>>'What have I done....' No direct interactions, however thoughts of Vika still obviously lingering.

---

Ryan walked. Slowly. Deliberately. Down the street towards his parked Vespa. What was a short walk not an hour prior seemed like a marathon to him currently. Breathing steadily, the effects of whatever ungodly concoctions he took down was starting to wear off, if not lingering slightly still. Ryan would occasionally look up into the starry skies and let out a sigh.

Why? Why did he do what he did? What came over him? She is taken, for all intents and purposes, to him. What was that kiss? Was it a spur-of-the-moment, drunken, mistake? Or did he mean more to it than he would let others believe? Looking at his watch, it was late, but not so late that he needs to get home. He glanced at the date. His 'sabbatical' was fast coming to an end. Restaurant needs to be started back up. After all, it is what he did best anyways. It always seemed like his life's calling, for him to own his own establishment.

As he walked down the street, he dug out his pair of AirPods and pushed them into his ears. A random list of songs appeared on YouTube for him. Sure his Mandarin isn't the greatest nowadays, but he still understood enough of the lyrics to get pulled into their feelings. Upon reaching his Vespa, he took out his helmet but did not start the vehicle. Instead, he hung the helmet on the rear view mirror, and simply sat on the moped. The songs played one after another, dragging him deeper and deeper into a mix of sadness, despair, anger, and confusion.

Next, Ryan did something even more unthinkable. He got up from his seat and opened it again, rummaging through the contents held below it. Digging out a dusty lighter and a pack of half-crushed clove cigarettes, he took one out, stuck it between his lips and lit it. Taking a deep drag and letting the smoke and scents fill his lungs, he exhaled. Taking a shallow breath, he pinched the cigarette between his index and middle finger before letting out another long breath. He brushed his hair back with his left hand and looked up in the sky again.

Pondering, wondering, disappearing.

Runways, Race cars and the Rumba

Marinalia
marinalia was a little worried underneath, and cold, the Xia Situation was out of her control and that just felt like waiting for trouble to strike. Her offer of stopping over was standing, if she turned up tomorrow wanting a break, break it was.

Marinalia was not quite the evil monster that she had been made out to be, really the fact she did not want to see someone die was a surprise? What did he think her family where up to? Forging evil empires, killing kittens and hating meerkats? Her grandfathers comment carried no hostility, more just a joke to if the time. He just knew the one from years ago was being married to his car or his wife. "You not want to miss section 19A. You beat it, the car is yours. It's a racing car needs a young driver and reflexes not an old man past his prime." Max did not mind, he wanted the record and he doubted his family would be able to make use of such a high-end race car. Sure Maria had a rather nice Bentley but that was a rather comfrey tourer not a purebred, fire-spitting monster that would throw itself out hard at the slightest mistake. No, better off with Joel. He knew how to drive them, and they needed a firm hand.

Marinalia gave him a bit of a glare, but only minorly. Did he really think she wanted to see him die? Not exactly like his partner but blimey, she was hardly the harpy that some made her out to be. Only to those who threatened her family anyway."Much as we have a few run-ins directly or indirectly. I'd rather not see you wrapped around a tree or pulverised into a rock. I'm not quite the ice queen of the North." Maybe a bit too snarky but really, she was not the bitch queen of hell. Maybe her aunt on a bad pregnancy day in last few months... Being in America had advantages for that.

Lucile took the file with a nod and checked before ticking off the sections on a list-making sure she had everything completed. "Thankyou Monsieur Nicolosi, please let me know if you require assistance in future, il have copies sent over in next few days and all the financials" Concluding her part, there was some work to do after but the hard part was over. Just a few copies, filing etc. Paperwork would wait for no woman or man. "Well that was easy. Wish Defender Class was this efficient. Months to sign off. Had to choose the Germans, I quite like seeing Union Jacks above race winner coverage." Joking a bit, any sport had a fair amount of national pride in it. Max did not like to boast about money, but his car claiming the record would be one he enjoys to freely admit. That was something that mattered to him anyway. "Its Max, you can drop the Sir, it's not my father's era. There good routes, Argentina not bad for the wine too."

Markin in decided not to go into bitchville and remembered something that might help. Main hangers where busy, the old DC6 hanger was never busy after the new 100J was taking over northern routes from the veteran aircraft with eye to retain more a historical aircraft than practical. Gesturing to the large civilian C130 parked in engine maintenance. "Mayor, looks like your a uptown man now. The old far hanger with DC6 Anne Marie, mostly storage now. The new Anne Marie II over there taken most of her work and we retraining on her. If you need a place to work, its probably least active of the hangers right now." Joel did deliveries here but Marlin worked there, she knew it well including the nice quiet lunch spot at the old traffic control tower. Well, he got Marlin to agree, not cause an argument even though she was a bit prickly. The families female population was rather volatile at times. "Excellent. My shipment team will want the alcohol offered that they could ship it without a scratch.

