[013] On to Damkina
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Vee works with Foix, and familiarizes herself with the local operation.
Joe Roberts (JR)
Re: [013] On to Damkina
I split off the training discussion. Everyone should check that out, also check out the training log in the Google Document.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Grimaud gives a ready smile “It seems, M’sieu, that you have all the required common sense to not need my poor advice to avoid any duelling. Here it is usually the “bladed and balletic” version rather than “ballistic” variety but, I’m pleased to report, much rarer of late. The Comte was perhaps over fond both of it and many other distracting pursuits in his youth but is of now more … focussed”.
Taking in the plantation house and gardens he continues “If the Foix family excel at one virtue it is the aesthetic and, as nobility, they take their duty to their people very seriously - if not always with their full attention. They therefore very much appreciate those who are able to actually run the House’s affairs while they…” an ecstatic shriek momentarily interrupts the conversation. Grimaud raises his glass in the lovers’ general direction with a heartfelt “Santé!” and then continues with a Gallic shrug and a wry smile “…deal with the very important business of being noble”. He chuckles earthily and mops his brow with an oversize handkerchief “Ah, the years go by do they not?”
He recovers with “You strike me as such a useful man M’sieu. Come, there is someone I feel you should meet. He is no fool and understands that a ship or military unit that runs well has junior leaders of quality. He will no doubt speak to you about the possibility of using the Marburg as a troop ship – his mind works that way”.
Grimaud offers an apologetic smile “If I may offer more advice? Exchange the water for something alcoholic and drink anything offered. It is a trust issue. Over years beyond number House Foix has existed on the entirely sound bedrock of … ah … managed addiction”.
Taking in the plantation house and gardens he continues “If the Foix family excel at one virtue it is the aesthetic and, as nobility, they take their duty to their people very seriously - if not always with their full attention. They therefore very much appreciate those who are able to actually run the House’s affairs while they…” an ecstatic shriek momentarily interrupts the conversation. Grimaud raises his glass in the lovers’ general direction with a heartfelt “Santé!” and then continues with a Gallic shrug and a wry smile “…deal with the very important business of being noble”. He chuckles earthily and mops his brow with an oversize handkerchief “Ah, the years go by do they not?”
He recovers with “You strike me as such a useful man M’sieu. Come, there is someone I feel you should meet. He is no fool and understands that a ship or military unit that runs well has junior leaders of quality. He will no doubt speak to you about the possibility of using the Marburg as a troop ship – his mind works that way”.
Grimaud offers an apologetic smile “If I may offer more advice? Exchange the water for something alcoholic and drink anything offered. It is a trust issue. Over years beyond number House Foix has existed on the entirely sound bedrock of … ah … managed addiction”.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Larry quietly followed the older gentleman. For several moments he said nothing, yet retained his glass.
"It's not that I object, nor do I abstain," Larry said quietly. He shrugged. "And I would be happy to sip something in celebration of a joint venture. It's just that I'm even more boring with alcohol than without. After the first drink I become quite convinced that the world, or at least anyone close by, wants to hear my business venture ideas. Fortunately for them, by the end of the second drink I'm nodding off on a couch somewhere."
"The Marburg, though a fine ship, might not do as a troop carrier. For a small unit tasking it's overkill, and the atmo cyclers couldn't keep up if you hot bunked for a larger unit." Larry thought for a moment. "With just three hard points and only rated for M-1, it would be an easy target as soon as she arrived in system. One or two good pirate corsairs would end the campaign quickly. We've already had a few close calls. Fortunately, our gunners knew their work"
OOC: Using the standard Type M subsidized Liner for reference.
"It's not that I object, nor do I abstain," Larry said quietly. He shrugged. "And I would be happy to sip something in celebration of a joint venture. It's just that I'm even more boring with alcohol than without. After the first drink I become quite convinced that the world, or at least anyone close by, wants to hear my business venture ideas. Fortunately for them, by the end of the second drink I'm nodding off on a couch somewhere."
"The Marburg, though a fine ship, might not do as a troop carrier. For a small unit tasking it's overkill, and the atmo cyclers couldn't keep up if you hot bunked for a larger unit." Larry thought for a moment. "With just three hard points and only rated for M-1, it would be an easy target as soon as she arrived in system. One or two good pirate corsairs would end the campaign quickly. We've already had a few close calls. Fortunately, our gunners knew their work"
OOC: Using the standard Type M subsidized Liner for reference.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
One comment on the ship, I am using 1977 Classic Traveller, so the Type-M is:Leitz wrote:Larry quietly followed the older gentleman. For several moments he said nothing, yet retained his glass.
