008: Reunion at Collace

[terrymixon]

Given Roscoe's previous for "letting one go" / "boldly going etc" do let me know if he's going with the "psionic reconic".

Asking for a friend...

As he suspects that she might have psionic powers, mind reading is out as it would be detectable. He would cause offense, so he won't. Is there a way to detect a mind shield that isn't intrusive?

As per my old skool understanding "Life Detect" would "map the room" for you. If you finesse the "Effect" you might read more revelations and it's a passive/non opposed task.

So let it be written; so let it be done.



50 seconds and a lot of effect. Distant range means he can scan the room and then the surrounding 5 kilometers to see what he finds since he has plenty of time and all the processing power he needs to catalog everything. Hopefully one of the Zho doesn't choke on his drink.

[Tiglath]

Frank Cross

Polly returns Frank's embrace with interest then states formally but with a knowing smile "You are returned from the field of battle my Warlord - I am anxious to help you take your ease". She adds "Our guests jumped re-entry with Colonel Skeet as did a group of newly arrived people. They performed impressively. It also seems they are interested in hiring soldiers which rather makes Skeet's point despite Duran's protests about the expense and frivolity of this party". Frank can hear her fan clicking open and shut even as she talks to him.

"More potential clients? With Jakob recruiting those extra troops, we have bills to pay." Frank seems pleased rather than truly annoyed. "Well, my lady, you can help ease me to the bar for a drink." he holds out his arm and escorts Polly to the bar where he looks to see if they have any spirits native to the Regiment region of Tarsus.

Frank notes Polly's fan, and wonders if the Aslan have developed a method of communication using fans. He whispers to Polly as they move towards the bar "Nice fan work, say hi to Sazanami for me" and he watches for her reaction.

Polly laughs and breathily confides (she smells soo good) "I just did. She's so excited to see you!"

Having played this particular game before Frank looks for Yūgure then... there! Dwarfed by the males in the Warlord's retinue Sazanami remains utterly immobile at her mistress' shoulder now wearing a yellow "Happy Face" button badge on her grey robes.

Fortunately he finds a "Tarsan adjacent" whiskey.

[helvorn]

The four Zhodani officers' apparent surprise at your approach turns most definitely to "pleasant surprise" when you address them in their native tongue. The senior officer introduces himself and his comrades "Mr and Mrs Larsson what a pleasure to meet people who speak our language so fluently and well. I am Major Kiriaklabatl, “Kiri” if you prefer and my comrades Captain Qliazatliepr - “Qlia”, Captain Zhablzdieliepr - “Shab” and Captain Chtemialiepr - "Chet". We are attached to the Ambassadorial diplomatic mission to Collace promoting and appreciation of Zhodani language and culture but I had no idea we had already been so successful! The Ambassador is dining this evening and so a little later on I will introduce you to him myself. Does your surname reflect some Sword World heritage?"

The officers are wearing their medal ribbons but not full formal uniform and have clearly been given a dispensation to retain their swords which, though sheathed and carried in their waist sashes, appear to be of the curved cutlass or hanger type.

William bows as an equal to each of the Zhodani in turn using their own protocol. "I greet you Major Kiriaklabatl, Captain Qliazatliepr, Captain Zhablzdieliepr and Captain Chtemialiepr. You do me and my wife honor. Your people have a long and proud history and it is only fitting to speak with you in your own language." He chuckled and shook his head. "I'm afraid my knowledge of Zdtel comes from elsewhere. It is a complement to the importance of this world that four noble warriors such as yourselves would be assigned here. It would be a pleasure to meet your Ambassador." William nodded and smiled and switched to Sagamal. "That is very perceptive of you Kiri. My people originally come from Narsil." He switched back to Zdetl to repeat what he just said in case he was not understood.

Any further discussion was momentarily broken off as the Aslan cadre landed. William watched for a while and then shook his head. "I don't know of anyone that can match the Aslan at their peak for pride, strength and ferociousness. It makes me glad that our common ancestors tamed fire to hold back the predators that commanded the savanna. I have heard of another race far to Trailing that supposedly match the Aslan as soldiers but not as warriors."

[Thumper]

Walt is still mingling with Duran and his people when the Entrourage enters. He's been hoping to innoculate Bona in the ways of pubcrawling.

Turning to Duran again, not a hint of fear in his voice:
"What's the deal with the big cat show? How well does 4DC get along with that crowd?"

