008: Reunion at Collace

[Tiglath]

Arkar

Arkar continues chatting with his recon friends.

As a hand of cards concludes the team certainly note the new female arrivals "Two" comments "Dang but "Legs One" has thrown herself all over that SEMC guy... but at least that leaves her buddy on her lonesome... might dial my sights in...".

[Tiglath]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

"It's I who am new to Collace," Roscoe said. "As to not being careful, I'm not sure what we could do differently. Perhaps you have a suggestion? I'm always willing to learn from those more knowledgeable or skilled than myself."

Prerna nods at Roscoe's comment. "We noticed you just as you no doubt noticed us. I made a guess that you'd looked around based on a message from our friends. So, we're even and no harm done."

T'lia replies "If you worked UpperMid or UpSpire then we swam in the same seas. I worked as Erica East when I brokered information. As ex PD I don't need to explain to you why an alias was a necessary professional tool but that's where my offices were. My bag was mostly corporate but I touched on a little crime work".

Jaelah takes a sip of her wine and sets her glass down in a precise movement. "I've come into some assets, and I'd like to help the regular people here, and in this part of the District, to start small businesses so they can have a better life. I don't know how that will work, but I think you and your people would know who would benefit both themselves, their world, and eventually the District from an investment in their futures. As a nice benefit, I'd like to run SuSAG out of the District altogether."

"Chasing them out is a worthy endeavor by itself," Prerna replies with a cold smile. "We were able to put a dent in their Tarsus operation just a week ago. Regarding your project, or whatever you call it, we can find people who would do something useful with capital infusions. How much are you wanting to spend?"

"We can support any small or medium business. I'm not so much concerned about the money as what good the business will do."

Prerna glances at T'Lia. "So, money isn't a problem, then?"

"Honestly, no." Jaelah shrugs. "I can't buy a planet, but I can fund whatever is needed. My concern is that the investments will have unintended consequences."

Prerna thinks for a moment. "I don't think you will be able to avoid that. Even if you keep a low profile, such as using front companies to make the investments, someone will put it together soon enough. Which, I suppose is why you are talking to us."

Pause for comments from the spouses...

T'lia adds "If you wish I can steer you towards the more honest and efficient brokerages based on Collace Prime. You'll need local services to manage disbursements to the small companies you want to help. If you really want to "make it rain" here then pay The Shore to provide physical and financial security for your operation. The businesses will then thrive as you intended and your investment will reach its target without dilution of diversion - this is, after all, Collace".

"As to SuSAG I have been waging my own private war against them for a while but indeed so have many others as they make enemies so much more readily than friends. They are now in disarray and a Corporate "recovery team" has been sent here from Trin's Veil to mitigate the damage that has been done and to attempt to restore some control and to negotiate a truce with the agency that they believe is responsible for crippling their assets both here and on Tarsus, Inchin and Avastan. District 268 is vital to their market share for drugs which are illegal within the Imperium's borders both as a manufacturing center and a distribution hub. If you want to make a bid on some recently acquired strategic SuSAG holdings on Tarsus I can put you in direct contact with the new owners. I'll even waive my info brokering finder's fee for that as I have a close working relationship with these people". She smiles "If you want to know more I can supply you with agency grade real time intelligence on the evolving situation but I'm afraid you'll have to pay for that - I have a haute couture habit to finance and I'm developing something of an addiction for this new "uberblack".

[joertexas]

Trying to keep the conversation threads for each of us together...

Roscoe will nod at her words. “Our circumstances are… unusual. In addition to Jaelah’s good works, we will be setting up a mercantile business throughout the district and beyond. Based on the new business model, I expect that it will generate negative interest from corporations like SuSag.

“One member of our partnership is a leading scientist from Vincennes and his technology will disrupt things. It won't be long before word of it arrives here. We don’t want to cause destructive issues, but there will be people that do not want this to happen or wish to steal the technology for themselves.

“This isn’t the place to get into specifics, and we need to be sure that the secrets we have are protected. No offense meant, but we don’t know anyone in this field and I’m not even sure how to vet anyone to know that they are the right fit for us or will keep our secrets once they learn what we are doing if they don’t accept the contract. If only there were a how-to manual for this sort of thing.”

T'lia adds "If you wish I can steer you towards the more honest and efficient brokerages based on Collace Prime. You'll need local services to manage disbursements to the small companies you want to help. If you really want to "make it rain" here then pay The Shore to provide physical and financial security for your operation. The businesses will then thrive as you intended and your investment will reach its target without dilution of diversion - this is, after all, Collace".