"It's not that I object, nor do I abstain," Larry said quietly. He shrugged. "And I would be happy to sip something in celebration of a joint venture. It's just that I'm even more boring with alcohol than without. After the first drink I become quite convinced that the world, or at least anyone close by, wants to hear my business venture ideas. Fortunately for them, by the end of the second drink I'm nodding off on a couch somewhere."
"The Marburg, though a fine ship, might not do as a troop carrier. For a small unit tasking it's overkill, and the atmo cyclers couldn't keep up if you hot bunked for a larger unit." Larry thought for a moment. "With just three hard points and only rated for M-1, it would be an easy target as soon as she arrived in system. One or two good pirate corsairs would end the campaign quickly. We've already had a few close calls. Fortunately, our gunners knew their work"
OOC: Using the standard Type M subsidized Liner for reference.
Subsidized Merchant (Type M): Using the type 600 hull, the type M subsidized merchant has 30 staterooms (nine for the crew: pilot, navigator, medic, three engineers and three stewards; 21 for the high and middle passengers) and eighty low passage berths. The ship has jump drive-J, maneuver drive-D and power plant-D, making it capable of jump 3, and 1 G acceleration. Computer model/3 is installed adjacent to the bridge. Cargo capacity is set at 124 tons, and fuel tankage will contain 190 tons. Three hardpoints are specified for the hull, and three tons are reserved for fire control purposes. The hull is not streamlined for atmospheric landings. Base price for the type M is CR 219,870,000.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
An apparently delighted Grimaud chuckles again “Please - retain your water M’sieu. After all you are our guest!” He leads off through the partying throng receiving amiable nods from the waiting staff who clearly recognise him. He beckons over a strikingly attractive waiter and says “Do try one of those canapés they are made by my favourite chef. Please taste and be brutal but, I beg you, fair in your opinion”.
Having negotiated the lawn Grimaud then leads on into the plantation house, through a packed reception room and then, in a complete change of scene, into a busy kitchen. With a visible effort Grimaud wrenches himself away from his interest in the kitchen brigade’s work and leads Larry up a narrow back stair.
Quite breathless even from the short stairs he mops his brow again and adds “You see we who move House affairs behind the scenes often literally move… “. He stops himself with “I’m sure you take the point?”
Having negotiated the lawn Grimaud then leads on into the plantation house, through a packed reception room and then, in a complete change of scene, into a busy kitchen. With a visible effort Grimaud wrenches himself away from his interest in the kitchen brigade’s work and leads Larry up a narrow back stair.
Quite breathless even from the short stairs he mops his brow again and adds “You see we who move House affairs behind the scenes often literally move… “. He stops himself with “I’m sure you take the point?”
Re: [013] On to Damkina
"Thank you, kind sir." Larry said, as he followed Grimaud.
Larry let his mind absorb as they walked. His own education, while middle class, had been comprehensive. He saw the different types of people, and their thoughts as echoed by body language and posture. He watched who cliques centered around, and noticed that everyone paid his guide the utmost deference.
"Thank you, sir," Larry said to the waiter. He treated them as peers, in fact they most likely were. Except they provided a much better visual commodity. For a full minute he let the canape wash around his palate, and hit each sensor. He washed down the first nibble and took another. "Hmm..."
"I'm not a wine connoisseur, sir, so I will defer on that. The sparkling water does not do it service, it needs a strongly brewed coffee. The creamed cheese is able to stand on it's own, hence the coffee. But you need to wash down each bite or the buttery flavor of the bread will be lost. I'm not familiar with the type of fish, though. Is it local?" Larry winced. "I spent two years as a project manager on Merkab. I liked fish, and there were lots of varieties. Sadly, after two straight years of it, I seem to like fish somewhat less."
Larry followed through the kitchen, and looked longingly at the variety of foods in various states of preparation. Small freighters seldom had a decent chef aboard, and with spacer life one missed the simple pleasure of food that was actually food. At the top of the stairs, Larry put a firm but gentle hand on Grimaud's shoulder. "Wait, sir. Recover yourself. Everyone is paying you the utmost attention. It would look bad on your liege to appear, and appear out of sorts. It would dampen an otherwise wonderful party."
