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Vezok's Friend

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  1. IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, harbor, Yukanna, afterdeck] “Well, Toa Timak, it’d be foolhardy to dissuade you from caution, but in this instance I would say you threw in with the right lot.” The commodore glanced over at the ship as well, where her boarding party had taken up guarding positions. Satisfied that the situation was still under control, she turned her eyes back on Timak. “If all Menti were honorable, there would be no need for those like me. And there have been others in my position that history looks upon less than kindly. I imagine the same is true of Toa. It is good to discern between those that try to earn their titles and those who hide behind them. That is one lesson I can impart upon you.” She let the mask of authority slip just a little bit to give the young Toa a hint of a smile. She couldn’t teach them how to use their element, but this much she could do. Hopefully they would find a good instructor…those were worth their weight in ore. “Regardless, thank you again for your help, it is greatly appreciated. I wish you luck, wherever your path may take you.“ OOC: @Rahisaurus IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] “Dragons…Could be worse, could be a Tahtorahk…” Rhow rumbled, though she couldn’t quite picture either creature just then - when her thoughts were interrupted by another new patron strolling in. Fighter. Scars. Survivor. Capable then, most likely. “Give me your strongest stuff.” He ordered. Always the same with these types. The Skakdi did bear her teeth indeed - how could it be otherwise - and produced a bottle from somewhere behind the bar and poured two fingers into a glass, before sliding it expertly over the counter towards the Toa. “Don’t think I’ve seen you around before, friend.” She commented. “But you clearly ain’t one of the shiny ones. What brings you here?” OOC: @Emzee@Void Emissary@Mel IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] The detective nodded slowly, although not seeming entirely convinced. He didn’t doubt the Toroshu’s words - but something about the insistence on going straight to business felt like trying to put off dealing with the new situation, at least a little. Not that he was in any way qualified to tell people how to grieve…anything, really. Still he said: “Tuara is right: Plenty of trading to go around for everyone, once you’ve settled in. Seems like the long voyage gave you time to process some of what happened already…you Dasaka are a hardy people.” “When you have your basics sorted out - food, shelter and so on - we’ll tell Akiri Jaller to expect your business.” OOC: @Palm
  2. IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, harbor, Yukanna, afterdeck] The commodore watched as the crew clambered up into the mizzen mast’s rigging and installed the two hoists on either side of the yard. At the same time, the rattle of heavy chains moving across the deck rang out from midships as the spare anchor lines were brought topside. There were two teams, one for each chain, which they carried over to the outer decks on the port and starboard secondary hulls of the trimaran and attached to heavy duty shackles. By the time they’d finished, the aloft sailors were putting the finishing touches on the hoists and lowered down ropes, which were promptly attached to the free end of the chains. .:Ready, ma’am.:. Wordlessly, Ayiwah acknowledged the officer. .:Proceed:. Pairs of hands seized upon the ropes and began to heave, lifting the chains up - until the commodore called out a stop at the appropriate height - just enough to clear the distance between the ships. The remaining length of the chains was placed in such a way that they would spill out easily during the next step. Ayiwah’s gaze turned towards the quartet of sailors she’d sectioned off earlier, standing by in the rigging above, boarding lines clipped to their belts. .:Alright, you’re up. Whenever you’re ready.:. There was a unison ‘aye’ in response. Each pair grabbed onto the end of their respective chain and then - one after the other - jumped and swung out towards the Ryuu, using their bodies and the weight of the chains to gain momentum. After two swings back and forth to get the timing right, they called out to each other to start rappelling down onto the deck of the submarine. .:Commodore, just heard two thumps topside. Everything alright up there?:. Koso reported immediately. Ayiwah’s response took a second as she observed the boarders. One pair had indeed managed to make their way aboard without issue, but the second required some disentanglement as their speed had been slightly too fast and they had landed in a heap, eliciting some chuckles, which were silenced immediately with a stern officer’s glare. .:Nothing to worry about, just making extra sure she’s not going anywhere. Speaking of which, what’s your status?:. She could feel a certain satisfaction as Koso’s next mental transmission reached her. .:Nothing we can’t fix again. A lone pirate? Not so much:. .:What I like to hear. Go assist the lieutenant:. .:Yes ma’am:. Ayiwah moved back to the aft railing and watched as the Dashi secured the anchor chains to the corresponding shackles aboard the Ryuu. Each snapped into place with a rather satisfying ‘clack’ and a shout of “Secure!” from the sailors. .:Good. Make sure they stay that way until the intruder has been dealt with.:. Ayiwah crossed her arms. Stopping one of their own vessels had not been something she’d expected to have to do - but it was just that kind of day. For the moment, she’d done what she could. So she crossed the deck once more and disembarked onto the Ga-Koro pier, making her way over to where Timak was standing. She took up position besides the Toa, and although she addressed them, her attention was still firmly on the submarine. “That was a brave thing you did, Toa Timak; jumping in to help out strangers like that.” she commented. “And it was a nifty trick, too, letting us listen in like that. Thank you.” OOC: @Rahisaurus@Ghosthands@oncertainty@Razgriz