He's cross checking the relationship between 4DC and the cats...and possibly SEMC

Duran replies urbanely "We're all big fish in a big enough pond. It didn't take too much research by the field agents from either side to realize that mutually assured destruction was not only very bad business but also a poor alternative to cooperation. As "high end options" go we actually compliment each other rather well. Ah, I see SEMC are returned from Tarsus - Colonel Cross and Major Nayar employ some very interesting people. I look forward to hearing tales of this sector's least popular corporation having received a most uncomfortable time".

Walt lights another cigar. He wraps an arm around Bona’s waist as he speaks calmly to Duran.

So, SEMC is a collaborating Merc Corp as well? Any others? This is very intriguing to me. We aim to drive a highly corrupt corporation out of a corner of space in which they dont belong. Please elaborate on the specialties and general capabilities you each bring to the team? Where are the sticking points in this “three-way”?

He’ll listen intently to the response then ask: “Besides money, what other enticements might be attractive to this group. What’s on your wish list?”

He’ll broadcast this last to Roscoe and anyone interested on the Link

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Back in the entourage, Prerna bats away an incoming ice cube. "They do know how to make an entrance," she comments to T'Lia.

T'lia replies "They are indeed magnificent warriors without peer but professional soldiers just need to look the part". She hoists her uberblack gown (split to where?!?) to deftly negotiate a change in floor level and now reveal (only by inference of tailoring) much less of her. She smiles "4DC throw very fine parties and after Tarsus I am very much ready for a "run ashore" - keep up!"

[joertexas]

Prerna

Back in the entourage, Prerna bats away an incoming ice cube. "They do know how to make an entrance," she comments to T'Lia.

T'lia replies "They are indeed magnificent warriors without peer but professional soldiers just need to look the part". She hoists her uberblack gown (split to where?!?) to deftly negotiate a change in floor level and now reveal (only by inference of tailoring) much less of her. She smiles "4DC throw very fine parties and after Tarsus I am very much ready for a "run ashore" - keep up!"

"Have you ever met a Swordy who couldn't drink everyone else under the table?" She looks around and notices the Warlord speaking to a couple she's never before seen. The man draws her eye, as he is one of the few civilians in the room who isn't cowed by the massive and fragrant Aslan male. "Now, that's interesting. I wonder who they are?"

[helvorn]

Dzofin basked in the reflected charisma of the Aslan warlord. He was pleased to be included in the entourage as was only proper considering his outsized contribution to the victory. Still he recognized an alpha predator and waited for the Aslan to clear out. As he waited he watched, listened and sniffed the air to assess the situation. Dzofin wrinkled his snout at the heavy smell of alcohol, food and tobacco but underneath everything was the rich smell of wealth, success and power. This was a good place to be with enough high charisma floating about to make climbing the rungs in his new pack possible. He moved over to the bar to get a bowl of beer and then mingled in the crowd staying close enough to hear what was going on around the Aslan.

[ateno]

Hawkeye replies "Warlord Ikazuchi “Thunder” Commander of the Regiment of the Falling Night - wouldn't want to fight him. So he's sure boss of that - and technically boss of our Colonel's bodyguard. Same unit same clan. They wouldn't turn though - the shame of it would finish them. Our Aslan are solid".

Question: did Hawkeye understand me in Aslan?

In Galangic standard.

"Thanks for letting me know who it it, are you guys two merc units who work together or under one flag but different division? My quick reseach was inconclusive."

Arkar

[shaidar]

Frank

Frank Cross

Polly returns Frank's embrace with interest then states formally but with a knowing smile "You are returned from the field of battle my Warlord - I am anxious to help you take your ease". She adds "Our guests jumped re-entry with Colonel Skeet as did a group of newly arrived people. They performed impressively. It also seems they are interested in hiring soldiers which rather makes Skeet's point despite Duran's protests about the expense and frivolity of this party". Frank can hear her fan clicking open and shut even as she talks to him.

"More potential clients? With Jakob recruiting those extra troops, we have bills to pay." Frank seems pleased rather than truly annoyed. "Well, my lady, you can help ease me to the bar for a drink." he holds out his arm and escorts Polly to the bar where he looks to see if they have any spirits native to the Regiment region of Tarsus.

