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Dalinar returns Aibretta's hug fiercely. "I'll be back."
Dalinar spends his free time during the trip cycling through three activities: Sitting on his bed reading the massive tome Theodrin Family History, exercising in the gym or going through sword forms in the cargo hold. He gladly does the latter two with anyone who wants to join him but keeps to himself during his reading. Dalinar understands that the Nakondis incident was mere child's play compared to what they were about to attempt and plans to be ready.
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After the first evening on the ship, Minos settles in to his routine. Checking the flight plan and navigation. Running the scanners. Tending the squox. And then watching the stars.
One day he talks to Pon, but open for others if they happen on by.
"I like you. But I have my issues with the Stewards. And the past decade or so we have kept our distance from each other. Suffice to say I am not happy with this now being a Stewards mission. Oh, I will do it. But not for them. The last time I worked for them it was a similar arrangement. The sent my company in for their dirty work. Same thing. They could take the credit if it worked, or walk away if not. Well, my friends are dead, or worse, because bad Intel they gave us. And they did nothing to easy the pain of those left. "
"So I don't work for them. And when we get the drive. We will decide who should get it. Maybe it will be the Stewards, but maybe not"
Not expecting and verbal reply, Minos nods to Log, and then continues his rounds
Wint spends the days of the trip practicing his Azlanti, practicing his piloting (he wants to make sure that he pilots like an Azlanti would) and, of course, keeping the ship in a completely Spic and Span fashion whilst making many, many delicious meals.
Organizing and containing the Squox is a never ending task that Wint is convinced he is mostly solving while, of course, achieving absolutely nothing except to give the Squox lots of fun (outwitting the giant that a Skittermander is to a Squox is LOTS of fun :-))
He DOES manage to keep the Squox droppings to a minimum which is probably good :-)
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Spec definitely notices the message.. then mumbles to himself
"Ha! *grumble* Stewards and their authority games... this is probably what tuned Grimm into a plate on the wall at the Hall of Remembrance ... and now I'm off doing the same thing... ... I must have more brain damage than I thought ..."
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Spec remembers that there was a reason that he was thinking about brain damage and immediately trundles off to find Minos and commission some sort of diagnostic lozenges to try and use to collect data about Rush's neural state, how it changes over time, and to monitor the necrotic parasite growing inside him.
When not poking around at his friendly neighborhood Death-Shrimp, he spends some time familiarizing himself with the mystic weaponry system, when he isn't busy worrying why in the galaxy the Great Shadow would want someone like him on a mission this important.
★ --- ★ --- ★ --- ★
You have a relatively swift journey as you approach Azlanti space. You exit the Drift at the edge of the Nys system, as is standard procedure for Imperial Fleet vessels returning to the empire from forays outside its borders. An Azlanti patrol ship quickly approaches you, and you all have a tense fifteen minutes of agonizing waiting as it comes closer and closer...
Still, your stolen transponder must have beamed out the correct “handshake” signal, because the Azlanti patrol vessel soon turns away.
A few hours later, a sleek Tetrad Caravel ship hails you. It's a sweet ship -- the best you've seen since leaving Absalom Station. The view screen flickers on to reveal a four-armed figure dressed in bright yellow robes with red accents and covered by a dark blue cloak. She gives a slight bow, with all four hands making a gesture in front of her conical hat.
In a formal tone, she says, “अच्छा शिकार, इल्लत! मुझे आशा है कि आपकी यात्रा आपके और स्टार साम्राज्य के लिए उपयोगी साबित हुई है। क्या आप अपनी लंबी यात्रा के बाद घर से कुछ आइटम देखने की परवाह करेंगे- क्यों, यह दिलचस्प है ..."
Her eyes light up, and her eyebrows raise up so high they're barely visible under her conical hat. She pauses, then presses a button on her console. She suddenly folds her four hands together in front of herself, appearing far more enthusiastic and friendly, and continues in polished Common.
“Why, hello, travelers! Aren't you the clever ones? Welcome to the Azlanti Star Empire! Would you be interested in buying a few goods for your continuing journey? I am Sayonsi, wanderer, trader, student of cultures and the mystic arts. Shall we exchange stories? Tea? Commerce?”
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on tightband local comms"Hey guys.... she's a witchwyrd and..... well let's just say that if you want to do any shopping, she is probably the friendliest face we are going to..see? ..... you know what I mean!.... in quite a while.
