A Passage to Inchin

[Leitz]

The "Observe" rolls are missing Recon-1, so they are each one point higher. In descriptions, using Rule 68A to describe how well Jakob succeeds. Since Jakob is a junior officer, others would have made first contact with each group. Jakob plays off of them.

Jakob entered with the other officers. His gig line was straight. The kilo he had put on during the trip to Collace had been worked off; it was good to be back with an operational unit. He loved training new Marines, and had done pretty well at it the last two years of his official career. But training has to have a reason. There has to be risk. To train, and never be forward of the safe zone, is a waste.

Socials he could do. It was just another warzone, and he had been trained on the risks. His new unit had value, it would be easy to talk them up. His uniform was tailored, his awards were where they should be. Jakob took a breath, smiled, and went to work.

City Chamber: Observe: 10 Inspire: 12
Waiting his turn, by rank and interest, Jakob listened to the conversations and watched the body language. The three juniors were nervous. Jakob relaxed. It was easy to relax and appear non-threatening. All it took was confidence that you could, when needed, kill everyone around you.

"Mr Soloman, gentlemen. You have your work cut out for you! I've gone over the system data for Inchin, and really, I'm not sure what sort of products they have. Collace is increadibly rich, by comparison. If you can make a profit with Inchin then your careers are set! How do you see them as able to trade?"
City Chamber: Task: [2d6+2] = 10+2 = 12, Observe [2d6+2] = 7+2 = 9

Orbital Consortium: Observe: 9, Inspire: 5
Jakob gratefully took the whiskey, and lifted the glass to Duran. "You are a gentleman, sir. Thank you." Duran was easy to read, and Jakob found himself liking the man. Of course, holding whiskey, even if he didn't drink it, set him a step up in the social scale. If nothing else, it cracked Pinhead's (Penfold) mould just a bit.

For a moment, Jakob prepared his conversation opening move. Then the two stunning women arrived, and Jakob lost his game. Seeing that they knew Skip, and knowing that there was a girl he already wanted to spend some years with, Jakob opted for a tactical withdrawal. "Ladies, Captain Dallas has been swamped with training duties and the demands of leadership. I doubt he's gotten more than an hour's sleep any night this past week. However, he is here now, and more than capable of serving as you see fit."
He turned to Skip, and winked. "Sir, if you will excuse me?"
Orbital Consortium:: Task: [2d6+2] = 3+2 = 5, Observe [2d6+2] = 6+2 = 8

Iyhlua Clan: Observe: 9, Inspire: 9
Jakob grinned. So this was the lady who had been taking the edge off the CO's stress. He certainly needed it, Jakob was happy to be a junior officer just for that reason. Of course, the CO really picked someone worth paying attention to. What surprised Jakob was the second language moment between the CO's lady and Jess. Jakob recognized the language from old videos, but had no idea what was said. The tone, though, and the body language, was easy to read. Jess was something to this group, and that helped. Time to make her look good, even if she didn't wear her MCG. Something to ask about, later.

"Sergeant Major, I didn't know you were associated with such honorable warriors as the Iyhlua Clan. That explains the discipline you've been drilling into everyone, though." Jakob smiled, and turned to Polly and Sazanami. "It's easy to see the hand of an experienced combat soldier guiding new recruits."
Iyhlua Clan: Task: [2d6+2] = 7+2 = 9, Observe [2d6+2] = 6+2 = 8


268 Interests: Observe: 11, Inspire 9
Well, this was going to be fun. Jakob wasn't sure what was going on, but clearly the others on his team had a negative history with these people. Think. How to turn this?

Jakob smiled at Kristin Vitt. She would expect a junior officer to stumble over himself, and a few years ago he certainly would have. Now, though, he was different. He had a team to protect and the courage to do so. He had a woman to love, and since she wasn't here, he didn't need to bother with those sorts of thoughts. He was simply one junior officer greeting another. "Ms Vitt, good to meet you. It seems there's a lively discussion to be had, but I'm new to the area. What do you think of the situation?"
268 Interests: Task: [2d6+2] = 7+2 = 9, Observe [2d6+2] = 8+2 = 10

Prospectors: Observe: 6, Inspire: 7
Jakob sighed as they met the prospectors. He had worn himself out with SuSAG. Running for kilometers he could do, but talk for hours while walking a fine edge? He needed practice. He listened for a bit, joined in the smiles and conversation, and then excused himself.
Prospectors: Task: [2d6+2] = 5+2 = 7, Observe [2d6+2] = 3+2 = 5

Imperial Marines: Observe: 7, Inspire: 11
Jajob broke away from the group, and found Captain Smith and Ensign Mallory between groups. "Captain Smith, I've heard so much about you. Good to finally meet you."

