BZPRPG: Ga-Wahi

IC

Xerrand returned his gaze to the Toa of gravity. Smiling he put his hand on the others shoulder "we fight for the Matoran" he began to walk along the beachside "corruption is in the air. There is talk of revolution. Some hope to put a worthy power in place. Others, I suspect, want to take the Koros for themselves. I don't know where or when this is going to happen. But when it does, we must be ready to take a stand. For the sake of the matoran. We must ensure that each ruler of every Koro is held to the Matoran virtues. Those who do must be protected. Those who do not must be overthrown.

Most Toa are more concerned with external threats. Makuta, skakdi and the like. They do not concern themselves with political corruption or any true[/] threats to the matoran and their way of life. So tell me friend where do you stand?"

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"At least Ignitus seems to have them quite often", Jarkale explained. "They say they were part of some Toa team once, together, on an island called Torren, but had to leave it after losing it to some evil. Apparenty it blew up, the island."

Jarkale's next words were quieter, intended to carry more weight in them. "I sometimes think that their motives are quite suspicious... who's not to say they aren't just using us to rediscover their home island or carry out some kind of a revenge on their old enemy?"

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

"I have made the choice to help and protect those who need it" was my honest reply.

"But just so we're clear, not all Skakdi are warmongering looters, I know a pretty nice one myself"

IC: Voulge

Voulge turned once again to consider the toa of fire before him.. He was unsure was to think of this toa.. Yet voulge waisted no time with thinking

"Tell me vail.. You say you turn away from the darkness.. Yet do you know why you turn away from it? Did something happen in your past to make you naturally abhor it.. or have you merely been trained like a good rahi to do what your master tells you? The master in this case being society."

Voulge brought his chin to rest atop his left hand as he seemed to study Vail.

IC:

Tuarn gave a noticeable pause in the flow of his conversation, giving great thought to his words,

"We cannot divine their motives, much as we cannot divine where this quest will take us. This is the nature of all things, the future is unknowable."

Tuarn now gave great weight to his words,

"Wether their motives are good or bad, they appear to be coming with us and all we can do is trust them on their word."

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"Why did you decide to join this expedition, Tuarn?"

IC:

"I don't really know what originally drew me to it. I read something in the paper I believe, if my memory serves. I had also been out of adventuring for too long. Maybe it was nostalgia as well, it seemed so much like one of the adventures like I used to go on. This island is so dark nowadays."

Tuarn sighed,

"Why do you ask?"

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"Just wondering", Jarkale said. It was obvious he was not telling everything. "It's just that those Toa have so bizarre stories of origin. I believe they were sent by Mata Nui himself to unlock the vault, but my faith has suffered with all the talk about Torren. Maybe it's where Mata Nui resides? Or maybe I'm just overthinking this?"

IC:

"I think that this world that Mata Nui has created is much larger then we can possibly imagine. Have you not heard those rumours of strange beings landing on a beach nearby here? This world is a wonderful place and we can thank Mata Nui for it."

Tuarn smiled sagelike,

"I'm sorry if I sound strange and vague, I sometimes have misgivings about these things as well."

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"I have indeed", Jarkale nodded. "They sound very interesting. Perhaps we'll find out something about their origin when we set sail. If Ignitus and JL ever return from Mangaia, that is."

IC:

"Mangaia. What a stain of darkness on this lush and beautiful island."

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"Some say Makuta built it, but it could've always been there", Jarkale mused. "But you're right. Mangaia was the doom of the first Toa and the lair of Makuta, birthplace of Rahkshi, Kraata and Parakuka... it's a real pesthole."

Jarkale shivered at the memory of fighting Rahkshi there with Rerus and Ignitus. He could still hear the screeches of Kraata in his head and see the sight of a Rahkshi of slow being battered to death.

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

 

"I have made the choice to help and protect those who need it" was my honest reply.

 

"But just so we're clear, not all Skakdi are warmongering looters, I know a pretty nice one myself"

"Of course" Xerrand replied, "I meant no offense. But you understand my point? And our mission?"

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

I regarded him, still stroking my chin, as I went through the answers he'd given me, or the nondescript statements that passed for such.

An army in service of: The Matoran.

In a fight against: corruption and "heresy" against the three virtues.

In defense of: the Matoran way of life and the stability of the island.

Personally it all sounded rather sketchy to me.

