Chapter Three- Important Information
Over the past two weeks, the owner of the Sunmeade Tavern Bar and Grill had seen his business double, or possibly more. The new influence he had been gaining went very far in Nasrad, a place where money was possibly just as, if not more so, important than royal status. Everyone knew the cause of his influx of new, mostly male, clients. The two shipwrecked Blue Rogue girls who had come to work at his place were possibly the best thing to happen to his business.
Fina expertly balanced two trays, one with drinks, another laden with food, backing out of the kitchen with care. Beside her floated Cupil, who was supporting a third tray and mimicking his master's motions. She reached one of the tables on the other side of the building, and set them down with the slight clink of glass. "Here is your order," She said gently, giving a small bow to the rowdy-looking sailors seated around the table.
"Hey, thanks," What looked to be the leader of the band said, his smile missing most of his teeth. "This is becoming our new favorite place to eat when we come back to port."
Although they looked like a rough bunch, at least they were still friendly, in a way that was slightly reminiscent of Aika's manner. They still made the Silvite girl more than a little uncomfortable, especially when she noticed that they were scanning her Nasr robes to check out her figure. She gave another quick bow and retreated, moving across the tables. She let out a startled squeak as she felt a hand momentarily brush her backside and leapt back- she would never get used to that.
The rowdy crowds that patronized the establishment were kept at bay by the bartender/bouncer Aika, who was currently behind the counter, filling a glass of purple loqua for a man who looked vaguely Valuan. When he heard the girl's squeak, he looked up in alarm, and with her sharp eyes, was easily able to spot the guilty man. She glowered and said, "One moment," to the customer, athletically heaving herself over the counter and onto the other side with a single motion. She approached Fina, and said, "Are you alright, Fina?"
The timid girl nodded quietly. "I'm sorry, Aika," She said, bowing her head. "I shouldn't bother you like this every time something happens..."
"Don't worry about it," The redhead said. "He'll be the one who's bothered. In the head. I'll go straighten him out- go on back and get the next order." She let out a sigh as the delicate alien went behind the double-doors to the kitchen again. Surprisingly enough, even after her many 'straightening outs' to the more saucy boys, people still tried things like that with Fina. Oh, well, all she could do was keep at it until they learned.
Rounding on her heel, she stomped over to the table of the offender. "Hey, perv. You think what you did to my friend was funny? You think this is a joke?" The man shook his head to indicate his opinion that the scary redhead menacing him was, in fact, not humorous to him. "I thought not. You try anything with that poor innocent girl and I'll cut off your hand." She paused, leaning in slightly. "And that's not the only thing I'm going to cut off. Comprende?" That word of Nasrian she had learned meant 'will you comply?' or 'do you understand?'. The man nodded this time, with great vigor. In a huff yet appeased for the moment, she returned to the bar, put on a happy and buoyant smile, and served the patient man his purple loqua.
The owner, who was also at the bar, refused to comment, because although he agreed with Aika that these boys needed to learn their manners, they were also his main client base, and money was the all-moving factor in Nasrad. He merely turned and watched Fina bring out the next order. When she returned to the kitchen he suddenly spoke up. "Well, I think it's about time."
Aika looked over. "Really? But we've only worked a half-day..." The manager was referring to the paycheck for the services they had rendered for the last two weeks. Usually he let them go at about eight or nine o' clock depending on the number of patrons, but it was only about five in the afternoon, and the sun was still up in full force.
"Meh," The man said, waving his hand idly. "You've already done so much for me. In such a short amount of time you've made my business bloom. Fina, come up here," He said into the back, and a moment later she emerged to stand next to Aika. "Like I was saying, I really appreciate how you've helped me out. I'm going to give you the pay for a full month's work, and I also want you to have this." He pulled out a small ring. "This is a Slayer's Ring. I got it a while back, but it's not really helpful to me. It boosts your attack, so you can deal with any monsters or Valuans."
At that moment, before they could thank him for his generosity, a mature voice interjected. "My, Rukil... you've got a pair of very pretty ladies working here." Aika turned around, expecting the usual quality of patron to be needing a good fist to the face, but instead saw a handsome man in an expensive-looking red coat leaning over the counter. He gave a sly smile to both of them, and Fina began to turn a particular shade of red.
