Splintered Light
Chapter 3.2: Tableside Diplomacy

Despite not being particularly eloquent with an added negative of knowing only two languages, Viktor was not entirely surprised when Captain Jacksoni asked him to join the envoy heading up to the airship to speak with the University representatives.  The Tiger's mind often worked in different and fantastic ways and, as far as the Hare was concerned, Alistair was usually two steps ahead of most.  It wasn't the first time the Rigger was selected for diplomacy; the Captain mentioned something about Viktor appearing non-threatening, which was usually a good thing to present in peace talks.

Then again, the Hare also knew how to handle himself in a skirmish, which was an added bonus if things went bad... and they had before.  Considering the UPU airship had a position of dominance hovering right above the Wave Rider it also made sense that the other Officers that might usually accompany the Captain on a mission of diplomacy would be better suited aboard their own ship.  Command had to be in place if talks broke down.  All of those thoughts and more went through Viktor's head as he made his way across the deck toward the Captain's cabin.

He would normally have responded right away and he was well-aware that the diplomatic party was most likely waiting for him but he was unable to leave his post until he'd handled the disciplinary 'bureaucracy' of dealing with the two Dogs who had been in the crow's nest; failing to see something as important tactically as an air ship was not easily forgivable.  The rigging crew would be able to do without Offers and Moot for a few days and Viktor had a feeling that bilge cleaning would make them appreciate just how serious he was about them making up for such an oversight. 

Then again, it was possible that one of the ship's Officers would have something even more severe in mind.  If that were the case... well... Viktor would have to be ready to do without the Dogs for a little longer.  Either way, the Hare bounded across the deck, carefully weaving between crewmen who were working to separate the Wave Rider from the still-burning Wyranese vessel.  Eventually Viktor did make it to the stairs leading to the aft-castle and ascended them to join the rest of the diplomatic team.

Captain Jacksoni was there, which was to be expected; the Tiger was well-dressed in his Captain's best... including his sabre.  With him was the ship's Surgeon, which was entirely UNexpected, and the Bosun's brother, the Prong Horn who'd only just recently learned to stand on a ship at sea.  Viktor smiled to himself as he considered if the poor scholar would have as many issues being on a flying ship-- few things could derail a diplomatic talk like spontaneous projectile vomiting.

The Hare snapped to attention when the Captain addressed him.  "Are you ready, Mr. Viktor?  I believe our hosts plan on lowering a ladder."

Although it wasn't his place to second guess the Captain, Viktor did have to ask, though he was mindful enough to lower his voice out of courtesy.  "Captain... why these two?"

Captain Jacksoni smiled, and replied in a voice loud enough that the Hare's discretion was wasted.  "Why would I bring along good Doctor Brownell and the esteemed Professor Severna?  I had thought the answer obvious."

If the Mouse were displeased at all when it came to the topic of discussion she didn't seem to show it.  She did, rather, provide him an answer.  "Everything is handled in the sick bay so I am not urgently needed below deck.  Tobias and I are University trained and affiliated.  It makes sense that we join the Captain on the airship as a party that can represent both sides in the talks."

The Hare acknowledged readily that he didn't have a head for diplomacy, but that thought struck him as wasteful.  "They already have people who represent the University-- we need people to represent the Wave Rider."

The Captain let out a good natured chuckle and gave him a slap on the shoulder.  "That's what you and I are for, Viktor... besides, it helps to have someone who can appreciate both sides of an argument.  It sows empathy."

The Menhzylian word 'empathy' was relatively new to Viktor; there wasn't an exact translation in Soyrian but he'd encountered it before and knew enough to understand the meaning.  He would have continued the discussion except for the fact that Tobias had turned and was pointing upward.  "It looks like they're coming down."

The 'ladder' turned out to be nothing of the sort.  Rather than a tied-off rope or a wooden pole with paw-holds the airship instead was lowering a huge large wooden slab attached to the hull of the flying vessel by thick chains.  Standing atop the slab were two men, a Human and a Dog.  Viktor wasn't entirely unaccustomed to Dogs, and had a passing familiarity with Doelichian breeds... at least enough to recognize a Gampr when he saw one.  Neither of the men were armored, though each wore a short blade and some kind of short-musket at their hip. 

The Univeristy representatives remained still and said nothing until the lift touched down on the deck.  It was at that point that both stepped further away on the wooden plate and the Human spoke up.  "Please step onto the lift with your party, Captain.  When you are all situated I will signal the request to ascend."

The Tiger stepped up onto the thick wooden slab first, followed by Viktor.  Tobias and Dr. Brownell joined them.  Once everyone was situated the Gampr spoke up, his voice gruff, but strangely devoid of any Doelichian accent.  "You may want to hold onto the chain for balance as we move."