It was a social contact, common between members of different militaries. Jakob was a mercenary now, but he could still read a Marine like a book. Whether or not Smith or Mallory could do the same, it was a recon. Jakob gave Smith a moment to figure things out, and then turned to Mallory. "Ensign, good to meet you. What brings the Imperial Marines to Inchin?"
Imperial Marines: Task: [2d6+2] = 9+2 = 11, Observe [2d6+3] = 4+3 = 7

[shaidar]

The social whirl continues...

The next party The District 268 Interests Group are immaculately turned out in “full on” tailored black tie - even the striking blond of the principal’s arm wears a tuxedo trouser suit with her heels. The confident and handsome leader of the group offers Frank his hand “Local Deputy Director Drace Keening, Schunamann und Sohn AG. This is my executive associate Kristín Vitt and my assistants Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd”.

The blonde casts an appraising eye over each of you while the two assistants simply give you a dead eyed stare.

Drace continues “Colonel Cross and Major Nayar I have to extend the Corporation’s thanks for clearing up that bad business in the Underhive. A terrible and tragic accident brought about by disavowed employees and rogue mercenaries tampering with a stolen product recklessly misused in a manner for which it was never intended. If I can help you in any way it will be my pleasure to do so”.

Frank shakes the deputy director's hand and nods at Vitt and the assistants. He smiles, but perhaps the smile does not quite reach his eyes "Deputy Director. Yes, a most terrible situation, even for one such as myself who has seen more than their fair share of death. I appreciate your offer of assistance, perhaps we can talk about it on the journey. I feel terrible for the families of the victims, there must be something that can be done for them."


When introduced to the Prospectors Consortium, Frank will shakes hands with a friendly smile and make small talk, trying to put them at ease and not putting on any air's and graces (but remaining professional). He'll try to find out Fast Eddie's particular reason for being here and when introduced to the Prof he'll reply "Apologies professor, I'm not that well acquainted with the Five Sisters sector, what does the Froin Institute specialise in?"

[Tiglath]

DRAFT POST

Yup. Don't worry I can work with those rolls Recon would add to observation if you have it - I'll check.

[joertexas]

The social whirl continues...

Drace continues “Colonel Cross and Major Nayar I have to extend the Corporation’s thanks for clearing up that bad business in the Underhive. A terrible and tragic accident brought about by disavowed employees and rogue mercenaries tampering with a stolen product recklessly misused in a manner for which it was never intended. If I can help you in any way it will be my pleasure to do so”.

Prerna clamps her jaw firmly shut and manages something approaching a neutral expression as she nods slightly in greeting. She blinks a couple of times to clear her eyes of the tears of pure, unadulterated rage that threaten to spill out of her. She stands next to Frank, nearly brushing his arm as she fights for control of her emotions. His presence as another survivor gives her an anchor, and she edges a bit closer to him than propriety dictates, unconsciously pressing her right breast against his upper arm.

The next group on your travels are the group no one else is talking to. The Prospectors Consortium don’t seem to have the social skills or upward mobility for this scene. Two wear scruffy lounge suits (not dinner jackets! ) and appear to be intent on drinking well but not wisely of the free stuff. They introduce themselves as Dwayne and Wayne representing the Belter’s Union. "Fast Eddie" Wylam is the guy in shades with lots of jewellery and a white tuxedo. He introduces himself to people wearing the most additions to their uniform first – that extra campaign medal or light infantry lanyard bumps you up the order. Being female also gets you the upgrade. Fast Eddie is friendly and enthusiastic – he’s also clearly a gent because he wiped most of the prawn cocktail of his mitts before shaking hands. He says “Oh, meet the Prof” as a method of introducing the awkward older guy who, having gathered himself both a plate and a glass, juggles both badly while utterly bemused as to how to go about greeting you. He opts for a shy nod and manages “Um … Benson of the … um … Froin Institute. It’s in Five Sisters - you won't have heard of it”. He seems rather over awed by all your uniforms.