Oh, and be polite! So unless someone has a really good reason, we shouldn't insult her by turning down tea and stories"
I know I've seen that gesture before... but what does it MEAN?
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"Well met by the guiding star, Sayonsi. I am Minos traveller and story collector as well. I think it is safe to say we would love some tea and stories. Though I also think commerce will also be done"
"Interesting. She respects the empire but isn't part of it. Or that is what her gesture means"
"We'd love to discuss tea. And recipes!. Oh, and buy stuff too! Do you collect recipes on your travels?"
"Four arms. Not enough but far better than a paltry two!"
"Well met by the guiding star! May the Inscrutable bless your wanderings with increased knowledge and felicity, Minos." Sayonsi says. "And I love not only to discuss tea, but to drink it. An exchange of recipes would be a delight. Shall we have this tea party on your ship or on the Gadabout?"
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"Oh, please, come over here. I haven't hosted a good party for weeks!"
"Alright, I will be delighted to come over! When would you like me to arrive, and what may I bring?" Sayonsi asks. "May I bring an entree? Or would you prefer just light appetizers?"
Since entering the Drift, Prosper alternated between eating obscene quantities of snacks and practicing his cooking and combat skills with Wint and Dalinar respectively. Each day, he also shifted to a different face, trying out new combinations while polling his party on their own sense of beauty.
When the Witchwyrd traveling saleswoman establishes contact with the team, Prosper makes her way to the bridge. She's taken on the exact appearance of the Parept Ameondria, with tall athletic build and striking jawline. She stands straight (as Prosper saw in the pictures) and intones in a warm voice "Absolute pleasure to meet you. The name is Prosper. I hope you'll have some interesting stories, and wares to show. Especially considering our current location." And once Wint approves of the party, she beckons the Witchwyrd over to join the group on their ship.
"Perhaps if you had a couple of bottles of wine that you could bring? Some of the Azlant worlds are famous for their wines. Perhaps a nice Pinot Grigio and a decent Cabernet? Those would go well with the snacks that I'm planning"
Wint then gets busy making up a whole set of interesting new appetizers.
He especially concentrates on the SpacePrawn Surprise Cheese Puffs that witchwyrds are known to particularly appreciate
"Wine? Certainly. But don't forget that we're having tea too!" She sends a tiny shuttle into your hangar and comes on board in a swish of robes. "I've brought two wines, and a nice spice bread!" She gaily shakes hands with all of you, and says, "What a lovely little ship. What do you call it? You must tell me where you are all from! It's been five years since I saw the Pact Worlds, and I'm dying for news."
"Well Star Sugar Heartlove dropped a new album and there was a big concert in the Diaspora. Didn't make it myself, but I heard it was a blast...."
"Oh, wonderful! Do you have a recording of it?" Sayonsi claps all four hands. "That's the sort of thing that makes a nice cultural extra to share when trading. I've got some Azlanti Opera and popular music to trade back, or would you prefer something from other cultures?"
Hearing of the opera, Wint bursts out
"ओपेरा? ओह, मुझे हाल के सभी अज़लंती ओपेरा प्राप्त करने हैं जो आपके पास हैं। सबसे अच्छी रिकॉर्डिंग।"
"So, what kind of tea would you like? My personal preference is for Lapsong Souchong Imperial, it is the perfect mix. But we have many others available"
Pon stays in engineering and watches the situation from the cameras.
"I'll have the tea you recommend," Sayonsi says, grandly to Wint. "So who are you, little one, and how did you become such a fan of Azlanti opera?"
"So Dalinar, what brings you on such a dangerous trek? Is there anything a small merchant like myself can do to help you?"
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Minos plays it somewhat close, while enjoying Wint's inspired refreshments. "We are following connections. Currently they lead us to Azlanti space. Though it is not with out danger. As you most likely have witnessed, those not of their empire are not treated well. But this is where the Inscrutable path as lead us. And it is our duty to find the discoveries of the path before us. Any aid you are able to offer to navigate these ways would be appreciated. "
Sipping the tea he then looks down at his cup. "Oddly it is tea that as started our journey. And I take it as a good sign that this path will yield new mysteries as we are once again having tea with new connections along it"
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Spec spends a few minutes frantically searching through his library chip looking for appropriate witchwyrdian social customs and ceremonies.
