[013] On to Damkina

[Leitz]

Larry winked. "We all have our challenges, I shall do my best to not cause you undue worry."

After thanking his host and taking his leave, Larry commenced to wander. His objective was simple, learn as much as possible about how the Foix "house" worked. It meant talking to the wait staff, ignoring rich and lively nobles wandering around missing an article or three of their clothing, and whatever. Larry was in his element (1), and would be able to give his new employer a good briefing in the morning. A thank you here, and a hand helping a kitchen cleaner move a large pot there, and Larry was learning quite a bit. It helped, certainly, that he was now "one of them". At least in some form or fashion.

He was, of course, a bit surprised to have his own room. Perhaps it was just for the evening? Or perhaps not, and tomorrow he needed to bring in what little he owned. There were lots of options for companions, and the room was extravagant when compared to his lower bunk aboard the ship. Yet Larry was happy to observe, for the time being. He wasn't sure who was whom, and it would be far to easy to give offense to his new employer. He did have a collection of cards and comm numbers though. When asking for referrals, it was easy to get help. Vee might want her own staff, or she might not. The option was hers, Larry just needed to be ready if asked. Having people that were already Foix screened would be an advantage.

With occasional breaks to nap in "his room", Larry managed to work most of the night and into the early morning. It was interesting to see which groups of people were most active at different times. And, of course, those who stayed up all night.

1. Admin-2 [2d6+2] = 8+2 = 10

[joertexas]

Vee stays up until a reasonable hour, and then she rescues Gauvain from the wily women around him by dragging him off to their room.

[lenusmars]

Ana taps her heals, “You get used to them, they are murder on your toes but look what they do to my legs.” She does a quick twirl for Sara.

“You know it took me a week of practicing to wear them to my first formal, I swore never again and now look at me, a girl from a no account dustball on the fringes of the Imperium hanging out with a classy dame such as yourself.”

"Oh, believe me, I've been looking." Sara smiles as she admires the twirl. "Classy Dame, huh? Keep that up and this might go somewhere." She giggles.

Ana winks, “You look amazing by the way,” she leans in and gives Sara a kiss on the cheek.

“You smell really pretty too.”

Sara hums happily as Ana kisses her. "Must be all the coffee." She says, as she half watches Corona's interactions with Vee. She wonders at all his formality, but perhaps the crew could use someone like that. You know... formal but less, um... dramatic.

When Larry walks away she looks up at Ana, taking her hand. "Well, lets go for a walk and you can get a holo of me in this outfit. Mama Priya has been dying to see me in something like this for years."

[Ramona]

When Larry walks away she looks up at Ana, taking her hand. "Well, lets go for a walk and you can get a holo of me in this outfit. Mama Priya has been dying to see me in something like this for years."

Ana smiles, "Thank you, I feel uncomfortable in my skin around these things, just want to drink myself into oblivion and that would really only postpone the horror."

Part way through the grounds and a half dozen pictures later Ana stops. She hops about for a moment pulling off her heels and holding them by the straps before stepping off the path into the cool damp grass. "We don't have anything like this at home, you should try it, it's all rocks, sand, heat and scrub at home. I couldn't believe the first planet I went to after that hell hole, green as far as the eye could see."

"I've trusted a lot of people with my life Sara, never trusted anyone with my heart. Just seemed like a good way to get hurt in my old job and given my habit of taking long naps." Ana wipes her eyes before taking Sara's hands in her own, she looks into her eyes and smiles, "I trust you Sara."

[ffilz]

Larry winked. "We all have our challenges, I shall do my best to not cause you undue worry."

After thanking his host and taking his leave, Larry commenced to wander. His objective was simple, learn as much as possible about how the Foix "house" worked. It meant talking to the wait staff, ignoring rich and lively nobles wandering around missing an article or three of their clothing, and whatever. Larry was in his element (1), and would be able to give his new employer a good briefing in the morning. A thank you here, and a hand helping a kitchen cleaner move a large pot there, and Larry was learning quite a bit. It helped, certainly, that he was now "one of them". At least in some form or fashion.

He was, of course, a bit surprised to have his own room. Perhaps it was just for the evening? Or perhaps not, and tomorrow he needed to bring in what little he owned. There were lots of options for companions, and the room was extravagant when compared to his lower bunk aboard the ship. Yet Larry was happy to observe, for the time being. He wasn't sure who was whom, and it would be far to easy to give offense to his new employer. He did have a collection of cards and comm numbers though. When asking for referrals, it was easy to get help. Vee might want her own staff, or she might not. The option was hers, Larry just needed to be ready if asked. Having people that were already Foix screened would be an advantage.

