Chapter 3.1: The party begins

[yhlee]

EDIT: The base is sited in the year 951, in a very odd timeline that has NO h*archate. Supplies have to be brought in via rift from other timelines. Thread here.

Ashari's new base features variable layout, which has been put to use in creating an extravagant ballroom. Tables to one side boast a variety of foods, drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and the occasional euphoric drugs. Candlevines glow blue and violet, and flower arrangements interspersed with fantastic sculptures of lace-woven wire adorn the tables. The arrangements mean various sarcastic things, if you're familiar with the Andan petal language.

Music plays softly enough not to overwhelm conversation, loudly enough to set a mood complementing the low-key lighting.

Remi is one of the first arrivals from the Cantata, shepherding the mothlings. Because he's a Nirai, he has a slate and is taking notes, although he is happy enough to talk to anyone who approaches him.

The kitchen is currently adjacent to the ballroom. Ashari's voice can be heard, raised in some kind of argument with...a caterer?

Comments

background questions

[zuhrovet]

[When is Ashari's base? Did the Hellspin massacre happen in this timeline?

How much of a chance has Sasha gotten to debrief with Ashari? What is her assessment of their reaction to the team's acquisition of Jedao?]

Re: background questions

[yhlee]

[The base is in the year 951--seven years after the Liozh revolt in the main timeline. Timeline for reference.

The Hellspin Massacre did happen.]

When Sasha reports in after the Cantata lands at the base, Ashari is extremely distracted, and quite possibly borderline inebriated as well. "You captured the target?" they demand. "Well, I suppose it's the least of our problems." They spritz themself with a mild intoxicant, which smells faintly of plum blossoms. "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."

Re: background questions

[zuhrovet]

"What is our greatest immediate problem, in your estimation?" Sasha asks, too sweetly.

[I don't think we should draw this out--more fun to postpone any confrontation--but now that you've raised the question I am curious!

Also, how much time will Sasha have between arrival & party?]

Re: background questions

[yhlee]

From a closer distance, Ashari's eyes are...more than a little bloodshot. And that might not be the drugs. "We have been listening for any communications from anyone in the galaxy," Ashari says. "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." Their expression suggests they don't like admitting this. "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." And they swan off before Sasha can say another word.

[Sasha should have, say, four hours to prepare. Ashari is going to be scarce between this encounter and the party.]

welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[zuhrovet]

[Sasha's going to have a quick meeting with Alaric, Remi, and Ankat to relay this news, and then spend the intervening time getting familiar with the base's grid and locking down outgoing signals as much as she can.]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[stormglass]

[Is this state of no communications being ‘heard’ in this timeline known to the newer team members on the base?]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[yhlee]

[Ashari has attempted to keep it from newer team members until everyone can be briefed BUT their ability to keep rumors from circulating is not perfect. :) It's up to you whether your character has heard or not.]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[stormglass]

[Cool, thanks! Heh, while OOC I’m sure it’s unrelated, the clues thus far tie so well to something in her backstory that this makes a great cause for IC high alert >:)]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[slybrarian]

[ o_O Well this is certainly a disturbing revelation.]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[zuhrovet]

[Looks like we have two other moths on base to liberate, as well!]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[zuhrovet]

[For the record, I meant Aymad, not Ankat. So many A names!]

Re: welcome to the dead galaxy - paging Alaric

[yhlee]

[Noted, and thanks for the heads-up!]