"Gilder, you old scoundrel," Rukil decried, "You can look, but you can't touch! Especially Red, she'll teach you the meaning of temper." The two old friends shared a boisterous chuckle.
"Hey, they just stopped working here, right?" So the man had been listening in a little. Aika admitted she was a bit curious to learn more about this man. He looked like an Air Pirate, and suddenly she remembered him from the Wanted Poster they had seen the last time they visited Pirate Isle, over a month ago. Gilder the Unfettered, huh? "Don't get so overprotective."
"Some things never change," The owner said with a wistful nod. "You never were one to resist a pretty face." He turned back towards the girls. "Aika, Fina, you be careful out there! Take good care of yourselves, and visit me sometime." He handed over the 4000 rhira, which was nearly the equivalent of 10,000 gold pieces standard, and the Slayer's Ring. Aika pocketed all of it greedily.
"With this much cash," The redhead noted reverently, "We can definitely buy a small skiff and get out." She put out her gloved hand, which the middle-aged man shook. "Thanks for everything, Mr. Rukil! You can bet on seeing us again."
Fina bowed to him deeply, and said, "Thank you very much." Cupil chirped out a few friendly-sounding noises as well. Turning, they made their way out onto the street and pointed themselves towards the city's vast Docks District, where there was sure to be an economy-priced airship waiting for them.
The gentle platinum-blonde girl reflected on their recent 'vacation'- they hadn't had much inconvenience, except the ever-present stress of worry about Vyse and his situation, and Aika had become her temporary tutor, educating her as best as the Blue Rogue could about Arcadia, it's people, and especially it's odd customs. Everything was still odd and overwhelming for her, but her friend had been a steady source of support.
As they walked through the streets that were getting familiar, Aika found her hand in Fina's, and didn't protest. Her thoughts were on Vyse, Drachma, Valua, the Gigas, and also Gilder, the mysterious Blue Rogue she had just met in a bar.
There was still one aspect of education that Aika had been reluctant to give her. Every time she broached the subject of love and sex, her redheaded friend grew very embarrassed, although she couldn't see why. After a few tries, she had left it alone, but tonight, which, if their plans all went well, was to be their last night in Nasrad before they set out to find Vyse, she planned to try one last time. Most of the patrons that looked her over were obviously interested in it, and something so popular had to be pleasant enough.
In her training at the Great Silver Shrine for her mission, her commanders, the Elders, hadn't thought it necessary to give her Sex Education, and once when she brought it up they dismissed the whole concept out of hand. She would never want to go against the Elders, of course, but... how did she know if she didn't try for herself?
Her planning was interrupted as Aika spoke up. "How about that one?" She looked over to where her friend was pointing, at a small Nasrian sloop that was suspended in the air next to one of the marble docking platforms, and had a squat old lady standing next to it. A sign with the price of the ship hung over the side, and it's name was lettered in intricate Nasrian: the Aventura. It was exactly 3000 rhira.
It put the Blue Rogue in mind of that old merchant that they had escorted from Sailor's Island, in the course of which she had her first ship battle, and along with Drachma and Vyse, beat the feared Black Pirate Baltor.
Drachma... Thoughts for the lost old fisherman made her sad, as her last image was of him floating away from her amongst the burning hulk of his ship, the Little Jack.
Fina replied quietly, breaking her remembrance, "Well, you know much more about such things than I do, Aika, however, it does appear to be within our means, and looks like it's sturdy enough." The sleek and artistic Nasr design of the wooden skiff made it seem attractive enough, and it floated steadily and with power. The only thing of possible concern was it's lack of cannons, but that was not a deal-breaker, as the ability to defend yourself made ships more of a target and cost significantly more than they had.
"You like, yes?" The dealer said, rubbing her hands together. Her Valuan wasn't merely broken, but rather shattered and destroyed. "3000 rhira. Good ship. Go far. Cheap cheap."
Aika smiled and took out the appropriate money, handing it over. The owner counted through the Nasrian currency several times, and then officially relinquished control of the sloop to the the girls. Aventura was theirs. The old lady took her leave, hobbling down the way and off to a purpose they neither knew nor were overtly concerned about. Aika turned to Fina. "Alright. We'll relax for the rest of today, get some good rest and food, some equipment with the spare change, and tomorrow we head out for Vyse." Fina nodded, and they turned and departed.
