Downstream and Upstream

	CawklesGM	"Grimba", Abbass coolly says as he slides his hand forward. All assembled groan. It always comes back to this, doesn't it? Four weary souls, huddling around a table, consigning their livelihoods to the fickleness of cards. The act remains the same, but the location is different; the Mentirosa Junior Officer Dorms, Male Sector. It's layout is familiar to grunts from the galaxy over: rows of beds, sheets pressed until they are as smooth as marble, stacked on top of each other. These pillars of repose surround the players and their game like oppressive structures, leaning towards them as if listening to their hushed conversation. Somewhere nearby, snoring is heard; It's the end of the Last Dog Watch, and silent zombies are shuffling in to catch some sleep before the next watch steals them away from their relaxation. And relaxation comes easily here; it's dimly lit, a nondescript grey, and vaguely smelling of perfume. The four players are forced to cling to a weak glo lamp to witness their game. Right now, it seems Abbass, that suave Bazir, is ascendant. He rakes in a good pile of trinkets, "Rookies" (the shipboard scrip), and lho sticks. He clicks his tongue.
	CawklesGM	"Did you expect me to go easy on you?" He says with a coy smile. Kahina fumes, taking more cards as another round begins. "I detest this game," She declares. "Now I see why the Aaftab ban such degenerate diversions." This venomous denunciation elicits a gentle chuckle from Abbass, who takes his new hand with gusto. The other player, some ensign named Gawain who was brave enough to buy in, shakes his head as he hands cards over to the final player, Izem. The pale faced, black haired young man looks at the assembled trio of brown and exotic before him, a look of fascination on his face. His gaze falls on Kahina, and lingers there for awhile. A withering glare on her part scares him off.
	CawklesGM	The cycle begins anew. Cards flit about the table, and shuffle about. The wheel of fate turns. Kahina, inscrutable and stony faced, stares at her cards, a bead of sweat forming on her face. Gawain takes only a quick glance at his cards before slamming them down on the table. "Fold," he says, a frown forming across his face. Kahina smirks, putting her cards down. Her hand is good, but not good enough. Abbass slams down his array, beaming. "Sorry lady, but...Grimba."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	Izem has a quick look at his cards before turning them into a neat pile in his hand. He then turns to the young ensign and winks. [Bazir] "Abbass, my brother, I think you're playing a little too aggressive against such new players." Izem practically glows as he says that. He turns the pile over and places it neatly down, and with a smooth motion shows his winning hand. Gotta put on a show. "Grimba." You can practically see all of his teeth, his smile is so large.
	CawklesGM	Abbass leans back in his seat, blown away by what he's seeing. [Bazir]"And I went all in on that, too. Damn, one would think our escapades on Ghadeer would have taught me not to push my luck." Cupping his hands, he slides his pile of goodies over to Izem.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	idly scratches his augmetic arm, almost practically used to it. The routine he'd been suggested by one of the medicae auxillia had helped make it as if he'd never lost it in the first place.
	CawklesGM	[Bazir]"You stupid learn nothing," Kahina says in a thick, shaky accent. Abbass gives her a surprised, almost amused look. With a smile, he turns to Izem and clicks his tongue. [Bazir]"You should tell her to work on her grammar. And that accent. Atrocious."
	CawklesGM	[Bazir]"Sand pon you," Kahina retorts. What the hell does she mean by that?
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	guffaws. [Bazir] "She picks it up surprisingly well given I've only been teaching her for less than a week." He gives her a warm smile despite her behavior towards Abbass. "Besides I'd like to see you try and learn Qom," [Qom] "you rapscallion." He gives the man another grin at that.
	CawklesGM	Gawain the Ra'iib sighs, shuffling the deck while his companions converse in their queer, alien tongue. Clean shaven and in a freshly pressed uniform, the boy carries himself  like someone who expects to be obeyed. No doubt, he's some young pampered stripling who was raised by a host of servants before being thrust into a "rewarding" career in a Rogue Trader flotilla. Abbass, chuckling, slides a thin tube of Lho from his uniform and lights it in his mouth. Gawain goes agape and leans over the table. "Mr. Abbass! What in the God-Emperor's name you are doing?! Don't you know where you are?" Abbass looks up at the young man with the kind of look only a seasoned veteran can give. An empty, forlorn look of apathy pregnant with evil intent. The man is cowed instantly.