With occasional breaks to nap in "his room", Larry managed to work most of the night and into the early morning. It was interesting to see which groups of people were most active at different times. And, of course, those who stayed up all night.

1. Admin-2 [2d6+2] = 8+2 = 10

Just a note, you didn't actually need to roll for that. My philosophy is only roll when failure is interesting or specifically called out in the mechanics. For something like this, you have appropriate skill and/or appropriate background? You get what you want and do well.

[Leitz]

Just a note, you didn't actually need to roll for that. My philosophy is only roll when failure is interesting or specifically called out in the mechanics. For something like this, you have appropriate skill and/or appropriate background? You get what you want and do well.

OOC: Understood. While I avoid PvP stuff, in some ways it was a question of "How well could Larry gather intel on Foix?" Larry himself is trustable, but Tiglath may have wanted to comment what security measures might impede Larry's quest. Rolling let the dice determine, and then any modifiers could be applied. If there are going to be no modifiers, then that will be something Larry will discuss with Vee at breakfast. Larry isn't a spy, but a data gatherer. A real spy could have gotten much more.

Larry is used to making a good first impression.

[SpinwardMarch]

Cmdr. Taheri

In a quiet voice from the wall, she says, "Interesting gentleman. Verbose, impressed with himself. I suppose he will work out fine. Comte, is there anything you wish from me tonight? She straightens up and returns to a more military stance.

Arriving at the Foix estate was a culture shock, after being on Naval ships for many years. The traditional navy rules of "salute it or paint it" really doesn't apply here: Some saluting, no painting at all. She is also still not quite sure where she fits in here, in the grand scheme of things.

[Tiglath]

Foix replies to Taheri but also seeks Ana's opinion "Only that you enjoy the party and mull over which method of space travel I should use to return to the Foix core worlds. I lack intelligence on what to expect and fear I have no time for reconnoitre. My thoughts are to take advantage of the liner's greater range, travel incognito and then develop intelligence on arrival. However, the Kiara Surabi's extra fuel capacity might be useful".

[Ramona]

"Why not split our forces to do some recon, each ship jumps to two different systems before meeting up at a third. It would allow at least some of us to gather information in relative anonymity.
Your wife would naturally assume you'd be aboard your aunt's ship and not aboard some tramp liner." Ana shrugs and walks off with Sara.

"Think about it m'lord, we have time to weigh our options."

[joertexas]

The following morning, Vee appears in the breakfast room dressed in her official garb: a silvery sleeveless mini-dress that comes to mid-thigh, white calf-length boots, and a vest patterned after a chainmail shirt with burgundy piping. She sits down at the table, accepts a cup of coffee from one of the kitchen staff with a smile and a few words of greeting, and begins working on her datapad as she waits for her breakfast companions to arrive.

[Leitz]

Larry was still smiling about the accommodations. Everything needed to shave and shower, all in one place. Melinda had shown him where the staff laundry was, and most of his clothing was clean and ready for the day. Larry never primped, but he had found a style of appearance that suited him. Clean shaven, hair not too long and brushed back. A well fitted suit available immediately, with all components handy. Certainly the people he was about to associate with didn't seem to rest their eyes on the cut of his jacket. He smiled, those with military service would recognize his suit for what it was; an official uniform. Cuff links and tie instead of medals and ribbons. It fit him well.

For breakfast, the standard uniform was different. He left the jacket hanging, and the tie was given the morning off. One extra button undone, near his neck, and shirt sleeves rolled half way up his forearms. Not nearly so dashing or admirable as the others, but just Larry.

Last night he had gotten a notepad; real paper and pen. He had gotten through about half of the pad with various ideas and data points. Thinking on paper seemed to make the questions more solid and the ideas more real. Notepad in hand, pens in pocket, he set off to start the day.

On his way to breakfast, with a plan to be a few minutes early, Larry stopped to serve his own coffee. Some places called it qana; but that tended to be a richer and darker blend. He smiled at the server filling the pots, and lifted his cup. "Good morning, Javier. I hope to keep you busy today."

The Lady Anevay was already in place. Larry gave himself a moment to enjoy the coffee, and then went to work.



"Good morning, ma'am. May I join you?" Larry said as he approached the table where Vee sat.

OOC: Assuming yes.

Larry sat close enough for conversation, yet far enough away so that closer companions could take their rightful place. He set the note pad aside, and smiled. "I made a few observations last night. However, most of those are secondary to understanding what you wish to do. When we discuss business, my first question will be simply what is it you want to achieve?"

