Closed [Ino Vations]To catch a poisoner[Inoadar]

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde could not help it. His annoyance at Nolan was growing, as the man further aggravated him by showing off, making veiled threats or references, and going about as if he was better than Clyde. Perhaps he did not mean it as such, but such was how Clyde took it. He had been willing to let bygones be bygones, but... But now perhaps not, if he was attempting to manipulate Clyde. It was the act of manipulation, attempting to control Clyde and take control of the situation, control what happened and when the meeting ended, that he felt was the largest affront on his own power. "As I said, I do not wish to withhold anything from you...sir..." "...but you are not who I answer to. Nor will I say anything of who it IS I answer to. Nor will sulking or badgering bring me to give a reaction that might suggest one family or another. I would assume you have the connections necessary to find this information for yourself." "And if you do NOT, then that is surely by the designs of your superiors." “Or perhaps, as you have perhaps not considered, it is because I am freshly returned to Ravok, and so have not had the time to look into every bit of detail, not due to a lack of ability to find out such things upon my desire. I have not yet taken a personal interest in you, even with what happened before, though if I find a need to, I will.” Clyde paused for a moment, feeling a surge of power within Cha, mirrored by a surge of barely restrained anger within himself. “Do I have a need to? Perhaps if you don't want to speak of something, you shouldn't bring it up in an attempt to show off your own knowledge over mine. Don't try to turn this upon me, I am here on official duty. I came here on Ebonstryfe work. It was my job, nothing personal. Though you seem dangerously close to making it so.” "I will not ask you then to reveal anything to ME, then. I have said nothing about it thus far, but I have noted indications of scrutiny on your part. That's fine. I can understand that you are not likely to take anything I say at face value. But I'm not going to concern myself with that to the point of betraying any recent promises just to try and please you." “You petching face scrutiny, because I was sent here to petching scrutinize you and your business! Of course I'm going to scrutinize you and what you say, its my job! That was made clear up front. Though I was trying to make it a civil affair.” As he turned from Clyde to the door, it was clear what he meant, a show of power, giving Clyde an opening to end things there, or a designation to do so. Putting things back into his own terms, and with him in a position of decision. A further sign of disrespect to Clyde, by trying to take control. "I will go so far as to say that I have higher placed obligations than you now. If you choose not to believe this, it will only confirm that you still strive to find the worst way of looking at my words and actions. Well, I have been in the Black Hole, interrogated by Ematho himself. Your displeasure is notably less threatening." Clyde couldn't help letting out a laugh, though at this point the annoyance at Nolan was still showing, and audible in the somewhat forced laugh. “Do not suppose to know who I am, what I am, or what I am capable of, nor what I have been through. If you are going to use tales to make me fear, or to put me in my place, make sure you know who you are dealing with. You have seen but the least of me. Even I haven't see all that I could be. Quibbling. Utter quibbling. You aren't even marked by Rhysol, and you suppose to know what it is to be Chaon, to be of Rhysol.” Clyde recalled a far worse interrogation, that by Rhysol himself in another form, of the torture without expectations or chances to answer, of the pain, of his own mind and responses. Of the moment of clarity, of seeing, where suddenly the nonsense made sense and took on a clear form that could be made out. "Okay Clyde, what else must we do here, for your investigation that is? You want me to come right out and say that I still do not like you? Very well, consider it said. Do you then NOT want me to say that I still think we can work together in spite of it?" "Sorry, too late, I've already said it." "I did not mean to suggest I was going to be reporting on you. But truth is, even saying THAT is more than I should, as that would suggest that my duties do not include reporting on people. My duties are whatever I am instructed to do. And right now, they are to continue researching poisons, and reporting what is involved in THAT, which would include any assistance you offered. I am inclined to think that rather then being "reported on", you would be getting CREDIT for your help." Clyde laughed once more, spending almost half a chime, as Nolan spoke of credit. Credit earned, credit gained, a good word, a nod. Politics. “Do you think I truly care of credit? Do you think Rhysol cares of credit, of tossed bread crusts given as a reward for a loyal dog. Think beyond that. Think beyond yourself, and the petty politics of the families of Ravok. Do not focus on the actions, on this inspection, on my job, it is the end that matters. Didn't I already tell you that? Didn't you listen? All that matters is the end, and where that end is!” Clyde chuckled to himself for a few more moments, before glaring back at Nolan, anger in his eyes but laughter on his lips. “Now, I will ask you the ends, and you will tell me them, and we will forget about the middles. No fluff, no quibbling over who's had what happen to them, or who is the bigger petcher. Yes or no's, that's all I want here, and if I get anything else, I'll walk out of this building right now, right after I set it on fire. Do you understand me?” Clyde gave Nolan a moment to answer. If he answered with more than one word, Clyde would turn and walk out right then, as he'd promised. Assuming he didn't, and Clyde stayed, he'd ask a series of question in short order. “Do you know me?” “Do you wish to have me as your enemy?” “Are you willing to do what it takes to make me your ally?” “Are you ready to work for a greater purpose?” “Is there anything I should know about this facility that I don't know, that would lead me to questioning your carrying on in charge of it?” “Are you willing to follow my lead, and to stop trying to wrest control of this situation?” “Are you ready to die?” None of the questions were spoken with more or less emotion, carrying on with a neutral tone throughout. Even the last one was said as offhand as the others, not as a threat but simply another genuine question.

