Characters involved are: Khiea (RED), Jessie (ORANGE), Margie (GREEN), Bart (BLUE), Brin (INDIGO), Luka (VIOLET), Talon (PINK), Citan (),
Logged by Brin

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Fort Jasper, Briefing Room(#2642RCJ)
The briefing room is large with a light atop each of the many exits. There are rows of seats for people to sit and pay attention and from each exit an aisle goes down towards the middle structure. Some steps from each side leads to a podium with a large view screen atop for all to see. One can go <north>, <west>, <east> or <south> to exit the room.
Contents:
Asher
Tsukai
Margie
Billy
Jessie
Khiea
Bart
Citan
Luka
Luka has left.
Luka has arrived.
Xeero has arrived.
Talon has arrived.
Her eyes half-closed against whatever information pressures it this time, Luka turns on the lights of the control room with a distracted flick of her hand. After the events outside and inside Jasper, the doctor looked relatively fretted at--there were casualty reports streaming in, and all manner of things could go wrong even now. Stepping to the podium to but fully power up the monitors of the briefing room, Luka looks towards those who enter next. If the Jasper is to have guests, she will certainly greet them. And let that faint flicker in her eye of worry be missed against the composure upon her face...
The clunking of unfamiliar metal underfoot sounds, as a young Etone enters the room, almost meekly, as he glances around. Spotting Luka, he nods, in recognition, and walks quietly, to the side of the room, forgoing the seats at the table for those more crucial to this process than he, as he takes a position, almost guardlike but for his disarmedness, at the side of the room, and remains silent.
Ah, the grueling necessity of formality. It doesn't.. Settle well with the poor little makeshift princess. As Khiea has been through such a mass amount of stress as of late- trying to pick sides, trying to be of use to someone, -anyone-... Having such a problem getting here, and now.. This. She is nervous- visably nervous- although it is an expression only carried in her eyes. For Khiea tries to walk evenly, without too many darting, paranoid glances, behind Luka, finding comfort, at least, in Luka being near and Citan as well. Childish comforts aside, she draws her steps to a stop within the room, -certain- that she's not important enough to sit or be of any notice her. And rather, she just stands there, uneasily looking about in some sort of curiosity and uncertainty.
Well, that worked out in the end, did it not? The weight of Khiea's book burdens one of Citan's arms, its pages humming slightly after the technological force it had delivered. Its duty is over now, but the true purpose of the expedition had just begun. A book is not a weapon--is it? So it remains. Wordless now, he only nods to Luka politely--let no one wonder if he blinks or does not blink at someone who may or may not be familiar--and trails amidst the group like a lost wraith in green. Is there a seat to find a rest in for now, after the interesting mental workouts that had just been drawn across thoughts discarded and created for the value of their substance as fuel? Yes. Good. It is taken. Shall we both sit, Khiea?
Talon slowly enters the briefing room his face almost emotionless as he does so, he is silent for now, and he moves to a back corner till his eyes land on Khi and for a moment his expression softens till it's replaced by that stone mask. He sits quietly.
Xeero has left.
Jessie has been asked to stick around for the talks. While not the type to handle these talks, Citan has requested his presence in the room. Not only to have any input if asked, but to also be a peacemaker in case anyone tries anything foolish. Jessie strides into the room with his coat closed and takes up a position standing by the door. He scans the room looking at everyone involved. He gives a confident nod to the people he fought with, but gives Luka a stare that could chill her to her core.
Tsukai has left.
Billy has left.
Bart walks in soon behind Jessie, and looks around at everyone. His eyes close. This is it, I guess. He walks to a side of the room, and leans against the wall, waiting for the talks to begin.
Asher has connected.
Asher has disconnected.
So. This is the inside of the massive Fort which has, for so long as of late, been such a threat and a worry to Nisan. And yet it is strange to be inside it for a change, to be walking through those hallways- which are yours, or theirs, or something of the sorts by conquest and more. And it is enough to make one uneasy, true, and yet Margie carries it all as if she were not, in any manner or form, in a place that was debateably dangerous. Let worries of being mauled or easily captured slide. The intentions of this meeting are well, after all. And so, expressions even and calm, the Holy Mother of Nisan enters lightly behind Bart. And she pauses, glancing around the room, before heading slowly for a chair. For all those indecisive, after all, Margie is rather.. Clear on her intentions to have a say for the wellbeing of her country, which has been so unnerved for these last months.