  3. IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] The Toa of fire nodded slowly in assent. “Best not to get involved - it’s not our jurisdiction anyway.” “But speaking of being equipped - you called yourself Toroshu. I assume that’s some kind of leader? Do your people require anything urgently at the moment, beyond food and shelter?” IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, harbor, Yukanna, afterdeck] When Timak eventually looked up again, they found the commodore gazing down at them, head slowly nodding with approval and an expression that conveyed respect. Couldn’t have said it better myself. OOC: Short post that doesn't advance much, too tired tonight. @Mel @Palm @Rahisaurus
  4. IC: [Kohra - Po-Koro, Dustpool Inn] Kohra looked slowly from the Toa to the Matoran, hesitated again for a second, but then nodded. “Yeah…" she rasped. "Looks real good.” The waiter tilted their head, obviously still doubtful, but also with little else to go on but one expression of anger, they had little to go on. “Alright…well, holler if you need anything. I’ll be right over.” they said, glancing between the two once more, then turned and headed back towards the kitchen. As soon as it was just the two of them, the Vortixx let her head sink forward into her free right hand, fingers rubbing against her temples. “I…am so sorry...I don’t know why I did that.” She was telling the truth. She honestly didn’t know why she’d reacted this violently. So why did she feel like a liar? OOC: @Tarn
  5. IC: [Kohra - Po-Koro, Dustpool Inn] The Vortixx had frozen in her place, staring intensely at Datrox, wrist still firmly locked in her surprisingly strong grip. Another long second or two passed, and then just as suddenly. she let go, breathing heavily, almost panting. “I’m sorry…” she got out, now barely above a whisper. “I…I didn’t mean to…” “Besides—I think our food is ready.” Food? “Ah…yes…food. Good.” The Matoran approaching their table looked concerned. “Everything alright here?” they asked, putting the first dishes on the table. Their eyes wandered from the Toa to the Vortixx. Clearly they had noticed the exchange. “You…need help with anything?” Kohra opened her mouth again, as if to answer - then seemed to rethink the idea, closed it again and quietly shook her head. OOC: @Tarn
  6. IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, harbor, Yukanna, afterdeck] From her vantage point, the commodore watched as the submarine began to gradually rise again and slowly right itself. Since Taz hadn’t reported anything about regaining control of the buoyancy, this had to be the Maru’s doing, even though she couldn’t see her at the moment. It was one thing to hear about the Toa’s abilities in tales - it was quite another to see them in action. The fact that the sea simply could be bent to one’s will…at least to a degree. The possibilities… But she couldn’t afford to be distracted right now and tore her eyes away from the Ryuu for a moment. She gave an affirmative nod to Timak. Keep it up. Their little trick had proven very valuable after all. She’d heard the sales pitch. She wasn’t fully familiar with all the intricacies of inter-Koro policies, but their delegation had spent enough time on the island to at least learn about the major political players. The implication that one of them would be unscrupulous enough to buy a stolen vessel with such obvious origins and would use it to bolster their own military strength was concerning. Something to look into once this situation was resolved. Once they created an actual Dasakan settlement, political dealings and trading were inevitable. Ga-Koro had treated them kindly and they had tried to be good guests - but it would be prudent to prepare for all eventualities. Yumi and the Toroshu would have their work cut out for them. The commodore didn’t reply audibly to what was said on the bridge. But Tazera was privy to her reaction. .:Well, thanks for the intel, buddy.:. She looked back to the Ryuu. Unmoored and with the open sea ahead. Crewed by just one person who had yet to RTFM, that was as good as being beached. .:Koso, what’s your status?:. .:Still in one piece. Managed to get below decks just in time to secure the hatch. Feet are wet but no major flooding.:. .:Understood. Head to the engine room. You know what to do. Just like the pirate drills. And then go give Inzu a hand.:. .:Aye, aye, ma’am.:. The commodore spun around on her heels, fast enough for her uniform coat to flare out dramatically with the motion. She could feel the eyes of the crew on her, waiting for instructions. .:Fetch the spare anchor chains and rig the mizzen top with boarding lines and hoists. You four -:. She indicated a quartet of Dashi sailors, .:- pair off. As soon as those lines and chains arrive I want you ready up there.:. They confirmed the order in unison, and began to climb. OOC: @Ghosthands @Razgriz @Rahisaurus @oncertainty
