011: The Tarsus Institute

[terrymixon]

Walt will ask ship-Roscoe if he can close the iris-valve to the cargo bay. Open it as needed to allow passage of people unhindered, but please close it when not needed for passage so the ship structure will shield the cargo bay from psionic intrusion.

Without the Zho being able to see down the passage, they may not know when to apply their psi Clairvoyance, and they won’t see people to read/probe their minds.

“That is what I’m doing. There are a lot of injured and access to the medbay is nescesary. We’re fabricating additional autodocs, but each pair takes five minutes and we are overwhelmed. It won’t be long before we start losing people. Position them so the ship’s structure is between them and the cargo bay.”

[Thumper]

Walt:
“Wilco!

Since we’re letting the Zho back in, and they have insisted on helping; what do you all think of carrying the most injured to the crew lounge for potential Zho psi healing? I think that’s what’s been offered.”

[joertexas]

Walt:
“Wilco!

Since we’re letting g the Zho back in, they have insisted on helping; what do you all think of carrying the most injured to the crew lounge for potential Zho psi healing? I think that’s what’s been offered.”

"I vote yes," Jaelah sends. "We've got some people who need immediate stabilization."

[terrymixon]

Walt:
“Wilco!

Since we’re letting g the Zho back in, they have insisted on helping; what do you all think of carrying the most injured to the crew lounge for potential Zho psi healing? I think that’s what’s been offered.”

"I vote yes," Jaelah sends. "We've got some people who need immediate stabilization."

“If they can’t, at least we would have more people to use some of those medikits that we picked up from Colonel Cross,” Bona said.

A reminder (for myself, too) about their capabilities.

The bio linked thigh medi kits are TL 14 and can either be off the peg/standard with 4+ diagnostics or "attuned" to an individual (but no one else - unless reset) diagnosing on 2+ Cr 200,000. The SEMC operated variety have a full range of SuSAG top shelf pharma including medi drugs and the current upgrade of the SuSAG Universal Anti Toxin (which therefore includes their own poisons and nerve agents). The medi kits are also capable of individually preferenced dosing and delivering personally tailored pharma regimes.

In the event of serious (or cumulative) trauma the merc pharma loadout will stand you up and put you back in the fight soldier! i.e. injecting Combat Drug not Medi Slow. This may absolutely put you on "borrowed time". NB If he/she has a medical licence and wishes to retain it your personal physician could not recommend this course of treatment!

[helvorn]

William was aghast at the news of assassination and betrayal. His face was stony and his eyes were as cold as glacial ice. The only sign of emotion was a twitching muscle in his jaw. He walked over to the mutilated corpse of his wife that lay on the operating table and touched her hand. All of the while William was listening intently. "Do all that you can to save Ciencia and the babies Bianca. Can you bring back the new Ciencia moderately wounded but looking as though she had been treated with first aid? We need to not tip our hand to the Zhodani too badly. Everything that has been done to deal with the situation has been absolutely correct, politics be dammed."

"I have a complete scan of her and the children from only a few days ago," she assured you. "They were never at risk. I cannot bring her back injured, no. I can mimic some of the injuries, but that might not be enough to fool someone who got even a short look at her."

William makes a quick decision as his face relaxes ever so slightly. "Bring her back fully. Let me know when she is awake."

He stepped over to the autodoc in which lay the other, living version of his wife. William placed his hand on the autodoc leaving a smear of blood and char. "Heart of gold and courage of a lioness," he whispered. William moved to Iolanthe and took her hand. "She gave her life for you but she and your grandchildren still live. Be strong for her when she wakes. Ciencia will need you."

She doesn't respond. It's not that she is ignoring you, but she just doesn't seem as if anything else but Ciencia's body is registering with her. Her eyes are severely dilated. William realizes that she is in deep shock and realizes that she is in far more danger that her injuries might have suggested. This state can kill people (one in five people in this state do not survive) and it happens fast.

Your mother-in-law is in immediate and deadly danger, and your associates, though talented, are not medically trained and have missed her condition. Your focus on her allows you to catch her when she abruptly collapses without a sound.

Any actions revolving around her will not detract from your further actions and it will explain the time gap that allowed Walt to relocate the Zhodoni outside the ship.

