View source for 3957/Beldar-eki, of Knowhere. Pleased to meet you.

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2018/02/24
|Location=Knowhere
|Synopsis=Loki needs an impartial party to help with a decision. Enter Mantis.
|Cast of Characters=138, 1671
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The crossroads of a galaxy is never quiet. There is never a night cycle, nor a down time for the patrons to stop coming into the Burnout. It is an endless steady stream of punters coming down those stairs, walking/shuffling/stumbling/chittering down the curve of those steps as they arrive. Each arrival gets attention, eye stalks and eye balls turn to gauge each arrival with curiousity even as the music continues on without missing a beat. Sometimes a cheer goes up from the crowd watching the bloody animal fights as one creature gets the edge over another.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a place where a person can get lost in the crowd, since names are often secondary in a place like this. It's usually wants behind the individual that makes them memorable. An incident. A funny story. Or a brush with fame. But when the tall humanoid in the green leather descends those steps, voices in fourteen different dialects (all translated of course) offer him greeting. And they all say something along the same line.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Beldar-eki, you loathesome bastard!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hah, you son of a female breeder creature of disdain!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Can't believe you'd show your ugly mug back around here, Beldar-eki. Hah! I got the first round."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And through it all he holds up his hands, smiling that wide open smile, "Hello, hello fellows. Thank you, so nice to see you all. Roakinial, nice fur, is it new? Tyburp, how's the missus?" He says as he walks across the room towards the bar and slaps a hand on the chitinous back plate of one of the beings there who promptly jams a grey-green beverage into the man who... if one were to think about it, might seem speaking something akin to English with an accent from North London of all things.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter the world, bars always seem to be the same. The same sort of clientele. The same penchant for a constant barrage of music. The same crush of bodies choosing to spend time in a social setting, even when they choose to sit alone. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That is the case for one green-skinned humanoid sitting at one of the private tables, In her hand is a glass of something purple, thick and slowly releasing air bubbles from it's gelatinous surface. She takes a careful sip, making sure to time it so there isn't an explosion of the 'drink' just as she brings it up to her face. That wouldn't do at all. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the tall man enters, she looks to the door as did most everyone else. Except those lost in their cups or busy with their games of chance. He isn't familiar to her. Unlike so mahy others who are greeting him by name. She considers him as she responds, surprised that the universal translator isn't needed for her to understand him. English. Here?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unlike most others who begin to watch him or eavesdrop surreptitiously, she simply looks at him from her spot across the bar.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From her place across the way she'll see him there, interacting with no less than five other species in such an easy-going companionable way that it's almost as if he were one of them. Oh not quite the social chameleon as the Social Chameleons from Deneb V, but the body language is all there, the manner. It can be seen in the smile he gives, disarming, easily offered. Yet it can also be seen in the light of his eyes as he meets each individual's sensory organs unwaveringly. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She might even see him imbibe from each of those glasses brought to him, but never too much, never indulges. There's a purpose there of some sort, even if it is perhaps simply to touch base and catch up with those around. But then another element of the man of mystery is added when he clink-clink-clinks a metal prod against the lip of his cup, causing it to sound loudly and draw more attention to himself.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Attention, attention. That means you, Wilina." He winks at the sudden green cheeks of the insectoid gal. "For those of you that know me, I am Beldar-Eki, and for those of you that do. Shut up." There's some small bits of laughter around but he looks about himself. "I know, I know. I need some help. Nothing too big, but I need someone to be an impartial judge, of at least the third Tenackian Ethos school of thought. Is there anyone here that can help me?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks around, "Anyone?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This ease of communication is something Mantis is not able to emulate. She's tried. She puts on an act more often then not, making people think she is comfortable and extroverted. In truth, she's often lost in a social setting although she's been learning the last few years. Her study of the stranger is to better her understanding. Perhaps if she watches, she can learn the nuances. It hasn't really worked so far but she is ever optimistic that such observation will lead to emulation. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When he asks for volunteers, it is a moment that will allow her to interact with him more closely. She rises from her table, barely a whisper of sound as she does so. She is dressed demurely tonight. Pants, a long sleeved shirt, only the green flesh of her hands and face visible. "This one knows you not, thus impartiality is guaranteed," she says by way of offering her assistance. She closes the distance, moving through the crowd without ever brushing up against anyone, a graceful flow of movement through the entities filling the space. She stops about five feet from Beldar-eki.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she had approached he had still been scanning the crowd, his eyes wandering and one hand extending, "Come now, assuredly one of you must have climbed the fourteen steps." He seems about to chide them all the further as a few of the people look away, perhaps for some reason admonished. But then she comes into his field of view and he looks to her with a smile, "Oh, hello."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She declares herself to him and makes her offer, to which he tilts his head to the side. She can almost get the feeling right then and there that he's about to wave her off, to thank her and decline and step away. But something in those green eyes light up with curiousity.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well you simultaneously wound me and please me, miss." He touches a hand to his chest and says lightly, "I had thought everyone here knew me, but lovely to be proven one is not beyond surprise." A snort comes from someone in the crowd which earns them a short glower from the man in the black and green leather.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But come, I have a matter I would speak to you on then, and gain your advice. Perhaps it will serve. The worst it could be is that I will have to continue my search, and the best... then I will have my answer." He uncurls a hand and gestures towards one of those rows of booths/alcoves embedded in the very walls of the Burnout. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Join me?" He asks even as he walks over, and as he passes he snares a bottle of tan liquor from the bar's top.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The antennae on her head shift slightly as he speaks, not a movement that she thinks about or directs. It simply is as she is constantly picking up those emotions around her. She has a slight smile on her face as she considers his surprise. The word play is lost on her. Too subtle perhaps. Or simply not worth noting. It is difficult to tell with Mantis as she seems to maintain that nonchalance. It is a blend of not caring and intensity, two ends of a spectrum yet both somehow represented at the same time in this woman.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She falls into step beside him as he walks toward the tables. A nod is given to the bartender and he moves to get her another Patrili Ale, since she had left her first back on the table. No way she was going to resume drinking it after it was left unattended. In a place like this, there was no telling what might have been added to or done to it.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the table, she slips into a seat just as the bartender arrives and sets her drink down. The slow bubbles made it look like a purple mud bath of sorts. Perhaps others would be more hesitant to sit with a sranger. She has no such qualms or worries. Perhaps an indication that she can take care of herself, no matter the circumstances. "What knowledge do you seek, Beldar-Eki?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sliding into the booth he smiles to her easily enough even as he rests his arms upon the table and then joins his fingers interlaced. His hair is short and brownish blonde with a bit of intensity around the curves of his eyes, but the smile is a bright thing that seems to light up his entire face as he speaks to her. "But first, by what name should I call you?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He leans back a touch, turning his head to the other way a bit, "Or shall we use an assumed name to preserve the impartiality? Hm, actually perhaps I should simply embark on the tale to prevent you from growing to feel one way or another about myself."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His brow had furrowed a little as he posited that question to himself, but then the smile returns as he looks back towards her, "You see how lost at sea I am? Clearly I need your help. What should we do?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most people would have made a comment or perhaps laughed off the idea of a name ruining impartiality. Mantis actually thinks about it for a long moment, her eyes on her drink as the bubbles work their way through the sludge and explode open at the surface. Mentally, she is timing them and the pauses between each, gauging when it is safe to drink without getting splattered. Her mind quickly works through and she gives a negative shake of her head.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The situation is yours. Only your name may have affected the outcome. Since that is already revealed, there is no danger of swaying the decision any further. This one has many names but you may call her Mantis."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is spoken in a conversational tone despite the choice of words making it seem almost regal, as though giving a peasant a right to address royalty. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You should begin at the beginning, as is always the most simple and direct process. Then this one will offer insight if there is any to be given."