Larry let his mind absorb as they walked. His own education, while middle class, had been comprehensive. He saw the different types of people, and their thoughts as echoed by body language and posture. He watched who cliques centered around, and noticed that everyone paid his guide the utmost deference.
"Thank you, sir," Larry said to the waiter. He treated them as peers, in fact they most likely were. Except they provided a much better visual commodity. For a full minute he let the canape wash around his palate, and hit each sensor. He washed down the first nibble and took another. "Hmm..."
"I'm not a wine connoisseur, sir, so I will defer on that. The sparkling water does not do it service, it needs a strongly brewed coffee. The creamed cheese is able to stand on it's own, hence the coffee. But you need to wash down each bite or the buttery flavor of the bread will be lost. I'm not familiar with the type of fish, though. Is it local?" Larry winced. "I spent two years as a project manager on Merkab. I liked fish, and there were lots of varieties. Sadly, after two straight years of it, I seem to like fish somewhat less."
Larry followed through the kitchen, and looked longingly at the variety of foods in various states of preparation. Small freighters seldom had a decent chef aboard, and with spacer life one missed the simple pleasure of food that was actually food. At the top of the stairs, Larry put a firm but gentle hand on Grimaud's shoulder. "Wait, sir. Recover yourself. Everyone is paying you the utmost attention. It would look bad on your liege to appear, and appear out of sorts. It would dampen an otherwise wonderful party."
Re: [013] On to Damkina
After a few moments Grimaud regains his composure. He sighs “That’s better! You are a man conscious of all the details, M’sieu”. Grimaud leads to an anonymous door off the back stair and pauses before delivering a precise pattern of knocks. He turns to Larry with a conspiratory wink and at a call from inside, enters.
A tall, well built man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes adjusts his bow tie in a wall mounted mirror to one side of a room appearing to serve both as a lounge and office. As Larry and Grimaud enter he deftly closes a desk’s drawer and collects the jacket of his evening suit from the back of the chair. As he does so the shadows of tattoos show through his shirt on his upper arms and back.
He greets Grimaud with a broad smile “Grimaud, mon vieux, one day you will actually remember your own “secret knock” and thereby convince me you are some lurking assassin! Who is it that you have there - someone from the Marburg?” Grimaud good naturedly blusters “I am a master of both secrecy and discretion!” and nods confirmation of Larry’s origin receiving a curt “Bien” in return.
When the man walks around the desk to greet him Larry sees that his classically handsome features include a thin scar that runs over the orbit of his left eye. As he offers his hand the dark haired man says “I wish to talk about the Marburg’s future operations but would have my companions in arms hear the discussion. Please join us for what might be best described as pre-party drinks”.
He gestures towards a pair of doors that Grimaud now opens into a small reception room containing a diverse group of people. Taking Larry’s hand in a firm grip he says “I am Foix”.
(OOC: And Larry meets the team!
)
A tall, well built man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes adjusts his bow tie in a wall mounted mirror to one side of a room appearing to serve both as a lounge and office. As Larry and Grimaud enter he deftly closes a desk’s drawer and collects the jacket of his evening suit from the back of the chair. As he does so the shadows of tattoos show through his shirt on his upper arms and back.
He greets Grimaud with a broad smile “Grimaud, mon vieux, one day you will actually remember your own “secret knock” and thereby convince me you are some lurking assassin! Who is it that you have there - someone from the Marburg?” Grimaud good naturedly blusters “I am a master of both secrecy and discretion!” and nods confirmation of Larry’s origin receiving a curt “Bien” in return.
When the man walks around the desk to greet him Larry sees that his classically handsome features include a thin scar that runs over the orbit of his left eye. As he offers his hand the dark haired man says “I wish to talk about the Marburg’s future operations but would have my companions in arms hear the discussion. Please join us for what might be best described as pre-party drinks”.
He gestures towards a pair of doors that Grimaud now opens into a small reception room containing a diverse group of people. Taking Larry’s hand in a firm grip he says “I am Foix”.
(OOC: And Larry meets the team!
)Re: [013] On to Damkina
What one suspects might happen, even when it does happen, can be a surprise. Larry is properly respectful of the Comte.
"Corona, sir. Larry Corona. Former Third Officer of the Marburg, out to seek my fortune. An honor and a pleasure to meet you."
