At the Docks of Rephidim, a vessel bearing markings showing its allegiance to the Nagai Empire waits at port, the last of its cargo being hauled aboard. Despite its allegiance, it is not crewed by the snake-like Nagai. Rather, it has a number of Savanites for the heavy work, and assorted hired hands mostly comprised of the reputedly simple-minded but strong-backed horse-like Rhians.

Quarters have been arranged for a very important member of the expedition being carried on this craft … a certain Naga archaeologist, assisted by his loyal Savanite slave.

Bassai observes the loading of the boxes, occasionally shouting, "Mind that! It's fragile," and leaving his slave Tekki to run about and show the Rhians where best to stow things. "At last," he says to himself, "We're finally ready, while it's still summer."

A couple of chocolate-brown Rhians lumber up the ramp, carrying a crate full of supplies. They have shaggy coats, probably recruited from the northern lands, possibly Sylvania, judging by the accents prevalent on the vessel. "Put zees zhere?" "Ya. Zhere." "Zure?" "Ya."

The Naga archaeologist casts a concerned gaze at his Savanite, checking to make sure he is no longer suffering from the blow he received. Then he turns his attention back to the Rhians.

A raccoon in mage's robes staggers up the gangplank. He has a rather long bungle of something draped over his shoulder – and is resisting any attempts from the crew members for help with managing it.

A shaggy horse clomps up to the Naga. "All loaded," he announces in a bored-sounding monotone. Then, he just clomps on by.

"Shoo! Leave my luggage alone. I don't have enough to tip you with anyhow." Fenter swats at one of the Rhians that gets too close to his bundle, and nearly falls over with the momentum. He manages to recover and staggers his way toward Bassai.

"Ah yes." Bassai remembers some of Fenter's previous appearances, specifically at the Temple, and slithers towards the raccoon. "Let me assisst you with your books, Fenter. I wouldn't want you to drop them over the side."

A spotted horse chews on some hay, leaning on the railing. "Look. Raccoon in dress." "I zeen raccoon in dress before." "Ya, but, ees … nevermind."

Fenter says, "Books? Oh yes… books. Right." He turns around to peer at one of the lizard things for a moment, giving Bassai a better glance at his bundle. A pair of wiggling ears can be seen through the cloth. "Um… my load is a tad heavy… would you mind at all if we found someplace… er… enclosed to put it down?"

The Naga waves at his slave, and helps Fenter with the bundle long enough for Tekki to arrive, then ushers them all towards his quarters.

The quarters provided for the archaeologist provide shelter from prying eyes – and some insulation from the noise of hooves clomping on the oddly-formed deck.

It has been pre-furnished with all sorts of mementos of the glory of the Nagai Empire … along with much space for maps and models and other things relevant to planning an expedition such as this.

The raccoon trips on his way through the door. He tumbles straight down, and his bundle lands flat on top of him.

Bassai closes the door carefully, latching it. He and Tekki help pick up Fenter and move the cloth to the center of the room. "I'm wondering if it wouldn't be best to just leave him tied up until we leave… " The Naga hisses, "I suppose I should try to explain to him just what I have planned. Open it."

Fenter rubs his wounded nose. "That would be good, Mister Bassai… I do hope you've brought an extra huggy jacket with you though." He begins wrestling with the cloth, slowly unwrapping the figure inside.

A spotty face pops out of the bundle, ears wiggling. He smiles up at Bassai and Fenter and Tekki.

"Did you have much trouble getting him, Fenter? Did you have any luck explaining things to him?" The archaeologist helps unwrap the figure, "Ahh. I am not sure about that." He looks down on the spotty face, "Greetings again."

Kame Ikata, dressed in paint-splotched garments, and with a thick woolen scarf around his neck, bounces out of his former "packaging", and bows to Bassai.

"There. All out and about. No irreparable damage done due to lack of oxygen or anything like that," Fenter says merrily. "I told him what I could, but well… um… " He looks to Kame. "He's not all that chatty after all. For all I know he just thought I was taking him to the corner market for a dish of cream or something."

There's a loud knock on the door, and an equine voice whinnies, "Ees ready to go!"

Kame Ikata looks disappointedly at Fenter.

Bassai looks around, concerned for his artifacts. "Tekki, mind the door, and Fenter, be ready in case he tries to fly out the window, and thank you for getting him." The Naga looks startled at the knock. "Fenter, everyone, stay here. I have to make sure the others are aboard."

