He followed her through the portal, taking a look around where he'd ended up. Yeah, he could tell this wasn't RhyDin....it seemed more like a pocket dimension of sorts. He then went through the next portal, and this new place was quite a contrast to the other place.

He took a look around. From the things he saw, and the "person" who was already there, it didn't take him much to figure out where he was. "Hey, this place is nice. And so is this replica dealie. Very nice."

He found a nearby couch and sat down, leaving space for Artemus and Tsu on either side of him.

"Well....There were three questions you put out there. Where do we start' How do we go about it' And when? Tsu already gave a suggestion as to the how; one member following at a distance to save us from traps. It's not a bad idea, but it's not foolproof, though. And I don't think any plan we come up with will be. We should come up with something we can all agree on. And of course, there are other aspects we have to plan as well. As for the where, I suppose that would be the Chainned Inn, which I gather is Travanix's establishment. We still have to decide upon the when. But the when should be very very soon, for the students' sake."

As Alysia stepped blindly through the portal Shauri had cast, Kairee's words drifted through the aether: ". . . Make it profitable, and they will work with you....for the most part...just be careful to the terms you accept....they are almost as untrustworthy as Demons."

She considered that little jab, the snipe about gossip-mongering staff, and chuckled silently, unheard, into the timeless void between portals. Yes, slavers and demons, all untrustworthy, yet with much striving they may someday reach the depths of betrayal so efficiently plumbed by humans. With allies like those. . ., she thought.

When the silver-haired shadow-mage materialized on the other side, she was wearing a wry smirk. By the time Alysia negotiated the second portal, her annoyance had vanished and her elvish features were again carefully impassive, polite, and studiously bland. Somehow, the Shauri-simulacrum bustling about cleaning did not surprise her. She thought it was a clever bit of work though, and said as much.

Alysia sat cross-legged on the floor and listened to Neo, occasionally glancing at the others. After he finished, she asked, "A moment " I do not want to delay planning further, but what is the main goal here" Do you want only to ensure that your students are returned to safety, or do you also want to punish those responsible for this situation?"

Sha'uri, of course, had heard the words of Kairee as well. She had no love for the woman either, yet she didn't hate her. She just held a pure annoyance and rightfully a mistrust. Still, she could afford a smirk for the pathetic comments spewing from the so called splendiforous one echoeing between the portals. She was glad for the shutting of the first portal that cut off the woman, though not before she felt the anger from the little one, Cadence. It actually surprised her that Cadence was standing up to the woman, or anyone really. She thought to herself, ~Well good for her.~

Where do we start' How do we go about it' And when"

"A moment " I do not want to delay planning further, but what is the main goal here" Do you want only to ensure that your students are returned to safety, or do you also want to punish those responsible for this situation?"

"I suddenly find this team, completely pointless."

Sha'uri had remained silent through these comments as well, pondering while giving people some time to come in and get comfortable. She was more comfortable, less stressed and relaxed. Here she was able to think better.

"We're not pointless, Renna. We may be what makes or brakes this situation. We should start by setting a goal. So in answer to your question, Alysia....is both in that order as far as all the groups are concerned. First the safety of the children returned and then the capture and arrest for punishment of those involved. However, nobody can do either one until we find out the answers to two questions: Who did it' and Where are the children" We still need evidence to support the answers to those two questions."

"Our true goal in this group....considering what evidence we do have points to slavers with strong suspicions towards Travanix....is to concentrate on Travanix and either find evidence that he's guilty or innocent while trying to get information on where the children are and to bring those children back safely. I'd say the safe return of the children has gotta be first and foremost above anything else."

Another deep breath was taken as she leaned forward, elbows resting on her knees and hands clasped together there between with her feet shoulder width apart. She looked to them all.

"We should try to be diplomatic about it first as far as any confrontations, while preparing for other methods should they be needed. Travanix, or whoever took them, may not have the children anymore. We need to find the children and get them back safely before any punishment is given by the city."