	CawklesGM	Puffing away, Abbass' face lights up; he must see somebody approaching that all of you do not. Moments later, the rhythmic pounding of boots upon deck-plate grows closer and closer as "Chuka" approaches the table, clad in her wargear.
	CawklesGM	"Izem," She says. "You are needed. We need to take inventory of the deck medical emergency medical supplies, and you are the only one available to make sure they are all in order. Come with me." Peremptory. Curt. Typical of the Vonayan.
	CawklesGM	Kahina looks up at the woman, the mood around the table suddenly soured. "What is the meaning of this?"
	CawklesGM	"Our medical teams are too busy with other tasks. This man is the only one around who is qualified." Her tone is almost robotic.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He gives the cyborg-sniper a mixed look of wariness, curiosity, and literal confusion.
	CawklesGM	"I am qualified!" Kahina says, standing up, going face to face with the ra'iib. The woman doesn't flinch.
	CawklesGM	"You're an auxilia. We need the actual expert. Now come along, Mr. Anaruz. The sooner we get this done, the sooner you can go back to...whatever you are doing." Chuka stares down Kahina, whose features contort furiously at the snub. She looks at Izem, waiting to hear what he has to say.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Qom] "Be at peace." He puts a reassuring hand on Kahina's as Chuka moves away. "I'll do as they ask. And so will you, my star. We owe much to them, I especially, and whatever I can do to repay it I will do. I'll be fine." He gives her a reassuring smile. "Besides you have some Bazir to practice, your grammar is sorely lacking."
	CawklesGM	Kahina slides back down into her seat, looking uneasy as ever but firm in her confidence in Izem. She nods glumly. [Qom]"Please try to be back in time for our evening tea, my lord."
	CawklesGM	Chuka looks at Izem, wholly ignorant of their exchange's meaning but sensing that she has gained ground. Despite being still, she looks increasingly impatient.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I'd never miss it, my lady." He gives her a wink and waves at Abbass and the ensign as he follows Chuka.
	CawklesGM	Kahina gives a loving, but annoyed look as she watches Izem part in the company of the stormtrooper. Exiting the barracks, the halls of the Male Dorms are well appointed, even opulent. Little planters dot the middle of the halls, their arrangements of bright colors filling the air with a pleasant, earthy scent. The gentle lapping of water echoes through the hallways, distant fountains carrying out their charge and providing a relaxing ambiance to the entire area. Like most areas of the ship, artwork and stained glass is omnipresent, a sign of the Rook House's prosperity. This would all be well and good, but the relaxing atmosphere seems almost barren and stale. It's the paucity of people. The halls are nearly empty, the only souls around being the few ensigns and officers going about their business on the deck. From what Izem understands, the male officer dorms are nearly empty; the female dorms are packed, perhaps even overcrowded. This is what happens when you let someone like Maurice Rose choose the bridge crew.
	CawklesGM	The pair finally round a corner, heading down a seldom traveled hallway towards an emergency storage room. The patina of dust coating the floor speaks of the amount of attention given to the area. At the end of the hallway, an old looking bulkhead sits unused. Chuka approaches the slab of metal and twists open the handle, the thing twisting on its hinges with an agonized squeak. Beyond the door, there is a pit of darkness. Only the vague outlines of shelves can be made out. Chuka steps inside and flicks on a weak, flicking light. The room is a tight affair, most of the space being taken up by shelves packed with boxes of nonperishable rations, medical supplies, and other emergency gear. She walks to the center of the room and inspects one of the shelves. "We start here, bratva." She says, pointing at the middle shelft. "Get over here."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I assume the disproportionate ratio of men to women isn't a coincidence?" He tries to make idle conversation as he continues to follow.
	CawklesGM	"Correct," Chuka says with some semblance of disgust.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	His eyes flick to and fro the dusty shelves of assorted things as he enters, somewhat warily.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I thought so." He says awkwardly.
	CawklesGM	SLAM! The bulkhead is suddenly swung back, closing with a thunderous mechanical thud. Chuka smirks as she walks towards the opposite end of the room, producing a lho stick before leaning against the wall. There is the audible noise of knuckles cracking. "You sure are stupid, ain't you boy?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	merely sighs. "I guess you wouldn't take optimistic as an excuse?"
