Balmorra: Broken Negotiations

[Liam Jinn]

OOC: This takes place after the break-up of TGE...

IC:

The cool morning air had passed into but a faded memory by the time Liam had left the atmosphere of Arcan IV. Inside his ship it was unusually warm; most likely his life-support system onboard his ship, the Nebulon, was malfunctioning again. It didn't matter much to him for he would not be in the tin can for long. The Nebulon gained speed and took a quick turn, then jumped to hyperspace; destination - Balmorra, an Imperial controlled planet.

From what the Jedi Master had learned, the Imperials had seemed to split, the reason unknown to him yet. He had spent a good deal of his life in service of the Empire, but came to his senses later and found the Jedi. Now he would find Grand Admiral Taylor Millard and make him an offer. Hopefully, if all went well, Millard would be comming back with Liam- though it didn't seem too likely. But if no one tried, then how would anyone be sure?

________________


Hours later, the ship exited hyperspace. Liam's hands immediately darted to the comm. He opened up a channel to the planet in front of him, hopefully his message would reach the right person. He took a deep breath and began to speak into the comm..

"This is Jedi Master Liam Jinn from the GJO. Requesting permission to land and speak with Grand Admiral Taylor Millard."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard's cold blue eyes narrowed as he sat in his office on Balmorra.

It had only been a month-and-a-half since The Empire had broken and four weeks since Balmorra had decided to take 'Guild Sector' as well as a few other planets, who wanted to stay with the Empire- keeping the name Galactic Empire. The new emperor Tyrel Kiterix had been busy making policy decisions and ensuring the economies had not collapsed on the individual planets. Millard had kept the peace and order, ensuring no one defected or attacked.

And now the New Republic comes to speak.

He had to admit, Jinn was smart saying he was with 'The Greater Jedi Order' and not the New Republic. That instantly would have meant his death. Instead he had mentioned the Jedi, a group Millard had a certain ammount of respect for.

They fought well in battle. The Imperial Admiral and Dark Jedi had recently fought alongside Jinn at Yoghurt's Bar and Grill, when a group of Reborn Dark Jedi attacked.

The only reason Millard had defended the Jedi was simple. His love, the smuggler Loklorien s'Ilancy, had been attacked and injured by these Reborn. One currently resided in the brig under heavy guard.

Eventually, Millard planned to move the clone to VJun for The Black Hand to study. But now...he was enjoying tortuing the clone.

The Imperial Grand Admiral took a sip from his espresso, relishing the flavor. He opened his senses, smelling almost everything. The scent of the cafe, the warmness of the Balmorran Sun as it shone through the windows. They reached high into the castle, filling the office with light.

If one looks out the office window they see a gorgeous view of Bin Prime, the capital city of Balmorra. They see the walkers from the Processing Plant a mile away- walking across the Balmorran Plain. TIE Fighters took off from the landing bays near the compound beginning their atmospheric patrols of the skies, and in the distance...one could see the Imperial Fleet guarding the planet. It was truly a glorious sight.

And now the Jedi wanted to visit.

Millard had a feeling that young Loki Ahmrah was not with Jinn. A pity, he mused...young Loki was so intent at visiting Balmorra.

"Let him land," he said, he face becoming stone-like, "I will listen to him.

"Usher him here the minute he arrives."

Millard rose, walking from his office to his room- about three floors down. s'Ilancy still slept, her face wincing occasionally as she relived her nightmare from two weeks ago with the hunter, Miiki Barrok. He bent down and kissed her on the lips, then smiled as her expression relaxed. Taylor turned then left the room, but not before leaving a note, asking her to join him upstairs when she woke up. One final gaze at her sleeping form and he left.

He arrived back at the office in time to see the Nebulon escorted down by a wing of TIE Fighters. Liam Jinn had arrived.

[Liam Jinn]

The permission was finally given for Liam to land and a wing of Tie's escorted his ship down. He breifly glanced out the viewport, and caught glimpse of an astonishing city. If he got the time later, he might make a point of walking around down there. But for now he pushed that thought back and concetrated on his mission at hand.

His ship touched down in an Imperial Compound, and the Tie's broke formation around the Nebulon, probably off to patrol the atmosphere again.

The landing ramp lowered, and with it the Jedi Master began his decent onto the hard metal floor of the compound. He had chose to wear his robe for once, and it flowed behind him smoothly. The brown fabric hid the Jedi's form and conceled his lightsaber, though he was sure most suspected he was carrying it anyway.

