Move 3.1 Recap

The Cantata returns to Ashari's base in a very private universe.

Four hours before the party: Ashari and Sasha; meeting with Alaric, Aymad, and Remi

Sasha reports to Ashari. She finds they are distracted and under the influence of a mild intoxicant. They say, "You captured the target? Well, I suppose it's the least of our problems. Did you know that in this base's timeline, there's no heptarchate or hexarchate at all? We've had to bring in all our supplies from other timelines." With false sweetness, Sasha asks, "What is our greatest immediate problem, in your estimation?" Ashari tells her, "We have been listening for any communications from anyone in the galaxy. Nothing. Absolutely zero. Not even old radio communications from the pre-ansible days. Something I could use your help in figuring out, you're technical. If something ate the hexarchate, I want to know what. But never mind that--I have to make some last preparations. You can tell me all about your adventures later."

Ashari leaves before Sasha can ask more questions. She holds a brief meeting with Alaric, Aymad, and Remi, and informs them of the strange lack of communications. She then familiarizes herself with the base's grid, limiting outside signals as best she can.

In Seyli's room: Reshad and Seyli

Seyli is already wearing a shiny, sequined, form-fitting dress. They message Reshad, asking if she will help braid their hair. Reshad agrees and arrives quickly. She greets Seyli: "That dress is so bright! Would you like one braid to the back, or side, or...?" Seyli says, "I was thinking along the side. And thank you? I figure if it's an Andan party?" Smiling, Reshad says, "I can do that. Here - hm, would you mind sitting down? And I'll talk you through it. It's an Andan party, so it's fun to show off a bit. And your dress will certainly do that!" Seyli says, "I ah, enjoy very bright things, when I'm not dressed for work." Reshad tells them, "It suits you." She begins braiding, and asks if they "want anything woven in here." With a slight blush, Seyli says, "You really think so? And no, I'd like to keep my hair simple, since the dress is...not." Reshad answers, "I don't think I've ever seen you in anything but a ship's jumpsuit. The bright colors, they're good on you." Finishing the braid, she says, "I think that'll do nicely."

In the ballroom: Sasha and Sulen; messages with the Cantata

As she walks into the ballroom, Sasha messages the Cantata, "This location may have predators. Please stay alert and plan multiple escape routes to the rift." It replies, "I will stay alert! Will there be sprinting later? I like sprinting." Sasha is struck by the Cantata's apparent youth. She answers, "We'll find out! Maybe the other moths will come too!"

Sulen approaches Sasha at a table and asks, "Have you seen, or spoken to, Ashari?" Sasha says, "We had a short conversation and they gave me some disturbing news. Have they had a chance to brief you?" Sulen says, "I think they've been preoccupied. Did they seem... how did they seem?" Sasha answers, "Distracted. Brittle. Sulen, if what they told me is true, we shouldn't be having a party, we should be evacuating. Will you speak to them?" Sulen says, "They probably haven't told you most of it. I'll speak to them. And I'll be ready for sudden changes of plan." Sasha thanks Sulen, adding "Please tell them, there are creatures in the depths somewhere that prey on moths." She reflects that a creature related to moths might be able to consume radio waves. Sulen says, "I--creatures? Do we know anything else about these predators?" Sasha tells them, "All I know is legends the Cantata learned from their nurse. I had not thought them an immediate concern, until I spoke to Ashari. I have asked the Cantata to remain alert, and I will confer with Remi and Alaric, when this event is over. They might know other ways, to look for data."

In the kitchen: Ashari, Dar, Deyna, Sulen, and Shess

Dar and Ashari are arguing about the sequence of food. Dar tells them, "Look, if you insist I have to do it, boss, but if we put that dish of nnongzhing pickle out right now, most of 'em won't be able to smell or taste the rest of the food. The Kel can wait, it'll do 'em good." She asks Deyna to take a tray of stuffed buns out "to the big table", then notices Shess's mochi tarts: "So that's what you were up to. Good. That huge platter is going to be the sweets, but we don't need them out for a while yet."

Sulen enters the kitchen and asks whether anything is vegan. With some dismay, Shess says, "Oh, sorry, the ones I've finished contain honey, but I could probably make the violet ones without. That is, if you don't mind violet." They ask Dar about the ingredients in the other dishes. Dar tells them, "Yeah, yeah, the mushroom buns are vegan-safe, the veg skewers are if you use the bean dip, so are the crispbreads and curry dip coming out later, and for sweets, the glutinous rice balls with jujube filling and the sorbet should be OK, likewise the grilled fruit skewers. I got ya covered, kids." Watching the bustle and sipping a euphoric, Ashari says, "Well, I'm glad that's settled. I suppose the pickles can wait after all."

Deyna rolls her eyes at Dar's back and smiles at Sulen: "I'm going to put labels out. Dar didn't say anything about allergies or anything, so if there's other stuff to know about you should tell me now." Dar says, "I'll have the grid print the ingredients." Sulen says, "Uh, thank you." With a half bow, they add, "Allergies are not a concern, to my knowledge." Deyna says, "Great. Thank you." She copies Sulen's half-bow. Dar mutters, "Pardon," discomfited by Sulen's formality.