  7. IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro, harbor, underwater aboard the Ryuu] Not taking any chances, Leah ducked down, planting one knee on the Ryuu’s foredeck, while raising her hands, pushing the waters around her away, creating a bubble around her. The would-be pirate was clearly as reckless as they came. But it looked like the Dasakan engineering held up. When she didn’t feel the shock of electricity or sudden rush of water flooding the bridge she let the currents envelop her once more. She planted her hands on the deck as well and glanced around, looking for the largest concentrations of bubbles rising from the vessel. She knew little about how the ship worked in detail, but a sinking one held little mystery. Reaching out with her element, the water was drawn gradually from the Ryuu’s ballast tanks once more. OOC: @Ghosthands @Razgriz @Rahisaurus @oncertainty IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] Rhow took up the offered the shale business card and briefly studied it. So this…Dastana Daijuno was a trader of sorts? She had assumed everyone from the earlier boat had been delegates of some kind. Well…made sense to have someone with business sense along. The Skakdi harrumphed. “Well, might as well try it. I’m game if they are…now what in Karz is a Vilda?” A snapping noise drew her attention. She had lived in Ga-Koro long enough to recognize the tearing of flax rope. She glanced past the two Dasaka and out the doors. The pad outside had conspicuously emptied. Considering how busy the Koro had been all over, something must’ve drawn everyone’s attention. OOC: @Void Emissary @Mel IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] “Considering it’s only been about a day…they probably haven’t found a place yet…” Agni commented. Something else they’d have to tell Jaller about. New neighbors. But he was getting distracted. A crowd had gathered at the docks and excited shouting was carried over to them on the sea breeze. The detective’s eyes narrowed. He wanted to check it out, but he did not want to get involved in Ga-Koro’a business more than necessary. Find out about the Dasaka, visit Cael and get back to Ta-Koro. OOC: @Palm
  8. IC: [Kohra - Po-Koro, Dustpool Inn] “No, I…” Kohra started, hesitant, but by then the Toa’s hand was across the table and brushing against her poncho. Two things happened: Datrox could feel the contour of the flesh of arm underneath and even without seeing anything, he could tell it was… wrong. But the moment his fingers made contact, Kohra moved - faster than someone in her condition should have been able to. She twisted sideways, jerking her left side away from the Toa, while her right arm shot forward in a flash, trying to seize Datrox by the wrist. “Don’t touch me!” Her voice had been softer before. Hoarse and seemingly close to breaking from talking through the pain. But now it had radically turned - into a threatening, sharp, cold hiss. OOC: @Tarn
  9. OOC: Makes for a nice sideshow. IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, harbor, aboard the Yukanna] Ayiwah’s outward reaction was a slight raise of eyebrows accompanied by two consecutive blinks. First day? Zuto-Nui preserve them. Back on Kentoku, she would have reprimanded an inexperienced Menti for potentially jeopardizing the mission by acting this rash. But this was Mata-Nui. But the months here had taught her on this island…you just had to roll with it sometimes. And, the - well, Timak had jumped ahead a bit already, it wasn’t exactly a proposal anymore - had potential. Communication both ways. Not that she needed it to talk to her people. But transmitting to the bridge…it was worth a try. She nodded affirmatively at the Toa, then reached out over the mental plane towards the lieutenant aboard the sub. .:Taz, I’ve got a Toa of sonics here. Says they can put me on the intercom, so to speak, so don’t let it distract you. I’ll try to make our visitor see reason. If they do, good. If not…well, they’re not getting a heads up. Use that.:. ----- A moment later, the commodore’s disembodied voice rang out on the bridge of the Ryuu. “I would not take up such an offer from someone lacking an exit strategy.” she commented on the intruder’s offer to Aeragot. “I am Commodore Umbraline Ayiwah, and I do not take kindly to would-be ship stealers. Fortunately for you, you’ve not managed to cause major damage to our vessel or injure anyone yet. You stand down now - and we will hand you over to the village authorities unharmed.” OOC: @Ghosthands @Rahisaurus @Razgriz @oncertainty
  10. IC: [Ayiwah/Leah - Ga-Koro, harbor] Ayiwah received Tazera’s response. She could feel her concentration even through the brief message. So she responded just as quickly. .:Understood, LT. Take them down alive - if practical. We’re working on the situation - :. "Commodore! If I can help, just say the word!" Her head snapped to the sound of the voice. A Toa was standing on the pier, looking up at her excitedly. She had never seen this one before in the village. Certainly not one of Ga-Koro’s inhabitants, the coloration told her that much. But there was no time for proper introductions, much less a proper background check. So she repeated what she’d done with the dragon and pinged the Toa softly with her Arthron to determine if their appearance matched the return. At the same time asking: “Name and element, Toa? What can you do?” But the Toa had already turned away again, distracted by something or someone else. The commodore’s lips tightened a fraction more. She admired the island’s Toa for their bravery and skill. But the way they seemed to organize at large would have forced more than one