Chapter Summary: It's a quest!
Chapter Word Count: 5,594

"And we're sure they can't tap into our comms?" Andy asked, watching a historical video being broadcast on one of the thousands of video channels they'd tapped into. "It looks like we can get into theirs with no problem."

"There is no certainty in such things," Garnes said. "If someone with enough compute cycles took notice of us, they could conceivably tap into our comms. But the probability of that happening is fairly low. The Shadows have provided us with virtually unhackable comms. By the time anyone was able to tap us we'd be long gone."

"If you say so," Andy said. "It's not that we are doing anything illegal, but our business is ours, not theirs. They don't have a need to know."

"And they won't," Garnes said.

"Why don't we have a Shadow with us?" Andy wondered aloud. "Analyzing massive quantities of cultural data like this is really more their thing than ours."

"Resources for this venture are limited," Miranda said. "And Lady Shadow wanted our views on the Wind Clan, not the Shadow view. We won't see the same things they would."

"Yes," Andy said, "I get it. And she probably already has spies wandering around the capitals of all of the Clans, not just ours. At least that's what I would do if I were her. And she's a lot smarter and probably thought up the idea years ago."

"You can ask her when we get back," Miranda said, "though I doubt she'll tell you anything resembling the truth."

"We aren't completely without Shadow help," Dart said. "The analysis packages in the core are the most up to date ones available for non-Shadow use, with a few extras."

"A few Shadows to run them and provide snappy quips would go a long way," Andy said, pouting.

"So, how'd it go?" Andy asked, when Miranda reappeared in the main cabin, after working on Ixchel's genetic structure. "And what about reactions to the changes?"

"Only time will tell," Miranda said. "The genetic changes were successful. She can now use any Clan based equipment that is keyed to Serpent Clan genetics. Also, the Goa'uld genetic markers have been changed to look like common Clan mutations."

"Can we see her?" Andy asked.

"Romana is with her now," Miranda said. "Give them some time."

"So there are some visible changes?" Andy asked.

"I have her measurements," Dart said. "I'll start building a suit for her."

"And the melding of my suit experience with her warrior experiences? Did that work out?" Andy asked.

"It appears to have, though you'll have to test her," Miranda said. "And I need to recharge. It took much more energy than I predicted. I shall return before we head towards the Wind Clan Visitor Center." Reaching for Andy, she gave her a big hug, before silently orbing away.

Andy sighed. She hated waiting. But with Miranda gone, and Ixchel and Romana otherwise occupied there wasn't much she could do. Picking up her tablet, she went back to reviewing what little information there was on the Winter Folk.

"You look fine," Romana said, looking at Ixchel. "Green is a very Serpent Clan color."

"My hair is bright green," Ixchel said. She looked under the blanket. "Everywhere."

"You will be at my side," Romana said. "I am proud of you."

"I feel different," Ixchel said.

"How different?" Romana asked.

"Things fit now," Ixchel said, tapping her head. "I do not know how to describe it in any other way, other than that."

"Let me look," Romana said, placing a hand on Ixchel's forehead. Humming, she held her hand there for several minutes. "Lady Miranda has fixed the fractures in your soul," She said. "That must have been part of the problem that prevented you from using a Clan suit."

"My soul?" Ixchel said. "Is that why my hair changed color?"

"Not exactly," Miranda said, abruptly appearing in their cabin, looking rested. "One of the differences between humans and Clan is that your essence, what some call the soul, is tied to your physical presence, and your genetic code. When you were merged with the Goa'uld by the Ancient memory machine, it damaged your connection to your soul. I have corrected that. The Goa'uld genetic material that remained has been converted into secondary genetic characteristics. One of which is your hair. Other aspects of that which makes you Clan may have been affected also, but will take time to manifest."

"Such as," Romana asked.

"Some clans have psychic abilities," Miranda said. "In the Serpent Clan it primarily manifests in the Clan Council. For example, you, Romana, have a psychic ability to influence others in your Clan."