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mantis." He says, and naturally his eyes go to the antennas. A person cannot help but look of course when such is given to them, but then his eyes find hers again and he smiles a little slower than before as he gives a nod of agreement. "The beginning then."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a moment he looks down, eyes distancing as his brow furrows. Then he looks back up at her and turns his head to the side, "I can trust to your discretion, then?" He asks her of that...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And if she should give a nod he continues. "I began a small game, a few years ago. For some reason it has grown... important to me on some level. I'm not entirely sure why. But this game has me sublimating myself into the role of another individual beyond the simple plays of make believe that all beings at time indulge in." He looks up, green eyes meeting hers as if seeking support to this supposition.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet he continues, "I decided to be an individual known as Sam. He has his own life and abilities, his own talents. Right now he is mainly a finder of lost things. However..."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He lifts a hand and to the side, "He suffered a situation where he had no talent for what passed, and he rightfully should have died. Ultimately I cheated and broke character, I affected a change in the situation to save myself. But at its core I cheated. What should I do?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He reaches then for the bottle and pulls the square glass out of the wall, setting it on the table and proceeding to fill it with the caramel liquor. "Should I hold to the rules of the game? Have him 'die' as it were? Or should I cheat and indulge in the game further? Would my breaking the rules cheapen the entirety of the exercise?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The promise of discretion is given with a nod of the head, as though that was a given. In her mind, it was. He is seeking advice. It would be improper to share such information with others. She watches him as he speaks, eyes on his face, paying very close attention as is the right thing to do. Mantis takes in all the details without interrupting. Her attention is total and unswerving.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then she considers in silence, her gaze flicking over his face as she does so. Pretending to be someone else? The very idea is strange. Why would anyone...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That isn't for her to judge. There are reasons beings do things. Her own life was a role being played for a time, without her knowledge. This man did so with knowledge, adapting to another identity for his own reasons. Those reasons have become important to him. Important enough he was willing to break the rules of a game he created to continue in that role.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She can feel his sincerity. He is bothered by this turn of circumstance.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You should continue your game. Nothing has been lost or cheapened by the situation. This role is important to you but you are making an assumption that Sam would have died. You cannot know this. No one can. Perhaps it was a situation where it was likely but if there was even a percentage of a chance of survival, Sam may have lived through this crisis without your intervention. If it was forseen that he would die, then yes, you would have cheated and thus should let him die despite his importance to you," she adds. "Since there is no way to prove that you actually altered the outcome, there is no way to say you broke the rules."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A tilt of his head is given to the side as he rests a hand along the edge of the bottle, curious icy beadlets of condensation seem to have been drawn forth from it, beadlets that he touches with the slow thoughtful caress of a fingertip tracing the curve of the glass and crystal-like material. His brow is furrowed in thought, emerald eyes distanced as he ponders. "That is what I want to do. And I have ever been a creature of my whims." He bites the curve of his lip for an instant.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then those eyes return to hers as he meets her gaze again. "I do not wish to sacrifice him upon the altar of realism. But am I being selfish to do this?" He touches his fingertip between his lips, the icy droplet of liquid causing the faint moisture on his lips to flash freeze if only for a bare moment as he tastes it. Then he shakes his head, "Am I being indulgent? Perhaps the interactions after his supposed passing might fail to have a weight of integrity to them that might cheapen the entire mental exercise."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He shakes his head, then his lip curves wry. "And please, I beg you not to not alter your answer if only to ingratiate yourself to me. I know the desire to do so is tempting."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is a slight upturn of Mantis' green lips. "This one has no need to impress you. She will not indulge in deceipt to appease your ego, if that is your concern. You shall hear truth as she sees it. Nothing more. Nothing less."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She picks up her drink just as a slight 'pop' of released air happens. Then she sips quickly, pulling the drink away after two seconds. Just in time for another small splatter of goo which would've been all over her nose and cheeks if not for perfect timing. Her lips are stained purple from the viscous substance and she quickly licks them clean before she speaks again. She locks her green eyes on his own. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When she speaks, there is a hint of amusement in her voice. "It is your game. Thus by its very nature it is selfish and indulgent. This situation does not change that. The entire exercise is based on deceipt so in truth, you cannot worry about integrity of his actions since his very existence is nothing more than a fancy."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A small exhaled breath comes from him, almost a laugh as he looks to the side. "Ultimately, I imagine, I am seeking permission. Or perhaps absolution. But if you felt the other way I think I would have allowed myself to be swayed." A beat, then he adds, "Or I would have sought someone more amenable to my wishes. That is the ever present pitfall, or boon if you wish, of asking advice. I can ignore it if I like, or seek another one until it fits my wishes."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He smirks crookedly, a dagger's slash of a smile as he looks back towards the group of people at the bar. Then he looks back towards her, "Now, however. I must submit a case before your sense of justice. Will you continue to indulge me?" He asks her with a curious tone to his voice, something amused or amusing to him in this statement.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Will you take the same risk I took with yourself and allow me to sit in judgement upon you?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That gets a slightly different reaction. Her amused smile remains but Mantis sits back in her seat slightly. Her posture is open but just that tiny movement of separation shows her feelings about being judged. It isn't that she is bothered by the thoughts of others. It simply reminds her of her upbringing, where others made the decisions for her and directed her path without allowing her choice. It's simply a momentary shadow of her past sliding over the conversation.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This one is unsure what there is to judge. There is no conflict of heart, no concerns for rules broken or obeyed. There is only a life lived as this one chooses." Her choice of words gives away more than she would have liked and she moves on without hesitating, hoping it will be ignored. "This one has no tale to share for which advice is needed. So how do you intend to sit in judgement?" she asks curiously, another shift of those antennae as she tilts her head slightly to the side in question.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well assuredly you would agree that your knowing of my dilemma is an intimacy of sorts shared." He quirks one eyebrow upwards curiously awaiting some sign as to her thoughts, but either way he presses on and adds, "It is by its nature unjust that you have this window into my thoughts and life, yet of you I know little."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He tilts his bottle over on its side to fill his glass and then leans forwards as if he were going to give her some but he pauses to eye her drink and its curious bubbling. His brows lift, the addition of this liquor might well not play well with whatever concoction she is currently imbibing so he simply sets the bottle back down, the sentiment at the least marked.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So I would propose a resolution, that you offer something of like. For truly parity is important if one is to build a life long friendship. Wouldn't you agree?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mantis was not aware this was building toward anything. It shows. She blinks in surprise as the confusion shows briefly in her expression. Then it fades, the neutrality returning. "This one was not aware that she had opened herself to sharing details by offering to assist with your crisis of concsience."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks down at the glass that he had just filled then her own cup o' sludge. While there might indeed be a reaction, she isn't drinking to enjoy the benefits most gain from alcohol. She simply doesn't allow it to enter her bloodstream. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes the chilled glass of amber liquid and slides it closer to her on the tabletop. She doesn't taste. Her attention returns to him as she speaks.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This one will indulge you." Again that almost condescending phrasing yet in a conversational tone. "The situation is a question of destiny. Is there such? Is a life preordained to be one thing or the other? Or does one have choice, to make their own path in the world instead of that which they have been prepared for their entire existence? This one does not believe she is destined for this path that has been laid out before her. She believes she has free will."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lifts the drink and takes a sip, gaze flicking down to the glass a moment before it touches her lips. As she lowers it, she flicks her gaze back up to his. "What are your thoughts?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, you didn't. In truth." Beldar-eki admits as much about her having opened herself to such an interrogation, "But I am merely using it as an excuse to learn about you as I can, since now I have moved past my burden ala ethos and onto indulging my curiousity about you." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But after they have that small exchange she reaches for the glass and he gives her a nod, tipping the bottle slightly as if offering to her that she should imbibe at her leisure. Then she says she will indulge him and he replies, "Oh good."