S'viim was taken aback by the Marshal's answer, though he admired her directness and determination to remain impartial.  Admittedly, the stories of her exploits discussed and debated throughout his home-world had left an impression on the young Omaeda man.  If he'd feared that she might not live up to her reputation, however, his fears were alleviated in that moment.  She was everything he'd heard she was: forthright, intelligent, courageous, and fiercely independent.
   Unfortunately, her refusal of his Matron's gift also meant that S'viim would have to return to his House rejected and ashamed, and most likely he would never see the Lady of House K'mahda again.  He did not intend for that to happen and hoped that his Matron's words might help the Marshall understand their intentions were merely to help her.


"I would be honoured to have tea with you, Lady T'risa S'nai," he replied.  Concentrating, he sent her a simple telepathic message:

   ~Yes, the mind-link is certainly acceptable to ensure the privacy of Matron N'amii B'shah's message to you.~

OOC: The term 'S'nai', according to the ever inventive Prometheus, means "respected lady" :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:31, Mon 31 Mar 2014.

T'risa motioned for S'vlim to join her at the table, smiling as the owners daughter poured tea for S'vlim and herself. She studied S'vlim looking at him up and down, not checking him out, but assessing him. Seeing how he fit together.

"I might be many things Mr S'vlim, but respected is not amongst them, and I'm afraid I know no-one in your clan personally. Name dropping will not impress me. So your clan Matron has a message for me? What might that be?"

T'risa smiled, taking another sip of tea "This has to be the best cup of tea I've tasted in over 6 months. I'd almost encourage everyone to shop here when needing to purchase clothing. Valki'ir fashion is really cutting edge. I enjoy the look tremendously."

Trey turns about as Poppy exits the back - sans pants, but with top. The bedreaded Bredren scratches at the top of his head for a moment, but his eyes never leave Poppy's face. Just good manners, after all; Maybe it's a station thing? A flash of white teeth.

"I like tee bloo won?" He states, gesturing with a free hand. Before he busts up laughing when she moves back into the dressing room, shaking his head. But his laugh has no hard edge to it - he's not laughing at her, but the situation in general. "I was tinkin' 'bout sayin' tings, mon, but mebee tats tee way freemons be?" And then she needs assistance. Well, the Bredren moves to provide just that, thoughtlessly thoughtful.

What? It's not titillating, it's helping a friend. A fellow 'freemon' with her buckles. "It gon have enough pockets, Poppy? I an' I find tat pockets be very helpful." A bright, toothy smile; Functionality. When that's all you've got, that's the way you think, even as he's helping with that 'glitched' buckle.

" Oh, this is for dancing Big Guy, I have my work clothes all picked out." Poppy grinned and tried to get the web belt bucked in place.
     Several pouches a holster on both hips, and a few rings to hang items off of completing the outfit. Well that and a pair of leggings and a short skirt she had slipped on.

  We get to have things that aren't all work ya know..sometimes you just pick stuff you like, or that looks good. After you make sure you have everything you need, and your friends have what they need. I like this sort of stuff cause it feels good to look nice, and people are more happy to have some fun when I am all dressed up and doing the whole silly, sexy, airhead thing...we the airhead is sort of built in I dont have to play that...Thanks."

  She finished getting things straightened out. kissed Trey on the cheek and stepped out to show off her new threads...all the time she talked she didn't seem to be flirting or trying to get Trey or the others worked up. She did grin a little every once in a while." Its sort of how I make me..feel like...me, well who I like to be..The whole silly airhead thing, the clothes, the body, they are all just things I like... you should find stuff you like too.... once we relax a little, and I can talk to some friends at the party tonight, we'll get yer brethren out of their jam. and we'll all have the biggest party in the history of man to celebrate."

In reply to Elsbeth (msg # 100):

   " Lets see here.Lucky for you I have sisters who liked to use me for a pack mule when they went shopping." Balkiir looked over the selections he had an eye out for more than the practical, looking Elspeth up and down handing her a leather long coat, holsters, and a knife that most people would consider a sword. Setting a duplicate of the knife in his one pile.
  Going over the weapons terminal he tabbed his Ident and accessed the restricted database." Being a marine has it's perks." Lets see plasma pistols, great idea...Matching holsters, unit insignia...we can work on that... Lets get you something that shows off the legs, and the cure of the hip..and those shoulders. got to let them know they are dealing with a certified bad ass.

