[For Love of Madame President] Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Bondage, D/s, S&amp;M =&gt; Bondage: Human Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: MadPanda on 14-06-2006, 16:56:23</h2>
		<dl id="posts">
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>[For Love of Madame President] Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>14-06-2006, 16:56:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Arriving on the island of Al-Amarja is, to say the least, an experience.&nbsp; There are very few commercial flights in or out of D'Aubbaine International Airport, and those tend to be oddly scheduled (at best).&nbsp; Add the new and improved joys of airport security, and a simple little plane trip to a Mediterranean island becomes something out of a Franz Kafka nightmare.<br><br>Yet once in the air, everything seems perfectly normal.&nbsp; The stewardi are their usual calm and genial selves, the other passengers are the grab bag of global life that one finds on international flights, and the food is crummy.&nbsp; Shortly after the Captain announces that the plane is now on final approach, the flight attendants pass out customs forms and a cheerful little pamphlet entitled 'Welcome to the Edge'.<br><br>Somewhere behind you, a man with a peculiar accent laughs and loudly explains to someone sitting next to him that he used to be <em>afraid</em> to go through Customs and Immigration.&nbsp; "Thanks to Al Quaeda for making those form nazis look relaxed and well-adjusted," he chortles.&nbsp; "It's still bloody unpleasant, but they've not changed a bit while everyone else has gotten much nastier.&nbsp; Why, I heard about this one chap, took a blue-ringed octopus upside the head during his interview!&nbsp; Expired on the spot, poor man.&nbsp; Then there was this other poor slob who surrendered his passport.&nbsp; He's still there..."<br><br>He keeps going on, drunkenly, at length and volume.&nbsp; Some people's children...<br><br>The plane banks, and through the window you catch your first view of the island.&nbsp; It's a pleasant little (extinct) volcanic rock jutting out of calm blue seas.&nbsp; There's a small cluster of shining civilization on the easternmost tip and a larger civic sprawl on the western side...that would be your destination: the Edge, so called because it's at the top of a cliff.&nbsp; A moment later you also catch sight of the airport terminal.<br><br>Oh, boy...the Terminal.<br><br>Described as the ugliest impossibility in architecture, the D'Aubainne International Terminal definitely stands out.&nbsp; It's an upside-down seven-layer wedding cake balanced precariously on the smallest layer...and you'll have to go in there!&nbsp; How it stays up is a mystery known but to whatever gods you wish to invoke (and theoretically the architect as well).<br><br>Someone further back in Coach breaks out into hysterical sobbing.<br><br>The plane lands and stops some distance away from the Terminal.&nbsp; Passengers disembark to find a bus parked and waiting to take them to the Terminal.&nbsp; There are a number of soldiers in baby blue body armor with sub-machineguns at the ready providing something like an honor guard on the brief walk between gangplank and bus.&nbsp; The word 'Peace' is stenciled on the back of the armor in bright yellow letters.<br><br>Oh.&nbsp; They're the Peace Force: cops, not soldiers.<br><br>A short bus ride deposits you in the very crowded ground level of the terminal, which centers on a large bank of elevators.&nbsp; Looks like all the traffic in or out has to come through here.&nbsp; There are even more Peace Officers here.&nbsp; According to a clearly visible guide, it looks like Customs and Immigration is on the fourth floor.&nbsp; Guess that's where you go.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>18-06-2006, 04:28:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The elevator is packed. I mean&nbsp; bodies pressed against each other. The car begins to lift and a squeel explodes from the back of the car and&nbsp; then a male grunt. Mira does not turn to see what has happened. the man directly behind her chuckles and shifts just a bit. closer if anything, and Mira&nbsp; turns so that her purse is between him and her. But it is exciting so different from her normal life.<br><br>The custums forms were interesting. her first trip outside the country. She smiles to the policeman and gets a wink in return. she blushes and looks down and about that time the doors open and the mass of humanity surge into the custums area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>18-06-2006, 05:43:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim pushes her way through the crowd, nearly lost in the press of bodies. <em>The plane ride was bad enough, but this! Yeesh, WHY didn't I go to Miami for my vacation?</em>. The short woman dives for a closing elevator, just avoiding being cut in half as she wedges herself into the packed car.<br><br>Kim holds her breath as the car begins to rise, the pack of people making breathing a difficult proposition. Of course, going without wasn't nearly as bad for her as it was for others.. <em>Oh man, there has GOT to be something on this island worth all this! At least, I hope so.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>19-06-2006, 17:51:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The elevators stop on the fourth floor and spill people forth into the white, white on white, and alabaster waiting room for Customs and Immigration.&nbsp; There are a lot of people in here, most of them looking harried, flustered, worried, exhausted, or just plain scared.&nbsp; It probably wouldn't be so bad if they'd turn the music up a few notches--you can barely hear it, and every time you try to focus on the song they're playing, it seems to fade away.&nbsp; Very poor acoustics, it seems.<br><br>There are a number of small booths here, each of which seems to provide a guide service to the terminal in much the same way that other booths in other airports provide car rentals.&nbsp; They're doing a brisk business.&nbsp; But why would you want a guide for an airport?&nbsp; It looks pretty straightforward.&nbsp; How could you get lost in a giant upside-down wedding cake?<br><br>Another elevator arrives, lets a few people off, and continues on its way to a higher floor.&nbsp; In the brief moment the doors are open, there's a lot of baby blue body armor in evidence.&nbsp; Looks like the Peace Force is 'in da house'.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>20-06-2006, 01:07:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br>Kim rubs her ears, grimacing as the quiet music grinds away at her nerves. She looks around for the sign in point, eyes passing contemptuously over the guide booths. <em>Oh please. Do people really need a guide to hold their hands as they walk through a bloody airport?</em> She sighs and starts off in a likely direction, slipping gracefully through the crowd.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>20-06-2006, 03:30:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now Miranda moves around the booths and looks into them to see if one catches her fancy. Maybe it would be a new experience to let some one else take charge. she smiles but the man she is to meet up with&nbsp; would think her silly so she too starts to lok for the actual customs area.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-06-2006, 18:26:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There is a large customer-service counter along one wall of this cavernous room.&nbsp; There are about twenty or so workstations set up behind it, a dozen of which are active.&nbsp; There is a long line of people by each work-station.&nbsp; On another wall is a large reader board:<br><br><div align="center">Welcome to Al Amarja Customs and Immigration<br><div>Please Do Not Panic.</div>Now serving:<br><br>1102<br>2301<br>2518</div><br>There are a number of doors in the wall underneath the reader board and a man standing next to a turnstile, almost like an usher in a movie theater.&nbsp; How very odd!