let her go."

"Perhaps you should let me see these reports of yours," the unicorn suggests. "Are you pressed for time?"

"Not particularly," Envoy says, as she hands over the large bundles of paper, "although I have a friend waiting for me outside – a new Journeyman. I thought you might like to meet him. He's an Aeonian child."

"Really," the unicorn says. "I do believe I have heard tell of him before. However, I have my reasons to doubt that he is, indeed, an Aeonian." He rifles through the papers, and starts to skim them.

"He's learned more about his origins lately," Envoy says, and leans over to point out certain sections. "This bundle is the report on Ashtoreth. There are details of some of their biotechnology, including bioweapons that can be worn like jewelry. If the Temple Guards didn't know about them, they'd probably overlook someone wearing one. The last section deals with the information from the Sutaranakh about the early Expedition, and is very sensitive regarding the origins of the Nagai."

It's so hard to tell for most people, but as slight as the body language might be … Envoy can be pretty sure that she's snared the unicorn's interest. "And this bundle?"

"There are some references in the off-world reports about a Sifran artifact that was custom-created for me by Morpheus," Envoy comments, and adds, "But of course I didn't bring it with me, since I still need it. This bundle here deals with the Dream Realms and events in Babel and the Undercity, including detailed descriptions of the crewmen that appeared on Captain Rockmore's ship during a major Dream incident, and also some details of events immediately preceding the dropping of the Boomer, which indicate collusion between the some of the Noble Houses that were supposed to be patrolling the airspace Rockmore's ship passed through, and also that Mages of the College campus in Babel knew the Boomer was coming and actually tried to control where it would transport the affected areas to."

The unicorn nods. "Yes, I do think you have outdone yourself, Earth Mage Envoy." He pauses as he shifts between the pages, then says, "I think some of these matters should be brought to the attention of the Bridge. I am sure that Bridge Officer Nimiss would be interested. And, while you are there, I am sure he would not greatly mind hearing of your … minor problem."

Envoy pauses in the middle of extracting the maps of Ashtoreth that were made on Abaddon, and blinks. "Oh, thank you! And you really should take a moment to meet Rorschach. He really could use a good role model, and so far all he has is me."

"Yes? Yes, sir. I'll send them right in." The Eeee secretary clicks the intercom off and goes to the door to open it for the Arch-Inquisitor and his guest.

Beyond the door, a black bat looks up from several thick stacks of records. "Ah. Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek. An unexpected pleasure. And I believe you are accompanied by a mage … Envoy, was that not the name? It would be difficult to forget your particular phenotype, though I believe it has been some time since we last spoke."

"Almost six years, Bridge Officer," Envoy says, and bows to the Eeee.

The black unicorn bows. "I would not intrude, except that Earth Mage Envoy of Lothrhyn has brought with her some most intriguing reports on her recent … adventures. I believe that some of them are sensitive enough to warrant the attention of the Bridge."

"Indeed? Your sense of discretion has rarely been incorrect, Arch-Inquisitor." The Bridge Officer gestures for his visitors to seat themselves. "Refreshments?"

Envoy sits in one of the flyer chairs, and blinks at the offer. "If you have some fruit juice, that would be fine for me, Officer Nimiss."

The Arch-Inquisitor walks over and places the papers before Officer Nimiss. Some of the more interesting passages have been marked for his convenience.

"Oh, those maps where made by the telescopes on Abaddon," Envoy says, indicating the high detail printouts, "but I have no idea if they can resolve the same level of detail if they aimed them at Sinai."

Nimiss activates the intercom. "Fruit juice for my visitors and myself," he says. The secretary's voice confirms the request, though the audio quality is somewhat lacking. The bat leans back in his chair and begins leafing through the papers. "A pleasant change from the requests and records from our new departments we've had to establish to deal with the paperwork from the off-Sinai offices and embassies," he says. "There, the intent was undoubtedly to obscure unnecessary and trivial purchases; here, the intent is to make clear many interesting facts."

The Aeolun examines the intercom, wondering if it might be a bit of transplanted Abaddonian technology. "I'm sure the Expedition printing machines would be in high demand here in the Temple."

"I found the information about Rockmore's suspected associates, and the possible complicity of mages on Guild Hall grounds with the dropping of the 'boomer' on Babel to be of special interest," the unicorn notes. "Although the veracity of the accounts would need to be authenticated by other sources, the detail here is sufficient to provide leads to investigate further."

A pause as Nimiss replaces one packet, takes up the next one relevant, and begins scanning through it. "Indeed. Do you believe this a matter for the Audit then, Arch-Inquisitor?"

With straight and dour face, the unicorn says, "Actually, I am blatantly using this material on behalf of Earth Mage Envoy as a means by which to circumvent normal procedural channels in order to exchange its value for a personal favor to benefit an associate of the Mage … but that will not go in the report. However, the possibility that this may provide leads on possible inter-Temple collaboration with those who dropped the 'boomer' on Babel – and those who funded this venture – would make at least some of this information pertinent to the interests of the Audit."