[Inoadar]

Inoadar stared in near disbelief. His oath to Valdinox, a petching Druvin of Rhysol, was about to be the indirect cause of his brand new shop, the one paid for BY that Druvin's family, being destroyed.

'The man flat out admits that he's only just returned. Yet he presumes to know all that matters, to justify this arrogance, regarding something he's only looking into for the first time.' Inoadar thought in disgusted incredulity. He quickly recalled the pertinent part of the discussion he'd had with the shadowy figure he'd known to be Valdinox herself...

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"You will have one season to make up for your shortcomings, else the entire bill will come due. And I trust I do not have to inform you of the penalty for non-payment, in full." her voice had carried no threatening tone. It had not needed to.

"And if my inability to pay, or complete a...function, is due to the deliberate and malicious interference of outside parties?" he'd responded, being more curious than concerned.

"Then you will not be held to have failed, of course. But, depending on the function, you may be asked to present proof that it WAS outside interference, and not just your own incompetence." She had answered, her voice demonstrating how obvious was the answer...

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He was not concerned about that. They would know Clyde had come back, they would know he'd come to 'New Ino Vations'. They would know he'd destroyed the shop. Inoadar could hope that THIS time, Clyde would take the blame he'd avoided somehow last time. And now, seeing him display this blatant desire to destroy the new shop, maybe the penalty for the last shop would be applied as well. 'What was it she said?...About the Ebonstryfe soldier, Isaak? Who'd been a nuisance?...'

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"Isaak?...I suggest a sort of immunity from this very sort of pressure as one of the side benefits of joining with us, as our own..."staff chemist", so to speak...I think you'll find that we have connections more suited to your sensibilities...and predicaments...He was certainly within his rights to drown his slave, when she was HIS. But if he was to pressure YOU again, you would find him paying you back with either a bonus, or a profound apology, the next day." her voice had then become quieter, but somehow heavier. "Doctor Parnell, we are not the fashionable face of Ravok, nor the armored gauntlet. We are the shadow, and the dagger hidden in it. And we would like your expertise dripping from that dagger. We will give you the freedom to make all the discoveries you want. But, while we will not seek to claim credit, we will want access!"

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As far as Inoadar was concerned, the limits Clyde was putting on his ability to answer these questions was either going to force him to betray his silence about their support, or force Clyde's hand into denying the Valdinox Druvin's family the "access" upon which they had just spent two thirds of a season and almost eight thousand mizas.

Well, Inoadar knew he was not about to betray his promise to the Druvin. Let Clyde destroy his shop. Let him justify his arrogance to a Druvin whose eight thousand mizas he's just torched. Inoadar grinned full in the mage's face. Maybe he was about to get that vengeance after all...

But at the same time, there was nothing in these questions that was forcing him to betray anything about his affiliation. Not yet anyway. And he HAD sworn not to let something like this occur from his own incompetence. 'Would letting Clyde do this, even as a result of his own arrogance, constitute MY incompetence?' he wondered to himself. He had to consider the possibility that the Valdinox would see it that way.

His grin faded. "Do you understand me?” the mage demanded. Inoadar stared for a moment, then nodded.

“Do you know me?” The poisoner looked puzzled for a few ticks, shrugged, and nodded.

“Do you wish to have me as your enemy?” Inoadar again stared for a few ticks. Then looked as though he was weighing the question for a few more. Finally, he shook his head 'no'.

“Are you willing to do what it takes to make me your ally?” Inoadar knew there was no way he could give an honest answer. If the Valdinox issued any instruction that contradicted Clyde's wishes, Inoadar would comply immediately, which would betray a 'yes' answer. He had no choice but to "violate" Clyde's rules and hope the man would indulge him. "As long as it does not conflict with my already existing alliance, yes."

If Clyde did not set fire to the shop right then and leave, Inoadar's answers would be a genuine "Yes." to the next one about pursuing a greater purpose.

A prolonged pause and a grit-toothed "No." to the one suggesting Clyde would dare to relieve him of authority over his own shop; one paid for and staffed by Inoadar by leave of a Druvin!

A heavy sigh, rolled eyes, a shake of the head, and a chuckled "Sure." over the suggestion that Inoadar needed to "wrest control" of his own shop, again, after being installed by one whose authority would step on Clyde like a bug.

And raised eyes for the last question, which again required a slight departure from the parameters imposed by Clyde on his answers. "For you, no...For Rhysol, or his servants, as determined by their descending levels of authority, of course!"