William manages to catch Iolanthe before she hits the ground. "She is in deep shock and may die of it. Get her into an autodoc ASAP! We can't lose her." He called Roscoe and Aster over the link. "Get the ship to the naval base ASAP as soon as the Zhodani are aboard. Go full stealth and full speed but make sure our guests don't feel anything. Aster, you know the emergency protocols the best. Scramble the naval hospital and seal it off. We have too many wounded and limited resources. Even with the auto docs we need medical professionals. We may be able to limit the number of personnel from the hospital by using the automation. There is no way that I will let the Zhodani help but I also don't let anyone die." As William was speaking he moved the empress into an auto doc.

As he takes a deep breath and listens to the chatter on the link William chimes in. "We will commandeer part of the naval hospital. Roscoe can get the ship there quickly unless the medical situation is completely dire."

Turning back to the others William was granite. "I'm going to bring the Zhodani back inside. I need to deal with the wolf at our doorstep. Roscoe can you have your bots rig simple doors at the forward end of the fore and aft passageways to provide privacy?" For a moment his mask broke before he turned for the door. "Bianca please bring the new Ciencia back pregnant. She deserves that much."

"They will be cloth, but yes," Roscoe said. "Anything else will take too long. It will be in place by the time you return."

William heads quickly outside having heard some of the dialogue over the link. "Garvin, Walt I'm headed outside to help. Thank you for holding down the fort. We will need every bit of smarts we have between us to keep the scat from hitting the fan even worse than it already has!" When he reached the group William bowed to the ambassador. "I apologize for the inconvenience but in an emergency situation an abundance of caution would dictate temporarily clearing the ship. Please rejoin us aboard. My wife is currently being attended to by out doctor but should be available soon."

He inclined his head. "I do hope that her injuries are not too severe. Plasma burns are usually fatal, so she is quite lucky to be alive."

The man's even tone doesn't give much away, but his demeanor suggests that he might not fully be embracing what you are saying.

William's normally affable face was unreadable stone as he led them back inside. "Thank you for your concerns. You can be sure the Princess has access to medical technology well beyond the norm in addition to other techniques that I am not at liberty to discuss. I would expect her to exhibit a remarkable recovery from what I am being told." When they returned to the lounge William indicates the seats while he goes over and pours himself a shot of whiskey. "Would You like more of the tea or something stronger?" He will toss back the shot and take a seat nearest the passage to the medical bay. "I look forward to the day when I can share what is going on Ambassador. Until then you will understand my reticence to speak further but you will have to satisfy yourself with rumors and what you can pick up on during your visit. I hope you appreciate the seriousness with which we take your visit by continuing our discussions. My wife would and will insist that maintain civil and professional relations."

[terrymixon]

William was aghast at the news of assassination and betrayal. His face was stony and his eyes were as cold as glacial ice. The only sign of emotion was a twitching muscle in his jaw. He walked over to the mutilated corpse of his wife that lay on the operating table and touched her hand. All of the while William was listening intently. "Do all that you can to save Ciencia and the babies Bianca. Can you bring back the new Ciencia moderately wounded but looking as though she had been treated with first aid? We need to not tip our hand to the Zhodani too badly. Everything that has been done to deal with the situation has been absolutely correct, politics be dammed."

"I have a complete scan of her and the children from only a few days ago," she assured you. "They were never at risk. I cannot bring her back injured, no. I can mimic some of the injuries, but that might not be enough to fool someone who got even a short look at her."

William makes a quick decision as his face relaxes ever so slightly. "Bring her back fully. Let me know when she is awake."

“I will do so.”

He stepped over to the autodoc in which lay the other, living version of his wife. William placed his hand on the autodoc leaving a smear of blood and char. "Heart of gold and courage of a lioness," he whispered. William moved to Iolanthe and took her hand. "She gave her life for you but she and your grandchildren still live. Be strong for her when she wakes. Ciencia will need you."

She doesn't respond. It's not that she is ignoring you, but she just doesn't seem as if anything else but Ciencia's body is registering with her. Her eyes are severely dilated. William realizes that she is in deep shock and realizes that she is in far more danger that her injuries might have suggested. This state can kill people (one in five people in this state do not survive) and it happens fast.

