Avastan: Planetfall

[shaidar]

The trader is here as a legitimate trader, we just have to keep our people out of it. Tiglath, has the crew of the ship set up outside?

[Tiglath]

Frank/Freya

The McClellan merchant crew have a crew member "minding the shop" outside. It's not a popular posting. It was something of a hard sell even before the crew chief had his weapon and vacc suit stolen by the vargr.

In the absence of a significant number of officers and SNCOs it seems that quite a number of mercs on the crew deck appear to be in the process of trying their cold weather gear on for size.

[shaidar]

Frank organises a poker game for himself, Jakob, Voss, Gaughin and Freya (if she's interested), all innocently positioned between the troops and the exit.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya will keep watch over the sensors...An inventive squaddie may find an alternative exit - and someone needs to keep an eye on the surroundings.

[Tiglath]

The Away Team

Meanwhile in искусство (art) the mercs find a vibrant and convivial bar. The ska band are halfway through a ditty relating to a snooty female tourist from New Moscow arriving on Avastan and being advised as to the appropriate drink choice – a litre of vodka. They emphasise this theme with the next track “In Avastan we drink”.

Liv passes on that she believes she has identified the “blood eyed man” and his white haired companion as Avastan Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov whom she describes as “an ex company man" accompanied by Viktor Solonik aka “The Gravedigger” who she rates as “utterly ruthless but professional and a very proficient assassin". She states she will try to make contact.

The team immediately notice there is yet another bar a back room which is called Дух (spirit). There appears to be a small performance area and a bar where certain customers can drink. However, clearly all the room's business is from the artfully shadowed booths that are only available with at table service. All the waitresses in Дух are stunningly attractive and wear outfits that clearly designed for the eye of the beholder. Even at range they appear to have already “staggered” one or two of the male and less covert mercs. There appears equal and competing danger of serious ocular dysfunction and as the stage show's anti grav plates allow free reign for an artistic but very full on show by the performers to which the secluded booths have a front row seat.

While there are twenty to thirty tables in the main bar there seem to be only eight or ten booths in Дух (spirit). The double height of the performance area indicates a possible balcony or upstairs area above each booth. Again there is a “pinch point” manned by two security guys between the two areas.

In the main bar there are two or three well oiled spacers in high tech vacc suits or shipboard dress who appear to be popular with the locals. The team spot, among others, the guy with the black suit decorated with a lightning stroke already making his way into the back room. Another, arm in arm with two party girls and a tray of shots, is also on route the same way. Yet another spacer gives up on any pretence of subtlety and simply throws a double handful of credit chips in the air and is immediately not short of female company heading his way.

[Tiglath]

Back at the Ranch

Frank's poker game seems to take the troop deck's mind off the boil.

"How'saboutcha Colonel?" Gaughan turns out for the game and plays distractedly. He is wearing a full combat loadout in urban/snow camo with his falx strapped over his shoulder. Lannigan's saturnine presence lurks in everyone's peripheral vision. The rest of the rangers are also fully geared up and wait in their crew bay. It seems that, on his own initiative, Gaughan has already issued them ammunition as their personal weapons and two LAWs apiece lie on the quiet rangers' bunks.

[gurusql]

Kit

Kit not breaking cover but really thinking we need to go into the искусство (art) area maintains his position covering Sugar.

[The Bindoner]

Jess acknowledges Liv's information and wishes her luck in making contact.

She also agrees with Kit/Gel about moving upscale: We ought to get our little asset here up where her value's highest, eh? Drinks'll be better too.

[Tiglath]

Sugar seems to be familiar with the environment and almost effortlessly manages to get an invitation from the spacer with the tray of drinks and territorial glares from the two party girls already in tow. He wears a cut-off jacket over his shipboard dress. The name tag over the left breast pocket reads "Skeg" the holo patch over the right pocket shows a skull burning with black flames against a starfield and bears the legend "Abyss".

Taking in Jess and Kit nearby he reveals himself to be a silver tongued cavalier no doubt never short of a pick up line. He quips "Leave grandad behind but you can bring yer mum over". After a moment's mental effort he manages to recall his tag line "You're partyin' with the Abyss an' we're goin' dark!" He certainly appears to have had a few drinks.

[joertexas]

Sugar seems to be familiar with the environment and almost effortlessly manages to get an invitation from the spacer with the tray of drinks and territorial glares from the two party girls already in tow. He wears a cut-off jacket over his shipboard dress. The name tag over the left breast pocket reads "Skeg" the holo patch over the right pocket shows a skull burning with black flames against a starfield and bears the legend "Abyss".