She seemed to stress the *by the city* part.

"Considering the watch is the size it is, they may need help in bringing the guilty ones in. And as far as I'm concerned, if said guilty one happens to resist, well then it's hard telling what will occur when trying to bring them in. This might even be the case in retieving the kidnapped ones. There could well be some altercation there depending on circumstances. We need to be prepared. Six children and four adults are depending on that."

The silence felt thick as she paused.

"I suggest we take stock of our abilities and form some general plan to gather more information. Perhaps if anyone feels they can handle it, maybe just going to Travanix might lead to more clues. There is the possibility that he's actually innocent. Slim but possible. Could it be possible that one of his subordinates did this without him knowing" Could it be possible other slavers did it?"

Shrug. Yet it was followed by a reluctant nod to both possibilites.

"Of course, I won't discount that he'll probably try to illude from the truth, especially if he's guilty. Still...perhaps the diplomatic way can help be the distraction on him while other means are sought to find more evidence..."

She let that thought hang to see where it would take to with the others.

We need to find the children and get them back safely before any punishment is given by the city, Shauri had said. Alysia half-smiled, dour and cynical. The slave trade was probably the second-oldest profession in Rhydin. She had little faith that Rhydin's civic authorities had the wherewithal to enforce justice, and held that point in her mind as Renna picked up where Shauri left off.

She considered the Betrayer's words about trust, then nodded, accepting without question.

"Trust is a precious commodity. I'll not repeat what is spoken of here." Cynicism still held in a wry pout, her fire-red gaze rested lightly upon each figure present before drifting toward the windows. "I've never spoken with Travanix before and know him only by reputation. Shauri, is there anything particular you think we should know about him and his cohort that hasn't already been mentioned?"

Well aware that diplomatic efforts might cheat her out of a fight, she resolved to listen — and learn.

She was nodding to what Alysia and Renna were saying and had already blocked him from her thoughts even before they came through the first portal. He could still feel her existence and knew she was alive and well. Other then that, he was clueless. The magic of the Academy Staff pins was also blocked. It was part of the defenses here.

"Agreed. Headmaster Ravensheart has no idea where we are at and I prefer it that way considering Kairee was there. I don't trust her either, Renna. She is too self serving ...and she is too close to Travanix..."

She frowned, cutting her own thoughts off from being said. Sha'uri was cursed with a fairly good memory and she was seeing the truth of Corellon's predictions slowly coming to light. War.

"What's said in here needs to stay in here. We still need to keep in mind that it's possible Travanix had nothing to do with this. I'm not trying to defend him. Odds are in favor he did it....but...for my own peace of mind and sense of fairness and protection of others..."

Her sapphire hues glanced to Renna purposefully.

"I have to be sure....and I don't think I can stress this enough ....We all need to be sure that we are unquestionably justified in any violent acts."

She let her firm gaze, which held genuine concern, go to each in turn.

"I don't want the city to come back on any of us for attacking, in their eyes, an innocent person because I wouldn't put it past some particular individuals to actually run with that ball in that way and use the law against us. This would be bad for each of us individually as well as bad for the Academy and perhaps for those kidnapped, if we haven't gotten them back. That's why we have to be careful. So while we are gathering that information ....if things occur that happen to be out of control ..not of our doing....and we feel a need to defend ourselves, well then I guess we have to defend ourselves. In other words, Shtuff happens."

Well, it wasn't permission to attack but a means to an end should it occur. Sha'uri would likely be the first to run with that ball.

"I've never spoken with Travanix before and know him only by reputation. Shauri, is there anything particular you think we should know about him and his cohort that hasn't already been mentioned?"

"But somehow, I get the feeling you guys already know all of this. And probably much more than I. So I'll just shut up and let someone else do some talking." He smirked.

She smirked....