Once I get the mapping data on the route, you can test to the last segment and sector if you so desire. Wales, il be watching. I have 5 decades of contacts round London and Europe if you want an evening to remember for your red-headed lady friend and know a private bar that has some rather fine spirits if you want your most expensive hangover ever on me." Who you know really mattered, the high life of London needed a few select keys to unlock some doors. Max had those and he liked the younger man. He deserved a evening living it up like the high life in society, done wine, fine food and solid gold service. It was a unique experience even of you only got a few chances to enjoy it.

Max did not find sharing the wealth, he had contracts or sales of nearly 20 Defender class alone over the next few years, each one costing over 200 million pounds. In part enough to ensure the family business would survive into the next generation and hoped his grandchildren's care. His legacy and family would survive and prosper into the future if he had anything to do with it. The Aisle of man was a personal one though. This was him wanting the record and with Joel's help and mechanical expertise as a partner it would be a better than fair chance of success.

If only Marlin could shake her bad feeling something was wrong in world.

Mentions
@Pilatus

Paige Kennedy, Milo Ventri & Siobhan Murphy

Siobhan nodded and smiled at Alejandro as she got caught up in snapping a few more photos. She saw a beautiful Bird of Paradise and persuaded the clerk to remove the sold sign for a shot. Siobhan looked around and took a couple more photos of some calla lilies and hyacinthia. She backed up and was able to just get the full display.

Milo made the short walk a few blocks back to his truck. The vibrant arrangement of flowers wrapped delicately in fine tissue paper in his hand drew glances from several passersby and he returned their glances with a cordial smile. Cliched as it were, he thought back for a moment to the last time he actually did buy flowers for a woman, past just the mental rebuttal he had against flower shop owner’s sales pitch. Looking down, he turned the bouquet slightly in his hand as he walked towards his truck and his smile faded. The coolness of the evening buffeted against his vest and he glanced around briefly as he dug for the key fob to his truck in his pocket.

“I’d give you a witty line at this point,” He said handing the flowers over. “But I know you’d have some smartass rebuttal.” He chuckled and closed the door behind him.

“Smart man,” Paige said with a coy smile. No matter what, she adored when people gave her gifts and she was a little surprised that he had actually decided to buy her flowers. Naturally, she enjoyed the fragrance for a moment before her tone darkened: “They in there?” She asked, still examining some of the blooms.

“Yep, all three.” Milo said looking out across the movement of the downtown streets. His eyes glanced for a moment to the side mirror that looked back down the path he had walked.

Paige wriggled her lips for a moment. She wasn’t quite sure what to expect. She didn’t think it would be a lie, but she also didn’t think she would get the whole truth either. “Trucks too?”

“Just like she said…” Milo replied. “It’s all being kept in the back, there’s always someone keeping the customers in the front of the store.”

“How about the flower?”

“Under glass.”

Looking up Siobhan didn’t see Milo. She had wanted to ask him if Paige was running late since she was supposed to be here. Siobhan frowned and ran out the door. Thankfully she wore converse today. She saw Milo’s back in the distance. “Damnit.”

Rolling her eyes, she held her camera as she jogged after Milo. Her feet pounded and all that running with Paige paid off since she wasn’t winded at all by the time she got to the truck.

What is going on? Did she want to ditch me? She never misses a meeting. I’ll ask Milo since he’s here and so am I.

Siobhan was a little hurt but covered it with a blank look. Milo would never figure out that she had followed him and she might scare the hell out of him. She went to knock on the window with a smirk on her face.

Paige felt a shadow come up on the outside of Milo’s nearly black tinted windows and she glanced up to find Siobhan’s tall figure craning for a glance inside. She turned and shot Milo a narrow glance, “You saw her coming didn’t you?”

Milo only snickered. He knew there was no way the redhead could see inside.

The dark window retracted slowly revealing wispy blonde bangs and green eyes glancing back at Siobhan. “Well look who it is dahlin’” Paige said slyly in her expert Scarlett O’Hara impersonation. “It’s Siobhan Murphy, maybe we should let her in?” She pressed the door unlock and motioned with her eyes for Sio to jump in the back.

Siobhan jumped and squeaked as Paige scared her. She mock glared at Paige as the camera bounced against her sternum and probably bruised it. Rubbing the spot she bumped and grinning at Paige’s impression of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett.

Paige sent her mind back a few months and Siobhan knew she had grown so much from that little girl. Snapping back to reality Siobhan hopped in the truck as Paige unlocked it. “I thought you got caught up catching a bad guy like we did on my first ride along. What’s going on? How come you didn't come in?”

Siobhan got excited her blue eyes bright with excitement. “Oh wait is this like that time? Do we get to bust some bad guy?”