[joertexas]

"Good morning, ma'am. May I join you?" Larry said as he approached the table where Vee sat.

OOC: Assuming yes.

Larry sat close enough for conversation, yet far enough away so that closer companions could take their rightful place. He set the note pad aside, and smiled. "I made a few observations last night. However, most of those are secondary to understanding what you wish to do. When we discuss business, my first question will be simply what is it you want to achieve?"

"Good morning, Mister Corona. Please, join me." Vee waits until he is seated, while she finishes a note in her datapad. She takes note of Larry's paper, something she never could grow to like. She shakes off the thought and focuses on what he is saying.

"At the moment, the political situation is fluid, as I'm sure you've seen for yourself. The Comte de Foix is moving to secure his own holdings amid this turmoil. My job is to ensure that he has the best information available upon which to act. Our counsel, I might add, probably will not be military in nature, as he has the services of General Ana Jones, as well as his own considerable experience, to draw upon." Vee picks up her cup and takes a sip. She holds it in the palms of her hands, and studies the oily surface of the elixir within for a moment as she remembers something she doesn't share.

"So, I, and ergo you, are here to first help administer the business dealings of House Foix. Second, we are to ensure that important information reaches The Comte's ear in a timely manner. We will refine the processes of collecting information and determining what is important as we go along." She takes another sip and sets her cup down.

"I wish to help achieve a successful transition of power in the lands House Foix controls. In short, Mister Corona, I want peace."

[Tiglath]

Foix steps into the breakfast room from the patio to the plantation gardens. He has clearly just completed a run and is sweaty from his exercise. He wears grey baggy sweats, carries one top and wears another sleeveless one. His sweats are of an old style and bear the stencil DIABLE on his right breast and II R.E.P. on his left. He heads for the fruit juice but changes course on seeing Vee and Larry. The tattoo on his right bicep is visible showing a skull motif and the motto Legio Patria Nostra.

He smiles warmly at Vee “Lady Anevay, M'sieu Corona excuse me - I will not sit now but will join you directly I am clean. However, even after a run my thirst for rare beauty exceeds that for a cool drink! My Lady, I have still to thank you for your rescue last night. It seems the ladies of Damkina recall the earlier, more uncouth and unreformed version of myself. I fear Grimaud may have been telling tall tales again”. He chuckles “You will have to escort me everywhere to fend them off and show them they can not compete with your radiance”. He then solemnly adds “For, my Lady, you must know that they can not”.

Spotting Grimaud hunched in solitude nearby he says warmly “Ah, there is the rogue! Grimaud, mon vieux, is it bad?” Grimaud accepts a chilled napkin from a smiling waitress and replaces it with the one currently cooling his pate. He groans “Chef and I were developing the perfect fruit punch. I believe our research extended the boundaries of the culinary art. Alas, there was a human cost…”

(OOC: Assuming Larry’s Google Fu is strong: Legio Patria Nostra = The Legion is our Homeland, II R.E.P. = 2e Régiment étranger de parachutists: the Legion’s élite “paras” - who now fight as Grav/Lift Light Infantry. Their most recent and notable battle honours include holding out at the siege at Hessia and before that the gruelling counter insurgency campaign on Lorissia).

[joertexas]

He smiles warmly at Vee “Lady Anevay, M'sieu Corona excuse me - I will not sit now but will join you directly I am clean. However, even after a run my thirst for rare beauty exceeds that for a cool drink! My Lady, I have still to thank you for your rescue last night. It seems the ladies of Damkina recall the earlier, more uncouth and unreformed version of myself. I fear Grimaud may have been telling tall tales again”. He chuckles “You will have to escort me everywhere to fend them off and show them they can not compete with your radiance”. He then solemnly adds “For, my Lady, you must know that they can not”.

Vee inclines her head respectfully. "Of course, my Lord. In the future, though, I may upgrade my personal armament to something more fitting. Perhaps a shotgun; I will consult with General Ana about that." Her lips quirk in a small smile, and she regards her liege with a lifted brow.

Spotting Grimaud hunched in solitude nearby he says warmly “Ah, there is the rogue! Grimaud, mon vieux, is it bad?” Grimaud accepts a chilled napkin from a smiling waitress and replaces it with the one currently cooling his pate. He groans “Chef and I were developing the perfect fruit punch. I believe our research extended the boundaries of the culinary art. Alas, there was a human cost…”

Vee laughs lightly. "But we all appreciate your sacrifice, Grimaud. The question is, did you succeed?"