"As to SuSAG I have been waging my own private war against them for a while but indeed so have many others as they make enemies so much more readily than friends. They are now in disarray and a Corporate "recovery team" has been sent here from Trin's Veil to mitigate the damage that has been done and to attempt to restore some control and to negotiate a truce with the agency that they believe is responsible for crippling their assets both here and on Tarsus, Inchin and Avastan. District 268 is vital to their market share for drugs which are illegal within the Imperium's borders both as a manufacturing center and a distribution hub. If you want to make a bid on some recently acquired strategic SuSAG holdings on Tarsus I can put you in direct contact with the new owners. I'll even waive my info brokering finder's fee for that as I have a close working relationship with these people". She smiles "If you want to know more I can supply you with agency grade real time intelligence on the evolving situation but I'm afraid you'll have to pay for that - I have a haute couture habit to finance and I'm developing something of an addiction for this new "uberblack".

Jaelah nods. "I can help bankroll a purchase for a local owner on Tarsus. I'd rather do that than own anything myself. I think I can cause SuSAG enough headaches back in the Imperium to dissuade them from interfering in the District, or at least reduce their operations here. I am interested in retaining your services, and I will pay you for working with the Tarsus contact. How do I reach the Shore group you mentioned?"

[Tiglath]

Walt Duran

Duran smiles "Speaking for ourselves at 4DC we have certain priorities. The unit's toast is "Everyone goes home!" we are in a dangerous line of work but will not expose our soldiers to unnecessary risks or engage in reckless or militarily unsound plans. Clients tend to always reach for the "top shelf" items and have a habit of expecting us to foot the bill for our equipment losses sustained while achieving their mission goals. We therefore stipulate replacement of any and all vehicles and gear lost during the mission. For our battledress equipped soldiers that is millions of credits per man. They get out of bed for one million credits each. Like all our charges - non refundable". He sighs "You can see where I'm going with this. War is a vastly expensive business even before we start trying to influence the outcome on your behalf and, despite our best efforts - and you are buying the best, nothing is guaranteed".

Walt-
”So, you’re a cost-plus-fixed-fee performer. But you fight only when you know you will win. That’s not criticism, rather respect for sound military doctrine. There’s ancient wisdom in that philosophy…a Terran named Sun Zhu wrote the same in his military manual. Been revered through the many millenia since he put his pen to paper.”

Walt looks appraisingly at Duran then to Bona and back again. ”I’d seriously consider replacing everything lost or even damaged…twice over on just one condition: you get me an example of any gear even potentially at risk ahead of time. I’ll quickly return it along with my guarantee of double what you lose…payable on the backside of your contract performance and redeployment home. If I know my tinkering buddy like I think I do, I’d consider a guarantee of a direct replacement of your losses plus a souped up copy. Believe me, you’ll like my friend’s improvements. He just can’t help himself you see. He compulsively makes everything, well, better.

I like your Company motto. Recklessness only leads to death. I happened to know all too well. He smiles and winks at Bona then puffs on his cigar.

“Well, since we didn’t wait until after dinner to discuss, are we safe to continue this here? If so, I’d like to hear a preliminary of list the ground, maritime, and space assets you could bring to bear say, in a couple of weeks. And what numbers are we speaking about? If not, answer my next question then come find me after dinner and we can talk then under a safer umbrella.

There are Zho about. Tell me, what’s their role here in all this? This is your party. Why are they here? They didn’t jump in on all this by happy mistake.”

Duran is certainly interested in doing business and replies "Your "duplication" facilities seem to be a solution to our mutual issue on replacement. I'm glad you see the wisdom of our tactics. We not only have to be successful but limit even attritional losses. In a competitive market maintaining a high tech edge amidst vanishing resource is a certainly a balancing act. However, it seems that we can supply what you need. As troop numbers if you were to rely on the Regiment of the Falling Night and SEMC for higher tech troops in bulk and 4DC for a proportion of that number as well as specialist roles then I believe we could field a Regimental Battlegroup... if that was your intent".

As to the Zhodani he responds like the professional diplomat you suspect he is "The Consulate have seen fit to send Ambassador Vlezpridliashav and his entourage to Collace at this time to promote trade and goodwill with the Zhodani people". He adds dryly "If you are willing to believe that then you might well be interested in a number of Collace public monuments that I currently have up for sale...".

He smiles "Their presence at the Bartizan on Collace Prime is, of course, driving all three Imperial intelligence agencies based here into paroxysms. That's ImpInt, NavInt and the Scout Service on Colalce's moon: Kirkton. The Duke of Regina has a man here: Falstaff. In contrast the the local crop the man's actually rather sharp. My people and his have crossed paths but we've at least managed to keep matters "civilized" between us - unlike the "local dabblers"...". He rolls his eyes and adds in a tone dripping with disdain "It's just a very evident lack of standards...".