sensei back in the yards into early retirement. Luckily, the person the strange Toa called out to was someone she did recognize. Someone she could trust. "Leah! A sinking ship's no problem for you, right?" The athletic figure of the Maru appeared from the edge of the crowd, fluidly making her way past people to step up beside the other Toa. “Depends on what you want to do with it.” she answered the question - while asking the commodore one of her own, looking up at her with one eyebrow slightly raised. Almost like she was amused by the whole thing. And she was. Leah could not help but feel a certain sense of dejà vu: It was just like last time. The Dasaka had appeared off the coast of Ga-Koro - and someone decided that was the moment to act a fool and try something aboard the Ryuu. Except Makuta had been defeated at the time and the Dasaka had been visitors - not refugees. The thought wiped the slight smirk off the Maru’s face again. There was a cracking and snapping sound as the taught mooring lines or the wooden bollards they were tied to gave way under the strain. Ayiwah looked her straight in the eyes. “No ship under my command puts to sea without my say-so.” Leah nodded once, took a two-step running start and launched herself off the pier, disappearing below the waves. .:Taz, Leah Maru is inbound. She’ll take care of the unscheduled descent.:. Then Ayiwah’s gaze shifted back to the other Toa, the earlier question still hanging in the air - unanswered. She also noticed another Toa had made their way out of the crowd and was watching the scene unfold intently. — The water around the Ryuu churned, with the submersibles ballast tanks venting and visibility around the vessel was accordingly poor. But the water itself told Leah all she needed to know. She could feel it pressing against the vessel. She swam through the curtains of bubbles and made her way above the Ryuu’s foredeck, diving down in front of the conn tower before tucking into a roll and touching down on the deck feet first, standing up in front of the viewports. Inside, she could see the commodore’s second in command facing off against the intruder. Aboard, they would have no trouble spotting her either. So she shook her head slowly and disapprovingly at the lightning Toa - before flashing a cheeky grin and casual salute. OOC: @Ghosthands @Rahisaurus @Razgriz @oncertainty
  11. IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Yukanna, on deck] The commodore was still focused on the dragon’s words when she felt a sudden, urgent mental contact. .:Commodore, Koso. Lieutenant Tazera reports an Intruder on the bridge of the Ryuu. She’s engaged, Inzu has gone below to assist. The Ryuu is down by the head and trimming.:. Koso had wasted no time when the alert had gone out. Ayiwah felt herself tense, but then her breathing slowed - a long practiced habit to maintain focus, now more instinctive than conscious. First contact with Aclaraung had been unexpected. Unlike the arrival on Mata-Nui, she had no time to prepare. Thankfully, it went well - so far. But for this situation now, there were no doubts - she knew what to do. She quickly turned to the empress & the dragon (making a mental note of the potential title for a children’s tale) to inform them. For Aclaraung’s benefit she addressed them verbally - as briefly as possible. There was no time to explain it in detail. “Forgive the interruption but we have a security situation.” She fixed the Rora with her gaze and switched to ideatalk. .:Yumi, there’s an intruder aboard the Ryuu. Until I know more, you and your guards get aboard the Yukanna, get below. Wait for my all clear.:. Then she reached out to one of the other Menti nearby. .:Get eyes on the chojo. Keep her safe. And inform the clans’ Toroshu. Their retainers will have to protect them.:. The Menti confirmed the order and hurried off, relaying the information. Meanwhile, Ayiwah continued with more orders. .:Put every vessel on alert. All captains, lock down your ships, retract gangways, search from top to bottom.There might be more.:. Under the wide eyes of the crowd, despite minimal vocal orders given, it looked like every Dasaka in naval outfits sprang into action. The decks of the ships erupted with activity. The level of noise rose considerably as the sailors retracted gangways and began to shift cargo and other items around. With orders given and without missing a beat, Ayiwah rushed up the gangway, across the deck and towards the Yukanna’s stern. From there she had a perfect vantage point of the pier - and the Ryuu performing an unscheduled, unauthorized and ungainly dive. The angle of the submersible told her a lot already. Either the ship had been damaged or whoever was performing the maneuver didn’t know what they were doing. With this angle and sink rate, the Ryuu was going to the bottom of the bay and nowhere else. But, Koso was still on deck, despite the tilt. Ayiwah reached out towards the vessel on the mental plane: .:Lieutenant Tazera, status report. Confirm number and identity of intruders.?:. Much as she wanted to, she had to consider more than just what her eyes saw. Espionage seemed like an obvious motive, but perhaps it was something else. A distraction to achieve some other goal perhaps? To open them up for an attack, an assassination attempt or any number of other possibilities? She had to get a handle on the situation. OOC: Well...guess that's most meetings in the Koro adjourned. @Ghosthands @Rahisaurus @Bjorkway @Umbraline Yumiwa @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl and anyone else involved.
