Rradzoka's Dinner Out (Evening, Day 1)

[BackworldTraveller]

Rradzoka makes an uneventful trip to the restaurant having snuck away from the main crowd.

Here, he finds the table, as yet, unoccupied and resolves to wait.

It is only a few minutes before a young (by his standards) female arrives. Somehow, she has finished work, passed through some form of enthusiastic groomers and changed into fashionable and stylish clothes - as she appears to look far fluffier than she's ever been seen looking before.

I'm glad to see that you were so keen to meet me. It isn't often that you aren't fashionable late.

Rradzoka is somewhat surprised by this transformation.

A Carouse/CHA roll will give a good indication of how this evening might progress!

[The Bindoner]

Rradzoka is looking as dashing as he can. His tail is up, and looking good and showing confidence are important - he has a Captaincy (of sorts) again, he’s is forming a pack, and he’s about to meet a pleasant companion in a smart restaurant.


When Dzektsavurzouk arrives, he smiles, delighted that she made the effort to make an impression.

Rising at her approach, he greets her “as an old friend”, and seats her as a host, commenting You smell wonderful. *

Of course I'm on time. Only just got the position, hardly any crew to boss. It's the fun part, all prospects, few duties.


He summons a Steward while asking what she wants to drink. (He intends to drink little himself, and keep as clear a head as possible, while not appearing to abstain. He orders good drinks, but makes his own last)


When they are settled:

You chose the venue, so I will take your advice on the menu. You order, I’ll pay. Don’t worry, it’s on expenses.

(Rradzoka is going to pay himself, but he’s making the impression of a senior partner in a successful business)


He intends to keep the meal social as long as possible.


* : Assuming that sounds less creepy in Vargr culture

[_2d6]=(2+5)=7 +1 Cha =8

Can I bid for Leadership 2, to improve the result?

EDITED

[BackworldTraveller]

Rradzoka is looking as dashing as he can. His tail is up, and looking good and showing confidence are important - he has a Captaincy (of sorts) again, he’s is forming a pack, and he’s about to meet a pleasant companion in a smart restaurant.


When Dzektsavurzouk arrives, he smiles, delighted that she made the effort to make an impression.

Rising at her approach, he greets her “as an old friend”, and seats her as a host, commenting You smell wonderful. *

Of course I'm on time. Only just got the position, hardly any crew to boss. It's the fun part, all prospects, few duties.


He summons a Steward while asking what she wants to drink. (He intends to drink little himself, and keep as clear a head as possible, while not appearing to abstain. He orders good drinks, but makes his own last)


When they are settled:

You chose the venue, so I will take your advice on the menu. You order, I’ll pay. Don’t worry, it’s on expenses.

(Rradzoka is going to pay himself, but he’s making the impression of a senior partner in a successful business)


He intends to keep the meal social as long as possible.


* : Assuming that sounds less creepy in Vargr culture

[_2d6]=(2+5)=7 +1 Cha =8

Can I bid for Leadership 2, to improve the result?

EDITED

You have known me long enough to call me Dzek! she states in Rradzoka's ear as she returns the formal sniff

Hmm...who has the Gzaengthan scent? You guess that would be Yeelau's unusual, spicy smell, but don't give away all your conversation pieces in the first moment of the dinner.

At the table, Dzek looks at the menu and chooses middle-of-the-price-range items - specifically she picks locally supplied items over the off-world options.

It isn't until the end of the food courses that she deigns to acknowledge the existence of any work related topics. Your conversation wanders around many other subjects.

Finally, as post-food beverages are offered by the steward, she indicates that she'd like to know why you invited her for this evening meal - allowing you to lead that discussion.

[The Bindoner]

Why’d I invite you? I wanted to celebrate my new position. Fresh opportunities. And you’re better company than the people I work with.

He smiles as he looks around, then back to her:

Picture my crew of aliens and marginals here!


Rradzoka adopts a guilty/forgive me attitude, ears drooping and eyes widening:

You’re right, though, I had another motive too.

Resuming his confident demeanour:

Of course, it’s something I could source elsewhere, but not so pleasantly. It's an opportunity too.


This new scheme, I’ve got a rival. Used to work for my business partner, trying to get a jump on us with stolen data.

He allows a flash of anger: Spread vile lies about me to slow us.

