The Assassin's Tale; Return to Gravaga

Credits; Krell, Rea,

Scientists call it subspace.  Mages refer to it as the plane of travel, in order to distinguish it from the pocket dimension used to store weapons and the contents of enchanted bags.  But the purpose was the same no matter the name.  It was an unexpanded universe, a perfect replica of the normal universe that simply hadn't been growing since the dawn of time.  The planets, and indeed the galaxies, were closer together here, making it invaluable for travel.  It wasn't the fastest method of getting around, but it was certainly the most fuel efficient and it was quite relaxing.  The other upside is that when they dropped into orbit over Gravaga there was no risk of Nao losing his lunch all over the back of Rea's chair.  For all the mess that she left around, she hated seeing anyone else add to it. 
Although as they headed towards the doors Krell did notice that their were fewer crates in the hall and they were all more organized.  He also noticed that it was completely free of old tabloids, empty cans, and all of her clothing had vanished.  It still wasn't perfect, there were plenty of newer tabloids, full cans, and what looked like collections of rope, explosives, and very carefully packed glass vials of various colors that he was fairly certain he didn't want to ingest.  Not, he reminded himself, that it would kill him anyways.  The mere fact that he could ingest it at all was pretty nice.  Having organs was nice, he'd missed food. 

"Hi Sh'nn'n!"
"Back again?  The name's still Shannon, with vowels.  I'll buzz you in."
"They aren't expecting us."
"What do they expect?  Go on in."
"Thanks."
Krell nodded at Cyssie and Igor's Gravagan receptionist.  Last time he'd been here he'd been naught but a skeleton.  He doubted she recognized him. 
"Wait a second, you look familiar."
Maybe she did, Rea had mentioned some sort of advanced sight.  The ability to see what someone looked like even when they didn't really look like anyone, and as the considered it he realized it probably meant they could see through illusions too.  It would be a valuable skill for a receptionist. 
"You're Admiral Casat, the one who retaliated against the Cult of Endless Death."
"Oh for Pete's sake, you aren't going to try and kill me too, are you?"
"What?  Why would I do that?  You're like the greatest hero of our age.  You single handedly defeated Xanadu, the Plague Spreader Lych.  That charcoal hearted snow scum killed my entire unit at Gherk and you faced him down and slew him.  Sir, you have my eternal admiration.  If there's ever anything you need, ask and I will do everything in my power to get it for you."
He thought he heard Rea stop breathing for a second.  Besides the fact that it was the longest he'd ever heard a Gravagan speak, it was shocking to realize how old most Gravagans were.  Shannon must have been over two thousand to have fought in the Frostbourne war, and here she was working as a receptionist.  Any other species would have been galavanting about going on adventures at her age, including natural immortals like the Elves.  And here was a Frostbourne war vet working as a receptionist for Arcania's sister.  Only in Gravaga. 
"Well thank you, I really don't know what to say.  Most people don't recognize me unless they want me dead."
"Say nothing, you me a great enough honor by merely gracing my humble waiting room with your presence."
"Thank you again, you're really too kind."
"Admiral," Rea pronounced with more than a hint of sarcasm, "We should be getting downstairs.  We have business to attend to."
"Yes, of course.  Thank you Shannon."
Shannon stood and curtsied as they entered the elevator.  Nao looked over at him and gave him an appraising scan.  Rea was less angry than she usually was when a woman talked to him.  Not that Shannon was unattractive, probably, but she was a Gravagan and there was really nothing to fear.  Or that's how Krell made sense of it at least.  He had learned last time to step out carefully and to try and avoid being fascinating last time he'd visited, so he paused in surprise at the complete lack of attention Cyssie and Igor gave either of them as Rea and Nao came off the elevator as well. 
"Hi Cyssie, Hi Igor.  Is Arcania around?"
Rea waited patiently for a response.  They were each conducting an independant and decidedly non-harmonious orchestra of tools, sheet metal, and electronics.  THey were working on seperate projects, but as matierials flew over head it became apparent that they were fully aware of each other's every move.  Nao walked past them towards the kitchen, which was open and smelled srongly of danish.  Krell walked up next to Rea and joined her in sending mildly frustrated glances through the welding sparks and metal visors.  Finally, well after Nao had returned with a wide selection of delicious looking pastries, Cyssie set down her welding torch and pushed up her visor. 
"Honey, we have guests."  Igor pushed his visor up, then turned his torch off, and turned towards them.  Krell could see the welts from the sparks and the heat going down before his eyes. 
"Oh what do you know, we do.  I hope they haven't been standing there too long."
The room fell quiet as Rea's eyes continued boring a hole through their torsos. 
"Honey, I think they've been there for a while, Rea looks angry."
"It may just be a side effect of that Dilatemic Anti-Gratification Field you were working on earlier." 
"Oh right, it did blow up over there didn't it?  Must be an after-effect.  Ought to work on that one again."
"I feel like it ought to have a reversal setting."
"Yes, but happiness is much harder to manage." 
"Will you both shut up!"  Everyone instantly looked over at Rea.  "This isn't about your inventions!  Although I am definitely not happy, and your invention is probably responsible."  Cyssie walked over and took Rea by the hand and led her about two paces to the right.  Rea seemed to cheer up almost instantly. 
"That's better.  Now is your sister here or not?"
"Kate's spelunking on Krove.  Should be back tomorrow.  Care for some danish?"