	CawklesGM	Sergeant Pounder was hiding near the door the entire time. He is in his casual attire; a crisp set of military pants and a battered grey tanktop. Sans armor, Pounder looks exactly how one would expect he would: a hirsute, pig headed man with a brutal, scrunched face and a head of buzzed hair. Tattooes run up and down his arms and chest...as do ragged scars. Pounder smiles, revealing a mouth of stained teeth, walking towards Izem, his combat boots making quite the racket as he stomps. "No, I don't think I would. You know why you're here, boy?"
	CawklesGM	Chuka disappears in a cloud of smoke as she puffs away at her lho, a look of disinterested mirth on her face.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I gather nothing good," he frowns. "Beating me will not bring your comrades back, Pounder. It wouldn't bring back my dead comrades either."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	he looks down ashamed. He still blames himself for their deaths.
	CawklesGM	"YOU FUCKING SHUT YOUR MOUTH, BOY!" Pounder roars, thundering forward, jabbing an accusing finger at Izem. "YOU GOT A LOT OF GOOD MEN KILT DOWN THERE AN' THEY'D WANT YOU TO PAY FOR IT!"
	CawklesGM	"Put up your dukes," Pounder hisses. "I said, put 'em up! I'm gonna beat you retarded, shitskin!"
	CawklesGM	Flecks of spit shower onto Izem's face as the giant of a man invades his personal space, closer and closer.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Fuck you, Ra'iib!" Izem points back at the man. "You don't think I don't still feel shame or grief for getting them killed?! It still haunts me! I had no brotherhood with them, hell I would hardly consider them comrades, but they still went along with my idea and they died for it. I never wanted  that...I tried dammit." Izem doesn't make a move to defend himself. He scrunches his eyes closed and wills the tears back. He makes a hard face and gives the Sergeant an empty look. "If you want your vengeance, have it." Izem gestures to himself. "But I won't aid you, or give you a reason to assault me."
	CawklesGM	Pounder's face twists with agonized apprehension for but a moment before he grabs the man by his collar and almost lifts him off the floor. His chest heaving, he reels back his fist but waits, his eyes boring into Izem. The moment lingers on for a painful amount of time as Pounder wrestles with something no one can see, something inside himself. The grip on Izem's collar tightens...
	CawklesGM	...And a meaty fist flies right into his face, with bone shattering force.
	CawklesGM	The force of the blow knocks Izem right out of Pounder's grip and sends the man flying back, his body hitting a shelf at a rough angle. Several ration cans roll right off the shelf, cascading across his body as he slumps to the floor.
	CawklesGM	"I take no pleasure in hittin' a defenseless man, but I will still try and enjoy this." Pounder grabs Izem from his slump on the floor and lifts him to his feet once more.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	Izem just gives the man a cold stare, which is difficult given that one of his eyes is swelling shut.
	CawklesGM	Pounder snarls, incensed by Izem's stoicism. "Why won't ya fuckin' SQUEAL?!" He yells, a fist landing in Izem's stomach. "LET MY BOYS KNOW YER SORRY!" A knee hits Izem in the stomach, doubling him over and nearly causing him to vomit. Pounder throws Izem to the floor, crawling on top of him so he can lay fist after fist on the man's face. Each pound is like a thunderbolt, rocking Izem's world with force akin to a speeding bullet train. Pounder, sweating and stained with Izem's blood, heaves with grief as he vents his frustration the only way he can. He would beat Izem until the floor gave out, but Chuka appears behind him to grab his rising fist before it can strike the man again.
	CawklesGM	"Rupert," She says, ice cold. "That's enough."
	CawklesGM	Pounder nods, breathing hard as he stands up. With complete silence, the pair waste no time leaving the room, slamming the bulkhead behind them and letting Izem lay there on the ground.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	coughs. "Feck....ow."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	Slowly, ever slowly Izem puts himself into a sitting position and sits against the wall, he starts to pray before breaking down into tears.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"How could I have been so stupid, I'm not a leader of men." He chokes out between sobs. "Shaban protect me, Ashura preserve me."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	After what seems like hours Izem wipes his eyes and dusts himself off, albeit painfully and slowly. He then leaves through the dusty bulkhead and heads towards the medicae deck to clean his face and get some pain killers. [Bazir] "Kahina will have a fit." At that he laughs, but not for long as the pain in his face reminds him of the sore beating he received not long ago.