“Oh, we already have.” Paige said looking back. She held up the bouquet of tropical flowers and took another breath of their sweet aroma. “Your friend, the flower shop owner. He just doesn’t know it yet.”

Milo started the engine and began driving away as they spoke.

Siobhan looked stunned for a moment in time. “Oh? I wouldn’t even really say friend since he was rather distant today. I thought maybe it was something I did. You know Milo picked those out himself. No help what-so-ever.”

Siobhan grinned at Milo teasing him like a little sister. She wondered if she could get him to blush. “He was looking at this really pretty Bird of Paradise. I thought he was gonna buy it but it was already sold.”

“He knows how to make good choices.” Paige replied looking over at Milo. “We already knew that particular one was sold.”

Siobhan raised an eyebrow. “Before he went in? Wait the flowers weren’t a surprise for just being you? I’m actually quite confused now.” She shook her head and looked from Milo to Paige. “What is going on?”

Milo glanced over at Paige as they got the ramp to take the interstate south. Paige saw his eyes look over knowingly and she considered her words. She confided a lot in Siobhan, but never anything that would put her much younger redheaded companion in danger. “Just do us a favor and don’t go in there any more.”

Siobhan saw the seriousness in their eyes. She suddenly wanted nothing to do with the flower shop and was glad that she had what she needed from the place. She nodded and following that nod said. “Never again. I just have to get Karen and go home. If you say do go I won’t. It’s a promise.” She shook her head at the thought of going back in. She gave her word and that was always her bond.

@Pyxis
@Almalthia

---

Lilith glanced over at Aria, smiling at her brightly as the music from the band started to fill the air around them. She wanted Aria to be comfortable around her, and while she understood that it could take some time sometimes she wished she could just make Aria feel safe around her. Lilith had struggled like Aria had before in previous relationships but at the time the person she had been with had been abusive and had taken advantage of her insecurities. Lilith had been pretty miserable trying to make something up for someone that didn't even care. Lilith didn't want that for anyone, especially Aria- the girl that kept Lilith up at night.

"If the band isn't hitting that 'Aria Awesome Vibe' we are deff out." She grinned as she followed Aria to the grassy slope and sat next to her. Lilith leaned closer and let her head rest on Aria's shoulders, hands folded in front of her as the watched the band. "I can't wait too." She smiled a bit, pink creeping up to her cheeks. It was still hard to believe that anyone would write a song about her.

"Don't know but it is pretty romantic to me." Lilith whispered, looking over at Aria. Her hand slipped around the other girl with a grin. Her fingers pressed lightly into Aria's side to tease a small tickle as her smile grew. "Now we have to see if the band lives up to your standards, my lady."

Time for those that go bump and come alive at night!



Late Night has come, the Coffee Pot is closed, Museum is quiet as a tomb and only the Zoo's bats are at play. The sun has gone down and the artificial stars are shining bright. Come forth creatures of the night and embrace your moment.

Closed locations

Coffee shops
Public buildings. City Hall, zoo, Museum etc
The Mall, general shops.

Bars, pubs, clubs and late night takeaways all open.

Please be clear with time and locations to avoid time conflicts with other players. Remember, this skip takes place between 10pm and 3am.

As always. Any questions or help required feel free to contact us in thread, PM or Discord.

---

Lifestyle and Culture Column with Kristina
City of Culture - Yodeling World Championship to be held in Sol City



In part of the City of Culture initiative, Sol City is proud and welcome to host the 87th Yodeling Championship at City Hall including 3 times champion from Norway, Helga Sirenson of Oslo. Our gallant mayor welcomed Mrs Sirenson at Sol International Airport late yesterday evening to the sound of the Sol City's Corona Brass band.

In a statement to the press from the Mayor having navigated his PA still swearing vengeance on Inky the Celiopod after the theft of her high healed designer shoe. "Sol City is welcome and honoured to host the 87th Yodeling Championships. This is the first of many events in our upcoming City of Culture year. We hope Mrs Sirenson enjoys our famous hospitality."

Mrs Sirenson gave us a short statement at the Star Messenger between media appointments. "I am honored by the welcome from the Mayor and Sol City i have received so far and wish my best to all the competitors. A third championship trophy would balance my mantle-place nicely." Confident on her chances, Mrs Sirenson is a one time European Champion, two times world and five times Norwegian winner of Yodeling Masters.

If you want to attend tickets are on sale from City Hall, major Public Buildings and various websites. Anyone with a sudden interest in Yodeling can join the class being hosted at Corona Park on times listed on the official website.

_{Kristina McKirk nee Fraiser
Lifestyle and Culture Columnist
Star Messenger}

SPORTS
Nicolosi, Rebellion-Porsche tasting Victory in the Vineyard



There was little doubt going into this weekend's annual Vineyard Rally that the factory backed Porsche effort by Rebellion Energy Drinks would be nigh impossible for privateers to overcome and the results thus far have only confirmed that assumption. Joel Nicolosi, piloting a bespoke 997 imported from Germany specifically for the event's unlimited class, leads the Rally overall by a substantial margin at the end of day two. Barring any catastrophic mechanical issues, he should finish Sunday's reverse stages comfortably.