Just as a man who somehow achieves "dishevelled" while wearing a designer suit shouts "Get off me you whores!" (loudly enough for anyone to hear) at the twins Duran excuses himself to greet the man with a smile "Ahh, Doctor Van Owen, I see you've met my nieces! How can we help Imperial Intelligence keep us safe?" The man counters "You should get some control over them..." he tails off running a finger under the chinstrap of the already overtight psi shield apparently causing him plentiful discomfort. He eyes the giggling (mostly) fur clad blondes for overlong as they move on and Duran asks urbanely "Are you sure that thing's working? I think you might be projecting your thoughts". Van Owen retorts "You should have them dress properly - this place is full of Mercenaries and their whores!" Duran purrs "I see you read your invitation with your usual attention to detail... and yet here you are... as something of a surprise. Let me direct you to somewhere "discrete". As you so shrewdly noted there are a "quite surprising" number of mercenary officers present at this function and we are just so adjacent to... such a precipitous drop". Van Owen sneers "Is that ruddy "psycho bitch" in? She can't tattoo me - I'm an Imperial diplomat!" Duran sighs "I really don't think that's what she meant by "Blood Eagle"...".

Van Owen continues animatedly "Skeet's buying something and that's tipped me off. I've got my finger in his pie, oh yes!" Duran replies "Don't you think he'd notice...?"

[Tiglath]

Bona Dzofin

Walt leans in and whispers into Bona’s ear:
”Who is that warrior woman on the other side of the bar? The one speaking with the Vargr? Might be someone you’d enjoy getting to know. Are you comfortable talking with her while I finish up here with Duran? I could join you in a few moments.”

“I don’t know. I’ll go mingle.”

Bona walked over to the pair, smiling. “Excuse me if I am intruding but I like your style choices,” she said to the Vargr. “I’m Bona.”

The woman who is near a match for Bona's physicality extends her hand in a warrior's grip "Well met Bona! I am Major Tourmaline 4DC Mercs. You are with the new investors?" Reaching behind herself she bangs on the bar and shouts "More ale!" A strangled "Erk! Straight away!" comes in reply.

[terrymixon]

Bona Dzofin

Walt leans in and whispers into Bona’s ear:
”Who is that warrior woman on the other side of the bar? The one speaking with the Vargr? Might be someone you’d enjoy getting to know. Are you comfortable talking with her while I finish up here with Duran? I could join you in a few moments.”

“I don’t know. I’ll go mingle.”

Bona walked over to the pair, smiling. “Excuse me if I am intruding but I like your style choices,” she said to the Vargr. “I’m Bona.”

The woman who is near a match for Bona's physicality extends her hand in a warrior's grip "Well met Bona! I am Major Tourmaline 4DC Mercs. You are with the new investors?" Reaching behind herself she bangs on the bar and shouts "More ale!" A strangled "Erk! Straight away!" comes in reply.

Bona smiled and joined them. "I suppose I am. Word travels fast."

[terrymixon]

T'lia adds "If you wish I can steer you towards the more honest and efficient brokerages based on Collace Prime. You'll need local services to manage disbursements to the small companies you want to help. If you really want to "make it rain" here then pay The Shore to provide physical and financial security for your operation. The businesses will then thrive as you intended and your investment will reach its target without dilution of diversion - this is, after all, Collace".

"As to SuSAG I have been waging my own private war against them for a while but indeed so have many others as they make enemies so much more readily than friends. They are now in disarray and a Corporate "recovery team" has been sent here from Trin's Veil to mitigate the damage that has been done and to attempt to restore some control and to negotiate a truce with the agency that they believe is responsible for crippling their assets both here and on Tarsus, Inchin and Avastan. District 268 is vital to their market share for drugs which are illegal within the Imperium's borders both as a manufacturing center and a distribution hub. If you want to make a bid on some recently acquired strategic SuSAG holdings on Tarsus I can put you in direct contact with the new owners. I'll even waive my info brokering finder's fee for that as I have a close working relationship with these people". She smiles "If you want to know more I can supply you with agency grade real time intelligence on the evolving situation but I'm afraid you'll have to pay for that - I have a haute couture habit to finance and I'm developing something of an addiction for this new "uberblack".