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She puts forth her query and he turns his attention fully upon her. "Ah, you speak of fate." He straightens up and gives a series of small slow nods. The way his eyes widen as he looks at the glass in her hands, it's clear he has given much thought to the topic. "I have what one could call a grudging acquaintance with Fate." He says pointedly, the capital F almost clear in his tone.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Do we have free will? I believe so. But in turn I do believe we are also fated. Yet there is a lifetime of distance between the two. Fate is a power. Almost a sentient thing that works against us, in some effort to adjust the universe to its whims or desires... or if one is being ambitious its goals."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He reaches for the glass and smiles into her eyes as he attempts to take it away from her should she allow it. Once he has it in hand he lifts it to his lips. "So we are masters of ourselves, it is simply that we must contest with the universe. Does that help?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he takes the drink from her hand, the confusion is there again on Mantis' face. She doesn't protest. There is no attempt to keep him from taking it. In truth, it is his drink since he is the one who brought over the bottle. Thus it was never hers to begin with, despite the fact he had offered it to her. It was only implied, not stated, so she may have actually trespassed. It was difficult for her to know. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She listens very closely to his explanation, the stress on the name Fate noted. With the emotions she is picking up as well, she is finding herself wondering at those in addition to her situation. His answer actually makes sense to her. Which is strange as he is the first person to actually make sense in the matter. Most have assured her she has free well. Others were certain she was fated to her role. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This stranger actually agreed with her that it was both. For as much as she wished she had free will, she feared that her destiny was still going to be waiting for her. It simply was having to take the scenic route to fruition instead of the most direct. "It does. These are the beliefs that this one has held. That she has a choice. Yet, in the end, if the destiny is true, she will find herself in that role someday. It is ...troubling."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Troubling, how?" He asks of her as he takes another sip and then he slides the glass back over slowly across the table towards her, giving it back with that same easily offered smile. "Do you find it troubling that you, I assume, require oxygen to breathe?" He pauses as he looks to her then he adds with a half-smile, "I mean, you do breathe oxygen don't you?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he presses on even as he now draws the bottle closer to himself and lightly touches a fingertip to the side of it, causing a faint tinkling crystalline sound. "It shouldn't trouble you to know that you'll find yourself having to do so in the future."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, there's a smile as he looks over his shoulder as a group of centipede like beings skitter down the stairs. "Besides, when one is troubled about what has been or what may be..." His smile shifts a touch wicked as he meets her gaze, "There are ways to distract oneself." He lets those words float there for a time...<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before he banishes them with a curved and amused smile, "Such as by playing games only you understand, adopting other identities. You know, normal things like that."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mantis laughs. "Normal indeed," she murmurs as she shakes her head a bit at his antics. The implied comment that had hung in the air between them. The way he shifted it to something innocent a moment later, though convoluted in truth. "Perhaps this one should do such normal things. Adopt a different persona, play a role that differs from what has been destined."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is when it hits her. That is exactly what she is doing. She chose to turn her back on her destiny. To choose not to believe in it. How is that any different from him making up his own identity to play in his personal game of amusement? It didn't. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was disconcerting. She reached for the glass he had just returned, turning it around in a circular motion 180 degrees. "To Fate. May she leave this one alone for a time." Then she lifted it to her lips and took a large swig of the cold alcohol. The glass was placed back in the exact spot it had left, then turned 180 degrees around again so it was in the exact position he'd placed it in.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The edge of the bottle clinks against what is now their glass as both have partaken. "To Fate." He answers as he accepts the toast and then he leans to the side in the booth seat, resting an arm upon the table between them.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Green eyes are bright with amusement as he looks across the way at her, "So pardon me if this is a touch rude, but I cannot help but perceive some of the idiosyncrasies of your manner, and the language you choose to favor. I have what you might consider a gift for tongues." His brow beetles upon his brow briefly as he turns his head to the side, "And I detect something almost Terran to it."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He straightens up, "Have you spent some time there. Terra, I mean. Or Earth if you will." He then, perhaps to chase off suspicion reveals of himself first by saying, "For that is where I am at times when I choose to be this Sam individual."