He calms: A Vargr named Oelue Sadzdall. Just sold the Todzougaerrgtokh. I hoped you could find out what ship he’s bought or hired, where it is, who he’s working with.

Conspiratorially: I find his ship, perhaps I find out he’s carrying contraband on it. A liar and cheat like him, bound to be something criminal going on. If you got the tip off, we’d both have something to celebrate. I’ll pick the venue for that one.

[BackworldTraveller]

I'm always good for a celebration. But comparing me to a Bear isn't that flattering! she jests

On hearing the details of the "Competition", Dzektsavurzouk looks concerned.

I don't need details, but if you are finding this vessel outside the UFA, you are going to need a customs waiver to return here. There is a big concern that the recent stories of battles in the Irrgh Manifest over the Imperial spoils mean that there is going to be another major wave of migrants. We're bursting at the seams as it is. There is some political shenanigans going on and Augurgh is said to be making a trip to the Federate to help better seal the border.

She considers the other parts of Rradzoka's story

As to finding out what ship - that I can look into. And a tip-off for some nasty infraction: maybe.

She sips her drink and offers Rradzoka a chance to join her on the dance floor.

Come on, Dance. I hear that the Relief Fund for the Defenders of Serk is really short of funds at the moment. A healthy donation may be appropriate. She wafts a contact card under Rradzoka's muzzle. Don't be stingy - getting all you want won't be cheap.

She twirls away, inviting and tantalizing - tail wagging suggestively. Come on!

An Art(Performance)/DEX roll would be good...but I'll accept a plausible work-around skill and a good story as to why that is better!

[The Bindoner]

I don't need details, but if you are finding this vessel outside the UFA, you are going to need a customs waiver to return here. There is a big concern that the recent stories of battles in the Irrgh Manifest over the Imperial spoils mean that there is going to be another major wave of migrants. We're bursting at the seams as it is. There is some political shenanigans going on and Augurgh is said to be making a trip to the Federate to help better seal the border.

A waiver? Sure, I’ll apply, but we’re bringing back a ship, not migrants. I’m taking the crew with me, they’ve already got residence. Ship’ll be an asset for the world, I’d think.

She considers the other parts of Rradzoka's story

As to finding out what ship - that I can look into. And a tip-off for some nasty infraction: maybe.

Oh, don’t worry about the tip off, I’ll arrange that, once I know where it is. You can get the credit for finding whatever it is.

Come on, Dance. I hear that the Relief Fund for the Defenders of Serk is really short of funds at the moment. A healthy donation may be appropriate. She wafts a contact card under Rradzoka's muzzle. Don't be stingy - getting all you want won't be cheap.

She twirls away, inviting and tantalizing - tail wagging suggestively. Come on!

Rradzoka smirks as he transfers credit: I’m not sure I can afford “all I want”.



Rradzoka is happy to dance, but has more enthusiasm than skill. He eagerly follows Dzek onto the dance floor, trusting in his zero-g honed agility to add some grace to his movement.

[_2d6]=(2+5)=7 No Art skill, Performance or otherwise. Minimum bid: Carouse 0, +1 Dex = 8. Maximum bid Athletics/Dex 1, Dex +1 = 9

Rradzoka makes whatever counts as a generous donation.

[BackworldTraveller]

Despite (or because of) the atmosphere, elation, or whatever, Dzektsavurzouk seems to accept your offered moves and drags you off to a second venue with a wilder and louder clientele.

Here she whirls you in the company of a number of the upper echelons of the government administrations and its hangers-on.

See the slick looking Vargr over there...with the young bitch on his arm...He's probably your competition's backer. The girl is the daughter of the minister for Space Security. The two thugs by the bar are his and hers Close Protection.

The indicated "thugs" are a disparate pair. One is street-smart and the other much more formal. Neither looks happy. Neither is drinking.

Now Dance like you mean it!

Dzekts attempts a twirl, slips on a discarded drink-ornament and falls, ignominiously, to the ground.

[The Bindoner]

Rradzoka notes the likely rival patron, and how connected he is, for future reference. Nothing to be done now, after all, wrong time, wrong place.

He does take a series of images of Dzekts, making sure to include the pair and their security in the background of one or two of them.