Taking in Jess and Kit nearby he reveals himself to be a silver tongued cavalier no doubt never short of a pick up line. He quips "Leave grandad behind but you can bring yer mum over". After a moment's mental effort he manages to recall his tag line "You're partyin' with the Abyss an' we're goin' dark!" He certainly appears to have had a few drinks.

Prerna leads X-Ray toward the inner sanctum's entrance to try her luck with the guards.

[The Bindoner]

Sugar seems to be familiar with the environment and almost effortlessly manages to get an invitation from the spacer with the tray of drinks and territorial glares from the two party girls already in tow. He wears a cut-off jacket over his shipboard dress. The name tag over the left breast pocket reads "Skeg" the holo patch over the right pocket shows a skull burning with black flames against a starfield and bears the legend "Abyss".

Taking in Jess and Kit nearby he reveals himself to be a silver tongued cavalier no doubt never short of a pick up line. He quips "Leave grandad behind but you can bring yer mum over". After a moment's mental effort he manages to recall his tag line "You're partyin' with the Abyss an' we're goin' dark!" He certainly appears to have had a few drinks.

Jess converts her sneer into a smile. Yeah, see, I'm coverin' Sug an' 'er management. Easier if they're in the same room.

How'sabout 'e comes along an' keeps an eye out fer paps an' stalkers. Can do that from the bar, you want. 'E's as good at spottin' trouble an' interceptin' it as 'e is at gettin' publicity. E's goin' ter exploit that fine asset, depends which yer want 'im doin' it.

[Tiglath]

Jess and Kit

“Wot?” a blast from the band's brass section sounds out as Skeg apparently mishears Jess and then adds “Hurr, come on then we're all about baps and stalkers on Abyss. I've nearly got one... well, almost...”. He appears to have entirely (but possibly usefully) misconstrued Jess' statement. He abandons any further discussion and waves Sugar, Jess, Kit/Gel and the party girls through towards a veiled booth in Дух (spirit). Sugar approaches the trailing party girl and cheerfully beams “Hi honey” before ramming a brutal short arm jab up under her ribcage. The girl immediately drops in a gasping gagging heap. Sugar then simply ankle taps the lead girl in front of her who, already teetering along in eight inch "Kinda Louboutin" heels, has absolutely no chance of recovery and sprawls into a table of (very appreciative) Avastan military. Sugar turns to Jess and Kit and simply states “I see neither of you two have ever done auditions”.

[Tiglath]

Prerna (and X Ray)

A rather refined security guy with a possibly genuine Imperial accent greets Prerna at the entrance to Дух (spirit) “Good evening Madam. A booth is vacant but I must advise that tonight may be a little... colourful. Seats are, of course, one thousand Imperial each. The grav show has begun and meals and drinks can be ordered until you leave. Anya will be your hostess and has her own personal rates and boundaries”. He eyes X Ray and adds “Your discretion is, of course, assured. Use of the upstairs facilities will require a credit advance of five thousand Imperial”. X Ray blusters and fumbles almost on cue as the security guy confides “All the facilities and equipment upstairs are available for use at your own risk and are included as well as discrete bar, food and recreational services together with our forensically neutral after service”. Then, clearly suffering enormous professional embarrassment, he adds with a forced smile “Forgive me Madam but tonight I'm unfortunately obliged to request that should you purchase the brioche bread option with your meal that none of your party hurl them at the artistes. Thank you”.

A mere glance at the holo menu tells Prerna she going to need to drop about 5KCr Imperial for a salad starter, shashlik and a beer.

(OOC: She has credit rating for this (chargeable on an anonymous credit wand) but clearly the prices here are designed to keep the riff raff out!)

[joertexas]

Prerna (and X Ray)

A rather refined security guy with a possibly genuine Imperial accent greets Prerna at the entrance to Дух (spirit) “Good evening Madam. A booth is vacant but I must advise that tonight may be a little... colourful. Seats are, of course, one thousand Imperial each. The grav show has begun and meals and drinks can be ordered until you leave. Anya will be your hostess and has her own personal rates and boundaries”. He eyes X Ray and adds “Your discretion is, of course, assured. Use of the upstairs facilities will require a credit advance of five thousand Imperial”. X Ray blusters and fumbles almost on cue as the security guy confides “All the facilities and equipment upstairs are available for use at your own risk and are included as well as discrete bar, food and recreational services together with our forensically neutral after service”. Then, clearly suffering enormous professional embarrassment, he adds with a forced smile “Forgive me Madam but tonight I'm unfortunately obliged to request that should you purchase the brioche bread option with your meal that none of your party hurl them at the artistes. Thank you”.

