Roster Redo

Posted on Wed Aug 9th, 2023 @ 9:27am by Avalon [ADMIN NPC] & Consul Andrinn Orin & Legate Imik S'Niohun [Lia Taylor] & Captain Mattias Richardson [Reece] & 1st Lieutenant Joshua Young [Taylor] & Staff Warrant Officer Reo'thanra Sandtail & High Priestess An'Dalus

Mission: Season 6: Episode 3: Far From Home
Location: USS Elysium, Temporary Diplomatic Meeting Room
Timeline: MD 2 / 1200 hours
5781 words - 11.6 OF Standard Post Measure

After everyone had returned to the ship and had settled into their assigned quarters (very few still had their original quarters), Mattias sent out a request that the surviving diplomats would join him. He indicated that they would be discussing both the loss of personnel, and how he was going to restructure the protection details.

Once he sent the invites, he and his depleted staff made their way to the meeting hall, to await the arriving protectees.

"Josh," he said to his assistant chief and protégé. "I know this is a bad time for you, son. But I need you to keep you eye on the mission in front of us. I promise, you will have time to grieve. We all will." His jaw clenched as he thought about Anna Hendrix. Yet another young soul snuffed out way too soon.

Josh was silent for a moment. His thoughts his own before he looked Matt straight in the eye and nodded as he replied. "You can count on me Sir. I miss Anna terribly; I'd be lying if I said differently but I know she'd want me to do my duty and I will. As you said Sir, mission first, grieving later."

Mattias reached out and gave Josh a brotherly squeeze on his left shoulder as they continued to walk with the team. He then nodded once wordlessly, though the look in his eyes spoke volumes of support for the young Marine.

Andrinn hadn't been too far away from the Meeting Hall when he heard that Captain Richardson had called everyone into a meeting in the temporary room for the Diplomatic Corps. Standing near the entrance of the hall, Andrinn listened while he heard two of his men talking about some of the loss onboard. He felt lucky he didn't lose someone he cared about, but it didn't make him oblivious to pain and suffering.

Andrinn walked into the hall and looked at the two men, saying, "Sorry to intrude on the conversation, but I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for your loss. If you need some time, any of you, let me know. I'll see if Colonel Naxea has a few people to spare if we need it and if they can spare it. We shouldn't forget our dead and wounded. Take it from an old man, like me."

Mattias nodded to the senior diplomat, then indicated for Josh and the rest of his team to go inside and wait, while he spoke to Andrinn. "Sir, as you know, we lost several people down on that ice cube. One of your diplomats and one of my team, specifically. Lieutenants Hendrix and Young were a couple, and Lieutenant Young is going to be feeling the pain of his loss for a long time to come. You see, they were more than lovers, they were partners and best friends. I'll make sure he gets the time he needs. Unfortunately, for now, we are not in an ideal situation. Everyone is going to be pulling extra loads until we get back home." He took a breath before continuing. "As for any replacements, I was already planning on going to see the Colonel about it. I was also going to go speak to Commander Reece. Though he isn't the Academy Commendant any more, he still knows what cadets could be transfered over to my team in DipSec."

Josh nodded to Andrinn as he went inside to wait for Matt and Andrinn to join the rest of the team and diplomats already there. His heart was breaking but he would do his duty as he promised Captain Richardson. He wouldn't let the Captain and the rest of the team down. He would grieve in his quarters, in private.

Andrinn watched as Lieutenant Young walked into the other part of the hall before he turned back to Captain Richardson. He let out a small sigh, mainly because Andrinn understood how important the relationship between diplomat and DipSec truly was. However, he also understood the grieving process and its importance in moving on.

Andrinn smiled sadly and replied, "Well, just promise me one thing Captain. Make sure that anyone that lost someone, like Lieutenant Young, gets the time that they need and talk to the counselors. Like I've said, I'm an old man and I've lost more than my fair share of people, especially those close to me. I know that its your job to protect us, but let us help all of you guys a bit too. I don't think we'll be running into anything too crazy for a bit....hopefully."

Mattias nodded at first, then chuckled darkly in response to the last part of Andrinn's sentence. "I will, Sir. My people are very important to me. It's more than just them being assigned to my command, they are my people. I look after my own. And, as for us not getting into anything crazy for a bit....well...I highly doubt that is a possibility, especially on this ship."