"And I wear this," Romana said, holding up the broach around her neck. "It gives me finer control of that, instead of being subconscious."

"Yes," Miranda said. "Ixchel now has a latent psychic ability. It is not clear what it is going to be, other than it is complementary to yours. But it may be years before that happens, so it is nothing to worry about."

"If it helps Romana and the Clan, I do not mind not knowing what it is right now," Ixchel said.

"You also now have knowledge of how to use one of the hard suits," Miranda said. "Not one of the nanobot suits, I believe that would have been too much like your previous Goa'uld infection and did not give you the needed nanobots. If some time in the future you show the ability to adapt to nanobots without problems, it can be done, though I would prefer it be handled by a Clan medic, and not myself."

"That is fine," Ixchel said. "I would rather not have nanobots crawling through my body."

"Dart is assembling a suit for you to try," Miranda said. "We have a week for you to become comfortable wearing the suit. You have the knowledge but not the actual muscle memory. "

"I like the green," Andy said. "I wanted blue hair myself, but someone didn't agree." She poked Miranda.

"The Winter Folk are known to have white hair," Miranda said. "But your Aunt Sylvester does not know what triggers that change."

"And my parents are still not talking about being Winter Folk," Andy said. "Other than some abilities that they grew into, you wouldn't know they are different. I suspect they don't know what causes it, since neither of them have white hair. Some day we need to sit them down and have a serious chat about that."

"They are not ready to discuss your ancestry, and may never be," Miranda said. "They would rather forget. Something very traumatic must have happened to them."

"So, it's perfectly legit for me to be searching for other Winter Folk," Andy said. "But we need to deal with this," she said, waving at the suit Dart had been working on. "We need to see how well you can move in it, if we are going to pass you off as Romana's guardian mate person."

"Getting into a hard suit the first time can be embarrassing," Dart said. "But it is best not to do it by yourself the first few times, until the contortions needed to get it on are second nature."

"I'll demonstrate," Andy said. She picked up the suit liner next to her suit. "This goes on first. If you don't have the nanobots it will connect you to the suit controls, but only if you are Clan. If you do have the nanobots it is mostly just to prevent chafing." Andy started pulling off her clothes, her top first, until she was completely nude. "Of course, don't do this around anyone you don't want to see you naked." She started pulling on the liner.

"Andrea is a bit of an exhibitionist," Miranda said. "Something I found surprising, given her upbringing."

"My family appears to be Scandinavian," Andy said. "Or something like that. So, saunas are a thing for us. And very few hangups about nudity."

"I approve and appreciate the attitude but it isn't something common amongst the culture she grew up in." Miranda said.

"It was strange the first time I had gym class in high school," Andy said. "I didn't get why people were so afraid to change in public. "

"In the Serpent Clan, modesty was reserved for special occasions," Romana said. "I have noticed that the modern Serpent Clan has no problem with such things."

"Some Terran societies find us strange," Dart said. "We do try to not offend them but it happens."

"Once you have this on," Andy posed briefly. "It should be snug, not too tight."

"It's made from a material that expands to fit the wearer," Dart said. "If you've worn an enviro suit, it's a similar material."

"It might feel strange the first couple of times you wear it," Andy said. "But you get used to it."

Ixchel picked up the other suit liner, and carefully pulled it on. "What is this?" She asked, poking at the crotch.

"Sanitary fittings," Andy said. "The suits are designed to be worn for days at a time. So there are suit connections to deal with bodily waste."

"The suits are very efficient," Dart said. "It takes care of waste without you really noticing."

"What happens to It?" Ixchel asked, wrinkling her nose.

"It's converted into energy," Dart said. "The suit doesn't store it. It does the same thing to sweat. Any bodily waste at all is converted to suit energy. Which is used for a number of different things."

