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

Sulen offers, "I can show you around the ship after the party, unless you would rather rest." Dar says, "I'd like that, a lot, if you can wait 'til I've got all the servitors pointed in the right direction for the clean-up. I'll be tired, yeah, but it'll cool me down t' do something different." They both drink the toast, and notice Jedao's intense reaction, though Dar doesn't recognize him. Sulen makes their excuses and goes to investigate the situation with Jedao.

Sasha, who has been watching Remi and the mothlings, moves toward Dar 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."

Hana and Xiulan, mingling

Hana enjoys the toast, but makes a mental note that she should stop drinking soon. She greets Xiulan and offers her a samosa: "These are very good. I'm Hana. Have we met? I don't mean to be rude, it's just been a very busy few weeks and honestly I'm not sure if I'm coming or going." Xiulan thanks her, adding, with an admiring glance at the spread of food, "What do you bet we’re going to be living off of leftovers for a week? We did meet, but—it’s not as if there aren’t fifty other people on base. I’m Xiulan. A few weeks? I’ve only been here the one. What brought you here?" Hana says that she "wouldn't complain if these were the leftovers" and explains that she has "only been here on this base about a week as well," clarifying, "I meant - well, everything else. Before that had also been, ah, busy. It's a bit of a story, but a rift brought me here and now I'm with the rebellion, since I don't really have anywhere else to go. What about you?"

Xiulan agrees with Hana's favorable assessment of the food: "I’ve eaten far worse on missions. And it sounds like Dar’s shipping out with us, so if we’re lucky, dinner may continue to avoid tragedy even once the feast runs out." She describes her own path: "A rift brought me here too. To a hexarchate timeline that is - three or so years ago now. So a lot has been...new, since then. The rebellion - I met up with some members a few months back. And now, here I am. Have you chatted with anyone yet about what you might be doing? Role-wise that is. Not that I expect anyone’s going to be staying in a ‘box’ in a situation like this. We’ll need everyone doing everything they can. But existing skills are still worth being aware of."

Deyna, Ione, and Sulen

Deyna watches the crowd, feeling the burn of liquor in her throat. Ione joins her, smiling. Deyna greets her and begins to offer a hand to shake, then corrects herself with a bow, saying, "I like your dress?" She admires Ione and infers that she must be an established member of the team.

Sulen also approaches Deyna, saying, "The food is very good. Thank you for your role in providing it. Are you enjoying the event?" Still worried about her failure to bow earlier, Deyna says, "Of course. But Dar's the one who did everything, I was just another set of hands. It's a nice party. A bit fancier than I'm usually going to, but it's very nice." Sulen agrees, "It is. The person who organized it is very good at their job. But we are still a group of loosely organized, underfunded rebels. I would not worry too much about correct etiquette." Appreciating their hint, Deyna says, "You're right. Not like there's a lot to go on though. How long have you been...with the group?" She wonders how quickly she will have to prove herself.

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, recuperating

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, then returns to the party.

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.

An interview: Jedao, Reshad, and Sasha; messages with Seyli

Sasha leads Jedao into a small room she has created using variable layout; it has a second exit, mainly for psychological comfort. She says, "Tell me what's happening. Unless you would prefer to wait for Reshad?" Jedao says, "I think it couldn't hurt to have another perspective, in case I am badly mistaken, but it is you I'm sworn to." Sasha responds, "Tell me, then. What is going on?"

Jedao explains, "Your Nirai Remi bears an uncanny resemblance to a video clip I saw of the Nirai I used to...work with, before you spirited me away, in his original incarnation. I heard Remi speak. It's the same inflections, the same intonations. They move the same way. Perhaps it's a coincidence. I am not sanguine about the situation, but I thought I should bring it to your attention."

Entering the room, Reshad says, "Your co-conspirator. Is there some way your Nirai would betray himself? Some reaction he should have, to something said or done by someone other than you?" Sasha puts in, "Let's start with, what was this Nirai's name, and when was he from?" Jedao says, very still, "Hexarch Nirai Kujen. I don't know if that was always his name. When I met him, in my time, he was already a few centuries old. From the mid-300s, if I'm not mistaken." Sasha enters a command on her tablet, sending a message to Seyli, then asks, "What do you know of this hexarch's early life?" Thinking, Reshad says, "That's not a name I know. And if he'd been alive that long... There should have been something." She reflects that a person associated with Jedao would be particularly unlikely to disappear from the historical record.

Jedao says, "Kujen's early life? He was reticent about his childhood. He was a refugee on some world assimilated by the heptarchate in his childhood. I don't know specifics, not even the name of the world. He worked with Heptarch Nirai Esfarel at one point. Beyond that...he liked to tell stories about worlds he'd seen, and wars, but I don't know how much of it was invention." With extremely careful neutrality, he adds, "He was an excellent dancer. Both solo dances and partnered dances, lead or follow. He preferred to lead."

Sasha says slowly, "We retrieved Remi from the year 361. He was a refugee as a child--he told me about foraging for food. He is a dancer. He is also, in my experience, an intensely moral person. I expect you are correct, and this is some form of the same person. Not just from these coincidences of biography, but because Quill sent us to retrieve him. She gave us a young and feckless version of the future Hexarch Mikodez, as well. And she involved the rebellion in your own timeline. What happens, then, if we are both right? If Remi is a person who could become our enemy, but is now our ally?" She fidgets with her tablet, answering a message from Seyli, while she waits for the others to respond. Reshad reflects that there is a parallel between this version of Jedao and this version of Kujen. With concern for Jedao in her voice, she says, "Then, we may need to know what sort of a person he could become. It may not have to be tonight - unless you assess the danger to be urgent."

