There is one thing, you answer with a touch of uncertainty creeping into your tone. Suppose we need to beat a hasty retreat–

“As I mentioned before, the roof has an Escape Route-”

No, totally, you interrupt with an apologetic laugh, but you mean, like… AFTER. Even assuming everything goes peachy with the concert, you’ll probably need a quick route out of town… or at least a place to hunker down!

“Ant’s right,” TT adds with a small groan, “Ritzy as this place is, it won’t stop an army of crazed fans…” She blinks. “Oh. Or Spicys… Or Teksouls.”

“I’ve already arranged for a few safehouses scattered around Umberal,” Joplin answers with a fraction of a shrug. “Comes with the territory. Leaving Umberal, however, is another story-”

“WAIT!”

Lutza’s soft-as-the-seaside voice jumps to an alarming volume that spooks everyone in the vicinity! She, however, looks happier than a clam in a… clam resort? Whatever, she looks excited!

“Rolo, he…” She stammers, her face scrunching up at the sound of his name, “He didn’t take a train to Umberal…”

Yea, you snort, the thing woulda’ buckled under his weight if he did! Up top!

“You’re right,” Mutters Joplin as Tzah-Tzie slaps you some palm, “He wouldn’t stop bragging about his ‘Flying Machine’... called it ‘tip-top’ and wouldn’t stop gushing about how comfy the beds were…”

“Wha-wha-WHAAA!?” Sputter TT, eyes wider than a Chytree’s, “D-did you say a ‘FLYING MACHINE!?’”

What SHE said! Is it here!? Here in Umberal!?!

“Oh it’s here alright…” Murmurs the musician as she shuffles around awkwardly in her seat, “Docked and moored at the Nessurmos Estate. Rolo’s been too paranoid to sleep anywhere else. It would certainly explain how he arrived so swiftly.” Her jade eyes flicker with mischief! “If we could get our claws on it we’d be out of Umberal long before anyone could catch us…”

“Not to mention ruin that bastard’s day a second time…” Purrs TT, not even trying to hide her enthusiasm! “Oh… but how does it work? Any ideas?”

Lutza answers with a befuddled grin. “Wish I knew… but it was built in Umberal and if flies. It’s gotta be magical…”

“As excited as you may be by the prospect of adding the theft of an extremely high-profile vehicle to your grand escape, Miss Lutza, I would highly advise weighing other options as well.” Joplin replies, earning a round of annoyed groans for his trouble!

“They’ll pause Skyrail transit, I can almost guarantee it, but there are maintenance trains that won’t be hindered…” His brow furrows as he weighs your limited options. “Worst case scenario I know a back alley telemage or two. They could get us out of the city for the right amount of bells.”

>CONTD.