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The council appears to have arrived for they're weekly gathering, although this time it is a bit more of an imposing atmosphere, as the place is under some quite heavy guard. Guards of Zu's security section line the room, along with Vessa's dragon and falkin, and even a lifelike tiger. Zu himself is seated amongst the council members, having already explained the circumstances of the meeting being to see if Ladek will have his ban lifted. For now the Tupai merely waits for the subject in question to be brought in.
Sitting at her usual spot, Vessa waits as well. Her personal guards stand at the ready behind her. As mentioned, her dragon bot, her falkin friend, and Siren rest nearby. It seems while she waits she works on some paperwork to get as much in as possible before the meeting commences.
Sadie skips into the council room, smiling to herself as she watches her still unnamed Arctic fox follow in after her and curl up at her feet. Of course her guards are following her, but Sadie seems to completely ignore them.
Kethren taps idly into his pda from his seat whilst waiting for things to begin. The robo-tiger Nuala is seated on the ground next to him, watching everything, tail and ears flicking about as they do.
Xanya is sitting at her usual spot as well. her aid and guard ar behind her. While she waits Xanya is working on her PDA getting work done on a new ship design.
And here comes the star of the show, as in the person everybody gets to peer at. Peery. Ladek walks in with Guards to his sides that are assuring his direction, his jacket is still on him though shifted to reveal him having only one arm. It seems that his hair highlights are now a platinum blonde as he politely bows when the Guards bring him to the Room, he scans about and sighs thoughtfully as he waits for anything, unarmed, and facing people that in all likelihood do not like him.
Aina sighs quietly and stares at the tablet in front of her, idly tapping at it, and every once in a while a hand reaches down to pat Nuala's head. Mostly though, she's focused on that tablet, not even paying attention when Ladek is brought in.
Zu looks up as Ladek is brought in, a small smile touching his face. It's hard to tell what form of smile it is just yet though. "Well, then. Looks like our guest of honor has finally arrived." Looking around he says "I'll get things underway, then." Looking to Ladek "You were charged of several crimes, among them being attempted poaching, assault on a founding member with anti-psionic devices, and being a general disturbance and danger to the people of Danu Chroi and as a result were banned from our soil, ships, and property. We now give you the opportunity to plead your case. Please make your opening case." The Tupai's voice is for once, perfectly level and calm, though there is a bit of what can only be described as verbal air quotes on the words founding member.
Vessa closes the file she was working on as Ladek is brought in, and once Zu finishes, she looks up. "This will be your only chance to plead your case. Should you fail to do so, you will not get another opportunity, however we feel that there should always be a chance for anyone to give their own account." She then settles back to listen.
Sadie waves to Xanya quickly before taking on a professional air and listening to Zu, nodding unconsciously.
Kethren puts his pda away as he idly reaches down to scratch Nuala's cheek, but clearly paying attention to the proceedings.
Xanya looks up from her work and Smiles brightly noticing Sadie and waves back to her. as Ladek comes in Xanya puts her PDA away and starts to listen, Gaining a more neutral expression as she listens.
Ladek listens to the words of the Council, and nods firmly. He presents to them his statement, "I will first address the poaching, I sought to gather samples from the planet to alleviate a suspicion about the contents of the atmosphere, and the curious felt changes I experienced," he then adds another to the statement, "Assault, I used abilities that flow through my veins due to experiments on Earth, and I did it because before I was told to leave I was also threatened, with psionics, and immobilized with them first from this founding member," he uses not a sarcastic or otherwise harsh remark, he simply explains in formal verbose, "That of course was also when much force was threatened to be used for my removal," then he adds, "As to the charge of the final, yes perhaps, though I would prefer clarification on my endangerment of others as I posed no violent threat," then he nods with a soft placing of his one hand to his chest, "I am guilty though, of these things, and I do sincerely apologize for not a single excuse amends it alone," he nods, "That is my opening statement for my case," he says, "Even my reactions to actions that were against me were brought on by my own."
Aina flicks her tablet off and looks up, hands folding atop the table. She just stares at Ladek while listening, not saying a word for the moment.