[Clyde Sullins]

Often Clyde did one thing, but meant another thing. Usually this was not clear up front, its full depth of meaning not made clear initially, but it might be through thinking about it afterword. At the same time he did things that seemed rude or odd or pointless, but in retrospect were quite wise, as they did exactly what Clyde intended, in fact often did more than Clyde directly intended. Perhaps it was in part due to his nature as a chaon, but he seemed ever more often to use such tactics, to use things that were in their nature a lie of themselves, or a lie of their seeming or implied meaning, when in truth another one was apparent. This was one of such cases. Initially it seemed he was simply exerting his own force, trying to force Nolan to do as he asked. But it was in Clyde's mind more about forcing the situation and conversation back on track. Also in retrospect, after the initial threat and appeasement of said threat, it was a means of clipping things so that Nolan could answer in a way that if spoken truthfully did not impinge upon anything else. It was more about the words, and less about the answers. Less about the questions, and more about the ends. When he nodded to his first question, of his terms, Clyde set into his other questions. “Do you know me?” To this Nolan answered with a shrug, and then finally a nod. Likely a more honest answer. Honestly he did not truly think Nolan understood or knew him. Perhaps he thought he did, but Clyde was not one so easy to understand. “Do you wish to have me as your enemy?” The fact that he took time to answer this one, spoke volumes beyond his words. In the end he answered no, the clear choice of what he would say. But then, it was not about his answers, not truly when he could not totally trust what he said. It was all about the ends. “Are you willing to do what it takes to make me your ally?” "As long as it does not conflict with my already existing alliance, yes." Clyde shook his head, letting this pass, though it was defeating the purpose of the entire exercise to an extent. More quibbling. Nolan seemed full of it. He seemed unwilling to play along, and that was half of what Clyde was testing, his ability to follow orders and do as he was told. Something that if tested while doing magic, and failed, could lead to either or both of their deaths. These questions were as much a test of his ability to conform, which was of the most immediate importance. “Are you ready to work for a greater purpose?” "Yes." “Is there anything I should know about this facility that I don't know, that would lead me to questioning your carrying on in charge of it?” Clyde could feel for a moment the same abrasiveness deep in his sound, the off peak roll of the note. In the end he said one thing, though it appeared he deeply wished to say another. "No." “Are you willing to follow my lead, and to stop trying to wrest control of this situation?” The next one was more derisive. Though considering his other answers, it was not totally unexpected. His asking of if he would allow Clyde to take control of this investigation, and to stop bucking him and trying to take over, was a clear one. But though his answer was in a half hearted affirmative, it said much more than the actual words. "Sure." “Are you ready to die?” This question was more of a personal question, while at the same time testing his honesty. While he had sensed many things from this man, a desire to die was not one of them. Neither did he see him as having had much combat experience. And that was the only crucible by which such a question could truly be answered. In the midst of a life or death battle, where both sides risked dying, and where both sides fought tooth and nail to survive. Only then did one truly see ones desire to live. But once more his answer spoke volumes. "For you, no...For Rhysol, or his servants, as determined by their descending levels of authority, of course!" Clyde shook his head, letting out a sigh. “I am sorry to say that you have miserably failed this last test. Not due to your answers, those were meaningless. Petch, half of them cannot even truly be answered unless the situation truly calls for it or forces it. As if you can truly know whether or not you want to die, unless death is before you, and the choice must be made. Anything else is but idle words and recanted philosophy.” “No, this was simply a test of your ability to follow orders, to answer as I indicated, regardless of what said answer was. And that you have failed. How can I trust you to do as needed, if in this instance you can't even answer questions yes or no like I asked?” “In magic, when I give a specific order, a specific task or way or word, it is to be followed to the letter. Because in magic if you do not do exactly as said, when said, as said, there is a good chance it could get one or both of us killed. You want me to aid you using magic, and yet you can't even follow the simplest of strictures.” Perhaps if the previous test had not made his need in this instance for obedience clear, his explanation of the dangers of magic would. Clyde let out a sigh, at this point his anger having cooled. Where he had previously felt a deep seated heat roiling, now he felt a slow warm churning, which was quickly slowing and cooling to a even melange. “Anyways... If we are to do the summoning, we will need to have certain equipment. It is not safe to physically touch the Vilemoss, or to breath in near it. So we will need equipment to protect us from touching or breathing in the whatevers. And we will need something to reach through the gateway with, to pull out the sample. And I suppose somewhere to safely store it. Though I am unsure how long it will last, so perhaps it will need to immediately be treated.” “So anyways, we simply need a room large enough for us to fit in, along with the gateway, where we will not be disturbed, and where we won''t have people walking in and such. I will open the gateway, you will handle the VIlemoss.” Clyde made a shooing gesture, implying for him to lead the way to a place for them to summon at, and to get the required things Clyde had indicated.