When the Captain took the suggestion under advisement Viktor did the same.  He was hardly concerned about balance but he also wasn't about to provide a display of any amount of aptitude.  Viktor took hold of the chain and he was pleased to see that the final two members of their team did likewise.  The Human reached up to grip a circular brass mechanism on the hem of his duster and spoke into it.  "We're ready to come up, Max."

The total fifty-something-foot ascent to the low-hovering airship went by quickly, not unlike taking a counterweight assisted rope up into the Wave Rider's rigging.  While he handled the trip without any issue it was a good thing that Dr Brownell and Tobias had a hold of the chain as both stumbled slightly from the sudden acceleration.  The wooden slab upon which everyone stood ultimately rose back up into position on the bottom hull of the airship, enclosing them within what would normally have been the hold of a normal sea vessel.  The interior, however, was anything but normal.

Below decks in most ships were dark, dingy affairs, which was one of many reasons Viktor liked to be up in the rigging.  The airship, however, was well lit by a combination of gas lamps and a series of small, faintly humming glass balls that were individually so bright that it hurt to look right at them.  The small globes were set against the ceiling with a long, thin wire stretched out between them creating a large circle overhead before disappearing out of the single doorway and into the hall.

Their escort waited patiently for the crewmen of the Wave Rider to take in the sights; neither appeared to be in any particular hurry and, in fact, the Human seemed to take a special joy in the surprise and admiration that shone clearly in Captain Jacksoni.  It was, however, Tobias Severna who first spoke.  "Is-- is that... electric lighting?"

Their Human guide finally started walking toward the doorway that led to the hall, motioning for the visitors to follow.  "Yes, Professor Severna.  The Joshew has two steam engines that power propellers for movement.  There are turbines connected to the propellers that generate electricity, which is carefully regulated by--"

The Dog spoke over him.  "The Captain said we're to bring them to the meeting hall.  We're not tour guides and these aren't undergraduates, Alex."

Silence ruled the hallway as all discussion came to an end... but not for long.  Tobias spoke up after the extended pause.  "Did you say this airship is named 'The Joshew'?"

Although the Human was about to respond it was the Gampr who ended up speaking first, beating him to it.  "Yes.  It was named by the Professor that provided the design and helped in the construction."

Viktor could tell that the Prong Horn was getting at something and so the Hare kept his ears trained on the scholar, who gained the attention of both their guides with his follow-up comment.  "Roland Silverfang, yes?"

Alex spoke up before the Dog could.  "I had thought you studied Biology and Herbology, Professor Severna.  Are you familiar with Professor Silverfang's work?"

The Prong Horn took the opportunity to crack a wry grin.  "Well... back in the day it was all 'Water Science', but yes, Biology, Herbology, Sociology-- I have many interests... but I am only passingly familiar with Professor Silverfang's studies... I'm more familiar with the man himself."

Dr Brownell gave the Antelope a light elbow.  "Did you just say 'back in the day', Tobias?  That wasn't even two years ago."

The simple, almost casual exchange of discussion among those familiar with the University went a long way toward lightening the mood; it certainly made it clear that the Captain had made a wise decision when choosing to include the Prong Horn and Mouse.  Viktor, on the other hand, continued to remain quiet and focus instead on remembering the path they took from the hold and committing as much of what he saw to memory as possible.  It wasn't difficult considering they only made three turns  before coming to a stop outside an intricately carved oak door.  The plaque on it was bronze and etched with the words MEETING ROOM in flowing, type-printed calligraphy.

The 'meeting room' on the Wave Rider, if it could have been called such was a small room mostly filled with a table just large enough for perhaps six people to squeeze in around it at uncomfortably close quarters.  The Joshew's meeting room, on the other hand, was easily large enough to put the galley and eating area of the Wave Rider to shame.  A large table more befitting a dining hall was situated in the center with more than enough room for a dozen chairs with plenty of room to walk around them when they weren't even pushed in.  The extra space was helpful considering four of the airship's crew was present already.

At the head of the table sat a Coyote, who stood upon everyone entering; the rest of the men seated also got to their feet. The Gampr that led them to the meeting room made quick introductions, starting with the Coyote first, and then going around the table to a Ram, a Falcon, and finally a Snow Leopard.  "May I present Captain Edmund Clarke and First Mate Sagar Vargesse of the Lehsunian University of Progressive Understanding; Bosun Aescwin Lightfeather of the Ilysean University's Mercantile Board; and Pan Ruslan Borovich."

Despite the long list of hosts it was the Snow Leopard that gained the vast majority of Viktor's attention.  The Borovich family were Soyrian nobility... perhaps not among the greatest powers in the nation but hardly petty vassals.  The fact that the man standing at the table was willing to use the title 'Pan' outside of Soyria meant that he was either incredibly conceited, or he was out of favor of his family back home attempting to make a statement by rubbing his title in the face of the rest of the world.  He had to look away lest he lock eyes with the feline, but the thought remained on his mind.