	CawklesGM	Izem stumbles his way back to the medicae deck, trailing blood nearly the entire way. He is swamped by nurses almost as soon as he flops out of the elevatus, the healer women spiriting him into a clinic as fast as they can. They treat him and his wounds for a couple of minutes before leaving him the bare clinic room by himself. Sitting upon the couch-slab, surrounding by shelves and chirping servitors, it has the comfort of familiarity. With the help of the painkillers the nurses administered, Izem begins to feel somewhat relaxed...that is until the portal to the clinic room slams open, and audible gasp is heard.
	CawklesGM	[Qom]"Izem..! Shaban forgive me, I should have never let you part with that snake!" Kahina shuffles over quickly, quickly taking a damp cloth to Izem's forehead. "How do you feel?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	can't help but smile. [Qom] "Now that you're here, much better, my love. These are but flesh wounds, they'll heal in time." He tries to calm her, but acquiesces to her motherly touch.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He clicks his tongue in relief.
	CawklesGM	[Qom]"The wounds will heal, but not what caused them," she says as she continues to swab his wounds, laying him on her lap. She stares down at him with that tender look Izem has become quite used to. Massaging his head with one of her hands, she continues her work. "This requires retribution," she growls. "None may lay a hand upon you without settling business with me. Tell me where they went, Izem."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He lets out a sigh before closing his eyes and responding. [Qom] "I don't know where they went, but that's not important. Do not seek vengeance upon them, it isn't worth it, Kahina. In a way this is payment for getting their comrades killed." He opens his eyes, a more somber look replaces the calm on his face. "Don't go after them. Shaban and Ashura willing they will see the error of their ways and I will forgive them. Please, Kahina."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He closes his eyes again before she can answer. "But...if they try and assault me again I will not let it go...unpunished."
	CawklesGM	Kahina lays a hand upon his cheek, and gently some ointment into a small cut present there. The sensation of her calloused hand caressing the sensitive spot is painful and pleasurable. She tries not to argue, biting her lip with some force so that her tongue might not waggle and dishonor her. Turgid with intense feelings, she belts a soothing poem written by her namesake, her lullaby a thing of beauty and grace.
	CawklesGM	[Qom]"I live upstream and you downstream,
	CawklesGM	From night to night of you I dream.
	CawklesGM	Unlike the stream you are not in view,
	CawklesGM	Though both we drink from River Blue.
	CawklesGM	When will the river no more flow？
	CawklesGM	When will my grief no more grow？
	CawklesGM	I wish your heart will be like mine，
	CawklesGM	Then not in vain for you I pine."
	CawklesGM	She finishes with a hummed hymn, sponging the last of his blood until the white rag she uses is a deep crimson...almost the same color as her cheeks, at this moment. "You're going to be swollen like a blood melon," She says, with a ghost of a smile on her face. "You're going to look very silly."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Ah well, a great way to test your love for me, eh?" He smiles. "At least it won't leave a scar."
	CawklesGM	Kahina playfully bats his shoulder, her augmented physiology making the playful strike somewhat painful. [Qom]"You could have the face of a grox and I'd still surrender my heart to you, you silly stupid man." The tips of her mouth curl into a s mile. [Bazir]"You pretty man. Me sex you." She rubs her chin thoughtfully, absent-mindedly getting some of Izem's blood on her face.
	CawklesGM	"Did I say that right?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	At first he blankly stares at her before almost losing his composure. His cheeks puff up as he contains his breath-stealing laughter.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He finally fails at choking back his laughter and lets it go for about a minute before regaining his composure and explaining, "I knew you loved me, but I didn't think you would be so straight forward in asking for sex."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"You said 'junss' when you wanted to use 'aluhab'."  Her gives her a mischievous grin.
	CawklesGM	Kahina takes her two paws and brings them to her mouth, to hide her melange of shame and embarrassment. Her face turns beet red, and Izem's position on her lap suddenly seems a lot more...uncomfortable. She turns away and looks at the floor. "Goodness me, I-...Your tongue vexes me Izem!" She thinks for a moment, and her eyes widen. "I mean your language. Your language vexes me. I, uh...I think I'm going to stop talking now."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"An honest mistake, if you'll recall I had the hardest time figuring out the difference between the words for gratitude and whoring."  He takes her hand in both of his. "Shall we have some of your tea?"
	CawklesGM	Kahina gently removes Izem from her lap, rising to her feet. The simple blacks of her outfit are dark in some patches; they run slick with Izem's blood. She takes great handfuls of bandages, spooling them around Izem's head before giving him a hand up. Accepting the proffered hand, Kahina heaves him up in to her embrace. She nuzzles his shoulder, her speech muffled by the fabric. "I think I would love nothing more than to have a pot. Shall we go back to the barracks, or would you rather see if we can find an empty lounge and some silence?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Among friends would be nice. We'll have plenty of time alone when we retire for the night? Cycle? Whatever denotes our time of rest."