[Tiglath]

Vee inclines her head respectfully. "Of course, my Lord. In the future, though, I may upgrade my personal armament to something more fitting. Perhaps a shotgun; I will consult with General Ana about that." Her lips quirk in a small smile, and she regards her liege with a lifted brow.

Foix allows wryly “There was indeed a small “flock” of ladies”. He plucks at his sweats “Fortunately my para training allows me to conduct a campaign assuming I am always surrounded!” With some concern he adds “My Lady, I fear the tactics of La Flamme, Baroness elect may prove a little too … ah … robust for the delicate ladies of Damkina”. He then allows with a smile “Although I’m sure there could be no misapprehension for lack of clarity in her message”.

He closes with "However, I see no need to add to your armament my Lady". Taking her hand, he kisses it "For myself I find your beauty entirely devastating".

Foix takes his leave and quickly returns looking well groomed to take a hearty breakfast.

Vee laughs lightly. "But we all appreciate your sacrifice, Grimaud. The question is, did you succeed?"

Grimaud attempts mock indignity and winces with the effort “My Lady, with two of the House Foix chefs involved, success was never the question!” He smiles ruefully “I fear the difficulty may lie with remembering the final formula!”

A reinvigorated Grimaud rallies enough to place an order for breakfast!

(OOC: I think I mentioned it in game but didn't properly claim it as an improvement - Foix trains with his sword trying for Sword 2. Roll: [2d6] = 10).

[joertexas]

Foix takes his leave...

Vee smiles after the pair as they depart the dining room. She looks after Foix for a moment, and then turns to Larry with a self-conscious smile. "When we all first met, Ana said that he could charm the habit off a nun. But when the shit hit the fan, she'd pick him first." Vee picks up her cup and sits back with it in hand. "In case you're wondering, that's why I accepted Gauvain's offer to become his Knight. I see a side of him that few people do. There aren't many people out there who are really worthy of supporting in big things. He is."

She takes a sip and sets the cup down. "To start, I'd like to engage Ana and Sara, not literally, but it's probably coming," Vee flashes a grin,and then sobers, "for their expertise in picking though the information we gather. We will start with the people closest to us, and then work our way outward to build our network. Questions?"

...and quickly returns looking well groomed to take a hearty breakfast.

Vee smiles at Foix as he sits next to her. "Hello, again, m'lord."

[Leitz]

She takes a sip and sets the cup down. "To start, I'd like to engage Ana and Sara, not literally, but it's probably coming," Vee flashes a grin,and then sobers, "for their expertise in picking though the information we gather. We will start with the people closest to us, and then work our way outward to build our network. Questions?"

Larry smiled at various moments, Ana and Sara's engagement, the talk of shotguns. He sat back just a little, and relaxed.

"Dozens, if not hundreds. Let me start with a small number. I spent a good bit of time last night wandering around and talking to people. Clearly that each individual supports the Comte and thinks highly of him. However, few consider how much their polite conversation can be turned into actionable business intelligence. I'm certainly not a spy, but someone who was could find out a lot. What are the closest risks, and who is currently running the business of House Foix? When we spoke last night, that seemed to be the top priority."

"Secondarily, given the size of the operation and the wide spread impact, how does Foix build and maintain loyalty when entire operations are out of sight? Does he use former military associates, or those personally loyal to him? How does the number of reliable assets scale to the problems at hand?"

"Achieving success; peace and prosperity for House Foix, is an excellent challenge. Unfortunately, except for what I've gathered last night, I have more outsider's rumor than actual fact. When we get down to details, I'll need to know what parameters you have for my actions."

[ffilz]

(OOC: I think I mentioned it in game but didn't properly claim it as an improvement - Foix trains with his sword trying for Sword 2. Roll: [2d6] = 10).

Got it and noted, that does get you Sword-2 for the meantime (in 4 years, you will have to make another dedication roll to continue)

[Tiglath]

(OOC: I think I mentioned it in game but didn't properly claim it as an improvement - Foix trains with his sword trying for Sword 2. Roll: [2d6] = 10).

Got it and noted, that does get you Sword-2 for the meantime (in 4 years, you will have to make another dedication roll to continue)

Thank you and duly noted.

[joertexas]

"Achieving success; peace and prosperity for House Foix, is an excellent challenge. Unfortunately, except for what I've gathered last night, I have more outsider's rumor than actual fact. When we get down to details, I'll need to know what parameters you have for my actions."[/dialog]

"This is new ground for me, as well," Vee replies. "For now, we need to learn more about the power structure in House Foix. We have the starting place, of course, but we need to see who wields power downstream."