006: Welcome to Yamaguchi Starport

[Tiglath]

A vison of her in dominatrix gear suddenly intrudes...

Ding dong.jpg (60.55 KiB) Viewed 187 times

[Thumper]

While appearing calm, Walt is really concentrating hard on the thoughts of the Administrator. This whole thing should have been so unexpected that her thoughts should be genuine...not the "planted" thoughts that Aster referred to previously. He's convinced she's genuinely confused which is reassuring to Walt, and he sends that message on the Neural Link to all including Ciencia.

He switches his Read Thoughts to the Duchess. Read Thoughts: [2d6+5]=6+5=11

"I'm reading the Duchess' mind now."

[terrymixon]

While appearing calm, Walt is really concentrating hard on the thoughts of the Administrator. This whole thing should have been so unexpected that her thoughts should be genuine...not the "planted" thoughts that Aster referred to previously. He's convinced she's genuinely confused which is reassuring to Walt, and he sends that message on the Neural Link to all including Ciencia.

He switches his Read Thoughts to the Duchess. Read Thoughts: [2d6+5]=6+5=11

"I'm reading the Duchess' mind now."

She is furious that her plans are being contested. She is scheming to figure a way to turn this around and get what she wants. She will possess this starport for Glisten and her family or there will be utter hell to pay, up to and including the deaths of the meddling commoners. That would be you. In fact, that is now inevitable. Your deaths are a done deal, only needed the right time and place. She figures Ciencia is young and can be manipulated. One way or the other, she will triumph.

[Thumper]

Walts broadcasts the Duchess' thoughts verbatim on the Link to include Ciencia.

[terrymixon]

Walts broadcasts the Duchess' thoughts verbatim on the Link to include Ciencia.

She is furious that her plans are being contested. She is scheming to figure a way to turn this around and get what she wants. She will possess this starport for Glisten and her family or there will be utter hell to pay, up to and including the deaths of the meddling commoners. That would be you. In fact, that is now inevitable. Your deaths are a done deal, only needed the right time and place. She figures Ciencia is young and can be manipulated. One way or the other, she will triumph.

"Holy crap! She seemed like a nice old lady. Now there really will be hell to pay. What about the admiral?"

I'll preempt that and post his thoughts shortly.

[terrymixon]

Admiral Noster is terrified. He is certain that their scheme to take possession of this starport has come undone and is sure that he will be discovered as the one that provided the Navy plans to Baron Yamaguchi through cutouts. That was his and the duchess' plan. When the man was in a financial bind, they dangled the plans as a way for him to get money and were right there to arrest him.

It was supposed to lead to a quick trial and the seizing of his assets, but he must have felt something was off and demanded judgement by the Grand Princess since she was coming. That delayed them for a few years, but they expected Ciencia to condemn him to death and leave the assets for the system. They'd gone to a lot of trouble to hide the size of the starport and figured it had worked perfectly. Until now and it was going to be the death of him because the duchess would throw him to the wolves and be shocked--SHOCKED--at HIS plans.

He was so screwed.

[Thumper]

Tansmitted again...verbatim for the NL recording

[helvorn]

William steps forward next Aster. He spoke in his best Marine Sergeant soothing a very new junior officer voice and manner; with great and genuine respect but utter confidence and certainty. "Let's all calm down and sort this out peacefully. I can see that there are some misunderstandings between warrants and changes of ownership. That is to be expected with the information lags even with the best jump six couriers." He holds up his hands. "I am going to put my weapons out on the table as good faith. Nobody shoot me please." William very slowly puts his stunner and grav pistol on the table. "Everyone will get their say in the matter especially my lady the Duchess and the Admiral as they are clearly under some confusion will be easy to resolve once the paperwork can be processed properly. We should wait for the Grand Princess to split the Gordian Knot so to speak. There is no need to do anything but talk in a reasonable fashion with due respect to the authority of the Admiral, the Duchess and the Grand Princess"

[terrymixon]

Tansmitted again...verbatim for the NL recording

I've been thinking about that. You can't really shunt telepathy into a link connection. You can summarize, but that is it. No concrete way to mix the two. The only one who can is Roscoe--and Bilis, I suppose. They straddle the line in a way you can't. That's how Roscoe could record the dream and no one else could. I will rule that he is shadow listening and does this for you.

