The Next Ticket

[shaidar]

Later, when talking about the transport:

"Let's talk this out, and then someone who knows bureauracracy can make it sound official."

Jakob brought his skills (Recon-1, Tactics-2, Leader-2) and conniving mindset (Int C) to the problem of avoiding cold shipment and preparing for the engagement. "Really, it's a no brainer if you have a brain. Our leadership needs to study the situation as well as familiarize themselves with the Baron's people and command structure. Us mid-grade types need to ensure the gear works, comms work, map out the trouble areas, and start the response plans. The recruits need to get some team camaraderie, as well as practice providing cover and protection for the diplomats. We all need to be familiar with the diplomats, and them with our procedures. Otherwise they'll come in to a hot zone and get wasted because they're acting like a hostile."

He nodded to Skip. "We have an SEH awardee, as well as a high reputation on Collace right now. Getting the lead diplomat read in on those sorts of things, and training them on how to phrase it to military contact, is a win for them. Once we're in system we can pull in any new intel, revise plans, and make a high speed impression on the Baron and his military staff. That'll give the diplomats a second big win; the Baron will see that we're taking his money and giving him great value."

Frank

The above will be presented (diplomatically) as firstly a way to get value-for-money, he's maximising the time we're offering him for free and when they do start to pay us they'll be getting more for there money as we'll already be up to speed, and it might mean we'll need to stay there for less time. Secondly, it improves the chances of the missions success and nobody getting hurt, which makes both him and us look good.

ooc: trying to speak in terms a pen-pushing bureaucrat might understand.

[Tiglath]

The Collace Deputy Minister of Interstellar Relations comms the Unit.

He seems a career diplomat and entirely sensible while possessing the air of authority of a senior civil servant. He says “I understand that you make an argument for some of your officers to travel to Inchin in stateroom accommodation on the grounds of military efficiency”.

“I have nothing against that but the priority function of this mission is one of diplomacy - which will begin and evolve through the time spent in transit to Inchin. You may not believe it but we diplomats are just as professional in our preparations for a campaign as mercenary soldiers! However, I appreciate your professionalism and would not seek to hinder it in any way. I am also aware of your recent and very active contribution to the good standing of Collace City”.

“I will speak with Mertactor Lines and ask them to reallocate the staterooms allocated for extra cold berths to regular use. However, I must insist that any excess staff of your unit travel in cold berths and also that your unit in no way interferes with diplomatic business while in transit. Indeed you must also maintain strict military discipline throughout this mission”.

“I appreciate your professionalism of course but I will add this stipulation as a caveat to your contract. You may train and plan as you will on route but your soldiers are to not interfere with the primary function of this mission - which is diplomacy!” He chuckles “After all, we're not invading" he rolls his eyes "who would want to? Instead we tender a diplomatic option and your people offer us security and the locals goodwill while we do so. I do not anticipate any hostile forces on Inchin at all. To be honest absolutely no one would go there unless they were truly desperate or there was an “A Class” starport – which, of course, there isn’t!"

Clearly never tired of the sound of his own voice he continues "Remember your unit represents Collace as the mercenary capital of District 268 and showcases the value of professional soldiers for hire”. He smiles “Now, I well know you do good work but, if your troops require any further motivation to be entirely civil and well behaved do remind them it will be my signature on your paycheck”.

Those of curious nature will note the pictures on the wall of his office include the usual “awards for stuff” but also a crew pictured in front of a starship on a ground launch pad.

[Tiglath]

Prerna snorts softly. "Talk is good, but it's not what I have in mind right now." She sits back and looks at Erica. "I understand if you want to keep things professional, although it could be argued that it is therapy."

Erica smiles “I find Collace as a whole equally lacking in its extension of trust – perhaps over the years it has been unfortunate in its choice of partners. I have some equipment which may be of use for the coming mission. You could look it over while we discuss trust issues and the management of impulsive behaviour”.

[joertexas]

Prerna snorts softly. "Talk is good, but it's not what I have in mind right now." She sits back and looks at Erica. "I understand if you want to keep things professional, although it could be argued that it is therapy."

Erica smiles “I find Collace as a whole equally lacking in its extension of trust – perhaps over the years it has been unfortunate in its choice of partners. I have some equipment which may be of use for the coming mission. You could look it over while we discuss trust issues and the management of impulsive behaviour”.

Prerna grins. "Do tell. I hope it's something that won't disturb my bunkmates during the next trip."

[Tiglath]

Erica replies "Well, it might need a bunk all of its own" and then winces as yet another cheer sounds out from the front bar. She rolls her eyes "I'll tell all - but somewhere you can actually hear me. There's a quiet wine bar that serves "Sea Wine" nearby. That's if you fancy a change of pace and scene?"

[Leitz]

Jakob will do what any reasonable young man would do in his position; research what Imperial Marshals to, where their offices are, and see if his girlfriend is already noted as being connected there. While he's not a spy, he's enough of a commando to realize he needs to bone up on her legend so things don't slip out.