Before he could say anything more, one of his staff came up to him and showed him a PADD. After reading over it, he nodded. "Thank you, Ramirez, head back to the group." He then looked over at the Chief Diplomat. "Well, Sir, it looks like one of your staff won't be joining us today. It seems that Vice-Consul Carlyle-Cragen is now on maternity leave, as she is about to give birth to her first child." This brought a slight grin to the old warrior's face. "I'll lay out my entire protection plan once the rest of the diplomats arrive."

Looking over as he was prepared to say something, Andrinn stopped himself short of saying anything and just grinned. He looked over Richardson and said, "Well, colored me tickled pink. He smiles.....just kidding though. It's good to see the crew smiling and having a bit of a good time. Tell Consul Cragen that we're happy that she had her baby and if we can send down some flowers, that'd be nice. I know they're hard to come by right now, but it'd be nice to send something down for her."

Mattias chuckled softly. "Hey, I smile all the time, just ask my wife." He paused a beat, then added, "You could go down to see her yourself, Ambassador."

"I just don't want to bother her while she's on bed rest and after she had a baby, nor do I want to get in the way of the medical staff that are working to make sure the people that have been injured get better," Andrinn said with a chuckle himself. He took a look around at the room, just to take in the magnitude of everything that had been going on and asked, "Did we ever figure out how many people were lost on the ship and down on the planet?"

Mattias grinned slightly at the thought of a new life coming into the world they currently lived in. It would be equally easiest and hardest for the newborns. If they were stuck out here long enough, they would start to think of this galaxy as home, and the Milky Way as the alien environment. He hoped they were able to find their way back before that became an issue.

Sighing softly, he replied to Andrinn's question. "Up here, we lost about a third of the entire ship's compliment, and fifteen to twenty more down on the planet." He shook his head slowly. The longer we are away from home, the worse it'll get. With no resupply or new personnel incoming while we are here, I am sure we will lose many more."

"Well, I should be getting to my seat. Just remember what I said earlier about the whole counseling thing for everyone, DPT and Diplomats alike. I don't want anyone suffering needlessly. Pain is meant to be felt, but not silently or alone. Let me know if I can help out with anything," Andrinn said, offering up a small, reassuring smile before heading to his seat at the head of the table as he waited for others to arrive.

Imik entered and looked around, "Blessing on all here, and my condolences to those who have lost loved ones." She bowed and headed for some chairs which lined one wall. Imik had only just returned from flying a recon mission, but nothing much had been found. She knew from her own species history that some of her people had made it out this far, but what had become of them wasn't known.

With a hiss of sliding doors, a diminutive, black armor-clad Vulpine alien stepped in, Trimmed with deep purple lines, the faint hiss of the armor's heating pumps running accompanying the oddly heavy foot falls. "Apologies for my delay, I was stopped by one of my subordinates," Staff Warrant Officer Reo'Thanra Sandtail muttered as he made his way towards an empty seat. "Glad to see most of us have survived that frozen Vech'tranad down there.." he added, the ship's Universal Translator fizzling on the Unknown word.

Mattias nodded a greeting to both diplomats who had arrived. The only one left to arrive was the Sequus Ambassador. He silently hoped that she abided by what Phee had discussed with her. Only time would tell.

And time, was something that quickly become apparent An'dalus was content to withhold, her absence sending the meeting room into an awkward silence for a few minutes until the door hissed opened.

And there she stood, head to hoof in the most lavish and extravagant assortment of Sequus Jewel craft.

Her mane was tied up tall and curled into a flower of matted hair, showing off her elegant face and tall proud ears.

Her long neck was encircled entirely by a latticework of black silver and jewels that flowed like water over her shoulders and chest. where the black silver tapered, beads of blue gems floated over her white body like droplets of ocean water.

Below that, her four nipples bore even more of that fine black silver between them, the delicate chain standing out from her white cream coat.

Her belly button too was pierced with a single large blue gem.

Then finally her hips. Exposed on either side of an equally elaborate loin cloth, showing off her long equine legs in their entirety.

She remained quiet for a moment, staring at Mattias with a muted expression before walking inside. Hoping that instead of stating anything, that her coming alone; without her Sovereign, he would take the hint she was following her promise.

She did however make a point of sitting in his seat.