Bart has connected.
"We are gathered here..." Such words fall somewhat soft, even after the projection granted through the broadcasting of the podium. Luka's eyes dart away from where they have met--and flinched from--the figure of Jessie. Uncharacteristically, her demigloved fingers rest themselves upon the faint protection of the pedestal and knit together. Are people inside? Yes. Are they safe and being healed? Yes. Yet something continues to flutter the doctor's composure--perhaps it is the slight smile she gives to Khiea in an attempt to reassure the girl? Regardless, Luka continues with a relentless calm that has been seized once more through whatever thoughts plague her. "Thank you for meeting here with us," the Solarian says, clearly now in diplomatic poise and nodding to all assembled. "Bartholomew... Marguerite. Brin. Khiea... Citan... Jesiah..." These last few names come with some pause before them all. "What may we help you with today?"
Bart has disconnected.
Asher has disconnected.
Asher has connected.
Asher has disconnected.
"Thank you, Miss, for allowing this..." It is hard to tell that the Holy Mother is unneased, that she is unnerved by this situation, and not fully convinced of how well this could go. For her tone is even and her words do not fall with that soft, or shaking tone of fear or concern- there is the necessity for calm here, for maturity. The wellbeing of Nisan would depend on nothing less. So Margie is nothing less than formal, nothing less than calm. It is all she can think to do. "We are gathered here..." And repetition, mild, as Luka did not finish that sentence, "I assume to come to an agreement that can benefit us all? And assure the wellbeing of everyone, everyplace, if possible." Well, set the formal scene then, Margie, and hope that such are the right words to say, to help these talks start off and going. This is a difficult situation, after all, and not one that Margie is quite.. Utterly sure how to handle. So let us just hope that this shall work, that some good can come of formality.
Khiea smiles a little in responce to Luka, uneasy as it is. But she is -trying- not to look upset, nor out of place, as nearly impossible as that is. She.. Just did something debateably wrong, debateably not, depending on which side she.. Rather was supposed to be on right now. But those were pestering thoughts, unncessary thoughts, and there was more than enough here to bother with as it was. So she tries to look not as she feels- scared out of her wits and tired- for that rather excessive Ether has rendered her a bit pale. But keep the best face, Khiea, and try not to be a bother.. And, with a smile towards Citan, she nods, and heads for a chair, trying to sort out where to sit where she'll be the least bit of a distraction.
Bart crosses his arms. "Well, if I can talk. I know we've had our differences and everything, and we've fought in the past," he steps forwards. "Maybe it's time for this to finally end, eh? I'm as sick of fighting you guys as you probably are sick of fighting me," he uncrosses his arms and shrugs. "So, maybe we can come to terms now, guys?" he looks at the solarians in the room. "We're all people here, ok? I know Solarians look down on us, and call us stuff like lambs, but come on. Let's get down to the core point, we're all PEOPLE. There's nothing differen't about us all except little stuff that doesen't matter. Take the solarian uniform off and jump in something like i'm wearing. How do you look? Solarian? No. You look just like a surface dweller! Doesen't that TELL you something? We should be friends, work together."
Brin stands still, taking up a place behind Citan's seat, and pondering on what is here happening. He's not sure exectly why he is here. He cannot pretend to represent the -Ethos-, and does not represent the Sand Pirates, or Nisan. He is simply here, because if any modicum of a chance for peace between the dies were to present itself, he would pounce on it, and not let it go. And since there is a chance it may happen here, he is here, too. A simple reasoning, perhaps, but in his own mind, it is a sound one. Brin himself stays silent, listening to the unfolding discourse.
And what is Citan to say here? Nothing still. For this is the terrain between the Pirates and Solaris... and there is already a soul for Solaris, and one for the Yggdrasil. Only a soothing thought to Khiea--the two of them have had to exert themselves heavily in reaching here, and in ways that had been only guesses before the actual implementations. And... what -would- Citan say here? The Guardian chooses to keep to his quiet, preferring to hear the other agendas upon the floor. And... ever absently, he slides the heavy book upon the table. His dark eyes touch Luka's face in what could have been a silent laugh. Ah. Is there a game here, played out behind Solarian politics? Or is it only simple life?