  12. IC: [Kohra - Po-Koro, Dustpool Inn] The Vortixx was relieved at first. Well, kind of. She couldn’t trust that she’d never crossed paths with Datrox before, but spending this much time and neither remembering the other was a pretty sure sign they didn’t know each other in any meaningful way before. Of course it didn’t get her any closer to clearing things up…which part of her feared it might even be better not to, somehow. “Your arm. Something happen?” Kohra froze for an instant, then pulled her arm closer to her chest, using the other to adjust her poncho to make sure it stayed out of sight. “Hurts…like everything else.” She replied, obviously evasive. “It’s injured…not pretty.” Datrox could see she was pulling back in her seat, trying to get as far away from the topic as possible but only getting gas far as the backrest. OOC: @Tarn
  13. IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] The Skakdi looked a bit puzzled at first. She must have missed the supposedly insensitive part. “You sure they’re willing to help the likes of me? I’ve known willhammers too. Could crack someone’s mind and will and whatnot real good. Just with less metaphor and more actual hammer.” OOC: @Void Emissary@Mel IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] Agni listened, but when Yukie reported on the intelligence of the Rahkshi horde, he glanced back over his shoulder, inland. Toward the dark walk. Then he turned to Tuara, the two Toa exchanging a knowing look, before Agni looked down at his feet and muttered a single expletive. After a moment, he shook his head. “Yeah…that about answers it. Rahkshi are tough nuts to crack. Will you be staying here in Ga-Wahi? Not that Hahli would ever kick you out, but it’s starting to look somewhat crowded.” OOC: @Palm
  14. IC: [Kohra - Po-Koro, Dustpool Inn] “Being forgotten…” Kohra mumbled, absent-mindedly rubbing at her left shoulder. Datrox could hear a soft rustle from underneath her poncho. “I mean…it’s certainly been scary. I think. No one came looking for me, so…I think I’ve been forgotten too and…” She paused. Not out of pain this time, but realization, or something similar. “Wait…were you…did we…did I know you? Or you know me?” She asked, sounding both worried and slightly excited at the idea. “Did I…did I forget you?” OOC: @Tarn
  15. IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro] As they moved through the crowd, Leah felt her ears pop slightly as Timak asked her in a low voice. Sonics, then? She answered just as quietly, which wasn’t an obstacle for aToa of that element after all: “Well, to answer your questions in order: these are Dasaka. They’re from the Far East of here, a place called Kentoku. But surprisingly…we share a language. Somehow. Some have been here for some time - they came on the submarine - but this crowd is new. Arrived just before you did, in fact. You have that in common, for a start. I’ve only met their royals once. And no, you needn’t bow…” Her voice trailed off as the crowd parted once more, revealing an unobstructed view of the docks and the…meeting in progress. Timak saw Leah’s hand twitch towards her staff, as she laid eyes on the so-called dragon. The last time she’d seen bipedal winged creatures, she had been a Matoran in Le-Koro - but not like this one. The Toa Maru relaxed, taking a deep breath. She came to a stop just at the front of the crowd. She wasn’t going to speak up just yet, but it hopefully helped to show she was present. IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] The Skakdi harrumphed but otherwise made no comment. She glanced at Shuuan. Sure, the Dasaka all had a bit of a stuck-up vibe to them, even the opinionated ones, but the glimpse she’d gotten of the people as a whole since the previous night so far didn’t make them look too terrible. Then again, her baseline for what made someone ‘terrible’ was probably a bit different than that of her patrons. Who knew what their struggles were. Probably not being hunted for sport because a clan elder felt like having entertainment. Although, when someone fled their home because disaster struck and their main concern was still the societal shackles on them… Dainuno’s question pulled her back out of her thoughts. She stared at her with a look of someone who’d just stumbled across a whole new perspective on things without realizing it. “That’s…a darn good question.” She said after a moment. “Can’t say anyone smart has come up with something yet..we just…rolled with it. Until you lot showed up no one even knew there was other land you could get to.” “But..yeah. You on your boats. You remember. So…whatever’s caused the rest of us to forget is either gone or we got here by different means. Most just..washed up.” IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] Agni’s eyes widened. “Rahkshi Invasion?” He asked, alarmed. Had he heard right? He shot Tuara a worried glance. The Toa of fire remembered when the dark walks first formed…dug by Makuta’s sons. He’d faced down the horde then and only Makuta’s timely defeat had saved their lives that day. He felt a chill run down his spine. “How organized were they? Or were they more like Rahi? Like animals? Did they attack coordinated or more randomly?” Deep down he knew he probably shouldn’t ask someone fresh off the back of such a tragic experience this much at once, but he couldn’t help himself. Tuara could tell the detective was going to keep going like this if no-one stopped him. OOC: @Rahisaurus@Palm@Void Emissary@Mel sorry if I forgot anybody