Ashari smiles toothily at Sulen, asking, "How was the trip? Sasha told me you recruited the target. You'll have to tell me how that happened, sometime." Shess glances at Ashari, worried. Taking a tentative step toward Ashari, Sulen says, "I would like to. As soon as you have the time. I would be interested in hearing what you've been doing." They remember the joy they used to take in letters from Ashari.

Ashari brushes Sulen off: "I don't want to bore you with the minutiae of running this base. Things have been quite busy. But there will be time enough tomorrow, after the party, to discuss next steps, given that we're all alone." Sulen says, "That's not quite true at this moment." More quietly, they add, "Sasha isn't sure it's true in a larger sense, either." Ashari says, "What's Sasha's analysis? Whisper it in my ear, darling." Sulen stays where they are, speaking even more quietly: "Sasha conversed with the moth. It apparently spoke of predators. Remaining here does not seem a safe course." Closing their eyes, they add, "On a personal level, I would prefer it if you were somewhere safer." Ashari says, "Yes, but on what timescale? I'll talk to her when an opportunity presents itself. Safety is not something any of us are likely to see much of, eh?" Torn between leaving and staying close to Ashari, Sulen says, "Of course. I like the flowers."

Dar warns, "OK, hot stuff coming out." Collecting the now-printed ingredient lists, Deyna says, "I'll set things out? Or I can do dishes." Dar says, "Thank you, sweetheart. Yeah, take out the buns. Good idea about the labels. After that, there's the big mixing bowls. But don't you want to go hang out, have some drinks?" Deyna answers, "The less cleanup afterward the better. My mother used to tell me that cleaning as you go makes the food taste better. I'll get a drink later."

Discomfited by the complex interpersonal dynamics, Shess says, "I, er, think I'll take one of these skewer arrangements out to the party, maybe get a drink?" Deyna hands them a second plate: "Then we should have everything sorted. Thanks." Quietly, she adds, "Get me a drink while I put the placards out?" Shess says, "Sure. And you're welcome. Is there anything in particular you'd like? To drink, I mean. Though I don't know what they have." After a slight pause, Deyna says, "I wouldn't mind something alcoholic, but I don't think I need to get drunk. Just not sober. But if you can't find any booze, don't worry. I don't need it that bad."

Near the drinks table: Hana and Sulen

Sulen waits near the drinks table, holding a drink of their own and observing the new team members' signifiers. Hana takes a euphoric and chases it with alcohol; she slips a couple more euphorics into a pocket. Bowing to her, Sulen says, "Tziri Hana? Aricura Sulen, executive officer of the Cantata. Welcome to the crew." Hana bows and greets them: "Thank you for the welcome. It's... good to be here." Sulen asks, "Have you been on the station long?" Apologetically, Hana says, "Not very long at all, no. A... week, I think. I was unconscious for the first bit of it."

Sulen says, "I can relate to confusion with time. My introduction to this enterprise began with a crash landing, a concussion, and an interrogation, within the same hour. Travel through rifts can be unpleasant." Surprised, Hana asks, "An interrogation? Where are you from?" They answer, "The year 835 of the heptarchate calendar. There are a large number of rifts in that year. I was part of a hept assigned to seeking out members of the rebellion. They had good reason not to trust me, when I betrayed my faction and came to them." Hana asks, "What faction are - were you part of?" Draining their glass, Sulen says, "Rahal. I was an inquisitor. Part of a hept- but I suppose in your time we worked in... hexes. Did you ever work with one?" Hana answers, "Not up close, no. I started off as a teacher. I wasn't, ah, with the Vidona for long. Most of my life I just kept my head down and tried not to make trouble." She offers Sulen another drink.

Mingling: Ione, Mafyyil, Remi, Reshad, Xiulan, and the mothlings

Ione is admiring the flower arrangements and watching Remi and the mothlings. Gesturing at them, Xiulan says, "I think the briefing missed a thing or two. I'm Xiulan. You’re part of the Cantata crew?" Nodding rapidly, Ione says, "Camlin Ione, combat medic. And you have never seen mothlings before, I'm guessing?" Smiling, Remi says, "Nirai Remi, researcher. I thought it would be good to continue socializing the mothlings, although they're very friendly already." One of them is perched in his hair. Xiulan says, "Nice to meet you. As for my role going forward, well, you may find that out at the same time as I do." She admits she hasn't seen mothlings: "As in, like the moths? They’re sentient?" With suppressed anger, Remi says, "Adult moths are used in certain timelines as the biological components of our ships. These are little ones--we're not sure what their growth rate is." Xiulan says quietly, "I’m guessing they didn’t volunteer for that."

Mafyyil has braided the flowers attached to her body into her hair. She joins the group and greets everyone brightly, humming a melody to the mothlings. To Xiulan, she says, "Hello, new person! I'm Zagfehan Mafyyil, poet. I'd shake hands except there seems to be a mothling in the way." Xiulan introduces herself. With a polite half-bow, Remi says, "The mothlings are doing well." Mafyyil asks, "Can you understand what they're saying?" Remi says, "I'm moderately good at music, but my ear isn't quite up to their harmonies. There's a grid program--mostly Alaric's work--that translates for us. The little ones are mostly babbling and experimenting with their, ah, voices. For example, that last bit was pulsar, pulsar, loud, pulsar, whirl, let's whirl."