Your mother-in-law is in immediate and deadly danger, and your associates, though talented, are not medically trained and have missed her condition. Your focus on her allows you to catch her when she abruptly collapses without a sound.

Any actions revolving around her will not detract from your further actions and it will explain the time gap that allowed Walt to relocate the Zhodoni outside the ship.

William manages to catch Iolanthe before she hits the ground. "She is in deep shock and may die of it. Get her into an autodoc ASAP! We can't lose her."

“All the autodocs are full,” Metz snapped. “Grab a medikit and stabilize her. They’re in the cabinet.”

The cabinet is open and they are being grabbed as needed. Even if William doesn’t have medic (I’m away from my computer and can’t look), he can load it and be doing what needs to be done quickly.

He called Roscoe and Aster over the link. "Get the ship to the naval base ASAP as soon as the Zhodani are aboard. Go full stealth and full speed but make sure our guests don't feel anything. Aster, you know the emergency protocols the best. Scramble the naval hospital and seal it off. We have too many wounded and limited resources. Even with the auto docs we need medical professionals. We may be able to limit the number of personnel from the hospital by using the automation. There is no way that I will let the Zhodani help but I also don't let anyone die." As William was speaking he moved the empress into an auto doc.

As he takes a deep breath and listens to the chatter on the link William chimes in. "We will commandeer part of the naval hospital. Roscoe can get the ship there quickly unless the medical situation is completely dire."

No open autodocs, as stated above.

“There isn’t a naval base in the system,” Aster said. “Only some warships and they likely aren’t close. We have to work with what we have. More hands right now will save lives. Maybe go through the teleportal to Yamaguchi Starport and get medics there. That would be faster. Arkar, could you do that?”

Turning back to the others William was granite. "I'm going to bring the Zhodani back inside. I need to deal with the wolf at our doorstep. Roscoe can you have your bots rig simple doors at the forward end of the fore and aft passageways to provide privacy?" For a moment his mask broke before he turned for the door. "Bianca please bring the new Ciencia back pregnant. She deserves that much."

"They will be cloth, but yes," Roscoe said. "Anything else will take too long. It will be in place by the time you return."

William heads quickly outside having heard some of the dialogue over the link. "Garvin, Walt I'm headed outside to help. Thank you for holding down the fort. We will need every bit of smarts we have between us to keep the scat from hitting the fan even worse than it already has!" When he reached the group William bowed to the ambassador. "I apologize for the inconvenience but in an emergency situation an abundance of caution would dictate temporarily clearing the ship. Please rejoin us aboard. My wife is currently being attended to by out doctor but should be available soon."

He inclined his head. "I do hope that her injuries are not too severe. Plasma burns are usually fatal, so she is quite lucky to be alive."

The man's even tone doesn't give much away, but his demeanor suggests that he might not fully be embracing what you are saying.

William's normally affable face was unreadable stone as he led them back inside. "Thank you for your concerns. You can be sure the Princess has access to medical technology well beyond the norm in addition to other techniques that I am not at liberty to discuss. I would expect her to exhibit a remarkable recovery from what I am being told." When they returned to the lounge William indicates the seats while he goes over and pours himself a shot of whiskey. "Would You like more of the tea or something stronger?" He will toss back the shot and take a seat nearest the passage to the medical bay. "I look forward to the day when I can share what is going on Ambassador. Until then you will understand my reticence to speak further but you will have to satisfy yourself with rumors and what you can pick up on during your visit. I hope you appreciate the seriousness with which we take your visit by continuing our discussions. My wife would and will insist that maintain civil and professional relations."

By the time you have the empress stabilized, Arkar can be back with medics to start taking the load off you all. Two people died, but were you were able to get them into autodocs in time to revive them. Barely.

Ciencia’s revival had to be put off because the need for autodocs was too great. She should be along shortly, though.

The ambassador nodded. “Discretion is always wise. I will, of course, respect your wishes. We will wait.”

[Tiglath]

Garvin puts a hand on William's shoulder and looks him in the eye "Look, I can't know 'ow you feel but I suspect if someone 'ad laid a finger on Aster I'd be in a cold an' terrible no rules rage by now". He rakes his fingers through his hair and settles on "But I'm tryin' to 'elp an' well... 'ere we are".

