Zendara thanks Sister Mary, with some tears, and takes her leave. Since she doesn't find Xindyra at the clinic chasing the doctors' conversation, she goes back to the university, casually asking around about any secretaries being missing. She specifically stops by to make sure Miss Trenchard is at her post, and asks her if she knows of a secretary missing or in the hospital, since she was just over there and heard about it (offering her a little information and attempting to get some in return).
She also lets her know that the clinic will be sending word when Sheldon is able to have visitors, and apologizes for having it sent to her.
Sorry, I just wasn't sure if I would get it otherwise, since I will be interviewing this afternoon. If you would take the message for me, I'll make it up to you however you like.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
but you *definitely* don't have to do what I suggest. :)
When you inform you of the expected message she nods and promises to let you know.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
After talking to Miss Trenchard Zendara heads to the interview room early, hoping to run into Xindyra again. If she does, she fills her in on everything she has discovered so far.
The queue had grown to around two dozen people when the double doors leading into the green reading room where flung open to reveal an imposing three storey high space dominated by floor to ceiling bookshelves. Dotted around are ladders on brass rails allowing a reader to access the books above.
In the centre of the room are several rows of tables with a distinctive dark green leather surface and matching electrical lamps with green decorative shades. It's easy to see where the room got its name from. Inside are a number of professors and you are all ushered in and invited to sit on the comfortable reading seats which give you a good view of a polished oak lecturn. As you find a seat a hum of excitement builds.
A side opens and a roguishly handsome man in his early forties wearing a smart tweed suit and a fedora steps out and walks purposely to the lectern. The conversation stops and the room holds its breath, clearly this is Dr Munroe.
He smiles and seems to meet everyone's eyes before addressing the gathering, "Thank you for coming Ladies and Gentlemen. I'm excited to finally be here, to meet you, for in this room we have the making of a fantastic team. The Xunlai archipelago represents what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity to find and explore an intact pre-sundering community! There are so many questions about how they used to live and what happened during the sundering which Elodin willing we will be able to shed some light on."
He smiled and looked at the faces in the crowd before continuing, "I regret I can't take everyone here, believe me if it was possible I would. The ship that will be our home for the next six months or so, The Dawntreder has room for a dozen of you plus the crew. I'd like to take the opportunity to speak to each of you in person. I have two questions for each you and I will try to answer any of your questions but you'll understand to get through everyone in time we'll have to limit it to five minutes per person.
He passed for a moment to let this sink in before telling you, "Each of you are qualified to be here. I've read all the reports and frankly I'm impressed, we have a wealth of talent here. So what I'm interested in is what it would mean for you to actually uncover something archeologically significant? Do you have what it takes? Make no mistake this is going to long, gruelling and quite frankly dangerous. The other question is where were you about 2:30pm yesterday?"
With that he steps away from the lectern and starts talking with the woman on the closest table. He talks with her for a few minutes before moving onto the next person and so on.
Edwin made his way into the green reading room and found a seat near the lectern. He felt a mix of excitement and nervousness; only a few of the interested applicants gathered here could possibly be selected to go on the expedition.
He listened intently to Dr. Munroe. Intact pre-sundering community? What does that mean exactly? So many questions formed in his mind.
He waited anxiously for his turn to speak with the Professor, mentally rehearsing what he wanted to say. When the man was finally before him, he did his best to deliver his replies, "This expedition sounds terribly exciting! You can imagine what sort of an incredible opportunity this is for a grad student like me. We have so much to learn about pre-sundering society and technology. Given all that there will be to do, six months will surely fly by. As for danger, one must be ready to take a few risks to make great discoveries. It would be a great honor to be chosen!"
"As for my whereabouts yesterday afternoon, I was walking down by the river, thinking about this expedition." After a brief pause, he said, "I heard there was an explosion in the Chemistry lab."
When it came time to ask his own questions, he inquired, "I noticed you used the term intact pre-sundering community. Do you anticipate finding an inhabited settlement? How much exploration and mapping has been done so far? Have extensive ruins been spotted?" He found it difficult to limit himself to just two questions, and blurted out the third one before stopping himself.