[Inoadar]

Clyde's anger may have cooled, but Inoadar's surged at the mage's criticism. He narrowed his eyes as he waited for him to finish, "Okay smart guy, Let's not forget you did not ask me if I WANTED to die, you asked if I was READY to die. And I am, right here and now, if you wish. And I don't believe for a chime that you are "sorry" to say that I failed. For your "test"..." he spat the word, "...was nothing but your usual manipulative shyke. And I say again, I have orders that prevent me from accommodating your oh-so-superior agenda anymore than I did. To have done so would have TRULY shown I can not follow orders."

He stepped from the office and stopped to turn back, his foot poised to slam the door shut in a heartbeat, if necessary. "Now, I believe you came here for an investigation. If you came for some other reason, then you have no business faulting me for supposedly stalling it. But if you came specifically for that reason, then get on with it! I answered your self-aggrandizing questions as clearly as I am allowed. If it is not good enough, then do whatever your threats require you to do, to salve your pride. But understand, if you take such a drastic step, I WILL be REQUIRED to report it. Unless it is your intent to defy the will of the servants of the god you supposedly serve."

Anger had hold of him firmly now. "I have tried to explain myself, so you'd realize that we do not NEED to be enemies, but you just seem to be unwilling to have it any other way. Now, If I'd KNOWN this had to do with whether or not I have the ability to follow orders, immediately, and without question, where matters of magic are concerned, you should say so, because otherwise, you are a fool to think I will answer vaguely directed questions, posed for uncertain purpose, by one who overtly continues to embrace my humiliation."

"Don't forget, once you and your vastly unsurpassed mastery of all things magic has once again graced the world with its incomparable magnificence..." Inoadar's voice sang with contemptuous sarcasm. "...you will THEN be deferring to MY expertise, and MY ORDERS as the master POISON crafter..." he feigned a sudden innocence, "Oh, I mean, this 'Vilemoss' IS a toxin, isn't it? Right? A poison...you know...the same as in the words "POISON...crafter?"

He dropped the innocent facade, "So are YOU going to be able to stomach such a thought, SIR? Having to do what I order? Should I now impose MY OWN loaded questionnaire upon you; one specifically designed to give me cause to question your most fundamental competence? If you want me to aid you in an endeavor involving a toxin, you had best be prepared to follow MY orders without question as well. I fully acknowledge your superior status in magic. But now I want you to admit that you need MY aid with the toxic aspect of this; and that this designates us equals. Either that or finish your "investigation" and leave."

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde simply shook his head at Nolan's answer, a small grin at the man. A fact of his own acceptance of the man, and his being agreeable, was that he called him by the name he preferred, that of Nolan, instead of calling him by his true name that he had revealed. Apparently though he did not notice this small kind act of secrecy keeping. "Okay smart guy, Let's not forget you did not ask me if I WANTED to die, you asked if I was READY to die. And I am, right here and now, if you wish. And I don't believe for a chime that you are "sorry" to say that I failed. For your "test"..." "...was nothing but your usual manipulative shyke. And I say again, I have orders that prevent me from accommodating your oh-so-superior agenda anymore than I did. To have done so would have TRULY shown I can not follow orders." “You can call the test as you wish, but it was what it was, a test. All test's are manipulative, whether their end in each question is clear or not. But then, when one is testing something not easily tested, and not easily openly admitted, would a straightforward test truly work? The questions had no basis in facts, and so they in no way impinged upon your aforementioned statement and promise to another.” “Also, you propose to be a follower of Rhysol, to perhaps wish to one day be a Chaon... But when I add in the smallest misdirection, the hint of a veiling of purpose, of a twinned non straightforward meaning, a small bit of chaos if you will, you attempt to buck. A question is both the one that is asked, the one that is answered, and the one that is intended. Picking apart such things to see the inner truth behind the falsity... That is the essence behind the facade. That is seeing through the seeming order, to find the deeper chaotic essence underpinning all.” "Now, I believe you came here for an investigation. If you came for some other reason, then you have no business faulting me for supposedly stalling it. But if you came specifically for that reason, then get on with it! I answered your self-aggrandizing questions as clearly as I am allowed. If it is not good enough, then do whatever your threats require you to do, to salve your pride. But understand, if you take such a drastic step, I WILL be REQUIRED to report it. Unless it is your intent to defy the will of the servants of the god you supposedly serve." “Serving, following, required, all are just perceptions of words with many meanings. Can one not have more than one purpose in one action? Can one action not serve multiple ends? An end which is, as I said before, the only thing that truly matters to Rhysol. Are these not the same things you propose to do, which you are angered by my doing likewise?” "I have tried to explain myself, so you'd realize that we do not NEED to be enemies, but you just seem to be unwilling to have it any other way. Now, If I'd KNOWN this had to do with whether or not I have the ability to follow orders, immediately, and without question, where matters of magic are concerned, you should say so, because otherwise, you are a fool to think I will answer vaguely directed questions, posed for uncertain purpose, by one who overtly continues to embrace my humiliation." Clyde laughed for a moment, shaking his head at the silly poisoner. “Ah but then if I have to tell you, you don't truly know. And if you don't truly know, I'd have to tell you. Which would make the test invalid. I was not testing you on the test if given specifics, but testing you innately on said reaction without specifics, on your underpinning natural reaction. Yes, you failed, but that does not make you a failure, nor does that invalidate anything that's been said. It simply tells me I now have to tell you, and to beware of said natural underpinnings of actions. I do not attempt to humiliate you, as no one can do that but you. Only you can choose to be humiliated by my actions, though I openly admit they were not aimed to humiliate, but to test what must be tested.” "Don't forget, once you and your vastly unsurpassed mastery of all things magic has once again graced the world with its incomparable magnificence..." "...you will THEN be deferring to MY expertise, and MY ORDERS as the master POISON crafter..." "Oh, I mean, this 'Vilemoss' IS a toxin, isn't it? Right? A poison...you know...the same as in the words "POISON...crafter?" “Well thank you for your appraisal of my magic, though I would stipulate that my unsurpassed skills are not in all things magical, only in particular instances of it, along with a few non magical skills. Teaching, for instance, is one skill I excel in that is non-magical. Perhaps it even affects my other actions and such, as I teach unintentionally, and slip in bits of knowledge... Do you feel you've learned anything from today? I'm sure I've taught you one or two things, even as you've taught me a few.” "So are YOU going to be able to stomach such a thought, SIR? Having to do what I order? Should I now impose MY OWN loaded questionnaire upon you; one specifically designed to give me cause to question your most fundamental competence? If you want me to aid you in an endeavor involving a toxin, you had best be prepared to follow MY orders without question as well. I fully acknowledge your superior status in magic. But now I want you to admit that you need MY aid with the toxic aspect of this; and that this designates us equals. Either that or finish your "investigation" and leave." “If you would like to question me, that is fine. Though the fact that you feel my questionnaire was loaded and meant to show a lack of competence, clearly says more about you than me, as neither of those were my aims or the resulting effect of said test. Even if you perhaps feel as such.” “As for being equals, I find that an insult to all here. I do not equal you, nor do you equal me. One cannot add letters and numbers, and balance them out to be equal without diminishing the meaning of both. I do however feel we can enact a equitable partnership, both fairly weighted and giving a fair portion of our respective works. But equal? No, I find such a term insulting to us both. If you wish for equity, I am fine with that. Equality though, where all are treated the same regardless of what they do, that I find unfair. If I could do it all myself, I would not have asked for your aid. The fact of my understanding and respecting your superior knowledge of poison lore is implied, if not stated.” Clyde paused, and put out a free hand to Nolan to shake. “So, to a equitable partnership in said endeavor, to the mutual benefit of both?”