Of course, knowing where to find her is a bonus. There may be time before he ships out.

Recon-1, Int-C [2d6+3] = 7+3 = 10

[joertexas]

Erica replies "Well, it might need a bunk all of its own" and then winces as yet another cheer sounds out from the front bar. She rolls her eyes "I'll tell all - but somewhere you can actually hear me. There's a quiet wine bar that serves "Sea Wine" nearby. That's if you fancy a change of pace and scene?"

"Eftir skegg Óðins," Prerna chuckles and stands. "For this, I'll buy the drinks." She gestures toward the door. "After you."

[shaidar]

The Collace Deputy Minister of Interstellar Relations comms the Unit.

He seems a career diplomat and entirely sensible while possessing the air of authority of a senior civil servant. He says “I understand that you make an argument for some of your officers to travel to Inchin in stateroom accommodation on the grounds of military efficiency”.

“I have nothing against that but the priority function of this mission is one of diplomacy - which will begin and evolve through the time spent in transit to Inchin. You may not believe it but we diplomats are just as professional in our preparations for a campaign as mercenary soldiers! However, I appreciate your professionalism and would not seek to hinder it in any way. I am also aware of your recent and very active contribution to the good standing of Collace City”.

“I will speak with Mertactor Lines and ask them to reallocate the staterooms allocated for extra cold berths to regular use. However, I must insist that any excess staff of your unit travel in cold berths and also that your unit in no way interferes with diplomatic business while in transit. Indeed you must also maintain strict military discipline throughout this mission”.

“I appreciate your professionalism of course but I will add this stipulation as a caveat to your contract. You may train and plan as you will on route but your soldiers are to not interfere with the primary function of this mission - which is diplomacy!” He chuckles “After all, we're not invading" he rolls his eyes "who would want to? Instead we tender a diplomatic option and your people offer us security and the locals goodwill while we do so. I do not anticipate any hostile forces on Inchin at all. To be honest absolutely no one would go there unless they were truly desperate or there was an “A Class” starport – which, of course, there isn’t!"

Clearly never tired of the sound of his own voice he continues "Remember your unit represents Collace as the mercenary capital of District 268 and showcases the value of professional soldiers for hire”. He smiles “Now, I well know you do good work but, if your troops require any further motivation to be entirely civil and well behaved do remind them it will be my signature on your paycheck”.

Those of curious nature will note the pictures on the wall of his office include the usual “awards for stuff” but also a crew pictured in front of a starship on a ground launch pad.

Frank

"Minister, thank you for taking the time to speak with us, and we appreciate the measures you're taking to accommodate our requests. Your message is received loud and clear, this is a diplomatic mission and we are your security. With upmost respect, you may not expect any problems, but it's our job to anticipate problems and plan mitigations, without getting in your way. The officers awake will spend the transit time planning and learning how your team will operate, so we can integrate without disruption. You have my word that our men will be on their best behaviour, during transit and on Inchin"

Once the call is over he will say to the others:
"We really need to make a good impression on this one, make it clear to all that we are on our best behaviour. Damages will be taken out of their cut"

[Shrike]

"We really need to make a good impression on this one, make it clear to all that we are on our best behaviour. Damages will be taken out of their cut"

"No heavy weapons? Non-lethal, uh, 'less-lethal' rounds?"

[shaidar]

Frank smiles at skip "I meant outside of combat"

[Tiglath]

Of course, knowing where to find her is a bonus. There may be time before he ships out.

Recon-1, Int-C [2d6+3] = 7+3 = 10

Jakob does some research and finds Imperial Marshal Renée Ducaine out of the Mertactor office serving on detached duty with the Imperial Embassy in Collace City. She is listed as currently seconded to the Scout Base on Kirkton. There is an office comm number leading to a message service.

[Tiglath]

"Eftir skegg Óðins," Prerna chuckles and stands. "For this, I'll buy the drinks." She gestures toward the door. "After you."

On leaving the hubbub of Gunny's bar the plaza is peace itself. Folk drift about and the moon reflects of the waterworld's surface illuminating the arcology interior through its massive glazed shell. Erica's "killer heels" click across the plaza as she steers Prerna just inside a side street and into a bar lit for discretion. Erica orders the wine and asks for a booth. A waitress loads an ice bucket onto a tray and leads through the bar to a private curtained booth overlooking the moonlit ocean.

Erica pours Collace "Sea Wine", a light fresh vintage, and sighs "I'm less of a party person". With a challenging gaze she eyes Prerna "Now, are you ready to meet the lady in my life?"

(OOC: )

[joertexas]

Erica pours Collace "Sea Wine", a light fresh vintage, and sighs "I'm less of a party person". With a challenging gaze she eyes Prerna "Now, are you ready to meet the lady in my life?"

Prerna sips her wine to settle her nerves. "Yes."

