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Off the Deep End, Part 1

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Alexios Carras was one of a half dozen administrators in charge of making sure things ran smoothly on Tau Delta. Although it wasn't one of the largest our-system installations it was one of the longest in function and the orbital still got a fair amount of commercial traffic from the spiral arm going to-and-from the inner systems. Alexios, or Alex as he preferred was among the majority of admins in that he was a Human, with the exception of systems admin Vliir, who was a short, think gray-skinned Voljoi, one of the few alien races Humanity had discovered in its expansion across the Galaxy. Also among the majority, Alex was on his first administrative assignment but, unlike the majority, he was the only member of the team under thirty Teran years of age.

AETHERCorp, the galaxy-spanning exploration and colonization corporation had hand-picked him as a graduate of Farlight University to serve aboard the space station as a Xenologist; his job was to ensure that the many different races there collaborated effectively and that morale was maintained despite possible social strains and cultural disagreements. Alex loved his job and, considering he had plenty of experience dealing with a diverse group of peers (he went to classes with a four-foot-at-the-shoulder four-legged female lupine Geneticon) and so upper management considered him qualified.

Alex spent the first two years aboard Tau Delta learning how the station operated and how the staff got along (or, in some cases, failed to). By his third year, the young man was already implementing sweeping changes to staffing resource decisions, revising long-established systems norms, and correcting long-time disparate treatment for different races. Despite how widespread the systemic policies were, Alex knew that not all Geneticons had the same needs and, considering the genetically created animal folk made up easily 30% of the station population, that left a lot of room for improvement.

There was some pushback from different parts of the station, but Vliir, the station manager, supported him. Alex knew that the Voljoi deferred to him based on past performance, but also because the Human had grown up in Farlight, one of the more fringe settlements out of the Rho system. By itself, that may not have been an incredible feat, but the City Administrator, Daniel Fores, had been selected to guide the colony by AETHERCorp's CEO directly and, for that, the Canine Genticon was considered something of a golden child-- some of that apparently rubbed off on Alex.

During his first three years on Tau Delta, Alex learned that Daniel Fores had actually been stationed there himself early in his career. The King Shepherd was in his mid sixties when Alex left for Tau Delta and had been serving as an administrator for Farlight for almost four decades, but the young man still occasionally came across files that had the Dog referenced; things did not evolve quickly on the station, and that was another thing Alex had dedicated himself to changing.

Making his way along the central concourse on the commercial district of the station, Alex spent much of his time nodding to employees and contractors alike; he had spent a lot of his time on his position improving the working lives of both. With a large population of Genticons, Alex prided himself on being able to work with any of the animal-folk, but he also took the time to learn as much about the cultures of the Voljoi, Cytkus, and Gorumn as possible. He liked to think that he was well-regarded by most of the crew, even if the vast majority of visitors had no idea who he was. That suited him quite well since he didn't do what he did for notoriety.

The central concourse of the station's plaza was an enormous mall with six levels of shops; a collection of four large glass lifts on a central column operated in the center so that travelers could easily go from one level to any other, but Alex was content to spend his time on the lowest level-- the majority of those most in need of attention were usually there. While any member of the station crew could visit any level of the plaza, the more expensive goods and services tended to be on the higher levels and so it wasn't uncommon to encounter staff or visitors who could benefit from his intervention on the bottom floor.

As the young man strolled around, he caught sight of a figure reclining against a wall in an alley between two shops and he made his way over. The lighting on the bottom floor was no less as bright as the higher levels, but its modified shade to better account for the treatment of microbes gave everything a faint lavender huge-- all except for the figure wrapped in fabric in the alley-- they had an almost teal sheen to them, making Alex aware that something was very much 'not right'.

Approaching the individual sitting in the alley, the Human slowly reached out. "Hey... everything alright?"

Alex pulled his hand back with a start as the figure sprang into action, leaping into air and falling back away from him. Even before the released synthetic cloth hit the ground the Human found himself squaring off against a Kangaroo Geneticon. The young man knew that marsupial Geneticons were rare for a number of reasons and, most of those that were created were selected for a specific purpose: they were bred and trained for war. She stared him down with smokey blue eyes, her paws held in a warding position, defensive while somehow appearing ready to spring at him in a moment's notice. Her voice was just as forward. "Who in the hell? State your purpose, Human... now."