	CawklesGM	Kahina shrugs. She gives Izem one last once over (and gives into temptation, giving him a little peck on his cheek) before leading him from the medicae deck at a leisurely pace, eliciting many a shocked stare from passerby. It does not take long for the queer pair to limp back to the barracks, now silent save the sussurus of snores. Sitting at the table, still going through hands of grimba, are Abbass and Gawain. Joining them is that mountain of muscle, Jurdik, looking particularly haggard and sleep-lorn. Dark rings frame his eyes, and he has not even bothered to put on a shirt, baring his muscles, tattooes, and chest hair to the world. Jurdik spots the pair first.
	CawklesGM	"Damn," He grunts, beckoning them over. "You look like you got in a fight with a grox and lost. What the fuck happened?" Abbass and Gawain twist to see what Jurdik is referring to, expecting some horrid sight. They are not disappointed. Abbass shakes his head ruefully, and the young man audibly gasps. Kahina pulls up a chair at the table, and wrangles some pack lying near the floor.
	CawklesGM	"I don't think he wants to talk about it," Kahina says, flat. Abbass casts his gaze over to Izem. [Bazir]"Is wifey right, brother? Are you going to leave us hanging?"
	CawklesGM	"Holy shit Abbass, stop using that fucking pig tongue 'round me man. Speak something I can understand!" Jurdik's growl is thick with exhaustion. Abbass raises an eyebrow at the man, and blows a teasing kiss. "You should go to bed, sweetheart."
	CawklesGM	"Fuck you," Jurdik says, shuffling the Grimba deck.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Our 'friends' are still sore about what happened planet-side. Don't worry about it, it's my problem." He gives a small sigh as he sits. [Qom] "He's got to keep his air of mysteriousness up."
	CawklesGM	Kahina clears her space on the table, laying down a hot plate and the supplies necessary to brew a batch of her fantastic "Night Tea". By itself flavorless, Night Tea becomes a delightfully sweet treat with a dollop of honey and some cinnamon.
	CawklesGM	Jurdik shudders at the mention of the watery orb he left behind. His eyes gloss over, and he goes somewhere else for a moment before being shunted back into reality. [Qom]"You know I got your back, Izem. Those boys cause trouble with you again, they're gonna regret it."
	CawklesGM	[Qom]"Hear hear," Kahina says, seconding the sentiment. Gawain gives everybody assembled a bemused look. "Can we keep this in low gothic...please? Friends?" The young man sounds just a little frustrated, his twitching features causing no small amount of amusement to Jurdik.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Where are my manners, sorry Gawain, it's a force of habit. If you'd like perhaps you could teach me your second tongue and I'd converse with you in it."
	CawklesGM	Kahina looks at the young man as her tea brewing begins in earnest. The cauldron of liquid boils and spits, the heat suffusing those around the table.
	CawklesGM	Gawain grins sheepishly. "Aha! Certainly, Izem, certainly. A little cultural exchange, eh? The more you learn about the Imperium and its tongue, the better I think."
	CawklesGM	Abbass, Kahina, and Jurdik turn to look at the man, looking at him as he just declared he's a grox shagger.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"I see they didn't teach you subtlety, huh?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Bah, you're young. It's your age and over eagerness."
	CawklesGM	"U-uh, they tried sir. Tried indeed. Mother always told me my rhetoric was like a sledgehammer, haw haw!" The man's face contorts with embarrassment, as he awkwardly trudges through the conversation. "Indeed, indeed, that is what father said. It's why he sent me to the navy. 'They'll teach you to be a man and serve your God-Emperor', he said. Just like that, all mean and growling. He and mother thought that my maladroit tongue might be less of a handicap there. And they were right! Lady Rook personally plucked me from my post aboard the Templeton Rex, and set me up here. Impressive, huh?"
	CawklesGM	"Very", Jurdik says dryly. Abbass bats him. "Be nice."
	CawklesGM	The pot on the hotplate begins to emit a shrill cry. Kahina gingerly takes the pot and waits for it to cool. She gets four cups ready, the glasses dancing in her hand as she slides them across the table and to their recipients.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	simply nods before giving the man a friendly smile, underlined with a knowing eye. He thanks Kahina before nursing his cup gratefully. "Ahhhh if only small miracles happened more often," he says as he sips away.