"We don't really talk about it," Andy said. "Most people, even Clan, are uncomfortable talking about the subject. But it works well. Once you get over the first time you put it on."

"What about the suit itself?" Ixchel said.

"I've assembled two suits," Dart said. "The first time it is worn, it adjusts itself to your size."

Andy stepped over to the suit. "This isn't my normal suit," she said. "But this is how you put it on." She demonstrated by stepping into the suit and closing it up, leaving just her head uncovered. "It's fairly simple to get on. Go ahead and try it."

Ixchel stepped into the hard suit and it closed up around her. "What about the helmet? I'm assuming you don't leave your head exposed."

"The helmet is a bit of nanotechnology," Dart said. "It is enabled by your thoughts."

"Just thing 'helmet on'," Andy said. She concentrated and her head was covered by her suit helmet. Ixchel followed suit.

"And now Dart will adjust it to be your suit," Andy said, her voice echoing in Ixchel's head. "Once she does that, no one else can wear that suit."

"This is different," Ixchel said, carefully moving in the suit. "How do we test it?"

"I've cleared out the secondary hold," Dart said. "It will give you enough room to familiarize yourself with the basic moves and operations of the suit. Unfortunately, we don't have a place to do a complete familiarization session."

"You will have to rely on the Memory from Andrea," Miranda said. "to guide you until we have a time and place for such things."

"It won't be too bad," Andy said. "As long as we don't have to fight we should be okay. And even if we do, you should know enough to defend yourself and Romana."

"Will you be wearing that suit when we meet the seers?" Ixchel said.

"I'll have my other suit on," Andy said. "It looks very different."

"The Wind Clan has never seen our hard suits," Dart said. "None of the Clans have unless the Galactics showed them."

"No," Miranda said. "Artie assured me that the Serpent Clan suit tech has not been shared with the other clans. It has advanced beyond what most Clan suit tech provides. If you saw the Tiger Clan suit tech, that is what most clans have for hard suits. They use the suits for defense and heavy maneuvers against foes like the Bugs. The concept of light troopers and fast moving squads of suit wearers such as Lady Q has devised is foreign to them."

"They won't know what to make of us in the suits," Andy said. "They will not be able to ignore us after this."

"The Wind Clan Council is requesting a meeting with Lady Andrea and Mother of the Serpent Clan," Garnes said, entering the main cabin. "How to you wish to proceed? We've been given a berth on the side reserved for visiting Clan."

"At least they are being friendly," Andy said. "Do they want to speak with us before we meet with them?"

"No," Garnes said. "According to our Shadow equipment, they are not sure what to make of us. They know we are not on a diplomatic mission."

"Well, we are in a warship. Tell them that we can meet tomorrow but after that we have business that will take us to the planet. Are they going to let us wear our 'armor' for this meeting or to the planet?"

"To the meeting with the Wind Clan Council? No," Garnes said, surprised at the question."

"Well, I just thought I'd ask. But we are definitely not going unprotected down to the planet." Andy said.

"I shall provide the appropriate clothing for this meeting," Miranda said. "The four of us will meet them, while the two of you stay here. We really don't want any visitors leaving things behind."

"Yes, Lady Miranda," Garnes said.

Andy fidgeted in the white gown Miranda had produced for her. She felt like a fraud wearing it, even though no one would know it wasn't something designed by the Winter Folk. And looking at the other three women, looking elegant in their own gowns, she wasn't sure what to think. It didn't come naturally to her, like it did them.

"This isn't going to work," she said, poking at the sheer fabric. "I feel unarmed."

"You are not unarmed," Miranda said. "Nothing short of a ship laser can penetrate that material, and the nanobots in your system will work with it to protect you if necessary."

"Still feels strange," Andy muttered.

"Shall we?" Miranda said. Leaning forward, she opened the public hatch. Standing back from the ship was a small group of people, obviously their escort. Further back was a crowd of professional looking people waving small objects in their direction.

