The Mirror: Matthew's Ship

First topic message reminder :

The shuttle that took off was guided to the dock of Natthew's ship. They were welcomed off with salutes and hard lined faces, although the welcome party was the only one that seemed so serious. Other Guards and pilots both on duty and off casual strode around, settled down, or chatted with fizzy drinks on their person. A bit came by with washing supplies, but was the unfortunate victim of a flying wrench. It's eye twitching, it keeled over and sparked, the culprit swearing and running over to make sure it was all right before quickly and with much care beginning to guide it to presumably someone who could fix it. The culprit's friend yelled something about reporting her dangerous antics to higher ups and harming a fellow member. The distraction was quickly interrupted by the all too serious escort leader. "Welcome." They all stood a little straighter when they spotted Inari. "Matthew and his guest, Hytar is waiting to see you in the office."

Luka nodded to the others and headed off with the escort to the com station. She'd send out a call to her comrades back home over a nice secure channel.

Starr tilted her head then pointed to the snake man "In the other universe you and this one are friends, interesting differences" She said then followed the other to the comms room

"Friends?" Matthew sounded confused, "When would I carry kinsmenship with an Entropium in any universe?"

Starr paused at the door and looked back to him "According to my mirror's memories, you were." She said then shrugged and continued on.

"Entropium?" Stellan asked curiously.

"What issss he like in your universsse?" Hytar asked, nodding toward Matthew and looking amused.

"Slaver." Esk told him flatly.

Hytar tried hard not to laugh at that. "well I hope he'sss at leasssst a good one."

"Entropium. Anamcara. The magic beings that make up the Guild." He pointed at the reptile's wanted poster. "He's the head of their Scout Regiment."

Matthew made a face at the idea of being a slaver. Inari giggled and poured more alcohol.

"Scouts? What the hell are they scouting for?" Esk asked, committing that face to memory.

"The guild... " Stellan shook his head. "I've heard mention of them before. Quinn's one of their race, multiple spirits or souls, fused into one being. "

Esk shuddered. "that's gross."

Stellan smiled softly and shrugged.

"I'm ssssurprisssed more of them aren't completely mad really." Hytar frowned a little. "but they're ssstill making themsssselves a real pain in the arssse."

"What are they doing?" Stellan asked.

"According to the Family, they used to be history Keepers like them, but over time developed a taste for power and are empirical in themselves. The scouts are there to monitor political agendas of their enemies and corrupt the system so that they can overthrow the governments and move in themselves."

"lovely." Esk muttered.

"Sneaky." Stellan frowned but Esk was pretty sure there was that faintest glimmer of appreciation in his eyes.
Maybe he was imagining it.

Asher noted Stellan's odd look with interest. Hmm, that guy tried to seem innocent, but he suspected there was more to him than met the eye.
He waited for Starr and Luka to return.

Starr soon returned, her face neutral and giving away nothing of how the talks with her parents had gone as she came back in and took a seat then grabbed her cup and poured another cup for herself.

Asher watched Starr with concern. Her controlled expression and the way she headed straight for the drinks... it seemed less than encouraging to him. He decided to give her some time before asking what had happened.

Starr finished her drink off then looked out the window, just watching the stars until she was called on for anything

"Starr?" Asher said tentatively after a bit, "What happened?"

Starr looked to Asher then sighed and looked to the others again "I have been ordered to go home."

Asher frowned. "They're not interested in cooperating with your plan, I take it?" Quietly he added, "Are you planning to do as they say?"

"I expected as much. It's an empire that strives on the belief that only they are allowed to fly the stars. Do you really think that people like those would be benevolent on a dime?" Matthew shook his head, not looking surprised.

Starr sighed and looked to the stars again "They would not answer anything or even let me speak, they just told me to come home." She said then shrugged a little "I do not think I have a choice but to go home."

"That doesn't sound good," Asher said quietly. "What did you tell them before that? Do they know about your connection with your other copy? Do they know where we are right now?"

"I recommend a revolt." Matthew said cheerily, holding a drink in the air. "Want favor? Now that will gain you favor."

Inari suddenly stiffened, then looked to a random spot in the room. A green portal split from the fabric of space. Two white vulpine figures tumbled out. Cyprus and Ash stood up,wobbly and exhausted, panting. However their tails wagged in excitement. "M-Miss Inari... We..."

Asher shook his head. "I doubt a civil war would be the best use of the Star Dragon Empire's might. He looked at the foxes as they suddenly appeared, not able to hide the hope on his face.

Starr shook her head then looked to the portal, frowning at how tired the two foxes looked

The two looked back at the portal, and through it... Stepped out another Ash and Cyprus, with identical mask markings. However they were obviously much more somber and serious, and immediately began to bow at Inari's presence.

Mirror Inari hissed, standing herself. "Get up. You are not mine. Why are you here?"

"Our Glorious One had been summoned, Other Glorious One," Prime Ash spoke, "By a four winged woman and a swarm of insects, we were required to help find a portal to the Other-verse."

Asher smiled softly at the sight of the other foxes. "It's wonderful to see you," he told them, "And to hear news of our own universe. The other Vestia and her passengers are all right, then?"

"Yes." Prime Ash said sullenly, hesitating, and bowed deeply to Asheras he continued. "However Our Glorious One is having trouble coaxing off the small four winged boy off the ship. She cannot convince him to leave and she is afraid if he stays the two Creators will fight, truly. It would be catastrophic. But he is stubborn, and merely stays in the observatory, floating around and drinking tea. She cannot convince him to leave peacefully."

"Your Starr will be happy to hear of this" Starr said quietly. "You all will get to go back to your universe."

Asher bowed his head respectfully to Prime Ash, although he looked worried at the news. "That's unfortunate. We were afraid something like this might occur, the magic users had some ideas I think, but of course getting a Creator to do something is no easy task." He sighed, thinking of Kay's helpless rage. Oh, this was not going to be good for Kay at all.