"You say "overthrow" and "ensure". If we went through with this, what would give us the authority to act as judge, jury and executioner for the entire island?"

IC

"The selfish grow in power. By what authority to they rule? By the authority of Mata Nui they must be stopped! What steps are being taken by the Toa Maru? People take Koros for themselves, and act for personal gain! By what authority do they act?

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

"Exactly" I replied.

"That's what irks me about this. How do we know that our authority is any less skewed than theirs?"

IC:

Nei sighed, folded her arms, and looked down at the floor. So much for that plan.

"Thank you Akiri," Nei said, looking back up at Hahli, "If I find anything in relation to the Valkyr, I'll be sure to let you know."

Moer-than-slightly downcast, Nei excused herself and started to head out of the building.

IC:

Ferre pursed his lips in consternation. Nothing, eh? Looked like he'd been wrong - there must not've been anything of rumours or reports or such that had come in. They'd be flying blind, on this. Ferre stood, noticeably unsure of himself without his cane to steady and guide him, and nodded to Eutuchia and Hahli.

"Well, thanks for your time, regardless," he said to the two, as Eutuchia came forwards to help him out

---

After they were outside, and Eutuchia back in, Ferre turned to Nei - happily with all his items back, and Nei with hers, coincidentally - a curious expression on his face.

"Well, Nei, one idea may not have worked out - doesn't mean we're out of options, though." As they walked along, Ferre with his ears listening and Nei with her eyes looking, the Ta-Matoran spoke up again. "After all, Ga-Koro can't have been the only place where you two ever were, could it?"

---

Meanwhile, once seeing Nei and Ferre out, Eutuchia had come back to Hahli, a bit of a curious expression on his own face as well.

"Hahli, would you mind telling me what the meaning was of what you said earlier?" the Matoran of Plantlife asked, quietly. "Because I don't normally see you in moods like you were just in unless something bad has happened."

IC:

Vail smiled wearily.

"I hate the darkness. I have been submerged in it for almost as long as I can remember. It comforted me when I had nothing left inside. It filled me with greed, cruelty and madness in a matter of weeks and has never left me. I hate it because it stole my ability to relate with others. Those good seem too far away from me, because they havent done the things I've done, or seen the things I've seen. I can't relate to those evil either, because they let the darkness use them as puppets, something I will always refuse to do."

Vail rubbed his hands together, though not of embarassment.

"My only companion is myself. I can only trust myself. Everything else is bound to betray me and abandon me eventually. I remain a silent observer, and take what I can from the world. I give to it as much as I have to offer, because the smiles of the innocent are what keep me going. That's why I'm so charitable. I have ruined my own life, but maybe contributing to the goodwill of others will make up for my sins."

Vail's eyes remained cast to the ground, lost in a sea of guilt.

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

 

"Exactly" I replied.

 

"That's what irks me about this. How do we know that our authority is any less skewed than theirs?"

IC

The Toa of lightning smiled "I suppose you'll just have to trust me my friend." He folded his arms, seemingly content with his answer, "I am held to the authority of the people, as well as my fellow Toa. If I act unjustly, you -and whomever else is just and moral- may, (nay, must!) oppose me. We will adhere to such council. But we will not adhere to aristocrats and corrupt politicians"

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

"Honestly, I don't think I really am the sort of Toa you're looking for, it's all a little over my head"

I really found the whole thing quite interesting, but at the same time It didn't really sound like the type of hero I wanted to be. There was a place for heroes like Xerrand in this world, but I wasn't one of those.

"Look, I'd like to keep debating this, but Malak is waiting on my help" I said.

"Good luck, though" I said, offering him my hand.

IC:

"I take it you've had a bad experience in Mangaia?"

OOC Jam with Tyler.

IC

They watch the ocean. It is still this afternoon, as smooth as glass, reflecting the clouded sky.

He holds her in his arms. They breathe as one.

The village of water is peaceful. They stand at the edge of the easternmost lily pad, the vast sea scarce inches from their feet.

A gentle breeze breaks the stillness. The water ripples. He blinks. She pulls his arms tighter around her, and speaks.

“I don't like this.”

He strokes her arm with an idle finger, his gaze fixed upon the horizon.

“It is necessary.”

“She'll kill you.”

“Possibly.”

She allows silence to reign once more. Briefly.

“You could send another. Some subordinate there's no point in threatening. Why you?”

His green eyes are pensive.