	CawklesGM	Kahina sidles her body into Izem, gently swaying her shoulder in his, jostling him. "You say such sweet things, but don't mean them." She smiles as she partakes in her own tea. Abbass looks on with a knowing smile. "Thank you very much for the tea, Kahina." Jurdik takes a massive swig of the stuff, mumbling his own thanks as he gulps down the delicious beverage.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	A twinkle of mischief enters Izem's eye as he asks Kahina, "might I borrow your pot Kahina? I take it you've never tried Bazir Ootai?"
	CawklesGM	"You are right. Never ever." Abbass tries to stifle a laugh, trying to swallow the noise as he speaks.
	CawklesGM	"Ootai is real good," He says, a jester's grin on his face. "It warms you right up. A great choice, any time of the day. Let Izem whip up a batch, he's a wizard at it ever since you taught him how to cook, Kahina." With that, Kahina hands over her supplies to Izem.
	CawklesGM	Jurdik grunts, scratching his hairy chest as he reaches for an open bottle of...something. "Anybody hear from Ish yet? Almost immediately we get on ship he's squirreled away with that Maurice guy."
	CawklesGM	"That's LORD Maurice, my friend!" Gawain's beaming face only gets a disgusted grunt from Jurdik.
	CawklesGM	"I haven't heard a peep," Abbass says. "I'm more worried abotu Muffin."
	CawklesGM	Jurdik's eyes suddenly look a little moist and thoughtful. "I hope that girl makes it through. She's still got fight in 'er, and with Ace at her bedside I think she'll make it okay."
	CawklesGM	Kahina sighs. "I hope this brush with mortality teaches her to entreat with life more respectfully." Jurdik snorts with laughter. "I wouldn't be surprised if she kicks into overdrive over all this shit," He says with a (hopeful?) grin. Abbass simply rolls his eyes. "Just let her live the life she wants," He says.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	A more jovial mindset besets Izem as he gets to work, the first bit, and the easiest is getting the water at the right boiling temperature. Next, and perhaps most crucial is the amount of time the tea leaves are steeped. Though the tea is not the exact kind used in most Ootai, it will work well. Once steeped for the right amount of time chai is added with a sprinkling, per cup, and a spike of brandy, or whatever equivalent can be used. He does all of this with practiced hands, the original recipe taught to him by Zakum, but it was not perfected until Kahina taught him the ways of cooking. Within minutes it's done.
	CawklesGM	Kahina takes a whiff of the brew. Without even asking, she pours it into the cups of all assembled. With a clink, the glasses are taken and shoved together in cheers. The drinking begins.
	CawklesGM	Gawain gives his cup dainty little sips. "Muffin is the one in the Surginarium Maledictus Inuirrai, I take it? Strong young woman, that one. I imagine she was very pretty before...you know."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	snorts, despite himself. "In a manner of speaking."
	CawklesGM	"Not really," Abbass says, sipping his tea with some mirth. Jurdik slaps both Abbass and Izem upside the head. "Both of you, shut your mouths. She's sizzling and you know it."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	hisses in pain. "Ahhhhh shit."
	CawklesGM	Gawain shrugs. Kahina rolls her eyes, grunting in Qom about 'men' and their ways. Jurdik gives a surprised yip and mutters a quick apology. "I forgot, man."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Dammit Jurdik, you know we're all worried about her."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"She'll be fine, I just hope Ace holds more reason to his decision to....what was it that he did? Charged a tank?"
	CawklesGM	 Kahina quickly finishes her first cup, savoring the taste and grinning as she sucks up the last drop of the delicious brew. Not waiting, she pours herself a half-cup and goes to work on slurping that down. "Charge a tank surrounded by a bunch of crazy assholes. Truth be told, though, I think he saved our lives. Crazy ra'iib bastard. I should buy him a drink."
	CawklesGM	Abbass looks as Kahina downs her half-cup. It's becoming harder to hide his amused look.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	joins her, helping himself to another cup. "What about our Redguard? I've not seen him around after his check-up once we came aboard. He better not be holing up somewhere in the ship like some cut-off survivalist."
	CawklesGM	"Wouldn't suprise me," Abbass mutters. "Guy's a nut, but I'm glad he's on OUR side."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Him and the rest of his buddies." Izem says while finishing his cup.