Talon merely observes this opening set of arguments for now, he feels no need to involve himself yet, see how they argue before making any calls on anything. He fold his arms over his chest and merely leans back in his rather quiet corner, he has need of patience right now, and so does most erbyone else in the room.
As the opening arguments float around, all Jessie can think of are the silly arguments Billy and himself had in the past. Arguments that seemed to get neither of them anywhere, but seemed worthwhile to the combatants. Shifting his feet back and forth to keep them comfortable he continues to scan the room and snickers a bit at Bart's comments. If he only knew what the truth is between Solaris and the land dwellers.
"Of course." This admission is as mild as anything else from Luka's lips--the doctor's calm refusal to look at Jessie notwithstanding. Luka steps around from behind the podium, choosing to lean against it and better address the group without having the obstruction of furniture between them. "I am willing to have peace as well, Bartholomew. One..." And she pauses here, dark eyes drifting to narrow slightly at the book's evidence as she picks between words for politeness, "barrier that has halted this from occuring before is that... many Solarians are as fearful of you as well. Many have been attacked even after stating that they are not hostile... many have been verbally assaulted. I know," she holds up a hand, the even tone of her words never faltering, "that we have done the same for your people. I know that it has all been unnecessary. We are all aggressors, and we are all defenders. And I agree... it is time for a little peace." And who is she, this woman who has taken tea with so many here so innocently? No military honors decorate her. Nothing does, save the flicker of a motherly smile as she looks to Khiea now. "We all need a little peace for ourselves."
Margie flinches a bit, unintentionally, to Bart's comments, although it is little more than a breif and passing expression upon her young face. Yes, that was to be expected, wasn't it? That Margie would strain to be as polite as utterly possible, and Bart would proudly state out every instance blunt, clear, and true. But, well, manners aside, didn't that all need to be said? And so Margie smiles a little to them all, finding some calm in their words and reactions, although it is as delicately registered as the unnease. "We're all people. This is true. And we all deserve a chance at peace." And let us stop with the introductionary wonders, Margie, and get to any points you have to share, "But just as we are all human, it is true that people on both of our sides have been guilty of unwarned attacks and agression, even on those who are not wishing such action. Tension has been so high, and so many things on the line.. That is unsurprising, isn't it? We need to come to an agreement, I feel, on a way for no one to feel threatened or upset enough to resort to this. More open communciation, I feel, might work.." And she trails off a bit, uneasy but mildly, in this situation she is only vaguely prepared to debate for.. But continues without flaw, "But nothing can be done as long as we stare each other down spare the breifest insults, and threaten each other and each other's homes." Selfish, mentions to Nisan. But it is ever obvious where the Holy Mother's heart is.
There is very little for Khiea to say, as she watches them all in a sort of odd blend of unease, curiosity, and fatigue. And it is calming, to have Citan be a force unworried, and to have Luka smile so at her over words, and it is calming, to hear everyone she knows talking of -peace-. Its a wonderful thought, isn't it? That Khiea could, for once, not worry if she is permitted to talk to thsoe on the Yggdrasil or the other way about, to fear someone's annoyance to it.. Ah, but those are dreams, and future far. But one can not blame Khiea for harboring that childish, gleeful hope at heart while listening. And she glances rather curiously about the room, now that she has calmed, although she still bears marks of weariness in the tiredness of her eyes, the mild shaking of her hands... Oh, how big ether was -unpleasant-! And she knows so few of those standing about, but note a friend or two, and casts a smile to Talon before shifting her attention back to the discussion.
Bart has connected.
Bart has disconnected.
Bart looks at Margie and smiles. "Yeah! Exactly! How can we ever achieve peace if we're all gonna just jump at eachother's throats (You now know the power of love. Peace and love, they're neat!)?" Come on, I say we just try. After all, we can't do much if we continue worrying about the other's next move. Let's give it a try, and see what happens, eh?" such a simple philosophy that just wont work normally...or maybe it will? Who knows? Was it Peace and love? I'll show you how!
If only things were so simple? No? Citan leans back in his chair, his eyes drifting half-closed from the simple needs of the body and mind after they had been exerted in ways that... have left him quite uncertain of where the boundaries of him have been left. With luck, there would be enough time to properly get back together who... he... was... ah, it was a side note regardless. One hand rests limply upon the book while he gathers enough energy together to murmer, "Then... what? Holy Mother... Young One, did you have something more in mind, or the safety of Nisan alone?"