"Someone told the local press," Andy said.

"Paparazzi are paparazzi no matter where you go," Miranda said. "Ignore them."

A tall, gangly man dressed in the colors of the Wind Clan Council approached them. Bowing slightly, he addressed them.

"I am Conciliator Harf," he said. "I am here to escort the Lady Andrea, and Lady Romana to meet with the Council."

"I am Lady Andrea," Andy said. "Lady Romana," she pulled Romana forward, "and I will be accompanied by our Lady Consorts, the High Sorceress Miranda, and Commander Ixchel."

"I was not given instructions to bring them," Conciliator Huff said, frowning.

"They will be coming with us or we will not be meeting with your Council," Andy said, using her most regal voice, as Miranda had coached her. "Please inform them."

Harf turned and whispered to another person, also in Wind Clan colors. The person stepped aside for a moment and took out a small hand device.

"No personal coms?" Andy said to the others over their private channel.

"No," Miranda said. "They are a full clan and have no need for constant contact like we do. We are spoiled by having instant contact among us.

"Spoiled or not, I prefer our way," Andy said, over the channel.

"Communication is very important," Romana said softly. "The new Serpent Clan does such much better than the old."

"The Council is agreeable to this," Harf said after consulting with the other person. "However, conversations with the Council are considered privileged and they may not discuss the meeting with others."

Andy nodded, "Acceptable." While saying into the private com, "Of course, we won't tell them that we are automatically recorded for the Shadows to analyze everything."

"What they don't know won't hurt us," Miranda said.

"Lead the way," Andy said. "I am curious as to what they wish to discuss with us."

"Of course Lady Andrea," Harf said. "Come this way."

"Who are you?" One of the reporters shouted as they passed. "Where is your ship from?"

"Who are those people.?" Andy asked Harf, once they'd passed them.

"They report news to the station," Harf said. "Your ship is of a type that has not been seen in this sector before, and they are curious."

"Ah, we have pests like that also," Andy said. "We can make time to answer a question or two before we continue our journey. Assuming your Council approves."

"I cannot authorize that," Harf said.

"You do not want us talking to them?" Romana asked, haughtily.

"No," Harf said. "I do not have the authority to arrange a meeting with them for you."

The Council meeting chamber was a large room, with the Council members on a raised dias at one end and rows of seats rising from the floor like a Roman amphitheater. Only three of the chairs were occupied. In the center was a wizened old male, bald and hunched over. To his left was a young woman, dressed in bright red. To his right was a bearded man, looking bored.

"Introduce our visitors, Harf," the old man said.

"Yes, Lord Aerie," said Harf. "May I present the Ladies Andrea, and Romana and their consorts the Lady Miranda, and Lady Ixchel."

"We have heard interesting rumors," Aerie said. "And would know the truth of it."

"I don't know what you may have heard but we were just passing through your sector and heard that you have seers who tell truth, and would like to visit them," Andy said.

"That may be," Aerie said, "but first tell us who you are."

"I am Lady Andrea, and this is my Lady Wife, the High Sorceress Miranda. I am on a quest to learn what has happened to my people."

"And your people are?" Aerie asked.

"Some call us the Winter Folk," Andy said, "though that is not how we refer to ourselves." The other two Council members perked up at that but Aerie's expression didn't change.

"We have legends of the Winter Folk," Aerie said, "but no one in living memory has spoken to them. You will not find much here."

"And your companions?" The young woman said.

"I am Romana, Mother of the Serpent Clan," Romana said. "This is Commander Ixchel, of the Serpent Clan also. We have accompanied Lady Andrea and Lady Miranda at the request of the Council of the Serpent Clan."

"I am surprised that you have left your Clan at such a time, Lady Romana," Aerie said. "Are not the Sun Stealers of Kraal on your borders?"

"When my Clan has need of me, I will be there," Romana said. "Are you questioning my dedication to my clan?"