"About what I figured for him," Ciencia said. "The trouble will be proving any of it. We've caught them with their pants around their ankles, though. There will be some threads to pull on. That's Aster's job once I arrive to hand it off to her. It will still be hard to pin anything to the duchess if she's set him up as a fall guy. How he deceived her! It won't pass the smell test since she's right here and has seen the starport and likely had no recriminating words for him. Even so, proving guilt is hard at the best of times. Against a high noble? That will take some work.

"I'll be there is less than a minute. We're getting off this wonderful grav train now. Try not to shoot anyone before I get there."

[terrymixon]

William steps forward next Aster. He spoke in his best Marine Sergeant soothing a very new junior officer voice and manner; with great and genuine respect but utter confidence and certainty. "Let's all calm down and sort this out peacefully. I can see that there are some misunderstandings between warrants and changes of ownership. That is to be expected with the information lags even with the best jump six couriers." He holds up his hands. "I am going to put my weapons out on the table as good faith. Nobody shoot me please." William very slowly puts his stunner and grav pistol on the table. "Everyone will get their say in the matter especially my lady the Duchess and the Admiral as they are clearly under some confusion will be easy to resolve once the paperwork can be processed properly. We should wait for the Grand Princess to split the Gordian Knot so to speak. There is no need to do anything but talk in a reasonable fashion with due respect to the authority of the Admiral, the Duchess and the Grand Princess"

"Thank you," Aster said. "It's nice to see one of you has some diplomacy."

I'll post the princess' arrival tomorrow to give Jaelah time to chime in. I'm sure it'll all go smoothly from here.

[helvorn]

William steps forward next Aster. He spoke in his best Marine Sergeant soothing a very new junior officer voice and manner; with great and genuine respect but utter confidence and certainty. "Let's all calm down and sort this out peacefully. I can see that there are some misunderstandings between warrants and changes of ownership. That is to be expected with the information lags even with the best jump six couriers." He holds up his hands. "I am going to put my weapons out on the table as good faith. Nobody shoot me please." William very slowly puts his stunner and grav pistol on the table. "Everyone will get their say in the matter especially my lady the Duchess and the Admiral as they are clearly under some confusion will be easy to resolve once the paperwork can be processed properly. We should wait for the Grand Princess to split the Gordian Knot so to speak. There is no need to do anything but talk in a reasonable fashion with due respect to the authority of the Admiral, the Duchess and the Grand Princess"

"Thank you," Aster said. "It's nice to see one of you has some diplomacy."

I'll post the princess' arrival tomorrow to give Jaelah time to chime in. I'm sure it'll all go smoothly from here.

No one messes with an Imperial Marine NCO or their unit or their officers!

[Tiglath]

"Thank you," Aster said. "It's nice to see one of you has some diplomacy."

I'll post the princess' arrival tomorrow...

Garvin sends to all but includes Frederick and Terresa as a close protection update "I'm standin' in a room 'alf full of the bodyguard of an Admiral 'oo on the treasonous scale is about as bent as a bottle of crisps. I'm guessin' 'is merry men are 'and picked for either loyalty, stupidity or both. I'd advise that we do not let the Princess in 'ere without either disarming 'em or just thank 'em for their valuable service an' march 'em out before the Princess makes her entrance. Oh, an' the nice little old lady is a ravin' psychopath - so watch 'er too. You definitely get to meet a better class of people mixin' in 'igh society".

He further grumps over the link "An' while we're on 'as anyone else noticed that the chippy sod on the door is still standin' there an' not folded up like a deckchair right now an' feelin' very sorry for 'imself? I'd say it looks very much like 'e was dealt with by some diplomatic type...".

[Thumper]

He further grumps over the link "An' while we're on 'as anyone else noticed that the chippy sod on the door is still standin' there an' not folded up like a deckchair right now an' feelin' very sorry for 'imself? I'd say it looks very much like 'e was dealt with by some diplomatic type...".

Walt says back on the net:
”Ooh, ooh. I did! I noticed! Ever realize how Diplomacy only works when backed by strength…it takes both a sword and an olive branch when dealing with evil!

Also, ever notice how people lose control of their thoughts, emotions, and sometimes their continence by sudden shock and surprise? These two are mentally squealing like trapped pigs! By the way, the wicked Duchess of the East is as crooked as Admiral Mental Meltdown. Only difference is, she’s more calloused to it…like this is old hat for her, and she has a plan. Let’s see if I can’t get him to turn states evidence upon Ciencia’s arrival.