As nice as it would be for this all to dovetail neatly and be made and gone, war was a doughtier business than such. Luka leans against the podium once more before absently stepping away, walking to the cabinets on the wall away from the one Jessie has chosen. While she opens the doors she replies, "True... peace is a complicated thing. But it is an excellent start that all here desire what seems to be a common end." Luka begins to lift out a pitcher of water and the other dining supplies that tide over discussions that threaten to run long. "Mother Marguerite, I assume you wish the threat upon Nisan ended?" This with a soft laugh and smile to the glaring fact of that matter. "That can be arranged. I... know I can count upon you and Nisan to not retaliate with violence or displeasure? And you, Bartholomew?" Luka turns away from unwrapping a package of cookies to look to the young prince, raising a brow.
Bart has connected.
Margie nods lightly in responce to the mention of a common end.. And it is true, that at least there is, for seemingly the first time in ages, an agreement to be made between Solarians and the Yggdrasil crew- and more, to hold the world of lambs. And under such a rare, but hopeful realization, and the brightly optimistic words of Bart, Margie can not help but smile a bit brighter, to allow some of that uneasy worry to leave those palest eyes. Before, at least, they are given surprise instead, mild a cast against her expression, "Nisan is a non-violent city, Miss. We have no intention at all to retaliate in any manner whatsoever." The City of Peace, go to war? Well, all right, there was ever the issue of whom Nisan -supported-, but that bit of wonder was in Bart's hands. Still, it was a necessary thing to ask, to answer, "And, yes, I admit that I am concerned with how Nisan has been in danger... But I can not say that it is the only, or most trying problem at hand. I think everyone will agree that much of what brought us all here is rooted in problems that span back far before Nisan was in danger, after all..."
For how interesting it all is, Khiea certainly is having a hard time following the most of it. And it does not help that she is distracted, or that she is tired. And everyone speaks their points in such dramatic and drawn out ways- why could they not just all smile and shake hands and decide to stop fighting, since they all wish peace? Ah, but even you know that is not possible, Khiea, with a more rational mind so close to wonder upon. So, merely, she follows on, torn in interest, curious as to how things go and go well, while following only moments of it in tired distraction.. And finally, following Luka in her movement, Khiea gives up following entirely, to go bright and wide eyed at the presence of cookies. Ever a child at heart, it seems, in more ways than a dozen.
Bart stops for a moment. "well, alright," he begins, looking at Luka. "If it means that this crap can be put to a stop...I wont retaliate," he nods. He looks at them all. "Ok?" he then looks up at Luka, and just remembers exactly how hungry he was at the moment. He sweatdrops. Will he be able to overcome his hunger for the overbearing POWAR OF LVOE(http://daravon.resnet.tamu.edu/lovelovedancing.gif)?!
Bart has disconnected.
And what now? It seems a common ground has been found, and therefore, things can begin to progress, perhaps. "It would seem that all parties are agreed on the noncombatent status of Nisan. Therefore, some sort of agreement should be come to, and some sort of gesture made?..." he pauses, and the eyes fixed on him cause him to falter a bit. However he continues. "Perhaps point the gun away from Nisan? Power it down? Surely that is not too much to ask. And a similar gesture on the part of Bart and his associates....Forgive my interruption, but any common ground that can be founf while we're all here is worthwhile.". He looks from Luka, to Margie, and to Bart. "Like Bart has said, we're all resonable people. To acknowledge that none of us are more at fault for this situation is to begin the path to ultimate peace...".
A common ground... in cookies? Hm. Citan is distracted from whatever odder tangles of thoughts had found themselves birthed in fields of pastal grasses and flocks of flying horses by Khiea's attraction to such sugary treats. "I assume..." he adds quietly, "that with no retaliation on any and all sides... would there be protection for those who had formerly been targeted?" This with an opening of his eyes and the directing of them towards Khiea. "As the Holy Mother has said, some of us... would like to have our homes back once more." Only Khiea? Only the Pirates? Or... no. Let deeper meaning rest for now. Things are progressing well enough already.
Talon stands slowly sighing and then speaks up, "How can we be sure that if we returned this weapon to you it will not be turned on us immediately? Is it not before that you have said one thing and meant something completely different?" he stands there waiting for a response.