Reshad joins the group. She greets the others, telling Xiulan, "Welcome! I'm Reshad. I suppose I'm a field operative." Xiulan greets her, then asks the group, "Do the moths interact with pulsars somehow? Or, electromagnetism in general?" Reshad hums to one of the mothlings. She asks, "Are we particularly near a pulsar?" Mafyyil, who isn't quite sure what a pulsar is, blurts, "I'd love a copy of that program. Is a pulsar talking to the moths?"

Reshad tells Xiulan, "I helped Remi with some experiments. Trying to understand their sensory abilities and better communicate with them. They're bright children. But it seems that while colors are difficult, they have some astonishing senses! And they do sing, as you've heard." Xiulan replies, "I'm interested in hearing more about that." Reshad asks whether Xiulan is more interested in hearing about fieldwork or the moths. With a wry smile, Xiulan says, "Both. Even odds at this point, as to which I’ve heard less about. Both sound relevant. But, we should have time to talk more later, right?" Reshad answers, "We should. I can fill you in once we're moving."

Reshad smiles at Mafyyil and asks about her poetry. Surprised that Reshad does not know this fact she considers fundamental, Mafyyil says, "Yes, I write about legumes, mostly." Remi says, "There's a pulsar about fifty light-years away, stable as these things go. Mafyyil, if you want a copy of the translation program, I can load it onto your slate. If Sasha thinks it's advisable security-wise, anyway." The mothlings shake tentacles with the more enthusiastic guests, including Xiulan, who tells Remi, "Impressive." She asks Mafyyil, "Do you write propaganda poetry for the rebellion?" and asks the group at large, "Are all space-faring vessels called moths regardless or does it always imply the presence of a biological moth?" Reshad tells her, "All Hexarchate vessels have a biological moth. Hafn vessels... I'm unclear on Hafn design parameters."

Mafyyil is initially confused by Xiulan's question, since her language lacks a separate word for 'propaganda', but eventually answers, "Of course. The one I recently wrote, Glorious Harvest of Lupin Beans, is especially suited for that!" Smiling, Ione asks, "Is it about a harvest of lupin beans, or is it a metaphor?" Reshad adds, "And - have you written anything for more general distribution?" Xiulan, whose agricultural vocabulary is incomplete, notes, "Not sure I’ve had any of that kind.”

Ione tries to bump her fist to a mothling's tentacle; it grasps her finger, humming happily. Reshad suggests, "Maybe if we demonstrate?" and offers a fistbump to Ione, after waggling her fingers at a mothling. Ione tells the mothling, "This is kind of like interlinked jazz hands, which is also a great secret handshake skill." She bumps fists with Reshad.

Xiulan says, "I haven’t read much about Hafn ships. Do you know what sort of exotics they use?" She asks Ione, "Is humming part of communicating with the mothlings? Or, do they just like it?" Responding to the ship question, Reshad says, "Well! Remi would be the better about moths, or Alaric. But I have some experience beyond this team. And you?" Xiulan jokes that she has "never seen mothlings before today," adding, "But experiences other than that, yes. You could call it fieldwork as well. Largely a combination of intelligence and special forces type ops combined. As for this base, I’ve only been here for a week. Nothing much going on. Yet." Reshad says, "Then, let's definitely talk later."

Intrigued by Ione's metaphor question, Mafyyil says, "Maybe I've been neglecting the metaphorical side of things a bit. I have an idea. I'd be happy to provide the rebellion with poems about the more metaphysical aspects and ideas of peas, if you think that might appeal to a wider audience." She tells Xiulan, "Where I'm from, movement of vessels in space is driven by the human striving for perfection by adding other aspects of nature. For example, as you can see, I've been made more complete by adding plant to human. Progress means perfection." Ione agrees, "Metaphor can be fun." Xiulan says, "Ah. I really do have a lot to learn about the Hafn." Though she conceals her reaction, Mafyyil's description of "striving for perfection by adding other aspects of nature" brings back disturbing memories. Reshad asks Mafyyil, "Do you ever write poems about... well, weeds?"

Responding to Xiulan's question about mothling communication, Ione says, "I'm not the expert, that's Remi, and then Alaric and Sasha are also quite good with them, but I like them a lot -- music is part of how they communicate. I think the vacillating may also be ... not linguistic exactly, but communicative kind of like a dog's tail." Laughing, Reshad says, "Expressive and more personable yet."

Smiling at Remi, Xiulan says, "I'm happy to talk about moths with whoever knows something, particularly the experts. The mothlings here...are they the offspring of the Cantata’s moth?" Remi tells her, "The mothlings were 'liberated' from their adult parents as part of a heptarchate research project. My role was to rescue them from a research station in my timeline. The Cantata is not related to them--it comes from an entirely different timeline--but it has adopted them, and in my limited observation, moths are social and care very much for their young. I'm happy to answer any other questions you have, of course, although if it relates to the mothdrives, Alaric is the expert, and Sasha knows more about the grid interlinkages."

Sensing a suitable lull, Xiulan says, "Good meeting everyone. I look forward to those future conversations. But I should go continue with the introductions I guess." Reshad drifts on as well.