[Inoadar]

Inoadar was beginning to think that "battling" the mage's semantic take on all his definitions, of this term and that, was a greater struggle than a head to head duel. It did, in fact, feel like a duel trying to get the man to accept that his viewpoint, at any given time, was not necessarily the accepted interpretation for all people in all situations.

He started blankly at the man as he went into his diatribe about the nature of tests and meanings and questions...and failure...and equality versus equity. He visibly rolled his eyes and shook his head as he shook the mage's hand, "Fine...e-qui-ta-ble then..." he said, emphasizing each syllable. "Voice's vexation! I can hardly believe the degree to which you go to "prove" me wrong."

He tensed suddenly with sarcastic alarm, "Or wait!...have I misunderstood the meaning the word 'Wrong' now as well?...No, don't answer that!" he held his hand up to stymie any actual answer Clyde might have made. "Call it what you wish. If I so miserably failed your "test", yet you still want to work with me, then it can't have been a test of anything too terribly important."

Inoadar thought vindictively of asking if he was now misunderstanding the meaning of the word 'important', but let it pass. "You may rest assured that I will be expecting you to defer to my expertise in poison lore, whether, I, in my deficient understanding of the words, took it to be "implied", "stated" or what have you. You may rest equally assured..." again, he let it pass, "that if you fail to do so, I will throw you through your own gateway, before you contaminate my entire shop."

He turned away before Clyde could react, "So, I'm guessing you are finished with your investigation..." he considered the large storeroom. Much of it was still empty. "I suppose it's best we do this inside, for containment, just in case there IS an accident. At least one I can not solve by throwing you into that other world..." he muttered this just loud enough for the mage to hear.

He motioned to a shelf array that was nearly empty and walked over to it, pulling boxes, jars and bundles off, replacing them on other shelves. Soon the entire length of shelving units was empty. "Burke should be back in a bell or so, if you want to wait, I have no objection, since patience is a virtue I have nurtured extensively." he wanted to add 'except where you are concerned.' but decided it was time to set this grudge aside for now, since it seemed that Clyde was not going to treat him as some kind of personal slave.

"Or...we can go ahead and move it ourselves right now. Each section is able to be moved separately. They interlock when placed together, but this can be undone just as easily." he moved toward the lab, "Vera looks to be finished now, but we should wait until she gives me a thumbs-up. The tongs and storage vessels are in there. As are rubber gloves and face masks. As I said, she was working with an inhalation type toxin."