A man in uniform stepped in front of Liam, stopping him.

"Please, follow me."

He nodded, barely visable through the hood of his robe and the uniformed one led the way to Millard's office. He saluted the Grand Admiral and then turned, leaving the two to there business.

"Grand Admiral Millard, a pleasure meeting you." He removed the hood of his robe, letting the Imperial see his face. "I suppose I'll cut straight to the chase. As you know, your Empire is no longer the power it once used to be. The NR has gained strength due to this and well, I have a propsition to make. The NR could use a few in command with your expertise, and is willing to pay for them."

He stopped before saying anything else, giving the Grand Admiral a chance to respond..

[Taylor Millard]

"Do they?" Millard's eyes narrowed as he stared at the Jedi Liam Jinn.

"First off, you will remove your lightsaber and give it to the officer outside the door. Because you are under the banner of the Greater Jedi Order you will be given it back and will be allowed to leave."

He remained in his seat, then waved a hand towards the seat in front of the desk.

"This is the second time in a two months I have been asked to join the New Republic. I declined the first time, as I will the second time."

He leaned forward, "Tell me...do Jedi stoop as low to bribe Imperial Officers for them to join? Or is The New Republic that desperate?"

[Liam Jinn]

The Jedi Master chuckled and removed his lightsaber. He set it on the desk in front of him, then took a seat.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think my lightsaber would be a problem. Bribe you say? No, I have no intentions of bribing you. Only making you an offer."

He paused for a brief moment, looking around the office.

"The New Republic has made you an offer, why not take it? What is here for you?"

[Taylor Millard]

"What is here for me?" Millard kept his face impassive.

"Did you not see the city as you came in? Did you not see the people as they went from their job to their home and vice versa? They are quite happy under Imperial Rule. As am I.

"Tell me, what do you know of duty and honor, Jedi Master Liam Jinn."

[Liam Jinn]

Liam smirked.

"Probably more than you'd expect..." His gaze became fixed on the Grand Admiral's uniform, then he stood. "I have your answer then?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

Almost every night she’d bolted up with a cry and in a cold sweat, scared from her slumber by the nightmares that continually haunted her, terrorizing her almost every sleeping hour. And each time he was there. There to comfort and hold her; to whisper in her ear that everything was alright now, that she was alive, that he was there for her… and that he loved her.

For the past two weeks fear had been the only emotion she was capable of. Numbing fear that held her in a relentless grasp. She’d tasted death once more, and just like the first time, had been wrenched from the ethereal beauty of eternal sleep. Now, she was almost a husk of her former self; her eyes, even though lighting up with joy and content whenever she looked upon Taylor, always returned to the haunted emptiness that she felt within her.

The emptiness that Taylor Millard was starting fill.

Loklorien s’Ilancy was learning how to live her life all over again. For the second time.



* * * *



Her eyes were slow to open.

Every morning she slept late, a byproduct of the previous night’s nightmares. How Millard was able to wake so early was something beyond her. He had to be getting as little sleep as she did, for he was always there for her in the darkness, soothing her nerves and driving away the demons of her mind.

And last night was like all the others. She’d come awake sobbing at the memory of her helplessness, even in the midst of the drug. It had failed her. Just as she had failed herself.

Just like the first time.

Taylor had drawn her to him, holding her close as she cried, and she clung to him for fear that he wasn’t real; that he was a trick of her mind and that all he had done for her was just a dream. And as sleep once more took her, she consoled herself that he in fact was real, and was there.

Her hollow, metallic eyes turned slowly to stare at the side of the bed Taylor occupied every night; she could smell him, and she let his lingering scent fill her lungs as tired and sore fingers curled around a fold in the covers. Rolling to her back, s’Il stared at the ceiling, her features impassive. Two weeks she’d been here, and every morning she did the same thing; staring at the ceiling for at least five minutes before slowly, if not painfully, rising up to sit.

She carefully swung her legs over the side of the bed, letting the balls of her feet brush the ground before putting any weight upon them. Her slumped shoulders bore fresh scars; hell, her whole body was now littered with them, but thankfully her daily trips to the bacta tanks were quickly fixing that.

s’Il groaned as she stood, and stiffly making her way to the dresser, opened one of the drawers, pulling out a pair of jeans and an oversized grey button-up silk shirt. She dressed at a slow pace, her muscles stiff and worn as she shrugged the shirt on, buttoning it up.

