[b]Saten Ruiko/Ba'al/Teal'c, Nova's Palace, New York City, Arcadia-1[/b]

Ba'al nodded to one of his Jaffa, who moved to take hold of the sphere as Nova passed it over. It would need to be examined in detail to determine its composition, and whether or not he was simply providing an illusion, as well as how much it matched up to their own technologies. The promise of more was nice, but he would not be lured in so easily. "You have my thanks." 

With the agreement, Ba'al was displeased to find himself ignored. He of course understood that the business of leadership was an occupying affair, being the leader of a galaxy spanning empire and all with subordinates whose politics were positively Machiavellian, but he could recognize a slight when it was directed his way. Yet he chose to ignore it for now. Obviously this 'God-Emperor' didn't realize whom he was dealing with, or seriously underestimated the force Ba'al could bring to bear. That was fine, since he had dealt with worse in his time. 

For now he ignored it though, allowing Nova to converse with his young subordinate while he stood there. Really, considering that Nova was the one who had summoned him, he should be grateful that Ba'al was willing to be so patient. Many other Goa'uld would not have done the same. 

Once he had finished, Ba'al would speak up once more. He had his own priorities, and he would not let them slip. "You seem awfully confident for someone whose base was all but wiped out barely two days ago," he noted aloud. Sure, he had rebuilt it, but could it withstand another assault? Appearance was another thing entirely from reality, and he knew that much. 

Meanwhile, Ruiko listened eagerly as Nova relayed what he wanted her to so. It was interesting, she would admit. She had never been a diplomat before, so serving as a representative to this Conablum Labs would be a novel experience. Admittedly she might not be the most intimidating, but that was because they hadn't seen what she could do. Once they did, she was sure that they would take her more seriously. 

"Alright," she replied with an eager nod. "Just leave it to me." Of course, she was hardly expecting the gift she got, and Ruiko gingerly took the crystal as Nova informed her of its power. She would admit that it was more than a bit intimidating, but if it could do that then she would have nothing to worry about. "I'll be careful."

As Ba'al watched the others that entered, Ruiko rose from her seat as Banha approached. "Don't worry, I'm ready to go," she informed them, looking to Nova. "Well, we'll be on our way then." This was going to be interesting, that was for sure. 

[hr]
[b]Ahsoka Tano, Eastgate City, Arcadia-2[/b]

Ahsoka watched as Light took off to go intervene in the fight, not exactly worried after what she had seen of her durability before. It provided a nice distraction as she waited for an answer, even if it was strange. She wouldn't complain about it though, not at the moment. 

Then the answer came, Ahsoka looking at Bambietta with some skepticism on her part. Not that she didn't trust her to some extent, but given that she also appeared to be from Arcadia, yet hadn't been at Nova's palace, she wouldn't immediately leap to conclusions. Especially with something as improbable as Nova's survival, given the situation they had left him in. "Really? Do you have any proof of that?"