<br><br>Getting in one of those lines would probably be the appropriate thing to do.&nbsp; A fair guesstimate of the wait time is probably around half an hour for any of them--the lines are pretty evenly spaced and seem to move with a fair amount of efficiency.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>20-06-2006, 21:09:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim eyes the sign <em>Do not panic? Well. Thats ominous.</em> A little creeped out, Kim takes her place in line, scanning the surrounding crowd reflexively. <em>Well, if theres THIS much traffic, then theres got to be something good on this island. I hope.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>21-06-2006, 03:56:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She talks to some of the&nbsp; people around and finds that getting in line is the only way to get this done. so she stands in line. "Don't Panic. serving 2518?" she reads aloud. 'oh my I wonder what number I am" she smiles at the people ahead of her and notices there are others behind as well. "oh good"<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>21-06-2006, 16:46:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing in line takes forever plus a couple of hours.&nbsp; Eventually, however, everybody ends up talking to one of the customer service agents.&nbsp; With a few personal variations, the conversations are all very similar: they ask for your name, your reason for visiting the island, your astrological sign, your favorite color, and whether you are now or have ever been a member of the Fascist Party.&nbsp; Then they give you a small ticket with a four digit number on it and politely suggest that you take a seat until your number is (ha-ha) up, at which time your Customs and Immigration case worker will see you.<br><br>Most of you have numbers in the 4000 range, so you could be waiting for a while.&nbsp; Better go find a seat and wait, or maybe meet a few of your fellow travellers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>21-06-2006, 21:59:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Vacation." "Capricorn." "Black." "What? ... NO!" After her interrogation, Kim stomps off to one of the benches, slumping down into it. This was taking far longer than she expected. She wondered if she'd ever get out of the blood airport. Sighing, she looks at her fellow passengers, hoping to meet someone interesting. Or at least, amusing.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>22-06-2006, 00:58:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looks at the&nbsp; slip of paper and at the number and then back to the custums person. <br><br>she was going to argue it. but well numbers are not really her thing. and neither is arguing. <br><br>Maybe&nbsp; &nbsp;she could watch a realy handsome guy approach and kick some butt and get things moving a long faster. but with a grin she decides finding a seat is not such a bad idea. she turns to find one. Across from Kim. She smiles and sits and begins to just watch about her.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>22-06-2006, 01:12:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim eyes the other girl who's been watching her, then leans across the aisle and offers Miranda her hand "Hi! Waiting for your turn in line too?" She grins and rolls her eyes in mock-exasperation. "Names Kim."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>22-06-2006, 15:54:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miranda smiles and takes the offered hand, shaking it and then sitting back in her seat. "can you believe this place? I can't wait to get through and out to the island. It must be fantastic. I mean I can't imagine anyone coming here and putting up with all this if it was not... can you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 03:58:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim laughs, nodding. "I was just thinking that!" Her hand is surprisingly cold when she touches Miranda, almost icy. Kim leans back, looking around "I swear, this isn't an airport, it's some horrible psychology experiment." Sighing, she brushes her hair back "So what brings you here? I'm on vacation myself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 15:58:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She smiles as she rubs her hands together to ward off the cold, "Working vacation I am told it is called. I work my boss vacations." she smiles, "We are here to verify the authenticity of an old ruin and the artifacts that were found inside." she shrugs, "on an island this size? have to be newly planted. but it got us here and I heard it was pretty wonderful." she blushes as she realizes she is blabbering, "what do you do? if you don't mind me asking"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 17:37:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim nods, looking interested "Ruins and artifacts? What kind? The usual little village, or something really fun?" Kim leans back in her chair, running a hand through her hair. "Me? I'm working my way through college, I am. At Dairy Queen." She rolls her eyes. "Almost enough to make a girl wish she was dead." A dry, cynical chuckle escapes her. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>23-06-2006, 21:33:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys makes his way from the dock to the Customes office with minimal trouble. So far, other than the strangely subdued music that seemed to be piped right into his brain, this seems like most other airports. Well, that wasn't quite true, but he was at least able to figure the place out well enough to get where he was going.<br><br>He takes a number ans sighs as he looks at it. "Going tah be a long day," he mutters, looking around for some kind of airport bar. Even if the drinks were overpriced, they at least helped pass the time. But, before he could really look for one (though he had a pretty good idea, having seen the word 'Memphis' in neon letters some distance away), he noticed a pair of women talking. He got close in time to hear the tail end of their current conversation.<br><br>"Now now lass," he slips in, smiling crookedly in what he expects is a charming way, "it wouldna be fair tah deprive the world of yer beauty."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>24-06-2006, 03:37:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira Looks up at the soft accented voice and then looks back to&nbsp; Kim, "Dairy Queen? what is that? I dare say nothing&nbsp; fun. An old temple I think" she responds to the first part. "I am assisstant to the assistant professor of Anthrpology."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>24-06-2006, 09:06:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim turns quickly at the unexpected voice, eyes narrowing warily. She blinks at the new man, then smiles. Offering her hand to Rhys, she says "Oh, I don't know. I think I'd make a lovely corpse." She laughs again. "Kim." Looking over her shoulder at Mira, she nods "Oh really? How interesting! Is it open to the public?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>25-06-2006, 21:04:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira's mentor, a rotund and balding fellow with peculiar little spectacles over protruding eyes, approaches.&nbsp; He's flushed, mopping up sweat with a handkerchief.&nbsp; He's not dressed for the weather: dress shirt, slacks, suspenders, and bow tie.&nbsp; His tweed jacket is draped over one arm.<br><br>"Ah, there you are, my dear.&nbsp; I hope you found everything all right?&nbsp; All paperwork filled out?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>26-06-2006, 01:57:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Rhys," Rhys returns with a courtly bow, coming abck with a wry grin that only fades a bit as another man joins the group. He thumbs towards the newcomer and addresses his question to Mira.<br><br>"Yer grandfather, maybe?