Zu blinks a few times at Ladek's opening statement, before replying "So, you mean to tell me. That you were trying to get samples from out planet, in plain sight, without any permission, nor explanation of your actions at the time, and are pleading guilty to every charge we're giving you a chance to defend against. If that's all you have to say for yourself, then I'm afraid that sorry but guilty. Is still just as guilty. Have you anything else to say in your defense aside from that?"
The only indication that Vessa hears Ladek for a long moment is an incredulously raised eyebrow. Finally she says, "I agree with Zu in this, further even if you manage to give your defense successfully, how can we trust you not to do the same again? Also, if you were asked to leave by someone in authority on this planet, the prudent thing to do would be to leave. I doubt any of my people would do you undue harm if you were peacefully attempting to say something in your defense."
Sadie nods as Ladek speaks, listening to him carefully. She strokes her fox's head, making a mental note that Fionn would be a good name for her. She bites her lip, nodding in agreement with Zu. "I have to agree with Zu," she says, moving to sit on her knees in the chair. "You should have informed someone that you were collecting samples BEFORE you tried to." She places a finger under her chin as she looks at Ladek. "We have people that can help you with that, even produce samples for you."
Kethren maintains an impassive look, though Nuala turns a less than pleased expression in Ladek's direction "I'd like to remind the rest of the council that after the defendant was ejected from the planet the first time, he returned not three hours later. This seriously calls to question the degree to which we can trust any promise he makes. Never mind his obvious attempts to attract a ser."
Xanya listens carefully to Ladeks plea and to the reactions so far. "I'm not sure if I would have allowed any samples to be taken even if you did ask before hand. but at least your chances of getting approval would have been better if you did ask before you tried to obtain those samples. Also the fact that you tried to sneak around to obtain any samples doesn't sit me well either. it makes me wonder if you won't try to obtain anything again. Despite what the council will decide here today."
Ladek nods to the answer of each individual. "I mentioned samples about the time after I was noticed though I did throw them on a table weirdly and Al stomped them mad," he muses, "I do not recall wanting a ser, I was trying to pet it to gauge its reaction, in truth, since they seem so closely bonded," he nods firmly, "On the matter of that though I do not recall an actual attempt to take them off planet at the time though," nodding again, "Okay and to the assault, what I did was cause her discomfort while simultaneously dampening further use of psionics, which once again I will say she immobilized me with such," he says, before adding, "I may not of made the best decision, however I don’t think it would count as assault due to circumstance of what was used, as I don't like needless violence, and I believe that most of my matters involving her is personal not that the founder part isn’t important, but that we have been at each other since Pyracan to which I hope to apologize to her for," he thinks, "I would say if much of your statements held true, it is that most of it was general annoyance and the matter of not listening to orders by going from the planet," he seems to reiterate, "I do not recall active intent of assault besides hoping it would warn her away as I was concerned for my well-being, and as for the samples, although I wished to I instead threw them on the table at one point and argued about simply taking them which led to the crushing, but that aside I didn’t try to forcefully take it from planet, so I would say at the core of the matter I was conflictual, and annoying, and though my intents were against, the spirit of the laws, I can assure you my intent was not," he nods, "Though I can clarify any matter you wish, I will add this, if I am allowed back I will subject myself to full searches each time, as well as any other measure, and I will do more than apology, ask what you wish me to do that shows you I am willing to make amends, as I do still think my courses of actions weren’t the best and were, I can only ask forgiveness and to make amends, that decision rests with you, and I only can offer my sincere words, whatever they may mean to you," he sighs and gently grips a photo in his hand for comfort, "I really am sorry," he seems to talk to someone else.