Jedao says, "If I thought it were so urgent as to endanger you immediately, I would have dealt with the matter myself, despite the cost. You're asking whether to extend to him the courtesy you did to me, given what I did in my future. Short-term strategy I'd say get rid of him. Longer-term he might well be an asset, and given Kujen's skill at mathematics and technology, he's a more important one than I'll ever be. Tacticians are as common as flowers in the field, after all. Even the version of him that I knew, I judged a useful ally, although a perilous one. If this is before he gains the ability to jump into new bodies when he's killed, then it wouldn't be that difficult to kill him if he does prove treacherous. The Kujen I knew was, not to put too fine a point on it, terrible at combat." While watching Sasha, Reshad asks, "Is there a way to tell? Aside from the obvious." Jedao tells her, "Not that I'm aware. I found out the obvious way. I didn't see any point in repeating the experiment, because he threatened to jump into me next. I didn't want to find out if it was a bluff." Reshad agrees, "No, that's a risk best avoided."

Sasha says, "Remi is not sworn to me, but I am responsible for him. This Kujen, he is immortal because he takes many bodies, each in turn? What happens to the other minds? And is there a limit, in how far he can jump?" Disconcerted by the calm violence implied by Sasha's question, Reshad asks, "Is there a ...backup?" She reflects that the problem is reminiscent of tales involving "a goose egg hidden in a turtle, hidden in a pond."

Jedao tells Sasha, "Understood. Kujen told me once that most people whom he possessed went mad in short order, and he kept a 'supply' of compatible 'bodies.' He was powerful enough to arrange that, I suppose. I don't know the specifics. Sometimes he shared a body with someone long-term. As for the range, short of an empirical test I don't know." Apparently confused by Reshad's question, he says, "I'm not sure what kind of backup you mean. I will say that it's not impossible Kujen wasn't the only one with the ability, but he guarded his secrets jealously. It was actually one of the reasons I negotiated with him, after he showed up and accused me of high treason in person." Sasha is horrified by the thought of Kujen controlling other people's bodies, but reflects that the team may be able to strike against him. She tells Jedao, "We will speak to Remi, and assess his truthfulness. Is there assurance that you require, beyond my word?" Jedao answers, "Your word is assurance enough."

Sasha says, "Good. Jedao, I want a written report from you on Kujen's powers, known and estimated, by end of day tomorrow. The science team will have insight that you or I do not. Reshad, I'll want Sulen and Ione with Remi, and--I think Xiulan? If you don't mind? I'm going to make this room a little larger." Jedao tells Sasha, "Understood. I'll have that report for you and Reshad by tomorrow morning."

Reshad reflects that Jedao's report may contain a better answer to her question about "backup" versions of Kujen. She says, "I'd like to see that report," and asks Jedao, "Ready to go back out there? I'll try and keep some distance between you and him." Jedao remarks, "I should probably get some food into myself." Reshad leaves the interview room with him and begins to collect the people Sasha has requested, starting with Xiulan and Ione. Jedao acquires a plate of food and leaves the party with it.

Eddox, investigating; messages with Sasha

Eddox notices Jedao's reaction to Remi after the toast and the exchange of signs between Jedao and Reshad. They return to their quarters with all necessary haste and retrieve their slate. They instruct the grid to display transcripts of "all conversations on the station in the last three hours, chronologically" and "all conversations on station within the last ten seconds" in two separate windows, thereby obtaining a record of the party discussions outside the interview room Sasha has created. They return to the ballroom and join a conversation centered around Remi. Meanwhile, Sasha messages, "⭐ demonstration grid literacy." Head tilted, Eddox decides it will be more amusing to pretend this is not a warning. They reply, "Thanks, babe! ✌️👅" Oblivious to any innuendo, Sasha acknowledges their message and makes a note to check their devices later that evening.

At the buffet: Dar, Remi, Seyli, and the mothlings, joined by Shess and Sulen, then Eddox and Reshad; messages with Sasha

Seyli takes a plate of food, muttering "Holy shit" in appreciation. Remi approaches them, mothlings in tow, and says, "Pardon me. Do you think anyone will mind if I feed the mothlings some of this repast? They seem to be hungry..." Seyli says, "I...doubt it? They're part of the crew after all, aren't they?" They offer one of the mothlings a filled bun. Via their augment, they receive a message from Sasha: "pls keep an eye on Remi, thx, S." They reply, "Noted? Anything in specific."

Watching the mothlings, Dar says, "Is that good for them - grain flour and meat? What do they eat for usual?" Seyli says, "I'm pretty sure one of them ...ate a shrimp thing earlier. And Remi is the resident expert in our tentacular friends." The mothling reduces the bun they are holding out to a shriveled husk; other mothlings float closer. Blinking, Remi says, "I wonder how they control the effect? Since clearly your hand hasn't been...drained in the same fashion." He offers the other mothlings a plate of buns. Seyli asks, "You mean you don't know?" while feeding the mothling another bun. Half-teasing, they add, "That's only mildly terrifying, aren't you suppose to know everything as a Nirai?" Smiling, Remi says affectionately, "I'm recording data even as we speak. They haven't shown any signs of harming people yet and I'm hoping that trend only continues. Besides, they're little yet."

Laughing, Dar says, "Hah! Question is, what do they eat when they can't get duck buns and shrimp chips, Nirai sir?" Remi tells her, "You're the cook, yes? Amazing work. I haven't had as much chance as I'd like to sample the food, what with ushering the mothlings around. But as far as we ever knew, they normally subsist on energy sources. One of the initial contact team had a report of a captive moth draining a battery." With a small smile and bow, Dar says, "We might need the batteries. Maybe set up some kind of little power plant, for a feeder for them?" Remi says, "It's a good idea. I just don't know how to teach them what an acceptable feeder is, as opposed to them latching on to our power sources. Cantata might help there."

Seyli suggests hesitantly, "I don’t suppose we can train them like puppies? Show them where their food is and teach them to only eat from certain places?" Remi says, "It's definitely worth a try. I'll be honest--I asked to work on moth research and was accepted for it because of certain mathematical and physics implications about gate-space, but I don't have a lot of practical experience in fields like first contact or training animals or childrearing. Have you raised puppies or other animals?" Seyli says, "Well, not really. A Kel moth isn't really the place for it, but I've listened to several books on the subject. It's always something I've wanted to do if I made it to retirement. And these little ones seem way smarter than dogs, you said they could communicate though a program of some kind, or did I mishear that?" They offer another mothling a treat and pat them like a puppy.

