Act 2: Upheaval VI - Celebration and Departure

Steve's eye's widen in surprise. "A relative of Fedler's?"

Konrad notices Mihai's reaction.

"A VIP? Of course, he'll stay warm and dry aboard our vessel, and he won't be bothered unnecessarily."

Administrator Zawistowskiis perplexed by the questions. "I... don't know actually. I've learned about the man only a few years ago."

She turns to Konrad.

"I never would have thought otherwise."

She then waits for the adventurers to confirm they have nothing else to ask.

Mihai nods, and forces a faint smile despite his serious demeanor.

Konrad smiles. "I'm pleased to hear it."

"I believe we are settled, Madame Administrator. But before you leave us, I want to warn you one last time, someone will try to steal that research. The Noze or the Defenders, I'll bet, are not finished with Goodman."

Steve is curious about Mihai's reaction but decides to ask about it later. "Don't worry about it, Administrator. Thank you for all of your help. I'm not sure what we would have done without you."

"Thank you for your concern Captain Granger, but you need not worry; I took several precautions." Whatever she did, it sounds serious. She then responds to Steve's farewell. "If you ever need help next time you come to Odwaz, you know where my office is."

She shakes everyone's hand, including Fluffle, and leaves the galley.

"Let me show you the way out, Ms. Zawistowski," the fairy says eagerly.

"Thank you, young man."

Nadzieja sips from her cup of tea as they leave.

"I'm sorry," she says. "Had I known this man would be your client, I... well, I would have done something."

"So it is him."

"At the very least, it provides an opportunity to get close to him. You might be able to learn something. We can have Fluffle look in his general direction to see if there's anything...'different' about him. Sorry, that's the paranoia talking."

Konrad grabs himself a cup of Steve's tea and has a sip. It hasn't been sitting for very long, so it's still quite hot. "Mm, is this the tea you made last time?"

"Yes, good right? But I feel like I'm missing something here. Who is Brutus?"

Mihai looks his comrade in the eye - "Steve, it's Fedler's father."

Nadzieja makes sure not to interject in this discussion; she knows it's not her place to explain the reasons for Mihai's sudden change of attitude.

Konrad clears his throat. "He inherited the Western Islands Shipping company after a family tragedy. Mihai suspects foul play. And frankly, so do I."

"Oh." Steve looks down at his tea while he's thinking about it. "Should we send him away then? We don't have to take him anywhere if we don't want to."

Nadzieja raises an eyebrow at the mention of foul play, but keeps silent.

"No. We can't afford the delay, and we can use this to learn more about him. We should get on to the matter at hand right now."

"Okay. He'll be here at seven, just so everyone knows."

"Thank you, Steve. And besides, we don't want to arouse suspicion, lest he decide to move against us if we are on to something."

He becomes very aware of the way they're talking in front of Nadia.

Mihai turns toward the First - "Nadzieija, some day we ought to do the tea thing without any grave business to talk about. Won't be this morning though, sadly."

Just when Mihai finishes speaking, Fluffle enters the galley and says, "I'm back. The Administrator says thank you for the tea and that it was very good. Did I miss anything?"

"Oh no, we were just about to discuss grave business," Nadzieja answers with a sly smile. Her expression then slowly turns more serious. "I still would like to know what exactly happened yesterday when we woke up..."

"It's progressing. May woke up in Steve's body. Sam woke up in Konrad's this morning. We were able to reason them both back to slumber, but it eventually won't be their choice anymore. I'm guessing i'm not long for an episode either."

Fluffle's eyes widen in understanding at the revelation. Nadzieja looks back and forth between the three men and considers this new knowledge for a moment. "...Will they completely take over your bodies?"

The fairies gives an anxious look at his companions.

Konrad purses his lips. "Eventually. Samantha is none too pleased at the prospect. Neither am I, obviously."

"If what happened to Fedler is any indication, it's just a matter of time, unless we get the Orbs out first. Or they do, if they're so inclined. Waking up not to Edward's influence made a difference. Speaking of, i should tell you about him now."

"That's why we were hoping you could take the orbs out Fluffle. And one of the reasons we are looking for Breeze."