He looked back toward Clyde, "Also I will need to know how large a "bud" or "clump" or whatever size unit we will be picking, will be, so I know how large a containment vessel I need to prepare. Or if I need more than one. I'm assuming you have witnessed this moss before?...So you know if it thrives in humidity, or arid, or even air-LESS conditions?"

[Clyde Sullins]

It was clear even without Auristics that Nolan did not totally agree with Clyde, and that he was perhaps becoming a bit aggravated with him. Not that Clyde cared, as he carried on in more or less the same bent. "Fine...e-qui-ta-ble then..." "Voice's vexation! I can hardly believe the degree to which you go to "prove" me wrong." "Or wait!...have I misunderstood the meaning the word 'Wrong' now as well?...No, don't answer that!" Clyde was about to answer, referring to something he'd said earlier about his "failing" but was cut off before he could do so. But failing... Failing was not the same as losing, nor was losing necessarily a bar from winning. It all depended upon definitions of what considered losing and winning, which tended to vary from one person to another, even within the same situation. "Call it what you wish. If I so miserably failed your "test", yet you still want to work with me, then it can't have been a test of anything too terribly important." “As I said, failure does not bar you from continuing, it only alters the way in which I go about it, and how I react to you. While if you had not failed it would have been easier, easier is not always the only way, nor is the easiest way always the most effective or profitable. Don't misunderstand information gathering and understanding as a lack of importance, as it is not to be wasted.” "You may rest assured that I will be expecting you to defer to my expertise in poison lore, whether, I, in my deficient understanding of the words, took it to be "implied", "stated" or what have you. You may rest equally assured..." "that if you fail to do so, I will throw you through your own gateway, before you contaminate my entire shop." Clyde shook his head. Clearly Nolan had not been listening well, since Clyde had made it clear earlier that a person could not travel through one of his gateways, which was why they needed to use an apparatus to reach through. He was about to respond in pointing out such a fact, but decided better of it. Better perhaps for him to believe in his threat which in actuality was empty, and not possible. Clyde grinned back at Nolan and nodded at his own joke at the hands of Nolans misunderstanding, or lack of listening. Either way, it was funny to hear him make a threat about something Clyde had explicitly stated, albeit in passing, was not possible. "So, I'm guessing you are finished with your investigation..." “I would not say finished... More so that it is... Ongoing. Perhaps seeing you dealing with a poison in person and such would aid me in my understanding, and further my ability to accomplish said investigation. Its hard to say with something with such a vague end point.” "I suppose it's best we do this inside, for containment, just in case there IS an accident. At least one I can not solve by throwing you into that other world..." Clyde grinned again at Nolan's empty threat, which he still apparently believed in. Of course with all that Clyde had said on summoning, perhaps it was not so odd that he'd missed one particular bit. "Burke should be back in a bell or so, if you want to wait, I have no objection, since patience is a virtue I have nurtured extensively." "Or...we can go ahead and move it ourselves right now. Each section is able to be moved separately. They interlock when placed together, but this can be undone just as easily." “That is fine, I don't mind moving about a few things.” Assuming Nolan directed him, Clyde would assist in said moving about of things, and picking up and placing of them in their desired end position or place, in the lab Clyde assumed. "Vera looks to be finished now, but we should wait until she gives me a thumbs-up. The tongs and storage vessels are in there. As are rubber gloves and face masks. As I said, she was working with an inhalation type toxin." "Also I will need to know how large a "bud" or "clump" or whatever size unit we will be picking, will be, so I know how large a containment vessel I need to prepare. Or if I need more than one. I'm assuming you have witnessed this moss before?...So you know if it thrives in humidity, or arid, or even air-LESS conditions?" Clyde shrugged, not really sure himself. “I've no idea. All I know is what I know. It is foreign to Mizahar, does not grow here, and should not be touched by bare skin, nor should it be breathed in. I suppose however large is normally needed for a single unit of said poison or such.” Clyde grinned at Nolan, shrugging once more. “Actually, I've never actually seen it, only read about it. It didn't seem the wisest place to open a gateway to before, as I did not have the proper preparations and protections that you have. I'm not really sure what kind of environment it enjoys. It was a rather short chapter in the book. I assumed you would be directly making the poison from what was gathered, so that such issues would not arise in its long term care or storage. As you said yourself, poison ingredients are often volatile and not stable, unlike finished poisons, and those are things that normally occur on Mizahar, let alone something from off world.”

[Inoadar]

Inoadar hated to admit that the idea of doing some work and handling of toxic elements could be a legitimate part of Clyde's investigation. He shrugged and nodded "Very well. I guess that makes sense." They moved several shelving arrays away from the lab, moving the contents to shelves on the opposite side of the main storeroom.

When Clyde appeared to be thinking they would be putting it in the lab, Inoadar moved to block the door. "No, no. Not actually inside the lab. Too much chance of some sort of reaction with other reagents. I think this open area here is best." He waved to indicate the space they had cleared, in the corner away from the lab door, but against the walls backing the shop and the dock. "Now, if there is some magic-based reason you disagree, I'll certainly listen; and there ARE things I need FROM the lab, but I don't want to conduct this in such cramped quarters."