Not even bothering to put on shoes, s’Il padded on bare feet across the room to the door. Her eyes caught sight of the letter Taylor had left her reading it over as she reached out, running her fingers over his handwriting.

So elegant…… so graceful…….

She sighed as she turned the handle to the door, and pushing it open, took a step out and started down the hall, walking; limping slightly, as she made her way to where Millard had asked her to meet him.

[Taylor Millard]

"More than I expect?" Millard chuckled, "Come Master Jinn. You did not expect me really believe the Jedi hold no honor. If you have read your file on me, undoubtably you would have seen my father was a Jedi Master. So the Jedi must have some honor beneath those dusty robes.

"So tell me. Why you? Why are you here? Why not, one of the Q'Dunns?"

[Liam Jinn]

"Because I'm sure they had better things to do."

The mention of the Q'Dunns bothered Liam somewhat. They are no more special than any other Jedi.. he said to himself.

"Why would you expect one of them?"

[Taylor Millard]

"They seem to turn up more often than not when it comes to Jedi Dealings.

"But you have yet to answer my question. Why are you here?"

[Liam Jinn]

"I am here because...well, let's just say I've had dealings with the Empire before.."

He sat down again. "Tell me, how long have you been with the Empire?"

[Taylor Millard]

"Over thirty years," was the short reply, "How long have you been a Jedi?"

[Liam Jinn]

"I don't remember exactly, maybe nine years. Do you recall a man by the name of Thrawn?"

[Taylor Millard]

At the name of Thrawn, Millard's ears perked up. Keeping his tone and face calm, though, the Imperial Grand Admiral nodded.

"He trained me yes."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s’Il trudged her way up the three floors to where Millard had said he would be, having to stop every so often to steady herself. She was straining her injuries, and her new scars threatened to reopen if she exerted herself too much.

Technically she wasn’t supposed to even be out of the medcenter, but the doctors had allowed her to leave on the strict stipulation that she stay in bed, and if she had to get up and move around, to use a cane. At the moment however, the cane they’d given her was shoved beneath the bed, completely ignored and intentionally forgotten.

She stopped at the door to Millard’s office, leaning on the wall for a few minutes; the walk had taken a fair amount of her energy. What he wanted her here for she hadn't a clue, but if he wanted her to join him wherever he was, she was more than willing to oblige him.

s’Il stood up straighter, a slight groan coming from her lips, and reached out a hand, lightly knocking on the door.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard stood suddenly at the sound of the knocking, excusing himself from Liam Jinn. He walked the length of the floor to the door, then slowly opened it.

"Ah Lok, I didn't expect you for another hour or so," he whispered, then spoke aloud, "Ah Madame s'Ilancy, a pleasure to see you, please enter."

He made a motion, helping the smaller framed woman into the room.

"Thomas, enter please."

A door, off to the side and almost unnoticable, opened and the red-cloaked Imperial Guardsman walked in. Thomas moved quickly to Millard's side, then the two (allbeit with a little resistance from s'Ilancy) half-walked, half-carried the smuggler to an easy chair off to the side of Millard's desk.

As he eased her into the chair, the Imperial Grand Admiral turned back towards the Jedi Master.

"Mister Jinn, if you will permit me, I would like to introduce my..." he paused on the word, still getting used to the term, "Girlfriend, Loklorien s'Ilancy. Loklorien s'Ilancy this is Liam Jinn, Jedi Master.

"Now you mentioned Grand Admiral Thrawn's name. Why?"

[Liam Jinn]

Liam stood and bowed at the one who had just entered. To him, it appeared that she wasn't in the condition to be walking around, but what did he know. Smiling, he sat back down in his chair. Millard questioned about Thrawn and the smile soon faded. Maybe bringing him up was a mistake..

"I was once trained by that man as well." He said quietly.

[Taylor Millard]

"Are you certain? You are rather young to be trained by Grand Admiral Thrawn. Unless it was one the clones which trained you.

"I have heard rumors of a various many clones of the former Grand Admiral. Are you sure it was the real one?"

[Liam Jinn]

"It might have been a clone...Awhile back he had a deathstar built. Shortly after I joined the jedi, we destroyed it. Do you know of the Thrawn I speak of?"