Alex sprang back in surprise, holding his hands up, palms out to show he meant no threat. "Woah... hold on. I saw you laying against the wall and it looked like you might need some help. I only came to see if you--"

Her eyes narrowed. "Help? You think I need help?

The Human offered a plaintive shrug and presented a good-humored smile. "Most people hanging around down here don't do it for fun."

The Kangaroo's off-blue eyes studied him for a time before she spoke again, her stance even, muscles clenched as if preparing for trouble. "You didn't answer my question. Who are you, Human?"

Alex remained where he was, slowly returning to a more normal posture since his surprise had passed. Offering a welcoming smile, the young man held out a hand. "Alex. Alex Carras. I'm one of Tau Delta's Junior Administrators."

She didn't seem to like his answer. "What would an administrator be doing down here slinking through the shadows?"

It was a fair question, especially considering it was one he wanted to ask her, but he kept his response casual and calm. "I work to keep employee satisfaction high, and maintain morale. It's my job to find people who need help."

The Kangaroo scoffed. "Doesn't sound like something most corporations would do."

Alex offered a much more genuine smile. "You're right... that's why I work for AETHERCorp-- the executives here care enough to keep me employed."

She didn't seem to share his sense of humor. "You didn't explain what you want from me."

The young man held his hands up reassuringly. "I did! I wanted to see if you needed help. You know... you're... not a usual Geneticon, are you? Not only are you a marsupial, but most Geneticons are a little more friendly when it comes to Humans trying to help."

She didn't open up much, the faintest hint of a smirk quirking up the edge of her muzzle. "Friendly? Are you confusing it with 'stupid', Mr Carras... considering you're wandering around in the shadows looking to help people. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"

Smirking, Alex nodded. "Actually, yes. It's my job to track crime, injuries, and malfunctions across the station. Floor one of the concourse is actually one of the safer public areas on Tau D--"

When he saw that she wasn't impressed with his data he fell silent, and she spoke right up again. "If you're administration, what's your clearance level?"

That kind of question usually got a strange look and some extra attention from security, but Alex knew that she would have been identified and tagged for suspicion if she was going to be any trouble. In order to put her at ease he felt no reason to be evasive. "Administration. I have S4 clearances as well, but Director Vliir can approve me for S3 if need be. Why do you ask?"

Rather than answer his return question, the Kangaroo Geneticon slowly slid out of her combat stance. "You work with Vliir?"

Alex nodded in response. "He's my direct supervisor..." he paused, then followed up with an attempt at another question. "You're not assigned to Tau Delta, are you? You're obviously not an AETHERCorp employee..."

She reached down to grab the synth cloth that had originally fallen off her when she leapt back, but her eyes remained on Alex the entire time. "I'm here on a... freelance basis. I'm not officially assigned to this station, but I have... arrangements in place with Administrator Vliir."

Alex smirked, hazarding a joke. "And you you think I'M the suspicious one."

She certainly didn't seem to apprecaite it. Scowling, she countered back. "You didn't answer my original question, Mr. Carras-- who told you where to find me?"

The young man was taken aback by the question. "Told me? No one. I saw you from across the way-- under the decontamination lights you were glowing... let me guess... you were using a phasic dampener."

The Kangaroo's eyes opened a little wider, her eyes raising, all but confirming the Human's guess. "How did you know?"

Alex motioned up at the violent colored lighting. "The lower level is filled with decontamination lighting-- it makes you stand out like a sore thumb if you're using a phasic dampener. Great stealth trick in most cases-- not so much here."

She snorted dejectedly, stowing an item in one of her front pouches; she stopped shimmering. "Who even uses DCLs these days?"

The Human shrugged. "This station's been around a few decades... some things work well enough they haven't bothered replacing them."

The Kangaroo woman folded her arms across her chest, staring him down. "So... what is it you want, Mr. Carras?"

Alex was taken aback yet again by he insistence. "What do you mean? I already told you that I came by to see if you needed help."

Her ear flicked, expression remaining unchanged. "You want to know who I am and who I work for..."

The young man smirked. "Even if I did, would you even tell me if I asked?"

She didn't seem to appreciate the humor. "I would have to verify your identity if you did... you told me who you are and who you work for, but you haven't proven anything to me yet."