 He handed her clothing he liked the look, a mix of practical and more stylish. Them grinned and winked, as he slid some more silky things into the pile for when she wasn't in public.~They are pretty comfortable, or so I am told. You really are one hell of a looker you might as well enjoy it.~

 He began mentally relaying ideas to her various mental images of her in various outfits, letting her pick what she liked and didn't like out of what was on display.

She looks over the D'shai with interest when she coughs to make her presence known. Things were getting more interesting with her present. The male was far from home and apparently important enough to warrant someone with her skill. Listening to T'risa's thoughts she nods ever so slightly and stands down. If there wasn't going to be violence then there wasn't anything to worry about.

She met the bodyguards eyes for a moment clearly interested in her. After all if the woman lived up to her peoples reputation she had real skill. MIght be nice to share a few drinks and hear what she had to say if the man was going to be around for any length of time so would she. New friends were always welcome and if they were not fighting then they could get along just fine. Meeting his eyes when his veil goes transparent she notes he's following protocol looking down. Then is slightly surprised at the offer of gifts. <I> "My your very popular today T'risa. Is it just your lovely personality and pretty face or might it have to do with our recent acquisition of some very rare high tech?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. S'vilim." It seemed they would have tea together.  Gracefully taking a seat she sips a cup of tea as well. Smiling warmly at T'risa's compliment to the tea and valkir fashion. "I do look forward to seeing you wearing some of that valkir fashion T'risa."

She was certainly interested in whatever the message might be as well. If it had a impact on T'risa's life it influenced her own just as much. She wonders how Poppy, Balkir and the others were doing. Everyone for once was having a bit of fun shopping instead of being shot at. Kind of a nice change of pace. The question is how long would it last? Everyone deserved a vacation and they had yet to go dancing!

"I'm dubious. You've no idea how many have approached with agreements that are supposedly in our favour yet are not. Mostly from prestigious houses. This approach from B'shai is interesting though. They might be relatively small, but they are important and they speak often enough with the word of the Empress. I intend to hear him out, but if it's just a trade offer I'm going to reject it." T'risa replied to M'Kira "Remember that soem men can intercept our thoughts. I dread to think how that would work when I'm working as a battle witch. The combination of many orders flowing through me along with the precog must be mind boggling."

   Bows respectfully then smiles to M'kira, as he takes a seat across from T'risa.  Truth be told he was very much looking forward to the tea to ease his nerves.

   "Thank you, any companion of Lady T'risa is indeed welcome company.  I don't believe I have heard your name as yet?"  He gestures his armoured female comrade.  "This is my D'shai, N'ssa of House B'shah."

   He returned his attention to T'risa, and brought up the message his Matron had sent on his veil's display so that he could send it telepathically word for word as he had promised.  As the glowing words appeared he projected them carefully, the patterns of his Matron's speech flowing with ease of familiarity as he shared them with T'risa:

   ~To Marshall T'risa K'mahda from the Lady N'amii B'shah, greetings.  I suspect it will not surprise an intelligent woman, like yourself, that your recent exploits have peaked the interest of many at court.  I do not doubt that several of more opportunistic Houses are already attempting to curry your favour by offering you various agreements, gifts, assurances of loyalty and all the other typical attempts to sway you to consider them as allies.  Ah the eternal game; the nobles never seem to tire of playing.
   I must admit, I too am most impressed with what I've learned concerning you, Marshal.  Of course your strategic success and acquisition of some very valuable tech certainly speaks well of your intellect and your courage, but that is NOT what has caught my attention.  What has truly surprised and interested Me is your forthrightness, your seeming determination to do what is right, to uphold the honour and integrity of the Empire, even though it meant exposing members of YOUR OWN HOUSE as criminals!  Such honesty is a rare commodity indeed among the Tau Omaeda, one that is desperately needed if we are to survive.  For far too long have we watched the corrupt, the amoral, and the selfish slowly erode the values and traditions that made our Empire great, and that is something we simply cannot abide!
   You know well, I am sure, the misfortunes of my once esteemed House, and you know that for many reasons, as much as I would like to, I cannot publicly endorse your actions.  I can however, privately assure you that you have the full support of House B'shah.  I have decided that I can quietly provide some assistance, to ease your burden and allow you to focus on that which matters most, I am therefor offering this gift, with no expectation of favour or even acknowledgement.
   My gift, if you will accept it, is this male: S'viim B'shah.  He is well educated, for a male, and a most excellent administrative assistant, something I suspect you could truly use just now.  He is obedient, loyal, and very willing to enter your service, indeed he readily volunteered.  He can apprise you of his talents, if you choose to accept him.  I hope you find him an acceptable gift, and a reminder that, although you have made several enemies, you also have friends of which you are likely not aware.  Continue your important work, Marshall T'risa K'mahda, and I shall do all I can to help you for the honour of our Empress!