Liam looked at the woman then back at Millard.

"Perhaps you can tell me if it was a clone."

[Taylor Millard]

"Based on the information I have been given it was a clone," Millard kept this face stone-like, "The Grand Admiral was killed by a Noghri assassin. I read the reports, and saw the autopsy.

"I know of the current Grand Admiral Thrawn, who is away with Lord Viscera."

He changed the subject, "Tell me Mister Jinn do drink tea? I can have some made if you wish?"

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il stared at Jinn, meeting his eyes with her own hollow gaze as he looked to her before turning back to Millard, and pulling her legs up, she curled them beneath her body. Her eyes went back and forth between Millard and the Jedi as they exchanged words.

She had no idea why Taylor had asked her to be here; just that he had, and at his mention of tea, her brows furrowed.

Is it that late already.....?

How late had she slept? It was all a blur to her now; the last two weeks muddled into one seemless event: sleep, wake, eat, sleep some more, then spend a few hours with Taylor before again succumbing to fitfull slumber.

For now though, she contented herself with merely observing the Jedi and the Grand Admiral with her empty, seemingly souless eyes.

And yet, every day they were ever so slowly returning back to their previous metallic intensity, though it would still be a long while before she was back to the woman she once was. Miiki Barrok had done well to crush her, and it was a constant uphill battle to regain her life.

s'Il blinked and watched the Jedi, Liam Jinn, her curiosity akin to that of a young child's as to why he was here.

[Liam Jinn]

Liam smiled at the offer.

"Tea sounds good."

He turned to the woman, noticing she was watching him.

"I know, I don't like these robes either." He said with a grin. Most likely that was not what she was staring at, but it was only a poor attempt by Liam to make conversation.

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il tilted her head, her eyes locked with Liam's as she continued to watch him.

"If you don't like them then why don't you wear something else."

It was neither a question nor a statement; it was just said. Her voice was flat, hinting at no emotion other than to convey an air of common sense and brutal honesty.

It was a touch of the old s'Il resurfacing, if only for a few seconds.

[Taylor Millard]

Millard glanced over at s'Il, almost happy to see her resurface if only for a moment. It meant she was on the road to recovery...no matter how long the road would be.

He poured the tea, three cups: one for each member in the room, save for Thomas who stood their silently.

After setting a cup on the table next to s'Il, he placed a simple dark blue saucer, with the Imperial insignia, on it in front of Liam.

"I trust you do not mind drinking out of an Imperial cup now do you Mister Jinn?

"So you were trained by a Grand Admiral Thrawn. Why mention him?"

[Liam Jinn]

"Well, Jedi are usually recognised easily enough when wearing their robes. Wouldn't want the people here to get the wrong idea about me."

He took the cup and sipped it gingerly. "Markings are just that to me. I'm not too picky about cups anyway."

"I just found it odd that we were at one time or another trained by men of the same name. How many Thrawns does the Empire have anyway?"

[Taylor Millard]

"I fear that knowledge is beyond me," Millard said, not completely lying. The clone currently serving with the Empire was not from them, but from the Chiss. Only a few people knew it...Millard was one of them. What Jinn did not know, would not completely hurt him.

"How did you come under Thrawn's command?"

[Liam Jinn]

"My father, who also was an Imp, knew him pretty well by the time I was born. So Thrawn saw that I had force potential and figured I might be useful later on, and took me under his wing."

Liam took another sip of his tea. "How about you?"

[Taylor Millard]

Millard's cold blue eyes narrowed, "Thrawn took me as his protege in the Unknown Regions after fighting the rogue Admiral Zakan.

"You interest me," he took a sip from his tea, "You said Force Potential. This clone could sense the Force?"

[Liam Jinn]

"Ah yes, very much so. Why do you ask?"

[Taylor Millard]

"Because Thrawn never had Force Potential when I knew him. Not that I could sense any, but the Chiss have not had a Force User ever.

"I heard rumors this carnation defected to the Rebellion. Is this true?"

[Liam Jinn]

Liam let another smile escape his lips.

"Yes this is true. Does it bother you that someone as high ranking as Thrawn would turn?"

[Taylor Millard]

"The Thrawn I knew was honorable, loyal, and a soldier. He believed in the Empire and what it stood for. He would never defect.