Arranging flowers: Eddox and Sulen

Eddox makes a Rose Wheel arrangement, in alternating red and blue. They smile crookedly at Sulen, who is still near the drinks table. With a slight flush, they say, "That looks very... complex." Eddox inclines their head and fusses with the flowers, then turns to them, saying, "I can be rather complex, I suppose, though often you’ll find I’m terribly, terribly simple." They bow here, continuing, "You must be Sulen. I have not heard about you at all"--they tap their hearing aid--"Yet one gleans quite a bit from the social miasma that hangs around Ashari." Sulen examines their signifier, saying, "And you are Umul Eddox. Or do you prefer Andan Eddox?" Teasing, Eddox asks, "Oh, you want to know my preferences? Umul Eddox, for you, I think. Do you find me impertinent? There's this look on your face, and I can't discern if it's my fault or not." With a slight smile, Sulen says, "I find it difficult to believe you're overly concerned with decorum. What look would you wish to find on my face?" Shrugging, Eddox says, "Perhaps I am, perhaps I’m not. But if I had to guess from your posture, you concern yourself with it. Or perhaps you are one of those Rahal--Hmm, no, probably not. I don’t know that I favor any one look, at the moment, so long as it’s directed at me."

Shifting gears, they continue, "My liaison sent me here for a reason. She doesn’t fuck around and she doesn’t send me alone unless the situation is urgent or desperate. Do you happen to know which it is?" Concealing their disappointment, Sulen says, "Both. Is your liason a member of the rebellion?" With a smile, Eddox says, "Which rebellion? We’re involved in so many. All I know is that I was told my particular skill set could be useful to your group. My liaison, Molina Zutana, has assured me that your goals are in line with hers, and that’s enough for me. I have experience with several alien species and excel in xenolingustics and cultural affairs. Often times I find the incidents and misunderstandings are never with the aliens, but with the humans who want use them for their own gains. I don’t let that shit fly. Where I come from, we have whales. I’m told you have moths. Put me to use."

Sulen asks about the whales: "Those are... large ocean mammals, yes?" They add, "It does sound like you'll be very useful to us. I myself have had great difficulty with understanding aliens." Appearing to think, then touching Sulen's arm and leaning toward them, Eddox says, "Yeah, lets go with large ocean mammals. How do you communicate with the moths? Do you have an appointed translator? A human representative? Who should I be speaking to?" Sulen answers, "We have a grid program translating. Our scientific team understands it the best- I’d recommend speaking to Nirai Remi, who had the most expertise in this area, or Alaric, the man in the white coat. You could also speak to our commander, who has a better understanding of the moths than I do. However, I must admit I will be disappointed if this conversation ends before I learn more about whales."

Sighing prettily, Eddox says, "Oh, I’m terrible at disappointing people, so I suppose I must tell you now. They aren’t actually whales. They are an aquatic race of gene splicers who worship DNA. Weirdly enough, they don’t often modify themselves to manipulate physical appearance, but to obtain an auspicious pattern of nucleobases. They exhibit indeterminate growth, some of their oldest members reaching lengths of 30 meters or more. They communicate mainly through sign language, as they have arms similar to humans, or at least, all the ones who are sent as ambassadors do, and also communicate through a system of chromatophores on their skin, concentrated mainly on their torso and arms. Any of this getting you hot, or should I stop?"

Relaxing slightly, Sulen asks, "Do they communicate through colors?" Eddox says, "They do and they don't," unbuttoning their jacket and shirt to reveal the smooth black fabric of their binder. Speaking and signing, they explain, "Color can augment tone, or communicate emotions. Sometimes simple ideas on their own." The black is replaced by brilliant colors as they continue, "If I were to say, for example, 'I find you attractive, Sulen' but use these colors as I say it, then it would be sarcastic, an insult. If I said it yet again, then this is more respectful, as if in admiration, yet with trepidation. And then of course, one can be more blunt. Touch is important too. It implies trust. Sincerity." They suit action to words, lightly touching Sulen's neck, before concluding, "But these are just examples, of course. Just used the first thing that came to mind."

Sulen is disconcerted by the realization that they are flirting with a subordinate. They ask slowly, "And were your hosts impressed by your boldness, Umul Eddox?" Leaning close to them, Eddox explains, "Oh, they found me most impressive. I shouldn’t be telling you this, but I caused a minor diplomatic incident to solve a major one. Well I didn’t know it at the time, but I became involved with what equates to more or less their equivalent of a prince. He was trying to dissolve their government and stage a coup and well, I accidentally distracted him and he failed. I had no idea! I was there to embezzle money—I mean officially I was there as an ambassador and xenolinguist but—Anyway I was going to embezzle from his family but in the end he just gave it to me." They laugh.

Arranging food and drink: Dar and Sulen

Dar sets another plate of food on the already loaded table. Sulen tells her, "Thank you for your work tonight. It is very beautiful." Now bowing, Dar says, "Thank you, sir. Beginnings are so important - a good meal may help." Sulen tells her, "I've been considering implementing group meals onboard. The lack of cooking expertise among our group led me to believe it wouldn't be a good idea. But perhaps it's worth revisiting." With a thoughtful frown, Dar says, "Could work, sir. You know the crew a lot better than I do, but they don't strike me as a by-the-rules bunch. But if it's just put out that Dar's gonna cook, like, fried noodles, with shrimp or with tofu, and it'll be on the table at 19:00, cleared by 20:00, and oh, yeah, berry pie for afters. Then they either come or they don't. Anything left over gets portioned and put into stable storage for lunches or whatever. Might be a lot of leftovers the first few times. But they'll get used to it. I think most of 'em would go for it, sir." Sulen says, "It sounds like you have very useful knowledge and experience. Is there anything you need? Any assistance I can provide?" With a warm smile, Dar answers, "Thanks, sir. If I'm going to be setting up food and stuff for the trip, it'd be good to get a first-hand look at where it all goes. Looked at the plans on the grid, but haven't set foot on the ship yet."