When Dzekts falls, Rradzoka immediately kneels to make a quick assessment as to whether she is actually injured, while making light of the situation:

Ah! A lawsuit! This could be our fortune. Are you concussed? How many fingers am I holding up? And what shall I do with them? Feel for bruises… Is this ankle broken? No? Pity. No payday then.

Helping her to her feet:

Want to try again? Or have you had enough already?

[BackworldTraveller]

Dzekts considers the options and suggests

Maybe somewhere less dynamic. My coordination seems to be failing. I didn't think I'd drunk that much!

[The Bindoner]

No more drinking and dancing then, we don't want to cloud our judgement or lose our balance. Shall we drop some credits at a casino? Or, call it a night, get some coffee at home? How lucky do you feel?

[BackworldTraveller]

No more drinking and dancing then, we don't want to cloud our judgement or lose our balance. Shall we drop some credits at a casino? Or, call it a night, get some coffee at home? How lucky do you feel?

Lucky? I've a small sum riding on your expedition.

Coffee sounds better than feeding the Casino Piranhas. And I have some excellent Imperial Blend from Ikhaba - Pre-Abandonment too. Looted from a Noble's warehouse on Khouth I'm told.

[The Bindoner]

Rradzoka is touched. His tail wags rapidly: You bet on me?

Getting his tail under control and resorting to levity again: Well, then it's my duty to make you a winner, and yours to help me cheat.

Rradzoka attracts the attention of club staff and orders a taxi to be ready when they leave.

I look forward to tasting this Noble’s coffee.

In the vehicle:

I always find it hard to sleep when I drink it at night, though. We can discuss how to stack the deck in our favour, to pass the time, if you like... Unless you have a better idea?

[BackworldTraveller]

Rradzoka is touched. His tail wags rapidly: You bet on me?

Getting his tail under control and resorting to levity again: Well, then it's my duty to make you a winner, and yours to help me cheat.

Rradzoka attracts the attention of club staff and orders a taxi to be ready when they leave.

I look forward to tasting this Noble’s coffee.

In the vehicle:

I always find it hard to sleep when I drink it at night, though. We can discuss how to stack the deck in our favour, to pass the time, if you like... Unless you have a better idea?

No better idea!

And the two head off in the pre-arranged taxi.

At Dzekts accomodation, a modest affair in a middle-class district, the discussion resumes after tasting the Coffee. (It is quite something.) And then things turn to business. Dzekts gives you an update on Khouth and the problems there.

There are two things you should bear in mind - that you need to leave soon (your competitors are going to have better jump than the crock you have, and they are negotiating for a J4 lift as cargo) and that you'll need papers to get back. And you'll need those for each vessel. I'll be able to get blanks. Your generous donation will cover some of my expenses.

Finally, in exchange for carrying a message for me, I'll put you in contact with some people on Khouth who might be able to help you and delay your competitors (if they haven't got there first).

[The Bindoner]

Well, papers is what I wanted to talk to you about. Ours and theirs. I was hoping for some advise on what would put a thorn in their pad, legal or bureaucratic.


But, I’ll admit, a literal thorn is better than a metaphorical one. I’d have carried your message anyway, but I’ll be glad of any help I can get.

That idea of getting the ship lifted as cargo is pretty good. I’ll look into that myself.

[BackworldTraveller]

Well, papers is what I wanted to talk to you about. Ours and theirs. I was hoping for some advise on what would put a thorn in their pad, legal or bureaucratic.


But, I’ll admit, a literal thorn is better than a metaphorical one. I’d have carried your message anyway, but I’ll be glad of any help I can get.

That idea of getting the ship lifted as cargo is pretty good. I’ll look into that myself.

They will be getting the gilded treatment while they are in the UFA. But once they get outside, they will have less support. Indeed their UFA connections may be a hinderance.

Now the message. You are looking for a Vargr named Rronae - He lives in the Port and can get you in and out quietly. He will want to know what the message is, but don't tell him. Get him to take you to Degode Sogu. He'll provide security so don't try and take yours. The message is this...
...You are handed a shard of crystal.
It's heavy for its size (maybe 30 grams), clearly broken and has a hexagonal-rod like pattern. Too small to be re-cut to be useful to a ship, but maybe Cr20's worth (once trimmed) of Zuchai.
Check the recipient has the other half before you hand this over.