"Well, you know more about his cohort then I do. Romax is it' I know little to nothing about these cohorts. However, Travanix can be ....very smooth, well spoken, even charming. He probably used that charm to his advantage to collar women against their will, or to persuade them willingly. He probably still does. Somehow he would get the collar on them and they would succumb swiftly to his will because of the substance known as spice. Now, I don't know if he had it in the collars to inject that way or if he injected them later by other means. I don't remember that detail clearly. I just know he did use the drug to control his slaves. They were so addicted to the spice that they willingly stayed with him. Perhaps he even uses the force to control them as well. The Force is something that I have not studied, per say, though I have observed it used in others. It is hard to explain what it is....it's like what Neo said...an energy field that is connected to all life, everything in existence. Midichlorians, if a person has enough in their system, help in some way to utilize them ....well, I guess utilize the field known as the Force. They can do things with it like enhance their own physical attributes...manipulate energy by shooting bolts of energy, heat, acid....They can read thoughts and telekinesis among other things. There is a Light side and a Dark side to it, too. Those are things I have observed and been told about the Force."

While she has the midichlorians in her system, she was unaware of any real ability with them. Her life had given her studies in magic, psionics and technology. So there was no need for her to study it in herself. She had only observed the use of this Force through others. Yet hadn't she always felt that connection"

"I think what we could do today and especially tonight is try to do reconnaissance, spy on Travanix place from as much distance as we can, see what activity occurs there and maybe even get in as close as we can without being seen so that Renna can try to pick up the scent. By the way, Renna, you're the only one with hard evidence that would undoubtedly lead to at least one of the kidnappers. You know the scent of the woman involved. Connect her in with them and we've got them. Try not to get caught up into a situation that would have you identified or worse, captured. We need you. We need all of us, but Renna you are key to this. Anyone else have thoughts on what we should do' How we should do it?"

Sha'uri was very open to discuss this to a tee before launching it.

((speeling corrections :oops: ....eh heh))

Arcanum Academy's Headmaster had remained silent thus far. He chose to listen and let things run their course for the most part up until now. Emerald eyes shift from Sha'uri to the others and back for several long moments as his thoughts wove their skein.

"Given what has been said about this, Travanix, it may be best if I be present should energy manipulation occur. I have....ways....of absorbing any and all forms of it; and grounding the charge. Much like a lightning rod." Any that were truly observant may notice his left hand shifts through a variety of gems, metals, and crystals as he spoke.

"As you have fought him before, Neo, I recommend we go through a set of routines of your encounter to examine every aspect of his movements and combat style should this man be our true target. If he is not, then we'll have another small edge in dealing with him." Artemus's eyes then shifted to Sha'uri. "With the history you mentioned existing with our suspect, I'm curious if you know anything of his haunts. Schematics or base layouts of this Chained in and other dwellings? If we go and look around this man's establishments, it's best to know where everything is."

Artemus fell silent once more to let the others speak their thoughts on his query, as well as add to it should he have missed something that has all ready been said.

"Extra communicators just like you asked."

She seemed to brighten with a smile as Alex came in. "Thanks, Alex." The bag was taken and she patted the arm of her chair for him to sit. Introductions would have to wait, though, as Artemus spoke up and drew her attention. The name Sylus rang a bell for some reason, odd that was. She waited until Neo was done before she spoke up again.

"I was hoping you would go, Headmaster Kurgen. I always thought you were a down to earth kind of person, but I never knew how grounded you are. Nice to know though."

She grinned.

"Seriously, though, I've never been inside the Inn and I don't have schematics on the buildings. I stay away from places like those. Hopefully Renna won't need to be that close to establish if that woman's scent is around there. That's all we need really, to establish a connection. Sounds like splitting the group is going to be best. I suspect a trap of some sort by going the diplomatic route but....its a route that's needed."

She glanced up at Alex for a moment.