Jaelah nods. "I can help bankroll a purchase for a local owner on Tarsus. I'd rather do that than own anything myself. I think I can cause SuSAG enough headaches back in the Imperium to dissuade them from interfering in the District, or at least reduce their operations here. I am interested in retaining your services, and I will pay you for working with the Tarsus contact. How do I reach the Shore group you mentioned?"

"What kind of drugs do they manufacture?" Roscoe asked.

[Tiglath]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

(OOC: I've gone back and begun labelling to help spot them..)

Trying to keep the conversation threads for each of us together...

Roscoe will nod at her words. “Our circumstances are… unusual. In addition to Jaelah’s good works, we will be setting up a mercantile business throughout the district and beyond. Based on the new business model, I expect that it will generate negative interest from corporations like SuSag.

“One member of our partnership is a leading scientist from Vincennes and his technology will disrupt things. It won't be long before word of it arrives here. We don’t want to cause destructive issues, but there will be people that do not want this to happen or wish to steal the technology for themselves.

“This isn’t the place to get into specifics, and we need to be sure that the secrets we have are protected. No offense meant, but we don’t know anyone in this field and I’m not even sure how to vet anyone to know that they are the right fit for us or will keep our secrets once they learn what we are doing if they don’t accept the contract. If only there were a how-to manual for this sort of thing.”

T'lia adds "If you wish I can steer you towards the more honest and efficient brokerages based on Collace Prime. You'll need local services to manage disbursements to the small companies you want to help. If you really want to "make it rain" here then pay The Shore to provide physical and financial security for your operation. The businesses will then thrive as you intended and your investment will reach its target without dilution of diversion - this is, after all, Collace".

"As to SuSAG I have been waging my own private war against them for a while but indeed so have many others as they make enemies so much more readily than friends. They are now in disarray and a Corporate "recovery team" has been sent here from Trin's Veil to mitigate the damage that has been done and to attempt to restore some control and to negotiate a truce with the agency that they believe is responsible for crippling their assets both here and on Tarsus, Inchin and Avastan. District 268 is vital to their market share for drugs which are illegal within the Imperium's borders both as a manufacturing center and a distribution hub. If you want to make a bid on some recently acquired strategic SuSAG holdings on Tarsus I can put you in direct contact with the new owners. I'll even waive my info brokering finder's fee for that as I have a close working relationship with these people". She smiles "If you want to know more I can supply you with agency grade real time intelligence on the evolving situation but I'm afraid you'll have to pay for that - I have a haute couture habit to finance and I'm developing something of an addiction for this new "uberblack".

Jaelah nods. "I can help bankroll a purchase for a local owner on Tarsus. I'd rather do that than own anything myself. I think I can cause SuSAG enough headaches back in the Imperium to dissuade them from interfering in the District, or at least reduce their operations here. I am interested in retaining your services, and I will pay you for working with the Tarsus contact. How do I reach the Shore group you mentioned?"

T'lia states "Done". She establishes a secure comm link to her broker and quickly exchanges contracts with Jaelah who will need drop 1MCr into her account. She then speaks in hushed tones with Yūgure who excuses herself and steps away with Sazanami while T'lia activates a privacy field generator and then continues in brisk business mode "If you have the money you could simply purchase a majority shareholding in the Tarsus sites. The vendors are SEMC for the Rond facility and The Twilight herself of the Teahleikhoi for the surface based factory at Evander". She adds "I have already established a working relationship with The Shore. Their principals in this room are Col Skeet of 4DC and Yūgure The Twilight in her other business aspect outside Teahleikhoi. It might seem that you are paying for what you could already access but they are two entirely different things. You now have business access to the most powerful organised crime syndicate in District 268. That is, of course, discounting SuSAG who as a criminal enterprize are currently a reeling and broken organization. Although this might seem alarming to a private investor The Shore is the most stable and appropriate choice being as close to the actual "Rule of Law" as the situation in District 268 allows".

She continues "Yūgure will surely rejoin us but observes the professional courtesy of allowing you private access to the information you have purchased via your contract with me. I urge you to the utmost discretion as to how you use or disseminate what I have already shared with you. Abuse of such information could easily cost lives. What I am about to tell you now could trigger what would inevitably become a war".

"The Zhodani Ambassador Vlezpridliashav clearly has many duties on his cultural and diplomatic tour. One minor task was to deliver an ultimatum to Schunamann und Sohn, AG LIC (District 268) for a breach of the Intelligence Agency observed protocols known as the Camarena Accords whereby captured or compromised agents would be exchanged. SuSAG 268 ignored the warning and denied knowledge of either the torture or death of any field operative or knowledge of the organization who had approached the Consulate's administration to forward their grievance. Following the liquidation of SuSAG agents and assets on Collace and Avastan, the effective bankruptcy of SuSAG 268 due to their purchase of worthless mineral rights on Inchin and the capture of the production facilities on Tarsus SuSAG request an immediate cessation of hostilities by an agent known to them as Urvash Gudrun and by an organization they refer to as the Study and Operations Recording Activities Group. Although authorized to negotiate with SuSAG the Ambassador is unable to even verify the existence of any such organization within the Consulate".