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Three years were spent on Earth before this one returned to the stars," Mantis admits as she shrugs ever so slightly. "This one was placed there to learn more of her birth planet. Though she was raised elsewhere." She doesn't explain where or by whom. She knows that there are those who are enemies of her teachers. Though her companion seems nice enough, they are on Knowhere in a hive of villainy and scum. There is no guessing what kind of person he is behind the smile. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Green skin isn't really common on Terra. Neither are antennae. He will be able to surmise she is more than human. Mutant or something else, hard to tell. Nor does she explain her hybrid nature. It is one of those things best not talked about. Particularly since part of her genetics involved a race of sentient trees who needed to remain hidden from those intent on destroying them.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"From time to time, this one returns there."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And when you return there?" The man opposite her asks with a faint lilt at the end of the words, almost sing-song and playful as he asks that of her. "Do you play at someone else? Do you move about in secret and enjoy the small conspiracies of the world that only you know and hold close to you?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He holds up a fingertip, as if to stay her answering one way or another. "For, you see, I do at times as well. And it would be curious if we crossed paths there. That is if you would keep an eye out for a man named Sam who seems to enjoy himself entirely too much as well."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he says that as well he leans forwards, resting his arms upon the tabletop and seeming to look into her eyes with a rather blatant measure of regard and curiousity, as if delving or seeking her own thoughts. Yet her own so sensitive mind can detect no power behind the sentiment, no magick nor ability. Simply a man attempting to realize what passes through the mind of a woman.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He seeks to do the impossible. There is no real indication in her expression what is happening in the mind of Mantis. Her expression is peaceful, quiet. That hint of a smile is back as he mentions the chance of them meeting on Earth in the future. It is so unlikely, given the vastness of the planet. Yet, how vast was the universe and their paths had crossed here, so far from Terra. Perhaps such things were not so strange. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am ever this one, even on Earth. No personas, no games. This one visits those she knows. At times, this one helps others in need, by using ones abilities." Playing hero, trying to be like those people she has seen give of themselves without asking anything in return. It is something she has had to learn. It wasn't so much she felt that she should hero, it was that she admired other heroes and she was trying to be like them. It was truly a lesson she was trying to learn, how to care for others like those who were so self-sacrificing.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She is sensing his curiosity and her smile widens slightly. She shifts forward in her seat, reaching out a hand toward his arm but stopping short of making contact. "With your permission?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once it is granted, she slides her fingers over his forearm. She touches a spot at the back of his arm, just above the elbow. It sends a tiny tingle through his system. Then she brings her hand upward, to the front of his shoulder. Another soft touch, the tingling sensation increases. The fingers move upwards to the side of his neck. Her green eyes remain on his as she touches just behind and below his ear, sending a physical reaction through his entire body. "This one has learned to manipulate the nerves of others to a degree unknown to humanity."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When she asks her forward question he looks at her curiously, head turning to the side. A faint smile is there as she touches at each point along his arm, just small touches that has him holding his breath, stopping him from speaking further which might in part be the point. A faint smile spreads as he feels the curious sensation, turning his head to the side. But when she touches his neck his brow knits as things seem to subtly swim and swirl before his senses as if she could conjure imagery in form behind the lids of his eyes.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then when the strange feelings dissipate he turns his head to the side and asks with a measure of suspicion, "Why did you do that?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His reaction makes her smile. "You are curious about this one. You wish to understand her. This is not truly possible though. This one is beyond." Beyond what, she doesn't express but she brings her hand back down from the side of his head. Her emerald eyes sparkle slightly with amusement. <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This one believes you now owe her information." As he had revealed information about himself and demanded in return, she has no shared something else private with him. A sample of her abilities, as minor as it was. Now it was his turn, using his logic. She considers. Being from Terra, he is likely human. Perhaps a mutant? Some sort of abilities though from his earlier tale. It is simply a question of what. She doesn't expect a true revelation, simply a hint as she had done.