Though clearly not a FIA/WRS sanctioned event. Rebellion, along with Porsche have used the event as technical and marketing showcase debuting a new flavor to their energy drink lineup and paying homage to Porsche's expansive customer racing efforts by entering a late model 997. With Nicolosi driving in his prime and a majority tarmac rally strongly suited to his driving style, the whole event has been a win for all parties involved and not just on the stage, but with fans and customers alike.

Rumors continue to fly and have perhaps landed at Old Sol International with a bid for the Isle of Man production car record later this year under the banner of Nicolosi’s former Sol City GP sponsor, Olympus Heavy Industries. Reliable sources have indicated that an Aston Martin Vantage GT3 arrived earlier this week and was unloaded in the cover of night bearing OHI markings and a special livery. We’ll see what else develops there, but I would say that with a weapon like that, Nicolosi has a legitimate shot at the record.

_{Marshall Pruett
Senior Motorsports Columnist
Star Messenger}

WEATHER

Clear and Cool, seasonal with a bright full-moon for you to enjoy tonight in Sol City. Dress accordingly, spring is right around the corner!

For a more detailed and up to date report on the go, download our app, SOL CITY WEATHER 24/7 on most popular app stores.

Night time Nargles

Victoria
Victoria flopped into her bed Thursday night more confused than anything. That kiss, mixed feelings, and more besides, her emotions were really confused. What did she really want? Slipping off her dress and finding a soft robe before taking off her make up and curling up asleep with strange dreams and confusing emotions and hormones running wild. Popping him a message before she fell completely asleep. "Remember the bottle of water and paracetamol. :)

Talk sometimes when you're not drunk. Please?

Goodnight
LVDR"

Her outing with Manami was fun, escaping into the mountains and getting lunch at the rather nice resort, it had not been hard to get a table as "Lady Romus" and a bit of polite upper-class general sucking up. Picking her up in the Bentley, the booking name. She was not hiding as much and let Manami in past a few gates though had remained less detailed about her father and how they came to be rather well off. She really needed the girls afternoon, fancy little sandwiches, cakes of so so many kinds and fancy teas. It was just fun to escape, talk and be free of pressure for a few hours and felt a little down after dropping her off home. It was little things like this that made life God. Though her interrogation into the Ryan Why, and why not... Victoria had to squirm a little how things kept falling into the more positive column.

"Should do that another time it was nice to get out the city, who think a model have such a sweet tooth!

Ps... Stuffed crust is best pizza!

Vika :)"

Victoria had an urging to get out of the house and she has not really sated it. She had to say goodbye to her friend from England too, he needed to return to the UK for a job that was starting up. After Ryan decided to throw her emotions to the 4 winds on top of everything else, well she was wanting a distraction from her thoughts and situation. Marinalia was up for it. Why not? Sure no drinking but she was restless, the night seemed the answer.

Night out... Best idea maybe not. Going insane thinking and needing distraction yes. Finding a fun short dress, teamed with leggings for warmth as a cooler evening and ever-present boots as a bit more support. Managing quickly to put a few light waves into her hair looking a tad like a slightly gothic 50's vision but hey it worked as Victoria's long black hair hung down a deeper intense black and distinct shade in own right against the dress as a shear absence of light.


Finding a light coat, Victoria was a tad weather-sensitive more than the norm. Disability really annoyed her at times, less steady, weather-sensitive, so many little annoyances.

---

Marinalia
Marinalia returned from her airport adventure after talking to her grandfather for a bit at the nearby office that was pretty quiet in the evenings. Most of the flights flew during the day,
Part of the agreement with the city to keep the noise down. However, miles from the city the noise from the jet engines, turboprops and old piston engines always was a constant hum during the day. At night... It was surprisingly peaceful for an airport. Almost made her miss part of the night shifts here. You had time to think.

Joel... Her grandfathers little, no not little. She saw the size of the transfer. It was small vs the company but it was no small investment put into the car, testing and custom building the car to beat the record. Sighing as she made it home and getting a quick shower before bed. Hopefully, she would not be expected to be more involved than signing paperwork. That would be rather awkward especially with Siobhan.

Her worries about her girlfriend were dogging at her a little until distraction came. An ill pilot and a flight to Canada to deliver vital mining parts at extremely short notice and paying a small fortune to deliver them same day like fed ex. The long flight gave her chance to relax though navigating over the wilderness for miles not even a single impact of man in sight. Bar the short notice and people who wanted her to unload before they even had stopped turning the props, a happily normal and boring flight. There was one thing all pilots loved. Boring.