Returning to the street with the Inn in it, they were about to pass it up when they noticed an alarming sight. An elderly man laid on the street, looking distressed. Aika ran up to him, kneeling beside him. "Sir! Sir, are you alright?"
"Ugh..." He mumbled weakly, panting, "Starving... thirsty... need food and water... uhh.."
The redhead looked up at Fina, who was standing above them and looking dismayed as well. "Alright, Fina. Change of plans. C'mon, help me lift this guy up. Don't worry, sir, just hang on and we'll help you out." With their combined efforts they managed to get the dusty old man up to their room and offered him a seat. Retrieving water from the faucet of the bathroom and some food from their pockets, they fed him.
After he had eaten enough and gotten rehydrated, he looked up at both of them. His skin was the tanned tone of a Nasrian, and he had balding gray hair and a slight mustache. His eyes were tired and worn out. He spoke up in a raspy Valuan. "Thank you... my name is Pedro. I don't know how I can repay your kindness."
"That's alright," Aika dismissed, "Don't give it a second thought. Blue Rogues always help out people."
"Oh, you're an air pirate?" Pedro said, pausing and reaching into his weathered and nearly ancient jacket. He retrieved a piece of parchment that seemed to go with the rest of him- torn and dirty. "I can't do much to repay you, but please accept this as a small token..." He handed her the paper.
Aika's eyes went a little wider than usual. "What's this? It looks like a map."
"I... I used to be a sailor," Pedro said, looking down at his feet. "I used to travel with my best mate, Gonzales. One day, we were fortunate enough to stumble across this... 'Daccat's Map'."
Par for the course with Fina, she didn't recognize the name. "Daccat?"
"Indeed," The old man replied. "Nearly five hundred years ago, a great Air Pirate terrorized the whole world. He was named Daccat. Legend tells of a secret cache, left behind when he passed away, that stored all of his treasure. 'Daccat's Island'. Notice that half of the map is missing... it was with Gonzales, we both agreed to look for it together some day... right after we found it, we were attacked by Black Pirates. We lost, and had to abandon our ship. I don't know what happened to him... but I ended up here, in Nasrad, waiting. I've been waiting... for such a long time, for him..." He shook his head and sighed. "I don't think I'll ever see him again."
"That's very sad," Fina said, empathetic to the man's sorry tale. She put a gentle hand on his hunched shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.
"Now, I'm far too old to be off searching for buried treasure..." Pedro gave a wheezy laugh. "But you two are young, and full of life. I'm sure Gonzales would have wanted you to find the treasure." He stood up. "Thank you again for saving me. I hope that Daccat's bounty will serve you well if you do find it." After exchanging pleasantries, he bowed, and using a cane, walked down the hallway and to the steps, disappearing from sight.
"This is amazing," Aika said. "With the treasure, we can get a real ship, one that we can use to find Vyse with! And so much more!" Aika was in treasure-mode, and even if the Silvite would have had a reason to try and stop her, she didn't think it would be wise. "Tomorrow we'll look for Daccat's Island! For now, we've still got shopping to do!"
As they proceeded down the staircase of the Inn, they passed Gilder. The man gave a curt bow to them and a wink before proceeding upwards. He was going to meet with his friend, who he had arrived with in Nasrad a few hours earlier. Going to Room 407, he opened the door, to find Vyse sitting on the bed, examine the torn and weathered map in his hands.
"Yo," He said, walking up next to him. "Hey, Vyse, we just got here and already you've got your nose buried in a map. C'mon, have some fun, buddy!" Vyse did not answer, so he looked over his shoulder at what was so interesting. His eyes went wide. "What... how'd you get that map?"
"Remember Gonzales?" Vyse asked, his voice subdued and mood intensely sober. "On his body, I found this."
Gilder, being a Blue Rogue and finding that knowledge not only saved lives and changed worlds but also tended to impress the ladies, was well-versed in lore, and knew the legend of Daccat well. "That map looks like the one that's supposed to lead to Daccat's Island! It's said that he traveled the entire world, and saw all six Moons with his own eyes. When he kicked over finally, he had all his stuff buried in a small island somewhere. This is that map! Vyse, you certainly know how to pick your loot."
"How do you know it's real?" Vyse said with a frown. Unlike in fiction, his father had told him that many people faked or copied treasure maps in order to mislead enthusiastic collectors into bad situations, or just got things wrong a lot of the time.