Larry still has his glass, half full. His suit fits nicely, but is obviously working businessman material and cut. Pant legs are tucked into knee high black merchant boots. Larry himself is nothing stunning to look at, but smiles at everyone.
"Corona, sir. Larry Corona. Former Third Officer of the Marburg, out to seek my fortune. An honor and a pleasure to meet you."
Larry still has his glass, half full. His suit fits nicely, but is obviously working businessman material and cut. Pant legs are tucked into knee high black merchant boots. Larry himself is nothing stunning to look at, but smiles at everyone.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
A tall, dark-skinned blonde with gray eyes steps over to greet Foix with a smile and a gentle touch on the arm that betrays their familiar relationship. "There you are." She smiles at Larry, but she waits for Foix to introduce them.Tiglath wrote:He gestures towards a pair of doors that Grimaud now opens into a small reception room containing a diverse group of people. Taking Larry’s hand in a firm grip he says “I am Foix”.
(OOC: And Larry meets the team!
Welcome aboard from Anavey "Vee" Becker/JR!
Joe Roberts (JR)
Re: [013] On to Damkina
A tall fair skinned woman in a sleeveless, knee length black dress with a box neckline and long brown hair looks Larry over carefully. Her back is straight, her arms and legs are well formed and she carries herself in a manner that speaks of many years of military service.
“Anastasia,” she says keeping her hands folded in front of her, “or Ana. I’m the Comte’s security. Welcome.”
She steps aside her heels click on the deck and nods towards a somewhat smaller red-haired woman standing next to her, “This is Sara. Sara is in charge of me, the gravity in our cabin and making sure we all don’t die by accidnetally flying into a sun.”
She never takes her eyes off Larry, carefully judging his reactions.
“Anastasia,” she says keeping her hands folded in front of her, “or Ana. I’m the Comte’s security. Welcome.”
She steps aside her heels click on the deck and nods towards a somewhat smaller red-haired woman standing next to her, “This is Sara. Sara is in charge of me, the gravity in our cabin and making sure we all don’t die by accidnetally flying into a sun.”
She never takes her eyes off Larry, carefully judging his reactions.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Larry smiled. His own physique, such as it was, stayed underneath his suit. Part of the purpose of a good tailor, really, is to mask reality without restricting options.
Outwardly, he maintained an amiable posture, echoing the greetings he received. A firm handshake with the Comte, a friendly smile and nod to Vee. Slightly more reserved, and respectful, with Ana and Sara. How people carried themselves, and interacted, was a matter for interest and study. Not judgement. Still, it was nice to see that the Comte had an attractive confidant. The joys of being a wealthy noble. And the struggles.
"Anastasia, then, until you give me leave to call you otherwise. Some of my friends call me Lance, and I'm not quite sure why." He met Ana's gaze, and held it gently. "The Comte mentioned discussing the Marburg for a venture, I was until recently her Third Officer. If I can help answer questions that improve his security, please don't hesitate to ask."
He smiled once more at Ana, and relaxed, before lifting his glass to Sara. "Ms. Sara, who is in charge. If you're considering flying the Marburg, be clear on your handling expectations. She uses commercial passenger carrying controls, a gentle ride but a bit mushy if you need to turn and burn quickly."
Outwardly, he maintained an amiable posture, echoing the greetings he received. A firm handshake with the Comte, a friendly smile and nod to Vee. Slightly more reserved, and respectful, with Ana and Sara. How people carried themselves, and interacted, was a matter for interest and study. Not judgement. Still, it was nice to see that the Comte had an attractive confidant. The joys of being a wealthy noble. And the struggles.
"Anastasia, then, until you give me leave to call you otherwise. Some of my friends call me Lance, and I'm not quite sure why." He met Ana's gaze, and held it gently. "The Comte mentioned discussing the Marburg for a venture, I was until recently her Third Officer. If I can help answer questions that improve his security, please don't hesitate to ask."
He smiled once more at Ana, and relaxed, before lifting his glass to Sara. "Ms. Sara, who is in charge. If you're considering flying the Marburg, be clear on your handling expectations. She uses commercial passenger carrying controls, a gentle ride but a bit mushy if you need to turn and burn quickly."
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Just to let folks know, I'm in a class this week (and next week) that has severely impacted my time to putz around, I will try and have some updates, but in the meantime, continue role playing among yourselves.
Actually, it would help to have this role play draw out some next steps to take.
Actually, it would help to have this role play draw out some next steps to take.