Sulen has just messaged Sasha, asking, "Anything I should know?" They join the group, saying, "Raising dogs would certainly be easier if they could be communicated with using more than simple commands. How food motivated are the creatures, would you guess?" Sasha messages both Seyli and Sulen: "Jedao may know an older Remi. Will interview R next."

Remi explains, "There's a translation program, mostly Alaric's work. The little ones sometimes babble, but they're quite intelligent considering how young they are. They do seem social--that tracks with observations of wild moths--and I would hazard that in some ways their society is not so different than that of the Vraselian pseudo-dragons that we also have onboard. They like music very much...I admit I don't know how much energy they'll require to grow, or how fast they'll grow. This was precisely what the research program was hoping to find out before we absconded with the little ones." Still playing with the mothlings, Seyli jokes, "At least we don't have to train these guys to stay off the work table. I'm no scientist, but if you ever need help working with them, Remi, I'm more than willing to pitch in." They decide they will ask Alaric about the translation program. Remi tells them, "I'd welcome that. I often find that a non-scientist sees things that I don't--it's a matter of perspective." Dar remarks, "We had cats, back home. They had a job, they kept the vermin out of the food storage. But training them is kind of ... not worth it, most times? I guess we did train them to keep off the work table. Hah. At least, when we were in the room."

Shess, who has been listening to the conversation for a little while, says timidly, "I think I keep expecting them to act more like chickens. Oh. Hello. I'm Kandoir Shess. I'm...one of the new people." Interested, Remi says, "Hello, Shess--do you have experience with livestock? During my childhood, all the chickens were gone...the only time anyone got meat was hunting in the countryside. I still remember the first time someone let me have a whole drumstick all to myself." Taken aback, Shess says, "A little. But I wasn't around them consistently as a child, and my own first and only flock died off before they really started laying--we weren't sure if it was a virus, or there were reports of feed contamination--" They remember rumors suggesting that the death of livestock might have been caused by foreign intervention, either the neighboring federation or the hexarchate.

Seyli says, "It's nice to meet you, Shess. I'm sorry about your childhood chickens? I'm Seyli, I'm with the Cantata." Remi muses, "We don't know what diseases moths are susceptible to, or nutrient deficiencies for that matter..." Flustered, Shess explains, "Oh, the chickens from my childhood--well, they're not actually fine, because chickens don't live that long, but they weren't decimated like that. The flock that died was when I tried to run the family farm, as an adult. Still, I didn't expect that many losses. But I did go through decontamination procedures before leaving the planet! Er. It's nice to meet you too, Seyli. I think I'm supposed to be joining you. I used to know someone who was part of an animal nutritional research program. Mind, it was for conservation of a non-tamed species, and I really mean I knew them; I don't know any details of what they did. But I expect moth biochemistry, I suppose it is, would be interesting. Given the food husks and stuff."

Eddox joins the others, taking Seyli's arm again. With a slight flush, Seyli says, "It will be nice to have new people aboard. It seems like most new people are more fascinated with the moths than I thought to be at first. Oh, here, you and Eddox should get to know one another, Shess. You'll both be new."

Reshad appears, telling Sulen and Remi, "Would you come chat with Sasha, please?" Sulen says, "Of course, specialist." They take a water glass, but do not drink from it. Remi asks Reshad, "Do you want me with or without the mothlings? I understand they can be distracting. If someone would volunteer to look after them..." Dar says, "Certainly." She wonders where people are disappearing to, and if she should find a denser energy source for the mothlings. Smiling at Dar, Remi says, "Thank you. Er--if for some reason this goes long, they can be safely handled and placed elsewhere for safekeeping." He demonstrates a "three-note melody" that "usually encourages them to come, although sometimes they're a little quixotic." Dar says, "So I'm gonna get them some different foods to try." Remi says, "Well, I'll see if Alaric has any thoughts on moth nutrition. I believe my attention is wanted elsewhere--it has been lovely speaking to all of you. Do keep notes on any new behavior the mothlings exhibit!" He follows Reshad to the smaller meeting room.

Disappointed that they can't talk to Remi and find out why he made Jedao so worried, Eddox gently lets go of Seyli's arm. They smile and bow to Shess, in a pleasantly intimidating fashion: "An absolute pleasure to meet you. I’m Andan Eddox."

Watching the mothlings: Dar and Seyli

The mothlings' tentacles wave toward the room where Remi and Sasha are. Dar asks, "Hey, do you guys know where everyone else is gone off to?" Seyli moves toward her and says, "I think there is a minor incident. I'm sure there will be a debriefing. I'll watch the moths if you want to go get different foods for them." They reflect that they are less sure that there will be a debriefing than their words suggest. Dar thanks Seyli cheerfully and goes to the kitchen, returning with a tray of all sorts of different foodstuffs, as well as a battery and a fuel oil cell from a defective kitchen torch. The mothlings are drawn to the fuel oil cell, a dish of warm shrimp chips, and the battery. One mothling makes patterns in a dish of sugar. Watching them, Dar is touched. She speculates about ways to give the mothlings heat.

Seyli says, "I think this is the strangest party I've ever attended." Amused, Dar says, "Yeah, you're right about that. I'm not going to bring out the rest of dessert until most of them come back. If you got any ideas on where they all went, I'm interested." She notices that Eddox is now flirting with Deyna, but decides Deyna does not need an immediate rescue. Seyli says, "They're talking with Remi, if I tracked everything right. He's a scientist, works with the mothlings. Ah...Have you been briefed on our team? Because if you don't know the person they were speaking to before, this might be...awkward."