"Look at that mark on the corner," The dashing Gilder said, pointing with his gloved hand. "That's the seal of Daccat. It's not easy to duplicate, at all. It's no fake... Vyse, this is an honest-to-the-Moons treasure map!" He looked up into Vyse's eyes, the wanderlust taking hold of him. "We have to get moving right away."
"I'm sorry, what was that about meeting women and having fun?" Vyse asked mockingly.
Gilder scoffed. "What's more important, the treasure of the greatest pirate in the history of humanity? Or women? ... Besides, with Daccat's Treasure, we can get more women. Come on, let's go!"
"Fine, fine," The teenager replied. "But first we gotta warn Nasr. If we don't do anything, Valua's going to take them by surprise, which is bad for us because the Nasrians are the only ones with a prayer of projecting a military force to stop them from crushing all the nations into tiny specks of dust." With a little more prodding, the two Blue Rogues set out, heading for the center of town and the enormous skyline profile of the Nasultan's Palace.
They reached the outer defense of the Palace, and twin soldiers stood a vigilant guard on the golden-plated gates that were locked shut. "Hold it," The shorter of the brown-clad troopers thundered, "This here's the Palace of the Nasultan, ruler of the Nasr Kingdom. Unless you're on diplomatic business, his Highness wishes not to be visited at this hour."
"Nasultan?" Vyse echoed, blinking. "... nevermind. Anyway, we've got really important business with the Nasultan guy! I have information regarding the Valuan Armada! Let me through to him right away!"
The soldiers were slightly taken aback by this. "What? Valua?" The Valuans and the Nasrians had been complete enemies for as long as memories went back. The Nasrians had been rebellious enough to defy the imperialistic policies of the Yellow Continent that sat surprisingly close, and ever since a dark cloud had hung over their relations. About the time Vyse was born, Valua and Nasr had gone to war, and although it ended in a stalemate, many people died on both sides. "Well, if you've got information on the Valuans, we'll take you to him! Follow me!" They opened the gates and ushered the Air Pirates forward, towards the grand palace directly ahead.
Up and through a wide, pure alabaster path they went, across twin fortified walls and passing brigades of vigilant Nasr soldiers who were training and practicing, they got a sense of security against Valua that felt wonderful after being hunted by their Armada across the known world.
The Nasultan Palace was centered in the heart of this complex, an enormous and stately building whose two enormous doors slowly opened to admit them into the grand reception hall and up a flight of golden steps. Royal guards, advisors, and government workers filled the grand hallways of the capital building, and painting and fine art hung off the well-cleaned walls. This picture of wealth and sophistication, unlike Valua's royal palace, seemed to fit well with it's well-maintained, massive and beautiful city that grew out from the center like a pentagon.
In good time, they found themselves in the room of the Nasultan himself. The portly man was reclining back as two skimpily-dressed yet well-developed female servants fanned him indolently with large green leaves bigger than they were. The surroundings were all suited, of course, to the commander of the world's second most powerful forces. "I shall fetch a translator at once," One of the royal aides said in perfect Valuan, his voice echoing in the huge chamber.
"Ahaha," Jovially laughed the Nasultan. "No need for all of that, Assef. Your Lord knows his languages, that's for sure. So, I am told you are the air pirate who escaped the Grand Fortress recently, freeing your entire crew from the chopping block... interesting. And you... are Gilder." Nothing more needed to be said of Vyse's companion, as his reputation was lovingly crafted from years of behavior and actions. The few women present shuddered visibly, but it was in a good way. "What do you want of me, Blue Rogues?"
"Sir, we have discovered that the Armada's preparing to attack Nasrad," Vyse said seriously, taking a step forward. "They're already gathering their forces for the offensive. I think they want to start another war."
The ruler of the lands bathed in the Red Moon's light laughed again, and when he calmed down, "You went through all the effort to tell us... the Valuans want to attack? Yes, I think we got the message from generations of pure hatred. Nonetheless, your concern for Nasr, and your actions against Valua, have not gone unnoticed. You have the thanks of me, and all of my people."
"... That's it?" Gilder blinked. "All due respect, but, um... shouldn't you be assembling your fleet for a counter-attack, or at least marshaling the army up to defend the city?"