Frank notes Polly's fan, and wonders if the Aslan have developed a method of communication using fans. He whispers to Polly as they move towards the bar "Nice fan work, say hi to Sazanami for me" and he watches for her reaction.

Polly laughs and breathily confides (she smells soo good) "I just did. She's so excited to see you!"

Having played this particular game before Frank looks for Yūgure then... there! Dwarfed by the males in the Warlord's retinue Sazanami remains utterly immobile at her mistress' shoulder now wearing a yellow "Happy Face" button badge on her grey robes.

Fortunately he finds a "Tarsan adjacent" whiskey.

Frank just manages to not burst into laughter, he smiles and nods at Sazanami before turning back to Polly "How on earth did you persuade her to wear that? And where are my manners, what are drinking?"

[terrymixon]

Roscoe sends the following over the link to his companions. "I've scanned the room and there are a lot of psi talented people here."

He will then present them with the list.

• There is a knot of five or six minds at a table with its privacy field activated.

• There is a group of four Zhodani officers talking to William and Ciencia.

• The above are all powerful "top tier" psionic adepts.

• There is a "shadowed" mind barely noticeable in the Aslan entourage. (This is Sazanami stood two or three meters from Roscoe)'

• Tourmaline (4DC's Amazonian Swordy) is an immensely powerful "wild talent" - her mind blazes like a reactor with the cooling rods out.

• The pregnant woman (in company with the SEMC garrison commander) is a potent adept (as is her unborn child).

• Of the SEMC group the Vilani woman in the new fashion "uberblack" gown is a top tier adept and the pale woman on her arm and the woman wearing the theatrical mask are potent but (comparatively) lesser adepts.

[joertexas]

Roscoe sends the following over the link to his companions. "I've scanned the room and there are a lot of psi talented people here."

• Of the SEMC group the Vilani woman in the new fashion "uberblack" gown is a top tier adept and the pale woman on her arm and the woman wearing the theatrical mask are potent but (comparatively) lesser adepts.

The pair consisting of the "woman in black with the pale woman" walks up to Roscoe and Jaelah. The redhead, who is wearing a slinky emerald green sheath dress, smiles and addresses the couple. "I think we've met, in a manner of speaking. I'm Prernanayaratl, or just Prerna, and this is my wife, Tliablzhdilatl, or T'Lia."

Jaelah smiles in return. "I am Jaelah Shugilamar, and this is my husband Roscoe. Will you sit and join us?"

Short pause for the better halves to introduce themselves...

At their assent, Jaelah leads them to an out-of-the way table and procures drinks for everyone. Then, she and Roscoe sit down.

Prerna gingerly seats herself, as she's not too comfortable in her new dress. Form-fitting worked for body sleeves, but not wavefoam silk in her opinion. "What brings you to our most humble planet?"

Something about her tone and look causes Jaelah to sit up straighter and study them both more closely. It wasn't just the Sword World accent and the Zhodani names - the mercenary was scouting them.

Jaelah sits back. "You tell me."

"You two, and your friends, are very powerful, and not very careful, adepts. There are others here with that talent, and other talents related to finding things out." She pauses and glances at T'Lia before she continues.

[terrymixon]

Roscoe sends the following over the link to his companions. "I've scanned the room and there are a lot of psi talented people here."

• Of the SEMC group the Vilani woman in the new fashion "uberblack" gown is a top tier adept and the pale woman on her arm and the woman wearing the theatrical mask are potent but (comparatively) lesser adepts.

The pair consisting of the "woman in black with the pale woman" walks up to Roscoe and Jaelah. The redhead, who is wearing a slinky emerald green sheath dress, smiles and addresses the couple. "I think we've met, in a manner of speaking. I'm Prernanayaratl, or just Prerna, and this is my wife, Tliablzhdilatl, or T'Lia."

Jaelah smiles in return. "I am Jaelah Shugilamar, and this is my husband Roscoe. Will you sit and join us?"

Short pause for the better halves to introduce themselves...

At their assent, Jaelah leads them to an out-of-the way table and procures drinks for everyone. Then, she and Roscoe sit down.

Prerna gingerly seats herself, as she's not too comfortable in her new dress. Form-fitting worked for body sleeves, but not wavefoam silk in her opinion. "What brings you to our most humble planet?"

Something about her tone and look causes Jaelah to sit up straighter and study them both more closely. It wasn't just the Sword World accent and the Zhodani names - the mercenary was scouting them.