He takes a breath and says "Like it or not you're now runnin' the Firm. We've lost territory for sure but they dropped an awful ricket an' fekked up the hit".

"Now, you an' Walt 'ave a career of space born military service defendin' the Imperium but I might 'ave enough distance from that as a citizen an' certainly as a complete stranger to the Imperial Court to give a different frame of reference. First off on places like Aki what you, and now we as the Imperial Court, are defendin' is the Imperial nobility grindin' its citizens into the dirt. It couldn't be more ruddy literal 'ere but the same applies elsewhere. I'm not sure if the hypocrisy of us nobles illegally seekin' out psionic folk to build our extra Imperial utopia grates on any of you as much as it does with me. When I merely believed the system was rigged I was content".

He nods at Jaelah "Her team were not quite the good guys. My own team were, by any measure, not really the bad guys. But we both 'ad ruddy rules! Now I know it's all ruddy rigged... Well, "nobles no rules" applies - whole diff'rent story...". He trails off "By logic a civil war would kill about 'alf of 'em...".

Then he continues "No matter 'ow clever we think we've reacted I reckon the gaff's blown 'ere. Forget Zhodani mind powers, an' believe me I can match 'em, but in my game reading the reaction of people to an event is as good as anythin' else. We've played it as we saw it but we're well past "Move along. Nothin' to see 'ere" an' ruddy well into "No Admittance Restricted Area" for no reason. Give the Zho Ambassador some credit - they didn't put 'im in the job on the grounds of 'im bein' a fool. Now all we're doin' is fillin' 'is report back 'ome with stuff that makes us look like mugs. Almost nearly clever - unless it starts a war when we absolutely don't need one!"

[helvorn]

Garvin puts a hand on William's shoulder and looks him in the eye "Look, I can't know 'ow you feel but I suspect if someone 'ad laid a finger on Aster I'd be in a cold an' terrible no rules rage by now". He rakes his fingers through his hair and settles on "But I'm tryin' to 'elp an' well... 'ere we are".

He takes a breath and says "Like it or not you're now runnin' the Firm. We've lost territory for sure but they dropped an awful ricket an' fekked up the hit".

"Now, you an' Walt 'ave a career of space born military service defendin' the Imperium but I might 'ave enough distance from that as a citizen an' certainly as a complete stranger to the Imperial Court to give a different frame of reference. First off on places like Aki what you, and now we as the Imperial Court, are defendin' is the Imperial nobility grindin' its citizens into the dirt. It couldn't be more ruddy literal 'ere but the same applies elsewhere. I'm not sure if the hypocrisy of us nobles illegally seekin' out psionic folk to build our extra Imperial utopia grates on any of you as much as it does with me. When I merely believed the system was rigged I was content".

He nods at Jaelah "Her team were not quite the good guys. My own team were, by any measure, not really the bad guys. But we both 'ad ruddy rules! Now I know it's all ruddy rigged... Well, "nobles no rules" applies - whole diff'rent story...". He trails off "By logic a civil war would kill about 'alf of 'em...".

Then he continues "No matter 'ow clever we think we've reacted I reckon the gaff's blown 'ere. Forget Zhodani mind powers, an' believe me I can match 'em, but in my game reading the reaction of people to an event is as good as anythin' else. We've played it as we saw it but we're well past "Move along. Nothin' to see 'ere" an' ruddy well into "No Admittance Restricted Area" for no reason. Give the Zho Ambassador some credit - they didn't put 'im in the job on the grounds of 'im bein' a fool. Now all we're doin' is fillin' 'is report back 'ome with stuff that makes us look like mugs. Almost nearly clever - unless it starts a war when we absolutely don't need one!"

William pauses and turns to face Garvin. William is expressionless but it is clear to those who know him that he is controlling strong emotion. He nods as Garvin speaks and his face relaxes a tiny bit. "Thank you for your sympathy Garvin. I know the weight of the firm and of the Imperium on my shoulders for the time being. The empress is lost in shock and there is no telling how Ciencia will respond when they create a new one and the injured one decants from the auto doc." He took a deep breath and steadied himself as Garvin spoke. Again it was clear to Garvin that William wished to act but was restraining himself from what would likely be something foolish. William shook his head slightly as Garvin spoke about the nobility and the underlying problems with society.