Hands on her hips, Dar says, "So you mean the guy who got all freaked out and left just now? I didn't see him in the crew list. Why's he such a problem?" Reluctantly, Seyli says, "He's a version of General Shuos Jedao. And he's on our side." Dar says, "Oh! That guy the crew was supposed to get rid of, 'cause he was going to cause a huge happening that would change reality. Yeah, he was going to kill like a million people. I mean, he did, back in what was history for me. We heard about what happened from some of the Heptarchate people, back home, before the shooting started. When we actually used to talk to them. A million, including his own, and pretty much all at once, right? And that's part of why they became such bastards, the Heptarchate. And he's just walking around here, huh? There's some reason that's a good idea?" Shrugging, Seyli admits that they "don't think it's a great idea, to be honest. But I was overruled by smarter people than myself, who have plans and ideas that I don't."

Dar says, "Guess we just keep an eye on him. But he must have been messed in the head to do all that. Maybe you got him before he got all screwed up. This time skip stuff ... Did anyone .. did anyone tell him what he was going to do someday?" Seyli says, "I wasn't there for it. But I'm under the impression he knows. What year are you from? I came here from around 970." Dar says, "Hey, you're only a little later than I am! They recruited me in 953. I was on Sindol. No one's ever heard of it unless they're into terraforming. I think the closest important place is Spiral Deluge?" Seyli admits they haven't heard of Sindol: "But I'm from a backwater planet myself, got off of it as soon as I could and joined the Kel." Dar says matter-of-factly, "I was on the other side for a couple of years, facing Kel troops. Stubborn native scum, that was our side." Seyli tells her, "My home planet had been under Hexarchate control for a couple of generations before I came along. We're on the same side now, I'm not a Kel any longer."

Deyna and Eddox

Noticing Eddox, Deyna thinks, "I can handle one attractive person at a time, and it seems like I should get the hard ones out of the way first." Eddox, who has been watching a mothling with the battery from Dar's torch, smiles and waves at her. Deyna moves in their direction and offers her hand to shake, introducing herself awkwardly. Eddox judges that she seems capable, and tries for a charming introduction: "Andan Eddox, or Umul Eddox. Whichever you prefer. A pleasure to meet you, Deyna. Not to be threatening in the least, but do you happen to be armed, Deyna?" Searching for her folding knife, Deyna says, "Bwuh. Yes? Yes. Why do you ask?" Projecting amusement, Eddox says, "You were supposed to say, ‘No.’ And I was supposed to say, ‘Would you like to be?’ And then I was going to hold out my arm, suggesting you should take it. But no matter, you get bonus points for honesty." They reflect that although there is no immediate danger, it's useful to stick close to people with combat experience. Deyna says, "I'll take your arm anyway. Are you looking for protection, or threat assessment?" She attempts to assess Eddox, concludes that if they are secretly a warrior she doesn't have a way to detect that, and tells them, "I don't have one to give you, either way."

Eddox laughs: "No, that's all right. I was mostly joking, but it doesn’t hurt to know how many people are armed in a room full of strangers. I admit, I haven’t been able to ascertain much about our mission or our hmm, co-workers, since I’ve arrived, but then again, I’m not one to seek out extra work for myself. What about you?" Deyna accepts their arm uncomfortably, saying, "I doubt I'm the only one with a knife on me. With the work this organization does, you know. I'm pretty new. This is the first time I'm meeting most of these people. Our coworkers." 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?" Deyna asks, "Is that what you're here for then? Face work?" She thinks that this sounds like a ridiculous spy drama question, then says, "People don't tell me much. I haven't been here enough to know what's normal, so everything could be suspect to me. But I haven't seen any obvious signs, no."

A second interview: Ione, Remi, Reshad, Sulen, and Xiulan

Reshad has informed Xiulan that she is needed to "keep an eye on" an "assessment of a threat". Joining Sasha in the interview room, Xiulan asks briskly, "What threat am I keeping an eye on?" Sasha tells her, "Jedao has an enemy who can take other people's bodies, and thereby escape death. His name is Kujen. Jedao says that Remi looks like a younger form of Kujen. The biographical details match. I believe Remi is our ally, in this timeline--but if problems arise, it may be safer not to kill him." Xiulan reflects that this is definitely trial by fire. She remarks, "It’s harder to subdue someone without long term damage than fiction tends to make it seem. But I’ll do what I can, if it comes to it," while moving to a spot that will place her behind other meeting participants. She then asks, "Would Remi have had to make an effort for Jedao not to see him until today, or not?" Sasha, who has significant experience in being subdued by larger people, reflects that good medtech can offset the damage sustained. Aloud, she says, "We were keeping Jedao away from the mothlings, till we had a better sense of his reactions. And Remi--he's smart, but he's not much interested in other things."

Remi and Sulen enter the room, followed by Reshad; Ione is last. Sulen offers Sasha the glass of water they are carrying, thinking she could use both hydration and a potential weapon. Sasha nods thanks, appreciating their support.

Reshad asks gently, "Remi, does the name 'Kujen' mean anything to you?" With a start, Remi says, "I haven't heard that name in a long time. My full birth name is Hajoret Remi na Kujen. But I prefer to go by Remi, and the orphanage registered me as Hajoret Remi." Reshad murmurs, "Thank you." Sasha asks, "Remi, do you remember the conversation I had with you and Fyedlet, about the person both unkillable and undying? Can you speculate as to what calendrical changes might produce such an effect?" Remi scribbles at his slate. Unhappy, he reports, "Not that this is a surprise, but the expanded regime of torture in the high calendar of later periods in certain timelines is one possible prerequisite. I would have to do much more work to give you a more precise answer, of course."

