<JETMODE> *Midmorning a week after Teal's release from the hospital, a feline figure makes his way easily to the Baron's office, a copy of a report in hand. He pauses at the door and knocks, waiting patiently for permission to enter.

<TIAMAT> *He may find it a little odd when none comes, then, especially since there's a light from inside the room, evident from the thin glow under the door.

<JETMODE> *He hesitates, uncertain, then knocks again, tail switching. "Baron?"

<TIAMAT> *There comes a sort of muffled mumble from inside the room, though nothing loud enough to make out, and then the office falls silent again.

<JETMODE> *Lao arches an eyebrow, but he takes his as permission to come in, pushing the door open carefully and stepping inside. "Baron?"

<TIAMAT> *Teal glances up sharply from where he had been, evidently, staring blankly at a closed folder on his desk. "Major ... Lao."

<JETMODE> <Lao> *inclines his head slightly* I was to deliver this report to you personally, Baron. *offers it* It concerns the activities of several shopkeepers during the chaos.

<TIAMAT> *Teal blinks at the report, then takes it slowly. ".. Is that so." He opens it, glancing a little absently over the first page.

<JETMODE> *Lao opens his mouth to speak, then closes it, watching Teal closely for a moment as he reads the report.

<TIAMAT> *Teal stares at the first page for several minutes -- several more than should be necessary, anyway -- blinking slowly a couple of times, but otherwise his eyes remain unmoving.

<JETMODE> *Lao frowns a little, a sort of concern flickering across his face. "Baron Teal?"

<TIAMAT> *Teal glances up sharply -- again -- his face coloring a bit as he clears his throat, setting the report carefully down. "Ah -- thank...thank you, Major Lao. You can go."

<JETMODE> <Lao> *gives a soft chuckle* If you'll pardon my .. impertinence, Baron -- it is really not my place to say -- you seem preoccupied today.

<TIAMAT> *Teal blinks at him, face coloring a bit more, and he clears his throat again. "Perhaps...you're right, Major. These past few weeks have been very ... *searches for the word* ... perplexing."

<JETMODE> <Lao> I can only imagine. *faint smile* It has been, to say the least, distracting. But at least the damage was minimal.

<TIAMAT> *Teal: Damage ... ah. Yes. That is fortunate. *long pause* Major, have you ever been unsure as to whether someone is ... a friend or not?

<JETMODE> <Lao> *blinks, tilting his head* In Spathi, Baron, friends are not so prized as allies. I believe, though, that I understand what you mean. *pauses* Is it her release that concerns you?

<TIAMAT> *Teal looks a little surprised. "What? No -- no! Her release doesn't concern me--" He pauses again, almost thoughtfully. "I'm just...not sure...where to go from here. ... If anywhere."

<JETMODE> *Lao pauses again, briefly, as he attempts to put two and two together. "Have you had any contact with her since your return? I know very little of what happened, but I understand you came back as allies more than enemies."

<TIAMAT> *Teal hesitates, then nods. "That...is true. Yes, you could say that. To answer your question...no, I haven't seen her...since her release. ... The problem is...I honestly am not sure whether I want to or not."

<JETMODE> <Lao> *mouth twitches slightly* Ah.. in this situation.. *pauses again* I can only think that there must be something unresolved for it to absorb you so, Baron. The only way to find peace, I would assume, is to resolve what is unresolved.

<TIAMAT> *Teal gives him a slightly doubtful look. "Yes...I suppose...that would be best. *small frown* *to himself* I'm not even sure where to find her..."

<JETMODE> <Lao> Her quarters seem a likely place. *smiles briefly* They are on file. I understand, though, that she has been seen walking the halls around here of late.

<TIAMAT> *Teal glances quickly at Lao, arching an eyebrow. "Is that so? You mean, in the guard compounds?"

<JETMODE> <Lao> *nod* Several guards have seen her ... *amused* They wish to implement stronger security.

<TIAMAT> *Teal frowns. "Well, she isn't causing a disturbance, is she?"

<JETMODE> <Lao> No, Baron. *arches an eyebrow* I am certain you would have heard about it sooner if she had.

<TIAMAT> *Teal nods briefly. "Of course -- well, there's no law that forbids citizens of the Arena from visiting the compounds...but, ah...perhaps I will talk to her myself..." He trails off a little, looking thoughtful and a bit distracted.

<JETMODE> <Lao> *bows slightly* Perhaps that would be best. I am certain she means no harm.

<TIAMAT> *Teal nods absently. "No, I'm sure she doesn't..." He blinks, straightening suddenly and looking back at Lao. "Thank you...for your ... advice ... Major."

<JETMODE> <Lao> Ah.. of course, Baron. *forehead wrinkles slightly* If you could sign the report, sir.. I will.. pretend that you read it. *smiles again*

<TIAMAT> *Teal, a little startled: Ah? Oh! Of -- of course. I apologize.. *He flips quickly to the back of the report and signs it, handing it delicately back to Lao.

<JETMODE> *Lao takes it back. "Thank you, Baron. I will be going."

<TIAMAT> *Teal nods. "Ah...yes. Thank you, Major."

<JETMODE> *Lao bows again, then takes his leave.