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>26-06-2006, 15:44:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira stands and offers the man her seat, "Professor Stinson, I have our number just waiting to be called Sir." she smiles at Rhys "my boss"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>27-06-2006, 15:29:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes!&nbsp; Yes, I should say so...grandfather?&nbsp; Oh, no, no, no...no, dear boy, not that."<br><br>The fat man tries to smile but can't quite pull it off in his confusion.<br><br>"No family resemblance, I should think.&nbsp; So..."<br><br>He smiles at Mira.<br><br>"Which number am I, then, dear?&nbsp; I'd hate to make you wait for me overlong."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 15:28:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim leans back in her chair, checking her number. "Looks like you'll be here awhile, I expect. The line is moving slow today." She rolls her eyes "You know much about the Island, Prof? There has to be something good here, to justify this crowd, right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 15:32:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, I dare say I know a fair amount...this is my third visit to the University here, after all.&nbsp; I don't quite understand what the fuss is about.&nbsp; It's a prefectly normal island, with the usual sorts of people one might expect."<br><br>He shrugs and smiles blandly.<br><br>"On the other hand, one doesn't normally see such diversity within a single cultural environment, either.&nbsp; And to be honest, I don't really pay all that much attention to current events.&nbsp; I'm more...shall we say, historically minded?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 15:40:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim nods "I see. So, this temple you found. Anything interesting?" She looks up at him smiling "Guess it's not open to the public, is it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 15:44:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"No, I'm afraid not.&nbsp; At least not for a while, yet.&nbsp; We've still got a lot to catalog and analyze, yes, and of course the usual discussions between colleagues about which pieces mean what.&nbsp; It's all terribly exciting!"<br><br>He rubs his hands together, for a moment seeming almost pleasantly normal, if a touch exciteable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 15:55:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim nods, looking dissapointed "Ah well." She stands up, then hops onto her seat and looks over the crowd. "C'mon! I could back to the mainland in the time it's taking this line to move. Yeesh." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 20:40:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys zones out a little as the conversation turns towards work (aka: sorry I was out for a couple of days), but snaps back at the complaint.<br><br>"Well, meh girl," he says to Kim, "seems tah be a drinking establishment over yonder. Maybe we should have a pint while we wait, since we can see the numbers from a window seat. We might as well be comfortable, eh?"<br><br>He turns, mostly focused on Mira, but vaguely indicating the old timer as well, "Yer all welcome tah join, of course."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 21:08:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim frowns, tapping her chin. She looks over to the digital sign as it counts upwards. "I dunno. I'd hate to miss our turn and have to do this all over again" She sighs. "Though it'd definately be more entertaining than sitting here." She looks over at the old man and Mira "What do you two think?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 21:08:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The professor mops his brow again.<br><br>"I suppose it can't hurt if we do...what do you think, my dear?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 23:53:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira picks up their carry luggage and nods, "I believe they will have a counter in the drinking establishment. Or should do so" she smiles. "You are 3542 and I am 3543. and I see there are a number of others ahead of us." she stands, "although we should be only drinking light stuff as I'd hate to get falling down drunk. never can tell who you might meet up with on an island."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>28-06-2006, 23:56:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Again the tubby academic mops his brow.<br><br>"Just a decaffe latte for me, I think.&nbsp; Alcohol does such horrid things to my sense of humor."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 00:35:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys, having checked his luggage to be picked up at Customs, reaches down and picks up Kim's bags for her, gallantly gesturing towards the establishment.<br><br>"Hope ah'm not bein' to forward, but I'll buy tha first round, if ye'll join me in a Guiness. Or even if yah won't," he says, waiting for her to head into the bar.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 11:44:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim raises an eyebrow, but lets Rhys pick up her bags. "Oh really? Well, thank you." She gives him a quick smile and follows him into the bar. "I'm always ready to drink on somebody elses tab!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 16:44:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira Shoos The Professor in ahead of herself, making sure he is all right. "I'll have a soda"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 19:47:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys dutifully totes the bags and sets them down at a window table, one with the Customs counter clearly in view before he attempts to flag down a waitress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>29-06-2006, 20:21:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A waitress arrives after only a moment.&nbsp; She looks, maybe, fifteen...at the most.&nbsp; Olive complexion.&nbsp; Pink hair.&nbsp; Lots of tattoos.&nbsp; Nose and both ears pierced.&nbsp; And wearing a polo shirt announcing that her skinny little bod works for Terminal Refreshments.<br><br>"What's your poison, folks?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 03:40:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys almost asks the obvious question, then remembers something about child liberation in Al Amaraja and decides not to bother.<br><br>"Two pints ah' Guiness, mah wee love."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 04:07:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Decaffe latte for me, please, there's a dear."<br><br>The Professor turns to his charge.<br><br>"And you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 06:46:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Cyanide, by preference." Kim chuckles, running her hand through her hair "Though I expect I'll have to settle for a strawberry daquiri." She smiles at the waitress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>10-07-2006, 15:06:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We don't have cyanide. Would strychnine work for you?&nbsp; Or I can just have the boys add a shot of almond flavoring, if you like."<br><br>The waitress gives Kim a wink and turns to the next vict...er...customer.<br><br>"And you, hon?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 03:53:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira chews her lip, "oh just an iced tea would be good." she looks at the professor, "would you like to sit down sir?" she looks around for a table. "or maybe " she chews her lip, "umm something else?" she looks confused as if some where along the line she lost her train of thought and is just covering.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 15:30:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hmm?&nbsp; Oh, yes, yes, certainly, thank you..."<br><br>The portly professor sits and fans himself with a menu.&nbsp; Meanwhile, the punky waitress wanders off for a few moments, returning a short time later with everyone's drinks.&nbsp; She collects payment and wanders off to provide her own special sort of customer service to someone else.