                                          Respectfully, Lady N'amii of B'shah ~

   S'viim sipped his tea and then sighed happily as he sat back in his chair, a bit exhausted by the effort.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:53, Thu 03 Apr 2014.

Elsbeth raised an eyebrow at the big blue Valkiir's comment about her looks.  "Thank you, Friend Balkiir." she noted off-hand with a self-deprecating smile, "Though, we should likely take you to see the occulist next."  The tall Praetorian woman glanced in the direction of the T'risa and M'kira.  And then in the opposite direction, towards the cybernetic bodies of Poppy and Tiny.  Elsbeth shrugged slightly, before continuing, "I think that you need to get your eyes checked..."

She fanned herself for a moment, realizing that she was actually a touch flushed.  "Is... Is it hot in here?" Elsbeth asked when the cascade of mental images began in her mind through the connection she shared with Balkiir.  It was quite surprising to her, just exactly how attractive the large blue man found her.  But then she found the man irrepressible and irresistible.  Well, and he was so damned cute - in a huge blue polar bear-sized man kind of way.

The raven-haired Marine scratched her head for a moment then pulled on the end of her ponytail, when a particular mental image seemed to linger over their connection.  A look of mild surprise... or was it consternation ... flashed across her features.  "Really?" she prompted him quietly, "I might as well not be wearing anyth..."  She pursed her lips and she clammed up immediately.  Maybe she just needed some air; it was definitely getting hot in here.

She took a deep breath, blew and errant lock of hair from her face, and then held up the couple of hangers that Balkiir had offered her.  She swore that what was hanging on them looked to her to be some items that were more appropriately sized for the Marshal's frame - which was over a full foot smaller than hers - and they still wouldn't cover much there either.  One dopey smile and shrug later and Elsbeth mere quipped, "Uh... Okay."  And the lingerie went into the growing pile.  Next to the plasma pistols with custom embossed holsters.  And the stun batons.

"My love, M'Kira T'shal." with the extensive databases they had, T'risa was sure that the links between herself and M'Kira would have shown up. Bodyguard, escort, friend and now something much deeper. "Pleased to meet you D'shai N'ssa"

T'risa sat at the table saying nothing, her eyes showing she was deep in thought.

"You know that many see me as a threat." she said that as a statement, accepting it as truth and the fact that S'vlim knew about it. "By your matrons wish, you are placing yourself in harms way. I make enemies S'vlim. Not often by choice, but I'm not going to stand back and ignore what others have. Those who have joined our team have accepted those enemies as their own. Your D'shai might be able to protect you from most personal threats, but you are placing yourself in real danger." she watched the mans eyes with great interest. "I won't deny that a lot of my time is currently been taken up with administrative functions and I could really use someone like you, but I could always hire someone. So the question I have for you is. Is this something which you truly want for yourself? To make yourself a target for anyone wishing to hurt me or my cause? There is war brewing S'vlim, one that will change us all, and make martyrs of many. The questions I have for you are twofold. Do you realise that this has the potential to go very very wrong? By even placing you in my service some harm might come to House B'shah. Secondly, why do you wish to join our band? Tell me your personal reasons for doing so. I appreciate candour."

She raised the cup sipping at the tea.

M'kira gives a slight mental nod intrigued by the recent developments. Having the empress interested was exciting as well as potentially dangerous. The Empress naturally had enemies that likely were just as interested. "True T'risa I will keep that in mind. We could have a few drinks with them. Might be interesting to see what might be said in a more relaxed and less formal setting."

