(swipe cut to...)<br/><br/>The reception room on board<em>Grand Duchess Penthiselia</em>is a textbook example of what could be called Spartan Understated.  It's a long stateroom with a rectangular table, enough chairs for ten people--one at each end and four along each side--and rectangular panels in the walls serving as windows.  Or, rather, projecting images to serve the illusion of windows.  As you are all shown in, your petite hostess and her surprisingly masculine aide de camp are already present, seated at the far end and conversing in low tones.  However, she holds up a paw to forestall him when she sees you and rises.<br/><br/>"Punctual.  Excellent.  Please, take a seat.  Tea will be served shortly."<br/><br/>Her aide clears his throat.  She glances up, all but rolls her eyes.<br/><br/>"Oh,<em>very</em>well.  Carry on, Number One."<br/><br/>The male officer assumes parade rest stance, tilts his head back so that his spectacles reflect the light from above and turn into blank discs.<br/><br/>"This is of course an unofficial state of parley for the duration of our customs inspection, not a formal state of negotiation.  Be advised that the customary protections and regulations thereunto pertaining will be inapplicable.  For your own safety I suggest you remain upon the most civilized possible standards of behavior as our crew have not recently been granted opportunity to act with their customary enthusiasm."  He pauses, pushes his glasses up his nose.  "Now...oolong, darjeeling, or puer?"<br/><br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Meanwhile</div><div class="spoiler_body">...someone hid the contraband, right?  You have Smuggling Compartments, and that was probably Gunny's job, so if someone will kindly give us a 2d6+2 roll since this is +Expertise.  Thank you!</div></div>