-
SpinwardMarch
- Ranger Knight
- Posts: 1154
- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2017 1:28 am
- Location: somewhere in Northern California
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Cmdr. Taheri
Quietly leaning against the wall in the lounge/office is a tall woman. She wears what looks like an Imperial Navy dress uniform which has been altered to carry the Foix insignia. She has a medium olive skin tone, short black hair and a very military bearing. She is holding a mixed drink, which is apprently a decoration, as she only occasionally takes a sip.
Greetings, I am Commander Ayanda Taheri, recent of the Imperial Navy and now in the Comte's service. Welcome, sir. She nods a greeting.
Quietly leaning against the wall in the lounge/office is a tall woman. She wears what looks like an Imperial Navy dress uniform which has been altered to carry the Foix insignia. She has a medium olive skin tone, short black hair and a very military bearing. She is holding a mixed drink, which is apprently a decoration, as she only occasionally takes a sip.
Greetings, I am Commander Ayanda Taheri, recent of the Imperial Navy and now in the Comte's service. Welcome, sir. She nods a greeting.
SpinwardMarch
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Foix and Grimaud conduct Larry around the assembled company.
Foix appears to sigh “Larry this is Ana”. With perhaps unexpected reverence he adds “Ana is also properly known as a Baroness elect of House Foix, Général Anastasia Jones and the Saviour of Hessia. La Legion know her as La Flamme or later as La Sainte”. He smiles kindly “Perhaps she forgets her titles and honours due to her age - but others do not”.
Turning to the smaller red head Foix gives her a warm smile and cheerfully says “May I introduce Captain Sara Kelley, my most accomplished pilot and incidentally one of the very select group of women to whom I have given flowers”.
He looks to Grimaud, who with a nod to the attendant staff, seals the room's doors.
To the company at large he then says "We would all be interested in any opportunities that the Marburg might offer by its presence here. I believe that most specifically we should look to its employment as a "Trojan Horse".
Foix pauses for a few entirely self indulgent moments as he appreciatively takes in the tall, dark skinned blonde. He smiles warmly at her approach and taking her hand, sweeps it up to kiss it. “M’sieu Corona – the Lady Anevay, Knight of House Foix. She is also my most recently appointed advisor on matters mercantile”.joertexas wrote:A tall, dark-skinned blonde with gray eyes steps over to greet Foix with a smile and a gentle touch on the arm that betrays their familiar relationship. "There you are." She smiles at Larry, but she waits for Foix to introduce them.
Foix pauses again to admire both. It seems to Larry that he just appreciates women as a whole species and that perhaps this standpoint must be so much easier to carry off if you are a some sort of noble - but it seems that somehow Foix just has more going on than that.Ramona wrote:A tall fair skinned woman in a sleeveless, knee length black dress with a box neckline and long brown hair looks Larry over carefully. Her back is straight, her arms and legs are well formed and she carries herself in a manner that speaks of many years of military service.
“Anastasia,” she says keeping her hands folded in front of her, “or Ana. I’m the Comte’s security. Welcome.”
She steps aside her heels click on the deck and nods towards a somewhat smaller red-haired woman standing next to her, “This is Sara. Sara is in charge of me, the gravity in our cabin and making sure we all don’t die by accidentally flying into a sun.”
She never takes her eyes off Larry, carefully judging his reactions.
Foix appears to sigh “Larry this is Ana”. With perhaps unexpected reverence he adds “Ana is also properly known as a Baroness elect of House Foix, Général Anastasia Jones and the Saviour of Hessia. La Legion know her as La Flamme or later as La Sainte”. He smiles kindly “Perhaps she forgets her titles and honours due to her age - but others do not”.
Turning to the smaller red head Foix gives her a warm smile and cheerfully says “May I introduce Captain Sara Kelley, my most accomplished pilot and incidentally one of the very select group of women to whom I have given flowers”.
He looks to Grimaud, who with a nod to the attendant staff, seals the room's doors.
To the company at large he then says "We would all be interested in any opportunities that the Marburg might offer by its presence here. I believe that most specifically we should look to its employment as a "Trojan Horse".
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Anastasia frowns, running her fingers over a pair of long scars of freshly regened tissue on her forearm. It’s good work, won’t scar but the tanning of the flesh is wrong. She adjusts her dress a little, “Can I get you anything Larry?” She turns to look at Sara, “Sara?” Her dress is backless and she has a long, much older, nasty scar that runs half the length of her spine.