He looked through the door window again and nodded to Vera. He turned back to Clyde, "Okay, Vera's given me the sign, we can start bringing stuff out." He went in and came back out with several glass chambers, a large alembic, some pipe fittings and stoppers, a burner, a condensation coil and a selection of liquids, powders and small strips of stiff paper that he called litmus. He brought masks, gloves, frocks and tongs as well.

There was some noise from the shop. Inoadar looked inside and saw that Burke had returned. He instructed him to carry only those things requiring cold storage through until further notice, and not to tarry doing so. Anything not requiring cold storage could be left in the shop for now. He gave Vera the same instructions. She seemed momentarily surprised that he was not letting her watch, but when she saw the mage, in the Ebonstryfe attire, she got the hint. "Yes sir, Master Nolan." she said meekly and passed through to the shop.

When Clyde admitted that he had no real experience with the Vilemoss either, Inoadar snorted in exasperation. "You...have NO IDEA?..." he stood staring as Clyde elaborated on his lack of particulars, with that insufferable grin. As angry as Inoadar was, thinking that Clyde had known all along he would be surprising him with this detail, he found a strange pleasure in it. He had no doubt the mage was hoping he would fail, so he could shut him down. But he would NOT fail, he would turn the tables on his adversary, and enjoy a spiteful success.

Still, he narrowed his eyes at the mage, "I see...so I am going into this completely blind. You know, mosses are not one of the families I have extensive experience with. But that is only because they are all essentially handled the same. However, as you say, this is not of our world, so the processing safeguards I was expecting to rely on, may be of no use."

He considered a few variables, as he set up different chambers for processing; each one set for a different initial approach. "One thing that may help...Do you know if the reason breathing is inadvisable is due to the presence of moss spores or pollen, or from the world's air itself? I actually think I should get an air sample of that world to test before we bring any moss across the threshold of your gateway." As he spoke he disappeared into the lab, returning with several stoppered vials, each containing a litmus, and a large syringe, fitted with a tubular extension.

He took one of his glass chambers and set it inside his cold storage. "That needs to be prepared ahead of time, just in case." He looked around to see if he had missed anything. He knew there was a good chance that something unexpected would come up, but he was as prepared as he could be, given that neither he nor Clyde had worked with the stuff before. "Okay, Mr. Sullins. Whenever you are ready."

[Clyde Sullins]

Clyde was surprised when Nolan finally admitted something Clyde said was valid, something he did not believe he'd done yet. Instead he'd been fighting and bucking and questioning everything he'd done. "Very well. I guess that makes sense." Clyde followed along with his lead, moving things about. "No, no. Not actually inside the lab. Too much chance of some sort of reaction with other reagents. I think this open area here is best." Clyde simply nodded, knowing from his own experience in magic that things interacting were not the best idea, and keeping a clean area devoid of contact with other more active things was also a good idea. "Now, if there is some magic-based reason you disagree, I'll certainly listen; and there ARE things I need FROM the lab, but I don't want to conduct this in such cramped quarters." “That's fine, so long as I have a good enough sized spaced to paint my summoning gateway, and to fit us along with whatever apparatus we need. I don't think anything mundane or such would interact or affect the magic.” "Okay, Vera's given me the sign, we can start bringing stuff out." Next was carrying various items, moving it about in preparation of the activities to come. Some of the more obvious things were the protective clothing, the masks and gloves and other covering things, though he was unsure of the use of many of the other items. However it seemed increasingly evident that Nolan had not truly been listening earlier, as he seemed to continue raising issues in regard to things he had explained already, or already made clear. It was a bit tiresome, as he had done his best to listen to and understand what Nolan said, but Nolan in turn seemed to have only grasped onto or heard half of his words. "You...have NO IDEA?..." “As I've already said, I'd read about it, I thought I made it clear my understanding was limited to such.” "I see...so I am going into this completely blind. You know, mosses are not one of the families I have extensive experience with. But that is only because they are all essentially handled the same. However, as you say, this is not of our world, so the processing safeguards I was expecting to rely on, may be of no use." "One thing that may help...Do you know if the reason breathing is inadvisable is due to the presence of moss spores or pollen, or from the world's air itself? I actually think I should get an air sample of that world to test before we bring any moss across the threshold of your gateway." Clyde let out a audible sigh, as Nolan brought up yet ANOTHER point in regards to something he had already explained and made clear. Was he trying to be annoying on purpose by ignoring his words before or pretending to have not listened? “That wont be necessary, as I've already told you. The air of the world will not cross over the gateway, only the physical things that either have a mind and move through on their own, or that we pull through. Air and such inert things will not make the crossing over. So there is no need for a air sample.” “I've opened a gateway to a place before that had no air, and our air did not rush through into or through the gateway, so the air from that side should not cross over either. Any negative qualities would be totally involved in the plant itself, not the places air, though the exact way that works is unknown to me.” "That needs to be prepared ahead of time, just in case." "Okay, Mr. Sullins. Whenever you are ready." “Ah yes, well where am I making this gateway? I need to physically draw it out, and need a good clear space to do it in. And I'll need something to inscribe upon or with, since I did not bring my tools, as I was not expecting to do a summoning. This isn't like Reimancy where I just put out my hands and it happens, this requires forethought and work. Surely you at least have some parchment and ink. I could perhaps make a gateway upon a scroll, though I'd prefer an actual physical design upon the ground.” “So if you can get some basic tools for me to draw out the gateway, then we can get to work immediately with my crafting of the gateway. Also I'll need a sterilized tool of some sort to cut myself, just a small thing enough to make a drop of blood. A needle pricked on my finger would work, though I could make due with a dagger or something else sharp. A blood offering is required to open the gateway, and to connect me to it. Assuming you can get me such things, I would be glad to start.”