"I should caution you that as it seems that you are only now "stepping from the shadows" to perform a coup de grace on SuSAG's activities in District 268 I expect some people will either suspect or believe that you or one of your comrades is Urvash Gudrun himself".

[Tiglath]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

T'lia adds "If you wish I can steer you towards the more honest and efficient brokerages based on Collace Prime. You'll need local services to manage disbursements to the small companies you want to help. If you really want to "make it rain" here then pay The Shore to provide physical and financial security for your operation. The businesses will then thrive as you intended and your investment will reach its target without dilution of diversion - this is, after all, Collace".

"As to SuSAG I have been waging my own private war against them for a while but indeed so have many others as they make enemies so much more readily than friends. They are now in disarray and a Corporate "recovery team" has been sent here from Trin's Veil to mitigate the damage that has been done and to attempt to restore some control and to negotiate a truce with the agency that they believe is responsible for crippling their assets both here and on Tarsus, Inchin and Avastan. District 268 is vital to their market share for drugs which are illegal within the Imperium's borders both as a manufacturing center and a distribution hub. If you want to make a bid on some recently acquired strategic SuSAG holdings on Tarsus I can put you in direct contact with the new owners. I'll even waive my info brokering finder's fee for that as I have a close working relationship with these people". She smiles "If you want to know more I can supply you with agency grade real time intelligence on the evolving situation but I'm afraid you'll have to pay for that - I have a haute couture habit to finance and I'm developing something of an addiction for this new "uberblack".

Jaelah nods. "I can help bankroll a purchase for a local owner on Tarsus. I'd rather do that than own anything myself. I think I can cause SuSAG enough headaches back in the Imperium to dissuade them from interfering in the District, or at least reduce their operations here. I am interested in retaining your services, and I will pay you for working with the Tarsus contact. How do I reach the Shore group you mentioned?"

"What kind of drugs do they manufacture?" Roscoe asked.

T'lia replies "The Rond orbital facility extracts, processes and manufactures Thongamonganite which occurs naturally in microflora and fauna on Tarsus. The Evander surface facility requires no zero G work areas to facilitate their more conventional production processes and manufactures nearly every type of drug in the SuSAG inventory but specializes in combat drugs, truth drugs and anagethic types that are illegal or restricted in the Imperium".

[joertexas]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

"I should caution you that as it seems that you are only now "stepping from the shadows" to perform a coup de grace on SuSAG's activities in District 268 I expect some people will either suspect or believe that you or one of your comrades is Urvash Gudrun himself".

"I see three major forces who are probably not working in the best interests of the District," Jaelah replies. "Those being SuSAG and whomever is backing them in the Imperium, the Zhodani, and the Aslan. While the latter two seem to be helping against SuSAG, they each represent a potential takeover threat to the independent systems here. And yes, I know that Collace and some of the others are Imperial client states. I don't want to sour relations with any of the star nations here, but I'd like to see the border tensions resolved. As Roscoe said, we can introduce disruptive technologies that can raise all boats in the District, to quote an old Collace saying. In short, there shouldn't be a need to fight over resources or tech any longer." She pauses for a moment while she studies Prerna. "You reacted to the name Urvash Gudrun when your spouse mentioned him. May I ask who he is?"

"He's an operative of unknown origin who is either loved or hated here in the District. He's dedicated to fighting SuSAG and others." Prerna glances at T'Lia.

Jaelah nods and looks at T'lia."Do you know him?"

[terrymixon]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

(OOC: I've gone back and begun labelling to help spot them..)

Trying to keep the conversation threads for each of us together...

Roscoe will nod at her words. “Our circumstances are… unusual. In addition to Jaelah’s good works, we will be setting up a mercantile business throughout the district and beyond. Based on the new business model, I expect that it will generate negative interest from corporations like SuSag.

“One member of our partnership is a leading scientist from Vincennes and his technology will disrupt things. It won't be long before word of it arrives here. We don’t want to cause destructive issues, but there will be people that do not want this to happen or wish to steal the technology for themselves.