“You do not know Hahli like I do. She will not respect a man who will not show his face.”

“Why do you need her respect?” Her tone is vaguely reproachful. “All you need is a deal.”

He gently turns her around. Their eyes meet.

“She will not deal with me if I do not go myself. Yes, it's dangerous. I don't care. It is necessary. Necessary for our survival, and especially for yours.”

She still doesn't understand, and she can't. There is only one secret that lies between them, and it cannot be shared.

He bridges the gap with a kiss, brushing his lips against her forehead.

“You will understand one day,” he lies softly. “For now, you must trust me.”

“You know I do,” she murmurs.

“Then trust me, and go. I will return. I promise.”

A last embrace, and they break apart. She walks towards the market; from there, she will move to the docks, and commission a ferry to Ta-Wahi. He walks the other way, towards the marine headquarters, where he knows he will find both Captain and Akiri.

He has business to do.

Her seal was cerulean blue and stamped with a trident, and she watched it disappear into the light blue of the sky, affixed to the letter it held together. Kongu, this time. An addendum to the firewhiskey deal they had. If not for her wits and her gut feelings, Hahli would have gone mad with the pains of boredom by now.

A knock on the door. More menialities, she thought, same as ever, until the disheveled Onu-Matoran walked in. The door guard said that he'd said he had an appointment; he had no such thing, but regardless Hahli drew him to a seat with a cordial, achingly polite invitation, and ushered the guard out. When the door creaked close, silence echoed and the room grew still, though certain pairs of ears still listened and certain pairs of eyes were as attentive as ever.

"When the Toa Daedra were driven from Ga-Koro, and I came back, I revamped the Marine training regimen from scratch. I reforged the chain of command from the top link to the bottom, wove it around where it needed to be woven, and now Ga-Koro may not have the largest military on the island, but it has the most loyal force. Every Marine shares a part of herself with every other Marine - they're skilled with the use of sword, disk, and trident, and they practice with each every day. Even in their off time. I can't think of any greater soldier to have at my back."

She smirked to herself as her golden eyes traced the lines of Caerus Valli's face and then met his gaze, green as spring.

"My one wish is that I'd taken the time to give them fly swatters, too."

He chuckles softly, though the smile doesn't reach his eyes. Hahli's office is cluttered with all the paraphernalia of duty, including a desk drowning in paper. He reaches for one of these, aware that his every movement is being followed by golden eyes.

It's a shipping report. Nothing he does not already know.

“It's good to see you, Akiri,” he says cordially, choosing to ignore her remark for now. She lives in the village of fishermen, and fish who take hold of barbs are caught. These are dangerous waters.

“Truthfully, I must apologize for my late arrival,” he continues carefully. “I'd hoped to meet with you sooner, to congratulate you upon your ascension to office, and to offer my condolences for your Turaga's death. Nokama was a great woman; her death is all of our loss.”

"If every man on this island scheduled appointments and offered praises like you do, the entire island would be starving to death and no two stones would stand together. You should have offered your condolences first and then congratulated me," she chided him lazily, as though the barb didn't require so much as an ounce of her wit to conjure. "If Nokama and her brothers were here now, there's much we could have avoided. But here we are now, the Turaga are dead, and I have a feeling we both heard a certain songbird belting out the culprit in his cage a couple weeks past. That's why you're here, isn't it? You're a smart little arachnid, Caerus. You're running damage control."

He spreads his hands wide in a gesture of openness. “I'm afraid you are mistaken. Though I did happen to be passing by as our bird whistled his tune, his music holds no threat to me. I am here of my own accord, not due to a Toa of Iron with blood on his hands and a song on his lips.”

"I never said the damage was to you," Hahli said with a smirk and a playful wink. "Come, I've heard you're such a clever man. We both know all the interesting roads lately have led to Dorian Shaddix - and the many forks our little bird has crapped on as he flies along his path."

She took a second to consider what she knew about Caerus Valli, master information broker and spymaster at large for who-knew-who. The Spider. Of course he'd know already.

"There's one such fork in the snowdrifts right now. It's said he's preparing to take my friend's Seat."

“Ambages? I won't pretend not to know him; I know everyone.”

If it were to come from any other man, then surely Hahli would doubt. But he is the Poet and the Spider, and many other things besides, and it is his business to know. The island is a book, and he is the Chronicler: a Chronicler for a new age written in blood and black ink, not the stone-etched stories that Takua once told.