Zu looks down at the one armed man from his seat with a strange look on his face. It's rather hard to tell just what kind of look it is, but he certainly doesn't seem satisfied with Ladek's answers. His eyes narrow a bit "Alright, so you've said it again, you're sorry. And now you except us to take the word of a man who was brilliant enough to try coming back to the planet he'd been made to leave not more than a few hours later. On top of having gathered samples without permission. Not to mention numerous witness reports of what was believed to be an attempt to lure one of our sers into what we can only assume was a trap of some form, and now you ask forgiveness? Well, I have news for you, sir, you don't /ask/ forgiveness from me, you earn it. You want to prove to me that you truly have no intention of malicious intent of any kind when there was an actual /stand-off/ to get your ass off in the first place? Well, you'll just have to figure out a way to do it yourself, because I certainly can't think of any means to do it." His sneer has come back full force as well as he adds "And apologize as many times as you will. You've already told me and the rest of the council that you take full responsibility for your actions, and regardless of intent, your actions are what are in question here. If you attempted to restore a priceless work of art yourself, because you thought it needed touched up, and ended up ruining it should you not be held accountable?"
Vessa taps a finger on the table in thought, "Actions, yes that is what will make the difference. There is only one thing that I can think of that would be of use to the community and would go a long way to helping earn back what you have done however I agree once more with Zu, that you will have to make the effort yourself of figuring out what to do. This means you ask first, don't just do things and assume you are working off a debt. Last, if you were asked to leave, and you did not do so, Maina might well have immobilized you to assist in your removal. This would have been seen as a legitimate use of force as it would not have done you harm. You however, used anti-psi against a riftwalker, which could have been extremely dangerous to her person. On a dangerous planet. This is not acceptable. The planets, animals, and everything else on this planet are not for public use. We are not a buffet of samples. Therefore everyone is to ask before taking."
Sadie nods as she looks at Vessa and then Ladek. "I agree as well."
Kethren scowls a bit "You may notice, Ladek, that no Ser are in this room. Despite the fact that a Ser that's bonded with someone virtually never leaves them. Fact is, your actions the last time you set foot on our world concerned us enough to make sure you wouldn't get anywhere near our little friends. And can you really be surprised that we asked you to leave, repeatedly? You arrive on our world uninvited, call the planet evil, say we're all being controlled, going to be led to our doom by a riftwalker, which is an obvious case of bigotry on your part... and you expect /any/ of us to let you wander freely based on nothing more than an apology? And yet, despite repeated requests, most of them entirely polite, for you to leave. You stayed. Acted as though you had the rights to order us around in our home. I ask again, /why/ should we lift the ban? What can you possibly do for us to make up for all that you've done thus far?"
Xanya nods agreeing. "I agree with the council too. You will have to earn it. and your going to have to think of a way to earn it. and personally I can't think of any way you could earn my trust back." Xanya says and crosses her arms.
Ladek feels as though he is having statements and inquiries posed to him simultaneously. He meets the metallic stares of the Robots, his thumb caressing the picture, and he looks up to the Council, "Ah," he starts, "Did I really say -all- that?" he asks earnestly, "I don’t expect it nor do I deserve it, and even if I regain your trust it wont change what I have done," he say, sighing, "I guess then that I very well owe my life on the matter for those I have hurt," he tries to regain composure, "I guess I can change my ways, but that wont bring," he swallows, "I can earn many things, but without changing it wouldn’t be worth much," he nods a little, "I leave it in your hands, I will try, and I don’t expect to make it up even in this lifetime alone, but whatever is the decision I will heed it, and I will try and change either way," it is all that he can offer, his gaze goes to rest on the picture, thumbing it again.
Zu nods to Ladek as he replies to the council "Might I make a suggestion to you all? I may not be the nicest person on the face of this planet, nor do I claim to be. But I am reasonable, I like to think. I suggest enforcing the current ban until such a time as Mr. Ladek can prove come up with a way to make up for his actions. Should he be able to do such a thing I would be open to another hearing of this kind, but, it would only be held at our prompting, not mister Ladek's. Is this agreeable?"
Vessa considers the words of both Ladek and the rest of the council, "Actually that is a good idea. Alright, I do believe it is time to vote. Those in favor of Zu's idea, which would involve Ladek informing us that he has an idea and what is is so that we can schedule a meeting to discuss it, place your vote in the computer. Those who would rather he remain banned regardless of what he may come up with to rectify the situation, again place the vote in the computer." She places her own decision as she instructed the others to do, this causes a chart to appear above the table from the holo emitter showing the Guardian's vote for the first option. She then leans back to wait for the remaining votes.