“This isn’t the place to get into specifics, and we need to be sure that the secrets we have are protected. No offense meant, but we don’t know anyone in this field and I’m not even sure how to vet anyone to know that they are the right fit for us or will keep our secrets once they learn what we are doing if they don’t accept the contract. If only there were a how-to manual for this sort of thing.”

T'lia adds "If you wish I can steer you towards the more honest and efficient brokerages based on Collace Prime. You'll need local services to manage disbursements to the small companies you want to help. If you really want to "make it rain" here then pay The Shore to provide physical and financial security for your operation. The businesses will then thrive as you intended and your investment will reach its target without dilution of diversion - this is, after all, Collace".

"As to SuSAG I have been waging my own private war against them for a while but indeed so have many others as they make enemies so much more readily than friends. They are now in disarray and a Corporate "recovery team" has been sent here from Trin's Veil to mitigate the damage that has been done and to attempt to restore some control and to negotiate a truce with the agency that they believe is responsible for crippling their assets both here and on Tarsus, Inchin and Avastan. District 268 is vital to their market share for drugs which are illegal within the Imperium's borders both as a manufacturing center and a distribution hub. If you want to make a bid on some recently acquired strategic SuSAG holdings on Tarsus I can put you in direct contact with the new owners. I'll even waive my info brokering finder's fee for that as I have a close working relationship with these people". She smiles "If you want to know more I can supply you with agency grade real time intelligence on the evolving situation but I'm afraid you'll have to pay for that - I have a haute couture habit to finance and I'm developing something of an addiction for this new "uberblack".

Jaelah nods. "I can help bankroll a purchase for a local owner on Tarsus. I'd rather do that than own anything myself. I think I can cause SuSAG enough headaches back in the Imperium to dissuade them from interfering in the District, or at least reduce their operations here. I am interested in retaining your services, and I will pay you for working with the Tarsus contact. How do I reach the Shore group you mentioned?"

T'lia states "Done". She establishes a secure comm link to her broker and quickly exchanges contracts with Jaelah who will need drop 1MCr into her account. She then speaks in hushed tones with Yūgure who excuses herself and steps away with Sazanami while T'lia activates a privacy field generator and then continues in brisk business mode "If you have the money you could simply purchase a majority shareholding in the Tarsus sites. The vendors are SEMC for the Rond facility and The Twilight herself of the Teahleikhoi for the surface based factory at Evander". She adds "I have already established a working relationship with The Shore. Their principals in this room are Col Skeet of 4DC and Yūgure The Twilight in her other business aspect outside Teahleikhoi. It might seem that you are paying for what you could already access but they are two entirely different things. You now have business access to the most powerful organised crime syndicate in District 268. That is, of course, discounting SuSAG who as a criminal enterprize are currently a reeling and broken organization. Although this might seem alarming to a private investor The Shore is the most stable and appropriate choice being as close to the actual "Rule of Law" as the situation in District 268 allows".

She continues "Yūgure will surely rejoin us but observes the professional courtesy of allowing you private access to the information you have purchased via your contract with me. I urge you to the utmost discretion as to how you use or disseminate what I have already shared with you. Abuse of such information could easily cost lives. What I am about to tell you now could trigger what would inevitably become a war".

"The Zhodani Ambassador Vlezpridliashav clearly has many duties on his cultural and diplomatic tour. One minor task was to deliver an ultimatum to Schunamann und Sohn, AG LIC (District 268) for a breach of the Intelligence Agency observed protocols known as the Camarena Accords whereby captured or compromised agents would be exchanged. SuSAG 268 ignored the warning and denied knowledge of either the torture or death of any field operative or knowledge of the organization who had approached the Consulate's administration to forward their grievance. Following the liquidation of SuSAG agents and assets on Collace and Avastan, the effective bankruptcy of SuSAG 268 due to their purchase of worthless mineral rights on Inchin and the capture of the production facilities on Tarsus SuSAG request an immediate cessation of hostilities by an agent known to them as Urvash Gudrun and by an organization they refer to as the Study and Operations Recording Activities Group. Although authorized to negotiate with SuSAG the Ambassador is unable to even verify the existence of any such organization within the Consulate".

"I should caution you that as it seems that you are only now "stepping from the shadows" to perform a coup de grace on SuSAG's activities in District 268 I expect some people will either suspect or believe that you or one of your comrades is Urvash Gudrun himself".

Roscoe nodded his understanding, though he was sure he wasn't completely clear on the details.

[terrymixon]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

"What kind of drugs do they manufacture?" Roscoe asked.

T'lia replies "The Rond orbital facility extracts, processes and manufactures Thongamonganite which occurs naturally in microflora and fauna on Tarsus. The Evander surface facility requires no zero G work areas to facilitate their more conventional production processes and manufactures nearly every type of drug in the SuSAG inventory but specializes in combat drugs, truth drugs and anagethic types that are illegal or restricted in the Imperium".