Near the door: Eddox and Seyli; reaction from Sasha

Seyli has accessorized their shiny dress with gold eyeshadow and sharply defined eyeliner. They greet Eddox, who is wearing an iridescent purple suit, with an uncharacteristic smile, a "Hello", and a small wave. Some distance away, Sasha notices Seyli's dress and struggles to square this image with the matter-of-fact person she is used to.

Smiling, bowing, and clasping Seyli's hands, Eddox says, "That is quite the dress and you wear it well. Though, I imagine it would be difficult to conceal a weapon in it. Andan Eddox. Or Umul Eddox, if you’re nasty. A pleasure to meet you." With a faint blush, Seyli says, "Seyli, in any case. And you'd be surprised where I can hide weapons." They add, "And, well," subtly flexing their bare arm. Eddox answers, "Now, I'm easily impressed by feats of flesh but still I must say: Nice. "I'm afraid I have no such weapons, but what I lack in strength, I make up for in dexterity." They wiggle their fingers in illustration. Laughing, Seyli says, "Well we can't all be everything alone. Isn't that why people team up?" With an air of revelation, Eddox says, "That is precisely why people team up." Placing their hand on Seyli's upper arm, they continue, "You have a charming laugh. Forgive me for my familiarity, but touch is part of the language when you're deaf. And it's much easier to hear with you close to my right. You don't mind that, do you?" Surprised and pleased, Seyli answers, "Oh, not at all. I'm...a very tactile person."

Eddox wraps themself around Seyli and leads them in the general direction of the food table. They say, "So, tell me a bit about yourself?" In Kel drum code, they add, "I was sent to assist in the mission. I know little. I am on your side." Seyli answers in drum code, "It's Sasha you want to meet, she'll tell you how to help"; they indicate her location. Aloud, they say, "Ex-Kel, but I doubt that surprises you. I'm just a pretty set of muscles with a gun and a taste for very shiny dresses." Eddox confirms the drum code message.

Eddox selects a bun filled with sliced duck, chatting, "Oh? Just? I can hardly believe that. Ex-Kel surely. A pretty set of muscles, gun and Andan-level fashion taste, most surely. But just that? Surely there is much more. Tell me of your lovers. Or your platonic partners? Ah, forgive me, too personal too quickly. How about any house plants?" Charmed, Seyli says, "None of them, I'm afraid. I can't imagine keeping a plant alive on a moth, although I'd work great deal harder to keep a lover alive."

Eddox stops, genuinely surprised. "Wait, seriously? None? Forgive me, it just wasn't what I was expecting to hear. I suppose it would be hard to keep lovers in your line of work. It's practically my job to have them, so it's strange to me. I do have several house plants. My planet is only just beginning terraforming work. Plants are precious solace." Shrugging, Seyli says, "I was a Kel surrounded by other Kel on a moth until very recently, not particularly a good place to find a lover. Did you bring them with you? The plants? Although I suppose you could have brought your lovers along with you as well." Eddox answers, "Oh, no. No plants or lovers allowed the mission I’m afraid. Hard to keep both, I’m afraid. Always seem to be getting new ones to replace the old. I haven’t killed many plants—or lovers. Forgive me, I seem to be flustered. Shall we go walk some more, so that my feet have something other to do than fill my mouth? Not that I don’t want to have you to myself, but I should probably speak to the others." Seyli teases, "I'm pleased to hear you haven't killed many of either, I'm sure the rest of the team will be reassured as well. I'll be sure to let everyone know."

At the edge of the crowd: Hana, Sasha, and the mothlings

Watching the mothlings, Hana mutters, "What was in those pills?" She offers one of them a shrimp puff. Joining her, Sasha says, "They eat radiation, mostly. But they like it if you sing." A mothling attaches itself to the shrimp puff, which shrivels into a desiccated shell. Confused and concerned, Hana says, "Holy shit. I mean - sorry, you're a kid, I shouldn't curse. Not you, I was talking to the, shit. Those were just euphorics on the table, right? It's just supposed to help with mood, not fuck me up -- uh, sorry." Sasha answers, "Oh, hells, that's a new behavior. Not any substance you tried, unless Ashari is playing with the vents to get us all high, and I think I would have caught that.--I'm Sasha, by the way. I'm team lead, on the Cantata."

