Inchin: Endgame

[shaidar]

Frank

"I don't think SuSAG is behind this either. This is Sword Worlds and Outworld Coalition. The evidence is the name Urvash Gudrun, strong likelihood of Zhodani involvement, the mercenaries that Erica has are believed Sword World and there were Outworld Coalition actors in the riot in Star Town. For all their faults I don't think SuSAG would get involved in that, seems too messy for them. Although, Sargent-Major I think your right about Eddie selling those shares, they want SuSAG to be the biggest shareholder in this deal."

[The Bindoner]

SuSAG's a Megacorp. Might be based in Imperial space but all that matters to 'em is money and power. Don't think they care who they work with to get it. An' the Swordies ain't goin' ter go ter this trouble just ter hand Inchin to an Imp Mega 'less they're in bed with 'em. That'd be flippin' a non-aligned to Imp, so SuSAG must be off'rin more'n money.

Turning to Liv: Said the 800's "deployed against strategic assets". Doesn't sound like the sort'v unit a Mega'd be able ter hire for a corp'rate takeover. Nah, they're here means the Swordies think this'll help 'em big picture.

Jess muses out loud: 'Course, could be a side deal by the local SuSAG regional boss. Guy's got an 800 PA, she could've dangled the opportunity, made 'im think it's 'is idea. Put a Swordie agent in charge and leave. He's not comin' back, so long as the reports come in lookin' legit they can do what they like with Inchin.

Eh, p'raps I watch too many Holo-dramas.

[Leitz]

Jakob shrugged, and then looked from Frank, to Jess, to Prerna. "Maybe asking Erica herself would help? From one business to another. Maybe she has as many questions as we do. Also, a comment on being an SEMC employee. While Ms East and I come from different political backgrounds, if I am directed to support her then I will do so with all enthusiasm."

Liv raised an eyebrow, and Jakob added, "Not that sort of enthusiasm. Military. Professional. You know, shoot people stuff."

[shaidar]

Frank sighs and holds up his hand for everyone's attention. He looks at everyone in turn.

"Some of you know me a little, some less than that. So this is a big ask, but I'm asking you to trust me on what I'm about to say. I cannot reveal my source, and this information must not leave this room, so I'm trusting you all too...SuSAG is not behind this."

[The Bindoner]

Fair 'nough. Not really our problem then. Long as they don't cause us trouble whoever's doin' whatever this is can get on with it.

[shaidar]

Frank

"Exactly Sargent-Major. We still need to be alert and ensure the delegates are safe, but we let this unfold. Their plan, or at least my limited understanding of it from what Erica has said, requires the delegates to remain unharmed."

[BackworldTraveller]

The main thrust of their efforts seems to have been to reduce the ability of the guard to patrol beyond the walls...to what end?

[shaidar]

Frank

"I believe the attacks on the guard have been designed to put pressure on the Baron to realise the current regime is no longer viable, so he sells up"

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Prerna's comm pings showing an excited and amused Easy "Ma'am you have a visitor. Um ... up on the roof. Sorry, Ma'am but we didn't see her approach an' I think Baker needs a laundry run. It's Miss East from the Bartizan, Ma'am. I don't know if you was expectin' a visit but she's got your rifle and..." Easy's grin shows above her mask "... she's got a couple of bottles and some flowers. She was askin' for you personal, Ma'am".

[joertexas]

Prerna

Prerna's comm pings showing an excited and amused Easy "Ma'am you have a visitor. Um ... up on the roof. Sorry, Ma'am but we didn't see her approach an' I think Baker needs a laundry run. It's Miss East from the Bartizan, Ma'am. I don't know if you was expectin' a visit but she's got your rifle and..." Easy's grin shows above her mask "... she's got a couple of bottles and some flowers. She was askin' for you personal, Ma'am".

"Erica just arrived, on the roof of all places," Prerna says, fighting to keep the elation out of her voice. "I'll be back." She goes up to the roof as quickly as decorum allows - a dead run when no one is looking, a more-or-less dignified fast walk where others can see. She steps out onto the roof and looks around.