He then trundles into the room and greets Sayonsi with his best approximation of a formal witchwyrd welcoming gesture (substituting his wings in light-shifting mode for the missing arms)
"Humble greetings honored traveller, may your wares always find market. Your esteemed presence brings me great joy and I bid you most welcome."
He repeats the gesture again.
"It has been many of my years since last I saw these stars, and being greeted by one such as yourself must be an omen of the highest order.
Let us converse... And then let us commerce!
I await your news and your wares with equally bated breath."
The professor in him is evaluating her reactions and responses to his and the others' conversational attempts.
"Oh, sorry, my name is Wint. I'm the ships chef and housekeeper. I don't actually like Azlanti opera very much (its ok, but its a bit too low pitched for me. I prefer things even higher pitched than a human soprano can reach)., but a friend of mine LOVES it and he hasn't had the chance to hear any for quite awhile. So I thought I'd buy him as much as I can get. As a present for him. He deserves some presents, he has been REALLY good to me. Well, when he isn't yelling at me, at least"
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Dalinar's impatience cannot be held back any longer.
"Sayonsi, I am very pleased that you are the first person we met in this corner of space. You see, we are about to try something very... ill advised. What I would like to trade for is information. Anything about the Star Empire you can share would be helpful. To be specific however, we are following a ship to the Nys system do you know anything about it? The demographics for that area? Do the Azlanti's have a military presence there? They most likely do, but how much? Do you know of any particular patrols they may make on the trip there? As you may have guessed we do not want to talk to them if unecessary. Finally, what would you require in return for such information?"
Sayonsi's eyebrows rise higher and higher still as she listens to Wint, Minos and Spec. "Oh, I have so many questions now! But to earn the answers for them, I believe that I need to answer some of yours."
As Dalinar asks his questions, she leans forward. "Nys?" She taps her fingers, thinking. "Nys is on the edge of the Empire. There's not much there except from what I understand to be a well-guarded prison moon called Gulta. I haven't been there, myself. It's considered a rather forbidding place and a merchant like myself would attract all the wrong sorts of attention going there. But that doesn't mean I can't help you with some of the information that you may be looking for. Tell me... Have you ever heard of Outpost Zed?"
Then when Rush asks his question, she laughs. "How many licks? That would depend on the length and vigor of your tongue, I suppose. I was never interested in that sort of cross-cultural exploration with the Azlanti, though."
Lord Dracos jumps up on Sayonsi's and politely asks, ceeerpk?
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Perhaps its the very unpleasant reception that the team had gotten back on Nakondis, but Prosper can't help but be a little suspicious of this strange person at the edge of Azlanti space. She smiles as the witchwyrd arrives on the Teapot but doesn't immediately engage her in conversation, instead waiting and watching (any trying to recall what was written in her Spying for Dummies guidebook about uncovering double agents).
She starts patting down her pockets. Did she leave the guidebook back in her cabin? It sure would be useful right now.
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Her attempt to be all proper and professional finally loses steam around the time Sayonsi begins answering Dalinar's questions. But it's the answer to Rush's question that breaks her silence.
"Um, its not really about the length of the tongue. Azlanti tongues are, like, super bad at dissolving things because their saliva is just below the average. Now vesk tongues-" She bites her own tongue. "Uh, forget what I just said! What's this Outpost Zed about? Nice kind of place?"
And once she can get a word in edgewise, she adds "Oh and I'm kinda curious about you too. Have you been trading around here for a long time? What's that like?"
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"Oh... aren't you adorable!" Sayonsi scratches Lord Dracos. "Is this a squox? Delightful. I've always wanted a pet like this. So cute!"
"Let me hold on the question for a moment of how long I have been trading, and what the rest of the Azlanti Empire is like. Those are interesting questions, but will take a bit of time for me to answer." She accepts some shrimp from Wint, taking out a very long fork to maneuver one under her head scarf. "Oh delicious!"
"So, is Outpost Zed a nice kind of place?" Sayonsi smiles. Though you can't see her lips, you can certainly hear it in her voice or see it in her eyes. "One Sardat that I traded with referred to Outpost Zed as the 'Pustule on our otherwise polished posterior', though to be fair she had drunk the better part of one of these when I was talking with her." Sayonsi gracefully indicates one of the bottles she brought. "What Outpost Zed really is a safety valve. It's the sort of place all tyrannical empires need and disavow in equal measure. Every empire needs a black market through which smuggled goods can flow, and that attracts dissidents and malcontents, keeping them far away from the more lawful parts of the Empire."