Sipping her drink she gives him a quick smile speaking softly after T'risa introduces her. Her heart warms at the words she heard. Discreetly and however briefly she seeks out T'risa's hand under the table briefly lacing fingers if permitted. After all she said no violence would come of this meeting so she didn't have to keep both hands free constantly. Though not for long since it is sort of becoming a business meeting. "Thank you T'risa. I should have mentioned my name earlier." She was briefly distracted glancing over at Elsbeth where she was a bit further away noting the woman was a touch flushed. She wasn't sure if any of that might bleed into the mental network or not. However there was only one man who could be responsible for that. With a twinkle in her eyes she looks at Balkir with affectionate amusement. Honestly in a world recently torn by battle or in her opinion war it was touching to see romance blossom. They were good people and deserved whatever happiness they found together.

Turning her attention back to the present she was intrigued by the mental activity. However will not press to be involved unless T'risa openly allows her to be part of the mental message. "It's a pleasure to meet you as well D'shai N'ssa. Hopefully we can drink together sometime in the future when your duties permit." She doubted the woman would consent to drink now. Though hopefully that would change soon if S'vlim was joining their little family. Taking another drink of her Tea she speaks softly. "As T'risa says it's no small matter. If you do join us it's not just a job for us we are a family. We look out for each other as best we can. It's a honor not to be taken lightly." At least that's how she felt about it as a Valkir. If he joined and proved himself more then someone just doing his job he would become family too.

   S'viim's attention was diverted momentarily as T'risa introduced M'kira.  S'viim had indeed heard of her during his research of the Marshal.  He had guessed that the Valkiir lady might indeed be Lady T'risa's stalwart companion, but he was a cautious man, and he had learned, the hard way, not to presume.
  "Lady M'kira, the honour is mine, I assure you.  And yes, I understand what a privilege it is to join the Marshal and yourself and your companions.  This is not a job for me at all you see, it was choice I was allowed to make."

   S'viim turned back to look at T'risa, listening carefully to her every word.  His eyes widened visibly and his cheeks turned red, but his attention was completely on her.  Once she'd posed her questions and paused he smiled, he bowed his head for a moment to compose himself before he carefully replied:

   "It is extraordinary to me, Lady T'risa S'nai, to hear you ask for my opinions, my feelings.  If I may be so bold as to say so, you do not address males in the same way that other women on home-world do.  It is a trait that I find very interesting indeed, even a little unsettling, but not unwelcome.  If anything, it reaffirms that I made the correct decision.
   To answer your questions: I am fully aware, as is my Matron, the danger of entering your service.  Even if it is done discretely, our enemies will eventually take notice and resent our actions.  But as you have said yourself, a war is coming, and at some point a side must be chosen, one must stand up for what they believe in, or their beliefs amount to less than nothing.  By taking this step my Matron has made her intentions clear.  She realizes, as I do, that you and your band will help to restore the dignity of our people.  That is something of which I am honoured to be part.  Your enemies are our enemies now, we accept there will be consequences...I accept there will be consequences, and I'm not afraid.  I want to serve you, I will give my life to serve you, Marshal T'risa K'mahda, What Omaeda, man or woman, could ask for a greater purpose?"
   He closes his eyes, clearly overcome by his emotions.  He takes a deep breath and adds: "You have every right to refuse.  But if you hired someone else to be your secretary, would they be in any less danger?  At least you know I come to you with full knowledge of the perils, and willingly accept them.  Let me help you, please?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 18:30, Sun 06 Apr 2014.

T'risa nodded "I realise it's a small distinction, but if I hired a secretary then perhaps my enemies may realise that it's a business relationship and not a personal one. There's also the fact that bringing you in, will tell everyone which side your house stands on." T'risa took a long look at S'viim taking a sip of her tea. Her eyes darted to S'viims bodyguard. "but it would seem that everyone involved knows the risks and is aware of them." T'risa reached for her computer transferring data and permissions to S'viim. "Welcome to our team S'viim. You should now have the correct access permissions to all of our lodgings and my files and resources. I'd urge you to ask questions when you have any instead of making assumptions. For your information, we're due to go to a big party tonight, so you might wish to find something appropriate to wear. We also have an appointment with the lawyer tomorrow, to go over some choices we're going to make. I'd like you to be there. We have a lot of documentation to prepare to take cargo ships into service. They need all of the certificates and licenses obtained..and...it could take a day or two to bring you up to speed. I'd also like an O'maedan male perspective on the clothing and uniforms we're trying to buy today. It might seem overwhelming at first...but this is actually quiet for us."