He nodded. "Thank you."

[Tiglath]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

"I should caution you that as it seems that you are only now "stepping from the shadows" to perform a coup de grace on SuSAG's activities in District 268 I expect some people will either suspect or believe that you or one of your comrades is Urvash Gudrun himself".

"I see three major forces who are probably not working in the best interests of the District," Jaelah replies. "Those being SuSAG and whomever is backing them in the Imperium, the Zhodani, and the Aslan. While the latter two seem to be helping against SuSAG, they each represent a potential takeover threat to the independent systems here. And yes, I know that Collace and some of the others are Imperial client states. I don't want to sour relations with any of the star nations here, but I'd like to see the border tensions resolved. As Roscoe said, we can introduce disruptive technologies that can raise all boats in the District, to quote an old Collace saying. In short, there shouldn't be a need to fight over resources or tech any longer." She pauses for a moment while she studies Prerna. "You reacted to the name Urvash Gudrun when your spouse mentioned him. May I ask who he is?"

"He's an operative of unknown origin who is either loved or hated here in the District. He's dedicated to fighting SuSAG and others." Prerna glances at T'Lia.

Jaelah nods and looks at T'lia."Do you know him?"

T'lia replies "He was a good honest headstrong man trying to defeat evil where he saw it - I suspect. In his case he fought an evil willfully sponsored and cultivated simply because it boosted Corporate profits from a corrupting trade in illegal drugs. So, he was active here on Collace but before that on Tarkine as a sniper with the People's Army. He was also known to be active in the hills and mountain passes of Avastan ambushing the Utkin group's alleged "soldiers" while they raped and robbed. If he was on Inchin then no one reported seeing him so maybe he remained in the shadows there - shielded by those he truly loved. He is either a terrorist or a freedom fighter depending on your politics but it's difficult to argue that those he fights are not truly lost to any sense of morality. It seems he's back on Tarkine now pulling strokes of tactical genius against the mercenaries there. Maybe he's either evolving or planning to retire there?"

[Thumper]

Walt, upon seeing Duran get distracted by the Clouseau of ImpInt takes the opportunity to rejoin Bona. Seeing his Lager is running low, he’ll tip back the rest and slam his pint glass on the bar and slide it over to join Tourmaline’s empty.

”A fresh one for all of us. Bona, you found new friends? Hi, I’m Slaine, Walter Slaine. Go by ‘Growler’.”

He extends his hand to the lady first then the Vargr.

[joertexas]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna


T'lia replies "He was a good honest headstrong man trying to defeat evil where he saw it - I suspect. In his case he fought an evil willfully sponsored and cultivated simply because it boosted Corporate profits from a corrupting trade in illegal drugs. So, he was active here on Collace but before that on Tarkine as a sniper with the People's Army. He was also known to be active in the hills and mountain passes of Avastan ambushing the Utkin group's alleged "soldiers" while they raped and robbed. If he was on Inchin then no one reported seeing him so maybe he remained in the shadows there - shielded by those he truly loved. He is either a terrorist or a freedom fighter depending on your politics but it's difficult to argue that those he fights are not truly lost to any sense of morality. It seems he's back on Tarkine now pulling strokes of tactical genius against the mercenaries there. Maybe he's either evolving or planning to retire there?"

Jaelah studies the couple for a few heartbeats, and then she nods. "He sounds like quite the man. Maybe we will have occasion to speak about him another time. After we are done here, I want to spend a couple of days with my family. Will you two still be here on Collace, or do you have to go off-planet soon?"

[ateno]

As a hand of cards concludes the team certainly note the new female arrivals "Two" comments "Dang but "Legs One" has thrown herself all over that SEMC guy... but at least that leaves her buddy on her lonesome... might dial my sights in...".

"I won't be in your way. I'll deal you out then? While your a 100 short? OK."

Arkar shuffles the cards.

Arkar

[terrymixon]

Roscoe Jaelah / T'lia Prerna

T'lia replies "He was a good honest headstrong man trying to defeat evil where he saw it - I suspect. In his case he fought an evil willfully sponsored and cultivated simply because it boosted Corporate profits from a corrupting trade in illegal drugs. So, he was active here on Collace but before that on Tarkine as a sniper with the People's Army. He was also known to be active in the hills and mountain passes of Avastan ambushing the Utkin group's alleged "soldiers" while they raped and robbed. If he was on Inchin then no one reported seeing him so maybe he remained in the shadows there - shielded by those he truly loved. He is either a terrorist or a freedom fighter depending on your politics but it's difficult to argue that those he fights are not truly lost to any sense of morality. It seems he's back on Tarkine now pulling strokes of tactical genius against the mercenaries there. Maybe he's either evolving or planning to retire there?"