"Outpost Zed's an independent space station located in the Nys system on the periphery of Azlanti space. It was once a mining platform that was abandoned by the Azlanti almost a century ago, allowing local smugglers and itinerants to move in." With a couple of hand gestures, Sayonsi mimes the Azlanti leaving, and other races entering. "Calling itself the last outpost of freedom on the edge of the Star Empire, Outpost Zed putatively isn't under direct imperial control. The Azlanti Star Empire tolerates Outpost Zed and its inhabitants. I'm sure they occasionally make sweeps through the station, arresting a few people here and there, but they are generally paid off well enough (and make enough use of the outpost's services themselves) that their presence is relatively rare."
With another hand, she brings up a holographic map of Nys system. "I may have been overstating things a bit when I dismissed Nys earlier in our conversation. I was wondering if you were planning a prison break... You've confirmed for me that you are." She takes a sip of Wint's tea through a straw. "Oh, don't look at me that way, Prosper! I'm not about to turn you in. This is simply the most entertainment I've had in five years."
She waves a graceful hand as she points to another planet. "There are a few other things that might interest a traveller, and if you were a scientific expedition from one of the Pact World Universities, you would asked about Koshoria rather than about Azlanti patrols." She points with a finger for emphasis. "Koshoria's a planet bathed in perpetual purple twilight. After a larval stage, dessamars wrap themselves in magical cocoons and emerge as butterfly-like beings with colorful wings, a humanoid exoskeleton, four arms, two legs, and compound eyes. Their civilization is built around the worship of Desna and the study of their planet's magical auras. Azlanti view dessamars as curiosities while simultaneously harvesting Koshoria's resources."
"I got permission from current Arcidux's grandfather to visit them about 70 years ago, but discovered that they have no interest in trade." She shrugs eloquently, all four of her arms showing open palms. "They're not even interested in the Azlanti who supposedly occupy them, and this disinterest is mutual. They're considered too dreamy and unambitious to be useful to the Empire. Very hospitable though, and I did love my visit with them! But... I wasn't there this time."
"Quiz time." She pauses, raising an eyebrow. "So... we're on the edge of the Nys system now. If I wasn't visiting Koshoria, and was staying well away from Drannor, the rocky planet that Gulta orbits, where would a merchant like myself have been?"
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Prosper nods slowly "Sooo... what you're saying is that Outpost Zed is a wretched hive of scum and villainy? At least as far as the azlantis see it. Sounds kinda like we should check it out ourselves." She gives an unsure glance at some of the party's more experienced members to get confirmation. "With it touching the Star Empire, maybe we can find some useful info there? That sounds right, right?"
As Sayonsi goes on to describe the features of Koshoria, Prosper leans in, visibly interested. "Oooh, do you have picture or vid of these adult dessamars? Because they sound really, uh, fancy looking. I might not be a scientist, but these guys sound like someone I'd like to learn about."
"As for your quiz question..." Prosper scratches the top of her head. "Uh, don't tell us you just came from Gulta? Are there other planets in the Nys system?"
"'A wretched hive of scum and villainy!'" Sayonsi laughs. It's a rich and charming laugh. "That's a turn of phrase that should be in the vid dramas. Very good!"
She happily shows Prosper some pictures of the adult dessamars but then shakes her head when Prosper indicates that she came from Gulta. "I have no business with a prison, Prosper. But a 'wretched hive of scum and villainy' where I could offload some dangerous merchandise? That I could go to, and did."
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"The Koshoria sound very interesting. I bet they have some interesting foods and recipes. Magical ingredients! We should visit them too. Oh, after we free the, uh, I mean, uh"
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Spec pipes up again
"Tradesmistress Sayonsi, if you did just come from the infamous Outpost Zed, then might it be possible that you could provide a recommendation for a reliable(ish) information broker or trade factor there who would be worth the price of business?"
After a short and nearly-clueless pause, he hurridly adds
"Of course, only if such a recommendation would not unduly harm your own interests... Of course!"