"Welcome S'viim B'shah I look forward to working with you." Taking another sip from her drink she wonders if their shopping spree might get extended slightly as they have at least one more member of the group to think about. Then again he might already have very nice equipment. He certainly had the B'shah family name to back him up on that. Those that served the Empress would not be running around with second tier gear.

"Every day I an' I alive is a day ta celebrate, Poppy." Grins the last of the Bredren. "I heart be tee rhythm, I breath be tee rhyme." A bright laugh as he finished assisting, and accepts the cheek kiss with the same good nature as he's accepted everything else. He then shrugs, shoving hands in his pocket as Poppy goes on to tell him to find things he likes.

"I like tee music, I like tee Crow. I like tis family, I like tee soul. No wan' no heavy spirit lugging around attachments ta tings tat can't laugh wit' I, mon." Another chuckle. "I an' I make do, no worray tat pretty face. If tat skull be tee airhead, what tat make I? We Bredren find each otter again, tat true. Whetter tis life o' tee next." A wink, before he nods.

"Go an an see if T'sira an' I ready ta get, I tink." So saying, Trey follow Poppy out, still as amicable as ever despite the rather grim turn of the conversation.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:39, Mon 07 Apr 2014.

Disembarking from the transport, he adjusted his bags and various hanging pouches on the jumpsuit and walked into the station.

Talking to Kli'rik'tik'chic'tik had been interesting to say the least. New technologies? And some of the Universal Hive were being asked to help with the studies. The Queen must be pleased. His antennae twitched as he wondered what it would be like to dissect and decipher such, but sadly that was outside of his own field.

He walked the station aimlessly at first, the large compound eyes taking in the sights and the reactions of some of those who moved to avoid him. The antennae twitched back and forth in mild amusement.

Free wandering wasn't going to do much except occupy time though. He would need to check and see what he could do. He had been informed of an open contract for emergency response which might do nicely. Yes, that would be something good to check into.

He fumbled out his datapad and scanned for the way to contact this CASAR...

  S'viim finished his tea quietly, eyes downcast as he awaited his fate.  He had to admit, it was very good tea, and he would have appreciated a second cup, but moderation was a virtue after all.  So he carefully placed the cup in front of him, trying to cover how nervous he felt.  He never ceased to devote his attention to Lady T'risa, however, listening attentively as she pondered his previous reply aloud.   When she at last welcomed him to her team, his heart almost leaped from his chest; the relief, excitement and elation he felt was almost overwhelming.  He took a deep breath, quickly composing himself and remembered to bow as was proper.
   "Thank you Lady T'risa S'nai.  It is a great honour to be admitted to your service, I am deeply grateful for your trust and vow to be worthy of it."
  He turned and bowed to M'kira, acknowledging her welcome as well.  "Thank you, M'kira of T'shal, for your warm welcome, you are very kind.  I look forward to learning from you."
   He focused now on the Marshal's instructions, activating his personal micro-computer (hidden discretely in his wrist band) to make certain it was receiving the required data.  Scrutinizing the display that scrawled across his inner veil, he beamed, and nodded gratefully to her.
   "I have received the necessary data and can access your information now, thank you.  I shall study them earnestly to ascertain how I may best be of service to you.  I will have many questions and will not hesitate to ask and I can promise you that assumption is not in my vocabulary.  I will work very hard to be "up to speed" as soon as possible."
   He considered some of the other information she had imparted to him carefully.
  "Appointment with your lawyer...yes, I see it on your schedule, I shall be there, Lady; it will help me to understand your business and its requirements.  Documentation for cargo ships: permits, licenses, certificates..." he sighed happily, glad to be speaking the language he understood best, beauracracy.  "These will likely not prove difficult to obtain, once I am acquainted with the pertinent information for your vessels, though I daresay I shall be busy, which suits me very well indeed."
   He was surprised at the offer to attend a party, and to assist them with their shopping.  He had no doubt it would prove a very interesting day indeed and he grinned with unabashed delight to N'ssa.  He hoped she was as happy as he.
   "You would like the opinions of an Omaeda male?  Extraordinary!  I shall be glad to offer whatever perspective I have, and hope it will be useful.  What kind of party is it to be?  I did bring my formal robes, but if it is a casual affair I can find something suitable.."
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:24, Tue 08 Apr 2014.