"Doesn't look like you understand the situation, Gilder the Unfettered," The Nasultan replied. "Mountains and the Great Barrier Reef prevent western and eastern entry to our fair city. The South Dannel Straight is lined with our ships, and no fleet ever built can survive assaulting that position. The North Dannel is clogged up with the Maelstrom, a storm so severe and long-lasting that my advisors tell me it's officially a sky-rift now. The only physically possible way to assault Nasrad is from the South Dannel, which, is again, where Fleet Admiral Karzhai has our best battle squadrons on full alert. We are quite safe."
Vyse frowned. "But... Your Majesty... you shouldn't underestimate Galcian's cunning, or the power of the Armada. Maybe you should alert your military, or do something to give the people a warning. Innocent lives could be lost if Valua gets to you somehow."
"It is not needed at all," The ruler again denied. "Nasr and all the children of Nasr are under the protection of the great Red Moon. The Valuans can not touch us. Besides, if a kid like yourself managed to break through their strongest fortification, maybe the Armada is loosing some of it's razor edge!" He broke out once more into uproarious laughter. The advisors in the room laughed politely as well.
"It's no use," Gilder said aside to Vyse, sighing and shaking his head. "He's not listening to anything we're saying. Let's stop wasting our time here, and get out looking for that treasure."
Vyse glowered at the confident Nasultan as the portly ruler completely forgot their existence and went back to indulging himself in comforts and delights. "For the sake of all the people he's supposed to be protecting, I really hope he's right, but he just seems way too overconfident. Dad always used to tell me that the fleets with the biggest heads get tripped easiest. Too top heavy." Having failed to warn of the impending war, they made their way back to the small lifeboat that had carried them ever since they'd had to abandon ship...
0-0
Gilder laughed, reclining in his couch. "Now there's a tale! Seventeen and you've already kicked three Admirals' asses and busted your entire crew out of the Valuan Capitol." He seemed much more interested in his quest to get the Moon Crystals than in his recent stay at Crescent Island. "And I'll agree with you there- Valua doesn't need the keys to any superweapons, thanks. It's hard to have fun when you're dead." He paused for a moment. "Alright, let's get moving. You have the con."
Vyse blinked. "You serious?" A stranger had rescued him from the deserted island, and now was offering to let him fly for the first time in far to long, in his fair and balanced opinion.
"Anyone who can do all that at such an age knows his way around a ship," The rogue replied. "Go ahead, grab a hold of the wheel and get us going. We're bound for Nasrad, capitol of the Red Continent, due south on your control board." The Claudia resumed it's journey across the skies, nearing the coastline of the continent. Silence reigned on the bridge as Gilder buried himself in deep thought and Vyse concentrated on acquainting himself with the steering mechanism of the overly-sensitive airship.
The silence was broken by Gilder's Vice Captain. David entered the room, pushing the door aside loudly. "Sir, the lookout reports a ship has appeared at Lagrange off the port bow. It's suspicious sir... pink. Very pink."
"Pink?" Gilder echoed. "What the... oh. Oh, shit." He turned to look out the window, where the silhouette of a sailing ship about twice their size was growing larger. His suspicions had been confirmed- it was the Primrose. ".. damnit. Not today. How the bloody Hell does she follow us? I mean, the sky can't really be that small..."
"What? Who? Following?" Vyse blinked, totally lost. "Is it Black Pirates?"
"No," The captain replied quietly, in a defeated tone of voice. "If only it were just a bunch of bloodthirsty assholes out to kill us and dump our rotting corpses into Deep Sky... no, Vyse, we've got something far worse coming up for us." He looked up, one eye open, and said, in a tone that left no room for interpreting his feelings about the subject, "Clara."
Again the teenager found himself blinked. "Clara?" It sounded like a normal girl's name, and that would explain the undeniably feminine touch visited on the approaching ship. "Um.. why don't you like her?"
"Because she likes him, a lot," David noted, crossing his arms and failing to stop a an amused smirk from visiting the visible part of his face. "A lot. Think, becoming a Blue Rogue, buying a ship, and recruiting an all-girls crew for the express purpose of following Gilder around until he surrenders and declares an undying love for her."
"I'd rather die, first," Gilder said dryly. Vyse got the impression he meant it, too. A moment's silence fell over the bridge as he pondered, and then he snapped his fingers. "Alright, here's the plan. Initiate Operation: Clara. I'll head out in the skiff for Nasrad, you guys sail out for the abandoned islands, and draw her off. We'll rejoin sometime in the future."