<br><br>You get just enough time to finish your drinks before very familiar looking numbers pop on that marquee.&nbsp; Better get to your interviews.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>11-07-2006, 17:26:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nothing please, thank you.." A red-haired woman at one of the nearby tables, clutching one of those scrap papers in her hands as well, murmured to the waitress, who shot her a rather funny look and passed on. Marissa ran her fingers through her hair for the umpteenth time, pursing her lips together before adjusting her watch yet again, twiddling the surface of the watch as she kept her eyes on Mira and her group.<br><br>The woman had arrived on the same airplane as them, and she had been standing just behind Mira when they lined up at the counter for numbers and initial friendly chatter with the officials, and ever since then she had been surreptitously shadowing them, it seems, though always keeping a safe distance away. But maybei t's been just coincidence.<br><br>Her little slip of paper was by now ripped into two and folded into two pristine, if tiny origami swans, not a shade of ink visible on the outside of either swan. But she swipes both of those into her pocket, if and when the other group starts moving, planning to soon after follow them to the counter for her own interrogation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>12-07-2006, 01:19:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim checks her number "Ah bugger." She gulps her drink, and dashes off towards the terminal. "Wouldn't you know it, just when we sit down! Yeesh."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>12-07-2006, 15:54:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim steps up to the turnstile.&nbsp; The man behind it gives her Customary Smile #28: I'm Only Doing This 'Cause The Boss Says I Gotta and takes her slip.&nbsp; His voice belies any hint of cheer--this poor guy sounds like he's at the tail end of a double-shift or something.<br><br>"Welcome to Customs and Immigration.&nbsp; Step through the door and go to the right.&nbsp; Enter the door with the blinking red light overhead and your case worker will be with you shortly.&nbsp; Thank you for your cooperation."<br><br>He lets her through and waits for the next person.<br><br>Through the door and to the right?&nbsp; The corridor goes straight!&nbsp; Passing several doors (all of which have steady green lights above them), Kim finds a door with a blinking red light.&nbsp; It is, naturally enough, down the left hand branching of the first cross corridor she comes to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>12-07-2006, 20:11:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys sighs as well, raising his glass in a toast to the gods of departed drinkers.<br><br>"Well, bess wrap up and get underway. Laird only knows how long this'll take," he proclaims, finishing up quickly, "hope tah be seeing you all on the other side."<br><br>He flashes his trademark smile as he heads for the C&amp;I desk.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>12-07-2006, 20:33:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys gets the same phony smile, the same tired recitation, the same listless acceptance of his ticket:<br><br>"Welcome to Customs and Immigration.&nbsp; Step through the door and go to the left.&nbsp; Enter the door with the blinking red light overhead and your case worker will be with you shortly.&nbsp; Thank you for your cooperation."<br><br>Through the door, then.&nbsp; After a short straight bit, the white-on-white corridor branches off to both right and left...but no doors anywhere, except for one off along the left-hand corridor with a cheerful little red light blinking above it.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 00:52:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg222812#msg222812">Quote from: MadPanda on 12-07-2006, 15:54:33</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Kim steps up to the turnstile.&nbsp; The man behind it gives her Customary Smile #28: I'm Only Doing This 'Cause The Boss Says I Gotta and takes her slip.&nbsp; His voice belies any hint of cheer--this poor guy sounds like he's at the tail end of a double-shift or something.<br><br>"Welcome to Customs and Immigration.&nbsp; Step through the door and go to the right.&nbsp; Enter the door with the blinking red light overhead and your case worker will be with you shortly.&nbsp; Thank you for your cooperation."<br><br>He lets her through and waits for the next person.<br><br>Through the door and to the right?&nbsp; The corridor goes straight!&nbsp; Passing several doors (all of which have steady green lights above them), Kim finds a door with a blinking red light.&nbsp; It is, naturally enough, down the left hand branching of the first cross corridor she comes to.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The traveller rolls her eyes, muttering. "Sweet zombie Jesus, this does not bode well." She peers around suspiciously, up and down the hall, dipping a hand into her extensive purse. She forces herself to relax, thinking <em>Paranoid much? It's not like they're out to get us.. Well. Physically. I wouldn't be surprised if they want to drive us insane.</em> She pushes the door open and steps into the room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:05:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223123#msg223123">Quote from: Rin on 13-07-2006, 00:52:15</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The traveller rolls her eyes, muttering. "Sweet zombie Jesus, this does not bode well." She peers around suspiciously, up and down the hall, dipping a hand into her extensive purse. She forces herself to relax, thinking <em>Paranoid much? It's not like they're out to get us.. Well. Physically. I wouldn't be surprised if they want to drive us insane.</em> She pushes the door open and steps into the room.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The room is austere, white, alabaster on white, and ivory.&nbsp; It contains a single table, two folding chairs, and a single unshielded fluorescent light that flickers annoyingly.&nbsp; There is a door in the far wall, which opens to admit a chubby, bespectacled Asian man in a sickly yellow C&amp;I jumpsuit.&nbsp; He carries a number of folders, a clipboard, and a pocketful of pens.<br><br>"Yes, yes, hello, I am Mister LeThuy.&nbsp; Have a seat and we'll begin."<br><br>He sits in the other chair and slides the clipboard and a pen across the table towards Kim.<br><br>"Here is your entry paperwork.&nbsp; It contains a loyalty oath, a statement of notification to be filed with the CPC, and a standard citizenship quiz.&nbsp; Please fill them out now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:26:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim raises an eyebrow, but takes her seat. "I do believe theres been some sort of mistake. I'm not here to immigrate. I'm here on <em>vacation</em>. You know? Sand, surf, sun. That sort of thing." She looks the asian man over doubtfully "So, unless ya'll have some really odd requirements for tourists, I do believe something has gone quite wrong."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:30:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223190#msg223190">Quote from: Rin on 13-07-2006, 02:26:01</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Kim raises an eyebrow, but takes her seat. "I do believe theres been some sort of mistake. I'm not here to immigrate. I'm here on <em>vacation</em>. You know? Sand, surf, sun. That sort of thing." She looks the asian man over doubtfully "So, unless ya'll have some really odd requirements for tourists, I do believe something has gone quite wrong."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"Nothing is wrong.&nbsp; This is standard procedure for all arrivals.&nbsp; You don't need to fill out any of it, you know...but the Peace Force has been known to accidentally arrest tourists who are mistaken for closet fascists.&nbsp; You aren't a fascist, are you?"