Fenter brushes himself off and begins poking about the office, "Ohh… paper. I think I know how to keep Kame occupied."

Kame's ears wiggle.

The archaeologist slips out the doorway, making sure the contents of the room are hidden from outside. He winces as he hears Fenter's musing, and hopes Tekki will manage to keep the new art off anything important. Emerging on the deck, he looks for the nearest Rhian, and any sign of the Champion.

There are a few Rhians about on the deck, and several Savanites. No armored feline, though. However, there is a familiar, bookish-looking cheetah who has just come aboard, hauling a heavy rucksack, and pausing to adjust his spectacles.

Meanwhile, back below deck, Fenter has taken out some of Bassai's papers and drawing tools and is attempting to teach Kame how to play a Rath'ani game. He draws a set of criss-crossing lines (bending one of Bassai's pens rather badly) and scribbles an 'x' in the middle. Then he hands the pen off to Oilcloud. "Your turn."

Kame looks at the paper, tail twitching slowly…

Bassai waves, slithering over to the tall cheetah, examining his burden. "I'll show you a room where you can put that, and then we can discuss things." He looks to see if the slave needs any assistance, but makes no verbal offer.

Behind Kame, Bassai can see that there IS an armored feline coming aboard after all – a knight of the Magenta Lance, but definitely not the Champion. She struggles under a heavy bag, at last slamming it down on the deck once she's aboard.

Ibis nods to Bassai, then picks up his sack again, pulling it along. He may be bookish and has not done much hard labor for a long time, but it is not alien to him.

"Do you need assisstance, Knight Templar, or shall I just show you to a suitable quarter?" Bassai asks, "There are some rooms below; I'll show you where they are." He finishes, indicating the entrance.

The knight shakes her head, and heads on, following Bassai and Ibis belowdecks, while the crew continues its preparations. Belowdecks, Bassai spies another Naga – the first he's seen of this crew. The Naga, wearing robes and a baker's cap, bows to Bassai, and hisses, "I will have a meal prepared ssshortly, once we are underway."

Bassai nods to the cook, "My thankss, I trusst it will be suitable." He nods to the other Naga and leads the knight and Ibis to the quarters allocated for them, waiting until they are inside the small space before speaking. "You have everything on board?"

The knight nods to Bassai, and begins unpacking into the modest space.

Bassai says, "I understood the Champion would be accompanying me," his voice kept low, "Will you be as well, or are you here in her stead?"

The knight nods in response to Bassai's question, and resumes unpacking.

The Naga looks over at the slave to see if his silence will be any more informative, as well as glancing over their possessions. "We will be leaving soon, if all continues well."

The knight nods again, still looking away. Ibis pauses, looks at the knight, and then signs to the Naga, "Trouble has developed. The Champion sends her apologies and regrets, but cannot come."

Bassai nods at Ibis, flashing a quick, "I understand" sign, then saying. "Very well, I leave you to make your preparations. I will be in my quarters, and will give the captain instructions to loose dock in ten minutes. I will delay our departure if necessary, but would like to leave when planned." He waits to see if there is any objection.

Ibis signs, "We are ready to leave at soonest opportunity. In fact, it would be best not to delay." His tail twitches faintly.

The Naga nods, "Immediately then," turning and slithering above decks to find the captain. He gives the order to leave, and spends a moment, watching the hands cast off the ropes. As the airship starts to move, he heads back to the cabin.

The pteras screech and cry as they haul the Winding Way away from Rephidim, bearing northward. As it is, Rephidim has drifted very far northward on its own, making the journey that much shorter, it should be hoped.

Bassai wonders how the pteras can survive the cold, and more importantly, how he will, as he knocks, then enters his cabin, steeling himself for any signs of destruction by the artist.

Kame Ikata looks up at the snake. His ears wiggle. He abandons his current work, getting up to look curiously out the port hole.

"We're away," the Naga announces. "The view is better from on deck, but I'm afraid you will have to settle for the port hole. I have a few things I wish to speak to you about." He slides towards his desk.

Fenter hastily stuffs a wad of papers back into Bassai's desk. "Just keeping mister spotty happy, sir."

Kame looks away from the port hole, and back toward the Naga.

"Airborne? Ah… I felt the ship move; I'd assumed one of the horsey fellows had fallen down," the raccoon says as he rubs ink off of his fingers.

The archaeologist nods, "Thats good, I'm afraid he may need a lot of that attention during the trip. We'll have to wait a few days before it's safe to allow him topside." Bassai looks at Kame.