Alex's hands raised again disarmingly. "Well... I AM a Resource Coordinator... it's my JOB to know who people are and what they're doing... that's the best way to make sure everyone gets along and things run smoothly. Why? Don't you have a RC where you're usually stationed?"

Her ear flicked again; he was starting to think it was an indication that she was frustrated.

"A Resource Coordinator, huh? No... like I said: that's a new one. I've never met anyone with that title before. I don't have a RC where I'm usually stationed. I work... independently. But I do have connections, people who keep an eye out for me."

The Human nodded. "Not exactly a RC, but it's good to have someone like tha--"

He froze when she stepped up and grabbed him by the arm. Up close, she was a good three inches taller than him, but she lowered her head down so she could look him in the eye, her voice lowering as she stated "I know you don't appreciate what you're facing, but you're getting close to learning something you shouldn't know. Something that could get you hurt... or worse. You should consider walking away... Alex."

The informal use of his first name was the only thing that left him with the impression that she wasn't purposefully trying to threaten him... and that was enough to keep him intrigued. He rubbed at his sore bicep when she released him-- considering her strength she was likely augmented with bioware or cyberware. "AETHERCorp tries to minimize risk... that's why we have a security team. I presume you checked in with them?"

She responded flatly "I spoke with Director Vliir."

Alex nodded, taking a step to the side so he could lean against a nearby wall. "You know, you haven't even told me YOUR name yet. If you're not from around here then you must have a handler at AETHERCorp... who do you report to? Is it Vliir?"

The Kangaroo straightened up even further, her long legs granting her another few inches to her height as she stared Alex down. "My code name is Velvet... and I don't report to anyone at AETHERCorp. At least, not directly. Director Vliir is my contact, but that's where the AETHERCorp connection ends. I have.... arrangements There are people who know me, know what I do, ut I'm not beholden to any corporation or organization. I operate on my own terms. Now... before you find out anything else, it's YOUR turn. I want proof of who YOU are... more than just words."

The young man realized that she was likely more dangerous than she appeared and, again trusting that station security wouldn't have let her access the communal area without vetting her, complied. Drawing out his Personal Communication Device, the young man held it out to her, pressing the ID button. "There you go... PCD registered to Alexios Carras. See? That's me."

Velvet glanced down at it without accepting it herself; he put it away when she offered a curt nod. "And I think we've talked enough, Alex. I want to know what's behind your curiosity. What do you really want?"

Alex sighed. "I've told you three times, and I'll tell you again: my job is to figure out what you want, Velvet. I'm supposed to see to station morale. If you're trying to debrief me you won't do much asking the same question again and again."

His slightly snarky tone must have registered with the Kangaroo and her eyes narrowed faintly.... and then she turned her back, heading further into the space between the two buildings with a dismissive "Very well then."

The Human stood where he was, reacting to her comment. "'Very well'? What do you mean 'Very well'?"

The Kangaroo glanced at the walls of the alley and the lip at the top of the building to her right-- it was about twenty foot overhead. She spoke as she eyed it. "You've piqued my interest. You may inquire about my presence here, but remember, not everything I do or know should be shared. However, by the end of our interaction today, I expect that I will have proven that you aren't a threat to my mission. Are we understood?"

Before Alex could respond, the Kangaroo lowered herself to the ground, kicked off with her long, powerful legs, and easily sprang up into the air, latching onto the building roof one level up. Rather than answering her question, he called up. "You know... we have a lift you could use..."

She didn't relent her moody responses in the least. "Then use it and meet me up here. I have no faith in monitoring systems-- they can be used just as easily by hackers as they can by security personnel."

Sighing, Alex went back to the central column, his mind working overtime to try and figure out how to get the rather eclectic Kangaroo woman to relax. He still didn't have a good plan when he made his way toward where he'd last seen her; she didn't appear to be there but Alex was willing to bet that she was still up to her tricks. "Speaking of security, Ms. Vevet..."

There was a shimmer as she deactivated her phasic dampener, making it easier for him to see her in the shadows. "What about security?"

He gestured back toward the central column. "If you're new to Tau Delta then you probably haven't had a chance to be assigned any quarters yet... did you at least check in with security?"

He was surprised that his question got a faint chuckle from her. "Ah, no, I haven't checked in with security... yet."

Alex nodded patiently. "Okay... So that probably means you haven't been assigned quarters for your stay."