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A small snort comes from him at the brazen presumption, though it causes him to stop for a moment. His eyes shift to the side as he realizes that perhaps, for a moment, he was not thinking as this Beldar-Eki. He harumphs to himself slightly as he looks back towards her and then tells her evenly. "Such as I am, here is not the best place for me to..." He glances back towards the myriad of people there around the entrance stairwell and the bar, "Unburden myself with the heady weight of such secrets to be shared."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He takes up the glass that they had been sharing and takes a final sip, smiling just over its lip to her with a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Grant me the space of a few breaths and then join me beyond this establishment. I shall await you and then." He looks at her almost sternly, "I will have your tale."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A cock of his eyebrow is offered, as if he was daring her to accept such a premise. Then he slides out of the seat. And suddenly there is that Beldar fellow again. Smiling. Magnanimous. Personable.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright gents, back to the ship and the next hop on my schedule. Try not to be right bastards while I'm gone."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Blow, Beldar-Eki, get outta here you bum."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Piss off, buddy. But in the nicest possible way."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Bah." From the man who seems made out of granite.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And with that, Loki ascends the stairs and steps outside.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As he rises from the table, Mantis takes the glass he just sipped from and pulls it over in front of her again. Perhaps it is better than purple swamp muck. "Until then," she murmurs, lifting the glass in a mock toast as he walks away. She sips carefully, feeling those ice crystals spreading across her lips and over her tongue before they melt an instant later. She swallows and that slow burn from the cold goes all the way down. It's an interesting sensation. She will need to remember this drink for another time. She turns her gaze to the bottle, reading the label.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's at least five minutes later when she puts a few credits on the table top and rises from her seat. The bottle of liquor is in her hand. No reason to let it go to waste, after all. She winds her way through the crowd, still never brushing a single person in passing somehow. A quick ascent ofthe stairs then she is exiting as she reaches out automatically with her senses, mental and physical. A moment later and she turns to the right then begins walking.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beyond the bar in Knowhere things are ever hectic. The sky is a stream of vehicles in flight, sticking to loosely defined lanes of travel. Yet no less busy is the foot traffic on the ground with people moving hither and yon with some heavy vehicles of many different types rumbling along the ground. On the side'walks' are hundreds of people in view but each time one gets to a new location to see, there area always more and more beings.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Beldar-Eki is not one of them. When she emerges she can look one way and then the other on the street, unable to espy the man who had been in the bar only moments ago. There's nothing out of the ordinary that she can tell, nothing untoward to see nor hear, just the spectacle of the crowd and the white-noise of its gathering.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But then there's a short sharp roar and a heavy /crunch-crackle/ of sound from around the corner and towards a row of old sensory-chip vendors. A street that in its dimensions would more resemble an alleyway were it not for the amount of people travelling along it. Yet that's not where the noise came from, but the alleyway beyond.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That last shipment of crystals were useless, Eki!" A great tall being almost seven feet in height and with blue skin /slams/ another fist into the wall beside Beldar's face, causing him to wince a little at the sound of the impact and the vibration of it through the wall. "They broke after only fourteen mega-joules!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Come now, gentlemen..." The man's voice is a touch nervous as he looks at the three other tall beings, four of them in total though with their body mass it's more like eight to one odds. "I just transported them, I didn't /sell/ them to you."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So you kept them and gave us fakes!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, not at all. What would I do with 10 tons of Hyperbean Crystals?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We don't care. But we want them back. Or you pay!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What, pay you back for 10 tons of crystals? With what money?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No money. Then blood!"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's when the tall blue-skinned man draws his fist back dangerously.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Something hooks around his arm and a moment later, seven feet of blue-skinned alien is flying across the alleyway to slam into the wall on the opposite side, at a height of about five feet up. He slides down to the ground, landing with a loud thud which is followed by a groan of pain. The other three turn to see who the behemoth is that must have done such a feat.