David nodded solemnly. "I understand. I'll inform the men." He walked off the bridge.
The indolent thrill-seeker stood up. "Well, Vyse, sorry you couldn't enjoy more time on the Claudia, she's a very nice little ship. C'mon, we're for the skiff hangar. If we don't want her to notice the launch then we've got to do it before she pulls alongside and tosses boarding lines up."
Vyse said, "Um... okay... but you're the captain. Shouldn't you, like, stay with your ship or something?"
"Hey, I'm always in search of excitement, and titles matter nothing to me," He replied, smiling charismatically. "Besides, we get to see what kind of fun and women Nasrad has to offer, ne? Let's go."
Thusly, within minutes he found himself floating away from the two ships that were now flying side-by-side, onboard Skiff Three, with Gilder next to him, manning the controls of the ship and pointing them towards the Nasrian capitol city. This guy's interesting, Vyse thought with a grin. Aika, Fina, wherever you are, at least I'm in motion now. Wait for me...
0-0
Meanwhile, unaware that their beloved Vyse was incredibly close, the girls went on a shopping spree, obtaining a new boomerang for Aika made of fine-quality Nasrian steel and infused with blue moonstones, food rations for five days of travel, healing and attack magic crystals, and other gear which would aid them in their travels.
After visiting their final shop, they saw that the sun was preparing to set. The warm atmosphere of Nasr was alight with red and orange coloring, and they made their way back to the Inn to rest up. Entering their room, Aika sighed, sitting down on the bed. She was still excited and didn't think she would be able to sleep for a while.
Fina decided now would be a good time to ask her. She sat down next to Aika and turned to look at her. "Aika... can I ask you a question?" She looked away shyly.
"Anything," The redhead replied with a friendly smile. "As usual. What do you want to know, Fina?" She turned as well, sitting Nasrian-style, with her legs folded under her kind of like a bow or pretzel, on the comfortable bed that had been her own for the past two weeks.
"Can we... kiss?" Fina opened and then closed her eyes, and saw Aika, who looked both taken aback and rather embarrassed. She did not realize that a struggle of truly titanic proportions was going on inside the boisterous girl's tangled mind.
Yesssssssssssssssssss, one side of her mind hissed. This was the same side that wanted to do similar things to Vyse himself when they found him.
You shouldn't take advantage of her, another side said pointedly, piercing the first's hiss of eagerness. Even though she's your age, she knows practically nothing about your world... and certainly nothing about this. Remember, she had to ask you about Valuan bra sizing.
She's askin' for it! Literally! You know you want to feel that soft, creamy skin under your fingers, Aika...
She probably doesn't understand. Aika, she's not like that, it's obvious she likes Vyse like you do. Explain to her, and she won't want to any more. I'll guarantee it. Having now decided on a course of action, she opened her mouth. For once the loud pirate girl was finding it hard to speak. "Um... Fina... you want me to kiss you?"
"Yes," She replied, nodding her head innocently. "Several of the men at the tavern we worked at wanted me to kiss them, and when I replied that I didn't know what a kiss was, they thought I was joking around." The Silvite girl bowed her head.
"Fina, a kiss is..." She paused. How do I explain this? "A kiss is something... kind of intimate. It's something people who like each other do-"
"And I like you," Fina chirped. "So... can you show me?" Only she could be asking another girl for a kiss because she liked her and still have that hopeful, pure-innocent expression across her beautiful features.
Aika blanched. Her resistance and self-control were fighting an uphill battle, and probably wouldn't hold out at that point. Do eet, do eet, urged the darker side of her brain. Show her this Arcadian thing called kissing! Muahah! Then we'll show her some other things, oh yes, we will... Finally, she gave in, and said, "... Alright. I'll show you. But just, you know, a small kiss. Nothing big."
And will you shut up, Aika demanded of herself, frowning slightly. Just because, you know... I want to... doesn't mean she does.
You've been waiting too long, Aika! I bet you that Silvites don't have many taboos against certain preferences of yours. Besides, she needs to learn about these things sooner or later!
Somehow, her more devilish impulses were sounding a lot more reasonable to the besieged mind of the Blue Rogue. There is nothing stopping you. Do eet. You and I both know you want to, so very much...
I'm going to Deep Sky for this...
It's worth it.