“However, I feel as though we speak of two different men. You speak as though this architect is a thief, while I would hasten to note that Matoro -may he rest in peace- appointed the man himself, to be vizier, and Hand, and too many other titles for me to remember. Perhaps you know something I do not?”

It is an absurd question, but he waits for an answer nonetheless.

"Do you like this chair?" Hahli asked abruptly, patting the leather rolling chair on the armrests adoringly. "I chose it, too. It supports me at all times and bears witness to all my decisions as Akiri. Depending on how long I choose to sit it for a time I have a few titles for it as well. Shall I name the chair to be my successor, if the secretary does me in one night?"

Caerus smiled again, that knowing smile that did not reach his eyes; Hahli steamrolled right over it.

"Titles are titles, and power is power. Before the Turaga died Ambages had neither; now two rulers have died in a season, Ko-Koro is locked shut, and the few reports that leak through the cracks in the ice say the same thing: Ambages has gotten his hands on both. You said you were passing through when the killer, Shaddix, melted down. If so, I hardly need to tell you who else has taken an interest in him. Or the name he shouted that was behind it all."

It was her turn to smile; her eyes were as unreachable and hard to interpret as his.

"And I know that unless you had gotten to him first, you'd have never stopped "passing through" until he was dead in the gutters."

“You do me disservice by making me a killer,” he says smoothly. “I have never spilled blood, and do not intend to. My business -as you know, Akiri- is in knowledge. Dorian gave me his secrets; I have no need of his life.”

"Secrets don't spill blood, but people die from them every day."

“Which is precisely why I made an appointment with you today,” he continues, leaning forward in his chair. “My line of work is no less hazardous for my pacifism. I will be frank, Akiri: I come seeking asylum.”

"For what?" Hahli asked quietly, a soft smirk drawing on her lips as she leaned forward. "Have you committed some crime, Spider? What do you fear that would drive you to another web?"

“I? Crime?” He shakes his head once. “You overestimate both my boldness and my abilities, Akiri, which is kind of you, but no more correct for your kindness. No. It is not for my own crime that I am afraid, but another's.”

He leans back, almost confident in his weakness. A man of paradoxes.

“You have, no doubt, observed a spider's web on some early morning, when each strand glitters with dew, and the master weaver herself sits, at ease, in the centre of her creation. But should you reach out and pluck the outermost string, the vibration will travel along each strand until the entire web is alive. The spider herself will flee, and hide in some crack or corner until the chaos is resolved.

“I have never pretended to be a bold man, and I do not fancy standing to meet the chaos when it falls. With what would I fight? Your Marines have sword, disk, and trident; my only weapon is a quill.”

"And what threatens you, weaver? No web can withstand a good, hard pluck, I know, but it's hard to know where to strike when the dew is reflecting the sun into your eyes. What fight do you fight, poet?"

As soon as she asked the question, Hahli knew.

"I am not some gunslinger with rage in his veins. I can put two and two together - the architect is building himself an empire, and what spider can hope to outweave an empire? And what use has an architect got for a spider once there's no room to weave? You're getting nervous. You're worried the Peers won't make it to retirement age.

"You want out."

“My work is my life,” he replies. “The last thing I want is to see my web torn down by greed.”

"You should have stuck with poetry readings."

"And you with Kolhii. Yet here we are."

"You're the one who needs protecting. You've said what you like. What do you have to show for it?"

He shifts in his chair, eyes alight.

"I know the names of the Turaga's killers, and the names of the Peers. I know which Koro hired Ta-Koro's bomber, and I know which Koro they blamed. I know who killed Matoro, and I know who is plotting to kill you, Akiri. I know the names of your enemies, and the names of your friends, and it's up to you whether I shall be the former or the latter.”

"And the only currency you ask for is your breath."

"My breath is only worth so much. Perhaps my life may buy half my secrets, but some I will carry to my grave."

He leans back; his lips twitch, but no smile appears.

“Such is the nature of my business. But I will pay what I must for my breath, and for the breath of another. Name your price, Akiri.”

"Your web. At my disposal. If you want to dunk your head into the bay and hide under Ga-Koro when chaos falls so be it, but when you come up for air I want what you have, depending on whether I deem it pertinent."

His green eyes are steady; for a long moment, they could be carved of jade. Then he blinks, and the illusion is broken.