<br><br>He smiles.&nbsp; The expression has all the warmth of a frozen chunk of haddock.<br><br>"And I strongly suggest you do the form for the CPC.&nbsp; They might give you some trouble otherwise."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:39:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim picks up the notification and looks it over critically. "Actually, I vote Libertarian. But I don't feel it'd be proper for me to fill out a lot of this. It seems very excessive." She keeps one eye on the man suspiciously, having a very bad feeling about this. <em>Maybe I should turn around and leave. See if I can't get a flight back.. I can go down to Miami for my vacation or something.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:42:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223198#msg223198">Quote from: Rin on 13-07-2006, 02:39:41</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Kim picks up the notification and looks it over critically. "Actually, I vote Libertarian. But I don't feel it'd be proper for me to fill out a lot of this. It seems very excessive." She keeps one eye on the man suspiciously, having a very bad feeling about this. <em>Maybe I should turn around and leave. See if I can't get a flight back.. I can go down to Miami for my vacation or something.</em><br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"It's mostly a formality.&nbsp; Since you aren't a fascist.&nbsp; Oh, there is one other thing...but I'll wait until you're finished with the CPC form.&nbsp; It really is important."<br><br>Another haddocky smile.<br><br>"There's nothing to be afraid of, you know.&nbsp; Except maybe the Lemurian vampires, and they turned out to be a hoax."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:45:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim looks over the form carefully, reading it before she starts filling it out. IF she fills it out. "Lemurian vampires? Aren't lemures, like, those fuzzy little monkies?" She frowns "And what thing is that, exactly?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:53:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're thinking of lemurs.&nbsp; Lemuria is one of the mythical counterparts to Atlantis.&nbsp; Caused quite a stir, too, until the Democratic Bureau of Investigation caught the college kids responsible for the whole thing."<br><br>The form looks pretty innocuous.&nbsp; It just says 'CPC Registration' and has the usual request for basic info: name, country of origin, length of stay, willingness to sign a loyalty oath, that sort of thing.&nbsp; It doesn't explain what the CPC is, though.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 02:58:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim fills out the information, making sure not to sign anything.. regretable. She declines to fill out any sort of loyalty oath. She slides it across the table. "Fine. Now what was that thing you mentioned?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:10:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Very wise of you.&nbsp; There's a place in Four Points.&nbsp; You will not wish to go there.&nbsp; You may find it difficult to leave.&nbsp; It's called the Cali Dump.&nbsp; I strongly recommend you avoid it."<br><br>He collects her forms, tucks them in a folder, and stands.<br><br>"Welcome to Al Amarja.&nbsp; Please proceed back down to Baggage Retrieval, and enjoy your stay on our lovely island."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:31:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim frowns "What? Why would I find it hard to leave?" She scratches her head, confused "This is all very odd and unnerving."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:41:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira helps the professor stand and together they make their way to the&nbsp; man standing guard over the door that they all must pass through, "it's sort of like the white rabbit and not knowing where he leads." she says quietly to the Prof. "only I think I am the white rabbit and you are alice. or maybe he is" she babbles as they walk over to the man who is ushering everyone on to the next stage of their journey. "do you think heaven is like this? maybe we died and this is&nbsp; that other place , the one between heaven and hell. you know the waiting room."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:43:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223229#msg223229">Quote from: Rin on 13-07-2006, 03:31:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Kim frowns "What? Why would I find it hard to leave?" She scratches her head, confused "This is all very odd and unnerving."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"Yes, exactly.&nbsp; Good day to you."<br><br>The man holds the door open and bows politely.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:43:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys tips his head towards the clerk before heading down the hall. Finding the flashing red light, he steps into the room, not sure what to expect.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:47:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223235#msg223235">Quote from: Timiko on 13-07-2006, 03:41:47</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Mira helps the professor stand and together they make their way to the&nbsp; man standing guard over the door that they all must pass through, "it's sort of like the white rabbit and not knowing where he leads." she says quietly to the Prof. "only I think I am the white rabbit and you are alice. or maybe he is" she babbles as they walk over to the man who is ushering everyone on to the next stage of their journey. "do you think heaven is like this? maybe we died and this is&nbsp; that other place , the one between heaven and hell. you know the waiting room."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Mira and the Professor get the same spiel...although the Professor goes in first ('straight ahead, all the way to the back') and Mira goes second ('third door on the right.&nbsp; Just look for the flashing red light, please').<br><br>Mira finds her door without any hitches.&nbsp; It's a plain white cube, ten feet on a side, with nothing but a desk and two chairs.&nbsp; The pretty young red-head at the desk nods politely to Mira.<br><br>"Have a seat, please."<br><br>She hands the girl a clipboard and a pen.<br><br>"Just some preliminary paperwork.&nbsp; Finish that, and we'll take care of the interview, all right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:49:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223237#msg223237">Quote from: Rayve13 on 13-07-2006, 03:43:28</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Rhys tips his head towards the clerk before heading down the hall. Finding the flashing red light, he steps into the room, not sure what to expect.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>The room is plain, white tile, containing a desk and two chairs.&nbsp; There is another man in here, with his back to Rhys.&nbsp; He has a pair of headphones on and is gesturing wildly, as if conducting an invisible orchestra.<br><br>There is a clipboard with some forms on it sitting on the chair apparently meant for Rhys.&nbsp; It looks like it's been partially filled out already...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:52:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ooook." Kim rolls her eyes and saunters out in the hall, heading for the Baggage caurosel. <em>Something stinks here, really. Something wrong is going on here. I'll have to take care not to get mixed in with it.</em> She walks quickly, taking care to pay attention to her surroundings as she works to get out of this bloody airport.