Reshad asks, "Could you do it? Knowing that." Remi looks to Sasha in appeal. After a pause, he says, "Certainly I could. But I would not pursue this line of inquiry further unless I were absolutely assured that it would be used, say, to undo the effects of such a calendar, or attack it. Such research could be all too easily abused." Sasha watches sympathetically, but leaves a pause. Eventually Remi adds, "In a way, knowing what shape the calendar took in later years and other timelines simplifies the research problem considerably. But the math is nontrivial, and we may deduce from the fact that we don't seem to be overrun by immortals of this type that there is some kind of restriction on the associated technology, which puts further bounds on the system." Sulen waits quietly for Sasha to signal whether she would like them to scry.

Sasha asks, "Whom did you intend to become, before you thought of the rebellion? You studied many different things--what goal brought them together?" Remi tells her, "I'm sure this sounds trite to you, but I wanted to make life better for refugees and children. I've seen my share of horror. I wasn't sure what would be the best way toward stability--I did some work in psych surgery, thinking I might volunteer to work with traumatized patients. But it was--it was very upsetting work, and my supervisor recommended that I try something less apt to burn me out. So that's how I wound up in moth research." Ione, who is watching with quiet concern, touches her own head, where the psychic barrier is implanted. Reshad says, "That doesn't sound trite to me. It's very clear how much you care for the mothlings. I'm sorry for upsetting you."

Sasha reflects that Remi seems both naive and isolated. She wonders how another life without the mothlings or the rebellion might have changed him. She says, "Sulen, we will want confirmation here." Once their eyes shift, she says, "Remi, we have information about another of your selves, in another future. We are going to ask about similarities to, or contact with, that person. Based on the information that we have thus far, I judge that you are not the same." Xiulan watches, pondering different human responses to trauma.

Looking wretched, Remi says, "Ask your questions, then. Just--just promise me you will keep the mothlings safe, whatever you do with me." Ione watches, wondering what he is so afraid of. Frustrated, Sasha wonders if he really thinks he is in more danger than Jedao. She tells Remi, "The mothlings are in my care," then looks at Reshad. Reshad says, "Any of us could have future selves who've done terrible things. Some of them, we know about. Is this any different? We work to give ourselves more choices, no? Ourselves, and refugees and orphans and mothlings alike." Remi says carefully, "I'm aware that I'm not in charge of mission planning, or in charge of guiding research, for that matter. And it wouldn't be the first time a scientist's scruples were overridden because of--external constraints. I'll answer to the best of my ability, if you think I know something more that could help you."

Sulen remembers scrying an arrogant Nirai with a Knife-Winged Moth signifier, caught making changes to a master clock, and wishes that they saw fewer parallels with the current situation. Their scrying shows that Remi is cooperating in order to protect the mothlings and the Cantata, but that his goodwill toward the rebellion as a whole has been damaged.

Noticing a possible pattern, Xiulan asks Remi, "Maybe everyone else already knows this. But how did you initially become involved in the rebellion? Who was involved and how did they approach and engage you? And are any of those people known to be associated with Quill somehow?" Sasha clarifies, "Prior to the Cantata's arrival?" Xiulan says, "Yes - provided the Cantata wasn’t the first association you’d had with the rebellion? I’m also curious if there’s anything in particular that stood out to you about the interactions. For instance, if you ever got the sense that there was particular interest in you directly and not just what you could do for them."

Remi says, "It was one of Quill's agents, I believe. Their name in the rebellion was Vulture, and they answered to someone named Crow. I only spoke with them twice after putting out feelers. I was not sanguine about the research station's plans for the mothlings, and the rebellion seemed like as good a way to get them out of there as any other. I would have sworn that Vulture was only interested in my research on the rifts, not in any...historical implications." Xiulan thanks him.

Sasha notes, "Crow seemed competent. In my limited acquaintance. Remi, I gave you a collection of correspondence, between Jedao and an unnamed Nirai. What did you make of it?" Remi says carefully, "The unnamed Nirai's style of discourse had some of my turns of phrase. If it were a version of me that was much more senior, with the attendant experience in administration, and a great deal more power. As for the content, it did have clues as to calendrical revolution, if you chose to interpret them that way." Raising her eyebrows, Sasha asks, "Revolution in which direction? Or is this something where the reader will see whatever he wishes to see?" Remi answers, "This is something where the reader will see whatever he wishes to see, not least because I think Jedao was intended to do so." Sasha says, "Of course."

Sasha lays her hands open on the table, making herself relax. She inadvertently notices Ione's bare shoulders in her ballgown, then looks back at Remi. She tells him, "Remi, please understand, I ask this question only to establish facts, and not as a threat or statement of intention. If we were to kill your body, here and now, would your self die?" Oddly, Remi finds this question less upsetting. He tells her, "Of course I would die. People generally do when you kill them. I am unaware of any exceptions from my timeline. To be honest, I never thought I would make it to the age I am now." Smiling, Sasha tells him, "I think we lost typical causes and effects, a couple of universes back."

Sasha asks Sulen whether Remi has "answered fully and accurately." Nodding, they say, "As far as I can see, he has." They thank Remi for his "honesty". Sasha thanks Sulen in turn, and asks Remi, "What are your questions for us?" He first asks, "Do you plan on confronting this immortal Nirai?" Reshad says, "Confront him? It'd be foolhardy without more information." After a hesitation, Remi adds, "What will you do if the moths you free don't want to cooperate with the rebellion?" Sasha says, "My goal is to free all of the moths, though I don't know when that will be possible. Given the stickiness of timelines, we might have to move late, as late as Reshad's timeline even, in order to effect permanent change. The moths do not need to like us; I doubt they will like the heptarchate, or hexarchate, any better. But my first priority must be survival. We know that Kujen--as he names himself--is interested in us. I do not wish to confront him directly, but I would like to have defenses against him."

Remi says, "In that much we are aligned, then. Are we done here? I want to get some more of the liquor before it's all gone." Reshad reflects that Sasha, who clearly cares about the ritual surrounding alcohol, may react badly to this implication. In a rueful tone, she says "no doubt" the party is "well enough supplied for this and more." She bows to Remi, adding, "There's nothing else urgent. I do apologize for interrupting you," and moves toward the door. Sasha has indeed been disturbed by the apparent insult to Ashari's hospitality. She recognizes that Reshad is cueing her not to react, and instead tells Remi, "Don't sleep too late. We have two moths to free tomorrow." Remi leaves the room; he takes a glass of wine, but does not become particularly inebriated.