  16. IC: [Kohra - Po-Koro, Dustpool Inn] Compared to othe scorching heat and blinding sun outside, the inside of the inn was wonderfully temperate and dim. To which the Vortixx adjusted surprisingly quickly, she only blinked a few times before her eyes had gotten rid of the lingering bright spots. She definitely felt more comfortable already, though just as that realization hit, she swayed a bit. Okay, so she still wasn’t steady on her feet and…someone was looking at her. She paused, blinked again and finally really saw the Matoran behind the counter staring at her intently, his expression a mixture between expectant and annoyed. “I said: what can I do for ya?” She hadn’t even heard the question the first time and glanced around, thankfully spotting Datrox, sitting down at a nearby table. “I’ve got the widgets. Whatever you need, I can cover it for you. No problem.” The Ta-Toa said. “Uh thank you, that’s very kind, I…just a sec.” She said - addressing both her companion and the innkeeper - flustered and still caught a bit off guard. She quickly looked over to the menu written on a nearby blackboard. Most of what was listed she didn’t know, but then she saw an item listed as ‘brunch platter for two’. Figuring Datrox should get something as well if he was already offering to pay, she pointed at the blackboard and looked at the Matoran again. “Can I have that?” “The platter?” “Uh-huh.” The innkeeper shrugged and pulled out a notepad. “Sure. And to drink?” The Vortixx felt like she was zoning out again, she hadn’t thought that far ahead. “Just…water?” She replied, sounding unsure, then quickly added: “For me and him. The Toa.” “Alright.” The Matoran turned and went to take care of their order, while Kohra made her way over to where Datrox was sitting, and slunk her way onto the bench across from the him. “I’ve…got no idea what’s in this platter. But it’s for two, so…hope that’s okay?” OOC: @Tarn
  17. IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Yukanna, on deck] Young One. That was a new one. The most senior officer of the Dasaka Navy definitely wasn’t used to being called that. She certainly wasn’t old by the standards of Dasaka life-spans, but it had been a very long time since she could pass for a Menti fresh from the yards. She had put in the time and earned the experience her rank demanded. If that counted as ‘young’ to the dragon, just how long had they existed? For the blink of an eye, she entertained the thought of their visitor turning out to be younger than her. Wouldn’t that be amusing? However, the idea that their kind originally hailed from Kentoku and there being no record of them as a people clearly implied the opposite. Could it truly be? Was the draconic Umbraline and Dasaka heraldry based on this being before her and others like him? It certainly would explain the odd sensation of familiarity she’d felt. If any of their historians had made it to the island, they would have enough studies to occupy them until they were ready to reclaim Kentoku. If the rora actually allowed them enough time with their visitor to do that sort of research once she met him. The commodore slowly reached up and carefully took hold of the gifted spear. The weapon was clearly meant for someone larger, but it was still a gesture that set a friendly tone for the start of…well, whatever this relationship would turn out to be. Preferably a diplomatic and productive one. Before she addressed the dragon’s main concern however, she took time to acknowledge the amiable gesture. She inclined her head, though just far enough to maintain eye contact, and said: “Decorated or not, this is a well crafted spear, and a fine gift. We expected neither visitors nor gifts today, we only hoped to find refuge for our people. Thank you.” “We do share our homeland with dragons - but ones that for all their might and beauty are far less articulate and are best observed from a great distance. But their image and other similar ones have marked our iconography since long before my time. Whether that is rooted in common history or mere coincidence is impossible for me to say at this time. And I can not speak for my people as a whole, but me and those under my command would also prefer, if not cooperation, then at least peaceful coexistence.” As she spoke, she noticed the gaps opening up in the crowd surrounding them, and furthermore, that the other Menti, up until a moment ago entirely focused on the two of them, now glanced towards the dockside as well. A heartlight flash later, she realized the cause, as she caught a glimpse of the approaching rora. The corners of her mouth tugged up ever so slightly, hinting at a smirk. “However, I do know someone who very much has the authority to speak for all of us.” She turned to where the empress was emerging from the crowd and bowed deeply, while announcing: “Her Majesty Umbraline Yumiwa, Rora of the Dasaka Empire.” OOC: @BULiK @Umbraline Yumiwa @Ghosthands @Bjorkway
  18. IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] The other Toa of fire gave a nod of greeting and said. “How do you do.” It was a short greeting, but hopefully not off-putting. He didn’t want it to distract from the answer to Tuara’s question, which he was very eager to hear. OOC: @Palm@Mel IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro] Leah gave a soft chuckle. “I suppose Hahli has to stay at her desk as much as I have to run around today. So she’ll probably be there by the time things settle down again. You’ll meet her soon enough.” “But for now, duty calls.” She looked over her shoulder, back at Kimala, with a ‘you coming?’ look, before signaling Timak to follow her as she began to make her way towards the impromptu assembly. Soon, they were surrounded by people. Luckily, Leah’s presence alone was enough to part the crowd enough to pass. As they walked into the shadow of the docked large trimaran flagship, Leah pointed out another group of people to the Toa of sonics, one that seemingly managed to pass through the mass of people unhindered. “Speaking of introductions, looks like the Dasaka empress took notice as well. Hope you don’t mind royalty.” The Toa Maru shot them a wink. OOC: @ARROW404@Rahisaurus@Umbraline Yumiwa