Envoy blinks at the blatancy of Melchizedek's statement, thinking that if she had said so, it would have earned another "visit to the window to explain how the world works" from the Bridge Officer.

"Refreshing honesty," Nimiss says with a chuckle. "And with this information in hand, the Audit will certainly be able to move on the matter more quickly than elements of the Inquisition, to our credit. How may I assist you, Mage Envoy?"

The secretary comes in at that moment, wheeling in a cart with a pitcher of fruit juice and three glass goblets. "Your fruit juice, Bridge Officer," she says. She curtseys to the others and departs again.

Envoy clears her throat, and then has a sip of juice, before speaking. "Well, sir, apparently there was … a minor misinterpretation of the relationship between Bard Vielanika Nightsong and her Vykarin companion, which led to her having to pay a large fine, which she has had to go into debt to cover. Her creditor is less than understanding about debtors leaving the island, and I hoped to employ the Bard's services in Abu Dhabi."

"How is the Audit involved?" asks Nimiss.

"Well, sir, it was the Audit that levied the fine," Envoy explains. "The Auditor thought that the Vykarin was Vielanika's slave, you see, when he was just … a Vykarin."

The bridge officer nods. "I see." He lays the other packet aside and steeples his hands. "Do you by any chance have the name of this Auditor?"

"I do not," Envoy admits. "I had originally hoped to simply have her debt transferred to a more reputable lender, and hadn't considered the possibility that the Bard could be … due … a refund," she adds, hoping the last word doesn't transform the Bridge Officer into some sort of crazed beast.

Bridge Officer Nimiss points out, "The Audit is not a financial institution, though we keep very close tabs on them. It is within my duties to ensure that our officials operate in an above-board and legitimate fashion, and where improprieties are detected, to rectify them. It is not within my duties to arrange loan details." He clicks the intercom again. "Secretary, please search our records for the Auditor who assessed a fine upon one Bard, Vielanika Nightsong, on the grounds that she had been keeping a Vykarin as a slave. Then bring me the records of all cases that officer has supervised within the past year."

"Right away, Bridge Officer," the secretary's voice says. The intercom clicks quiet again.

It takes some time for the records requested to be retrieved, during which Nimiss continues to leaf through the papers, scanning each one in depth.

The intercom clicks again, and the secretary reports, "The records you requested are here, Bridge Officer."

"Bring them in, please."

"Of course, Bridge Officer." The secretary comes in and lays the folder on Nimiss's desk, whereupon the black bat sets aside the remainder of the packet and takes these up.

Nimiss surveys these for some time. "Interesting. Secretary, would you be so kind as to fetch the records of Raius Galago's associates as well? I believe you may find at least one moneylender, quite likely doing business in the Bazaar or Darkside." He glances toward Envoy to see if she has any comments.

Envoy blinks, but doesn't show any recognition of the name. "Do you suspect one of the Auditors was … uh … 'shaking down' Eeees after the war?"

The secretary nods. "Of course, Bridge Officer." She hurries away to carry out the request.

"Eeees became quite unpopular in the lower class quarters after the war, yes," the black bat says calmly. "As such, there would have been fewer willing to do business with the species. Imagine then, that an officer saw the opportunity to 'funnel business' to certain associates, since these would be willing to make loans to these 'persons of suspect character'."

Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek nods faintly, but contributes nothing beyond that.

The Aeolun's mouth opens in surprise, and she says, "But … does this happen often?"

Nimiss continues, "It would be very simple for him to find new 'customers' for his associates. They would be insufficiently wealthy to hire solicitors of their own, who might be able to navigate the at-times labyrinthine regulations and laws of the Temple, yet they would have jobs of one type or another that would allow them to make regular payments of perhaps usurious interest. The Bazaar would be a perfect place in which to seek individuals of such a profile." He pauses. "It is impossible to avoid all charges that one's use of powers favors one's friends in some respect, except to totally avoid commitment to any contracts which involve one's associates, thus disfavoring them. The Audit exists to control such excesses. You may rest assured that I will deal with the matter, Mage Envoy."

Envoy closes her mouth, and nods. "I'm glad to have helped you locate this … person, then, sir. What should I tell Vielanika?" the Mage asks. "Will she need to come in and swear out a statement of some kind?"

"Of course. It is a small matter, but when set beside a large amount of information which must be processed daily, it can be very easy to lose track of such things." Bridge Officer Nimiss steeples his fingers. "I believe that she may expect Auditor Galago to seek her shortly with a … personal apology for any anguish caused her over this unfortunate incident."