After the interview: Ione, Sasha, and Xiulan

Xiulan says quietly to Sasha, "That correspondence - something you can send along with the weapons specs? If you have the data for it, it’d be interesting to analyze potential associations between Crow, Vulture, and Quill." She jokes, "Maybe they got their names out of the same hat draw." Sasha tells Xiulan, "Sure, I already cleaned the correspondence for Remi." Xiulan thanks her and leaves the meeting room. Sasha sends Xiulan the data she has requested, and checks for information about connections between Vulture, Crow, and Quill; her inquiry shows only that Vulture and Crow joined the rebellion around the same time, an observation which she also forwards to Xiulan.

Sasha asks, "Ione, did you notice anything, that I should be aware of?" Ione shuts her eyes, trying not to think about her own memories: "Mm. Probably not anything Sulen didn't, but, I really don't think he likes us so much, anymore. I think we've been demoted to means to an end, and also that he might be frightened of you. He definitely didn't lie, I can tell you only that much for sure without contact." Leaning against the wall, Sasha asks, "We've got Shuos fucking Jedao, and he's afraid of me?"

Reshad and Xiulan; messaging with the Cantata

After checking the Cantata's weapons specs, Xiulan approaches Reshad, asking, "So, How does one go about freeing a moth? At a high level." 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 tells her, "It sounded like they needed physical access to me." She 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?" Reshad confirms, "I'm not sure they see like we do - but yes. They can sense where people are, aboard; if you have an augment it can be identified, and for all I know, they might be able to identify a footstep or a stance. As for the data - there, I am less sure. Aboard a merchant moth, the answer would certainly be different, but Cantata is awake. I don't know if it shares its senses with the mothgrid. It's an interesting conversation partner. I believe I'll ask." Via her augment, the Cantata tells Reshad, "Hello! It is harder to hear you while I am docked. I think you are very interesting too! I can talk to the mothgrid a little, but not the way Sasha does."

Xiulan thinks for a long moment, then muses, "Augments can be identified. And perhaps more as you say. I wonder if the Cantata can always tell if a stranger is aboard then. How much luck do people have infiltrating moths that haven’t been freed?" She adds that she would like to learn to speak with the Cantata, " if it’s something anyone aboard can do." Reshad messages the Cantata, "Thank you. Can you sense the person I'm speaking with, too? I think she'd like to talk with you also." She tells Xiulan, "Cantata has overheard this conversation, even! There've been plenty of infiltrations aboard moths. I don't actually know if a sleeping moth can sense as much detail, or communicate it if it did. If you have an augment, you can speak with Cantata over the mothgrid. Otherwise, there's translation software, and your tablet should be able to access it." Xiulan says, "Sounds like we all need to get aligned on implications, methods, and outcomes of the overall moth freeing plan. Or maybe that already exists. Five minutes doesn’t an expert make by any means." She explains that although she doesn't have an augment, her tablet is set up to interface with the grid, and thanks Reshad for the help.

Via the grid, the Cantata tells Xiulan, "Hello, other person! You sound like you're also made of meat. Is it comfortable?" Xiulan replies, "Hello. I’m called Xiulan. And you prefer to go by Cantata? I’m a human, so yes, you could say I’m made of meat. It’s comfortable when I’m not in pain, but, I also don’t have anything else to compare it to. What are you made of?" The Cantata says, "I used to be called Bumblebee! I think it is a different kind of meat. I like the name Cantata because moths like to songshare. I hope you are not in pain right now? I am made of shadows and eyes. It is very comfortable."

Deyna and Reshad

Reshad takes a moment to collect herself, wondering whether the situation with Jedao and Remi could have been avoided through more careful introductions, and what sort of information she is missing about her new team members. Taking a plate of food, she approaches Deyna, saying, "Hello, are you the one to thank for this spectacular meal?" Deyna tells her, "Stars and moons no. I'm an extra set of unskilled hands where I need to be. Which I expect will be my role in this organization all over. No, Dar's the cook. Chef. I lift things and move things. How's the party for you?" Smiling gently, Reshad says, "Ah! I shall have to present my compliments. And the arrangement is beautiful, also. It's been quite busy. And yours?"

Deyna notes that Reshad is both beautiful and very composed. She agrees, "It's a beautiful setup. This is more formal than I usually get, though. I'm best when I'm a blunt instrument. How long have you been with this organization?" Reshad nods, saying, "Just one mission, although an interesting one. I'm rather new to the rebellion. Have you been here long?" Deyna says, "No, this isn't -- I'm new. Very new. Been here a couple days, and I hadn't gotten to meet even most of the others who came in 'round the same time. Any advice? In terms of who's good at what or people I need to avoid or anything?" Reshad says, "Ah! Well, good that you get the chance now, then. I wouldn't say you need to avoid anyone. There's a few big personalities aboard, but isn't that the case with any crew? We've done all right for ourselves as far as I've seen. And there's certainly plenty to do." She reflects that it would be unprofessional to comment on her own interpersonal difficulties.

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?" Xiulan tells them, "Yeah. Federation Navy, Intelligence Bureau. I’m going to guess you’ve not heard of any of those? My timeline is very different from those with a hexarchate or heptarchate. Though after a multi-year disappearance, not sure I have a job any longer either way. Either that or I’ll be buried in the backlog until I’m a hundred. I’m trying to find out who’s capable of using the weapons on the Cantata - can you or anyone else on the crew? Hell, can the Cantata itself do it? I heard about the moth situation, earlier."