"But..." he paused, drinking his tea, "We must remember, this is a clone we are talking about. Not the real deal."

[Liam Jinn]

"And what is it the Empire stands for now? What's left of it that is.."

He set his empty glass down, and folded his arms in front of him.

[Taylor Millard]

"If you wish to know that, you'll have to talk to Governor Kiterix," Millard said taking another sip of his tea, "I am a soldier. Not a politician."

[Liam Jinn]

"Shouldn't a soldier know why and what he fights for?"

[Taylor Millard]

Millard kept his face expressionless, though he felt a bit of anger rise in him. He took another sip of tea, looked over toward s'Il (who had yet to touch her tea), then back at Jinn.

"Of course. Most do it for a job. Others do it for no reason. I believe the Empire promotes peace and order. It has a stable economy, instead of having the individual planets fend for themselves. If you obey the laws you prosper. If you disobey them you are punished. The Empire avoids the corruption of a Senate by consolodating the powers into one entity.

"The Empire does not promote terrorist action upon civilians and innocents. Instead it wants peace and order. That is what the Empire stands for. And that is why I am here, defending Balmorra."

[Liam Jinn]

"And if the one entity happens to be corrupted, what then?"

[Taylor Millard]

"Again, that is not my concern. I am a soldier following my planet. But if I were to think about it, I would say wait. Patience is a virtue, Mister Jinn."

[Liam Jinn]

"Patience is indeed a virtue, though not as much as one would expect when lives are at stake. What exactly would you wait for?"

Liam stared curiously into the eyes of Millard, feeling that there was something oddly familiar about them.

[Taylor Millard]

"For the next leader. Emperors die, as do kings, as do Senators...as do Jedi.

"Consider this, Mister Jinn. You have a body split over a decision....completely split. Equal parts, wanting two separate things. It could shut the whole government down.

"Now," he took another drink, "Consider a government where there was one leader. Certainly he'd have advisors, but he would be able to make the decisions for himself. Or her if the situation had merit. No government lockdown. No mass end of jobs."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

s'Il listened silently, ingesting the conversation between the two men. She could tell Millard was becoming just a little frustrated, and when he cast her a look, she turned to stare back at him, her face expressionless as a hand went down to rest around her cup. She didn't move to lift it, merely let it send it warmth into her hand.

The talk of Thrawn did generate a small, inward laugh on her part, but she kept her thoughts and memories to herself, and with a slight movement finally lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip.

For now she kept quiet. It wasn't that she'd been instructed in any way to stay her tongue, she just didn't feel the need to talk. She would let the two exchange words awhile longer before deciding whether or not to step into the conversation.

[Liam Jinn]

"That government shut down you speak of, it's only plausable if there aren't any fail safes in place. Usually it's not as simple as an even split. And there's always a way to uneven the equal parts."

[Taylor Millard]

"Yes, but do those means break the law with under-handed promises or bribes? Or do you speak of assasination?"

[Liam Jinn]

Liam shook his head, chuckling.

"No, comprimises, debates."

[Taylor Millard]

"And if a stronger party preys upong a weaker party? Even if they, the stronger one, are in the minority.

"What then Mister Jinn? More compromises? That is what, if I recall, destroyed the Senate in the first place."

[Liam Jinn]

"That's a good point. Both have their faults, though in my opinion it's more dangerous to have one lead than a group."

[Loklorien s'Ilancy]

One sip was all she seemed to be able to handle, and s'Il set the cup back down on the table. She looked briefly at Thomas, giving him an odd gaze before turning back to Millard and Jinn. Her head dropped a little as she leaned back in her chair, and strands of dark blonde hair fell forward into her face.

"Whether the one leads or many," she interrupted quietly, "I'll still make my money off of either or. It doesn't matter to me who's in charge. I mind my own business, and I expect them to mind theirs. I do my best to take care of myself...." she paused at that, looking to Millard as her eyes softened, "...though sometimes I have troubles doing even that; and for the help I've been given in those times I'll be forever grateful...."

She looked to Jinn before continuing. "In the long run, it doesn't really matter who rules. People aren't going to change a system that works for them. As long as they're happy, content, and prospering, then what works, works."

She stopped then, taking a breath, as if the act of talking had exercised too much energy. It hadn't, but she'd stopped anyways, locking eyes with the Jedi. "If someone is content to live under a certain set of rules, then what is the point in upending said rules....?"