Prerna smiles at the others, and then forgets to meter her handshake with Fast Eddie, giving him a predator's smile and an almost-bone-crushing grip. Hopefully, he will get the message. When she sees the Professor, his distress lifts much of her sour mood. "Professor Benson, I have heard of the Five Sisters, but not the Froin Institute. If you will permit, shall we find somewhere to sit and talk about what it is you do there?" She steers him to a nearby table and helps him get situated.

[joertexas]

The social whirl continues...

The next party The District 268 Interests Group are immaculately turned out in “full on” tailored black tie - even the striking blond of the principal’s arm wears a tuxedo trouser suit with her heels. The confident and handsome leader of the group offers Frank his hand “Local Deputy Director Drace Keening, Schunamann und Sohn AG. This is my executive associate Kristín Vitt and my assistants Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd”.

The blonde casts an appraising eye over each of you while the two assistants simply give you a dead eyed stare.

Drace continues “Colonel Cross and Major Nayar I have to extend the Corporation’s thanks for clearing up that bad business in the Underhive. A terrible and tragic accident brought about by disavowed employees and rogue mercenaries tampering with a stolen product recklessly misused in a manner for which it was never intended. If I can help you in any way it will be my pleasure to do so”.

Frank shakes the deputy director's hand and nods at Vitt and the assistants. He smiles, but perhaps the smile does not quite reach his eyes "Deputy Director. Yes, a most terrible situation, even for one such as myself who has seen more than their fair share of death. I appreciate your offer of assistance, perhaps we can talk about it on the journey. I feel terrible for the families of the victims, there must be something that can be done for them."


When introduced to the Prospectors Consortium, Frank will shakes hands with a friendly smile and make small talk, trying to put them at ease and not putting on any air's and graces (but remaining professional). He'll try to find out Fast Eddie's particular reason for being here and when introduced to the Prof he'll reply "Apologies professor, I'm not that well acquainted with the Five Sisters sector, what does the Froin Institute specialise in?"

I think I stomped on your post here - sorry.

[Tiglath]

I think I stomped on your post here - sorry.

(OOC: No worries from "behind the screen". It will all fit together once I've finished with the hammer! )

[The Bindoner]

Jess already has her No.2 Dress Uniform, freshly re-badged from Colour Sergeant to QSM. She is using her “posh voice” too.

The ice buckets contain Frosters Beer (lightweight ale in every sense) in small tins. “There is beer. Did my time in the PDF cadets so I know soldiers prefer beer”.

Jess gives the bucket of tins a sneer, comments You're right, I would prefer beer. and leaves it.

Quietly to Skip, as she passes on her way to mingle: Sex in a canoe, that stuff, eh?

Seeing a familiar face: Mr Solomon, how nice.

Teasingly: No offense, but I hope you don't do too much business on Inchin, or you might lose a customer. Literally.

She politely enquires of Wilson, Kepple and Betti what their business interests are on Inchin? We've a holding on Collace to equip and operate, and people to feed. Got some overlap with the needs on Inchin, buildin' a 'Port. Maybe we can put some trade your way too.



Jess happily takes Duran up on his offer of whiskey.

Seeing Polly Jess's face lights up in a smile. Going up in the world, eh girl?

The Trokh phrase Bannerman wipes the smile off Jess' face pretty efficiently.

EDIT:

Meeting the SuSAG people Jess is professional, neutral. These people caused pain to her new comrades, and they probably made the drugs that made her homeworld a place to leave, but there's no point showing it.

The Belters are a breath of fresh air, and Jess relaxes immediately on joining them, dropping back into her natural speech patterns. Might even have a second drink. Need one after the last two conversations. Like Frank, she wonders what Fast Eddie's angle is. And if there might be a contract for us in it.