Velvet stared at him as if he were daft. "I'm not looking for any. I have arrangements elsewhere."

The young man sighed. "That means you probably came in on your own ship then."

The glance he got from her, coupled with the twitch of her ear suggested that he was onto something. Rather than confirm or deny his assessment she challenged him. "Tell me, what makes you so eager to help?"

Alex smiled at the question, hoping that humor would stand some chance at attempting to disarm her. "Well... based on how much of a threat you seem to think you are, maybe it's because I have no sense of self-preservation?"

Although his comment was enough to get an eyebrow and both ears raised from her, he clenched the deal with a wink to indicate his humor, and he very nearly got a smirk from the Kangaroo woman. She managed to hide it well with a blunt "You are a strange, strange man, Mr Carras, but I presume you know that already."

He took that as a compliment. "Thank you, Ms Velvet... but, honestly, it's because it's my job... and I like my job. I like helping others. Tau Delta is a civic station, which means people need to get along."

The statement got an eyebrow raised, indicating at her surprise and, if he wasn't mistaken, a hint of approval in her expression. "Ah, I see. You're a rare breed, Alex... and not just because of your death wish."

At least she was willing to jest with him; Alex considered that a win. "So... are you willing to let me help you yet then? Can you tell me why you're here?"

She offered a succinct nod, moving along the outer wall of the concourse, remaining a good distance from the central walking area as she continued to eye the structures around her. "I suppose you have already determined that my being here is not just a casual visit. I'm searching for information. A... lost artifact, if you will."

Alex had been a huge fan of mysteries when he grew up on Farlight-- several of his friends were also big game players and they had a variety of escape rooms, follow-the-clues, and mystery activities that they spent hours on, wiling away the long days of colony life. Despite how much time had passed, he hadn't lost that fire. "An artifact? Well... we do have a lot of fleet traffic here... we're pretty far out on the spiral arm so there's a fair number of explorers and the like that pass through. I mean what I said about wanting to help though... let me know what you're looking for and I can do a station scan to see if I can find out more."

She grunted, her expression still neutral despite his announcement that he would help. "I'm looking for a... relic from an ancient civilization. A data crystal, to be precise. It contains lost technology from a fallen empire... likely a weapon of great power, and the System Defense Initiative doesn't want it falling into the wrong hands."

That statement made Alex pause. "You work for the SDI?"

She glanced at him out of the corner of his eye. "I said the SDI doesn't want it falling into the wrong hands-- I never said I worked for the SDI." She continued on despite his interruptions. "I've reason to believe the data crystal might have passed through Tau Delta recently. Do you think you help me track it down?"

Alex pulled out his PCD and began typing away. "I have a few thoughts as to how we might get more info... sure. Give me just a few moments..."

Velvet waited impatiently, her voice taking on a distinct edge. "Time is of the essence. The wrong hands getting hold of this artifact could have catastrophic consequences."

The Human nodded, still typing away on his electronic device. "Usually anything like that would have to make it through customs or transported illegally as contraband. Do you have a picture or a scan or a holo of it that I could see?"

The Kangaroo nodded, reaching for a small pouch on her belt and she pulled out a miniature holo projector. Flicking her thumb against the control panel on the side, she held her paw flat and a transparent hologram appeared floating in the air above it, depicting an intricately carved crystal with strange symbols all over the exterior. Velvet then explained "This is all I have to go on. It's a low-resolution scan of the data crystal's exterior casing. The glyphs are a cipher of some kind, probably stamped using a long-dead dialect of what my sources believe to be Cytkian... but it is most likely the key to use for deciphering the crystal's contents."

Alex considered what she was telling him and, after very little hesitation he held his hand out. "Can I get a copy of the scan?"

She eyed him warily. "Why?"

The Human tried not to be insulted by her distrust; she was a covert operative and she was essentially in the dark about him aside from the brief view of his ID. "I'd like to try and verify whether this symbol has been seen or scanned through Tau Delta's systems. If it has, I want to know who accessed it and when. Things like this don't just pass through security checkpoints without rigorous review."

Velvet shrugged, holding out the interface so Alex could sync it with his PCD. "Don't try to open the attached data file regarding the cipher. Whatever it is, the crystal is heavily encrypted. Whoever gets their hands on it will need to be able to bypass top-tier security protocols."