Jaelah sits back. "You tell me."

"You two, and your friends, are very powerful, and not very careful, adepts. There are others here with that talent, and other talents related to finding things out." She pauses and glances at T'Lia before she continues.

I will point out that Tiglath said the life scan wasn't detectable as there was no opposed roll. Me picking up the talent was because of effect, not the talent itself. If he's changing that now, okay, but I just wanted that out there.

Given Roscoe's previous for "letting one go" / "boldly going etc" do let me know if he's going with the "psionic reconic".

Asking for a friend...

As he suspects that she might have psionic powers, mind reading is out as it would be detectable. He would cause offense, so he won't. Is there a way to detect a mind shield that isn't intrusive?

As per my old skool understanding "Life Detect" would "map the room" for you. If you finesse the "Effect" you might read more revelations and it's a passive/non opposed task.

"I'm Roscoe. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

[shaidar]

Frank

Frank orders whatever Polly is having. "We ought to thank our hosts before mingling." he says as he passes the glass to her. He heads over to Colonel Skeet "Colonel, thank you for the invite. It is good to be back home and one of your recruitment events is always a good place to mix business with pleasure after a successful mission."

Frank is wearing a standard SEMC uniform with rank insignia, but no medals. On his belt hangs a shorter Aslan blade, tied with a 'peace' knot.

[Tiglath]

I will point out that Tiglath said the life scan wasn't detectable as there was no opposed roll. Me picking up the talent was because of effect, not the talent itself.

OOC: Correct. Of course if someone else had done one a lot of these visiting "Imperials" would have lit up like Xmas trees...

As he suspects that she might have psionic powers, mind reading is out as it would be detectable. He would cause offense, so he won't. Is there a way to detect a mind shield that isn't intrusive?

OOC: While ransacking someone's mental dwelling might be crass "politely knocking at the front door" likely wouldn't be. So it would surely be with initiating a telepathic conversation? There is, no doubt, somewhere a "Debrett's Guide for Psionic Communication" but Roscoe is finding his way here...

NB I "hand wave" tasks and psi point cost for mutual/consenting communication at close range.

The only truly passive way to detect a mind shield is Life Detect but Telepathy is an art so "brushing" your mind over another person's is perhaps only as socially intrusive as paying attention to them or more actively "shaking hands"? This could, of course, be escalated to "eyeing them up" or maybe even further still to "outright staring" but only if you want to do it that way. In the first example (brushing) the person (if paying attention) would likely know it was you but would equally know you were being "polite" about it. Or, put more broadly, psionic and social interactions are the same.

[terrymixon]

I will point out that Tiglath said the life scan wasn't detectable as there was no opposed roll. Me picking up the talent was because of effect, not the talent itself.

OOC: Correct. Of course if someone else had done one a lot of these visiting "Imperials" would have lit up like Xmas trees...

Of course. I wasn't objecting to being detected, but to the "not very careful" label. Roscoe has been very careful.

As he suspects that she might have psionic powers, mind reading is out as it would be detectable. He would cause offense, so he won't. Is there a way to detect a mind shield that isn't intrusive?

OOC: While ransacking someone's mental dwelling might be crass "politely knocking at the front door" likely wouldn't be. So it would surely be with initiating a telepathic conversation? There is, no doubt, somewhere a "Debrett's Guide for Psionic Communication" but Roscoe is finding his way here...

NB I "hand wave" tasks and psi point cost for mutual/consenting communication at close range.

The only truly passive way to detect a mind shield is Life Detect but Telepathy is an art so "brushing" your mind over another person's is perhaps only as socially intrusive as paying attention to them or more actively "shaking hands"? This could, of course, be escalated to "eyeing them up" or maybe even further still to "outright staring" but only if you want to do it that way. In the first example (brushing) the person (if paying attention) would likely know it was you but would equally know you were being "polite" about it. Or, put more broadly, psionic and social interactions are the same.

So noted. What does NB mean?

[Tiglath]

Frank

Frank orders whatever Polly is having. "We ought to thank our hosts before mingling." he says as he passes the glass to her. He heads over to Colonel Skeet "Colonel, thank you for the invite. It is good to be back home and one of your recruitment events is always a good place to mix business with pleasure after a successful mission."

Frank is wearing a standard SEMC uniform with rank insignia, but no medals. On his belt hangs a shorter Aslan blade, tied with a 'peace' knot.