Frederick, I recommend actually holding all the Admiral’s and Duchess’ personal guard until we can assess how deep in the pigs wallow they all are. My guess is, at least some in the Ducal Guard and Admiral’s guard are complicit in the current and previous spurious and treasonous activities. The Duchess and Admiral didn’t do this all on their own.

The Administrator is in a wicked state of confusion. I think she’s clean. Actually makes a good first impression. I’m holding a reading on the Admiral. Someone please take up a read of the Duchess.”

He then sets to work maintaining his read of the Admiral but adds Suggest in the form of: “The Duchess is going to get me executed like the Baron. But, if I immediately volunteer hard evidence of the Duchess spearheading the conspiracy, maybe I can save myself and get prison in a white collar wing. It’s the only way out from what the Duchess’ scheming.”

Suggestion: [2d6+4]=7+4=11

Not enough psi strength left me. That didn’t work. Can someone else try?

[joertexas]

I'll post the princess' arrival tomorrow to give Jaelah time to chime in. I'm sure it'll all go smoothly from here.

Jaelah stands back with the Imperial Marines, waiting for someone to become a physical threat. She says nothing, but watches and listens both psionically and physically.

[joertexas]

“Yes.”

When you do so, one of your spare body pistols—or more likely a copy of one—appears out of nowhere in your hand. One moment your hand is empty and the next it is filled with pistol, that you almost drop but manage to grip.

He grins. “This is the surprise I mentioned for our rings. A tiny pocket universe linked to the gem that can hold about four kilograms. Command it with the word in and it will put what is in your hand in the space. Now you will always be armed and safer.”

"Oh, that's amazing!" Jaelah busses Roscoe on the lips. "Once we're done with business, we have a wedding to plan - for today!"

[Tiglath]

Walt says back on the net:
”Ooh, ooh. I did! I noticed! Ever realize how Diplomacy only works when backed by strength…it takes both a sword and an olive branch when dealing with evil!

Also, ever notice how people lose control of their thoughts, emotions, and sometimes their continence by sudden shock and surprise?

The Administrator is in a wicked state of confusion. I think she’s clean. Actually makes a good first impression. I’m holding a reading on the Admiral. Someone please take up a read of the Duchess.”


Not enough psi strength left me. That didn’t work. Can someone else try?

Garvin agrees "That an puttin' clearly in the other bloke's mind, in vivid 3D Holo, the fact that unless 'e plays ball you're goin' to ram the whole olive branch in right up to the twiggy bits... That's yer diplomacy right there! Damn I keep forgettin' this is a party line...".

"Blokes doin' a trouserful, wishin' they'd worn the dark slacks? No, bein' a man of diplomacy an' culture I'd say barely at all. Especially not that Craptin of Trollies... er...Knowledge bloke. 'E told me in confidence that diarrhoea was a family condition with 'im - it was definitely in 'is jeans".*

"I'll scan the Duchess an' try to get the Admiral to rap 'is 'and in when the Princess turns up. I reckon 'e's the weaker of the two an' if 'e folds we get 'em both. If 'e does watch 'er for concealed weapons!"

He also sends "An' someone watch the Administrator. If there is a Zhodani agent involved here its not the bent Admiral or the noble psycho!"

(OOC: * Genetic pun recovered from the wall of King Tut's tomb by Cornish explorer (and comedian) Jethro).

Psi roll for "monitoring" the Duchess:
[2d6+6]=5+6=11

[terrymixon]

"Thank you," Aster said. "It's nice to see one of you has some diplomacy."

I'll post the princess' arrival tomorrow...

Garvin sends to all but includes Frederick and Terresa as a close protection update "I'm standin' in a room 'alf full of the bodyguard of an Admiral 'oo on the treasonous scale is about as bent as a bottle of crisps. I'm guessin' 'is merry men are 'and picked for either loyalty, stupidity or both. I'd advise that we do not let the Princess in 'ere without either disarming 'em or just thank 'em for their valuable service an' march 'em out before the Princess makes her entrance. Oh, an' the nice little old lady is a ravin' psychopath - so watch 'er too. You definitely get to meet a better class of people mixin' in 'igh society".

He further grumps over the link "An' while we're on 'as anyone else noticed that the chippy sod on the door is still standin' there an' not folded up like a deckchair right now an' feelin' very sorry for 'imself? I'd say it looks very much like 'e was dealt with by some diplomatic type...".