I guarantee you that if I am chosen, the expedition will change my life for the better--whether or not we find anything earth-shattering. The quest is what matters, and the dedication to the craft. I'm dedicated, and will stay committed even if there isn't a quick and easy payoff. ... And of course if we do discover something significant, I'll be over the moon. But I don't imagine for a minute that we will get there without hard work and dedication.
As for where I was at 2:30 yesterday... I don't remember the exact time, but that must have been near the time when the main chemistry lab had to be evacuated, right? I heard the fire elementals got out. I was hanging out with some of my undergrad friends in one of the dorms near there.
You look a little frazzled if you don't mind me saying. ... This morning I heard a lot of rumors about what happened in the Chemistry Lab, so I looked into it as much as I could.
When I tried to get in to see Sheldon Park at the Munoz Clinic earlier, who I am guessing though he was just pulling a prank, because he is a good guy, I was told that there were actually two attempted murders, which may or may not be related to the chemistry incident, but probably are because a poisoned bolt was used on Carmen Franklin, and they suspect that the other man is infected with the red plague, and both of those things were likely accessible in the Chemistry Lab is someone conveniently got it evacuated.
I also heard that the poisoned bolt could have been meant for Doctor Morgan. ...Do you know what is really going on... and is it related to this expedition?
...More importantly, is there anything I can do to help?
When the doors to the Green Room opened Yukarii entered and took a seat near the back. It was a force of habit for her as she could see everything from here and she could better conceal when Yukaari distracted her. She noticed that Edwin went near the very front to sit as close to the lecturn as he could. When the Professor entered the room a hush fell over the crowd as everyone quieted to pay attention.
As the Professor began to move through the room, speaking with each individual, Yukarii watched him carefully. She wanted to try and determine his impression of each person as he went in the hopes that it would help her determine who would and wouldn't be going.
She was too focused on his reactions to notice anything else that might be going on and regardless she was having a very hard time getting a read on him.
When it finally became her turn Yukarii had been able to think over her answers carefully so when the Professor reached her she rose and bowed in the keirei position before she said, "Thank you for inviting me to join this gathering Munroe Sensei it is a great honor. I am Kazutto Yukarii." Having finished her greeting Yukarii stood straight as she began to speak, "In answer to your first question I am familiar with danger in ways that others here likely are not. When I was just barely an adult I was abducted from my home by an ancient drow vampiress who desired me for her own. I was trapped with her, terrified for my life, but did all I could to survive." The last minute or so before the Professor reached her Ukarii had been releasing her other self, allowing her to manifest but keeping her "inside" of Yukarii's body so she couldn't be seen, "While I was rescued by my parent, who gave their lives to take out the vampiress, I did not come away un-scarred as I lost my family and my psychic talents caused a fracture of my own soul," with this Yukaari slid free of Yukarii's body and moved around the Professor, examining him.
"Mmmmm, I like this one Yukarii, we should have our way with him, or let him have his with us, either way would be enjoyable don't you think?" Yukaari had come around and pressed against Yukarii's back, ghostly arms wrapping around her suggestively.
Yukarii snapped out at the spirit with a glare, "Show respect to Sensei Munroe Yukaari, he deserves it." The spirit rolled her eyes but slid to one side and bowed keirei as well to the Professor. Just as the spectral Yukaari was about to say something Yukarii's glowed eerily and the spirit was pulled back inside of her mind.
Yukarii gave the Professor two keirei bows and then said, "My apologies Munroe Sensei, while Yukaari is me she is also not and she is often irreverent and disrespectful still, we complete each other," there was a slight smile at those last words. "I understand spirits well, and what can happen from the trauma of fear and danger well but it does not stop me."
Having finished the first half of her answer Yukarii said, "As for your second question Sensei at two thirty yesterday afternoon I was at the laundry getting mine done in the hopes of being chosen so I would not have to do it in a hurry should the start of the expedition be unexpectedly soon." She looked around the room and caught a few eyes of people she had flirted with there making them blush a bit, "I heard nothing about incident yesterday and could find little out today or I would have been looking into it in more depth." She looked briefly towards Zendara and then said, "As the lady there said," she nodded towards Zendara, "I too would be happy to help with that in any way I could."