Hana says, "Hello, Sasha. I'm Hana and I'm... here? They're cute little blobs once you get over all their... muchness. How does any living creature eat radiation?" Sasha tells her, "Technically, plants do that all day long. But the moths absorb on a broader spectrum. They're not from our dimension, and they can move in and out of gatespace, so they may be picking up energy in ways we don't recognize, as well. Remi or Alaric could tell you more." She adds, "What would you like to do on a rebellion ship, if you could choose?" Hana admits, "Science wasn't my strong suit, so I'm not sure I even know what to ask." She hums a name song to the mothling, adding, "Do you have a name?" She then tells Sasha, "I guess... get revenge? But that sounds petty and also vague. I'll be honest. I haven't been planning too far in the future. I wasn't even sure if I was going to come to this thing until I heard there was food." She tucks her hair behind her ear. Sasha tries not to react. Instead, she says, "I think this might be Dekany?" and whistles the appropriate scale. She adds, "Did someone tell you, there is a child like this inside every moth in the heptarchate? Or hexarchate?" Hana repeats the name and the scale. With a frown, she says, "I'd... read something like that this week, I think."

Sasha tells Hana that the moths "are forced into dreaming, most of the time. But we're going to give them the tools to wake each other up." She answers, "I think I can get behind that. Is that going to help with the rebellion?" Sasha says, "I don't know what the fuck a rebellion is for, if not for this. But yes. There are clear strategic advantages." Hana asks, "What sort of strategic advantages?" Sasha answers, "There are moths in all of the moths. Including the Kel warmoths. If we help them make choices of their own--I think they will be better disposed to us than to the heptarchate." Surprised, Hana says, "That... seems reasonable. Though I'd think the crews on board said moths might not like people traipsing in." Sasha responds, "You mean, how will we remove the harnesses in the first place? I don't think human presence is required. The Cantata has been practicing, with a proof of concept."

A small circle: Eddox, Hana, Sasha, Seyli, and the mothlings

Eddox and Seyli find Hana and Sasha. Eddox exclaims, "That’s them? The moths?" They drop to the floor. Simultaneously speaking and signing, they tell the mothlings, "Hello friends, I’m Eddox. How do you prefer to communicate?" The mothlings hum in response, imitating Eddox's signs. Hana joins Eddox on the floor, saying, "Aren't they amazing? You are all so clever. And I was so rude and didn't introduce myself, I'm Miss Hana." The euphoric blunts her sad associations with this form of her name. Eddox agrees, "They certainly are unique." They use their hearing aid to test the mothlings' auditory perceptions, noting that the range extends well beyond usual human perceptions.

With a smile, Seyli says, "Good evening, Sasha." Disconcerted by their uncharacteristic attire, she nods in greeting and shoves her hands in her pockets. Eddox says, "Miss Hana? Forgive my exuberance. I am Andan Eddox. And you must be Sasha. Charmed. And yes, I’m always like this." Using an archaic singular, Sasha says, "The pleasure is entirely mine." She reflects that teaching the mothlings sign language is a good idea. With a slight stammer, Hana says, "Just Hana is fine." In halting sign, she adds, "I used to be a teacher. Nice to meet you, friend." Eddox signs back, "Just Hana, then. A pleasure. Children tend to be a good judge of character, so I am predisposed to trust you."

Apologizing to the mothlings, Eddox stands. They smile at Sasha charmingly and say, "I am told you are the woman to speak to about practically anything here. I have been talking to the lovely Seyli, as well as the, hmm. The stoic Sulen, I think. Both have informed me you'll be capable of telling me just what the hell is actually going on? Did Molina forward my dossier?" With aggressive formality, Sasha says, "I do not have the pleasure of her acquaintance. Nor am I aware why you require an early briefing. Perhaps you will enlighten me?" Seyli thinks Sasha is being uncharacteristically rude. They say hesitantly, "It's a fair question, Sasha. It is a bit weird this is starting with a party and not a briefing, anyway."

Sasha gives Seyli a fractional nod. Feigning sweetness, she asks Eddox, "Are you familiar with the history of the arch-traitor, Shuos Jedao?" They ponder, eventually saying, "He’s that crazy murder twink right? One in all the histories? I’ve seen a couple dramas on him. Insane, but you do have to admire a man that walks into impossible odds, repeatedly. Anyway, I guess I do know about him. What of it?" In the background, Seyli squawks, then mutters, "He is not a twink." Tilting their head at Seyli, Eddox says, "Forgive me, I meant it half a joke. I know nothing of the man himself, just the historical record, and the ah, creative interpretations in videos."

Sasha tells Eddox that on the previous mission, "a suspect agent tasked" the team with assassinating Jedao: "I chose to kidnap him instead." Eddox says, "What an interesting interpretation of mission parameters. You say you made the decision to kidnap him. What did your agent have to say about that?" Sasha tells them, "As far as Quill is concerned, he has disappeared from that universe without a trace."

Looking Sasha over, Eddox says, "So it's like that then, all right. Well, I guess I can learn all the juicy gossip later. For now I'll play it by eye. But I do have one last very important question: Who is paying me and how much?" Sasha, who is familiar with the rebellion practice of remitting payments to agents' home timelines, says, "I am; and you're asking the wrong question. Grid, when is Umul Eddox being paid?"

By the wall: Alaric and Jedao; reaction from Dar

Jedao enters the room unobtrusively and stands near a wall. He is wearing the feather token Sasha gave him. Alaric is wearing a fancy lab coat with embroidery and many pockets. He is unenthusiastic about the party, but fills two plates with chocolate cake and acquires a glass of wine. On the other side of the room, Dar fumes as Alaric disarranges the cake she had planned as the centerpiece to the spread of desserts.