Seyli says, "Ah, so is an intelligence...I'm going to say you were an officer, in your timeline, something like our foxes? I'm trained, but no serious practical experience with moth weapons, I was a grunt, moth security with the Kel. I'm the only soldier on the moth right now, but I assume several other people know how to handle the weaponry, if the Moth can't do it itself." Xiulan nods, confirming her officer status: "Role-wise, there’s a great deal of overlap between the Shuos and Intelligence Bureau activities from what I’ve picked up. Structure-wise though—Not so much. The Navy’s one entity, with different divisions. Soldiers crewing on ships, weapons support, command staff, Intelligence operatives, all of that: all Navy, just different parts of it. And it’s all military, not government. Navy ultimately reports to the government." Seyli says, "I have heard of governments, alternative timelines like that. It's weird to imagine. Seems like there is a great deal of room for problems." Xiulan tells them, "Oh, I’d say every form of government I’ve ever head of - and humanity, where I’m from, has tried out a lot - has its problems; it’s more about picking which ones you want and which you don’t. If you can. I know what kind I’d term the hexarchate, except it’s a word I’ve yet to find an equivalent to in the High Language. Which I suppose says a lot right there." Seyli says, "I'm not really the right person to talk about, when it comes to how governments work. I'm just a grunt, a gun now, previously canon fodder. But if the Hexarchate doesn't have a word for it, I would assume they really don't like it or are suppressing the idea." Xiulan says, "Mm. Well, if you’d like to learn more about methods of government sometime, I imagine we’ll have some downtime onboard. Not the most exciting topic, sure, but...well, something has to come after a rebellion. I’m not clear what the plan is there. And the hexarchate has some notable considerations, given the calendar. I guess the science team is who to talk to about calendar questions?" Seyli reflects that even talking to Jedao might be better than government homework. They confirm, "Definitely the science team, not me."

Returning to the topic of the Cantata's weapons, Xiulan guesses that Jedao can operate them, and waits to see whom else Seyli might add to the list. She notes, "We should talk to the Cantata too, find out what our full options are. If we need to buy time in getting out of here if there’s an attack on the base, I’m trying to figure out who could handle it. Sasha wants an evacuation plan." Seyli makes a face at Jedao's name, observing, "I'm sure he's more than capable of using the weapons aboard. Sasha, Reshad, perhaps Sulen although I'm not sure about them. Alaric, perhaps. And this is the first I'm hearing of an evacuation plan." Noticing Seyli's reaction, Xiulan observes, "You don’t like him." She adds that "any base" should have an evacuation plan, and it seems that Sasha "was concerned there isn’t one. Which, good, right? But given we’re therefore talking unspecified threat, I was thinking about what our biggest issue would likely be. Whether looking to destroy the base outright or planing a boarding action, the thing to do first would be to take the moths out of the picture. So having people at weapon’s stations ASAP is a top priority. If not enough people can manage it, well, that’s a priority too." With an uncomfortable expression, they confirm, "No, ma'am, I don't like Jedao, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a Kel who does in a timeline where he did what he did." They agree that "we should all be briefed on a plan, there should be one in place. I'm happy to execute whatever part needed." Xiulan smiles and says, "Great," noting Seyli's lack of interest in creating a plan. She adds that "Xiulan is fine, really," rather than "ma’am".

Xiulan asks, "Something I haven’t heard is, why he did it. The Jedao here is from not so long prior to that date, right? Was it already a plan in the works? Or, has he not been asked?" Seyli says, "If he's been asked, again, I don't know. I'm maybe the least useful person to talk to about details and specifics. If you want to practice physical training, I'm your alt. Hand-to-hand, weapons, the actual...hm, feasibility? of your plans from someone who would be executing them, that's me. Sorry I can't be more informative." Brightening, Xiulan suggests a sparring session: "Combat’s one of my specialities, but finding skilled practice partners has been a little...difficult for a while." She adds that Seyli has been "very informative": "Finding out who does and doesn’t know what, finding out what different people feel they’re best equipped to do, is as important as anything else. And given how resistance cells tend to be organized, it’s not like I can make assumptions about things like that." With a genuine smile, Seyli says, "When I first came out of the rift, I established myself by doing paid fights, I haven't had much of a chance to spar with military types since. I look forward to seeing how we match up. I hope you get a chance to get to know everyone as well as you need to. I still haven't quite gotten a chance to mix with everyone. Anyway, it was good to chat with a fellow soldier. I look forward to working with you." They reflect that Xiulan seems reassuringly "competent" and "normal".

The Cantata and Eddox

Eddox asks the grid, "Excuse me, but are there any other moths aboard this station? Any adults? Or at least any individuals capable of a more complex conversation in one form or another?" The grid informs Eddox that three moths are currently docked, the Cantata, the Sedulous Eel, and the Typhoon, and asks whether Eddox would like to use the translation program to contact the Cantata. Eddox wonders if ships are named moths because their biological components are derived from trade with this alien species called "moths". They tell the grid, "Yes, I’d like to speak to the moth in charge of the Cantata, if they are free and willing to speak with me." Using the translation program, the Cantata replies, "Hello! Do you sing? I like to songshare with new people. I don't think we've met!"

Dar and Xiulan

Xiulan tells Dar, "The feast has been going over well. Including with the non-two legged attendees it looked like. Nice job." Dar thanks her: "I was pleased at how good the supplies were here. That helped a lot." Xiulan asks whether Sasha has talked to Dar about logistics. Dar says, "She did, yeah. Got me thinking about the ship supply sityooson and how much range we have before re-supply if we can take a full load here." Xiulan thinks for a moment before parsing Dar's interpretation of the high language word, then replies, "That’s great. Sounded like we might need to leave here sooner than later, so I expect resupply will be a priority topic tomorrow. How much range do we have, supply-wise, do you know? I wonder how often people come across timelines like this, without a good source for stocking up." Dar answers, "I figured 150 days would be pretty safe, given the stowage of various kinds and the crew size. I dunno what that means in distance or time, though. Starships are still pretty new to me." Xiulan says, "Not bad. Add in emergency rations..." She asks, "Did you live planet-side before? I’ve been around ships my whole life, but the ones here have still had quite a few surprises. Like variable layout." Less cheerfully, she adds, "And what’s going on with the moths."