"S'viim, just call me T'risa please. Formality is best left for court or ceremonies. Here we're informal. Just T'risa. We'd always welcome a male insight to our uniforms, after all we all want to look our best. You should bear in mind that everyone has different roles within our group. You'll need to have a uniform yourself." T'risa looked to the shopkeeper. "Please add one count for S'viim and possibly his guardian, and please with close that are protective and stylish for our night out."

She looked towards S'viim with mock pity in her eyes "You're going to hate what this little expedition is going to do to my bank balance."

In reply to Elsbeth (msg # 119):

" My eyes are fine." Balkiir replied with a smile leaned over and kissed Elspeth softly on the cheek. He sent her an image of her as he saw her. Tall strong, confident, with a hint of vulnerability, humor, and kindness showing through. that's what I see."

    He chuckled as she commented on the clothing, and her reaction. "yes, yes it is a bit warm in here....and I wont object to less. I'd have less laundry to do." he replied casually, his tone hinting he was enjoying her flustered response.

He stepped in and wrapped the gun belt around her waist and holstered the pistol. Pressing close, and smiling a he adjusted the belt to ride low on her hip. The grip of the pistol jut under her fingertips, then adjusted the matching set of weapons to fit his heavy frame.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:55, Wed 09 Apr 2014.

In reply to Trey Uv'secks (msg # 125):

" I like that." Poppy cheered up instantly the wide,slightly goofy smile back where it belonged." Everyday is  party.  little music, a little dance, some friends to keep the beat..."

  She stepped out of the booth and did a semi dance around tiny who looked back with a barely suppressed giggle. She witched tempo gripping a flower off the display case between her teeth and did a fairly comical impression of a tango in the aisle before Grabbing the hand of the O'maeda pilot and leading her in a few step, dipping her, and spun her back to Trey.

  "Ooooh I like these legs they is made for dancing."  She grinned and then looked over at the frowning attendant with a sheepish smile. tossing her her credit chip." Gotta give them a test drive ya know. give yourself a tip, a nice one. "

In reply to Twitch (msg # 126):

From: CASAR CENTRAL ADMINISTRATOR
To: "Twitch"

Your query on Available employment and assignments has been reviewed. based on Your public information, an private records we have accepted your application and are referring you to the  commander of local CASAR response team.. T'risa K'mahda with a letter of introduction, and tentative assignment to her team as Field medic and Bio-medical adviser.

You are granted the rank of Specialist (Senior). with associated pay, and privileges. Your account has been credited with signing bonus, and travel expenses.

Welcome Aboard, good Luck. and good Hunting.
                                               Colonel Peter Soren

One antennae vibrated gently while the other continued it's normal jerky movements. He had meant an inquiry and instead it seems he applied. Well, it was of no real problem. He had a job again, and it seemed that his qualifications were either top of the line and made him a candidate that should be snatched up immediately or they were extremely hard up on medical personnel.

The antennae flickered in amusement. Well, since he was given assignment already there was no need to stand around airing one's thorax. As any of his race would do, he would present himself for immediate duty.

So he set the computer to find this T'risa K'mahda so he could present himself in all due haste and then set off.

   The network quickly identified Marshal K'mahda's location one of the lower shopping levels. It also indicated her crew was nearby. the trip from his current position would not take more than a few minutes.

Sipping her drink M'kira smiles with a look of amusement. "Mmm worrying about the books? That would certainly be a change of pace for a Valkir. I don't think I could leave  the sky or space. I love piloting my fighter too much!" She thought about how much the new toys likely would cost glancing at S'viim. She was confident though T'risa wouldn't bankrupt herself even without a skilled person to help make sure. Her lips quirk upwards with a look of amusement. It was going to be a interesting day indeed.

"And to think this is just our first stop isn't it T'risa."

"Indeed. In fact, this might even be one of the least expensive places we're visiting today for bespoke clothing." she said teasing S'viim still further, her eyes glinting with humour. "I'm teasing S'viim, although unfortunately this is not the most expensive place we're visiting today. I need some work on advanced shielding and that won't be cheap."