Agree on with Victoria, it had been a while since they had a sisters night out. Deciding to go with something more casual but still wanting to make enough effort to look nice. Just because not wanting anything did not mean you had to just wear a hoody and leggings however super comfy.


Digging out an old leather jacket to keep warm, soft, worn-in, a little ill-treated over the years. She had shipped over more items as they got more permanently based in Sol for a few years at least. Her contract was permanent with Daedalus which was rather a unique situation for her. First time ever...

---

Both sisters climbed out the Uber LX at Old Starboard, the Pub was an easy choice, the 501 Club was infamous, Eather was ashes and burned concrete. The Pitt was good, but tonight they wanted a little quieter night.

Heading in arm in arm laughing at a bad joke about the whole Yodeling to Sol City. What next? They already had criminal celeiapods, a Cluthu cult, pokey the Rhino and a few other assorted oddities. This city was an asylum at times. Heck, they even had a bunch of intellectual yet scary villains in the perfect possee. Just needed a masked vigilante and a rather complicit police chief. Batman... Starman maybe? Moon man?
"Virgin Mojito for me... And a Sex on Beach please." putting down a 20 and leaning against the bar for support with cane hooked casually onto one arm, rather too practised for own liking with that. Sipping her drink and giving bar tender a thumbs up before turning to her Raven haired pale sister. "So Ryan... You decided how you want to handle him? Forget my girlfriend worries for now. Just concerned Vika. What does he really want from you?"

What's the worst that could go wrong? Oh... No, don't think that!

---

Mentions
@Pilatus@Otterpop@Infinite Cosmos

>>No direct interactions, other than him contending with confused feelings and thoughts by himself, mentioning Vika @PrinceAlexus in the process.

---

Ryan was wiping down his dining room counter, reserved for those who wanted the full 'omakase' experience of having their dinner be based completely on the whims of the chef. Today, it would have been an assortment of fresh sushi including fatty tuna, yellowtail that would receive a light torching then dressed with a semi-sweet soy based sauce, mackerel marinaded in a light vinegar-based dressing, scallops with a tiny grating of fresh wasabi, sweet shrimp, and finished with a delectable tamagoyaki. Of course, matcha or warm sake would be served should the customer request something other than water. No beers, no matter their quality. Ryan found that the taste of beer malts and hops often overpowered the delicate sweetness of fish.

His staff had retired for the evening. As it was customary for them to leave after they tidy up after the last set of customers has been satisfied. Ryan alone would remain behind and complete the final cleaning and tallying of the day. Ryan often took this time to think about the menu for the next day, to take account of inventory, and to clean/sharpen his tools. He would lock the doors, then put on headphones, drowning out whatever noise that might filter through his windows and also his own mind. It was a sort of stress reliever for him. After a night of intense cooking and meticulous attention to detail, Ryan needs it. Ryan had made himself a mug of matcha, and he would take small sips from it time to time. Mainly, he shuffled around the empty kitchen, going from tallying and closing out all tickets, then to taking stock, then finally turning his attention to his tools.

Of course, he was thinking about how he replied to Vika the morning after the drunken kiss.

It has been a couple of days and it is now Saturday night, around 11 pm. Ryan sighed and glanced at his phone. The words he sent kept creeping into his mind.

"Sure. We can talk whenever you're free. The kiss... Hopefully I... I mean. Hopefully that made my intentions clear. Inebriated or not. I just want you to know that alcohol had nothing to do with my motives behind the kiss.

- Ryan"

The soft grinding and sound of friction resonated from his knives. The whetstone was being put through the ringer. A chef who can't keep his knives sharp isn't worth a damn, Ryan always thought. Of course, given the nature of Ryan's restaurant, dull knives mean poorly prepared fish. He would rather die than to mutilate the bounties the seas have given him. Thus, he takes time every evening to make sure his knives are sharp, and are well maintained.

Tucking his knives away in a large lacquered box that is lined with red felt, he clicked the case closed before taking the final sip from his mug and rinsed it out. Placing the mug on his workbench, he grabbed his phone and took a final lap around, to make sure there was no trash or scrapes left over. He enjoys the feeling of returning to work the next day to an already clean environment. He would clean the restaurant again before they opened for service of course, but it was just nice to walk in in the morning to a clean space.

Satisfied with what he saw, or didn't see, Ryan went back into the kitchen to grab his knife case and exited through the back delivery door. Locking it behind him, he walked over to his Vespa and clipped the knife case to the front where his legs would go as well. Grabbing his helmet, he started the vehicle and started his ride home.

The night breeze ruffled his light dress shirt. Tugging at his light windbreaker, he clicked through a few songs before getting going.

The thought remained. What or how would Vika respond.....

Night time Nargles

Victoria & Marinalia
Marinalia leaned over the bar trying to retort to a previous comment from Victoria and arguing good-naturedly. "Hey, you have commitment issues. You had like 5 anniversaries on and off... You need to decide what you want sis. Not getting at you. Which one you want?