"I appreciate your perspective Garvin. The Imperium and the nobility are truly corrupt at the heart for the most part although there are pockets of good like Ciencia and some others. What we are dealing with is the possibility of war engulfing all of Known Space. Half the nobles may die in a Civil War but in the doing three quarters of the regular people will die along with them. We can't put the genie back in the bottle but we may be able to use the crisis as an opportunity to institute reform. We need to stop the wars as quickly as possible or before they even start. If you believe in fate or a higher power and we may have been given the Ancient's secrets in order to give us the tools to save untold billions of lives and reform the Imperium. Right now we are riding a tiger with no easy way off but we will succeed. Look at what we have done and planned. Now we can expand those plans and use those powers to calm the tiger." William put his hand on Garvin's shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Of course you have the problem of 'Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?' Or who watches the watchers? Are we any better than Dulinor or Strephon? I don't know them but I do know myself and the rest of you and of course my wife. I think of no better group to balance the morality and the power with the hard decisions that will need to be made. I refuse to abrogate responsibility to take action as my conscience dictates. If that damns me then so be it."

William shook his head and he took another breath. "We will deal with the ambassador on a personal and professional level. We are who we are and nothing will change that. I believe that being honest about who we are is the best course. I won't start this campaign with sweeping things under the rug. Of course we have secrets we have to keep and will keep them." He paused and took Garvin's other hand. "Can I count on you? Can I count on you to be the one to whisper 'Memento Mori' at the triumphs? Would you be the one to keep us mortal?"

[Tiglath]

William pauses and turns to face Garvin. William is expressionless but it is clear to those who know him that he is controlling strong emotion. He nods as Garvin speaks and his face relaxes a tiny bit. "Thank you for your sympathy Garvin. I know the weight of the firm and of the Imperium on my shoulders for the time being. The empress is lost in shock and there is no telling how Ciencia will respond when they create a new one and the injured one decants from the auto doc." He took a deep breath and steadied himself as Garvin spoke. Again it was clear to Garvin that William wished to act but was restraining himself from what would likely be something foolish. William shook his head slightly as Garvin spoke about the nobility and the underlying problems with society.

"I appreciate your perspective Garvin. The Imperium and the nobility are truly corrupt at the heart for the most part although there are pockets of good like Ciencia and some others. What we are dealing with is the possibility of war engulfing all of Known Space. Half the nobles may die in a Civil War but in the doing three quarters of the regular people will die along with them. We can't put the genie back in the bottle but we may be able to use the crisis as an opportunity to institute reform. We need to stop the wars as quickly as possible or before they even start. If you believe in fate or a higher power and we may have been given the Ancient's secrets in order to give us the tools to save untold billions of lives and reform the Imperium. Right now we are riding a tiger with no easy way off but we will succeed. Look at what we have done and planned. Now we can expand those plans and use those powers to calm the tiger." William put his hand on Garvin's shoulder and looked him in the eye. "Of course you have the problem of 'Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?' Or who watches the watchers? Are we any better than Dulinor or Strephon? I don't know them but I do know myself and the rest of you and of course my wife. I think of no better group to balance the morality and the power with the hard decisions that will need to be made. I refuse to abrogate responsibility to take action as my conscience dictates. If that damns me then so be it."

William shook his head and he took another breath. "We will deal with the ambassador on a personal and professional level. We are who we are and nothing will change that. I believe that being honest about who we are is the best course. I won't start this campaign with sweeping things under the rug. Of course we have secrets we have to keep and will keep them." He paused and took Garvin's other hand. "Can I count on you? Can I count on you to be the one to whisper 'Memento Mori' at the triumphs? Would you be the one to keep us mortal?"

Garvin nods "Civil wars are never "clean" too many grudges and far too much "payback" banked up on either side. We should try to keep the civilian population out of it but you've already seen the Imperial nobility at work in all it's tainted ruddy glory".