Alex nodded his affirmation. "It's alright-- nothing to worry about there I'm no code breaker so I'm not going to try. What I AM going to do is take a copy of the scan and forward it to Director Vliir... he should be able to help."

The Kangaroo raised an eyebrow, her lengthy, curled ears rotating in doubt. "I was given permission to operate on the station, Mr. Carras, not to use the administration. I don't have requisition clearance."

The Human shrugged in response. "Well, technically you didn't requisition anything... I offered to help, remember?" He offered her a smile, which she responded to with a nod of her head. Punching a few more buttons into the PCD he started the transfer over a secured line. "Director Vliir is a Voljoi-- he knows his stuff. If anyone knows how to track something down on the station it'd be him. He's driven, dedicated, and no-nonsense... reminds me a lot of you, in fact."

The Kangaroo, who had been watching the keystrokes as he completed the transfer, looked back up at him. "A Voljoi? You're saying a Voljoi reminds you of a Geneticon? Which of us should be insulted?"

Although she spoke blandly, Alex couldn't help but think that she was joking. Taking that as a good sign, the Human added "Professionalism, I mean... and being focused on the goal. He doesn't have any fur though... and you're taller."

He hadn't been wrong about her when he realized that she had to fight back a smile at his jest. The expression was there for a split second before she looked away, eyes scanning some far off concern. "I believe Administrator Vliir may be useful then... presuming he is willing to work with us. Voljoi are so unpredictable."

The fact that Velvet included Alex in her plans wasn't lost to him; was she perhaps finally willing to consider him an ally? He decided to push the issue. "Alright... file sent. What else can I do to help?"

Her eyes returned to him, examining him closely, shrewd attention appraising his question. "Tell me, Alex... what's your connection to Tau Delta? And to Administrator Vliir, for that matter?"

He felt no need to lie. "I've been here for about three years in the same position-- my contract is for ten years, so I have seven to go. As the RC on the station I make sure morale stays high and people work together well. Administrator Vliir is my direct supervisor-- he oversees the head of pretty much every department on board and--"

A beep from his PCD cut him short and he looked down to the message. Velvet's cloudy gray eyes observed him with interest. "What is it?"

Alex used the interface to pull up the message he received. "Let me see.... okay...

The Kangaroo took a step closer. "Something interesting?"

The Human took a step back to keep her from crowding him. "It's a big file... oh!" He paused, realizing that it was Velvet's personnel file; Administrator Vliir sent it to him with directions to provide her the assistance she required. He turned his PCD so she could view it. "It's a copy of your file... nice picture."

Velvet didn't seem to agree. "I was having a bad fur day. Now what else is in the message?"

Alex looked back at the accompany message from the Administrator. "Apparently your higher ups sent it on ahead so the station security wouldn't give you any trouble. Administrator Vliir said that you have free clearance to go wherever you need... and he assigned me as your attache. He also says that he forwarded your scan up the chain of command to our CEO. If anyone can help, it'll be him."

The Kangaroo Geneticon raised an eyebrow and both her ears. When her response came out it held a hint of a chiding tone to it. "CEO-level clearance? I honestly didn't expect any corporation to be so... accommodating."

The Human smiled in response. "I told you we'd be able to help."

She flicked an ear, the levity disappearing almost instantly. "I've had a lot of experience with corporations... I suppose I should be grateful, but I realize there's a catch. At that high a level there's always a catch."

The young man shrugged. "I couldn't say. Our CEO started AETHERCorp awhile back specifically because he wanted a force for good in the galaxy... maybe he thinks that your cause is worthwhile? Either way... if you have clearance here that must mean that you're someone we should help."

Alex was surprised when a smirk tugged at the corner of her muzzle as she met his gaze. Her cloudy gray eyes shed just a glint of humor and just a touch of mischief. "Ah... a force for good in the galaxy? Well that's an ambitious goal. The motives of most high level executives aren't as straight forward as they seem... please forgive me if I overtly doubt corporate altruism."

Velvet, after saying her piece, turned, and headed toward a side hallway that led away from the main concourse; Alex moved to follow. "So... now what?"

She paused, glancing back at him. "What do you mean? Now, I continue my search."

The Human continued after her. "I already said, Administrator Vliir is--" his statement was interrupted when his PCD went off.

Velvet stopped immediately, turning to regard him. "What now?"