Sadie nods slowly, putting a finger to her lips. "I think I'm willing to allow you to earn my trust. But I might just be too nice." She smiles softly. She slowly gets up and moves to make her vote, in favor of Zu's idea.
Kethren sighs a bit and mutters something about being too nice sometimes as he presses the button for Zu's option. He then reaches back down to scratch Nuala's head.
Xanya smiles to Sadie. "Your not the only one." She says to Sadie. "I feel the same way." Then she votes in favor of Zu's option.
Ladek blinks softly as the options are stated and looks on with amusement birthed of curiosity, his expression confused as people vote in favor of Zu's option. No more calling him cute! And simply listens for the words after the vote his expression though returns to saddened the moment he looks to the picture, and his mind wonders on the possible things he could actually do that would assist, thumbing picture, good thing it is laminated well.
Zu nods and, of course, votes in favor of his own option, saying to Ladek "Well, it appears that the choice has been made. You will report directly to either Vessa, Aina, or myself, to speak of any form of retribution you may attempt to use to win our trust and by proxy access to our planet, which will still likely be limited should you be allowed to return. I tell you this now, however, I made the proposal I did, because I believe that no person should ever be forbidden from trying to change their ways. I trust you'll be keeping in touch." He looks to the other members once more, and adds "If there is nothing else, I believe we're done here."
Vessa nods as the image tallies the votes, all in favor of option 1. "And with that we are finished, thank you all for coming and Mr Ladek, I wish you luck. You will have better chance of reaching Zu or Aina, although if you prefer I will happily take your ideas as well, I just might be slow to reply. This does mean that for this time until you can come up with a way to repay your debt to Danu, that you are still banned from our holdings, the guards will show you off the ship and I am sure the shuttle will take you wherever you need to go. I wish you a pleasant evening." Standing she smiles to the council, "Now then, I do not believe we have further business, this evening. Keth did you happen to speak to Ms Bri about her shop by chance?"
Sadie shakes her head after Vess asks if there is anything further. She itches to get out of her chair, smiling at Xanya.
Kethren nods to Vessa as he scratches his tiger "We've spoken once or twice, yes. Have a few notes, just been a little busy with the town and haven't gotten the preliminary shop plans sketched out."
Ladek nods with a sigh, "As you wish," he says relieved and smiles to the picture pocketing it so that he can place his one hand on his chest and bows, allowing the guards to escort him, "Thank you," he adds to the council. If wind were around, that jacket, would so billow, and moves towards the exit and then to the shuttles.
As Keth answers and Ladek is escorted away, Vessa nods, "Good, please let me know how that goes." she then comes around the table to give Sadie a quick hug and Xan a smile, "I am sorry Xan, we were going to do something I think but the meeting got in the way." Zu is given a grin, "Well done in there, you definitely get to the heart of the matter, I like it."
Sadie grins as Vessa hugs her. "How are you, Sis? I miss you!"
Xanya smiles to Vessa and also to Sadie as both hug each other. "it's oke V. We can reschedule it for an other time. It's not like My plans are time bound or anything. We can do it at any time we want, or have time. Which reminds me, Sadie would you like to join me and Vessa next time? That is if Vessa is oke with that?"
Zu nods a bit to Vessa, replying "I speak my mind, Vessa. You should know that by now, considering some of the other things I've talked about in this room. I don't exactly censor myself."
Vessa smiles to Saide, "I miss you too, and sadly I have to leave soon again but work is work. I don't mind at all Xan, sounds like fun." Zu gets a nod and a grin, "Yeah, which can be helpful in the extreme, still was well done." she then looks to Keth, "And well done to you too, I like how you put the complaint about the Ser."
Sadie grins and nods. "Of course! We need to talk about the wedding soon, Xan.." She bumps Xanya's hip with her own. She smiles at Vessa. "That's ok! I'll see you soon!" She hugs her sister tightly again before moving to hold Xanya's hand.
Xanya smiles to Vessa and then holds Sadie's hand. "we do have to talk about that indeed. oh and before I forget. Alhambra mentioned that the horses are ready for transportation. so If you accept it I can get them transported as soon as there new home is ready. or even before that if you wish. I can make something temporary for them to be in until the city and your sanctuary is in place."