[Tiglath]

Collace City Chamber of Commerce
Wilson
Kepple
Betty
Mr Solomon

Mr. Solomon gives a shrug and replies to Jess “Things bein’ wot they are I thought he might want to upgrade ‘is soldiers. A modest investment compared to the madness of building a starport”.

Wilson, Kepple and Betti confide that they are mostly representing for a raft of firms involved with the business needs of a Starport. These include communications, software systems, heavy engineering and the leisure industry.

Jakob reckons the merchants are impressed by the merc unit and are confident you can keep them safe. Mr. Solomon is more difficult to read but seems personable enough and seems to quite like Jess. However, Jackob believes the other three merchants are wary of him.

[Shrike]

A Departure

The Collace Orbital Consortium turns out to be some old acquaintances. The aristocratic Duran (who some have nearly met before) greets the team warmly and insists on swapping any Frosters for whiskey or cocktails on his tab. Although obviously well bred and mannered he is urbane, witty and charming with a “silver fox’s” eye for the ladies. He sends Countess Darklan’s regards (which you eventually deduce is Tourmaline) and grumbles at Colonel Skeet for sending him on this “fool’s errand” representing the Shore while bemoaning the separation from his Upspire mistress. Two stunning young women then rejoin Duran. He introduces his nieces Styx and Lethe who are acting as his assistants on the trip. The blond twins are wearing elegant yet revealing evening gowns. Skip and the twins share a moment of recognition. Lethe pouts peevishly “Captain Dallas, you didn’t return our comm!” while Styx simply stares at him

It says a lot when loading the equipment into orbit is the easy part. Not that Skip necessarily minded dressing up, but 'enforced sociality' was never his idea of a good time. Still, he had to do little more than smile and nod as Frank and Jess did the heavy lifting while enduring the "ooohs" and "ahhhhs" that came standard with the SEH, graciously declining any and all drink offers. This was a work function, after all. The ship did not disappoint and he was a little relieved he didn't have to ride this one cold.

All is well until he is reacquainted with the twins from the other night. He performs his best practiced smile in attempt to mask his mild alarm. Of course they were doing a stakeout, he was an idiot not to realize it before. He hoped Jakob's presence took a little bit of the attention off of himself, but to Skip's dismay he could mutter little more than You're excused, Marine before he skittered off with his complimentary whiskey.

Turning his attention back to the twins, he says Ah Styx, Lethe, I didn't know when I would be on Collace next, I wouldn't want the two of you to wait on my account. Jess passes Skip and while he's nearly positive that he heard her correctly, he lets out a loud Huh? Excuse me ladies, I may have to keep you waiting a bit longer and retreats from what he now knows to be the Shore delegation.

Following Jess he makes his way to the Belters with which she found herself. Thanks for the out, much appreciated he says to here before introducing himself to the prospectors, half listening as he dwells on what's at play here.

[Tiglath]

Collace Orbital Consortium (The Shore)
Duran
Styx and Lethe

Duran effortlessly plays the host and comments “I’m sure we’re in good hands with you fine people”.

Turning his attention back to the twins, he says Ah Styx, Lethe, I didn't know when I would be on Collace next, I wouldn't want the two of you to wait on my account. Jess passes Skip and while he's nearly positive that he heard her correctly, he lets out a loud Huh? Excuse me ladies, I may have to keep you waiting a bit longer and retreats from what he now knows to be the Shore delegation.

As Skip takes his leave Lethe steps up close to him and looks up, fixing him with her blue eyes as she lightly runs a finger over his medal ribbons. She pouts "Don't keep us waiting too long Captain. There's a contract waiting for you at 4DC". Then she smiles playfully "Of course that's if you can pass the physical".

Finding an appropriate moment Jakob gives the little group an appraising once over to see what he can see. He suddenly finds he’s locked eyes with the quieter of the twins (Styx). She gives him a quick smile and then continues her own tactical appraisal covering the room during Lethe's interaction with Skip.

(OOC:
Lethe: Obs (Int) Roll(2d6)+1: 4,5,+1 Total:10
vs.
Orbital Consortium: Observe [2d6+2] = 6+2 = 8).

[Tiglath]

The Iyhlua Clan Emerging Markets Division
Polly and Sazanami

Jakob smiled, and turned to Polly and Sazanami. "It's easy to see the hand of an experienced combat soldier guiding new recruits."