The Rath'ani shuffles to Bassai's bed and seats himself. He bounces up and down nervously.

The cheetah smiles, sees Fenter … then rushes over to the bed and begins bouncing up and down on it more vigorously.

Bassai touches his head, and speaks directly to Kame, "I understand your eye now. I've seen it, and though the memory fades, it still disturbs me. I am sorry you were used in such a way to send that message."

Kame stops bouncing, and just blinks at Bassai.

Fenter adjusts his hat. "Eye? Of course you've seen his eyes … They're brown." He peers at Kame's face.

The Naga nods at the Savanite. "The mages of the College made your picture come alive for me; I have seen what you saw. I am bringing you with along in the hopes that there is some way to undo the damage. I hope you understand some of this."

Bassai smiles at Fenter, "He has a third eye in his mind. You can see it in his paintings."

Kame shakes his head side to side, then up and down.

Fenter says, "The only painting I've seen of his is the one he painted on me. Someone said there was an eye on the back, but my head does not twist around well enough."

Kame pokes Fenter on the back, ears wiggling.

"Yes," the Maga says in response to the Savanite's curious movements. "Well, we will try to keep you amused. Please do not break anything." The Naga grins at Fenter, "Well, perhaps you can be his canvas again for the trip. I'd like to thank you once again for managing to come along. I may need your linguistic abilities."

Fenter pokes Kame back. "Here now! Careful… I could have broken my neck dragging you here after all."

There's a loud knock on the door. "Do you wisssh dinner ssserved in your quartersss?"

Kame pokes Fenter back, grinning.

Tekki averts his eyes from Kame's totally inappropriate behavior.

"Yes!" Bassai answers loudly, "My slave will see to it, he is coming now." He signs, "Tekki, fetch the food, and make sure no one can see inside the room as you do."

"Ack!" Fenter yelps. He yanks the blanket on the bed over Kame's head. "Act like a pillow," he whispers.

Kame flops over, falling onto Fenter, acting like a pillow – a fairly heavy pillow with a spotted tail, that is.

Bassai slithers to stand regally in the center of the room, in a way that restricts the view of the bed behind him. He waits to make sure Tekki leaves successfully, and looks to see who might be peering in.

Fenter mmmpphghks! He flails his arms around from under the Sava-… er the pillow.

Nobody is peering in. The door is still closed. "Sssir?" comes a hiss from outside the door.

The Naga slides forward, waving for Tekki to get in the entrance and crowds the doorway with him. Opening it enough that the Savanite can retrive the food, he hisses, "Yes, yess, I would like it in my quarters. Give it to my slave please."

The cook looks at Tekki, nodding, bringing a rolling tray with several squirming little forms on platters on its surface.

The raccoon attempts to squirm out from under Kame. He pokes him a few times for good measure.

Tekki takes the rolling tray on into the room, while the cook slips away back to his duties. One of the little critters on the platters looks like it's about to spring free, and Tekki blinks in alarm. He grabs one of the utensils and gives the yiffle a resounding WHACK to stun it for the time being.

Bassai closes the door. He watches Tekki and hisses in an amused way. "I shall have that one firsst, it seems eager." He takes the yiffle off the cart, and waves to the others in the room. "There should be enough. Though nothing has been prepared for Kame, as he was unexpected."

"For the cook, at least." Bassai smiles, as he raises the yiffle to his mouth, and starts to swallow it.

Tekki rolls the tray over some locking holes in the floor, and latches the bolts down, so that the tray will not roll as the ship occasionally sways with the wind and the movements of the pteras.

Fenter stares forlornly at the tray, noting that all of the creatures upon appear to be somewhat – alive. "Maybe if I stare at one long enough it might lay an egg for me to eat."

The Naga notices Fenter's stare, and signs, "Tekki, kill one of them for him would you?" as he swallows the yiffle. The bulge slowly moves down his throat, and he reaches for some tea.

The yiffles make plaintive, whimpering noises … until Tekki puts the two remaining too close to each other, and they start fussing and shrieking violently at each other. Tekki is alarmed by the sudden noise, and grabs a mallet, whacking the louder one several times in rapid succession.

"GAH!!! NONONO!" Fenter acks. "I mean… er… starving isn't so bad. Really."

Fenter gives the blanket a poke. "Hey Kame. You can stop being a pillow now. It's time to be a Naga and eat your little piggy thing."