  19. IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro] As Timak lingered outside Hahli’s hut, the appearance of the dragon at the docks quickly drew a crowd. This wasn’t lost on the guards either, one of which quickly pushed past the Toa and opened the door to the hut. Leah and Kimala turned as the Matoran entered. “Apologies for the Interruption but there’s a situation at the docks. It appears the Dasaka commodore is being confronted by a…dragon?” Even on an island as strange as this, that took a second to process. Leah looked from the guard to Hahli, then Kimala, then the dead Rahkshi on the floor. They really needed to talk about this, but….it was just one of those days. The Maru sighed. “I better go check this out.” She said, turning to leave. She paused, glancing at the Rahkshi once more before shooting the Akiri an apologetic glance. “Sorry about the mess.” She unliebered her staff and made her way outside, about to break into a light jog to get to the docks, when she stopped as she noticed the newcomer Toa from earlier. “Timak? Have you been waiting out here this entire time?’ OOC: @Rahisaurus IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Yukanna, on deck] Distant cousins feeling entitled to rule…Ayiwah knew a thing or two about that. Zuto knew she’d studied enough history books and attended social events to know that worked. From her family all the way back. Someone committed a faux pas and suddenly the clan on the opposite side of the archipelago was obligated to declare war on their neighbors. Or something equally nonsensical. As the dragon approached her, the commodore stood her ground, unflinching, her breath even and mind focused. The implied threat was indeed not lost on her. Which was why she felt the familiar slight tingle of her nape that came whenever she called upon her power to be available in an instant, if it was needed. Not to mention the other rather capable Menti all around them. And just to be safe, a soft ping from her Kanohi, to ensure that the draconian appearance was not just for show. But, though she was alert, she sensed no hostility from their visitor. “Your sympathy is appreciated. And Zuto Nui willing, we will reclaim what is ours in due time. But for now, our people’s safety must come first. And I will do everything in my power to ensure it. And that starts with getting them situated on this island.” The message behind that was fairly obvious as well. Just then, the familiar mental contact with her best friend and most trusted officer reached her mind. ::Commodore, Lieutenant Tazera here. Requesting your assessment of the situation, ma'am.:: ::Lieutenant, Commodore Ayiwah. I’m directly across from the…dragon. Arthron ping came back positive, none of the other Menti are reporting anything out of order either. We are dealing with the genuine article here.:: She replied. She also added a brief report of everything she’d observed about their visitor - physiology, armaments and abilities - since his arrival. And since she had first brought it to her attention, she relayed all this to the Rora as well, to keep her appraised of the situation. OOC: @Pteronura Brasiliensis@Ghosthands@Umbraline Yumiwa IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] “Is that what that’s called?” The Skakdi asked. “Dunno, maybe. Maybe not. It’s like…I know who I am, who I used to be. I remember bits of home, but every time i try to focus, it slips away again. Got frustrated with that, so eventually I stopped trying. But…clearly y’all don’t have it…odd.” The barkeep paused. Talking about home inevitably conjured up associations in her mind, but as she spoke, long dormant neural connections seemed to fire again as she briefly felt herself on shaky ground, a landmass silhouetted in early dawn light rising from behind a distant shoreline obscured in mist. Back in the great Takea, Dainuno and Shuuan saw the Skakdi blink a few times, before continuing. “Humph. Should have realized this already when your diving boat first showed, but now that you’re here to stay…you lot are the first ones to show up here bringing your own culture. Everyone else had no choice but to go Matoran. More or less. Wonder how that one’s gonna play out.” OOC: @Mel@Void Emissary IC:[Agni - Ga-Koro] “Agreed, let’s find out what’s going on here.” Agni followed Tuara. Soon they reached Ga-Koro’s main gate. There was a lot of traffic moving through and the guards were busy, but not overwhelmingly so and they did ask the two Ta-Toa their business. Luckily a brief explanation and flashing of their badges was enough to get into the village at least. Once in however, progress slowed, as the duo had to navigate the crowded walkways. “Not organized is right…” Agni muttered. ‘Where to even start in this bustle?” OOC: @Palm
  20. IC:[Agni - approaching Ga-Koro from the west] The duo of Fire Toa paused in their tracks. “Good sign, yeah.” Agni agreed, a bit taken aback by sheer number of vessels and the bustle of activity surrounding them. “There’s even more ships here than when I first saw them.” He added, then squinted, shielding his eyes. He looked more closely at the crowds disembarking the ships. Smaller row boats moved back and forth between the larger ships that had weighed anchor as close to shore as possible and the beach, where a massive amount of people and supplies were gathered. But it was all very disorganized. A pile of crates here, some barrels there, just right next to whoever had brought them ashore. A number of the Toa-like warriors - Menti, Agni recalled from the reports, darted between the crowd, trying to get their people sorted and as they slowly moved up the beach, he noticed things became much more organized, until proper queues formed out of the throng, leading to rows of tents just at the edge of the jungle. “They…don’t look like an army to me.” Agni finally commented. “What’s your impression?” He asked Tuara. OOC: @Palm