After a moment of surprise, the Aeolun pinches herself just to make sure. "Thank you again for your help, Officer Nimiss. I will certainly remember it, should I come across any more information of potential interest to the Audit. I don't suppose you'd want to know how much wagering is taking place over Blakatball games in Babel, would you?"

"You have the gratitude of the Audit for your reports to the Temple. I shall remind the secretary to have you placed on the list of privileged individuals to be granted access," Nimiss says, then raises an eyebrow as he registers Envoy's offer. "Indeed?"

"I am planning to travel to Babel for Reckoning Day," Envoy explains. "I hoped to visit the Yodhblakat and see if they managed to turn a profit off the little game I taught them. I thought the information might be a good indicator of the overall economic health of Babel."

Melchizedek interjects, "I believe that Earth Mage Envoy reports on the origin of 'Blakatball' in great detail on page twelve."

"I could probably put you in touch with the Yodhblakat if you needed any specific information from Babel though," Envoy adds. "I can't say what they might want in return, however. My relationship with them is not so strong as it is with your Office."

Nimiss nods. "As it happens, we are indeed interested in information concerning Babel during its current … difficult times." He leafs through the packets to find the page and looks it over. "Should the Temple be interested in sending a fact-finding mission to Babel, would you be desirous of being attached to such a mission, Mage?"

"I'd have to let you know after my visit," Envoy admits, looking somewhat abashed. "I'm not really sure if they want to kill me or not, you see, and that could complicate such a mission."

Nimiss raises an eyebrow.

"Even the Yodhrephath are not universally pleased with the outcome of the Seven Sisters debacle," Envoy explains. "They're happy to know more about those responsible for the Boomer being dropped, but they are not particularly pleased that it was uncovered by outsiders."

"I see. And you played a role in stopping the ritual which would have empowered the Seven Sisters as literal entities. Hmm." Nimiss leans back in his chair, rubbing his chin. "Very interesting."

"The Yodhbarada were very helpful, too," Envoy points out. "They provided me with the information I needed to locate the Srinala that was tied to the ritual, and have been generally quite agreeable. The Yodhsunala have also been good allies, ironically. I can certainly ask my contacts if they would be willing to cooperate in a combined investigation."

Melchizedek frowns. "I cannot think that the College Esoterica has been very pleased to hear such favorable reports of the Yodh from you, Mage Envoy."

"Well, sir, I only report to them the facts, not my opinions," Envoy says. "After all, I am close to members of the Savanite Royal Family and their mages as well. The College is reexamining some of its policies in regards to shamans, I believe."

Nimiss says, "Now, you understand that diplomatic concerns are not normally the business of the Audit, though we do supervise expense reports and allocation of equipment and personnel to our embassies across Sinai and off of it, and for expeditions as well. Nevertheless, information of any kind is useful, especially in corroborating the reports of others which are used to justify their expenses." He taps his chin with a long, thin finger. "I do have certain contacts within Babel. I'll let them know to expect your arrival. Perhaps they may be able to assist you on some trifling matters while you are there. Or perhaps you may be able to clear up some questions for them, owing to your unique knowledge. We'll see."

Envoy grins and nods to Nimiss. "I'll do what I can, sir … so long as I don't have to visit the Undercity again, at least."

"That's a subject on which I can make no guarantees, unfortunately," the Bridge Officer says. "You're quite aware that politics can be rather volatile in Babel."

The Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek bows his head to the Bridge Officer. "With your leave, I will return to my investigations. I have already had my scribes make copies of the reports on your desk, so there is no need to send me replications."

"Very well, Arch-Inquisitor," Nimiss says. He looks toward Envoy to see if the mage is done with her business here as well.

The mage stands as well, and bows. "I will be reachable at the Mages' Guild in Babel before Reckoning Day, when you need to contact me. I will eventually be returning to Abaddon as well, to try and reactivate this," she says, tapping a photograph of the Leviathan. "Let me know if you need price lists for typewriters, or other equipment that you need to check against your expense reports."

This occasions a raised eyebrow from Nimiss. "I will hope that it occurs to you to seek the assistance of Temple archaeologists in the process then, Mage Envoy. It is a great tragedy that so many priceless artifacts and so much knowledge of the past are destroyed by careless handling or misuse of ancient technology. Ensuring that the process is documented properly is, of course, a specialty of the Audit."

"Well, I'm sure the Expedition archaeologists would be happy to have the aid of Temple specialists," Envoy says, trying to be diplomatic. "After all, the Abaddonian Imperials will likely have some of their own scientists there as well."

The black bat stands, then walks to the door in order to show his guests out. "That, by the by, was not a threat," he says with a discreet smile, "though you'd be surprised how many seem to think it is, Mage Envoy. I'll have the matter looked into. Fare well, Mage, Arch-Inquisitor."

Envoy bows once more to the Eeee and Aeonian, before separating to collect Rory. That went well, she thinks. Why, if I keep this up, I might even get a smile out of one of them in another decade or so!