Huh, this man has not slept well, if at all even?
"Greetings professor. My name is Xindyra Brenna, and i had received a tip that my old uni was organizing this expedition.
A new adventure, i could not say no to that."
"What it would mean to me to discover a pre-sunder community?
It would mean stories to tell, new things to see. I am obsessively curious, i admit, i want to see as much in my life as i can."
"Question two? Getting updated in the park by current students, on the university's going-ons, compared to when i graduated."
Ferian hasn’t been particularly observant the last couple days. As others begin answering Dr. Munroe’s questions, Ferian does his best to ignore them and focus on thinking about his own answers.
When the time comes, Ferian says, “It would mean I could continue my mother and father’s legacy. They were explorers and so I would like to be the same. Or rather, I would like to be the same again. I spent many years exploring with them when I was young. To have the opportunity again would both honor my parents and please St. Christopher.
“As for where I was yesterday at 2:30, I was teaching a class, at least a dozen students can verify that.”
"Have extensive ruins been spotted?
"Possibly..." replied Dr Munroe, "Mr Kor saw something but didn't get a good look at it because at the time he was being chased by a Kez patrol ship. Curiously enough that frigate was itself engaged by two unknown warships and destroyed. Mr Kor was able to slip away during the confusion..."
"You look a little frazzled if you don't mind me saying."
With a tired sigh Dr Munroe replies, "Yes... There's a lot of planning that goes into a trip like this. Worse though it seems we're on a timetable now, there was a break in yesterday afternoon and the coordinates for the archipelago were stolen and several people hurt. Both where taken by surprise and don't remember much and there where no other witness. No proof but I fear this was the work of Bureau 21..."
He nods when you answer his second question, seeming satisfied.
He nods seeming satisfied when you answer his second question.
The coordinates of the archipelago? Does that mean that someone is trying to beat us to the find? We should leave quickly.
Bureau 21? Have you had encounters with them in the past? And might Sheldon be a witness? I'm sure he thought it was a prank... he isn't the malicious type. Whoever put him up to it might be the key.
With everyone present,
Bureau 21?
"Bureau 21, the Kez military intelligence agency.", she states matter of factly, with a smile accompanying a raised index finger.
"Secrecy, shady stuff, they are likely capable and willing to do anything. -For the Emperor!-, whoo~ooooo *motion with fingers to accent shady fanatical image*
Edwin considered this surprising information, "It sounds like the islands are hotly disputed territory. That will certainly make things interesting!"
When you explain were teaching when the incident occurred Dr Munroe nods seemingly satisfied by your answers.
While Zendara was talking to Dr Munroe, the wild haired Professor Upham bumbled in and gave his own answers, "Well I'm not getting any younger and I've spent decades battling mathematics toughest conjectures. As much as I enjoyed calculus I just can't compute enough of them in order to probe the deeper mysteries. I know most of you don't believe the difference engine existed, one way or another I'd like to find out while I still have time. Besides I've made a hobby of learning ancient languages and cracking ciphers and if push comes to shove I aid with the defence. Oh and as for yesterday afternoon I was marking term papers, got through fifty of the darned things."
Dr Munroe replied, "Professor this trip won't exactly be luxurious, and as I've mentioned it is likely to be rather dangerous..."
Upham laughed self depreciatingly, "Do I look like a man who cares for luxury? I'm quite aware how dangerous the skies can be, I wasn't always a mathematics professor. In fact I learned my numbers in the navy..."
Dr Munroe smiled, "Ok then Professor I shall take that under advisement."
Turning to Zendara and Xindyra he sighs, "Yes I do believe they will be searching too hoping to place a claim and as we've seen they won't ask nicely if they decide to take something. I'va had a few close calls with them in the past, but you know they are not the only force out there that could cause us trouble. There's always petty warlords in far flung regions and then there's the consortium following their own inscrutable adjenda."