Alaric offers Jedao one of the cake plates. Smiling, Jedao says, "I'll try some, thank you. I must say, that's a solution to party wear for scientists that I haven't seen before." Alaric answers, "It's much more practical than most formal wear, isn't it? Form-fitting clothing is all well and good to look at, but you can't really carry a sonic wrench in something without pockets, can you? Luckily I'm a foreigner and I'm expected to dress in what some limited minds might consider an 'odd' manner."

Amused, Jedao says, "If only I had ever gotten Kel Command to think about practicality with high formal wear. My mother is a researcher, and she would approve. Admittedly, she's in biology so I'm not sure she'd be carrying a sonic wrench specifically. Whereabouts are you from, that cares about common sense more than high fashion?" Sighing, Alaric tells him, "I assume you've run into the tendency of people calling their planets things that translate into variations of 'ground' or 'dirt'? You are looking at a proud native of 'World', which orbits 'The Sun'. Supposedly there's a valid calendrical reasons, to implant the idea in people that it's the only place that really matters, but frankly I've looked through the math and I think it's more likely that justification was created out of embarrassment over how deeply unimaginative the original colonists were." Eyes crinkling, Jedao says, "There's a joke on Eshpatan that the name of the planet means 'Very Very Big Rock.' Because just 'Big Rock' wasn't good enough." He tries the cake, remarking, "Too sweet, but I suppose that's the nature of cake."

By another wall: Sasha and Xiulan

Xiulan notices Sasha by the edge of the room, putting away her tablet. Approaching, she says, "I wondered if there was going to be a warship’s worth of people to meet, when I saw all of this food. But, manageable so far. I’m Xiulan." Sasha replies, "Zuhrovet Sikandaret. I run the team, on the Cantata. I go by Sasha. How long have you been on the base, here? What sort of role have you been playing?" In answer to her question, Xiulan says, "I haven’t been on base long; about a week. There hasn’t been much going on. People gathering mainly. Ashari’s occupied." She notices Dar's reaction to the cake; her earrings swing as she moves her head, realizing Alaric is not a threat. She continues, "I’ve researched what I can in the meantime. It’s been...quiet, here. Before arriving at this base, they had me handle a couple of things. Milk run type stuff though, nothing fancy. For evaluation purposes I assume. But, I’m versatile. Black ops work in small teams with little support is something I’ve done a lot of. Which generally meant taking care of whatever the hell we had to ourselves. Seems like that might come in handy in this sort of resistance structure."

Xiulan's earrings remind Sasha of Ione. She suppresses her reaction, saying, "Working for an Andan is fucking weird sometimes, but Ashari rewards initiative. How are you with logistics?" Xiulan tells her, "If you mean in respect to planning small unit operations, I’ve done it plenty. Military supply chain management though? Not my thing. I’ve...worked with logistics officers before. It’s been a while. If you’re needing someone to coordinate supplies for the moth specifically, Dar’s someone to talk to. She did restaurant management in the past. Of the people I’ve met here, she’s the one that seems to have the best foundation."

Nodding, Sasha says, "I think this will involve both your skillsets. Here's the problem. Ashari chose to site a base in this universe because there was a low chance of interference from local humans. But it seems that things out there are just too quiet. They have been keeping a lid on the problem, because they wanted to consult with our science team. But I think they underestimated the risk of a nonhuman threat. I am going to recommend that we evacuate. I hope they will go for it. But in any event, we should have a set of evacuation plans, and we should be drilling."

Relaxing into thought, Xiulan says, "Good. It is indeed far too quiet here. There are fifty people or so on base currently. I don’t know if either of the other two moths are set to deploy soon. Does the Cantata have any weapons outfitted? And... Who else in your crew might have the experience to help coordinate? I’ve seen some profiles, but I don’t think everyone was covered." Sasha answers, "We have some weaponry, but it's limited. I'll forward you the specs. As far as the crew goes, Sulen is my second. They like keeping things organized. Aymad is good with operational planning, but we're losing him to Kaliyan's team--we should still be able to draw on him for analysis, though. Reshad is useful if you want someone to pour oil on troubled waters. Jedao has extensive military experience, but none of the former Kel will be comfortable working with him directly, and in all honesty we're still debriefing him."

Xiulan asks, "That's him, standing by Alaric? I'm not from somewhere that has the heptarchate or hexarchate or anything like it. Add in all the timeline...weirdness, and I'm just going to ask it; it's too important a thing to make assumptions about. Why aren't they going to be comfortable with him? As in, the him standing over there, not someone else. And will anyone else have the same problem?" Sasha says, "That is Jedao, yes. The problem is what versions of him did, or will have done, in other timelines. Has anybody briefed you on Quill?" Xiulan thinks for a minute, then confirms she has not heard of Quill.

Sasha explains, "Quill is a 'facilitator' within the rebellion, charged with integrating new recruits. She has been using that position to build a private fiefdom. In doing so, she has coordinated with enemies of the rebellion. On our most recent mission, we learned that Quill had tasked agents to assassinate Jedao, before he could win his most famous victory, or commit the massacre that made him famous. We kidnapped him to find out why." Xiulan laughs, saying, "Some days seem more like a game of Bullshit wrapped up in Academy hazing than others. It's a card game. The briefing I got did mention Jedao - in a rather different capacity than explained him at a party eating cake mind you, but hey, you've covered that. But I'd looked up the name. Extensive military experience indeed. That's good. That's really good. There's a lot that can be done with that. Anyone else know about the evacuation idea yet or should I remind myself this is supposed to be a party?" Sasha laughs in response: "Oh, this is the best party in any of several hells. We'll be toasting soon. I asked Sulen to prepare Ashari for the idea of evacuation, and I spoke to Remi and Alaric about the underlying threat. But I haven't had a chance to make a general briefing."