If Mattias was bothered by her taking his seat, he didn't show it. As he stood at the middle of the table, with the ambassadors sitting across from him and his team standing along the bulkhead behind him, he began. "Ladies and Gentlebeings, thank you for attending this meeting. I know things are a bit stressful at the moment, so I do appreciate you coming in." He took a breath, then continued.

"As you are all aware, we are in a dire situation at the moment. Stranded out here in an uncharted galaxy, nearly a third of the souls we left home with are gone, and the ship is in bad shape. On top of all that, we lost more friends and shipmates while on that ice planet, specifically one of your team and one of mine." He leaned his balled up fists on the table surface as he continued.

"I don't know about you, but I am done losing people. So, taking that in account, I am redoing the protective details. Going forward, each of you will have, at a minimum, three protective agents assigned to you. Each one will be on an eight hour shift and, aside from any personal hygiene or private relations time that you may have, they will remain within line of sight of you until we get home. I will not allow another tragic event like what happened with Arrianna, Vanessa and Alicianna to happen again." There was steel in his voice as he spoke, though there was pain as well. He had lost two friends on the night in question.

"I apologize if these new rules cause you to feel overprotected, however, it is both my and my team's jobs, to keep each of you safe." He looked over at Imik and nodded as he added, "And yes, I remember that you have your own fighter that you use when needed or wanted. After this meeting is over, I'm going to go speak with the Wing Commander and request that you be assigned a permanent wingman. I'd do it myself, as I am a pilot, however, I will now be overseeing my team as they do their jobs to keep you all safe." He moved his eyes to each Ambassador as he continued.

"As I said, when you need or require some private time, you will be given it. However, during those times, the agents assigned to you will be in the next room, standing ready to protect you, if needed. The same goes when you are having any Diplomatic discussions with anyone we may meet out here. While your meeting space will be considered neutral, my agents will be within earshot, should your safety be threatened."

Straightening back up, he clasped his hands behind his back. "I know that what I am telling you could be seen as draconian. Be that as it may, I will keep you safe to the best of my and my team's abilities."

After he finished speaking, he took a breath then said, "Are there any questions?"

“Oh I have many questions for you…” An’Dalus hummed, her tone ominous. “But I think I shall let everyone else speak first, as they may want to leave once its my turn.”

Listening to Mattias, Imik now smiled. Just who did this Human think he was dealing with? "Sinkahue, my pardon Captain. I fought in a war, I've been wounded in combat several times. I have flown combat missions for and with this vessel on multiple occasions, and now you expect me to be chaperoned by three of your staff at all times." She now stood up and fixed the Captain with her gaze, "I will not and shall not comply with these new rules, if I have to I will report a Diplomatic incident to my Grand council."

Imik moved slowly towards Mattias, "My people reached this part of the Galaxy, in your terms, centuries ago. I have no wish to leave, but if you attempt to force this on me. I will make efforts to contact any of them which may be within range, and depart with a heavy heart. This is not a threat, it is a certainty." She now stopped a few feet from him, "It is rare for an Ojnas to submit to anger, but you Captain have managed to achieve this."

Josh stood silently as first Ambassador An'Dalus and then Ambassador Imik expressed displeasure at Mattias' new protection protocols. With Imik being (so far) the more vocal. He had his own opinions but right now he was there to support Mattias and the diplomatic protection team.

For a few beats, there was silence, then Mattias, a polite look on his face and a professional tone on his tongue, replied. "Madam Ambassador, do you think you are the first combat veteran who has ever been assigned a protection detail once they become a representative for their respective government?" He shook his head slightly. "Rest assured, you are not. I am not saying that you cannot do what you normally do. All that I am saying is that now, while this ship is out here, so far from home, I will be doing everything in my power to keep all of you safe. That is my job, pure and simple. So long as anyone is an Ambassador on this ship, while I am in charge of the protective detail, they will receive the same level of protection that I am handing out. There is no room for discussion in this matter. Respectfully, if you do not like it, no one is forcing you to stay." Mattias knew Imik wouldn't like what he said just now, however, he didn't care. It wasn't his job, or his team's job, to be friends with the various ambassadors onboard.

Their sole duty, was to keep each one alive, at all costs.

