Fast-Forwarding

(Heeding both the boredom of the players and his own frustration at the lack of activity, the Gamemaster pushes the "FF" button on the Vorpal Remote...)

A summary of the scenes as they blip past:

• There's a bit of conversation with the two women, Vliana and Kairi (the Besteeng). It turns out that they are the frontwomen of a pop band that has been fairly active, not only in Mul'ein, but throughout the region. Apparently they are based in Ekr'in, however. (That's why Nekshi interviewed them not so long ago.) Both are outgoing, but Vliana is clearly the friendlier of the two. It's clear that she and Bina have a deep rapport that goes back. It also appears that, though they're not personally acquainted with her, the two women know who Mey'Luskar is. Vliana seems to respect her, but Kairi doesn't try very hard to mask her contempt. They're both very well acquainted with Lirassa, too, and there seems to be both tension and mutual respect between them.
• During the talk, a little light can be seen to come on over Uskua's head, and she points out that the two musicians have a small bus they use for their band. Bina then hints to Vliana that the party is hoping to do something very important, but are having some problems squaring transportation. Kairi seems ambivalent, but Vliana offers to help immediately.
• The party remains at Wirg's long enough for everyone to finish. The three suspicious men leave during this time without incident. A couple more customers come in, but no one of any significance. By the time the party gets ready to leave, both Bina and Mey'Luskar are looking a bit red around the edges from wine and cocktails.
• It is early evening when the party gathers together to leave. As it is just a week before summer, it is still daylight outside, though it is cloudy. The fact of the heavy Peace Force presence in the area is mentioned. After some deliberation and maneuvering, Wirg has the party leave through the employee exit out into the back alley. There are a couple of unsavory-looking characters back there (probably drug pushers), but they high-tail it out of there at first glimpse of the party.
• The bus arrives. It's actually not a bus but rather an old military transport van that has been retooled. The rear is designed to hold gear, while there are seats for up to eight passengers in addition to the driver. There is more than enough room for everybody. Even better, the windows are all tinted. The driver, another Ehrlathagi woman, doesn't seem happy about the arrangement, but she does what she's told.
• It is decided to head out of Mul'ein, circle around, and enter the Bousin area from the north, preferably after it has gotten a bit darker. The musicians say they hope the party can come up with a plan during that time.

(Removes finger from "FF" button...)

So...what is the party's plan?

The Dynamic Duo

Zeton continues to poke around on the networks, but nothing of any value shows itself.

Bina and Mey'Luskar try to get Pru to try the monacta herself, but the stocky Tembo is as stubborn as she is outgoing.

The rain soon eases off as abruptly as it started. The middle-aged Besteeng woman immediately leaves without a word (except to Uskua when she pays).

The Ibitonian, Zentryl, and Endihec(?) continue to chat in very low tones, leaning rather closely together over their table. Both the Zentryl and the Endihec steal occasional suspicious glances at the party, but the Ibitonian seems utterly unconcerned.

After a little while, the door opens, and in comes a couple of new customers. It's a pair of women. One of them is obviously Ehrlathagi. The other is a white-skinned Sark-type human who is most likely Besteeng. Their dress suggests at least middle class. They are chatting with each other in Yangae (with noticeable accents).

Spying the party on the way in, both women say a quiet yet attractive greeting and then suddenly halt.

The Ehrlathagi woman puts her hands on her hips, cocks her head, and says, "Nekshi! How are you doing?"

"You weren't hoping to interview us again, were you?" asks the Besteeng, crossing her arms and throwing out a hip.

"You interviewed them?" asks Lirassa, jerking a thumb in the pair's direction.

"Hi, Lirassa!" says the Besteeng a little too sweetly.

They exchange a few quick lines in Brekka while the Ehrlathagi smiles and glances around the party. Then the Ehrlathagi's smile vanishes, and with a gasp she turns toward the table where Bina, Mey'Luskar, and Pru are sitting.

"Bina?" she says, taking a step forward with surprise in her eyes. "It is you, isn't it?"

Bina grins solemnly. "It's me." Then she bows Hergoth style and says in Her-Galad, "May She smile on you, Vliana!"

Vliana echoes the gesture and adds in Her-Galad, "Why are you here...dressed like that?"

Bina taps her chest. "I got kicked out!"

Vliana gasps and says something in Ehrkiss. Then she extends her hands. Bina hesitates before touching them. Then she sighs (with a noticable sob) and closes her eyes.

"Someone you know?" asks the Besteeng woman, moving closer with a puzzled look.

"Yes," says Vliana. "Bina! She's...she was...a priestess at Erweina. She's the best!"

At the mention of the word "priestess", the Besteeng woman stiffens and moves behind Vliana.

"Now I'm...just Bina," she says with a solemn grin.

Switching back to Yangae, Vliana asks, "So what's going on? It looks like you're geared up for a camping trip or something! Anything exciting?"

"That's what I'm hoping to find out!" retorts Pru, resting her chin on her elbow.