She turns her eyes to Comte Foix, “Straight in with the old dig? Nice. Look, I’m just Ana now Larry, Imperium’s either dead or dying out here, you’ve probably noticed. We intend to soften that blow as much as we can around the Comte’s traditional lands as best we can. Save lives, maintain what infrastructure we can.”
“There is of course the small matter of the Comte’s wife who, I must say I am really looking forward to meeting.” Ana smiles, “I suppose we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it though.”
Ana has a strange accent and odd inflections in the way she speaks as if Anglic isn’t her native tongue.
She turns her eyes to Comte Foix, “Straight in with the old dig? Nice. Look, I’m just Ana now Larry, Imperium’s either dead or dying out here, you’ve probably noticed. We intend to soften that blow as much as we can around the Comte’s traditional lands as best we can. Save lives, maintain what infrastructure we can.”
“There is of course the small matter of the Comte’s wife who, I must say I am really looking forward to meeting.” Ana smiles, “I suppose we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it though.”
Ana has a strange accent and odd inflections in the way she speaks as if Anglic isn’t her native tongue.
Re: [013] On to Damkina
"Commander, it is good to meet you." Larry said. "Most of the ships I have sailed have needed the Navy more than once, we spaced the further reaches and wilder areas."
Larry nodded when the Comte spoke of the Marburg, and of Trojan horses. Few rode horses anymore, and Troy seemed a myth. He let his mind settle into the role of presenter, these people would make the decisions and ask the questions. He merely had to convey information well, and that was something he excelled at.
"The Marburg," Larry said. He paused and turned to face Comte Foix squarely. "Sir, with all due respect, I must point out that your information may be dated. Your invitation here was accepted, but I have been planning on starting my own ventures. Two days ago I finalized my separation paperwork, and I am no longer in anyone's employ. I am happy to sign whatever non-disclosure agreement you may prefer, and even without that, you have my word that your private business is just that; yours, and private."
He looked at the floor for a moment, and then at his own boots, before returning his gaze to Foix'. Larry straightened, nearly to attention. "I am a man in search of my fortunes. A spacer's life can be lonely, if one pauses to think about it overly long. If you find that I am suddenly awash in large business ventures and have beautiful ladies such as these hanging on my every word, you can rest assured someone is trying to subvert me to learn of you. I expect you to deal with that appropriately."
"A perfect example." Larry turned to Lady Anevay, and winked. "Ma'am, the Marburg's inspections are in order. The crew does not tend to run intensive security drills but the ship is set up to lock passengers out of the controlled areas. Running as a straight merchant with middle passengers and supplementary cargo space sold exclusively to the passengers has been a steady business. There's lot of anxiety and concern, and the market of people wanting to be some place else is steady, and mildly lucrative."
A slight turn. "Commander Taheri, the Marburg's crew are competent, but only a few have a Navy background. The defenses are adequate, for a limited engagement where one hopes to run long enough to let the fleet pickets arrive. From any other perspective, they would be insufficient."
Another shift. "Captain Kelley, I am unfamiliar with the import of giving flowers, save as a part of courtship. I will consider it a symbol of value and respect, and treat you accordingly. As noted, the flight controls are tuned for passenger comfort. The bridge stations are suitably manned and most of the crew has passing familiarity with at least one other station."
Larry turned to Grimaud, and smiled. "However, the galley is well accounted for, and can handle a variety of tastes and cultural influences."
"Anastasia, beyond the normal controls for passengers aboard, I did a lot of background checks and filtered out higher risk applicants. However, my skills are based on what I thought needed to be thought about more than deep security expertise. While I'm happy to share what I did, my guess is you can do it much better."
Larry returned to facing the Comte. "Sir, the ruse of a trojan horse is a common business practice. I don't know your plans, but here are a few thoughts that may help. The Marburg's jump capability allows her to be far away quickly. If your plan is to have her still associated with House Foix, then a brief refit and technical evaluation for the ship and some much needed R and R for the crew. That will allow those you wish to move on to do so, and allow you to bring aboard those you wish without irregularity."