Xiulan says, "Given those parameters, I'm sure of it. Are you thinking of a specific threat it could be then?" Sasha answers, "I have a theory, it involves the mothlings and the science team, I would like to get the fuck out of this universe before we find out if I'm right." Xiulan replies, "Here’s hoping. In the meantime, I’m going to go introduce myself to Sulen and think some more about an evac plan."

By the drinks table: Sulen and Xiulan

Xiulan approaches Sulen, who is watching her warily due to her Ninefox signifier. She says, "Hi - Sulen? I'm Xiulan. Sasha mentioned you're her second." They say, "That is correct. Welcome aboard. I noticed you've spoken with our commander. Did she raise our current concerns with you?" With a slight smile, Xiulan says, "All of them? I don’t know. But we did talk about the need to get out of this timeline, sooner than later. Hopefully your chat with Ashari on that went well. Anyway, evacuation plans and drilling them, if we can’t get out right away. She also mentioned Quill. But it sounded like there was more debriefing to occur before the road was clear to next steps there."

At the drinks table: Deyna, Sasha, and Shess

Sasha is filling small glasses with alcohol. She greets Shess by their full name: "We're going to toast, in a minute. There is a glass here for you and one for Caro Deyna--unless you would like to take this tray around? The flutes hold water." Deyna says, "I'll have a drink, if that's all right. I could use it. Zuhrovet, is it? Zuhrovet Sasha?" Giving her a glass, Sasha says, "Just Sasha works, for most purposes. And you are Caro Deyna. Should we toast a round or two with just us, before things get formal?"

Shess apologizes, "Sorry, lost in my own little world there for a moment. I haven't had this liquor before; is it very strong? If there's going to be a lot of toasting, maybe I should use water for some of it." Grinning at Deyna, Sasha says, "It is approximately 80% grain ethanol by volume." Taking the glass from Sasha, Deyna says, "That sounds perfect. This isn't exactly my usual speed, if you couldn't tell. I'm more of a meat and potatoes kind of person, less of the orders. Hors d'oeuvres. Shess, if you want to stay sober, you can take the tray around while we drink? Or I can do it, after I have some of this." She asks Sasha what kind of grain is in the alcohol. Sasha says, "Yeah, I have no idea what the fuck a potato is. This is long-grain rice from some planet with an elaborate network of cultivated traditional wetlands. At least, that's what the label says. To the rebellion?"

Consolidation and new alignments

Though the challenges it faces are daunting and the interpersonal dynamics are still fraught, the Cantata team exhibits a new level of cohesiveness as its members prepare for a new mission. Sasha, who initially feared and resented Ashari's decision to place her in command, has become deeply emotionally invested in the team's survival; finding a balance between her personal protectiveness toward team members and the dangers inherent in the team's role may be among her most significant leadership challenges. Despite their greater leadership experience, Ashari is handling the stresses of command less effectively as this new 'chapter' opens. Ashari's strengths lie in personal magnetism and recruitment of key talents, rather than in organization and administrative detail; moreover, they struggle to integrate their desire for a flourishing group of associates with their attraction to dangerous personal enterprises. The likelihood that they will delegate administrative duties to one of their 'lieutenants', in order to pursue an individual project, seems high; such an action would pose challenges for Sulen, for whom Ashari represents a point of continuity amid the chaos that is their new role in the rebellion.

The team members are divided in their response to the party; in this sense, it is less than effective as a team-building exercise. Alaric is ill at ease without an excuse to talk shop, though he does succeed in making a personal connection with Jedao, who perhaps appreciates his comparative lack of interest in Jedao's potential timelines. Xiulan actively enjoys talking shop with Sasha. Deyna also responds positively to Sasha's bluntness, as well as making something of an ally in Shess, who is disoriented by the large number of new people and experiences, but striving to contribute. For Dar, cooking for the party is valued work in and of itself. Though she and Sulen have a somewhat awkward start, Sulen rightly values her potential contributions to genuine team building.

Ione and Reshad genuinely appreciate the party. Hana requires significant chemical assistance to enjoy anything, but the mothlings surprise her and offer unexpected possibilities for future selves. Mafyyil also enjoys the party, though her conversation makes clear how little she yet understands about heptarchate or hexarchate norms and expectations. Her comments on Hafn views of perfection disturb Xiulan, who has unpleasant associations with human/machine hybrid systems. Seyli's enthusiasm for dressing up surprises their team members; their preparations do offer a chance for a personal connection with Reshad, and they are charmed by Eddox's flirtation, as is Sulen. Sasha typically reacts to people she considers beautiful and manipulative with hostility; her challenging response to Eddox is perhaps less notable than the fact that Seyli successfully urges her toward moderation. Even Sasha recognizes that Eddox's experience using sign language to communicate with nonhuman beings is likely to prove an asset to the team.