Aisha dreamt of spiders. It was not as visceral as the nightmare two nights ago, but still she woke up in a cold sweat and refused to go back to sleep. Glancing at her communicator she saw that it was early morning watch, so they still had about five hours before meeting at the antique shop. She got out of bed and took a shower to wash away the sticky cobwebs from her mind, then got dressed and went to the mess to grab some kawah.

Adhan was already there, a steaming mug in hand, fooling around with his computer. "We need to stock up on kawah," he offered by way of greeting, gesturing at the machine. "And we need to get that thing cleaned. The quaint aftertaste is wearing out its welcome."

* * *

Asa woke up refreshed and ready to take on the world. Deciding to pamper herself and end her stay at the lovely Kuan Princess hotel on a high note, she ordered breakfast in bed and just lay there, going through the things she needed to do once the day really started. She still had about four hours before meeting up with the rest of the crew, and she wanted to enjoy that time to the fullest.

* * *

Now, where did Kira wake up, you might wonder? Well, asking Kira herself would probably be the best way of finding out, although after all the dancing, drinking, mingling and general merriment she was not so sure herself. Where am I? she thought as she opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. Believe me, Kira, everyone wants to know the answer to that question, and you would be very cruel not to answer it! We're all ears!

Ye gods, her throat was dry!

Kira slowly woke up. Where am I? A garden? Where is my stuff? Why is there a goat tied to that tree?

She sat up, held her head and groaned, waiting for the space station to stop spinning at five times normal speed. Flashes of the night came back to her. So many shots! Those cute twins! Tight-rope walking?

She shook her head and was relieved to see her possessions neatly stacked in a small bundle next to her. It seemed to be all there, except her underwear. She blushed and stood up unsteadily, checking the time on her communicator. Good, still some hours to go.

Looking around her, she realized she was in the Garden of Seekers. She untied the goat from the tree and led it out to the main street. Spotting a chai seller and his cart, she handed over the goat to him and he accepted it with a puzzled smile.

Still holding her head, she stalked off in search of a hot, greasy breakfast.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:12, Fri 12 Aug 2022.

Aisha sat down with Adhan to drink the coffee, telling him what she'd learned about Menkar; the other Monolith, the empty portal and the Hounds of Tirides.

"It seems like a fascinating place! And not far past Sadaal... maybe you could find out what cargoes they pay good Birr for? I'd love to go, but there's no way that's enough to get us through those portals, return, unless we get lucky with a bulk hauler. Even then, convincing Asa... well it'd be easier if there were money in it!"