Urgh... No rings! I'm just concerned about Xia and the whole situation. It's really creepy. Like the back of neck shadows And all that... Urgh." Marinalia was hiding but she really was worried, Xia could turn up at 3 am of she needed to and get a sleepy hug of she needed help. This was just so creepy, so things just made your spine shiver just even thinking about it. "5 is a exaggerated number... Like 3 max. The other times were more because we could.

Oh, Verdai ring a bell... That was a hoot. Not a Saint Mali. It's not simple... I don't want to see my friend hurt! I know... To an entire room, and hardly discreet, but... It was a pull, a... It was dark and intriguing like a forbidden fruit.

That is fucked up if she wants to shelter for a bit, someone else to share the cooking too! ... It was you and dad who called me a danger to digestive systems..." Victoria shook her head and ordered a glass of coke to drink while a little envious of Marlins still half unfinished alcoholic cocktail. It was stupid but she was just not sure what she wanted... Why, was it this difficult. Did she want the dark prince or the light chef? Why did two have to come at once? The dark glamour or the seemingly just nice guy? Even Maria had got onto her about deciding what she wanted before she lost both.

Marinalia decided to make that decision for her, either way, her sister needed to decide which one she wanted to pursue. A little nudge to decide. Taking her phone while she went to the bathroom and touch up her light make up, finding Victoria right app and sent a quick message.

"Ryan...its Marlinalia, Victoria sister. Short answer... Do you want to find an answer?. Old starboard. Bar, probably corner booth.

She needs to choose what she wants.

PS. Hurt her. You pay. Dearly.
PSS. Look after her if things go that way.
MRO"

Putting the phone back before Victoria returned and turning back to her drink and watching the crowd. Ok... She had a little alcohol helping make the choice but hey. Vika needed to decide. Maybe seeing the chance would force her.

Seeing her probably to be a little annoying sister return when she realised what had gone on. Just choose already, blimey even Marlin was getting a little frustrated with her relationships. One bonus of Xia's temporary asylum at the Manor would be fewer worries and more cuddles... Maybe more... Definitely more. Her frustrations needed venting and there seemed no better method coming to mind.

Putting her drink down a little too hard at her frustration of not being able to help her girlfriend out of such a fucked up situation, her grandfather dragging her into his little venture and her sisters making things way more complicated than they needed to be. She loved her but Victoria could be frustrating. "Still complicated... Dark Side much.

Hey. He was nice. A bit too and scientist. Happier thoughts... We have tickets for the Lion King tour at the ozone theatre. I know we missed it in London. It's definitely more us than a yodelling class... What's with the mayor and things?" Marinalia was rather happy for the prospect, it had taken a little effort to get tickets through favour from work, a late-night flight or several and coffee but they came through with good seats on the American leg premier. There even was an extra ticket, friend, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, they would not struggle to fill the seat. Sending a quick text to Xia, hopefully, she was ok, things were just causing a worry deep into her gut. "Stay safe, offer still stands. Let me know if you need help. Please. Mali x"

Sending it, she had said least twice but wanted her offer to be clear, Marlins rather protective side has escaped was not letting people close get hurt if she could help it.

---

@Infinite Cosmos@King Tai

Some time has passed and Xia was preparing to leave to head to her girlfriend's house after talking to her as she just needed to feel a little safe and unwind from the stress and the weird things that has been happening to her. Being in that big ass mansion could make her feel a little better and hearing that beautiful accent of Marlin's could soften her up some.

As she was home getting ready to leave, she still had the weird calls coming through but of course, blocked them afterwards and started to head out the door. She looked around and hesitated to leave but she needed to just go and head to Marlin's house immediately. She waited for an uber, looking around and sighed not liking that she had to wait like this. They said they were to be there soon but still no transportation. She thought about just calling Carlo but she could depend on him all the time, he had his own life and shit to do.

While waiting, there was still a feeling she was being watched as behind her, someone spoke. "Hey Xia!" Xia jumped and turned to see Stan. Shit...Stan...listen...you need to stop doing that okay? What are you doing out here? She asked. "Just going for a walk. I took your advice to still exercise outside my therapy..." He said as he stood there. "Need help?" He asked. Xia smirked and sighed. No I'm good...I'm just heading out... Stan smiled. "Really? Where you heading to?" He asked her. Xia turned Stan...that's...none of your business...look um...this week coming up, I won't be in. If you still need help, one of the guys can help you. I just need to get a week to unwind... Stan stared. "but...I...I would rather have you to help me. I don't feel comfortable with anyone else helping me. Xia you can't just leave me with a stranger. You're the best!"