“A fair price, Akiri. Very well. I shall trade the range of my web for the safety of yours.”

"Who killed my friend, Spider?" Hahli fired off then, her voice never raising and the cerulean mask on her face never shifting; there was something new and charged in her presence all the same as she asked. "You went on at length about names. Give me this one first."

He is silent for a moment as he recalls.

“A faceless man,” he says at last. “A nameless De-Matoran. He was born in Le-Koro; he grew and snatched and stole among the leaves, and when he slept he did not dream. He never dreamed, and never loved. Killing Matoro is the only thing he will ever be remembered for, and, even then, history will not remember his name.”

"Clever. A perfect fall boy," she said, gloved hands stretched calmly onto the desk. "But if I were to have you lynched in the street tomorrow, the rope that killed you would be the tool; it would not be the murderer. This Matoran was a tool. I want a culprit."

His eyes do not leave hers. “The Queen of Xa-Koro: Aurelia.

The island is watching.

"I know the name," she admitted. "She's in Jaller's files. Dorian went on about her at length."

“As well he should have. It was she who placed the collar on Shaddix.”

"Collaring dragons and sinking islets, I'm amazed she could squeeze the Seat of Kopaka into her agenda," she quipped. "If I find out you're exaggerating, or misleading, even an iota...you're a creative man, poet. Fill in the blank."

And I will find out.

He does not flinch at the venom in her voice. “The things you could do to me are nothing compared to what Aurelia will do should she learn of my loose lips. Our deal starts now, Akiri, or I am a dead man walking.”

Hahli's eyebrows flipped up - the way Jaller's did when he heard a particularly droll joke from her lips or Kongu's, or when he read a military report that made him want to groan - and after a second she lifted her sword hand from the desk and held it out to shake. When Caerus' own was within inches, she turned hers to the side, palm facing down.

"Tell me the truth. Do you think I can take her?"

“Alone?” He contemplates this scenario, then shakes his head. “No. She is wealthy, and has an army to rival my flock of birds. She is dark and treacherous, and far too fond of blood.

“But...” his eyes glow with the hint of a smile. “Should you rally the island against her, hunt her out of the cracks and crannies of the earth, and place her before a tribunal of the Akiri... Should you level your accusations before all men... she is not a god; she will fall.”

"A hunt," Hahli repeated pensively, before taking the poet's hand and shaking. Silence would have reigned them, had she not broken it with a laugh. Her hand moved from Caerus' to the dagger Jaller had given her, and she drew it and flipped it in her hand. The point rolled around the room and landed behind her back.

"A hunt. That sounds fair enough," said Akiri Hahli. "I love a good ###### fight."

IC:

Now, see, here's the problem with being drunk.

You get a bit stupid. Now, I've no intention of being deliberately stupid, but frankly, there's the chance that I will do so unconsciously. And the more I try to use my head, the more likely to be stupid I'll be. So, won't use the skull. I'll use the rest of my thought processes instead. You see, there are certain things that you learn after a while of doing what I like to do, and one of the first is using context and movement to understand your opponent.

Edubard feinted for my face, and I know it is that unconsciously, though I won't know consciously for another few seconds when, after my step back takes me out of the strike's path, he redirects for a light slash to my thigh. A slight shift of my stance, specifically lowering the point of my blade slightly, lets me catch the blow on the flat of my weapon. Another step back and I've transferred into a stance quite easily identifiable as the fool's guard.

How poetic.

I've decided not to attack, for now, which is also why I've done what would in any real fight be the height of stupidity; I've moved back. Never let your opponent control the flow of battle, but right now, that was exactly what I was letting him do. But a sparring match is a dance, and I can't really dance until I've an idea of what my opponent does.

Well, maybe the drinks've made me a bit stupid, but better now than in a real fight.

IC:

Carefully, Liara pulled on her gloves. Fairly simple affairs, they were made from a material light enough for movement, but thick enough to keep fluids from reaching her skin. She didn't know for sure who designed them, but she ordered them from a company that employed Ve-Toa in Onu-Koro. More than likely some kind of plant resin or fibers were involved.

But that was neither here nor there.

What was most certainly here was a feverish Skakdi, believing himself a pirate captain. Setting aside her implements, she placed the back of her hand against his forehead, while also surveying his condition. A few seconds of contact were enough to tell her that he was incredibly feverish, which likely also explained the evidence of attempted self-medication around his body.

"What was this man's last known mission?"

