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 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." Watching the bustle and sipping a euphoric, Ashari says, "Well, I'm glad that's settled. I suppose the pickles can wait after all."
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.
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 them 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."
