Move 3.2 Recap

After Sasha calls for a formal toast, Jedao recognizes Remi as Kujen. His face goes white, and he drains his glass of liquor.

Dar and Sulen; Dar and Sasha

Dar knocks back the toast, thinking about the aliens and the intense reaction from a man she doesn't recognize. Sasha moves toward her and introduces herself: "Thank you for the spread, it is astonishing." She realizes that she should have tried the food. Dar notices that she hasn't, but says only, "So glad you like it, sir. I figure we'd better feast now, 'cause we won't have time later." Sasha tells her, "You have a point. Things are likely to move very quickly, once Ashari shifts out of social mode. How have you been finding the base so far?" Dar answers, "The base? It's real civilized, sir. All kinds of new tech. I'm hopping to keep up."

Sasha asks, "Have you experimented with variable layout? And have you received anything like an inventory of our stores, on the Cantata?" Dar says, "Don't know if I'm comfortable with the variable layout thing, but I'll get there, sir. No ship inventory yet, but I've been looking at what's available in storage here on the base." Sasha asks, "What is your assessment of the base supplies?" Dar tells her, "There's probably enough Kel ration bars t' feed the crew for three years, but that's not my idea of a good time. There's actually a pretty good amount of fresh foodstuffs, produce, dairy, even meat, but I'd need t' know about our suspended storage on the ship. In between, there's enough canned and frozen stores for more than a year. But what about those other ships? They'll be drawing on the same supplies, right?" Sasha says, with a smile, "Ration bars are a very efficient protein source. We have, oh, maybe three or four cubic meters of suspended storage. We could build it out with some downtime, but I suspect we won't get it. And yes, all three ships draw on the same supplies, as does anyone staying here on base." Dar sums up, "Sounds like we could store maybe 180 days' worth of stuff, easy. Would they let us take that much? How long will we be in travel before we can re-stock?" Sasha says, "There are a couple of possibilities for our next mission. Might be forty days, might be seventy, might be breaking down this base entirely. I expect I will be more precise tomorrow."

A dramatic reaction: Alaric, Jedao, and Seyli; Reshad and Sulen; messages with Sasha

Seeing Jedao's reaction after the toast, Reshad asks in Shuos sign, "Status?" Jedao signs ironically, "An old friend."

Seyli approaches Jedao and asks, "Problem with someone?" Jedao tells them, "Pardon me. I need to report to Sasha when she is not occupied. May I ask the name of your scientist with the mothlings?" Disconcerted by Jedao's formality, Seyli says, "You don't have to talk like that to me." They explain that "Nirai Remi" has "been here since before I joined," and ask why he wants to know. Jedao says, "I'll remember that. Remi? How long has he been with the rebellion, do you know? Or is this a question I should address to someone else?" Frowning, Seyli says, "Without a doubt. Sasha, Sulen, Rashad, they were around when he came aboard."

Carrying a plate of pork ribs, Alaric interjects, "We semi-kidnapped him from - no, wait, I'm thinking of the other one. Our first mission, we were sent to retrieve him. He was doing research on the mothlings, which is why we've got that half of our menagerie. He was very concerned about making sure we brought them along." Seyli chokes on a laugh: "I think Jedao knows we kidnapped him, yes." Still watching Remi, Jedao jokes, "You 'liberated' me. Lean into the propaganda." Alaric says, "No, I'm referring to Gerae, who I'm pretty sure we also took from that station and stuffed in a cell for a while. I'll admit I'm a bit unclear about the exact circumstances; I was busy trying to drug and kidnap our own baby fox at the time and only met him after I recovered Fluffy for him. That entire mission didn't really go as planned." Seyli asks, "Have any of our missions gone according to plan?"

Meanwhile, Sulen notices Jedao's distress and approaches Reshad. They ask, "Is everything all right?" Reshad says carefully, "I don't think we're in any imminent danger. You were here before me. Remi came aboard very early in the timeline, did he not?" Sulen confirms, "Yes. Very early. But I’m from the same time as Jedao, and I am not aware of any historical figure with Remi’s name, appearance or background. Personally, I had assumed he originally died or faded into obscurity without our intervention. He is not the kind of person who rises high in the heptarchate." Reshad tells them, "That's good. I'm hoping what we have is a case of mistaken identity."

Meandering toward the buffet table, Reshad signs to Jedao, "Imminent danger?" He signs back, "I require clarification on a point of identity." He takes one of the euphorics. Reshad signs, "Accepted. He's an early timeline moth scientist. What's target identity? Extract?" He replies, "Request opportunity to deliver full report to you and Sasha in a less crowded setting. Please extract." Reshad tells Sulen, "I'm going to try and pull him out of--that. See if it helps to make this a non-incident." Taking a pastry, she moves toward the group with Jedao, calling, "Jedao, have you met Xiulan and Hana yet? Since we're all doing the rounds." He says, "I don't believe I've had the pleasure," following her. Reshad says, "Well, then, now's your opportunity."