Imik now raised herself more erect than she normally would be, "Are you telling us, we should leave this vessel because you have deemed it so? Your duty, as you say, is protection. Does this include the removal of ones who do not wish for this protection?" She turned to face the others, "I am Ojnas, I joined this vessel in the belief that the Federation respected other species. Yet this Officer treats us as younglings, many of us are veterans of conflict some are not. Protect those who require it, not those who do not need it." Imik now turned back to Mattias, "Your duty is to this vessel, it needs resources and materials to be repaired. By diverting you people to such a useless task is a waste of time and crew. We Diplomates can assist in many things, but being treated as a helpless youngling will do you, us, and this vessel no good what so ever."

Holding up her hand to prevent Mattias responding, she continued. "I understand your concern, and grieve with you for your loss. But this is not the way to resolve that situation, just as Humans have their ways of handling death so do we." Dropping her hand she now looked straight at Mattias, "I would suggest you re-evaluate this course of action, friends maybe hard to find this far from Federation space. And making enemies would appear a dangerous and futile thing to do, this is our strength. This is where we, the diplomates, are best suited to aide this vessel and crew. To see us as united and as one, show's our stability and our cohesion." She stood and faced the Captain, she had no wish to destroy what was here. But even he must understand, what he was proposing would lead to resentment and possibly action against the common good.

"Please sit down Ambassador, you've made your point..." An'Dalus snorted, leaving her gaze on Imik briefly before turning to face Mattias.

"Most of which I agree with I might add." She said with a pause, waiting for Mattiases full attention. "However, I am under your protection and as such it is not my place to tell you how to do your job... though I do have one stipulation that you do not have jurisdiction over, which are my quarters."

She then took a moment, waiting until it looked like Mattias was about to start speaking.

"Neither you nor your assigned protection detail is to enter my quarters, they can stand guard outside... but if they come through my door which I keep locked at all times, my Sovereign is armed and will not hesitate to kill them."

Mattias looked from one Ambassador to the other, his expression had not changed any. While he was no stranger to how some diplomats acted with others, seeing themselves as being above everyone else and above any rules, it didn't change the fact that he and his people have a job to do. Looking to Imik, he replied calmly. "Madam Ambassador, I am not telling anyone to leave, you twisted my words. I simply stated that no one is being held here against their wills. Anyone is free to leave whenever they want, especially if they possess their own mode of transport." He then looked over at An'dalus.

"And, agreed, while you are on a ship which belongs to Starfleet, as diplomats, your private spaces are considered your own sovereign territory, as well as your offices. I will agree to posting your assigned agents outside your quarters, to limit and prevent any diplomatic incidents. Rest assured though, if my people are attacked, they will defend themselves, using any means necessary."

His eyes moved between all the assembled ambassadors. "You do need to remember though, when your governments agreed to send you to us, one of the forms that they were required to sign, was that you would abide by the rules set forth by your hosts. Which, in this instance, is the command team of this ship, and myself. The same respect would be given to your starship crews and planetary authorities by our diplomats and their security teams. We all have to work together, each person doing their respective jobs. Mine, whether you feel you require it or not, is to keep you safe." He took in a breath, then releases it before continuing.

"I realize that, until I arrived, there was no protective detail in place. That was then. This is now. My team and I will perform our duties, pure and simple."

“I shouldn't have to remind you that it was also one of your own that recently attempted to murder a senior officer, so you will have to forgive me Captain but my faith in that uniform you are wearing has waned somewhat.” She sighed deeply, looking down at table to hide how troubled she genuinely was by it.

“You can’t even safeguard your own crew from itself, yet you expect me and everyone else seated…” She paused briefly to look at Imik who was still standing. “-to entrust our lives with those very same people?” a genuine question left her lips as her brow furrowed.

“Now this is not to say that I am saying no, your matriarch has asked me to put my trust in you… but I still have many concerns.”

Josh took a step forward at An'dalus' question, more of an accusation, but stopped. This was Matt's meeting and she directed her question at him, but he wasn't happy, not one damn bit. Anna was dead and he was suppose to protect people who didn't trust him or Matt.

Andrinn just watched everything that was unfolding and let it all happen naturally without his interference. He was a son of two diplomats and thus, Andrinn knew that trying to get diplomats not to bicker a little bit was unheard of. Plus, it let everyone get out all of their emotions that they might've had bottled up for quite some time.

Mattias sighed softly and held a hand out, signalling Josh to stand down as he heard An'dalus' words. After a few beats of silence, he nodded. "You are correct. A member of the crew did viciously attack our Chief Pilot. Just because we are highly trained, does not mean we are perfect. That individual, whomever they are, will face the full extent of judicial scrutiny and punishment once they are found." He took a breath and continued.