Of course s'Il had never followed any of those rules as it went, but she had her opinions of them regardless. It still amazed her that Millard hadn't taken her into any sort of custody when they first met, given the circumstances of the incident.

She continued to stare at Jinn, her hollow eyes waiting for his answer.

[Liam Jinn]

Liam looked back at the woman, who was now speaking.

"There would be no point."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard hid a smile.

That's the s'Il I used to know.

"Then tell me, Mister Jinn, why are you here? If Balmorra is happy under Imperial rule- if this sector is happy under Imperial rule...why are you here?"

[Liam Jinn]

"You know why I am here. I've already got the answer though, so I do not know why I am still here. Perhaps it is just to converse now."

[Taylor Millard]

"Yes, you are here to ask me if I want to join 'The New Republic'. You do have your answer.

"So now tell me about yourself, Mister Jinn. Where is it you come from?"

[Liam Jinn]

"Well, today I came from the Greater Jedi Order. If you want to go back a little ways, I was born on Dantooine. How about yourself? Where is it you come from?"

[Taylor Millard]

"About four miles from where we sit. My parents had a small house the Old Order of Jedi provided. My father did not want to use this castle to bring his son into the world. He preferred if I wasn't a 'spoiled Old Republic Diplomat's grandson'.

"But this castle was my grandfather's. I inherited it when my family died. Anything else you wish to know?"

[Liam Jinn]

"Sure there is, but perhaps another day. I really wish you'd reconsider my offer, but I can see that you most likely will not. As a Captain in the NR, I'd like to see someone working on our side like yourself.."

[Taylor Millard]

At the mention of the New Republic, Millard felt his anger rise.

The New Republic. Terrorists who gained control of the galaxy through underhanded means and anarchy. Beings who were now reeling from blows given them. Now, with the Empire not at its strongest they were salivating like Hutts over a discarded fortune. The Imperial Grand Admiral scowled, then got his anger under control.

"I fear that will not happen Mister Jinn, as I am quite happy with where I am."

He steepled his fingers under his mouth.

"Tell me, you have just come into my home on my planet requesting me join an organization I disagree with. If I were to ccome into your home. What would your reaction be?"

[Liam Jinn]

"I'd find it as a nice suprise. I don't care about who's what, it's about the person."

Liam felt Millard's anger rise and fall. Something was familiar about this man, yet he could not put his finger on it yet.

[Taylor Millard]

"It is? Interesting...so tell me, is it the person which is why you're here now giving me an offer?"

[Liam Jinn]

"More or less, yes."

Liam stood up and bowed.

"I thank you for your time, maybe we'll meet again someday."

He called his lightsaber to his hand and clipped it to his belt.

[Taylor Millard]

"Perhaps," Millard did not rise, "Mister Jinn, since you have travelled a long distance, I am entitled to invite you to stay here for a few days while my technicians refill your ship.

"On my honor, nothing will come of you."

[Liam Jinn]

Liam thought over this for a brief minute and smiled.

"Alright, as long as someone will offer to take me on a tour of that city of yours."

[Taylor Millard]

"I will give you a personal tour tomorrow," Millard still kept in his seat, "If you wish you may go look walk around the compound, but please do no leaving. You may also contact your superiors on Yavin IV if you need to speak with them as well.

"Is there anything else you require?"

[Liam Jinn]

Liam shook his head and smiled.

"No, but thanks anyway. Just make sure your people know not to attack me."

[Taylor Millard]

Millard smiled, "It is Balmorran rules to not attack anyone within the compound unless they attack first."

He pulled a badge-like pin out of the drawer of his desk.

"Wear that on your personage. It will keep anyone from attacking you, because it means you are my guest. Also, if you would prefer to change into something other than your Jedi robes...since you find them so uncomfortable."

[Liam Jinn]

"Yes, maybe I'll change."

He put the badge on.

"But first, I believe I'll go exploring. Will anybody be accompanying me?"

[Taylor Millard]

"If you wish to have an escort you may have one. Captain Rylus can escort you. He is outside waiting. I will give you a personal tour later on."

Millard kept in his seat, "Either way...in four hours there will be a dinner in the dining room. You will be there. That is not a request."

[Liam Jinn]

Liam bowed to Millard and the woman, then smiled. As he exited the room, he met Captain Rylus and began walking around, letting the Captain lead.