Kethren smirks at Vessa "Well, the full complaints about his treatment of ser were... frankly too disgusting. I prefer to be diplomatic when possible."
Sadie shakes her head at Xanya. "I can't move Bella. She's due to give birth this month, and I don't want to stress her out too much. I'll wait 'till she gives birth." She smiles and lays her head on Xanya's shoulder. "Can we go to bed, darling? Are you tired?"
Zu smirks to Kethren and replies "Good, at least somebody does. I know it isn't me. I'm probably the least diplomatic diplomat alive. At the very least on this planet."
Xanya smiles to Sadie and kisses her on the head. "I am indeed. especially since I have been working hard on a new ships design and creating my company, which is called 'Stardust manufacturing'." She says smiling proudly.
Kethren nods to Zu "Wouldn't have had any success as an architect back on Earth without being tactful. Too many idiot newlyweds to deal with who'd fly off the handle when you were too honest."
A small form peeks into the conference room. She doesn't offer any words yet, but just simply watches the comings and goings (mostly goings) of those already in the room.
Zu laughs a bit to Kethren, "Yes, and if I didn't just speak my mind, I might not've gotten this job in the first place. An interesting time the first time I met Vessa, I'll tell you that." His eyes, or ears rather having sonar, then catch the small form and he keeps close watch, not sure who it is just yet.
Xanya and Sadie leave the room together, clearly ready to go to bed and catch some sleep. They wave to everyone remaining in the room. "good night everyone." Xanya says before they are out of sight.
Kethren watches the couple leave the room, as he scratches Nuala a bit, and smiles a little when he sees the small person peeking in "Ah, evening Bri. What brings you by our vessel? Not exactly one of the usual tourist stops. Certainly not the conference room. But come in, have a seat."
"I was looking for the important people. I was told all of them were here, so I...found a way to get here," Bri says as she enters the room the rest of the way. "At least there are two of you still at least." She is hesitant a moment and then moves closer, taking a seat that is somewhat close to Kethren.
Zu apparently recognizes the newcomer at this point, though he can't quite remember her name. Regardless, he's in the air, and requesting permission to land on the newly arrived shoulder, as he says "Indeed. Name's Zu, Head of Security, what can I do for you?"
Bri holds out an arm so Zu can land and turns her attention to Keth, "I suppose I should be glad I wasn't here for that then," she says with a shake of her head. "If I am keeping you from getting rest, please feel free to say so. I would hate to hold you up."
Zu shakes his head a bit, "No, no, not losing a bit of sleep for you. I don't do a whole lot of that, anyway, really."
Kethren smiles a bit and scratches the tiger head that's just popped itself up on the table "Nah, I'm not too tired yet. Meeting was more boring than anything. How might we be of help?"
Bri settles in her chair and pets the bat along his neckline. "I was hoping to catch Miss Harden before she left, but...while you are here instead I am wondering if you had the chance to make a design for the shop yet?"
Zu has calmed down a very large amount indeed in his time with Danu, as he doesn't seem to much care about the petting of his neck, replying to her "I believe that came up at some point recently. Something about Kethren being very busy if I remember right?"
Kethren nods to Bri "Regretfully, that's about the size of it. However, in the morning I'll be getting some of our people to work on getting the first round of town construction done. Once they're underway I should be able to sit down and put some attention on this entirely too delayed project."
The small woman turns her attention to rubbing along the edges of Zu's ears, "I'm not so much concerned about it," she says softly in reply to the Tupai. "Just curious really." She smiles at this and her eyes shift toward Keth, "That will be fine."
Zu might have shot a man for this same action only a year ago, but now he is allowing it, at least until it gets annoying. To Bri he asks "What kind of place are you setting up, anyway?"
"It will be a technology shop. We hope to create some trade here. There will probably be shipments coming and going since we engineer our own hardware," Bri explains in answer to Zu's question. Her fingers move along his back, scritching gently as she speaks. "And we will ship wherever our customers ask." She looks to Keth and shrugs with one shoulder, "Well...about average size. We just need a few display cases in the front and the ability to move them around easily. Most of the stock will be in the back so a larger backroom would be good." She pauses just a moment before going on, "I was wondering if an apartment is possible also?"