While you are speaking a small crowd forms excited by the conversation.
Hmm...a potential snoop?
"Say, has anybody heard the story of the orange parrot yet?"
Attentive orange haired observer nearby.
Ferian is excited to hear that there will be an opportunity to honor St. Christopher during the expedition. The expedition itself would serve that purpose, but for their to be other possibilities and for Dr. Munroe to be enthused by the prospect is a good sign.
Ferian looks on with a slight smile as he observes Dr. Munroe and Professor Upham’s exchange. He’s familiar with the two, being on the faculty together, but he’s never been particularly close to either one.
The sylph notices the oranges haired woman that Xindyra points out, but he doesn’t notice anything odd about her. She seems to just be listening to the conversation. Not well-versed in the art of bluffing, Ferian holds his tongue lest he ruin others’ chance to confront the observer. But really, what does he even know about Xindyra or the other applicants? Most of them are still acquaintances at best... yet another reason to stay silent and listen.
Edwin listened while Professor Upton promoted his pet theory. Best not to say anything just now.
A woman in her thirties with plaited red hair and impressive muscle tone wearing the khakis of an explorer speaks next, "Good afternoon Dr Munroe. I am Professor Dexter of the Zoology department, as you know upwelling events are often accompanied by exotic species including ones new to science. I wish to accompany your expedition to document and classify the flora and fauna. Given the reported size of the archipelago this represents a unique opportunity to study a virgin ecosystem. Redridge University got the drop on us the last two times and I'll be damned if we miss out again! As for yesterday I was out hunting an escaped dire tiger Simba from Chelmsford Zoo. Don't worry folks I managed to track her down and knock her out with a blowgun. She's recovering safe and sound in the zoo."
Dr Munroe acknowledged Professor Dexter with a nod, "Miriam. We might bend up in a combat situation, can I count on you? No don't roll your eyes Miriam, in combat following orders is important."
Rather hotly she responds, "I can handle myself Xavier, you won't have to babysit me."
Calmly Dr Munroe replied, "I have no doubt about that Miriam, your prowess is well known, but I'm building a team here. I don't want you just taking off on your own without word because you saw something interesting..."
Defiantly she retorts, "Science doesn't sleep Xavier. If there's something to be discovered I'm going to do it, and if you're not paying attention I'm not going to hang around and wait for permission while a new species flies away..."
Dr Munroe folds his arms and firmly but calmly tells her, "Miriam I respect your abilities but unless you can reign in your recklessness you are not welcome."
Seeming triumphant, Professor Dexter roughly thrusts a letter at Dr Munroe before snapping, "The Chancellor disagrees. I'm going, deal with it."
She abruptly turns her back on Dr Munroe and stalks out.
Dr Munroe opens the letter and quickly scans it before sighing deeply. Shaking his head he mutters, "Well I guess we got us a big game hunter..."
"Professor, if i may, if she is so eager to rush into danger, with the blessing of the Chancellor, why not let her. It is like with a cat
too stubborn to stay put, but generally coming back to base anyway."
"Besides, she may even listen more to advice if she is on better terms during the expedition."
Having said this, and having brought 'the parrot' to attention, Xindyra discretely mingles into the crowd to circle around towards the 'spy'.
If this works, she will move to close behind him.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Yukarii had listened to all that was being talked about and noted the other professors who would be going along. The big game hunter seemed to be the only one who would be a problem but the idea expressed by Xundyra seemed to be the best one. Yukarii spoke up and said, "Victory comes from finding opportunities in problems. If she will be impetuously running off ahead of us all then at least we will have a scout to warn us of possible dangers. Using her desires to serve our ends is preferable to fighting a losing battle."
Knowing Miriam's reputation, Zendara can understand why Doctor Munroe might be hesitant to bring her along, although Zendara admires her a little bit. She hopes that her tendency to go off on her own won't get her killed.