Under the blanket, Kame suddenly starts swaying back and forth, vaguely like a snake dancer.

Bassai looks at Fenter, the slits of his eyes narrowing, but then his attention is grabbed by Kame's movements. He finishes swallowing the yiffle. "I am so sorry my dinner, disturbss you so." The Naga follows with a sip of tea, "Please try and find something suitable on the cart to eat. I have something serious to tell you."

The Naga archaeologist slithers back to lean against his desk, his coils wrapping around it to steady him with the sway of the ship. "Now, we have some other passengers on board. One of the Rose Templars, and the Champion's slave."

Tekki looks over the cart, opening up some containers, and at last presenting Fenter with dessert – some baked, saucy sweets that are definitely not moving.

Fenter digs around in his pockets and finally produces a sandwich wrapped in wax paper. He unwraps it and takes a few crunchy bites. As soon as Bassai makes his announcement about the Templar he begins coughing and choking.

Fenter's pillow gives him a solid whack on the back.

"OOF!" The raccoon coughs one final time. "Er… thanks."

"I see you have your concerns about them as well," Bassai hisses. "The Champion has assisted me greatly; the information her slave provided allowed me to launch this expedition. It was helpful, very helpful." He takes another sip of tea, "Almost too helpful."

The pillow nods, as if to say, "Any time." Or, considering the mental state of the pillow in question, perhaps, "The sparrow flies at midnight," or "Kaboof zalla zalla ick purr." Who knows the mind of an insane cheetah?

Bassai adjusts his coils against the desk, "A few things I have from a reliable source tell me that the Champion was involved with a corrupt liason at the Temple, and in the destruction of the City of Hands. A tragic loss to the Empire."

"Errr… well, I was mistaken for a ghost by one of the lancer kitties," Fenter says sheepishly. "That's what led me to meet up with mister pillow here… in a very roundabout way."

"That is fortunate for us. So far my dealings with them have been smooth and without complication." The Naga pauses, "But, there are interests in the Temple that are not in line with the interests of the Nagai Empire. The Champion signed onto this voyage, to protect the Temple's interests."

Fenter nods. Not that any of that means anything to him, but he nods anyway.

The pillow nods, too. Same situation.

Bassai says, "I will have you know, that the entire crew has been checked by the mages of the Mind Sphere for their loyalty. The only people who have not been scanned, are myself, Tekki, you two, and the Rose Templar and the slave. To my knowledge, that is."

Fenter says, "Did they scan those… er… things you just ate as well?"

Bassai says, "No, but the only threat from the food is likely to be poison or indigestion."

"Ah… that's why you eat them live. If they were poisoned they obviously wouldn't be in prime health." The raccoon beams proudly at his revelation.

The serpent archaeologist nods to the raccoon. "To continue, I believe that it is in the Temple's interest that this expedition fail. I believe they wish any findings that glorify the Empire to be supressed. I believe the Rose Templar is along, to sabotage this trip, as the one to the City of Hands was."

Bassai says, "In short, a saboteur may be on board, and I want you to keep your eyes open for anything suspicious."

Fenter acks! "Most definately sir! I'll report to you every day about any suspicious activities. Do you want me to make sure that your yiffles aren't bugged before you eat them?"

The Naga's eyes widen as he looks at Fenter, "That will not be necessary." He pauses, scratching at his throat. "However, you are right. I have many jealous rivals. Tekki can easily attest. They may have been able to slip someone else aboard, so the crew is not above suspicion as well."

Tekki grimaces, finishing securing the small, prone yiffle. He carries the yiffle into the adjoining head, closing the door. There are some high-pitched squeals and shrieks, then some whacking noises, then silence. After a short while, Tekki comes back out of the head, alone, wiping his muzzle, looking about nervously.

Fenter swipes one of the dessert things and offers it to his pillow. "You eat this… Mister Bassai will not be pleased if you use it to paint his nice bed with." He looks back up at the Naga and salutes, "I will be ever vigilant, sir. I have experience with dealing with vermin."

The pillow reaches up with a blanketed hand and tries to stuff the dessert into his face. Unfortunately, since he still has a blanket over his head, the results are … messy.

"I forgot… you're insane. Right. Sorry." Fenter pokes the 'pillow'. "Come out now please."

Bassai flicks out his tongue, looking at the sticky sheet. "You may have to assisst the artist, Fenter." He tongue flicks out again, "Good, keep watch. I have no intention of staying behind in the wastelands as a corpse."