"No," the young woman said, "that is not what he meant. The Council of Clans has told us of the peril that surrounds the Serpent Clan, and we are surprised at your arrival here."

"The Council of Clans has seen fit to keep the other clans in the dark as to our viability as a clan," Ixchel said. "We are engaged with the Kraal even now in our sector but that is not all that we do. The Kraal will not be defeated just by force of arms this time."

"What can you tell us?" The bearded man said. "Blue Clan is in disarray after the Kraal tore through their sector."

"It is not my place to discuss our strategy," Ixchel said. "You will have to request that of our full Council. But I can say that we have taken action in Blue sector with the approval of the Council of Clans and Confederation and encountered the Kraal there. They appear to be much more sophisticated than our records indicate they were in the past."

"I shall compose a request to your Council," the man said. "The Kraal passed through our sector without stopping so we did not need to do much to fend them off."

"And who are you, that we should inform our entire Council to expect to hear from you?" Andy asked.

"I am the War Hammer of the Wind Clan," he said. "You may call me Mars."

"Mars?" Andy said, frowning. "We shall inform them."

"What else can we do for you?" Aerie said.

"You apparently have local news persons interested in speaking with us," Romana said. "In the interest of cooperation, we had planned to speak with them. Is there any objection?"

"They are free to share anything they learn," the woman said. "If you do not wish things to be known, I would not recommend speaking freely with them."

"Well, That went better than I expected it would," Andy said, as they changed their clothes back in the ship. "No 'Don't talk to anyone' and no objection to our plan to talk with their seers."

"Their entire Council was not there," Miranda said. "And we don't know anything about them. The other Council members may have objections."

"They'll have plenty of time while we're here," Andy said. "So, want to go talk to some newsies?"

"Newsies?" Miranda gave her a look.

"That's what they call reporters here," Andy said. "At least according to Harf."

"Yes," Miranda said. "We can further obfuscate the reasons why we are here."

"We'll just tell the truth," Andy said, winking. "Not a big deal."

"Where are we meeting with the newsies?" Andy asked Garnes, as they joined the others in the main cabin.

"There is a meeting room available nearby," Garnes said. "It's by invitation only."

"How'd you manage that?" Andy asked.

"I requested a list of registered newsies," Garnes said. "Only those on the list will be allowed to speak with you."

"No one can sneak in?" Andy asked. "That's how I would do it."

"No," Garnes said. "However, others can request a video of the meeting at a later date."

"Good," Miranda said. "We will want a copy for Lady Shadow, along with any actual reports produced."

"Shall we go?" Andy said. "Any questions?"

"What are we allowed to say?" Romana said.

"Whatever you want, as long as it doesn't make you, us, or the Serpent Clan look bad," Andy said.

"We also do not want to give away any tactical information," Miranda said. "They have no need to know what the Serpent Clan really plans to do about the Kraal."

"Of course," Romana said. "Private Clan intelligence is private."

"I shall be in this meeting with you," Garnes said. "We did not bring an ambassador or speaker, so I will play that role. All questions should be filtered through me."

"That's fine," Andy said. "I have no idea what is acceptable for such meeting. I'm assuming you have training in that position?"

"Enough," Garnes said. "It is similar to being a Clan spokesperson, and all upper level Clan pilots have such training."

"You are a trained diplomat?" Ixchel said. "Of course."

"Yes, Commander Ixchel. It is a necessary pilot skill given the small size of our clan."

"Learn something new every day," Andy said in a whisper to Miranda. "Did you know this?"

"I suspected we were not given a simple Pilot," Miranda said.

"Not simple at all," Andy said.

They entered the meeting room to find it already occupied with two dozen persons, of various appearance, including several non-Clan humanoids.

"Well, this could be interesting," Andy said silently over their comm. "Aren't those two Juun?"

"Yes," Miranda said silently. "And there are several others from other clans. I see two Tiger Clan, an Ice Clan, and a Poot."

