Chapter 8: Heart of the Ascendancy
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11 Elona, 25 ABY - Csaplar, Csilla, Unknown Regions
((It's a trivial task to get out of the water undetected, there are plenty of shady areas to emerge.))
Kirkland 03:12, 3 July 2010 (EDT)
Akea emerged from the water, almost a little disappointed to be on land. The water slid off his fine scales, leaving him dry almost instantly. He looked left, right, and then up, noting the lower-class nature of the neighborhood they emerged in. This was slightly different than the environment he anticipated an entrance into, but in an advantageous way. Sliding forward quietly along the rock and sparse, mossy grass that grew by the river bank, he beckoned for Allanar and Renora to follow. Both of them had at least marginal stealth training in their history for different reasons, and emerged quietly, keeping low. The trio had gathered behind a rocky outcropping near the bank, peering at the residential area before them.
Akea spoke to them softly, getting right to business.
"We have virtually free reign to move about at the moment. You two should find a spot suitable for sneaking deeper into the city, but don't proceed yet. I'm going to enter that area - I expect that it won't be long before someone notices me. I plan to introduce myself and ask for help. We shall see how this bodes. If it seems like this may be leading somewhere productive, I'll give the two of you the go ahead via comlink. I'm assuming that Renora should have some idea of where to start looking. Renora, if you have any contacts within the CEDF who you are certain you can trust, this might not be a bad time to call them up. If the situation doesn't appear to productive or favorable, I'll signal as such - if it's not already apparent - and we'll plan to meet up at the base of that waterfall if the situation permits."
The two humanoids were a bit blindsided by the forwardness of the Dur Sabon's plan, but nodded as the serpent slithered out from behind the rock. Akea knew that they had little information about the political situation in Csaplar, which somewhat limited their ability to execute a plan hinging on any of the subtleties present thereof. Akea made his way to a pier, which led into a street. He nonchalantly passed a few surprised citizens, moving quickly enough to avoid interaction but not so fast as to appear aggressive, on his way to firmer ground. Comfortably on a city street, he scanned the scenario for a citizen who did not appear to be taken aback by his presence. Unfortunately, there weren't a terribly large number of them out, and none of them seemed unsurprised, although none had attacked him either. Although some started to back away, Akea called to one in as friendly a manner as a Dur Sabon could manage.
"<Salutations>. I am a foreign diplomat on business to the city, and I am in need of some assistance."
The Chiss male stopped his retreat, though he did not seem entirely comfortable before Akea. Nevertheless, he maintained his composure. Akea continued, assuming intuitively from the man's fixed gaze that he understood Basic.
"I understand this is not a conventional route of entry. I'm afraid my vessel was fired upon on the way in. As you might imagine, aquatic environments are somewhat amenable to my species - I am a Dur Sabon. Fortunately, although my ship was too damaged to proceed safely, I was able to swim the rest of the way."
The Chiss, skeptical as he was, could not help but notice the hulking serpent standing before him seemed sincere enough. He looked up to Akea, keeping his wits about him and making due with Basic.
"I understand. Are you harmed?"
Akea shook his head negatively, saying, "Not seriously. I am largely unscathed, but the attack on my ship leaves me somewhat concerned. If you would oblige me, sir, my requests are twofold. Firstly, is the governmental district of Csaplar safe to enter? I do not mean to imply that strife is expected, but I am not aware the immediate political nuances at present, especially given the attack on my vessel. Secondly, if said district is safe, might you escort me there or inform me of a safe means of doing so?"
Akea met the Chiss's gaze. His tone was submissive and certainly not hostile, although his gaze was as steeled as ever - the Dur Sabon's visage made it clear that treachery was unacceptable.
Dan 03:02, 4 July 2010 (EDT)
The facial expression of the Chiss indicated that he was struggling to understand some of the more complex words that Akea was losing, and during the silence that followed Akea was afraid the man failed to understand. He responded, "Government district?" Akea nodded to confirm his understanding. He pointed to the street corner a few blocks down. "You know transport?" A further pause, as Akea expected more information. The man did continue. "How do you say... shuttle?"
"I can get a shuttle to the governmental district? Is it safe?"
The Chiss smiled, satisfied that Akea could understand him speak. "Yes yes, do you have <money>... how do you say... credit?"
Akea came to a quick realization that the galactic standard credit was probably not accepted here.
"Are Republic Credits accepted here?" Akea asked, already knowing the answer.
The man laughed, "No no, not here, not on transport."
Akea replied, "Then that leaves me in a bit of a predicament."
Kirkland 02:55, 5 July 2010 (EDT)