Captain Jacksoni continued the introductions for himself and his crew.  "This is Viktor of Soyria, Rigger of the Wave Rider.  Tobias Severna and Dr. Christine Brownell of the Lehsunian University of Progressive Understanding; both are commissioned to serve aboard my ship.  And I am Captain Alistair Jacksoni, Private Owner of the Wave Rider."

Viktor didn't miss the special attention he took to relate the fact that the Wave Rider was a private vessel... probably for the best considering it was lashed onto a Wyranese ship back down in the water.   Regardless, with pleasantries over, everyone took their seats and the Coyote Captain of the Joshew got straight to business.  "We accepted your request for parley because the University is not looking to pursue aggressive action.  This is true of any party whether national or private."

Viktor's interest in the words of the discussion ended there; he was far more interested in the body language and expressions of those assembled.  The Hare had spent enough time around men of action to know that violence showed last in words and first in posture, ear angle, and, most importantly, the eyes.  He slowly surveyed the room, mindful of each of the Joshew's crewmen who were present until he eventually settled his gaze on the Snow Leopard, who was seated right across from him, and was staring right at him.  Ruslan offered a genial smile and spoke quietly in Soyrian.  "You look out of place, Rigger."

The Hare's reply didn't even require a pause.  "As do you, Borovich."

Referring to a noble by his family name was an insult in many nations, but not in Soyria; it was formal, and distancing.  It made the feline smile wider.  "Do I make you uneasy?"

The Snow Leopard, in truth, did... but Viktor wasn't about to admit it.  Soyrian nobles rarely if ever left their own social circles, let alone the nation.  To find one on board a University flying ship was completely out of the question in any sane circumstance... not that flying ships were sane to begin with.  The Rabbit cleared his throat to hide his delay in a response and he followed it up with an unspectacular shrug.  "I am just surprised to find a Borovich here instead of at his family's manor."

The discussion had continued without them, the Wave Rider and Joshew higher-ups sharing their moment of diplomacy, but Viktor was stuck trying to figure out the enigma in front of him and he found it frustrating that the Snow Leopard seemed to enjoy his confusion.  Sitting back in his chair, Ruslan Borovich waved a paw casually as he continued their private conversation in Soyrian.  "I bore easily... and I am not in my father's favor just as of this moment.  Putting both of those together can provide all the explanation required."

Based on the fact that the Snow Leopard and his father were having a disagreement Viktor was able to confirm his earlier assumption: Ruslan was wagging his thumb at someone back home by using the Soyrian title of 'Lord' abroad.  The Hare fished further.  "I take it you are not first born then, Borovich."

The Snow Leopard's smile grew wider, showing teeth.  He leaned forward, perching his muzzle on his laced fingers as he set his elbows on the table.  "Second... though I would dare say fourth in favor... and I only have two brothers.  My, but you are quite the perceptive Bunny, aren't you?"

The Soyrian word for 'Bunny' was 'Koelik', and it was a word Viktor didn't much care for; he was a Hare, and very few Hares liked being called a Bunny, but the Rigger specifically hated it as it was a name he'd been given in the national orphanage where he'd spent too many of his years as a youth.  Regardless, he composed himself to make certain that his displeasure didn't manifest visibily.  Instead, he shot back, but kept it polite.  "And what did you do to fall out of your father's good graces?"

Even with his chin pressed to his interlocked fingers the Snow Leopard still managed a wide smirk, revealing all his teeth.  "He and I did not see eye to eye on some of my life choices.  I believe it best to leave it at that."

It was a cryptic response, but evasive answers weren't entirely unexpected from a 'runaway noble'.  At the very least it finally got Roslan to look elsewhere.  Despite the feline focusing on Christine, he continued speaking Soyrian to Viktor.  "Strange to find a woman with such credentials.  She IS a pretty little thing."

Viktor wasn't sure if the Snow Leopard was baiting him or not but he preferred not to rise to it.  "She and the man next to her are 'together'."

There were three different words for 'together' in his native language so the explanation was hardly vague: the Mouse and Prong Horn were in a relationship.  Based on the way Ruslan's eyes lingered suggestively on Tobias rather than Christine, the Snow Leopard's response didn't have as many interpretations as it might have otherwise. "Ah... such a pity."

A lot more COULD have been said but, at that time the meeting came to a close.  All-in-all the gathering went well and both sides were willing to conduct their business cordially.  As far as almost everyone was concerned the matter was resolved neatly-- Viktor, however, had a Snow Leopard on his mind all the way back to the Wave Rider.