He lifted his glass to Anastasia, then returned to Foix. "As noted, the larger government is falling. New ones are taking their place. If you wish to run the Marburg, but disassociate it from House Foix, there are many system polities seeking to establish themselves. You could sell the Marburg to a separate interest, reregister the ship under a new flag, and it would be weeks, or more likely months, before the transaction data made it to various locations. Whatever you named her would be the only entry in an otherwise empty record. With current events, few will look askance, hundreds of businesses are rising and falling as we speak. A new venture, with a ship willing to move people and cargo, will be one of many such vessels."
A slight pause, and a sip from his glass. "Questions?"
Larry nodded when the Comte spoke of the Marburg, and of Trojan horses. Few rode horses anymore, and Troy seemed a myth. He let his mind settle into the role of presenter, these people would make the decisions and ask the questions. He merely had to convey information well, and that was something he excelled at.
"The Marburg," Larry said. He paused and turned to face Comte Foix squarely. "Sir, with all due respect, I must point out that your information may be dated. Your invitation here was accepted, but I have been planning on starting my own ventures. Two days ago I finalized my separation paperwork, and I am no longer in anyone's employ. I am happy to sign whatever non-disclosure agreement you may prefer, and even without that, you have my word that your private business is just that; yours, and private."
He looked at the floor for a moment, and then at his own boots, before returning his gaze to Foix'. Larry straightened, nearly to attention. "I am a man in search of my fortunes. A spacer's life can be lonely, if one pauses to think about it overly long. If you find that I am suddenly awash in large business ventures and have beautiful ladies such as these hanging on my every word, you can rest assured someone is trying to subvert me to learn of you. I expect you to deal with that appropriately."
"A perfect example." Larry turned to Lady Anevay, and winked. "Ma'am, the Marburg's inspections are in order. The crew does not tend to run intensive security drills but the ship is set up to lock passengers out of the controlled areas. Running as a straight merchant with middle passengers and supplementary cargo space sold exclusively to the passengers has been a steady business. There's lot of anxiety and concern, and the market of people wanting to be some place else is steady, and mildly lucrative."
A slight turn. "Commander Taheri, the Marburg's crew are competent, but only a few have a Navy background. The defenses are adequate, for a limited engagement where one hopes to run long enough to let the fleet pickets arrive. From any other perspective, they would be insufficient."
Another shift. "Captain Kelley, I am unfamiliar with the import of giving flowers, save as a part of courtship. I will consider it a symbol of value and respect, and treat you accordingly. As noted, the flight controls are tuned for passenger comfort. The bridge stations are suitably manned and most of the crew has passing familiarity with at least one other station."
Larry turned to Grimaud, and smiled. "However, the galley is well accounted for, and can handle a variety of tastes and cultural influences."
"Anastasia, beyond the normal controls for passengers aboard, I did a lot of background checks and filtered out higher risk applicants. However, my skills are based on what I thought needed to be thought about more than deep security expertise. While I'm happy to share what I did, my guess is you can do it much better."
Larry returned to facing the Comte. "Sir, the ruse of a trojan horse is a common business practice. I don't know your plans, but here are a few thoughts that may help. The Marburg's jump capability allows her to be far away quickly. If your plan is to have her still associated with House Foix, then a brief refit and technical evaluation for the ship and some much needed R and R for the crew. That will allow those you wish to move on to do so, and allow you to bring aboard those you wish without irregularity."
He lifted his glass to Anastasia, then returned to Foix. "As noted, the larger government is falling. New ones are taking their place. If you wish to run the Marburg, but disassociate it from House Foix, there are many system polities seeking to establish themselves. You could sell the Marburg to a separate interest, reregister the ship under a new flag, and it would be weeks, or more likely months, before the transaction data made it to various locations. Whatever you named her would be the only entry in an otherwise empty record. With current events, few will look askance, hundreds of businesses are rising and falling as we speak. A new venture, with a ship willing to move people and cargo, will be one of many such vessels."
A slight pause, and a sip from his glass. "Questions?"
Re: [013] On to Damkina
"I would counsel against burning any bridges at this time," Vee replies with a slight smile. "With everything else that is happening, we need as many allies as we can find. What is the old saying about political expediencies making for odd friendships?"Ramona wrote:Anastasia frowns, running her fingers over a pair of long scars of freshly regened tissue on her forearm. It’s good work, won’t scar but the tanning of the flesh is wrong. She adjusts her dress a little, “Can I get you anything Larry?” She turns to look at Sara, “Sara?” Her dress is backless and she has a long, much older, nasty scar that runs half the length of her spine.