Polly replies with a cheerful smile “We are all surely grateful for the guidance of the wise”. The aslan standing at her shoulder doesn’t respond.

Skip and Jakob note that the team seem to know Polly (the attractive young blond woman in the light blue dress). She seems very friendly and approachable. She is also apparently representing the interests of an aslan clan. The only visible aslan is wearing a smart if understated suit and seems a bit of an anti climax.

Jakob saw an armoured aslan at the Bartizan, admittedly at a distance, but it seemed much bigger physically and even at range his instincts immediately made him aware that it was dangerous on a primal level. He doesn’t get the same vibe from the aslan with Polly.

[The Bindoner]

Wilson, Kepple and Betti confide that they are mostly representing for a raft of firms involved with the business needs of a Starport. These include communications, software systems, heavy engineering and the leisure industry.

Just what I thought. We've just picked up a little Downport back on Collace. Fixer-upper, previous owners really ran it down. Goin' to need all those things you do, to get her runnin' proper. We should do business.


Watching the girls of the Collace Orbital Consortium play the boys Jess catches Duran's eye, rolls hers in their direction, and smirks.

'M I gonna hafta do that for our team? Well, at least we won't be bored.


Jess is a little depressed by how assimilated Polly has become so soon. It's why the Bannerman thing bothers her so much. Frell, am I losing perspective on the Cats too? Her hand unconsciously rising to touch the scar on her neck momentarily.

[Tiglath]

Duran smiles and when he next gets the chance says to Jess “Sergeant Major, would you please do me the great honour of having dinner with me one evening during the journey? Of course your radiant presence will do my reputation no harm at all but I suggest we can use the opportunity to, shall we say, “compare notes” on the trip so far? If I can excuse a terribly louche breach of etiquette in advance I may have to bring my comm and set it on the dining table”. He rolls his eyes back at Jess before glancing over at the twins “It would appear I have “children” to monitor”.

[Tiglath]

The District 268 Interests Group
Local Deputy Director Drace Keening Schunamann und Sohn AG
His striking executive assistant Kristín Vitt
His two corporate assistants Messers Wint and Kidd

Frank shakes the deputy director's hand ..."Deputy Director...I feel terrible for the families of the victims, there must be something that can be done for them."

Deputy Director Keening replies with a humourless smile “I understand our lawyers are all over it”. He changes tack “I understand there is unrest among the workers on Inchin. That’s bad business in every sense wouldn’t you say? I do hope you’ll be able to keep the delegation safe in the event of any trouble”.

Jakob smiled at Kristin Vitt. "Ms Vitt, good to meet you ... What do you think of the situation?"

Ms Vitt replies “My appreciation of the situation is what Deputy Director Keening pays me for. It would be a breach of my contract to divulge it to others” she gives Jakob an arctic smile.

He sees that she notes the company’s numerous decorations and seems if anything to be more irritated than reassured “Your mercenary unit seems well equipped to defend the diplomatic mission. I’m sure your small force deal can with all threats. Are they any areas in which you will need to rely on the Baronial Guard’s greater military capacity?”

Jakob (and others) note she is a woman who would be described as striking before attractive but is still easy enough on the eye. She has short cropped blond hair and blue eyes and has a soft accent - something of an "Out World lilt" (like Prerna and the Twins).

[shaidar]

Frank shakes the deputy director's hand ..."Deputy Director...I feel terrible for the families of the victims, there must be something that can be done for them."

Deputy Director Keening replies with a humourless smile “I understand our lawyers are all over it”. He changes tack “I understand there is unrest among the workers on Inchin. That’s bad business in every sense wouldn’t you say? I do hope you’ll be able to keep the delegation safe in the event of any trouble”.

Frank

"Well, we can certainly agree that unhappy workers are bad for everyone, including the workers themselves. Don't worry, Director, our men and women are fully trained professionals and keeping the delegation safe is our only priority."

[Leitz]

The District 268 Interests Group
Local Deputy Director Drace Keening Schunamann und Sohn AG
His striking executive assistant Kristín Vitt
His two corporate assistants Messers Wint and Kidd

Jakob smiled at Kristin Vitt. "Ms Vitt, good to meet you ... What do you think of the situation?"