	CawklesGM	Gawain cuts in: "Oh, you mean the fellow in the armor? He's been hanging around the library. Reading about the Imperium, its laws, and its history. Quite inspiring, really. He's taking to Imperial resettlement quite well, I think."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	gives a sidelong glance to his comrades at the mention of that. Though he doesn't let it linger long as he finishes off the pot before Kahina can go any longer.
	CawklesGM	"Aw, you deny me my nectar!" Kahina says, finishing the last drop of her current cup. "This stuff suffuses my body, fills me with warmth. Could you perhaps make more? Or at least teach me the secrets behind its powers?"
	CawklesGM	Abbass leans foward, a smile on his face. "A Bazir never reveals the secrets of the Ootai, Kahina. It's a tradition."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Perhaps I'll be the first to betray it, but not this day." He gives her his answer by preparing another batch. This should be a joyous and relaxing occasion after all.
	CawklesGM	Abbass gives Izem a startled look...a smile creeping across his face. Jurdik and Gawain both look confused as the drinking continues, not entirely catching onto what's going on. At least they are not as oblivious as Kahina. There is silence for a moment, before Gawain launches into a barrage of questions.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	clicks his tongue joyfully as he doles out the fresh batch
	CawklesGM	"What is your lineage, my friends? Do you have families? Me, I count myself a son of the LaFey family, from the Noble Spires of Gavilon. Perhaps you have heard of us? We are the head of an agri-world consortium, divvying out high provender to folks such as Lady Rook. Sadly, I am among the youngest of my family and will not enjoy a hereditary position in the consortium, hence my presence here. Hopefully, some day, Lady Rook will recognize my talent and grant me a position presitigous enough to support a family."
	CawklesGM	All present take their cups and begin drinking. Everybody present listens to Gawain's rambling genealogy with half-hearted interest. It seems like he's going to talk forever until Kahina interrupts.
	CawklesGM	"I am the daughter of Shaban al-Aaftabi, the middle one. I have an older sister, Palmira, but sadly the Great Chariot spirited her away. My younger sister, Hasmiq, still lives. Ah, such a spirited young thing she was! All women of my line are mighty, for we are the descedants of Kahina Seif-Al-Din, the second wife of Shaban and founder of our tribe. Make no mistake though; our sons are still filled with the fire of the God-Emperor! Take my sons, for instance. Both of them have blood that runs hot with the history of al-Ismah."
	CawklesGM	Jurdik rolls his eyes. "Oh brother," He grunts. Gawain, though confused, is fascinated.
	CawklesGM	Abbass' face darkens a little, but doesn't let the situation turn maudlin. He cuts in: "Mom and dad were servants. I have no siblings. Guess that's about it."
	CawklesGM	Kahina nods, seemingly more interested in the situation than normal. She's on her second cup of the batch.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	grips his teacup a little harder at the mention of Hasmiq, but quickly lets it subside. Someday, someday, Emperor I swear I will tell her, but let it not be soon. He thinks to himself with a small prayer.
	CawklesGM	All eyes look to Jurdik. He shrugs. "My mom was a lion, the Bad Bitch of the Al-Babaar. Dad was some snot nosed ganger shit who was her little boy toy. I don't think I ever had siblings, but I definitely had tons of cousins, nieces, and nephews. We all lived together, it was all chummy, nobody judged nobody, it was a great place. We made tons of money slingin' dope and nobody bothered us. Too bad the war fucked it all up."
	CawklesGM	Gawain blinks. "D-dope?"
	CawklesGM	"Yeah, you know. 'Scura. Zon. Rocks. We also peddled hole on the side but that's more a Fawzan thing."
	CawklesGM	Gawain, once again, blinks. "I, uh...okay?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	pours another cup and sips at it before he adds his story to the mix. "I was the only son of a successful merchant family in the logistics trade of Eastern Bazir. My father was a secret supporter of the BT, and he paid for it...my family paid for it. I'm all that remains of it." He finishes while finishing up his cup of Ootai.
	CawklesGM	There is an oppressive silence at the table, as all the people around suddenly turn downcast. Kahina seems the most touched, her dark eyes glistening with water in the meagre glo-lamp right. She lifts her third cup, half-finished, to the center of the table. "Loooong life to, uh...to uh Izem and his lineage. LONG LIFE!" The other three clink their cups, and wish long life to Izem. Kahina withdraws her cup and kills the liquid within, the burning, delicious stuff disappearing down her throat. She sways a little, and a squeaky belch rumbles from her mouth, one that she does not even bother to cover. She giggles like a schoolgirl, teetering at her seat.