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 03:59:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira takes the clipboard, "I think there has been a mistake. I am&nbsp; the associate of the Professor. he needs me to help him fill out his paperwork. he gets a bit confused easily. He needs me" she hands the clipboard back, "I'll be pleased to fill it out after I help him fill his out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 04:02:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223252#msg223252">Quote from: Timiko on 13-07-2006, 03:59:22</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Mira takes the clipboard, "I think there has been a mistake. I am&nbsp; the associate of the Professor. he needs me to help him fill out his paperwork. he gets a bit confused easily. He needs me" she hands the clipboard back, "I'll be pleased to fill it out after I help him fill his out."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"This is your interview, honey, not his."<br><br>The red-head starts unbuttoning her shirt.<br><br>"Better get to work, now."<br><br>The paperwork looks pretty straightforward.&nbsp; Loyalty Oath.&nbsp; Statement that you are not and never have been a member of the Fascist Party.&nbsp; Lifestyle Flexibility Survey...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 04:37:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Baggage in hand, mighty purse slung over one slim shoulder, Kim makes her way out of the airport. She keeps an eye on the crowd, checking to see if she's being watched or followed. Outside, she hails a taxi, wanting to head to her hotel.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 16:55:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not far behind Mira, Marissa finally makes her way to the counter after a little mishap involving a hapless airport attendant boy and five trolleys of luggage. Muttering rather unkindly under her breath about "if this is the wedding cake, I dread to see the honeymoon," she finally arrives at the turnstile and presents the man with-<br><br>Two origami swans. "Number's in there somewhere."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 16:58:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man at the turnstile looks at the origami swans, takes them, repeats his usual spiel in a surprised and somewhat subdued tone, and directs Marissa:<br><br>"Through there, first door on the left, have a nice day..."<br><br>The first door on the left leads to a plain white, white-on-white, and pristine ivory cube, ten feet on a side. There is a desk, two chairs, a clipboard with some paperwork on it, and a note that reads:<br><br>Please get started.&nbsp; I'll be right back.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 17:24:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nice day to you too. I haven't named them yet, but take good care of them, or give them back to me on the way out." They're a little on the small side, though, barely a centimeter and a half from beak to tail.<br><br>Following his instructions, she pushes the door open and squints about the room, her eyes taking in the all too bland whiteness of the walls, then to the desk and the two blank chairs, and the note stuck to the clipboard.<br><br>"Great."<br><br>She picks up the clipboard and begins to scan the papers intently as she inadvertantly settles down in the chair meant for the interrogator.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 17:28:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The papers look pretty normal: loyalty oath, CPC registration form, sworn statement that you are not now and have never been a member of the Fascist Party...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 17:33:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa scrunched up her lips as she twiddled the provided pen around in her fingers, perusing the papers with a rather bewildered look on her face.<br><br>"All these oaths and registration forms.. I wonder what happens if I don't sign them." But sign them she does, almost habitually accepting the official-looking forms as something wholesome and proper as she reads, checking off each box and placing her signature on every single applicable dotted line as she comes across them in sequence.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 17:35:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a few minutes, the door behind her opens.<br><br>"Oh.&nbsp; You're here, already," says a smooth, cultured, husky man's voice.&nbsp; "Sorry I'm late.&nbsp; Let me just...ahhh..."<br><br>He squeezes past the desk and sits down in the 'applicant' chair.&nbsp; He's tall, muscular, dark-haired, very handsome, and wearing nothing but a white terry-cloth bathrobe.<br><br>"How far have you gotten?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 17:55:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unfurrowing her eyebrows to adopt a polite expression, the diminutive, flame-haired girl turns in her chair to spy the robed man entering the room, her eyes widening for a moment as she follows his trail across the room. As he settles, she shrugs, and places the clipboard down on the desk, turns it to face him, and slides the board toward the man, though still holding on to the pen for now.<br><br>"I'm your interrogator, actually. So have you ever been a member of the Fascist party?"<br><br>Slight pause for effect as the pen dances around a finger, twirling so fast it begins to blur a bit. "Just kidding. Actually, I'm about done. I'm surprised," she notes, "They didn't make you dye your hair white, too."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:02:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Nope.&nbsp; Just everything else.&nbsp; So, ready for your interview?&nbsp; Any questions you'd like to ask beforehand?&nbsp; We're here to help, after all."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:16:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa nods once at his words, frowning a bit as her other hand moves up to her tresses to tug on them rather-selfconsciously.<br><br>"Remind me to never work here. Um.. help? Yes, yes you are. Well.. what in the world did the Fascist Party do in the past? Wikipedia had nothing much on you folks, literally. And what were those forms I signed? CPC? Loyalty? I'm only here for a couple months.. maybe."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:22:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man smiles, crossing his legs (American fashion, not European) and clasps his hands around one knee, seemingly oblivious to the view this presents.<br><br>"Oh, those are just a formality.&nbsp; Her Excellency prefers that our happy little democracy remain less well known in the world, preserving our way of life from more aggressive forms of globalization and the like.&nbsp; Do you know where you'll be staying while you're here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:31:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Her Excellency? Oh, how refreshing, a female ruler." Marissa's eyes wander downward for a moment, before quickly looking back to his face, though not before her eyes flit down to her watch reflexively, as though to check the time.<br><br>The redhead simply crosses one knee over the other, in a slightly more ladylike fashion, as she shook her curls back and forth. "Staying? Nope. Some reputable hotel in town. Recommend any? Not too expensive though.."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:38:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Most tourists stay in Sunken.&nbsp; I'd suggest either that, Cesar's Hotel in particular.&nbsp; If you're looking for something closer to our nightlife, then Bienvenidos in the Plaza of Flowers might be more your thing.&nbsp; Purpose of your stay?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:44:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sunken? Intriguing name. It's not the Titanic upside down, is it? I'll look into those.. uhh.. hm."<br><br>Marissa hesitates a bit as she seems to be pondering over the choices, when in reality she's trying to figure out how to answer the man's next question.<br><br>"Tourist, mainly. Looking to experience whatever the fair land has to share. See the sights and sounds and tastes and all that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:46:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Fair enough.