Jaelah studies the couple for a few heartbeats, and then she nods. "He sounds like quite the man. Maybe we will have occasion to speak about him another time. After we are done here, I want to spend a couple of days with my family. Will you two still be here on Collace, or do you have to go off-planet soon?"

"And as we are talking information and you have so aptly pointed out that I am lacking in training, are there any places here outside of the Imperium to learn that which I do not know about my abilities?" He looked over at the Zhodoni. "Someone trustworthy, perhaps. I would of course pay for the information and whatever costs are required."

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

Kiriaklabatl watches the Aslan appreciatively and replies "They are quite magnificent warriors and surely peerless in assault". He smiles "Mr and Mrs Larsson you'll surely appreciate that pride is a most unfortunate in a soldier and stupidity surely even worse a trait but I believe myself and my comrades might give the Aslan a fight they'd remember". Then he chuckles and says "Enough of my hubris! You were generous enough to bring us your company and I'm sure it wasn't to listen to soldiers' fanciful bragging! I am doing what I may to broaden my understanding of the people here. So, tell me, what brings you to a party hosted by Collace mercenaries?"

William laughs appreciatively. "The Consular Guard and especially the Commandos are renowned and rightfully feared throughout Known Space." He nodded his head in respect. "Your honor and reputation precedes you gentlemen. Attending schools and making speeches must be quite different work than that which you are used to. I can see however from your jump that you have not lost any of your sharp edge." William sipped his drink as he considered his response. "We are here evaluating what we have heard is among the best of the best in mercenary companies. One of my associates is looking to expand basic uplift and socio-technological services on an organized business basis throughout the District. Mercenaries from the individual level and up may be necessary given existing tensions in the area."

Kiriaklabatl replies carefully "Mister Larsson, you indeed honour us. Although I did not specify our unit our edge is indeed sharp because it is honed at every opportunity but... so very few people have any inkling of the capabilities of the Consular Guard outside of very select units of the Imperial military that I must ask... if you have served, sir?*"

Context: William's read on this guy is that he is "military intense" (as per reasonably expected) and equally quite "professionally guarded" but otherwise guileless. * The emphasis he puts on sir is in no way accusatory but instead respectful of one who has served.

He adds "I am at most a soldier and so I will refer matters of "basic uplift and socio-technological services" to those more qualified to address them. However, these seem goals on a scale worthy of consideration as to "investment" in at least some manner by those interested in the concept".

Ciencia, who has been quiet up to this point, finally speaks. "My husband is much more deeply steeped in military matters than I, but I too could tell your skills are very well honed. This is my first trip outside the Imperium, but sadly, not my first time encountering your people, though I believe the other person to be very different from yourselves."

She smiled and took a sip of her drink. "While I don't know any of the specifics, I suspect the other person was involved in something criminal and he almost killed a friend of mine in a dastardly attack with a knife from behind. I saw him appear from nothingness and the deed was done in an instant.

"Though he paid for that attack with his life in the very next second, the event leaves me in a strange mental space. I want to know more of your people and believe that only knowing one another can ease the tensions between our peoples. In conversations with my father some years ago, he felt the same way, though he was less optimistic than I. Perhaps it's because I'm young, but I believe that we have more in common than that which separates us. If you could tell me how the cultural exchange works, I would be most interested in participating."

[terrymixon]

Walt and Bona

Walt, upon seeing Duran get distracted by the Clouseau of ImpInt takes the opportunity to rejoin Bona. Seeing his Lager is running low, he’ll tip back the rest and slam his pint glass on the bar and slide it over to join Tourmaline’s empty.

”A fresh one for all of us. Bona, you found new friends? Hi, I’m Slaine, Walter Slaine. Go by ‘Growler’.”

He extends his hand to the lady first then the Vargr.

"This is Major Tourmaline of the 4DC Mercs, but I do not know the gentleman's name. How did your talk go? You didn't give everything away, did you?" She smiled at the last to let him know she was poking fun. "Walt is very generous. Sometimes too much so."

[Thumper]

Walt-
”Not all, Gorgeous! Too much…but not all.. He smiles back.

”One gets what one pays for. From what I’ve seen and heard here today, we might be on point to hiring the quality help we need. Major Tourmaline. A real pleasure. Tell me, is 4DC worth such a price?”