Sayonsi raises an eyebrow as she spears another shrimp as Wint makes his gaffe. "So... you're not very experienced at this jailbreak and espionage thing, are you?" Sayonsi asks, gently. "Perhaps it's time that you should ask me some more pertinent questions, like: 'Sayonsi, how did you know almost immediately that our ship was from the Pact Worlds?' and 'Sayonsi, how can we fix this problem?' Then I can feel free to ask you the questions that are burning inside, like, 'Who is so important that you're risking everything to do this?'"
Then she glances at Spec. "Ah, yes, that is the sort of pertinent question I was talking about! Yes, I have some recommendations. There's a smuggler and technician in the outpost named Talmrin, who specializes in modifying ships and who could likely offer you some infiltration advice. There's also a merchant creature there named the 'Xaarb' that might have some Azlanti officer armor that I sold to it."
Trying to be helpful, as always :-)
"You're right.
Sayonsi, how did you know almost immediately that our ship was from the Pact Worlds?'
Sayonsi, how can we fix this problem?
Sayonsi, do you know anybody who could help us break into the prison? And get out again afterwards?
Oh, we need to trade with YOU too!! What do you want to sell us?"
"I recognized a unique design oddity common to Pact Worlds manufacturers in your engine while performing a visual scan. Now, with your transponder, it's possible that Azlanti border guards won't scan that closely but it's not worth the risk. I already mentioned Talmrin -- she's paranoid, and a bit of a scamp, but she knows the Nys system like the back of her claw. There are likely others at the Outpost who can help as well if you keep your eyes open."
She glances around the group. "Four of you, with a little work, could pass fairly easily in Azlanti space." She points to Prosper. "My dear, with those cheekbones, jawline and that hair... you could pass for a Parept. Dalinar, you'd need some makeup or a little magical help, but you've got human blood and should be able to pass." Then she nods to Spec and Rush. "Xaursi were recently 'assimilated' by the Empire, and of course, wrikichees are so common on Azlanti repair crews they're practically invisible."
She looks at Minos and Wint, and shakes her head. "You two though will need an excellent disguise. Nuars are iconic to Absalom Station, and skittermanders are associated with the Veskarium. Outpost Zed's unlikely to care, but once you get to Gulta you'll need to have your stories straight and your disguises perfect."
Then she grins. "But I don't want to overstay my welcome. If you would like to commerce as well as converse, here are some of my wares! I take barter as well as credits."
Aeon stone, clear spindle 1 245
Sword cane, tacticalPW 1 250
Aeon stone, iridescent spindle 2 740
Ring of resistance, mk 1 2 735
Spell gem of charm person (5) 2 140 each
Aeon stone, amber hyperboloidAR 4 2,200
Darksight gogglesAR 4 2,100
Aeon stone, sapphire coneAR 5 3,200
Serum of enhancement (commando) 5 475
Serum of enhancement (diplomat) 5 475
Serum of enhancement (sneak) 5 475
Serum of enhancement (warrior) 5 475
Staff of mystic healing 5 3,700
Aeon stone, viridian balbisAR 6 4,200
Prosper laughs out loud at the canny merchant's rather frank and witty attitude. "Wow Sayonsi, how 'bout we hire you onto our crew? You sure look like you know a lot about the azlanti, and you could probably talk circles around any aeon guards we cross." She grins, tucking hair behind her ear at exactly the same cadence that Prosper ran his hand through his hair when he was trying to be 'cool'. "Give us a week, maybe? That might be enough for me to pick something up from you, I guess."
Expecting to be refused, Prosper adds "Oh, and can you describe this Talmrin? Would be pretty bad if we showed up at the wrong door. And Xaarb too?"
"Ah, and I know you're dying to know who we're looking to bust out. But it's, uh, I guess-" She raises an eyebrow at the team "-is there actually a reason to keep it a secret? We might as well tell her, considering how helpful she's been."
At Sayonesi's critiques, Pon could not take any more. He gets up from his seat at the terminal in the engine room and heads to the others.
Interrupting Prosper before she tells more, Pon mimics the greeting of the witchwryd with his hands and says, "Forgive my tardiness madam, I am Adrox and the engines require attention regularly." He then turns to Prosper and gives a steely gaze before turning back to Sayonesi. "Sadly, it seems it would behoove us not to share that information. Though, admittedly, we would like the information from your previous recommended questions."