[Leitz]

Jakob grinned as Prerna really didn't fool anyone. "And that is a woman in love. Good for them."

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Prerna arrives on the roof to be met by Baker who redundantly ventures “She's over there, Ma'am. Er, and I didn't, Ma'am – just so's you know. I'd eaten three of them vegetable “Pulses Plus” sachets dry for a bet wiv Charlie and I've not bin right-” Elbowed by Easy he breaks off. Baker returns to the sangar at a crouch before suddenly remembering to offer “Keep yer nappers dahn, Ma'ams, there's sni... Ohhhh, fek my old footwear...”

Erica sets her own sniper variant gauss LAG down on its bipod next to her helmet, sealed against the dust. The capricious zephyrs of Inchin's cool evening breeze stir her hair and the fine material of the black cape she wears thrown back over the shoulders of her dark carapace armour.

She eyes Prerna with a delight tinged with a certain wariness and speaks clearly around her lightweight mask. “I have been inattentive and arrive unannounced in the forlorn hope that you would see me. We are both busy here – I hope not to presume on your duties”. She then simply stares at Prerna for a long moment before recovering with “I brought you grasses from Zinderneuf – I don't know how they grow there but they do. I take joy from things that can flourish in impossible environments. My great hope is that you will see me – despite everything...”.

[joertexas]

Prerna unwittingly ignores her team while she advances and throws her arms around the taller woman in a fierce hug. She supposes that she must look ridiculous, since her head fits neatly under Erica's chin, but she doesn't much care at the moment. "I'm so glad you made it back to me." After a moment, she leans back enough to look up into her lover's face. "I was worried when you didn't come back after your meeting with the Colonel."

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Erica replies “I meant to return but I was pursuing my revenge. It was in missing you that I realised how much it had consumed me. I am now quite sure that I need time to heal myself and that you are my talisman through it all”.

She continues “At least we bought some time in Startown and kept our respective forces and the townsfolk from harm”. She is then clearly distracted from her train of thought and tilts Prerna's chin upwards and meets her gaze. A fond smile illuminates Erica's features as she says “I watched you through my scope and then relayed on the recon feeds while I was away. Tactically it was … entirely unnecessary”. She gently lifts Prerna's mask and pulls down her own before leaning in to deliver a long kiss. She then breathlessly drags her focus back to add “My intention here is to keep everyone as safe as is possible given the situation and I am sorry that I was distant. I will be open with you if you wish answers but I will not put others in danger. I owe you my trust and so I'll not make that distinction for myself”.

[joertexas]

Prerna takes a breath and smiles up at her lover. "You've really gotten into my head, you know, and my heart as well." She steps back a bit and captures Erica's hands in hers. "Can you stay with me, even for a little while?"

[Tiglath]

Erica lets out a relieved breath and wearing a bright smile nods her confirmation.

She adds "I'll stay if you'll let me".

Leaving her hands in Prerna's she says "I don't want to disturb your unit's routine - just tell me where you would like me to be".

[Leitz]

Jakob can attest to the sound-dampening qualities of the walls.

[joertexas]

Erica lets out a relieved breath and wearing a bright smile nods her confirmation. She adds "I'll stay if you'll let me". Leaving her hands in Prerna's she says "I don't want to disturb your unit's routine - just tell me where you would like me to be".

Prerna turns to Easy and Baker. "Unless the sky is falling, I'm off comms for the next two hours." She turns back to Erica. "Please follow me. I think I have the perfect place for you." She waits until Erica gathers her gear, and then she leads the way back to the officers' quarters, and then to her own room.

Jakob can attest to the sound-dampening qualities of the walls.

Another proof test won't hurt...

[Leitz]

Whew! Doors are closed. I wasn't sure I'm old enough for the rest of that dialogue...

[joertexas]

Whew! Doors are closed. I wasn't sure I'm old enough for the rest of that dialogue...