[Inoadar]

As usual, the attitude of taxed patience felt like a figurative slap in Inoadar's face. The mage's comment, “As I've already said, I'd read about it, I thought I made it clear my understanding was limited to such.” demanded rebuttal.

"No sir. While you DID say that, you also previously stated, while expounding on your many magical talents, that you also practiced Summoning, and had the coordinates for the Vilemoss' home world. Now, knowing that you would never make a false claim, I very naturally assumed that you had actually opened such a gateway to this world, thereby verifying and legitimizing that claim. And that, in the process, had actually seen this Vilemoss. Silly me to have made such a presumption." His last comment was made with a flamboyantly sarcastic wave.

The mage's own subsequent remarks about the air flow of the gateway negating the need for an air sample brought Inoadar to yet another outraged halt. He straightened and looked at Clyde challengingly. "So, no need for an air sample, eh?...So you are already undermining our "equitable" agreement, and setting aside my expertise in poison crafting and handling in favor of your own?"

He leaned back against a table, arms folded, and glared. "With your extensive knowledge, you have assumed to know ALL the reasons I might feel compelled to obtain an air sample?...'Any negative qualities would be totally involved in the plant itself, not the place's air', eh?" he said caustically, copying the mages words, with an exaggeratedly moronic tone.

"Do you honestly think that the air surrounding a plant infuses NOTHING into the plant's characteristics? Like stability, for instance? Do you think that the hope that you might have witnessed some dramatic reaction with our alien air might be a good reason for me to be alarmed to find that you have NO experience with this substance? Does it rain on this world? Is the rain comprised of mere water? Does the ground possess the same toxin as the moss, due to the flush of rain? Is it in a more stable form? Insects? How long do samples live once pulled through? Do they retain their toxicity after death? There are a thousand variables!"

He slowly walked toward Clyde as he spoke, "Let me spell it out for you...The very air MAY be a stabilizing agent. An inhibitor that prevents an instantaneous burst of toxins into a room full of our air, and...inexperienced mages. Now if you'd SEEN that this was not so, I would not have to worry about that. But now that I find you've never actually even seen the stuff, I have to take every conceivable precaution. Additionally, the air may have other qualities, lucrative qualities, not found on Mizahar. Probably not, but again, you don't know. And if some other man found this to be true, he would NOT coming running to you to tell."

His expression lightened slightly, "Or the air may have lucrative qualities that ARE found on Mizahar, in which case there is still no reason to pass up the opportunity to gather some. IF you'd had the opportunity to witness a harvest of this stuff, I could press you for details that might save us a number of the tests I'll be taking. They could give me time-saving clues." he threw up his arms in mock despair, "But alas, no such luck!"

He stopped just short of bumping into Clyde, but focused an intense glare on him. "You've been enjoying throwing your weight around...Let's call my intent to take an air sample a "test". Well you just failed, Clyde. You just made it obvious that you didn't intend to do as you're told. Now I will say this for the second and last time. You will defer to MY decisions in all things relating to the handling and processing of this Vilemoss. Moss is spongy, there is every likelihood that elements of that world's air are present. They may be part of the toxin, they may suppress it, or they may be completely inert. But they will be considered. Now, yes or no...Do you understand?"

He didn't wait for an answer. He felt he'd made his point. "Now, in fairness, I have no knowledge of the dynamics of summoning, or holding open a gateway. So if you're concerned about having to open it over and over again, while I go through a battery of safety tests, I really am sorry. But unless I am very much mistaken, a wise mage, like a poison crafter, knows the virtue of patience."

He brought out a scalpel, sheathed in a leather roll with other delicate implements from the NMSS, and handed it to Clyde. "Will this do? I cannot attest to its sterility, but if you do not choose to use flame, I can pour an alcohol wash. In fact, I should have done that already." He got a bottle and beaker and poured it. He then retrieved an inkpot, quill and parchment from the office, and set them on a nearby table.

"Okay Mr. Sullins, if there is anything I am likely to be able to help with, regarding your preparations, say the word. Otherwise, I will start doing my own."