&nbsp; How high is your lifestyle acceptance tolerance?&nbsp; What bothers you?"<br><br>He shifts, crossing his legs the other way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 18:55:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa dabbled her dry lips with the tip of her tongue as she nods, then considered the man's words. Lifestyle tolerance? Maybe he meant people like gays and lesbians and how she feels about them. Sure she tolerated them.. more than a few people she knew were bisexual, to say the least.<br><br>A slight shrug of her shoulders, as she 'tossed' the twirling pen from one hand to the other skilfully, not missing a beat as her other fingers now start to dance. Words to regret. "Nothing." Marissa winks to the man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 19:03:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				His smile widens.<br><br>"I see.&nbsp; Well, unless you're carrying guns, drugs, and fascist pamphlets in your baggage, I can't think of a reason not to let you onto the island.&nbsp; Your passport, please?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 19:08:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa can't help but grin slightly to te man. "Passport.. passport.. right." Digging around in her handbag, she procures her rather remarkably used-looking passport and hands it over to the man. Canadian in origin, but just about full of stamps from many countries, even some not so innocent ones from the past.<br><br>"Say, what's your name, by the way? I'm Marissa." She murmurs in a friendly manner. It says so in the passport, of course.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 19:11:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"My name is David."&nbsp; He gives her another smile, bright enough to make her go weak in the knees.&nbsp; "Unfortunately, I'm not permitted to date tourists.&nbsp; You qualify as 'clients' and Her Excellency wants no hint that we've let people onto the island in exchange for personal favors.&nbsp; I'm sorry."<br><br>He stamps her passport and gives it back to her.<br><br>"I'm sure you can find your way back to the elevators, yes?&nbsp; Enjoy your stay."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 19:20:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chuckling softly, Marissa nods as she accepts back her passport without a glance, and slips it back into her black leather handbag. Authentic leather. "Quite all right! I think you probably just dated me in my passport though, so whatever you say, David! Have a nice day and send my regards to Her Excellency, or something. I can, and thanks for the hotel tips."<br><br>With that, unless there were further interruptions, she starts making her way out of the offices and corridors again, past the man with her pet paper swans.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 21:05:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=6020.msg223245#msg223245">Quote from: MadPanda on 13-07-2006, 03:49:28</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">The room is plain, white tile, containing a desk and two chairs.&nbsp; There is another man in here, with his back to Rhys.&nbsp; He has a pair of headphones on and is gesturing wildly, as if conducting an invisible orchestra.<br><br>There is a clipboard with some forms on it sitting on the chair apparently meant for Rhys.&nbsp; It looks like it's been partially filled out already...<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Rhys sits down in the open chair, looknig over the half completed paperwork to see what's been said about him and his work, keeping an eye on the 'conductor' as he does.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 21:07:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It doesn't say much, but most of the boxes have been checked...possibly at random.&nbsp; Still, there's nothing incriminating that Rhys can see.<br><br>Hmm.&nbsp; Loyalty oath.&nbsp; Statement of intent.&nbsp; Life insurance policy...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 21:25:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys is reasonably content with the paperwork thus far, though he continues to check it to make sure he isn't marked as a woman or some such. He also calls out to his attendant, such as he is.<br><br>" 'suces me, anything you need from me here?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 21:30:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man suddenly seems to realize that there's someone else in here.&nbsp; He grins sheepishly and pulls off the headphones.<br><br>"Oh, hi!&nbsp; Uhm, just...just fill out the forms, okay?&nbsp; And I'll stamp your passport for you.&nbsp; Cool?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 21:57:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rhys grins broadly, "Done and done, meh friend,"<br><br>He leans over the forms, checking things off as appropriate before handing them back across the desk, his passport on top.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 22:22:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Barely pausing, the man stamps Rhys's passport.<br><br>"Cool.&nbsp; See ya, man.&nbsp; You know the way back, right?"<br><br>He puts his headphones on and goes back to conducting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>13-07-2006, 22:24:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'll manage," Rhys says, to himself more than the man, and heads out again, back down the hall towards the front desk to wait for the others to get through C&amp;I.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>14-07-2006, 22:35:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She nods and smiles, "Yes I know but you realize that he might get himself into trouble. I really need to helo him." she watches the person behind the desk and blanches as the buttons become a thing of the past. she drops her eyes to the clip board. ok. I'll do mine first and help him afterwards. <br><br>She begins to fill in the blanks. after about halfway through she sighs, "I carry my own tooth brush thankyouvery much" her sarcasm is only slightly irritable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>14-07-2006, 23:43:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Is that so?&nbsp; Did we ask about that?"<br><br>The woman takes off her shirt and starts on her bra.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>16-07-2006, 03:41:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sighs, "no I was just being sarcastic." she looks up and smiles. and then back to the board. "excuse me. is there a spider in your clothing?" her cheeks turn a bright pink and she swallows nervously. Peeking up to see what the woman is actually doing. Curious. "umm is that normal? I mean taking your clothes off while doing your job?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-07-2006, 07:38:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Normalcy is an assumption. Why?&nbsp; Like what you see?"<br><br>The woman cups her breasts and winks.<br><br>"Now finish your paperwork like a good girl..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>16-07-2006, 18:41:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Miranda Blinks. she stares. licks her lips nervously and then jerks her gaze away. "yes normalcy is fluid. Please forgive me for assumptions." she swallows and returns her gaze to the paperwork. Peeking up she shrugs, "I am not sure if I like&nbsp; what I see so I am fine with it." her cheeks flame and she returns to the paperwork.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>16-07-2006, 19:06:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Is something the matter, pretty girl?"<br><br>The woman grins wickedly, then stands and starts teasing her pants open...and down...<br><br>"When you're done, I'll give you a nice prize.&nbsp; Won't that be special?