"A Poot? Which one is that?" Andy asked over the comm. "And who gave them that name?"

"The Poot have been affiliated with the Wind Clan for many cycles," Romana said. "Their true name is unpronounceable. Some suspect that it is their idea of a joke."

"The Poot is that young female with the silver hair and purple cloak," Miranda said.

"Okay," Andy said. "Let's get this going so we can go do our thing."

They filed to the front of the room where a podium and table with chairs was available.

Garnes stepped up to the podium. "Good meeting, gentle beings," she said. "I am Serpent Clan Speaker. All questions shall be directed to me and I shall direct them to the appropriate person. We will try to answer all reasonable questions. Unreasonable questions will be ignored."

"Can we borrow her for the next Elias-Clark board meeting?" Andy said into the comm.

"First Question," Garnes said. There was a flurry of clicks as the newsies signaled that they had a question.

"It has been reported that the Serpent Clan Mother is here," the Poot said. "How long has she been Mother and how does she feel about the reconstituted Serpent Clan?"

"Yes, Lady Romana, our Clan Mother is with us," Garnes said. She stepped to the side and Romana came forward.

"As the Serpent Clan Mother, I am, of course, happy that we once more have enough members to be recognized as a full clan by the Council of Clans. It has been a long number of cycles since we lost our ruling Council to treachery by the Red Pirates. We have been engaging in a concerted effort to eliminate all Red Pirates from our sector."

"And how long have you been Mother?" the Poot said.

"My clan mother was also Serpent Clan Mother, before our troubles with the Red Pirates," Romana said. "I have been Clan Mother since being rescued from stasis by the new Serpent Clan where I had been placed by the Red Pirates."

"What is different about the new Serpent Clan than the one your clan mother was Mother of?" another newsie asked, after getting a nod from Garnes.

"I much prefer the new Serpent Clan leadership," Romana said. "The old leadership had become inflexible and placed their power over the Clan ahead of the health of the Clan, leading to their downfall at the hands of the Red Pirates. The new Clan leadership is focused on creating a healthy and robust Clan to police our sector and protect the beings in our sector. Once we deal with the Kraal, I expect we will do great things."

"Yes," Garnes said, pointing at another newsie. "What is your question?"

"Is it true that Lady Andrea is one of the Winter Folk?" the newsie asked. "How did she come to be with the Serpent Clan and what are her plans? Will she be visiting other Clans?"

Andy stepped forward in response. "Yes," she said. "My family traces its lineage to the Winter Folk. Unfortunately, over time much knowledge of what that means has been lost. So I am on a personal quest to relearn what I can of the Winter Folk. As for why I am here with the Mother of the Serpent Clan, my family has inhabited the primary world in the Serpent Clan sector for a long number of cycles. When they appeared, we approached them to judge their worthiness to guard the sector. We have been pleased with their efforts."

"What brings you to the home of the Wind Clan?" one of the other newsies then asked.

"One of our Council, who was adopted into the Serpent Clan was originally of the Wind Clan, and told us of the Wind Clan seers. We have come to speak with them about some things that we are concerned with," Andy said.

"So, a member of your Clan Council is Wind Clan?" One of the newsies asked excitedly. "Are you not concerned that they may be biased towards the Wind Clan?"

"No," Romana said. "They were adopted into the Serpent Clan. Their birth Clan is merely a fact of history."

"What of the Lady Sorceress?" a newsie asked. "Is that a title of the Winter Folk?"

"If I may," Miranda said, stepping forward. "Sorceress is a title given by the beings of Lady Andrea's home planet to powerful leaders, where the Serpent Clan has begun building a home."

"You are not Clan?" the newsie asked, wide eyed.

"Only by adoption and affinity," Miranda said. "My daughters, who did not travel with us, are Wind Clan. Which, admittedly, means that I have some kindness towards the Wind Clan for their sake. But that does not mean I will prioritize the Wind Clan over my own Clan."