Minos nods at Sayonesi's observations. "And how did you fare moving in and out of the Empire. Whichwyrds are also not from 'round here. I have my own expertise in salvage and junk trading. But I doubt the more civilized parts of the empire care for such things. Since you mentioned our good friend passing as someone of note, could we not be personal spoils of war?"
Prosper laughs out loud at the canny merchant's rather frank and witty attitude. "Wow Sayonsi, how 'bout we hire you onto our crew? You sure look like you know a lot about the azlanti, and you could probably talk circles around any aeon guards we cross." She grins, tucking hair behind her ear at exactly the same cadence that Prosper ran his hand through his hair when he was trying to be 'cool'. "Give us a week, maybe? That might be enough for me to pick something up from you, I guess."
Sayonsi's eyes soften, and she takes Prosper's hand. "Oh Prosper, I'm honored by the offer! However, there are many reasons that I can't accept it. First, I do look rather distinctive -- yes?" She indicates her 300 pound, seven-foot frame. "If I openly went against the Empire, the next Witchwyrd merchant in Azlanti space would not find trade waiting for him, but a firing squad."
There's another smile that lights her eyes. "I'm glad that you wish to learn from me, though. I'd love to learn from you too. If you're still alive after all these hijinks, come find me in the Opaline Vault. I'll be there for about six months, because I have someone special there. He runs the Crystal Cavern Casino, and has the loveliest lair! We try to see each other once a decade or so. He tries to convince me to settle down. I try to convince him to travel..." She sighs. "Neither of us can completely give up on the other, because we woke up in each other's arms after the Gap, and so we know we had history together. But I was born to wander and explore, and so we've settled on this intermittent love affair."
"So come find me. If I can't be your crew... Well, maybe you can be one of mine, and we can travel the Planes together for a bit."
"Oh, and can you describe this Talmrin? Would be pretty bad if we showed up at the wrong door. And Xaarb too?"
"Oh certainly! Talmrin is a gosclaw." Then Sayonsi sees your blank faces, and sighs. "Imagine a six foot tall weasel that's become bipedal, and is very good with tools. Gosclaws are among the few non-human races to have gained citizenship in the empire. The Xaarb..." she shrugs. "Well, they're a human-sized fur ball that is mostly mouth. And fangs. They like to growl and try to assert their dominance, so you need to be firm with them."
Minos nods at Sayonesi's observations. "And how did you fare moving in and out of the Empire. Whichwyrds are also not from 'round here. I have my own expertise in salvage and junk trading. But I doubt the more civilized parts of the empire care for such things. Since you mentioned our good friend passing as someone of note, could we not be personal spoils of war?"
"The Azlantis let us in because we are solo wanderers, and because we wave wonders pulled from other planes beneath their noses. Azlanti space was the second place I went after I woke up, so many years ago. They were less insufferable then. I rather liked that generation."
She sighs. "You could be prisoners, or spoils of war, but there'll always be questions about where you came from, so you would need to have a believable story, and... Well, do you want guards starting with questions in their heads?"
At Sayonesi's critiques, Pon could not take any more. He gets up from his seat at the terminal in the engine room and heads to the others.
Interrupting Prosper before she tells more, Pon mimics the greeting of the witchwryd with his hands and says, "Forgive my tardiness madam, I am Adrox and the engines require attention regularly."
"Greetings, Aldrox." Then she raises an eyebrow. "So you have an Azlanti name. Is there a story behind it?"
He then turns to Prosper and gives a steely gaze before turning back to Sayonesi. "Sadly, it seems it would behoove us not to share that information. Though, admittedly, we would like the information from your previous recommended questions."
"I doubt she knows the person we're here to get Mister... uh, Miss Starr. It is just some random person to her."
"So what you're saying then is that the confidence is not yours to share?" Sayonsi asks. "Very well then. I don't need a name. I don't need a race or any other identifying information. What I do need is a story. Who is this person to you, that you would risk everything? We agreed to exchange stories, didn't we? I've more than held up my side of the bargain."
Dalinar nods along with Minos, "Yes, if I have to pretend to be human I will but I would prefer not."
"I like that you're so comfortable in your own skin. So many are not." Then she looks down at her hands. "Still, if a disguise could help you avoid raising questions, it might be something to consider. Visit Outpost Zed, and think it over once you've had a chance to meet others from Azlanti space."