Reshad messages Sasha, "Something is up. Jedao requests report. Soonest is probably best." Using Shuos sign, she tells Jedao that the report has been requested: "Retreat to the moth if you need." Sasha receives the message, and instructs the grid to send an acknowledgment to Reshad. She moves in Jedao's direction. On the way, she picks up a samosa and asks the grid to create a private room using variable layout.

A temporary distraction: Hana, Jedao, Reshad, and Xiulan; interruption from Sasha

Reshad tells Hana and Xiulan, "I wasn't sure if you'd met our other new team member," gesturing toward Jedao. She looks significantly toward Jedao, hoping Xiulan will understand she should look after him, then meanders away, pretending this is still an ordinary party.

Xiulan has noticed Jedao's distress and set down her glass. Recognizing Reshad's signal, she greets Jedao, saying, "I'm Xiulan. Sasha was just telling me you’re the one to talk to about some questions I had. But. I'm remembering we're at a party and some people have strong feelings about shop talk at parties." Jedao says, "On the contrary, parties are the best place for shop talk. But I recognize this is a minority opinion. One of the games we used to play in my academy days was to see just how incriminating conversations we could have at parties without getting called on it. What's it like where you're from?" The euphoric does not appear to be having much effect on him. Xiulan says, "Good opinions aren't always widespread. Often quite the opposite. Different place, different Academy. But not so different in some other ways it sounds like. We had to do something to liven things up after all. I'm from a timeline where there isn't a heptarchate or hexarchate - as far as I know. But I've been in timelines that do for a few years now."

Jedao asks, "Do you prefer a world without a heptarchate? Given your presence in this organization. I assume there are as many dystopias without one as there are with." Xiulan answers, "From what I’ve seen so far? Yes. But that isn’t to say - even a little - that things are perfect back home. There’s a hell of a lot that could be improved. Some in massive ways. But...the things that I’ve heard of that go into maintaining the high calendar here? Every time I think I’ve got a handle on it, something else comes up. There isn’t...that. But I realize it’s not as simple as cutting the head off the snake, to do something here. Leave a vacuum and it sounds like there are a myriad of other oppressions that might roll right in."

Feeling the effects of her own euphorics, Hana says to Jedao, "Oh, this is going to sound so weird, but has anyone told you-? You're the spitting image of, of that guy! First the squid babies and now you, what a day. I wonder who else is coming to the party?" Teasing, Jedao says, "I hope I don't resemble your most obnoxious ex-boyfriend, whatever his name was."

Xiulan remarks, "With this mash up of timelines, I wonder how much more mistaken identities happen. Or if anyone’s yet run into another version of themselves." She looks at Jedao, indicating that she's restraining herself around the intoxicated person. With a fractional nod, Jedao says, "Sasha did say she anticipated going up against another version of me. I'm almost looking forward to the experience. How much do versions of people diverge, does anyone know?" Xiulan answers, "I don't know; I haven’t even heard if there’s been a confirmed instance of two different versions of a person encountering one another. I'd think they could diverge quite a lot...but. Thinking about time travel implications spins up a hundred other questions pretty quickly. Including impact to—all of this. So, sounds like we should ask for a primer on what’s known. And then figure out how to fill in the gaps." Jedao tells her, "I look forward to your analysis once our leadership briefs us. I bet there are a lot of obnoxious ex-boyfriend-alikes out there, which could be distressing..."

Hana says, "Oh, I don't have any ex-boyfriends. Half my students believe boys have cooties and honestly, honestly? I'm fairly certain they're correct. No offense!" Shereaches toward Jedao, trying to pat his cheek, and continues, "You'd be awfully cute if it weren't for looking like, oh, what's-his-name, starts with a J, the fox who killed everyone. Iiiiit... was... Jaydo? Anyway, tough luck, friend. What's your name?" Smiling and dodging, Jedao says, "Alas, you're right, we do all have cooties. My name's Garach Jedao."

Hana says, "What the fuck. Why would your parents name you that??" Drawling, Jedao says, "Just my mom, actually. My sire was noncustodial, and if truth be told it was mostly my older brother done raised me. What 'Jedao' means in the language is 'honesty,' which, of course, no one ever believes." Xiulan says, "Honesty? That must have been fun. Mine’s ‘graceful orchid’, which...I had to kick a brother or two over that one. I'm not sure who was behind it; my father, I guess." She nods and adds, "I think Sasha is looking for you."

Sasha, who has heard only the explanation of Xiulan's name, says, "My name is 'planetary conqueror'. I regret the interruption, but I do need to speak to Jedao." Bowing and following her, Jedao says, "Have you ever been tempted to put your name into action?" Sasha jokes, "I prefer 'liberator'."