"We are not machines. We do and will make mistakes. That is the main reason why I am constantly training my people. To make them as proficient in their jobs as possible. Just because you all will now have a higher level of protection, does not mean they will be hovering over your shoulder. Part of the training that I am giving them, is how to be quiet and blend into the background. You will know they are there, but they will become part of the background until they are needed."

"They aren't needed..." Anne muttered to herself, though she did not make much of an attempt to lower her voice.

Imik nodded, "Not needed or wanted Captain, are you sure you want to be the Federation citizen who breaks diplomatic ties with the Ojnas people? As stated, you have a very long journey home. Assistance will be required, or will you simply take what you want by force?" She now returned to her seat and sat down, *Humans! A most annoying species!* She thought.

Josh listened to Imik and An'Dalus and came to the conclusion that they couldn't see the forest for the trees. It wasn't the diplomats place to say if the protection teams was needed. They were here to provide a duty which meant safeguard the diplomats. Now they were bitching and moaning but let one get attacked and they would be screaming for his or Matt's head.

“Do you have something to say?” An’Dalus barked, her attention now centred on Josh. “Because your eyes are very telling…” She quipped before turning back to Mattias. “Which is amusing because I thought you said your men would become part of the background?”

Insolent men she thought, her eyes narrowing at Josh. These hoofless ones had no respect for their betters.

Josh's eyes remained locked on An'Dalus but he made no comment, remaining silent. He refused to be baited by a diplomat.

"Madam Ambassador," Mattias straightened himself up to his tallest as he spoke clearly. "Whether you, or anyone else here feels that it is necessary or required, the simple truth of the matter is this. So long as any Ambassador is aboard a ship or installation where I am in command of the protection detail...thry will recieve the protection assignments that are required by my government. If you wish to have your own protection detail, by all means have one. However, my people will still do the jobs that they are trained for. And, with all due respect, you can drop the attitude when you are addressing me or my people. Just like your sovereign has sworn to protect you with his life, so have I and so have my team. To disregard them as you are right now, brings great dishonor. Not to them, but to you."

He looked over at each Ambassador present. "I apologize if you feel I am overstepping myself or my post. Contrary to what you may think, neither I nor my team work for or answer to any of you. We report directly to the Head of Federation Diplomatic Security. Even the Commodore herself has no say in how we do our jobs." He let that fact sink in for a few beats. "If you wish to file any complaints about either myself or my team, you are more than welcome to. As of right now, you should get a response in a few thousand years."

While he appreciated the fact that Andrinn and Sandtail had not said anything during this whole exchange, he still wanted everyone on the same page.

Andrinn had listened to enough exchanges to hopefully get a better picture of everything that everyone was saying, but didn't enjoy everyone trying to overstep everyone else. Without directly slamming the PADD in front of him, Andrinn did it to get everyone's attention.

Something that Andrinn had learned from his parents, especially his mother, was that listening could be one of your most effective tool in conversations and diplomatic negations. One of the biggest things that Andrinn had learned by listening since taking the post onboard the Elysium was that several of the Ambassadors and Diplomats onboard enjoyed having their own security because they felt close to their own teams. However, Andrinn was glad that he had a protection team onboard offered by the Federation Council and Diplomatic Corp, so that in case anything were to happen, there would be more people to lend a hand.

Standing up as the room began to quieten down, Andrinn cleared his throat and said, "Look, we've just come up from several months of living on a frozen rock of a planet and after a massive catastrophe onboard the Elysium. I know for a fact that both the Protection Team under Captain Richardson and the protection teams brought onboard by each Ambassador and Diplomat have seen some loses. We're scared and without backup out here. I offer a compromise. Captain Richardson, everyone here. Why don't we combine forces for the time being? Captain Richardson, I'm sure your team could use the extra help from the various teams that the Ambassadors and Diplomats brought onboard. We could do joint training exercises and we'd have to fill each other in on protocol from various worlds."

Andrinn looked out the window for a moment as he gathered his thoughts and continued, "We don't know when we're getting back to Federation space. It could be tomorrow, it could be next week. It could be never. But, if we don't work together, this is going to be one long mission. Does anyone have any objections or insight into my compromise about joining forces?"