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They find a green-skinned woman who doesn't look particularly dangerous as she stands where the other man had been a moment before. Her sharp features are almost pinched at the moment with her annoyance as she looks up at the trio from her five and a half foot height. She holds herself as though she is equal to them, not intimidated by their looming presence.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This one believes such discussions should remain civil. Violence is not the answer." She gives a shake of her head, antennae shifting slightly with the movement. "Particularly when it is four to one." <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't glance back as Beldar-Eki, keeping her attention on the aliens. The one on the ground begins to rise back up to his feet, bringing him back into play.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"As a transporter of goods, this one knows that the quality of such things cannot be quaranteed. Particularly when they are obtained from illegal sources in the first place. Such peoples are not trustworthy. He did not take your crystals. He did not create your crystals. Your argument is with the seller. Find him or this one will be forced to assist Beldar-Eki. This is something that you will not enjoy."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The three remaining blue beings stand there looking befuddled as they each glance at each other, their expressions terribly confused even as their 'leader' slooooowly slides down the wall with a faint squeak of sound. But then they look back towards Mantis, their reddish eyes flaring with anger and annoyance as they come forth with the tried and true declaration uttered by all angry beings of a certain disposition.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Get 'em!" And as quick as that one charges for each of them, though the third reaches to the side and picks up a huge plastic garbage container of some kind, lofting it over his head as it spills a mess of various unsavory items, then /throws/ it straight at Mantis even while his comrade charges her like a locomotive and seeking to run right over her.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The third rumbles forwards, "Where you goin?" As it reaches out with one hand to try and grab hold of Beldar-eki, only for his hand to slide right throgh the image of the man, green light flaring to life around where he touches the illusion. Only for a booted foot to appear right in the area of the tall creature's crotch as Beldar is seemingly suddenly behind the tall creature... a tall creature that is now wincing and falling to one knee. "I didn't steal your cursed crystals." He growls at the still slowly falling giant.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1671|Mantis (1671)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the trash can comes flying her direction, immediately followed by an angry giant, Mantis simply isn't there. One moment she was, standing in that spot so calmly trying to reason with these individuals. The next, she is moving at a speed that is almost a blur. Speed isn't a super power she has. She simply is able to tap into her body and utilize it in the best way possible, giving that illusion. The trash can clatters noisily to the ground while the alien starts to slow, trying to find where she has gone.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Locking her wrist in place, Mantis turns as he passes, bringing her stiffended fingers into contact with a spot on the side of his neck. /BOOM!/ He goes down immediately, knocked out from that single nerve strike which has felled better men than this miscreant in the past. "This one tried to be reasonable."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She pivots and uses the strong muscles in her legs, flying through the air toward the one who had thrown the can. The blade of her foot strikes him in the jaw, sending him stumbling to the side as she lands lightly on her feet. It's almost as if she is weightless, the ease with which she moves. "This is the last warning. Leave now."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She hopes they will listen. It's unlikely but she feels she should at least try. In seconds, they have already taken out two of the four. Do they really want to continue?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:138|Loki (138)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she lands and speaks to the men, the first man she had thrown finally unsticks from the wall and hits the ground with a thud. That one still standing blue being looks nervously at his fallen comrades, then over towards Beldar. Then to Mantis. Then back to his fallen boss. Then the garbage can. These men are not what one would call rapid thinkers.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, however, after a few more moments he gives a slow nod. "A'right."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That having been said he starts over to haul up the unconscious one who is still out from the nerve strike, getting the help of the 'boss' as they both slip under the arms of the fallen being and help drag him along. The one with the pain in between his legs winces and shuffles after them, pausing long enough to say over his shoulder. "This isn't over, Eki. Not over. By a shot of longness."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But with that murmur he cedes the battlefield, leaving the two of them together.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's at that moment that Beldar-Eki looks sidelong towards Mantis, smiles a little bashfully and says. "Sorry about that..." Not exactly the best way to start a friendship.<br> <br>
}}