Smiling, Alex turned the screen around so he could show her. "Looks like that crystal of yours IS here on the station. We got a hit on the scanner."

The Kangaroo's ears raised and her powerful tail thwacked against the hallway floor. "Is it now? And where did your system locate it, pray tell?"

Alex saw the anticipatory gleam in her eye as she zeroed in on his PCD, as if staring hard enough would reveal the screen on the opposite side to her. He quickly pulled up the navigation program and gestured to a smaller side hall. "This way-- it's actually on this floor at a security check point."

She gestured to him. "You have the map. I am right beside you."

Although the young man was in fine physical condition (the executive gym onboard was well worth using), Velvet kept pace with him as if he were crawling, her athletic body made for movement. He maintained a steady pace, moving quickly, glancing to his PCD to make sure they were on the correct route. If they hadn't been in a hurry he would have gone back to the main concourse, but he also knew time was of the essence. "It's just up ahead."

There was a distinct change in her demeanor, a slightly wild look to her eye, as if expectations were high and patience was low. Even as she kept pace with him she spoke without the slightest indication that she was winded. "Leads can be so... tantalizing,"

The air was thick as Alex led them adjacent to a processing center; he saw out of the corner of his eye that several of the doors were closing and at intersections emergency yield monitors were flassing for pedestrians in adjacent halls. Although he'd been on board Tau Delta for several years he did not see them get much use, but he couldn't help but feel a little giddy at the support they were receiving.

Velvet also noticed them. "Who do we have to thank for the clear path: the Director, or this 'good guy' CEO of whom you speak so highly?

Alex smiled. "Probably the CEO-- he takes interest in the strangest things, which makes sense I suppose, seeing as he's an Artificial Personality Program."

The Kangaroo almost missed a step, but was fast enough that it hardly slowed her down. "An AP? Running a corporation?"

He slowed, nearing the security checkpoint. "Yep. A.L.V.I.N. Parker is the CEO of AETHERCorp, and he's an AP. He's specifically skilled at translation, so I guess the symbols on your artifact were easy for him to understand. It's the schematics for some kind of dooms day weapon, and apparently the people who stole it know what it's for... so he's giving us the best chance of stopping them."

Alex noticed her fingers clench, blunted claws flexing as she did so. Velvet's words were firm, but not accusatory. "Programmed Personalities are risky... A.L.V.I.N. Parker evidently carries substantial weight in securing AETHERCorp's interests, but how can you be sure of his motives?"

The young man shrugged. "The same could be asked of a naturally occuring individual." He paused at an intersection. "Okay... the security checkpoint is to the right."

He proceeded forward, only to have his wrist grabbed by his traveling companion; Velvet yanked him back from the intersection just in time for a charged blast of energy to sizzle through the air where he would have been had she not intervened. She hissed at him "You idiot! Don't you recognize the sound of a charge shot pistol powering up?!"

Alex, of course, did not and, even if he did, his ears were nowhere near as keen as hers. Regardless, he didn't really have time to argue with her about the near-death experience as she pushed him further into cover and sprang into action while a full on firefight erupted in the adjoining hallway. The young man remained in the side passage, catching a glimpse of her as she acted with surreal speed; he recognized the shift in her movement when cybernetic enhancements must have kicked in as she became a blur.

With a swift, fluid motion, Velvet disappeared out of his view. He heard the sound of three more charge blasts and all three of them crackled past the hallway. Alex heard the sound of security shouting, calling for back up, and he could also make out the voice of several Gorumn, their incredibly deep voices barking out in their native language-- one that PCDs often had difficulty translating at a distance due to all of the vowels.

Hanging close to the wall, Alex hazarded a quick glance into the hall, taking in the sight of two security officers pinned down by one Gorumn gunman, two more of the green space Orcs fighting hand-to-hand with Velvet; the young man was astouded to see that she was holding her own. A fourth Gorumn was making his way toward the security check point counter where a small crystal lay, seated in the open. Realizing that Velvet was already at her limit with two combattants and the security team couldn't do anything about the fourth Gorumn, Alex swallowed his fear, and did the unthinkable.

He honestly didn't know what went through the Gorumn's head when a thrown shoe collided with his face but, standing half hidden from the wall, Alex definitely saw the huge green man's death-glare expression. Crystal forgotten, the Gorumn came straight at him-- one minor victory, and one VERY big 140-ish kilogram setback.