Pulse of the Imperium

The return to Xenion didn't exactly let them get away from the post-race frenetic buzz. Even as they entered the pyramid through a 'thopter bay below the spaceport level, the most dramatic moments were on loop on all the solido screens they would pass, with people wildly debating what had actually occurred. But that also meant that without special arrangements they couldn't be counting on anonymity.

Shit, shit, shit.

She and Emcas had both been pretty prominently tangled up in the happenings, even if he'd pulled off more impressive moves than she had.

Add that to her offworlder awkwardness, the dark musings she'd had a chance to get back to now that the adrenaline had faded, and...

Well.
Laila was a long way from at ease.

Hadrian sighed as another replay came and went past his periphery. "Let's head to the hotel. I need a shower, and a change of clothes."

Once again cloaked, Emcas closed the march after having secured the thopter.

''I wish to congratulate you both on your actions today. I admit I did not expect for either of you to jump into the fray''

"We only just met. Expectations one way or the other woulda been uninformed."

''Hiding behind a platitude is an odd way to deflect praise''

"You want a platitude? The crazy old woman who taught my unit how to fight used to say, 'be prepared to appreciate what you meet.' Whereas what I said is just a simple observation."

''That crazy old woman had some wisdom in her words'' he replied ''Still, you do not deny that it was a deflection. Why deny what is earned?''

"Because it was no choice at all."

"How so?"

"It was.... if I flick sand at your face you'll blink. It's reflex. For me.... situations like that are.... reflex. I know the rules. Know what to do."

Emcas wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 27, 2025 7:50 pm

Once again cloaked, Emcas closed the march after having secured the thopter.

''I wish to congratulate you both on your actions today. I admit I did not expect for either of you to jump into the fray''

Laila Bridger wrote: ↑

Sun Jul 27, 2025 8:02 pm

"We only just met. Expectations one way or the other woulda been uninformed."

"I think we can cut him some slack. He was, after all, just doing his job." The mask Hadrian had been wearing had grown heavy. It was good to take it off for a while. "You were pretty damned heroic yourself Emcas. Thank you for keeping everyone safe."

With his stomach finally loosening some with every step away from the thopter, he moved to divert the conversation.

"Yep, shower, change of clothes, food. I'm not doing anything until we've had those. Know any good local eateries?"

''Knowledge and choice are two different things.'' he replied ''Knowing how to fight is not the same as choosing when to fight''

"And I'll repeat, pretty much just a reflex. Choosing anything else would have been harder."

She nodded to Hadrian.

"Anyhow, what he said. I'd just as soon not be sweaty, dusted with lion hair, and wearing clothes with a bit of blood misted into them when we get food in us."

Hadrian chuckled, "I'll say this Emcas. If we were the kind of people who could run away like the others, we wouldn't be on Harmonthep to begin with. But keep that between us and Lady Ptolomaios, hmmm?"

''I am not sure I understand but that might be because I lack further context'' he frowned ''Should you speak further about your lack of choice then I have the regret to inform you that I will not give you the choice of refusing due praise.''

He opened the hatch to the port

''I will treat you both to supper after you clean yourselves. It might not be what you are accustomed to but I am sure it will be appreciable.''

"Can't be worse than the field rations we had on Grumman."

This place was beginning to put home's southern hospitality to shame. Though Hadrian supposed Emcas might have access to a Ptolomaian traveller's checkbook.

"Very well, we shall consider ourselves in your most excellent care."

_____________

Fast forward at your leisure.

[Fade/Unfade - You can start a separate private hotel scene that would not slow this down. Same goes for Emcas/Xanthe.]

They would find themselves nearing the Emcas-designated location at the commercial levels of Xenion, quite abuzz for both regular and incidentally incendiary reasons that knew all too well about.

Sometime later....

"Alas, no new cat-astrophe for people sink their fangs into. One can hope."

Hadrian was happily showered and ready to eat.

________________
Hotel thread @Laila & Kannon