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>17-07-2006, 02:25:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira's head jerks up and terror fills her expression. for just an instant . and then she smiles, "thank you I am sure you are very nice but I must get done and rescue my professor" she swallows nervously and then laughs, "I am so sorry. but I am not.. I have not.. I mean I have not.. ever..with.. umm I mean" she sighs. and returns to her paperwork. "done" as if that in itself is a life saver.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>17-07-2006, 02:29:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Licking her lips, the woman leans across the desk.<br><br>"Ready for your reward, sexy girl?"<br><br>And then she stamps Mira's passport.<br><br>"Welcome to Al Amarja.&nbsp; Enjoy your stay.&nbsp; Baggage claim is on the second and third floors."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 03:14:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira blushes an dthen laughs, "thank you very much." and picking up her things she starts for the door. "I mean it. thank you" she escapes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 03:27:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				And that brings our brave little band of heroes together again, including the Professor, out in front of the terminal, with luggage in hand, only about an hour later.&nbsp; There are two things that are immediately apparent:<br><br>First, it's a lot warmer outside than in.&nbsp; The Terminal, whatever its sins, has air conditioning.<br><br>Second, there seems to be only one taxi service to and from the Terminal: something called Total Taxi.&nbsp; That, at least, is the company logo on the side of the many limousines pulled up in front.&nbsp; The nearest one is currently supporting a tall and skinny Asian gentleman in classic Roaring Twenties chauffeur's garb, reading Al Amarjan Times and sporting a nametag which displays a penny-farthing bicycle and the number '5'.&nbsp; He nods to the party.<br><br>"You good people need a ride into the Edge?"<br><br>Hmm.&nbsp; He seems to have assumed that you're all together.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 16:08:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having "claimed" both her little origami swans back when the guard at the turnstile wasn't looking, Marissa found herself bundled toward the out along with her two suitcases and handbag in a swarm of humanity that streamed down the elevator and out the bottom layer of the cake, with barely enough room to move in any other direction until she was finally outside the airport and the crowd density noticeably thinned.<br><br>She noticed several passengers from her same plane in front of her, the same ones she had trailed earlier, and her hands gripped and twisted the handles of her suitcase to hang on to them as someone bumped into her from behind, sending her stumbling a few steps forward and catching on to Rhys for balance. "Ack! Whoever did that, a pox on you!" She calls out behind her, before righting herself and trying to form an apology to the man, "Sorry, I-"<br><br>And then the taxi driver calls out to them, utterly derailing the red-haired woman's train of thought as she stares blankly at him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>18-07-2006, 20:13:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Feeling the soft form of a woman against him, Rhys instinctively gets an arm around her waist to steady her.<br><br>"Tis nah a problem love," he says with a smile, "and ye'll pox that one good, I see."<br><br>He turns to the cabbie easily, still letting his arm linger around Marissa's waist. "Meself an the lady'll need yah, if'n she'll have mah comany. The others could prolly use one as well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rin</strong> on <strong>20-07-2006, 00:15:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kim looks around the parking lot, shimmering under the sun and immediately pulls out a pair of dark sunglasses and claps them on. She looks to the others, then shrugs "Sure. If ya'll don't mind sharing a cab, I'll share the cab fare."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>20-07-2006, 04:08:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"All righty, then!&nbsp; You have a cab!&nbsp; I'll be your driver, today.&nbsp; My name is Klaus."<br><br>He pushes off the hood of the limo, tucks the paper under one arm, and gives the collective a jaunty salute.<br><br>"Let me help you with your baggage, good people!&nbsp; And where shall I take you?&nbsp; Cesars or Bienvenidos are very popular for newcomers and short-term guests of Our Shepherdess!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>22-07-2006, 06:40:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ah-" Marissa began to Rhys, just as the taxi driver started speaking as wel, and the girl blinked, looking a little bit dazed, before giving up and idly twirling a lock of her long reddish-auburn tresses in her fingers instead. "Right. Right I do! I mean we do," she glanced to the others with a bit of a nerved look, "No, sharing isn't a problem, and Our Shepherdess? That's a new one.. but somehow really fitting. Hm, what's the hotel that's near.. the.. Garden of Flowers or something like that? Into the Edge nothing, I already feel like I'm being driven right Over the Edge!"<br><br>"But a pleasure to meet you all." The American- or Canadian-sounding girl bobs her knees to Rhys, then the rest. Then to the driver. "Even you."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Timiko</strong> on <strong>23-07-2006, 02:45:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mira walks along beside but slightly behind the Professor. she has relieved him of most of his hand luggage and she pulls a wagon beghind of suitcases. She waits for the professor to decide but she is looking a little droopy from the heat. Her three piece suit of fashionable wool does not help either.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>23-07-2006, 04:30:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Ahh, you would want Bienvenidos, on the Plaza of Flowers!&nbsp; The pretty lady is looking for an eventful stay, yes?&nbsp; Wild place, Flowers.&nbsp; Good security at Bienvenidos, though, so you should be safe."<br><br>Klaus collects luggage, piling it up in the trunk.&nbsp; Then he holds the door open with another jaunty salute.<br><br>"Thank you for choosing Total Taxi for all your taxi needs!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ellyssa</strong> on <strong>24-07-2006, 16:38:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Marissa eyes the cab driver for a few moments as she considers his words, though as she was the one who had suggested the place she would probably not be the one to confirm or deny the choice. "I think that's the place that was recommended, yes. There aren't any Venus Flytraps there, are there? Not that wild I hope!" Still, she would give him her own suitcases before helping Mira and her professor unload and trunk most of theirs as well, before slipping in to the cab first to try to secure the far side corner seat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rayve13</strong> on <strong>25-07-2006, 02:08:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Never fear pet, I'll be protectin' yah if it's needed," Rhys jokes as he slides into the cab, pleased to have fallen in with such female heavy company.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Prelude, Overture, and a Bag of Chips</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>MadPanda</strong> on <strong>01-08-2006, 15:42:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				END OF THREAD<br>Proceed ye now unto Chapter One.
			</dd>
		</dl>
		<div id="footer" class="smalltext">
			
			<span class="smalltext" style="display: inline; visibility: visible; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?action=credits" title="Simple Machines Forum" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF 2.0.19</a> |
 <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org/about/smf/license.php" title="License" target="_blank" class="new_win">SMF © 2021</a>, <a href="https://www.simplemachines.org" title="Simple Machines" target="_blank" class="new_win">Simple Machines</a>
			</span>
		</div>