	CawklesGM	"This liquid is pure, distilled mirth," She declares. "Izem, you are a wizard...and, and...well, I'm sure you know."
	CawklesGM	"What does he know?" Gawain asks, finishing his own drink. Abbass shoots him a testy glare. "Kid, shut up."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"That I am, but I think I'm going to have to restrict you to water, Doc's orders."
	CawklesGM	Kahina gives Izem a mock salute. [Bazir]"Water you want me to have? This is fine with me. I am parched. Do you have water?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	chuckles while shaking his head before reaching back to where his pack lay and grabbing his canteen. He hands it to her.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	He then turns to Gawain, "all I know, Mr. Ensign, is that life needs to be enjoyed, whenever you can scrounge up enough time to enjoy it."
	CawklesGM	WIth an unsure grip, she swipes the water and guzzles it down, nodding enthusiatically at Izem's sentiment. Abbass smiles as well, but Jurdik still looks rather cold and distant. Even with booze and friendly conversation, he still seems rather distant. Kahina burps again, and stands up from her seat. She stumbles a little trying to maneuver her legs around the stool that she perched herself on. With a determined but slightly wavy gait, she heads towards the hallway. "Where you going?" Abbass asks. [Bazir]"Bathroom," She responds. Abbass lets himself have a chuckle before whispering to Izem. "Want to make sure our newest Ootai fan makes it there okay? I mean she looks fine, but, you know...better safe than sorry"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	gives his Bazir brother a lazy salute and follows after Kahina.
	CawklesGM	Kahina makes it to the hallway before Izem catches up. She walks a way down the hallway before she notices Izem on her tail. With an extended arm, she scoops the man by his hip and brings him to her side. [Qom]"Joining me for the stroll, then? Wonderful! I think we should have more fun, considering this evening's unpleasant events. Tell me, friend, how are you? How do you do? Do you too feel warm?"
	CawklesGM	She piffles on and on, everything about the world being delightful in her eyes. She is quite the jovial drinker, with a bit of a low tolerance too.
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Warm? Yes. I was making sure you made it to the bathroom, my bright star."
	CawklesGM	She turns red, but whether this is from drink or affection, it is hard to tell. She smiles and drags him closer. "You, you are just so fantastic Izem. This war...this war wash worth it, juss because it allowed our paths to cross. If you would permit me to be crass, which I'm shure you shall, I want to declare that you are quite handsome and I think that the new arm they gave you makes you look even better."
	CawklesGM	She laughs quite uproariously, disturbing nearby officers. "Listen to me talk! Lissen to this candor and such. So liberating...say, what exactly was in that tea?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Something wonderful, my dear. It helps those who partake relax and feel the warmth of life." He smiles at her, taking her arm in his. "Now. Did you actually need to see the restroom, or were you luring me away?"
	CawklesGM	"No, I actually need to use the restroom," She slurs. In fact, when it comes into view, she bolts inside. Moments later she returns, her step a little more unsure. "Izem, can you walk me to the women's dorms? I feel, uh...I need rest."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	gives her a simple nod. "I'd carry you if you wished it." He says matter-of-fact.
	CawklesGM	"R-Really? I think I'd quite enjoy that."
	CawklesGM	Kahina grins. "Any excuse not to use my feet ish fine by me. Do enough marching already, right?"
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	"Too true." He answers before sweeping her up into his arms and heading towards the woman's dorms.
	CawklesGM	She chortles like a little girl, wrapping her arms aorund Izem's neck as he takes her away, like some dashing knight. The scene ellicits no small amount of curious looks, but neither seems to care. It doesn't take long for them to reach their destination; the curious looking guard lets the man in, on account of the inebriated woman in his arms. The hallways of the women's dorms really are packed to the gunnels. The women seem more appreciative of the sight, a man helping his companion to her bed. Moments later, Izem walks within the packed bed-maze of the dorm, squeezing by several gaggles of chatting officers to lay his love in her bed. She sighs contendedly as she wraps herself in covers. "Goodnight, Izem. [Bazir] I love you."
	Izem_abn_Anaruz	[Bazir] "I love you as well, my shining star. Sleep well." He kisses her upon the forehead before taking his leave and rejoining his comrades in the men's dorms.