After the party: Jedao and Sasha

Later that night, Sasha knocks on Jedao's door, carrying a bottle of tequila and two glasses. He invites her inside, asking, "I'm sorry, did I depart the party too early? I thought I'd get started at this, so you'd have the information sooner rather than later." Sasha sets the bottle and glasses down, piles a handful of anti-intoxicants beside them, and pours. "I'm working all night, you're working all night, we can spare part of an hour for an actual break. Without two separate Andan playing on two completely different gameboards. Tell me something about another universe. What's your favorite planet?" Taking a glass, Jedao asks, "Is a toast warranted? I'm not familiar with your customs." Sasha tells him, "Oh, luck is always warranted. To the freedom of our friends?"

Jedao answers Sasha's question about planets: "I'm biased, of course, but Eshpatan. My homeworld. I grew up in a more rural part of it. As civilized worlds go, it has a fairly low population density for something with its strategic value. Low hills and wide flat plains, the sweet gold and green grasses...Hunting, too. I grew up hunting, and with my mother's research animals. I can milk a cow or a goat, although I haven't had much call for that skill lately. You?" Sasha tells him, "I miss the mountains I grew up with, but even at seventeen I knew I wasn't going back. The weirder thing is, sometimes I miss Isterov. Stars are beautiful, but some days I'd take even a cloudy sky. I don't know why we didn't have goats, honestly. Except my mother's fucking notions of propriety. What did you hunt?" Jedao says, "I'm not sure what I miss more, goat milk or goat kebabs. They were very friendly, too."

Jedao tells Sasha that he sometimes hunted deer, squirrels, or rabbits, but, "If I wanted a challenge, I'd go after the jackalopes. I'm a fairly good hunter, but all the years I spent growing up on Eshpatan I only nicked one once. If it hadn't been for the blood on the rock behind it, I would have thought I'd missed entirely. That's the one problem with command in space. Too much of your ass in a chair, not enough earth or sky. Of course, the hazards are different." Grinning, Sasha says, "Oh, goat shashlik, there's no comparison. On jackalopes--let me guess. They have legs like gazelles, remarkable camouflage, and are otherwise made out of teeth?" Shuddering, Jedao replies, "It'd be terrible if they were made of teeth. Not far off, although they're really more like overgrown rabbits, and they have stag-like horns. And they sing--I've heard jackalope chorales off in the distance, on half-moon nights, when I was camping or hunting. Are you a hunter yourself?" Sasha curls her fingers, instructing the grid to flag the topic of jackalope song for later research, then says, "Sometimes. I went on a few trips with my father and his friends where we looked for bigger game, but on my own it was mostly marmots. For a while I was really interested in improvising snares. On Isterov I was more interested in observation. I caught a lot of frogs and lizards, but I never tried to eat one."

Noticing Sasha's motion, Jedao says, "Marmots. Good fur, if I'm not mistaken? I know a few basic snares, what any backwoods kid would know, but I was much better with a rifle. I've eaten some damned peculiar things, but usually because we were on campaign and there were logistical problems. I'm told the candied jellyfish tentacles were a local specialty, but they were probably pulling our legs." Sasha makes a sympathetic face, then says, "I used to have a hat trimmed with white marmot fur, but the white marmots were at higher elevations. I trapped marmots for meat. If I had tried to set up tanning in an outbuilding, my mother would have made me hurt for forty days. What's your favorite hunting rifle?"

Circles within circles

We see two types of team integration in this period. In public, the new team members continue introducing themselves and coming to terms with the presence of the mothlings and Jedao; in private, the leadership team reacts to Jedao's revelations about Remi's identity. Meanwhile, a few of the team members (in particular, Alaric) manage simply to enjoy the party.

The new team members are generally charmed by the mothlings; Dar, in particular, makes strides in identifying new foodstuffs they will eat. Seyli, who has not previously paid much attention to the mothlings, is also discovering their charm. Eddox is still struggling to get their head around the full import of the hexarchate's use of moths, but is likely to take the lead in exploring communication with the moths. Xiulan is intrigued by the prospect of moth communication, but also aware of the complexities that can arise in alien contact.

On the personal front, Hana is overwhelmed by the combination of her own recent loss and the appearance of Jedao. Shess is also ill at ease, though it is possible that in future they will be able to bond with Sulen over childhood memories of farming. Perhaps unexpectedly, Deyna has decided that both Shess and Sasha are sympathetic; she is less comfortable with the more overtly sociable team members, though she makes an effort to mingle.

Reshad and Sasha cooperate in extracting Jedao from the crowd and interviewing him about the connection between Remi and Jedao's enemy Kujen. Their teamwork is effective, though Reshad finds some of Sasha's questions about ways to attack Kujen troubling; this is part of a pattern in which Sasha's habit of intellectualizing responses to danger leads her to appear unexpectedly threatening. Though they are slowly becoming more relaxed around each other, Reshad and Sasha consistently differ in their assessments of which emotional responses are safe to share. Sasha and Jedao continue to display unexpected comfort with each other; in addition to their shared oath, the fact that Sasha is happier with overt than with covert threats may aid in their bonding.

In the interview with Remi, Reshad and Sasha are joined by Ione, Sulen, and Xiulan. Sasha appreciates and is emotionally invested in the support of her team members, though she would benefit greatly from mentorship in appropriate expression of her gratitude. Xiulan, who has both confidence and experience, is rapidly becoming a member of the leadership team, despite her unusual background. Sulen finds that scrying Remi is more reminiscent of their previous role than they would like. Ione, spurred by her increasing attachment to Sasha and Sulen, takes the risk of trying to assess his emotional state directly. She confirms that by treating Remi as a potential threat the team has frightened and alienated him. It is not yet clear which team members are equipped to mend the rift, if such a mending is even possible.