Polly enjoys a glass of champagne poured by Skeet "Always a pleasure Frank! I take it Tarsus went well enough? Now that snake Sicarius will find himself having to buy his own factory back from Yūgure or have to fight the entire Iyhlua Clan through it for the privilege of ownership of the ruins?" He laughs heartily "I'm glad I introduced 'em. She's bloody good - don't tell her I said so o'course! I hear her husband entertained himself again - I admire a bloke who can do that. Stabbed a grav tank to death apparently? Crazy fekker - I swear he's got worse! I thought he was mad when he worked for me!"

Skeet grins massively around his stogie "This new crew that're in are hiring apparently. Smells good so far. At least it'll stop Duran whingeing on about the cost of the party. He ruddy swapped out the "G string quartet" - for people who play instruments!!! That's them sawing away in the background. I suppose it adds a bit of class. Just as well really - you'll never guess who's here! I've got some negotiations running on a partial retina print which might pan out. As it goes there's fun either way. I'll keep you posted. Might be worth spinning up one of your teams as a QRF. Get 'em up here just in case and they can take a barrel home when we don't need 'em".

[Tiglath]

Of course. I wasn't objecting to being detected, but to the "not very careful" label. Roscoe has been very careful.

So noted. What does NB mean?

OOC: Hey the "not very careful" label wasn't me! That's Swordies - always rubbing folk up the wrong way!

And covering all literal bases NB as in nota bene/"note well". Apology if I misunderstood but the few extra pixels now, even if too obvious/in vain, saves a return post! Otherwise crack on with mutual telepathy as per a standard conversation (FWIW I sling "speech" into italics and use verbs like sends in place of says. Mechanically don't bother with posting rolls for such a simple mutually aided task.

[terrymixon]

Of course. I wasn't objecting to being detected, but to the "not very careful" label. Roscoe has been very careful.

So noted. What does NB mean?

OOC: Hey the "not very careful" label wasn't me! That's Swordies - always rubbing folk up the wrong way!

And covering all literal bases NB as in nota bene/"note well". The few extra pixels now, even if too obvious/in vain, saves a return post! Otherwise crack on with mutual telepathy as per a standard conversation (FWIW I sling "speech" into italics and use verbs like sends in place of says. Mechanically don't bother with posting rolls for such a simple mutually aided task.

Just saying other than no coming at all, we couldn't be more careful with the PSI use. And those Swordies... They are all you. ALL you. This is your fault.

[Tiglath]

"I'm Roscoe. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"T'lia, pleased to meet you both" she smiles. She has a nice smile "My wife's, hopefully gently, easing you into the world of both mercenaries and Collace culture - that culture being shamelessly knowing everyone else's business. Maybe it's a function of arcology living? I have worked as an information broker here but I get more satisfaction from my psychiatric work with traumatised soldiers. I have helped some of the mercenaries in the SEMC. Now, if you thought soldiers were resistant to opening up, mercenaries are always convinced you're trying to learn their secrets. So, instead of asking about you, I'll put you at ease. What it is you would like to know about things here?"

Just saying other than no coming at all, we couldn't be more careful with the PSI use. And those Swordies... They are all you. ALL you. This is your fault.

OOC: Roscoe is as sure as he can be (as to both theory and practice) that his psi use has been passive and entirely undetectable. He is aware of no "touches" on his mind. However, his (and the whole team's) psi abilities remain detectable by adepts.

Has Roscoe played much poker with folk who state "Dang 7-2 offsuit" and then raised him...???

Annnd most of the Swordies are me...

...but it's always secretly the damned Zhodani just all the time...

[joertexas]

"I'm Roscoe. It's a pleasure to meet you both."

"T'lia, pleased to meet you both" she smiles. She has a nice smile "My wife's, hopefully gently, easing you into the world of both mercenaries and Collace culture - that culture being knowing everyone else's business. Maybe it's a function of arcology living? I have worked as an information broker here but I get more satisfaction from my psychiatric work with traumatised soldiers. I have helped some of the mercenaries in the SEMC. Now, if you thought soldiers were resistant to opening up, mercenaries are always convinced you're trying to learn their secrets. So, instead of asking about you, I'll put you at ease. What it is you would like to know about things here?"

"I was raised here, and I was also a P-P-D detective until five years ago. I knew a lot of people, but I don't remember you, T'Lia."