Kame starts wiggling out, making even more of a mess with the dessert. When he finishes, he beholds the resulting mess … looks thoughtful … and then stretches the sheet out over the porthole, as if it were his canvas, and starts playing with the remains of dessert across its surface.

Fenter says, "Wastelands? We're going to where those doggy-lobster things live? Hmmm… I should have packed a thicker robe." He looks down at himself. "Actually, come to think of it. I should have packed period. I only brought Kame."

"Kame, there are some art supplies, you do not need to use our dinner." The Naga turns to Fenter, "There is enough spare clothing that you will not freeze. It is summer, and hopefully the weather will not be intolerable."

Fenter says, "I think he prefers using non-paint things, sir. Although this will be diffucult to explain to the laundry crew."

Bassai says, "I will simply say the cart broke free and tipped against the bed. The resulting mess would be similar, though not quite as artistic as what Kame is undertaking."

Fenter looks toward the head. "Or maybe you can let the yiffles lick it cle- er… oh. Nevermind."

Kame finishes, standing back. Bassai now has a painting in chocolate and cream of a silhouette of a Naga encoiling a stylized sun.

Fenter applauds!

Kama licks his brushes – that is, his fingers – while his tail flicks in amusement.

Bassai looks at the painting and flicks out his tongue, his eyes narrowing. "Marvelous!" He claps. "The Great Serpent in the Sky. Thank you Kame, I am quite impressed."

"I would have prefered something less perishable, but the intention is much appreciated." The Naga flicks out his tongue several times.

Kame Ikata bows for his appreciative audience. Mostly appreciative, that is, safe for yiffle number three, which has begun squealing and protesting loudly, wriggling under its bindings.

The Rath'ani finishes the remainder of his sandwich. "Hmm… must be an art critic," he notes at the sound of the yiffle.

Bassai hears that his dinner is calling for him, and responds, taking it up, and silencing it.

Fenter looks away, focusing instead on Kame. "Er… hi. Lovely air they have here, isn't it?"

The Naga finishes swallowing, then says, "But he did have good taste."

"Now," Bassai says, after a sip of tea, "I don't think I have any further warnings for you, except of course to say, don't fall over the side. I hardly need to tell you that though." He pauses, looking at Kame, and then Fenter, "I don't need to tell you about falling over the side, do I?"

"You might want to tie a rope around his tail, just in case," Fenter remarks.

Kame nods his head up and down vigorously. He grabs a bed sheet and ties one end to his tail, the other end to the bed post.

Fenter says, "Ah… there, nice and tethered." He looks back at the bed. "I think you're running out of bedclothing though."

Bassai nods, "Thats good, Kame, we don't want to lose you." He rubs at his throat, then adjusts his robe. "Okay. For the moment, I would like to keep Kame's presence a secret. It will get out sooner or later; let us try and ensure it's later. I think for my sanity, and Tekki's, it might be better if he was kept in your room for the nights."

The Naga looks at the Savanite artist, "You do want to sleep in Fenter's room, don't you?"

Fenter urks and shakeshakeshakes his head to Kame.

Kame looks to the Naga, then to Fenter, smiling at Fenter's reaction, then nodnodnods his head up and down vigorously.

Kame unties the end of the sheet attached to the bedpost … then walks over with it toward Fenter.

Fenter takes up the end of the sheet. "Ah… a leash. Very good. Well, we'd best get you wrapped up again so we can move you without too much notice."

"Very well, it's settled then. Fenter will sneak you down to his room when things seem quiet enough." Bassai nods, flicking out his tongue, and looking once more at the painting on his bedsheet. "Myself, it has been a few months since I was on an airship. I would like to watch the setting of the Serpent, and the pteras flying on into the night."

Fenter picks up the tarp that Kame was previously wrapped up in and tosses it back over the cheetah. "Very good sir. And I'll watch mister spotty repaint my cabin. I'll be sure and tell you if he plunges off the side of the deck."

The Naga archeologist slithers towards the door. "Tekki, help Fenter get Kame down to his room. Make sure the corridor is clear, and use simple signs so Fenter may understand. When you're done, join me on the deck." Bassai opens the door, leaves, and closes it behind him.

The Rath'ani wraps Kame Ikata back up and ties the bedsheet around him just for good measure. "Hmph… I risk life and limb in Darkside and this is the thanks I get. And here I thought we were going to Abu Dhabi and I'd get a nice little vacation… "