Hana and Xiulan

As Jedao and Sasha leave, Hana says, unpleasant realization dawning, "Wait wait wait. Wait. That wasn't really - that's not really the Immolation Fox, is it?" Xiulan tells Hana, "Yes and no. He was only called that after Hellspin Fortress, right? That is Jedao, but Sasha said he’s from a timeline before his most famous victory or the massacre. The Cantata team pulled him out before any of that happened. And, it sounds like there’s more to the overall situation than that alone. Anyway, I think some of this ties back to what we were talking about a few minutes ago. Different versions of a person, having made different choices and gone through different experiences. Who knows what we might encounter, jumping around like we are." She offers Hana water.

Hana says, "Okay. I need... I probably need to sit down. And find an antineebranee. An anti-inebrient. A - I should be less drunk." Xiulan approves this plan, suggests a chair, and finds a packet of pills for Hana in the kitchen. Hana sits heavily and apologizes: "Just give me a second, I don't want to be - euphorics help." Xiulan asks sympathetically, "Rough time of it since leaving your timeline?" Hana answers, "Something like that. Don't - don't really wanna be here, when everything stops." She finds herself nauseated, and isn't sure whether the alcohol or the anti-inebriants are to blame. A half-remembered Mwennin curse slips out. Once Hana is somewhat recovered, Xiulan helps her leave the ballroom.

Istradez and Reshad

Istradez slips into the ballroom just in time for the toast, and takes a glass of sparkling water. Reshad is at first pleased and relieved by the sight of Mikodez, then realizes this is the man described as his "evil twin". She greets him, asking, "Do you go by Strashik? I'm Reshad." Noticing her reaction, Istradez says with a grin, "That's one name I've gone by. My name's Istradez. What are you doing here in this time of unseemly revelry?"

Reshad says, "Istradez! A pleasure. I'm Reshad. Pardon; I heard your name from someone with a tendency to nickname people." She jokes that she is "snooping outrageously", and asks what he is up to, while watching Sasha. Istradez says, "Yes, Sasha does like to do that. I lose track of her nicknames if I don't consult my notes, personally. Including my own. I'm just checking out the newcomers. I had to sit out the previous mission--your mission--for medical reasons. Happens to the best of us, I suppose. I don't suppose you have vulpine tendencies?" Amused, Reshad says, "If there's more of them, I might have to start writing them down myself. I hope you're recovering well!" She admits that her Shuos inclinations are "more than tendencies": "Before I came here, I took orders from Hexarch Mikodez." Istradez says he "should be just about fit for duty," declining to discuss the lingering effects of multiple head injuries. Reshad says warmly, "I'm sure duty will be glad to have you back."

With an exaggerated show of respect, Istradez asks if her orders were "from the hexarch himself? You must have caught his eye, then. He always did like nurturing talent." Reshad tells him, "Just the once. But that's hardly party material. What sort of thing do you like to do, when you're on station?" Avoiding old, bitter subjects, Istradez says, "Most of my skills are infiltration-adjacent, but medical limitations make that more difficult. I can do some analysis and administration work when I have to; it's friendlier to my health issues. As for recreation, I like eating food that is not sweet. The more savory the better. Given the efforts of the new quartermaster-cook, I have high hopes." Reshad reflects that using family as one's double is within the range of Shuos eccentricity. She says, "It's the analysis and administration that makes the stars go 'round. I've had just a bit of the food. It's phenomenal. Did you try the things with the curry in them yet?" Istradez agrees that he should try them next.

Watching Sasha disappear into the new room, Reshad apologizes, "I'm sorry, I might have to go and work. Hopefully, we can chat more later on." Istradez says, "Don't let me keep you from work! It's been a pleasure." Reshad agrees. As she leaves, Istradez reflects that this was a comparatively good Shuos encounter.

Reshad and Xiulan

Reshad explains, "I'm no grid diver, but as I understand it, the moth is made insensate by a device, the harness. That's linked to the mothgrid. Alaric and Remi were able to attack it somehow." Xiulan nods, observing, "I still need to meet Alaric. Do you know if the grid attack was capable of being remote - over the lattice or otherwise - or needed a local connection?" Reshad continues, "Cantata is awake now - I'm afraid I don't know the particulars, but you can always ask it. Speak anywhere aboard the moth and it'll hear you, I believe." With a raised eyebrow, Xiulan says, "Will it then? And see, too? Does presence aboard a moth basically equate to ongoing surveillance? And so, who can access the data?"

Deyna and Eddox

Clicking their tongue, Eddox says, "It is a rather odd way to conduct business, wouldn’t you say? Putting aside the time travel, which is a very big aside granted but still, putting that aside, you think there would be more organization or forthrightness. But then again, maybe they just hired me to talk to the aliens. Hmm. What a waste. Have you heard of the plans for evacuation? Have you seen anything that could be suspect?"

Seyli and Xiulan

Xiulan reflects that Seyli's dress reminds her of something from her own universe. She approaches them, saying, "Seyli? Hi, I’m Xiulan. Got a moment to talk about moth weaponry?" Shifting to a more military posture, Seyli says, "I'm always ready to talk about moth weaponry. You're not a Kel, I don't think, but a soldier of some kind?"

notes

Seyli's confusion about Reshad's arrival

Dar thinks Sasha looks young & worried