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Erica places her comm on the table in “projector mode” to display a holographic image. “Here she is! Your first date is virtual but I believe you two are compatible. You are surely a match in height”.

She laughs mischievously “Your evident concern has me believe I’m being over dramatic again”. She then adds “Oh, here’s a tip - she’s sensitive about her weight. Often mistakenly called the “gauss light assault gun” she’s actually a hyper velocity gauss rifle. She can penetrate mid tech battledress at over one kilometre and is capable against lesser armour out to 1.8kliks”. The projector displays a gauss rifle about twice the size of the line issue model mounted on a bipod and fitted with advanced sights.

She adds “Despite my desire to contribute to the team effort I am not entirely selfless in loaning the weapon to you. I was paid to use it recently to deter some ambitions best described as “Imperial” and I know this current mission will be crawling with their agents. However, I will not be suspected if I’m not using the rifle and neither will you because you were in prison at the time. I’d be grateful if you don’t mention where you sourced the weapon”.

(OOC: Gauss “LAG” Pen (14) +3 to 600m, Pen (12) +2 to 1.2km, Pen (7) +1 to 1.8km Weight: 14kg It’s a beast! Ammo: 1.5kg per 40 rd mag).

[joertexas]

Prerna

Erica places her comm on the table in “projector mode” to display a holographic image. “Here she is! Your first date is virtual but I believe you two are compatible. You are surely a match in height”.

She laughs mischievously “Your evident concern has me believe I’m being over dramatic again”. She then adds “Oh, here’s a tip - she’s sensitive about her weight. Often mistakenly called the “gauss light assault gun” she’s actually a hyper velocity gauss rifle. She can penetrate mid tech battledress at over one kilometre and is capable against lesser armour out to 1.8kliks”. The projector displays a gauss rifle about twice the size of the line issue model mounted on a bipod and fitted with advanced sights.

She adds “Despite my desire to contribute to the team effort I am not entirely selfless in loaning the weapon to you. I was paid to use it recently to deter some ambitions best described as “Imperial” and I know this current mission will be crawling with their agents. However, I will not be suspected if I’m not using the rifle and neither will you because you were in prison at the time. I’d be grateful if you don’t mention where you sourced the weapon”.

(OOC: Gauss “LAG” Pen (14) +3 to 600m, Pen (12) +2 to 1.2km, Pen (7) +1 to 1.8km Weight: 14kg It’s a beast! Ammo: 1.5kg per 40 rd mag).

Prerna bursts into a fit of giggles, to the point where she has to cover her mouth with her napkin to stifle the sound. After a few moments, she regains control, and gulps down half the glass of her expensive wine. "You know damned good and well that I want to get my bell rung tonight, and that", she points at the image, "isn't what I have in mind." She giggles again and lifts a hand in apology. "Okay, yes, the rifle is completely wonderful, and I will be honored to carry it with me in combat. I will even sleep with it if it wants." She sobers and looks directly at Erica. "I mean it; this could very well save a lot of lives in my hands, and I'm not trying to boast. I really am good enough to well use this weapon."

The redhead sits back with a crooked smile. "For the evening, I'd like an oil massage from a nubile young thing who I can take home afterwards and lick like a popsicle." She shrugs. "I don't think I'm ready for a man's attention, and a woman understands that."

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Erica smiles at Prerna and says “I am glad you like the rifle - I know I do. Agreeing the conditions of its use was as necessary as … patience. A good sniper knows how to wait”. She stands and moves around the booth’s little table to stand directly in front of Prerna - no more than a breath away. She snags the wine bottle from the ice bucket, takes a long belt from it and then gives Prerna an entirely predatory smile “Now, if I remember we were going to explore trust issues and the management of impulsive behaviour…”

As Ms East leaned in towards her guest the waitress secured the booth’s curtain and checked the privacy field was still active. Discretion was ever a watchword here … and, in this case, had also been conveniently paid for in advance.

[joertexas]

Prerna

As Ms East leaned in towards her guest the waitress secured the booth’s curtain and checked the privacy field was still active. Discretion was ever a watchword here … and, in this case, had also been conveniently paid for in advance.

Sometime later, Prerna sips from her glass of ice water and smiles at Erica. "I must say, you've missed your calling. You are an excellent bell ringer."

[The Bindoner]

The Marine Jess entices onto her bike finds out, at the nightclub, that she has overestimated her injured leg's capacity for dancing. Or maybe overstated it. Since vertical dancing is too difficult Jess inveigles her companion, over more drinks, into riding back to her quarters to put on some loud music and try some horizontal dance moves.

Marines. First in, last out. And Out of System when the mission's complete. Just the ticket.

Cab fare's on the desk.

[shaidar]

Frank

Once discussions are over and everyone is going there separate ways, Frank asks Polly if she'd like to find a quieter bar to have a drink in.

[Tiglath]

Frank

Polly says she would love to! She says anywhere is good because her escorts have a grav car but the place needs to have parking because they like to watch her into the venue.