"When I started out I was a cage fighter then moved on to bein' an enforcer - then freelanced before recruitin' me own crew. Gangland takeovers an' regime change were my bread an' butter - always opportunities there. 'Owever yer decent old school criminals would fight 'ard an' even dirty to 'old onto what they claimed was theirs but never put the citizens in the way. It's just bad business. I even fought in an' presided over the odd "duel" for want of a better term. All off an' all in - winner takes all. Only the nasty sods no one could ever trust or work with went for the dirty choices... An' guess what - a duel with fancy rapiers? No - 'ere's the Imperial nobility writ large: assassination instead of honour and kill the bloke's wife an' kids to boot! They're twisted scum the 'ole boatload of 'em!" He frustatedly rakes his fingers through his hair once more "Sorry, I'm lettin' me chivalry show again ain't I?"

Garvin takes William's hand "You know I've never really embraced the "magic" - though I love Metz to bits an' I'm now as deep in as everyone else but I'll keep you straight an' keep givin' you the message for the livin': "Memento te hominem".

[helvorn]

Garvin nods "Civil wars are never "clean" too many grudges and far too much "payback" banked up on either side. We should try to keep the civilian population out of it but you've already seen the Imperial nobility at work in all it's tainted ruddy glory".

"When I started out I was a cage fighter then moved on to bein' an enforcer - then freelanced before recruitin' me own crew. Gangland takeovers an' regime change were my bread an' butter - always opportunities there. 'Owever yer decent old school criminals would fight 'ard an' even dirty to 'old onto what they claimed was theirs but never put the citizens in the way. It's just bad business. I even fought in an' presided over the odd "duel" for want of a better term. All off an' all in - winner takes all. Only the nasty sods no one could ever trust or work with went for the dirty choices... An' guess what - a duel with fancy rapiers? No - 'ere's the Imperial nobility writ large: assassination instead of honour and kill the bloke's wife an' kids to boot! They're twisted scum the 'ole boatload of 'em!" He frustatedly rakes his fingers through his hair once more "Sorry, I'm lettin' me chivalry show again ain't I?"

Garvin takes William's hand "You know I've never really embraced the "magic" - though I love Metz to bits an' I'm now as deep in as everyone else but I'll keep you straight an' keep givin' you the message for the livin': "Memento te hominem".

William nodded slowly to Garvin. "My ancestors were driven out of the Sword Worlds in a Civil War. Supposedly the earlier Imperial civil wars did not involve the population or infrastructure very much. A lot of people probably hope that any new Civil War would be equally restricted to military targets. Personally I don't believe that the Civil Wars were so gentle. More than likely history has been written by the victors who whitewashed out the death and destruction. I see few ways of keeping the civilian population out of the battles once things get rolling. We need to act quickly and ruthlessly were need be to strike down the leadership of the rebellion or change of government however you want to call it." He shook his head. "That Dulinor went after the family speaks of his willingness to disregard civilized behavior. But then again, for many people it is all about power. The megacorporations are much the same way. When we sweep out the trash we will use a broad broom."

"I am fighting for Jaelah's, Roscoe's and Metz' vision writ large. With our "magic" and Ciencia we have the tools to walk the walk in regards to the corruption in Imperial society." William gripped Garvin's hand with all his strength as he looked in him in the eyes. "We do this for the living and those yet to come. My children will be born and live in a better world than we have found." William smiled tightly. "And I am enough of a Sword Worlder to want revenge on Dulinor."

[terrymixon]

The flood of medics from Yamaguci turns the tide and the wounded and merely shellshocked are taken back to the mobile starport, leaving you once again alone on your ship. Well, as alone as anyone is with a Zhodoni delegation in the common area. The only patients still aboard the ship is the empress who is in an autodoc in the medbay, and Fredrick and Teressa, who have had some treatment but are refusing more invasive procedures until things are settled.

Oh, and I suppose the dozen Imperial Guards (the uninjured ones) who are watching over the empress and the Ciencias count as guests, too. Four each, though eight of them in the medbay is unrealistic. They are in the corridor, though.

Ciencia Prime must have had her body refabricated because she comes charging out of the cargo bay and into the medbay, leaving her four guard (and Fredrick and Teressa) to block traffic. Fredrick is annoyed and sends four of them to watch over William and half the rest to watch the cargo bay and the common area.