Somehow Jessie fights the urge to shoot Luka as she turns her back to the room. Somehow, that wouldn't be right since he'd be the one doing something foolish. However, since these talks seem to getting nowhere fast, Jessie can't help but throw out a solution. "I have an idea, if peace is what Bart and the pirates want, how about we get rid of part of the problem. I've heard Shevat wants to have a chat with Luka. I could use some contacts I have to hold her there for a while." He shoots a knowing look to Luka as leans back on the wall next to the door.
"-Is- is to be returned?" This is said with a faint mark of surprise from Luka, as she opens the packages of cookies for everyone and begins to pour glasses of water. "Jasper is a force which tempts people into using it. It does not, however, have to remain a weapon. Gladly it can be shifted towards more beneficial uses." She pauses the nearly-emptied pitcher in her hands as she thinks, lifting another cup to be filled. And as she opens her mouth to speak, Jessie fills in the silence instead. The cup... falls. It tumbles to the carpet at her feet, but when she speaks, Luka's voice is naught but calm. "I would assume, Jessie, that Shevat would indeed wish to speak with a servant of the Solarian Empire. However," she takes the tray of cookies in her hands and turns, her eyes fixing upon the grizzled man, "I am afraid that I have a bit too much work to do. I must decline your kind offer." Is the doctor's face a shade paler? She is pale enough already--it would be hard to guess.
"It..." And Margie does not seem too certain about this, now, too willing to separate her opinions on the matter. The Fort? Well, obviously, the Holy Mother would be overjoyed to have it in the hands of the pirates, rather than the Solarians. But isn't that counterproductve in a way? Well, comprimises are part of peaceful conversation- for this reason, she continues with, "It.. is probably premature to be considering who will hold the Fort in full, since I can forsee problems either way, if such is decided now. You mentioned... More Beneficial uses?" And Margie smiles a bit at that, although there is a flicker of concern as Luka drops the glass- at least she does not seem rather.. Visually upset. Well, mistakes happen. And do not upset anyone by drawing attention to it, "I agree that several things ought to be done for the mental well being of those of Nisan.. The gun being pointed elsewhere, for instance, and the threat of military attack put aside. I don't suppose there is a more neutral option to come to?"
Well, let them debate what they will, for Khiea can really have no say in this either way. After all, who would she be to suggest something, when she is the 'Solarian princess' who was thrown aside, to rather out of the blue help the Yggdrasil members? She herself doesn't know what side she'd like to support. So follow none! Let's just hope they can all agree to be friends and... Cookies! Khiea's enthusiasm is dulled only by Jesiah's words, which draw the child's eyes wider a moment, "I think that was a bit uncalled for..." Her voice is a tiny ring of sound, faint and hesitant, taking in how little purpose she has to speak at all, "But Shevat people don't like Solaris people, and there's no reason to bring more people's anger against each other into this, right? They're trying to make peace and happier things!" And a pause, for Khiea's bright sing-song is all flowers and rainbows for the moment, too much optimism in all the amusement of the moment. For it is -nice- to see people working together, for once. And it is nicer to have sugar nearby, "May I have a cookie, Miss Luka?" Quiet, her voice is, faint as can be, as to not disrupt the discussion.. Oh, Khiea is very good indeed at keeping to the background, to being nothing of notice at all.
Bart sighs, "Well, the point of this meeting is to bring peace between Solaris and us right now. Trying to do Shevat in one fell swoop right now is too much. Once peace is assured between us, then we can ask Shevat, ok?" he looks at Luka and Jessie, hoping to get an agreement for now. He then sweatdrops again, "Ah, Luka. If you don't mind...i'm a bit hungry...can I have a cookie?" Bart likes cookies. Especially Chocolate Chip. He'd likely eat Aquasol despite it's taste, he's so hungry right now.
Brin nods, staring over a Jessie for a second, before speaking. "Actually, Khiea is correct. Extending this to involve others is not helping. Also, determining control of the Fort is not a discussion for today. We are all tired. It is enough that we have started on the road to a mutual agreement on -anything-". For the first time, he smiles. "Let's all have a cookie, and sleep on it, perhaps?...", and his smile grows wider. Everything's going according to plan.