She turns her eyes to Comte Foix, “Straight in with the old dig? Nice. Look, I’m just Ana now Larry, Imperium’s either dead or dying out here, you’ve probably noticed. We intend to soften that blow as much as we can around the Comte’s traditional lands as best we can. Save lives, maintain what infrastructure we can.”
“There is of course the small matter of the Comte’s wife who, I must say I am really looking forward to meeting.” Ana smiles, “I suppose we’ll burn that bridge when we get to it though.”
Ana has a strange accent and odd inflections in the way she speaks as if Anglic isn’t her native tongue.
Joe Roberts (JR)
Re: [013] On to Damkina
“That is not how that saying goes?” Ana asks sounding genuinely confused, “I was wondering why it gets so many odd looks.”joertexas wrote:"I would counsel against burning any bridges at this time," Vee replies with a slight smile. "With everything else that is happening, we need as many allies as we can find. What is the old saying about political expediencies making for odd friendships?"
She takes a sip of her drink glancing towards Vee, “I think there are guillotines in that political expedience saying.”
Ana then looks over at Larry, “I do not think the flower thing means what you think it means Larry. Unless something happened after I got bit by that spider in which case the Comte has a lot of explaining to do to a bunch of angry ladies.”
Re: [013] On to Damkina
Foix replies “Thank you M’sieu Corona for your presentation. You are, of course, right my information may be dated and I am grateful for your candour”.
“I considered the possibility of directing the Marburg beyond Damkina to return to the heart of the Domain. There are certain matters there to address and this would appear to be a reasonable and cautious measure for such a vessel given the current instability within the Rift. Concealing my retinue aboard would be merely a matter of discretion on behalf of the crew *”.
“As to your discretion M'sieu I am grateful but I believe a better means of securing both your generous loyalty and ongoing expertise would be to offer you employment with House Foix? Given the present company you can see how I would disarm my enemies at a stroke - both by surrounding you with beauty and paying you handsomely. My Knight has an interest in the mechanics of the House so perhaps you would take a post as herald to Lady Anevay, Chevalier du Maison Foix?”
At Ana’s last he smiles “My old comrade confuses me with an earlier and sadly, much less handsome version of myself, who frequently had to deal with whole bevies of beautiful yet justifiably angry ladies. Fortunately experiences such as defending myself against the wrath of both the Baron of Lorrissia’s daughters at a seafood buffet have equipped me well for such circumstances. I must add that the entire incident was caused by an unfortunate accident of alcohol and adjoining rooms from which their architect escaped an amount of blame which I believe was unfairly borne by myself”.
(OOC: * Foix’s plan functions at the “nobility” operational level. He clearly intends to “commandeer” the entire liner and use it as his personal transport!
Cruising into battle - a couple of weeks of deck quoits and bingo before certain death!
J3 even saves the GM mapping the off map sub sector – everything’s “some space travel” away! You’d surely have to pay money for players this reasonable! )
“I considered the possibility of directing the Marburg beyond Damkina to return to the heart of the Domain. There are certain matters there to address and this would appear to be a reasonable and cautious measure for such a vessel given the current instability within the Rift. Concealing my retinue aboard would be merely a matter of discretion on behalf of the crew *”.
“As to your discretion M'sieu I am grateful but I believe a better means of securing both your generous loyalty and ongoing expertise would be to offer you employment with House Foix? Given the present company you can see how I would disarm my enemies at a stroke - both by surrounding you with beauty and paying you handsomely. My Knight has an interest in the mechanics of the House so perhaps you would take a post as herald to Lady Anevay, Chevalier du Maison Foix?”
At Ana’s last he smiles “My old comrade confuses me with an earlier and sadly, much less handsome version of myself, who frequently had to deal with whole bevies of beautiful yet justifiably angry ladies. Fortunately experiences such as defending myself against the wrath of both the Baron of Lorrissia’s daughters at a seafood buffet have equipped me well for such circumstances. I must add that the entire incident was caused by an unfortunate accident of alcohol and adjoining rooms from which their architect escaped an amount of blame which I believe was unfairly borne by myself”.
(OOC: * Foix’s plan functions at the “nobility” operational level. He clearly intends to “commandeer” the entire liner and use it as his personal transport!
Cruising into battle - a couple of weeks of deck quoits and bingo before certain death!
J3 even saves the GM mapping the off map sub sector – everything’s “some space travel” away! You’d surely have to pay money for players this reasonable!
)