Stan, a good half of those people there are more than capable to help you. Some are better than me. You don't necessarily need me. Stan looked away for a moment. "But if I don't have you, I'm not going to progress as well. You can't take off. If you take off, I'll take off and then I'll just hurt myself. This is how you do your patients?" Xia turned to him. Stan...calm down okay? You'll be fine this one week without me...like I said, the people at the gym are more than capable of helping you. Stan's face was looking a bit disappointed and then started turning a little angry. "You're going to go hangout with your girlfriend this week? I got it...you'd rather be out for the week to have lesbian sex than to help your patients. Guess that's how dikes roll...laugh at me so you can go home to some bitch."

Xia started to get annoyed and offended. Alright, you're way out of fucking line with that. It's none of your business what me and girlfriend do and you're not going to guilt trip me into do what you want. I'm taking off and you're going to have someone else help you while I'm out. And the way you just offended me and my girlfriend maybe I'm not the one for you. You could easily find someone else to help you. "I'm sorry alright...just stay another week okay?" Xia turned her back to him. Bye Stan... She said being done with the conversation and was officially annoyed that the uber still didn't come. She started to walk as Stan had a smug look and turned around to text something and walked off like he just took care of business.

Xia walked a few blocks down and thought about texting Marlin as she took her phone. Baby...I'm probably going to need a ride. Uber is still not here and I still feel like I'm being watched. I will let you know in 10 minutes if I need you to pick me up. I love you. She typed.

Xia was at the corner of 88 st. and Zilla ave. She still had her duffle bag on her. The air was quiet and as she turned, Xia was clocked in the face with something blunt as she fell over with a sharp throbbing pain on the side of her head and face as she looked up and saw two figures with hoodies on as they tried to grab her things. She was dazed but being a former MMA fighter, she fought through it and held her bag as the struggle started. One of the guys spoke. "Let go of the fucking bag, cunt!" He said as he threw another punch as Xia grabbed that guy's arm and yanked him to try and bring him down but the other guy placed a rear chokehold on her to let go. She elbows the guy that grabbed her in the gut and face before kicking the other as she screamed out still struggling trying to fight these larger guys. With a kick to one of their nuts, and a few punches and kicks she lands to the other, she didn't go without getting hit either, taking a few punches to the face and gut but with one of the guys that got kicked in the balls kneeling, he watched his partner struggling with this feisty gal. He grabbed the lead pipe that was originally used and clocked her to the side of the head again from behind dropping her but she was still moving.

She groaned getting on all fours but just barely as the larger guy pinned her on the ground. "Hand!!" He said as the other guy grabbed his own weapon, a hammer he had in his pocket and before Xia could respond, she heard the most devastating noise and felt the intense pain of the hammer stroking her hand twice breaking her hand as Xia screamed out in pain with a tear rolling down her face and was then kicked in the ribs a few times before getting kicked in the face and getting knocked out. "Bitch!...the fuck is she...a martial artist or something...look let's just go..." He said as the guys rushed off with Xia's money. Stan a few minutes later came to notice that Xia was out cold and beaten and bloody. "Xia!!!" He shouted. The uber driver came up. "The hell?" He said as Stan had him help to get Xia taken to the hospital.

It was maybe hours later but Marlin would get a call that Xia was in the hospital badly beaten.

@PrinceAlexus

Night time Nargles

Marinalia Old starboard - Hospital
Marinalia missed the first message as the signal at the pub could be a little shaky on her network at odd times. Getting a Call later one and going pale almost dropping her phone before switching to heart-wrenching worry and volcanic anger at whoever had done that to Xia and back to shakey worries in seconds. "Marinalia Romus Olympus, yes that's me. Xia Alexander? What is going on! .... Il be there. What. I. Will. Get. There. Tonight. Is that understood? No. Thank you, I'm, quite capable of getting there at any hour" Forcing a tone similar to stating the fact the sky is blue without any doubt mixing with her accent going rather harsh and clear, wait till morning if it's easier. Since when did her family take an easy route?

One quick word with Victoria who just told her to go, she could find own way home and Marin really cared about Xia, that was clear enough. The poor receptionist even doubting her resolve on that matter. "you go now Mali. Il be fine. I will contact dad and so, let them know and get the house fully secured ok. You just go. Your sister got it handled Mali." A quick hug, exchange of charger and laughing her before shoving indoor direction.

...

150 dollars down, one rather motivated Taxi driver and though a few drinks in her, the first had her thinking clearly though her emotions were currently running high and very much volatile. She really did not need idiots tonight. Heal's clipping of the hospital tiles still dressed up in a sparkly skirt, blacktop, leather jacket as changing was the last thing on her mind. "Xia Alexander... A few hours ago. Assaulted. Where, please. I'm her girlfriend, I just got a call about half an hour ago from patient alerts. Someone said it was a bad situation? She was being... It was creepy. Can you ask security to keep an eye on her room?"