Assuming William (and potentially others) follow her into the medbay, they find her kneeling beside her mother's autodoc, her head lowered and sobbing.

[joertexas]

Jaelah approaches Fredrick. "Tell me what happened from the beginning."

[helvorn]

The flood of medics from Yamaguci turns the tide and the wounded and merely shellshocked are taken back to the mobile starport, leaving you once again alone on your ship. Well, as alone as anyone is with a Zhodoni delegation in the common area. The only patients still aboard the ship is the empress who is in an autodoc in the medbay, and Fredrick and Teressa, who have had some treatment but are refusing more invasive procedures until things are settled.

Oh, and I suppose the dozen Imperial Guards (the uninjured ones) who are watching over the empress and the Ciencias count as guests, too. Four each, though eight of them in the medbay is unrealistic. They are in the corridor, though.

Ciencia Prime must have had her body refabricated because she comes charging out of the cargo bay and into the medbay, leaving her four guard (and Fredrick and Teressa) to block traffic. Fredrick is annoyed and sends four of them to watch over William and half the rest to watch the cargo bay and the common area.

Assuming William (and potentially others) follow her into the medbay, they find her kneeling beside her mother's autodoc, her head lowered and sobbing.

William excused himself from the Zhodani and headed down into the medical bay. Seeing her kneeling there he whispered to Frederick and Teressa; "Give us a few minutes alone. She needs time to make peace with what happened." He stepped into the room and knelt next to Ciencia. "She held herself together until she was sure that you and the babies were safe." William put his arm around Ciencia and held her quietly. "You have my love and that of all of those around you. You don't have to bear the burden yourself. You did everything that you could and more."

[terrymixon]

Assuming William (and potentially others) follow her into the medbay, they find her kneeling beside her mother's autodoc, her head lowered and sobbing.

William excused himself from the Zhodani and headed down into the medical bay. Seeing her kneeling there he whispered to Frederick and Teressa; "Give us a few minutes alone. She needs time to make peace with what happened." He stepped into the room and knelt next to Ciencia. "She held herself together until she was sure that you and the babies were safe." William put his arm around Ciencia and held her quietly. "You have my love and that of all of those around you. You don't have to bear the burden yourself. You did everything that you could and more."

She turned her head up toward him, tears streaming down her face. “They almost killed her. They tried to burn her alive. Oh, God. I’ve never imagined such pain. I’ll never forget how that felt.

“Who did this? where’s my father? He should be here.”

[terrymixon]

Jaelah approaches Fredrick. "Tell me what happened from the beginning."

“I was in the apartments,“ he said tiredly. “I’d barely gotten there when they came through the doors. Marines in armor with plasma weapons. They were after the empress.

“The defenses were stout, but they weren’t that stout. Ciencia threw herself in front of her mother and took the shot that was going to kill her. She died instantly, though I suspect she won’t remember it that way. We got the empress back into the room with the teleport portal while other guards responded and pushed the attackers back out for a little while. They were only the sideshow. Teresa saw the main act.”

He turned to his wife and she nod it. “I was in the throne room with Ciencia. The one that doesn’t look like her. The emperor was talking with the Aslan ambassador went to Dulinor arrived. I didn’t think that much of it until armored marines came through the side doors. We tried to hustle the emperor out, but the bastard pulled out a Gauss and shot Stephron in the head.

“Then the Marines opened fire. Asked the rest of the guard, but they were everywhere. I shielded Ciencia and the ambassador blocked shots from the other direction as we got out of there and made our way to the imperial apartments. We collected as many of the servants and other guards as we could while we fought a fighting retreat once we were through the teleportal, Frederick dropped an antimatter mine and close it off for good.”

Frederick shook his head angrily. “Somebody really screwed up or was part of the coup. Dulinor is going to have the throne eventually, though there’s going to be a lot of fighting both on the ground and in space before that happens. If he’s smart, he’s already lifted off the planet and will be making his way to jump out. The imperium is screwed.”

[helvorn]

Assuming William (and potentially others) follow her into the medbay, they find her kneeling beside her mother's autodoc, her head lowered and sobbing.