"How did you meet?" a newsie asked Andy. "How are the Clans integrated into the world you call home?"

"The appearance of the Serpent Clan as more than a legend is fairly new on our world. The Clans were virtually unknown until recently. In some ways, it is a fairly primitive place. Less than one percent of the people living on it have any Clan affiliation," Andy said.

"It is not like this Wind Clan world where everyone is either Wind Clan or affiliated with the Wind Clan," Miranda added. "The Serpent Clan is there to protect the entire sector but they do not control it in any way except as protection needs must. The people of the sector have their own rulers and societies. Each world is different in that Clan have little presence except when needed."

"You asked how we met," Andy said. "I had finished schooling and was looking for a job. Lady Miranda ran a media organization. I'm not sure what your equivalent would be. I was hired to be her assistant. Things did not go smoothly at first. We bonded several years later. Finding out that we both had connections to the Clans came much later and was a surprise."

"So, the Winter Folk are not a major influence in the Serpent Clan sector?" a newsie asked.

"No, sorry," Andy said. "Any influence I might have is through being associated with the Serpent Clan Council and even then they may not listen. For other influences I am a writer, something like you newsies, and hope to shape opinion of my readers. And the only Winter Folk I am aware of are my family and they prefer a quiet life."

"So, this quest to find your 'roots', as you said, is not being driven by a need for power?" another newsie said.

"Power?" Andy looked at Miranda for a moment. "My Lady Consort has more power than I could ever imagine wielding and she knows when and when not to use it. What more could I ask?"

"Commander Ixchel, what is your position here?" a different newsie said. "Other than to be with the Serpent Clan Mother?"

"I am honored to be her consort and love," Ixchel said. "And her protector. Do I need any other reason?"

"I believe this session is over," Garnes said. "If you have additional questions, please submit them to me and if there are enough, we will hold another session before we leave."

There was noisy protests from those who'd been unable to ask questions. The Ladies ignored them and left the meeting chamber and returned to their ship.

"That went well," Andy said. "I don't think we said anything we shouldn't have."

"You did not really say much," Garnes said.

"It should be interesting to see what they write," Miranda said. "The spin they put on our visit will tell us more about the Clan here than the meeting we had with the Council."

"So, will we be able to visit one of their seers?" Romana said. "As much as that was interesting, I believe we should find the Prophets."

"Possibly," Garnes said. "The Wind Clan Council has not objected to a visit, and has provided us with the names of several well known seers to visit."

"And do we have a list of seers they are not recommending?" Miranda said. "I suspect those will be more helpful."

"We will need to visit the seers recommended by the Wind Clan Council," Garnes said, "but yes, I have been able to procure the names of less reputable seers to visit."

"Are you sure you aren't a Shadow Garnes?" Andy asked. "You seem to know and do things before we realize we need them."

"No," Garnes said. "But the advanced Pilot training does include familiarization with some of the techniques used by the Shadows."

"So... that's how you were able to make use of the Shadow tools installed in the ship's info systems," Dart said. "None of that is included in engineering training."

"Will you be traveling with us to see the seers?" Andy asked. "I'm assuming since you were introduced as our mouthpiece that you plan to."

"Yes, Lady Andrea," Garnes said. "Unless you don't wish me to be part of your party?"

"I am assuming that Dart will remain here and keep an eye on the Lucia?" Romana said.

"Of course," Dart said. "I much prefer babysitting the engines to dealing with seer mumbo-jumbo, no matter how truthful it may be."

"Garnes, do you have an itinerary for our visits to the seers?" Andy asked.

"I shall have that first thing in the morning," Garnes said.

"So, we can explore the station tonight? Check out the night life?" Andy said. "It's been a while since we've gone dancing."

"I too would like to see what entertainment offerings the Wind Clan makes available here," Romana said.