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"You could say that", Jarkale muttered. "In fact, that's where I first met Ignitus and JL. Me and Rerus were fighting Rahkshi down there, when they showed up."

IC:

"Interesting."

Tuarn sipped more of his drink,

"Where to next?"

IC

Xerrand closed his eyes and took one last breath of the sea air. The sky started to rumble with thunder as he turned his head to the clouds. With one final inhale he opened his eyes and lightning thundered from the sky, striking with all intensity and rage where Xerrand once stood. The Toa of lightning was gone.

IC:

Edubard came up short as Ensis barely retaliated. He'd been expecting something more from the man than that...But no matter. Edubard brought his blade back up, again, in a more typical en garde stance, his left arm held up behind the blade. So Ensis didn't riposte, like expected; Edubard would make him attack, then.

"What, Ensis, afraid to fight back?" the Toa of Air asked, his tone almost mocking. "You don't win your battles if you don't touch your opponent, mate."

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"Wherever destiny takes us. As soon as Ignitus comes back, that is."

IC: Helios (Naho Bay)

Well, that's certainly one way to make an exit. But then again how much is it really worth it to make an impressive exit? Wouldn't an impressive entrance be a lot more effective

No matter, I had to go speak with Eutuchia about those security passes.

IC:

"Sounds good to me."

Tuarn, seeing the waiter approach with platters of food, motioned towards it,

"Looks like the food's here."

IC: Helios (Ga-Koro)

As I walked (rather than flew because we've had enough of that) through Ga-Koro towards Akiri Hahli's office, I thought about the encounter with Malak. Something in the back of my mind was buzzing about it, but I failed to pick up on precisely what it was.

Maybe I should just come clean with Eutuchia, just plead with him not to fire the guy. If he was a Bo-Toa then it stood to reason he would be a very valuable employee, and he'd only very recently started working, as far as I understood, wouldn't they be willing to overlook a silly little mistake?

I knocked on the door to Akiri Hahli's hut, with a lump in my throat as I awaited Eutuchia opening the door.

IC Jarkale

(Ga-Koro, Great Takea):

"Ah, excellent", Jarkale said and watched patiently as the waitress, a fairly attractive Ga-Matoran, placed the dishes before Jarkale and Tuarn and gave them an inviting smile as well as a "bon-appetit". As she left to serve the other customers, Jarkale turned his head after her for a short moment before returning his gaze to Tuarn.

"I forgot to mention one good thing more about Ga-Koran restaurants: pretty girls."

IC:

Tuarn smiled knowingly,

"I'm a bit old for that now."

He then cut a piece out of his meal and began to eat.

IC:

Eutuchia looked up from the papers he was going over, as somebody knocked on the office door. 'Really? At this time of day?' the musician-made-secretary thought, standing up and going over to the door. Deciding to just mess with whoever it was on the other side, he cracked it open just a bit, seeing Helios - though Helios couldn't properly see him, only his eye, really. Then, masking his voice (mainly by making it sound rather gravelly), he asked a rather simple and probably entirely unexpected question:

"What's the password?"

IC: Helios (Hahli's Hut)

"Whaaa?"

Was I at the right hut?

"Ummm... Swordfish?"

IC:

"The other villages?" Nei said, her brow furrowing, "I know we visited each of the other villages on occasion before..."

IC:

"Close enough; it's actually breadfish," Eutuchia said in his normal voice, opening the door all the way and letting Helios in. Sitting down behind his desk - and waving for Helios to take a seat himself on the other side of it - he looked at the Toa.

"So, how can I help you?"

IC:

"Any you spent any particularly longer amount of time in than the others?" Ferre asked. "Aside from here, anyways."

IC:

"No, not really."

IC: Helios (Hahli's Hut)

A smile tugged at the edge of my lips as I followed Eutuchia inside. His conversational icebreaker had suceeded at putting me at ease.

That settles it, I'm spilling the beans

"Well, something rather odd has come up" I said as I directed a chair to break my surrender to the effect of my own element.

"Just now I was approached by another Toa who came to me to ask if I could help him procure a new security pass for entrance to the greenhouses, since he'd lost his own. He wanted me to ask for him because he was afraid to lose his job"

You could thank my work ethic for making the decision to put all the cards on the table, Helios the Disk Maker always delivered the best, and only the best.

"You don't ever recall hiring someone named Malak, do you?"