Having previously picked up on Xindyra's message, Zendara watches her fade into the crowd and she similarly moves closer to the red-haired boy, not sneaking, but just sliding over and saying in a low voice (so as not to disturb the discussion).
Nice hair. You don't see a lot of it around. There aren't that many of us roaming the halls here. Couldn't help but notice. I'm Zendara.
She flashes him her best smile, and holds out her hand to shake.
She hopes that her little bit of flirting will distract him and allow Xindyra to check him out, or whatever she was aiming at.
Sounding resigned Dr Munroe replied to Xindyra, "You're right of course. Problem is she has a habit of going off half cocked and stirring up trouble when a quiet word was all that's needed. As for Mariam listening to advice... You're welcome to try but I guarantee she won't listen to me!"
Nodding to Yukarii Dr Munroe replies, "There's wisdom there for sure. As for what Professor Dexter wants, well she's a Zoologist she wants to find and document exotic species. But what she really wants is to capture live specimens of the most ferocious beasts she can find and drag them back to that Zoo. Nevermind the practicality of transporting something that would gobble you and me up for breakfast!"
Zendara was only half-listening to Doctor Munroe, so she missed any subtext.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Ediwin got the impression that relations between some of the people on this expedition were going to be tense.
Ferian continues to listen to one side of the main conversation. He would be amused by Professor Dexter's antics if not for Dr. Munroe's annoyance at the woman. If there's anyone that needs to be at ease about the expedition, it's the expedition's leader.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
The red haired lad blushshes and shifts nervously when Zendara approaches him. "H-hi, I'm uh Marek! Wow are you really going on an expedition with Dr Munroe?! That's so cool..."
The subtlety of Dr. Monroe's comment eludes Xindyra, but the shy stutter she had seen before, it gets her spirits up.
*smirk to Zendara*
(Right behind the poor lad, looking at Zen)
Xindyra points at Marek, then Zendara, and folds her hands.....♡
While withdrawing from making the shape with her hands, she notices the posh guy, and withdraws into the crowd.
Zendara realizes three things right away: Marek is likely genuine, Xindyra is hilarious (did she say the redhead was watching them just to get her into this situation?), and some creepy guy is way too interested in her conversation. She backpedals a little, trying not get Marek too wrapped up in the situation.
Marek is a great name too. Great name, great hair. You are going to be popular with the undergraduates. You don't happen to have any older siblings, do you?
Zendara smiles to soften the blow.
About the expedition... it isn't for sure yet, but my interview went really well, so I am guessing that I will be selected and be off with Doctor Munroe. Do you want me to try to get his autograph for you? Us redheads have to stick together.
Zendara drops her voice really low, so as not to be overheard, and adds (indicating the stalker guy with a motion of her head)
...Also, do you know that guy over there? He seems to be staring at us, but not sure why. It isn't your dad or anything I hope. If it is, I can go over and reassure him that I'm not stalking you.
She hopes that Xindyra noticed the creepy guy too.
Ferian finds himself unable to read Marek. Perhaps the young man is genuine... or perhaps he has some ulterior motive. In any case, Ferian is distracted by the older man he notices watching the conversation.
Ferian studies the man, trying to memorize his features and mannerisms. The sylph isn't particularly stealthy, so he decides it's best not to risk running him off by spooking him. Perhaps one of the other able-bodied would-be explorers will be able to carefully approach the man and get some answers.
Moving up to Dr. Munroe, Ferian stares at the professor, but describes the cane-wielding man, "Hello Doctor, do you know that man over there? The one wearing expensive looking clothes and carrying a posh walking cane? He seems to be avoiding you. Do you happen to know why that might be?"
Edwin smiled as he noticed Zendara's possible new admirer. He also noticed the older man watching the conversation with Dr. Munroe. Better keep an eye on that one — he's a little too interested. He kept watch on the potential spy, while trying not to be obvious about it.
Dr Munroe chuckles when Zendara suggests his Dad was there but when he looks his eyes narrow and he curses, "Ambassador Skarbek... What's he doing here?!" With a face like thunder, Dr Munroe stalks over to confront the Ambassador!