It took a surprisingly short time for her to make it to the ward, they seemed to be fairly efficient and the layout though maze-like was well signposted or mapped. Lines like Sol International on the floors were easy to follow marking the route to the various departments from the entrance. Nothing could prepare her seeing her girlfriend asleep with various beeping machines, bandaged, bruised and such lively and indomitable woman laid so low and vulnerable. There was no question. Xia would have shelter at there home, anyone getting in the way would regret it and whoever did it would pay... Big time. Worries soon broke her surge of anger before walking in and placing a gentle kiss on her forehead carefully as she would a newborn baby. "I'm here baby... Love you. Just please be ok. I don't give a fuck how just please recover. Not about to give up now
You're coming home with me and il look after you Xia. I promise honey. You be safe..." Collapsing into the chair next to the bed emotions takin over the crying Marinalia who tried to concentrate on the paperback a nurse had tossed her earlier, "Countess and the Captains lament" Some slightly smutty pirate novel to distract her. It was pretty useless having let Victoria know earlier to not wait up and fell slowly asleep holding Xias good hand willing her to recover. Book half-open on lap and overpriced coffee abandoned on the table by her long gone cold. Xia had helped her recover when they started dating, sadly it seemed she would be returning that gesture. Though her neck was going to hate her when she woke up...

No one had really tried to stop her, not sure if allowed or not Marlin just had tolled with it, not noticing the nurses small smile at the scene unfolding however dark and hurt, there were signs of light too. It was pretty obvious to anyone with a brain she would not hurt the patient so they continued there rounds and checks. Plus the look in the woman's dark grey eyes told she was definitely was not going to just leave the badly hurt Carabian lady who had come in badly injured and would be needing a fair amount of follow up before she truly recovered. You usually could tell who would stick by and through, those two seemed more likely than not.

---

Maria and Vesarian - Olympus Manor Southern England outside London
Vesarisn was waked by a call, rolling over as Maria grumbled about sleep and of its not important they better hide in outer mongolia or Tibet. His wife was definitely not one to face in the morning with a lack of sleep and walked over to the next room looking out over the manors black grounds. Victoria, his daughter sounded scared, not good. Soon the story unfolded and massaged his temple deciding that talking his other daughter to not want someone's head on a silver platter would be a fun call. "Ok, Vika, you just let the lawyers know, I'm make sure that the family know and try to calm down your sister. Just be careful, you and the baby. It's not ideal how it happened but you're my little girl, you were before, you are now, and you will be in future. Love you, and my grandchild. Remember you teach them to like Arsenal like Grampa!

Cannot do anything without knowing the situation. Let us know what's happened and such, then we can work out how to handle it ok vika? ... Good, stay safe. Love you."

Heading back to bed, they had a very early start and the family could deal with it in the morning. "What trouble the girls got into?" half-asleep Maria cuddled her husband. 27 or so years it had taken, she not letting go anytime soon. "Marlins girlfriend was hurt. Nothing we can do until we know more. Marlin really means it. Talk to others in morning milady". Lazily wrapping an arm around Maria's naked upper body before going back to sleep enjoying how she disliked restrictions and hoping the phone not deliver worse news. Thankfully years as a Captain meant he handled bad news better than most, nothing they could do, best to go back to sleep and work off complete information.

Mentions
@King Tai

>>Vika, at the Old Starboard @PrinceAlexus

---

His song was interrupted when the message came through. Looking up at the still red stop light, Ryan took out his phone and read the contents of the message. Vika's sister. Interesting. Why did she reply for Vika? Was Vika otherwise incapacitated? Why was she at a bar so late, given her current state? There were more questions that flowed in and out of Ryan's mind. One thing was certain. It would seem like he is paying the bar a visit.

Taking a look to his right, making sure he was not going to be hit by a distracted driver rumbling down the street, Ryan pushed off with his Vespa and made his way towards the bar. On his way there, one more thought entered his mind. "So. Mari is there. I wonder if the rest of her family is there as well, having bought out the bar for the night and is going to question me thoroughly, old mafia style..." Honestly, the thought entertained Ryan briefly. If that is the course of action that has been decided, Ryan would face it. After all, whatever he did was already in the past and there was no going back, lest one own an otherworldly Gauntlet of some sort, created by some mad Titan somewhere...

Upon his arrival, Ryan opened his under-seat storage compartment and nestled his knife case in it as best as he could, having to somewhat force the seat shut due to the box being slightly unruly. Clipping his helmet to the under hanger, Ryan checked himself out quickly in the side mirror. Of course, he was still wearing his chef outfit. No matter now. No time to go and change. He stepping into the bar and his eyes went to the corner booth immediately.

Spotting Vika, but not Mari, Ryan took on a perplexed look as he made his way over. Along the way, his mind fluttered between utter clarity and complete chaos. What is Vika going to say to him? What is he going to say to her? He wants another kiss, a real one this time. Would Vika kill him? Is there some sort of mobster sitting near the table somewhere, ready to deliver a precise strike?

Just...what?