"By the way, this is my son, Alexander. This is Alysia, Neo, Tsu I believe is his name.....And of course, Headmaster Kurgen from Arcanum Academy...and this is Renna, our newest teacher at Ravensheart."

The quiet one gave a nod to each as he was being introduced. He listened for a bit until he felt a time to speak. His baritone voice, though he spoke quietly, held something that drew attention.

"That's a given with anyone at that meeting....While it seems obvious Travanix could have done this, and Kairee is in close with him....perhaps someone else did it and that begs the question of who and why. Either way, the name dropping is something one should consider as having already been done."

"They may have known who grouped together in the Academy, but they will not know who else after, even though it could be speculated. They would not be certain of my full involvement, if they are even aware of who I am. I doubt most know of my existence or even pay attention to the Citadel. Even so, the Citadel is a force none of them are even remotely familiar with. We keep things....quiet. I'm sure it and Exodii are ignored overall in RhyDin as merely insignificant trading..."

Alex smirked.

"Headmaster Kurgen, contacting your friend would be advisable. The BoL was already contacted concerning this. I'm sure they have their connections. Even so, Travanix, or whoever is responsible, can't possibly know everything about everyone all the time. Not even the Gods can do that. Discretion is our best ally and shield at this point. Consider they will be watching all of you here closely, and not just today."

He pointed to the bag.

"That's why I was told to bring these."

"We're not waiting that long, Alysia. We go tonight before the trail gets too cold. If we are going to get any more clues, we have to. If I were them, I'd work on getting rid of them. Besides, I think the others were going to investigate other possibilities. Our task is Travanix."

She glanced around a moment, collecting her thoughts again.

"Well, then that pretty much settles it. Renna, you're in charge of one group with Alysia. Your task is to get as close as possible and gather information about the complex, about anything that might lead to those involved with the kidnapping or children...i.e. like catching a certain scent. This is not to be a confrontation if at all possible. This is just info gathering tonight. Depending on what we find will determine our next steps. Of course, if we find the students there, that will change everything. We get them out as quickly and quietly as possible. Confrontation only if necessary until those students are safe."

Her gaze shifted to Headmaster Kurgen.

"Headmaster Kurgen and I will lead in the other group to try our luck with the expected diplomatic solution with a visit to the inside. We can also try to gather some intel from the inside as well. As I said before, I've never been inside, don't know what to expect." Her gaze shifted to Alex.

"That's where he comes in handy. Alex will be a backup, monitoring things from orbit.....We'll each wear a communicator that monitors our vital signs; is a means to communicate with each other and a way to locate and transport us out should it be necessary. This device works both ways, technology and magic. The communicators are easy to use, simply tap it to activate it open channel. They are shaped with various shapes, mundane on most attire...buttons, broaches....earrings, bracelets...you pick what you want. They also have a microphone/reciever chip that is inserted behind the ear beneath the skin. It's very small and it won't hurt, plus they are easily removed but hard to lose. It is undetectable and will allow quieter communications. Those around you can't hear what you are recieving. Also, each communicator acts as a recording device, transmitting sound and images up to the ship.."

Her gaze looked out of the windows as if expecting someone. It didn't linger more then a moment before she looked back to the group.

"Any objections" Concerns" Suggestions" Clarifications?"

((I've started another post in Chained Inn for the next step: Sheep in Diplomatic Clothing" - Ravensheart Kidnappings Follow when you feel ready, though I'd like to wrap up details here. Thanks!))

Renna frowned, ever so deeply. "If memory serves Shauri, I am no leader of?" She glanced to Alysia then, "People" But I don't think I have the authority to complain about the situation. I will get as much information as possible. I will find something that leads this directly to the culprit.? Her folded arms that laid across her chest, grasped the opposite arm firmly. The temptation was there to again suggest the more direct and brutal approach, but it would seem, that would just make things a little more complicated.

Shauri's plan was better than her own. Such a implied skirmish could blow out into something a lot larger given the wrong moves.