"You have many selling points, love," Aster said fondly, "but diplomacy isn't one of them. You're more of a blunt instrument when it comes to interpersonal relationships."

[terrymixon]

He further grumps over the link "An' while we're on 'as anyone else noticed that the chippy sod on the door is still standin' there an' not folded up like a deckchair right now an' feelin' very sorry for 'imself? I'd say it looks very much like 'e was dealt with by some diplomatic type...".

Walt says back on the net:
”Ooh, ooh. I did! I noticed! Ever realize how Diplomacy only works when backed by strength…it takes both a sword and an olive branch when dealing with evil!

Also, ever notice how people lose control of their thoughts, emotions, and sometimes their continence by sudden shock and surprise? These two are mentally squealing like trapped pigs! By the way, the wicked Duchess of the East is as crooked as Admiral Mental Meltdown. Only difference is, she’s more calloused to it…like this is old hat for her, and she has a plan. Let’s see if I can’t get him to turn states evidence upon Ciencia’s arrival.

Frederick, I recommend actually holding all the Admiral’s and Duchess’ personal guard until we can assess how deep in the pigs wallow they all are. My guess is, at least some in the Ducal Guard and Admiral’s guard are complicit in the current and previous spurious and treasonous activities. The Duchess and Admiral didn’t do this all on their own.

The Administrator is in a wicked state of confusion. I think she’s clean. Actually makes a good first impression. I’m holding a reading on the Admiral. Someone please take up a read of the Duchess.”

He then sets to work maintaining his read of the Admiral but adds Suggest in the form of: “The Duchess is going to get executed like the Baron. But, if I immediately volunteer hard evidence of the Duchess spearheading the conspiracy, maybe I can save myself and get prison in a white collar wing. It’s the only way out from what the Duchess’ scheming.”

Suggestion: [2d6+4]=7+4=11

Not enough psi strength left me. That didn’t work. Can someone else try?

"We have a plan," Fredrick said. "It may even work."

[terrymixon]

“Yes.”

When you do so, one of your spare body pistols—or more likely a copy of one—appears out of nowhere in your hand. One moment your hand is empty and the next it is filled with pistol, that you almost drop but manage to grip.

He grins. “This is the surprise I mentioned for our rings. A tiny pocket universe linked to the gem that can hold about four kilograms. Command it with the word in and it will put what is in your hand in the space. Now you will always be armed and safer.”

"Oh, that's amazing!" Jaelah busses Roscoe on the lips. "Once we're done with business, we have a wedding to plan - for today!"

"I cannot wait."

[terrymixon]

Walt says back on the net:
”Ooh, ooh. I did! I noticed! Ever realize how Diplomacy only works when backed by strength…it takes both a sword and an olive branch when dealing with evil!

Also, ever notice how people lose control of their thoughts, emotions, and sometimes their continence by sudden shock and surprise?

The Administrator is in a wicked state of confusion. I think she’s clean. Actually makes a good first impression. I’m holding a reading on the Admiral. Someone please take up a read of the Duchess.”


Not enough psi strength left me. That didn’t work. Can someone else try?

Garvin agrees "That an puttin' clearly in the other bloke's mind, in vivid 3D Holo, the fact that unless 'e plays ball you're goin' to ram the whole olive branch in right up to the twiggy bits... That's yer diplomacy right there! Damn I keep forgettin' this is a party line...".

"Blokes doin' a trouserful, wishin' they'd worn the dark slacks? No, bein' a man of diplomacy an' culture I'd say barely at all. Especially not that Craptin of Trollies... er...Knowledge bloke. 'E told me in confidence that diarrhoea was a family condition with 'im - it was definitely in 'is jeans".*

"I'll scan the Duchess an' try to get the Admiral to rap 'is 'and in when the Princess turns up. I reckon 'e's the weaker of the two an' if 'e folds we get 'em both. If 'e does watch 'er for concealed weapons!"

He also sends "An' someone watch the Administrator. If there is a Zhodani agent involved here its not the bent Admiral or the noble psycho!"

(OOC: * Genetic pun recovered from the wall of King Tut's tomb by Cornish explorer (and comedian) Jethro).

Psi roll for "monitoring" the Duchess:
[2d6+6]=5+6=11

"While I agree it's good to check, there can't be Zhodoni under every bush," Ciencia said. "Paranoia is a good thing in moderation. Let's not get carried away."