  21. IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “At this point…” Kohra started, then briefly paused as a brief, involuntary shudder came over her, “I’d settle for dried Nui Jaga.” Even though her awareness wasn’t what it used to be, she could tell the Toa wasn’t too excited about the prospect of the food shack. And looking at it, the Vortixx realized there was no indoor seating area. It really was a shack with some standing tables out front. A lone Matoran looked bored behind the counter, while a single patron nursed some sort of local snack that even she knew was greasy enough to shorten one’s life expectancy. But it was mainly the lack of shade that made her reconsider. “On second thought…somewhere with proper seats…maybe?” She awkwardly began to look around and only now realized this was just the far end of what seemed to be a street lined with many kinds of businesses. She squinted, but couldn’t quite make out all the signs at a distance, so they began to move down the rows of buildings. Kohlii Equipment Artisan Carvings Mahi farm supplies Wanderer wares Tech emporium Then she stopped, panting slightly from the effort the quickened pace had taken, and pointed at another building just up ahead. “That one says ‘inn’.” She proclaimed, out of breath, but satisfied with the result of her search. Before Datrox could object, and paying no mind to anyone else in the street, Kohra ducked inside the Dustpool. OOC: @Tarn
  22. IC: [Kohra - Po-koro, Streets] “It certainly seems that way.” Kohra agreed, regarding her helper’s timing. The Vortixx, for the moment at least, felt relief come over her. She knew all too well the people that Datrox spoke of. The anonymous masses that had passed her by, either pretending not to notice her crumpled, shaking form at the side of the road, or outright staring at her in discomfort or even disgust. But she’d accepted it…because some part of her thought…that they were right to react that way, somehow. As they walked, she looked around, squinting against the sunlight. It still stung her eyes but she forced herself to look anyway, blinking away reflexive tears. “Is that a good place?” She asked, indicating what looked like a small food shack. OOC: Apologies for the delay as well, certainly didn’t mean to make it almost two weeks. @Tarn
  23. IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] “Well, there’s….uh...hmm.” Rhow started to reply immediately, but just as quickly stumbled in her words. She looked at Shuuan with narrow eyes and furrowed brow, before glancing down at the counter, frustration showing in her body language. She clenched her left fist tight enough for her knuckles to crack. Then she relaxed and let out a throaty, rumbling sigh. “S’funny, y’know...now that you ask - I can’t remember any of them. You know when you get a thought but the moment you try and focus it’s just gone? Yeah, like that. I keep thinking ‘Irrnak’, but who or whatever that is, I got no image for it. Couldn’t tell ya thing one about ‘em.” OOC: @Mel
  24. IC:[Agni - Ta-Koro, Tuara’s house] In his mind, the Toa of fire pumped a fist in victory. Mission accomplished: Get Tuara out of the house. Outwardly, he just nodded with a faint smile. The fact that she had so readily agreed to join him on this little scouting mission meant that hopefully she was beginning to come around. And as her friend, that made him happy. “Ready when you are.” he said. “Grab what you need and we can be on our way.” OOC: Feel free to move us to Ga-Wahi, @Palm.
  25. IC: [Leah - Ga-Koro] “Caught this one snoopin’ round out back.” Leah replied, playing along with the Akiri. But even so she could tell Hahli looked exhausted. She could relate. Unfortunately...this couldn’t wait. “And by snooping I mean ‘strutted out of the dark walk hissing and snarling a challenge’. Just the one too, no backup. Thankfully, I had Kimala here, and Talli - one of our fishers.We took it down, but…” the Maru paused, then sighed heavily. Her expression solidified into an unusually serious one. “They’re getting nasty again. Like when they had Makuta’s will behind them...I think that might be the case again. His defeat may not have been as lasting as we’d hoped.” She let that one hang in the air for a moment before continuing. “I’ll send word to the other Maru...we’ll have to go back down into Mangaia and make sure." OOC: @Haman Karn: A Magical Girl @ARROW404 @Rahisaurus I’m not ignoring Timak, just using BZP time to have this happen before they get to the hut. IC: [Rhow - Ga-Koro, The Great Takea] “Ah, I see…” Rhow rumbled, nodding along with the explanation. “Pretty sure every great spirit or whatever falls somewhere on the ‘bad’ spectrum. No good and evil...Just how it is I s’pose. Mata Nui too. Doesn’t do anything, just sleeps and turns more Matoran with anxiety into Toa to throw at the problem. It’s all just shades of bad. Best to pick one with the smallest amount. Sounds like your Zataka’s is easy on the eyes at least..unlike...others.” Her expression turned ponderous. A name emerged in her thoughts, one that felt oddly familiar even if she couldn’t remember why it did - like so many other things recently. Irnakk… She felt a shudder run down her spine. OOC: @Void Emissary @Mel IC: [Ayiwah - Ga-Koro, Yukanna, on deck] The commodore quickly debated how much she should share with this newcomer. Amnesia was a common enough condition here, that she knew, but she couldn’t afford to be too trusting either. Then again, what the being that had stepped straight out of ancient myth was asking would easily be answered in any bar around town if he asked, so there was no harm in sharing that much. “First, we discovered this island by accident. Then, we came as explorers. Now we are refugees. The people and ships before you are those that managed to escape the calamity that has befallen my homeland.” While she talked she kept in mental contact with other Menti around her. Many were just as on edge as she was, maybe even more so, and they were looking for guidance for how to treat the newcomer. She wasn’t the only one slightly unsettled by what was ancient history to them, standing before them and talking. But for all her doubts, Ayiwah told them to stand down and merely observe closely. She did reach out to two people though: the rora, and the chojo. .:Yumi, Desde...I have no tactful way to say this, so: there is a walking, talking dragon here. No, this is no practical joke by me and Taz. No, I have not been drinking the Matoran brew. Come to the Yukanna at your earliest convenience.:. “And what about you Aclaraung? How long has it been since you walked openly among Matoran, and why would they wish you stayed gone?” OOC: @Pteronura Brasiliensis @Umbraline Yumiwa
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