William excused himself from the Zhodani and headed down into the medical bay. Seeing her kneeling there he whispered to Frederick and Teressa; "Give us a few minutes alone. She needs time to make peace with what happened." He stepped into the room and knelt next to Ciencia. "She held herself together until she was sure that you and the babies were safe." William put his arm around Ciencia and held her quietly. "You have my love and that of all of those around you. You don't have to bear the burden yourself. You did everything that you could and more."

She turned her head up toward him, tears streaming down her face. “They almost killed her. They tried to burn her alive. Oh, God. I’ve never imagined such pain. I’ll never forget how that felt.

“Who did this? where’s my father? He should be here.”

William simply hugged her for a moment and stroked her hair. "You were a lioness today. Never forget that. I am prouder of you than I can imagine." He gently wiped the tears from her face. "Your father is dead. He was killed instantly by Dulinor himself. He claimed the throne by right of assassination. It was clearly thought out in advance as the guards were diverted from the throne room and a strike team was sent to kill your mother. I don't know what happened to your cousins if they were present. Frederick and Teressa organized a retreat through the portal and Frederick sealed off with an antimatter bomb. We need to catch our breath and deal with a burgeoning Civil War." William let that sink in. "We also have the Zhodani Ambassador aboard with urgent news for you. He has suspicions as he saw and heard some of wounded. Everyone has been moved off to the Yamaguchi except for your mother and your other self."

[terrymixon]

She turned her head up toward him, tears streaming down her face. “They almost killed her. They tried to burn her alive. Oh, God. I’ve never imagined such pain. I’ll never forget how that felt.

“Who did this? Where’s my father? He should be here.”

William simply hugged her for a moment and stroked her hair. "You were a lioness today. Never forget that. I am prouder of you than I can imagine." He gently wiped the tears from her face. "Your father is dead. He was killed instantly by Dulinor himself. He claimed the throne by right of assassination.

She stiffened in your arms and then screamed. “Noooooo!!! He killed my father?!? Nooooooo!!!!”

It was clearly thought out in advance as the guards were diverted from the throne room and a strike team was sent to kill your mother. I don't know what happened to your cousins if they were present. Frederick and Teressa organized a retreat through the portal and Frederick sealed off with an antimatter bomb. We need to catch our breath and deal with a burgeoning Civil War." William let that sink in. "We also have the Zhodani Ambassador aboard with urgent news for you. He has suspicions as he saw and heard some of wounded. Everyone has been moved off to the Yamaguchi except for your mother and your other self."

Sadly, she’s not going to stand still enough to hear the rest,

[helvorn]

She turned her head up toward him, tears streaming down her face. “They almost killed her. They tried to burn her alive. Oh, God. I’ve never imagined such pain. I’ll never forget how that felt.

“Who did this? Where’s my father? He should be here.”

William simply hugged her for a moment and stroked her hair. "You were a lioness today. Never forget that. I am prouder of you than I can imagine." He gently wiped the tears from her face. "Your father is dead. He was killed instantly by Dulinor himself. He claimed the throne by right of assassination.

She stiffened in your arms and then screamed. “Noooooo!!! Dulinor killed my father?!? Nooooooo!!!!”

William wrapped Ciencia in his arms and told her down to rest in his lap. At that moment it was clear to him just how young Ciencia was not that anyone would take the news calmly. "I'm afraid it is true darling. Look at me. Look at me. We are alive. Your mother is alive. We can carry on in your father's name and honor his memory." William hugged her tight to his chest and waved at Teressa to close the door. "Let it out Ciencia. Let the grief out. You are with those who love you. Don't hold back."

Let's see who else wants to get a word in.

[Tiglath]

Garvin looks pained but leaves Ciencia to William.

Meanwhile he continues to "manage/attempt to manage" the Zhodani.

[terrymixon]

Garvin looks pained but leaves Ciencia to William.

Meanwhile he continues to "manage/attempt to manage" the Zhodani.

As you (and Bona and Walt) are there in the common area, none of you fails to hear her screams of anguish and denial. Or her exclamation about her father’s death at the hands of Dulinor.

Or fail to note that the Zho heard everything.

“Perhaps it would be better if we arrange local housing and wait for a better time,” the ambassador said quietly.