"A neutral grounds for the Fort for now...?" Citan trails the question off with the by-now familiar overtones of whispering sleep at the sides of his mind, as the day's efforts have begun to catch up. Somewhere in here, there are the rooms for Khiea still. And... come to think of it, his own. "There are enough rooms for everyone here," he adds softly, the hand atop the book idly running its fingers over the surface. "To have a council and diplomats... to decide things and present them in panels. That might work... certainly not to rush to anything now." Cookies? "And to experience existing beside one another for a time will allow us to judge if we are capable of such a unity for the future. Then?..." To be in Solarian halls once more to rest. No--in Yggdrasil halls. In both. It is well with this Guardian.
Talon merely remains quiet as he begins to walk towards the door, this is a problem he will take up personally with his father.
Talon has left.
Jessie shrugs and half bows to Luka. "Well, my dear Dr. Kaval, it was merely a suggestion. It seems that other ideas have been agreed upon, so I shall defer to them." Jessie sees that since the talks are going well, he decides to have a seat. Knowing that his presence here makes Luka nervous does amuse him, and a sly grin crosses his face as he continues to keep a close eye on the Solarian princess.
A sigh comes from Luka, as she sets her composure for the negotiations back away into the calmness of simple existance. "Of course Khiea, Bartholomew," she smiles--the familiar face of the one who mothered the young girl returning to gentle those features. Luka crosses to the central tables and sets down the refreshments, extending cookies out to them both. "And I agree... it is an excellent idea to let things come as they will. There can be a level of Jasper set aside for the Yggdrasil... here you are, Bartholomew. And there is sustenance for everyone. All I ask," and there is a weariness bordered by hope ever still in those emerald eyes that the doctor turns to those assembled, "is that peace be sought for here. Let this no longer be a fort for war. And there is room for everyone..."
And for all the worries of betrayal and backstabbing, this conversation has gone remarkably well. In fact, well enough that Margie is willing to believe that, perhaps, there is hope in this, and reason to believe that, perhaps, everything will work out well here. And that brings a calmness to her expressions, at least in comparison to the worry they carried before, and a smile.. For precautions can be taken, and a little uneasy trust must be given, if this is ever to settle out nicely. Have a little faith in that, Margie, and hope that it wasn't misplaced. And so, she nods, and notes, "That sounds wonderful. This sounds like a great way to prove everyone's good intentions and come to peace." And she pauses in that, for this is not her decision alone, by far and away. And, her opinion stated, lightly and formally as it is, Margie turns her glance to Bart to wonder at what his decision is.
Asher has connected.
A peaceful solution to this? How charming! Khiea breaks into a bright grin at the very thought. Does this mean... She can stay in the Jasper for a while, without sneaking about and worrying much? Oh, fretful thoughts and possibilities galore, and all she can do is smile. And reach for a cookie. And while she cheerfully gnaws on it- see, it can't be poisoned, and if it was, then... Well... They'll get over the loss and the peace talks wont be marred. And so, smiling, Khiea swallows and then notes rather happilly, "So everyone can get along here, as long as no one fights? How wonderful!" And its a quiet little cheer, but an honest one, as Khiea smiles to the thought. Premature, perhaps, and doomed, maybe. But it matters not. There are cookies, after all!
Bart huhs, "Well, I say anything's better than this gun being pointed at Jasper!" he declares. "If anything, we can get along. I know it. I'm willing to work to put an end to this fight between us and Solaris, once and for all," he nods. He's very enthusiastic about this, maybe finally the world can be at peace now. Or maybe he's letting his mind span a broader globe than is actually being spanned.
Brin takes a cookie from the table, and the smile is now sincere and wide, as he takes a seat at last. "A worthy goal, indeed..." he looks toward Luka, and then Bart. "It will require a good deal of trust, maturity, and mutual respect, but I think it can be done. The resolve to do it is, certainly..."...and Brin leans back in his chair, and for the first time since he even arrived on this continent, for all that time between those first tentative steps into the pirate base, to this, the closest thing to a complete reolution of this conflict, he feels he can relax. "It will not happen overnight. Hopefully over the next while, we cn work something out. For now, we can agree to an end to direct hostilities? Then we will have achieved our goal...." he trails off, happier then he has been for months, and only thinks... o 0 ( ...and mine... ).
Asher has left.