Mattias didn't react outwardly when Andrinn slammed his PADD down. He had been through too many battles to be startled easily. Instead, he turned his attention to the Chief Diplomat and listened to what he said. When he was finished, Mattias replied. "I have no qualms in having some cross-training done. So long as it keeps those under my protection safer, I'm all for it." He then looked pointedly at An'dalus, as she was the only one present who had her own private protection.

Looking over at Mattias, Andrinn smiled slightly and said, "Thank you, Sir. I'll want to hear your ideas on the cross training sometime. Anyone else have any qualms with the idea of working side by side? If you do, say it now or forever hold your peace." Andrinn looked around the room to see if anyone had anything else to say.

Josh resumed his position and remained silent. He would follow any orders Matt gave without question.

Imik now answered, "I see no reason not to work with you, except for the prison guards you seem intent to force upon me. Remove them and I will comply, providing they can control their minds." She now looked at Young, "Lieutenant, loyalty is a noble thing in an Officer. But please shield your thoughts when around psychics, you could find yourself in much trouble if you don't."

Josh's gaze met Imik's. He didn't say anything but did give a curt nod of his head to the Onjas diplomat.

There was a shimmer off to Mattias's left and Avalon appeared. "Good day all." the AI said calmly. Her clear gaze focused on Imik. "Security of the Diplomatic Personnel is of the upmost importance to the Commodore and her senior staff. You have been assigned a guard, I suggest you accept this. We can always confine you to quarters."

Andrinn wagged his finger at Imik and replied, "You won't be under lock and key, unless you want to put up a good little fight. We need to work together and that's why I suggested a compromise. I know that you and your team have their own ways of doing stuff. Teach Captain Richardson's team those ways and let them stay in the background, being almost like a backup to your own team. What's the worst thing that could happen? The boogeyman decides to come out of the void?"

An'Dalus cleared her throat at this, growing tired of the roundabout conversation. "Very well Captain..." She mused, slowly turning her head to Mattias. "Your best men will spar with T'han, and he will show them why I do not need them... but-" She said, pausing to lick away a smile that was starting to form. "They are still welcome to do their duties nonetheless."

Mattias dipped his head respectfully as he replied. "As I am the head of my team, I will be honored to spar with T'han. We shall set a date and time for it after this meeting is concluded." He then looked back over at Imik, who had not yet reacted to either what Andrinn, nor Avalon, had just stated.

"Whenever is convenient for you, Captain Mattias..." Anne said with a low bow of her head.

Mattias dipped his head respectfully again.

Looking at the A.I. Imik slowly shook her head, "You are in error Avalon, the number given was three. Had the number been one, I would have remained silent. As for confining me to quarters, I think not. I am not a youngling nor one who would simply comply, please do not make threats you can not enforce."

Mattias then looked back over at Imik, his thoughts aa cLm as his face. "Madam Ambassador, you seem to forget the reason why I am increasing the security presence for you all. I will not allow another incident as occurred with the Alindari. So, you all will have round-the-clock protection. As I also stated, neither I or my team answer to you. They answer to me, and I answer to the head of Federation Diplomatic Security. And while we are out here, away from friendly systems, I AM the defacto head of Federation Diplomatic Security. So, this discussion is over. Thank you all for your time, you will recieve the names of your protection detail by end of business today." Then, without another word, he turned and left the meeting room. This time, he was the first one out.

Josh turned and followed Mattias out of the room, but not before giving one last stern look at the assembled diplomats. Hoping they finally got their ears unclogged and heard what Mattias was telling them.

Andrinn just shook his head and chuckled a little bit to himself. He knew that he would be getting calls from various DIplomatic members of the Diplomatic Corps. However, he suggested something and most people seemed to be okay with it. Andrinn just knew that he would have to get to the rest of them and work with the DPT to make sure that his idea would work.

Grabbing the PADD that he had with him, Andrinn said, "Everyone's dismissed." With that, he headed out behind Josh and Mattias. Andrinn just hoped that nobody would do anything stupid between now and this evening.

As people filed out, Imik stood and watched. Her mind turned over what had happened, and the resulting answer did not sit well. She now headed for the door and then to her fighter, she would use it to communicate with the local Ojnas. These Humans would learn that it was she and not they who would decide to guard her, she was Ojnas not an Alindari.

Anne watched as everyone left one by one, but her attention drifted across the table to Sandtail, who like her was still seated at the table. "You were awfully quiet today..." She murmured before too standing and leaving the conference room.


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