Ms Vitt replies “My appreciation of the situation is what Deputy Director Keening pays me for. It would be a breach of my contract to divulge it to others” she gives Jakob an arctic smile.

He sees that she notes the company’s numerous decorations and seems if anything to be more irritated than reassured “Your mercenary unit seems well equipped to defend the diplomatic mission. I’m sure your small force deal can with all threats. Are they any areas in which you will need to rely on the Baronial Guard’s greater military capacity?”

Jakob paused for a moment, and met Kristin's gaze. He grew a warm smile. "That explains a lot."

With a polite nod to Ms Vitt, he was off to chat with the prospectors.

[Tiglath]

The Prospectors Consortium
"Fast" Eddie Wylam
Professor Benson
Dwayne and Wayne Collace Space Workers' Union

Fast Eddie immediately informs everyone that he is an entrepreneurial “mover and shaker” in the investment world and is here looking for business opportunities on Inchin. He mentions that he’s in finance and winks at Jess. If he’s still conscious afterwards he then looks about for Prerna but it seems, much to his chagrin, she’s talking to the Professor. He winces and massages his sore hand in recollection of her crushing handshake but undeterred, reinforces his already overpowering cologne - just in case.

However, his roving eye nearly pops from its socket as it beholds a distant view of Polly. He opines to the company at large “Phwoar – look at the state of that!” and, quite beside himself, nudges nearby folk in enthusiastic appreciation.

Professor Benson responds well to Frank’s interest and Prerna’s kindness and replies “Five Sisters is a bit of a backwater and Froin especially so. If it hadn’t been hit by a couple of meteors it would have remained nothing more than a rock floating about a dying star. However, the excavation caused by the meteor impacts exposed resources that were hidden deep within the planet’s surface. The Institute are scientists paid directly by the miners on Froin and they sometimes hire our services out. We have had some success in the deep survey prospecting field aided by our insights from Froin”. He chuckles “I’m afraid we’re something of hard sell. First you have to dig a deep mine and then we conduct our survey! The Baron has invested in several surveys throughout the Inchin system and I am here to interpret the results”.

Dwayne and Wayne amiably chug their Frosters bloke style and respond well to the team’s informal approach. Dwayne volunteers “We’re here to broker employment contracts for the Space Workers' Union but we’ve been warning off workers thinking of going to Inchin. The money sounds good but we have heard bad stories. If we find the conditions are as bad as we fear then you’ll not get a dock worker, interface craft or tug to touch a crate or vessel carrying cargo to or from Inchin!”

Jakob’s makes his observations but they seem to confirm what his instincts tell him - with these guys what you see is what you get.

[joertexas]

The Prospectors Consortium

Professor Benson responds well to Frank’s interest and Prerna’s kindness and replies “Five Sisters is a bit of a backwater and Froin especially so. If it hadn’t been hit by a couple of meteors it would have remained nothing more than a rock floating about a dying star. However, the excavation caused by the meteor impacts exposed resources that were hidden deep within the planet’s surface. The Institute are scientists paid directly by the miners on Froin and they sometimes hire our services out. We have had some success in the deep survey prospecting field aided by our insights from Froin”. He chuckles “I’m afraid we’re something of hard sell. First you have to dig a deep mine and then we conduct our survey! The Baron has invested in several surveys throughout the Inchin system and I am here to interpret the results”.

"Have you been to Inchin before?" Prerna asks.

[Tiglath]

Professor Benson shyly admits "Um ... no! I just come along after the surveyors and interpret the data. This is one of the biggest trips I've been on!"

[joertexas]

Professor Benson shyly admits "Um ... no! I just come along after the surveyors and interpret the data. This is one of the biggest trips I've been on!"

Prerna nods. "This ship will cut the travel time down quite a bit." She mentally adds 'thankfully' as she notices Fast Eddie casing the place for ladies. He might have picked a safer mark than Polly, though. Prerna glances at Frank, and mentally prepares to run interference to keep Fast Eddie among the living. While it would improve the universe as a whole, killing him out of hand would be bad for their nascent business.