Zu moves his wings around a bit, expecting that it'll be enough to tell Bri to go back to where she was, replying "Oh, technology? Anything in particular or just anything an everything?"
Kethren stretches a bit and nods "Don't see why not. But then I have to ask, how big an aprtment did you have in mind? Any preferred style of architecture or decor? Etc?"
Bri returns to what she had been doing previously with Zu's ears, "Well mostly software, storage devices, communication devises...things that most people want or need. We will innovate if something unique is called for. But the customer should keep in mind the cost of research and development." She looks to Keth and seems to think about this a moment before answering, "Just a small one. Big enough for one with a small kitchen and bathroom."
Zu nods, "I can't say I'm one for buying much more than a standard PDA in that department. Never been a fan of the virtual reality, or that type of thing." He shrugs a bit, noting to Kethren "I think this is more your feild than mine."
Kethren smirks at Zu "Oh, sure. Assume the guy with a robot penguin and a robot tiger likes technology." then nods to Bri with a more serious expression "Alright, that'll certainly help the planning go a bit more smoothly."
Bri urges Zu to move to the table so she can sit forward, leaning in closer to Kethren, "It is a shame that several of you seem to take issue with my father," she says softly.
Zu gives a small, sneer as the father of Bri comes up, and he stands on the table, replying "The man, did a few incredibly stupid things around here on one occasion. For the time being he's promised to behave, and until he doesn't behave, then I won't take issue to him."
Kethren sighs a little "When I met him the first time... it was a few days after I'd ended a relationship that... well, it wasn't great. Anyrate, I was in the Bull & Hawk, having a drink, when he wanders in with that rooster of his. He sets the rooster loose, letting it trash the place, and refuses to take any responsibility for that... and the other times I've come across him, I can't say he's behaved particularly better."
"Mmm...sounds like a drunk version of father. He used to be the one trying to make me behave and now the roles seem to have switched," Bri says as she sits back in her chair. "Either way he is my family and he may be working with me from time to time. I hope this won't be too big of an issue for people." She runs a hand along the top of Zu's head at this.
Zu shrugs a bit at this, replying "You manage to keep the man on a reasonably short leash, and we won't have any trouble." Looking to Kethren he adds "I'll keep that on my list of things to expect from him."
Kethren nods "Well, he's since made promises to at least two people to behave himself while on this planet. And... while I suspect he's going to take a fair bit of liberty as to what constitute behaving... long as he doesn't try causing trouble, I won't be getting in the way. I have more important things than chasing down people. That's more Zu's gig, anyway."
Bri smiles at this, "Hmmm...short leash. You will have to define that for me," she says to the Tupai. She nods at Kethren, "So long as my trade and cash flow is not affected by any of this then I am fine with it."
Zu shrugs a bit and replies "Anything that prevents me having to waste resources hauling his ass in for doing something stupid is fine by me. Less work for me, less trouble he'll be in."
Kethren nods "Well, unless he breaks the peace to such a degree that we have to lock him up, I doubt that'll be a problem. I think it's safe to say he won't be taking after Ladek, so thank goodness for /that/, if nothing else."
Bri nods and smiles at this, "You pride yourselves on enforcing the laws here," she comments softly then. She looks between the two, but remains relaxed, still petting Zu gently along his ears.
Zu shrugs and replies "I do my job, and I like to think I do it well. It's the reason why Ladek is banned from the planet until further notice."
Kethren smirks "Ladek got himself banned for quite a few reasons, if you want to split hairs. Some of them not at all suited for polite company."
Bri raises a brow at this, "I see," she says softly. "Just want to make sure I understand where the lines are." She sits back in her chair, no longer petting the Tupai.
Zu nods, "Yes, boundaries are important to set, but I believe I'm going to be taking my leave now. It is beginning to get late, I think."
Kethren nods "Well, as a broad guideline... coming into someone's home, telling them their home is evil, controlling them, etc? Not a great plan. Nor was the insinuation that I mated with a ser."
Bri raises a brow at this and nods, "I will keep those things in mind," she says, a small smile coming to her lips.