A mere glance at the holo menu tells Prerna she going to need to drop about 5KCr Imperial for a salad starter, shashlik and a beer.

(OOC: She has credit rating for this (chargeable on an anonymous credit wand) but clearly the prices here are designed to keep the riff raff out!)

At those prices, Prerna is happy to be counted as riff raff...

Prerna nods calmly. "That will be fine, thank you." She waits to be led to her seat.

[gurusql]

Kit / Gel

Full well understanding the granddad reference was at him he does not give it the time of day. Being a good wingman he does not break stride or come out of character to interrupt when Sugar she is "winning". Gel follows until he is waved off by Sugar.

[The Bindoner]

Jess and Kit

“Wot?” a blast from the band's brass section sounds out as Skeg apparently mishears Jess and then adds “Hurr, come on then we're all about baps and stalkers on Abyss. I've nearly got one... well, almost...”. He appears to have entirely (but possibly usefully) misconstrued Jess' statement. He abandons any further discussion and waves Sugar, Jess, Kit/Gel and the party girls through towards a veiled booth in Дух (spirit). Sugar approaches the trailing party girl and cheerfully beams “Hi honey” before ramming a brutal short arm jab up under her ribcage. The girl immediately drops in a gasping gagging heap. Sugar then simply ankle taps the lead girl in front of her who, already teetering along in eight inch "Kinda Louboutin" heels, has absolutely no chance of recovery and sprawls into a table of (very appreciative) Avastan military. Sugar turns to Jess and Kit and simply states “I see neither of you two have ever done auditions”.

Jess, seeing Sugar in action, lets out a signature laugh and bumps hips with her in a friendly gesture disguised as "dancing". Glad I gave yer the job, Hun. Hate ter think what would've happened to me otherwise.

Leaning in for a "girly chat": Remember, Shug, best half the job's gettin' these crews scrappin'. Reckon youc'n be the, ah, bone the dogs fight over.

Right, let's get drainin' this mush's credit, eh?

Jess sashays along behind Sugar and grins at Kit: Talented girl you've got there. Keep yer eyes peeled fer opportunities to up-sell that, eh?

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Prerna and X Ray are joined by Anya, a statuesque brunette, who must be only here because her modelling job doesn't pay enough. Prerna can see faint relief behind the young woman's welcoming smile as she greets them and leads the way to a booth on the right hand side (east) of the stage. The booth is artfully lit appearing shaded from the outside but seemingly adequately lit from within. A staircase at the back leads upstairs. X Ray dutifully clears it under the guise of checking it out and covertly reports “Fek my old boots! There's opportunity for some serious Upspire shit going on up there... er... Ma'am!”

Anya casts the menu onto holo projectors in the ten seater table overlooking the stage where the performance is well underway. X Ray just stares briefly then snaps himself back to it and mutters “Sorry Ma'am, s' a bit distractin'... folk floatin' about... you know... at it”. Immediately distracted once more he idly muses “Ruddy 'ell! Ow does she keep 'er 'at on?”

All the booths opposite (left hand side (west) appear occupied. Prerna sees Jess, Sugar and Kit heading into one of these booths accompanied by a spacer with a cut off “heraldic” over jacket. She also sees Polly sat at the small bar at the top (north) end of the room batting off male attention while Liv enters the booth next door accompanied by Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov and Viktor Solonik. Two suited goons take post outside.

Anya takes drinks orders, asks if Prerna would like to order anything from the “sweet trolley” and then asks if she or her companion will be ordering anything after their meal.

(OOC: Fortunately at the finishing school Prerna went to they explained the etiquette. The “sweet trolley” will be pharma to order on one of those half size trays covered with the black velvet cloth Prerna noticed the hostesses toting about and “after meal ordering” probably refers to Anya herself.
Roll(2d6)+3:
5,4,+3
Total:12 (inc skills & Int)

[Tiglath]

Jess & Kit

Jess and Co note the same set up as Prerna across the way. They see her and X Ray taking occupancy of their booth at the same time no more than 20 metres away (table to table). Kit manages to slide himself onto a jump seat at the very front of the booth without any objections or at least anyone noticing. However, five or ten metres away he also sees free stools at the bar and notices Polly sat alone there and not short of male attention and so has the option to "displace". As he sits he notices a man who might be his double smoothing back his coiffure as he trots along the corridor between the booths and the stage. He is wearing a white jumper that is so unfashionable that it must be "on trend". Just as well that Kit found a perch as the ten seat booth is crowded - well, in fairness, "rammed" is better!

The occupants have modestly ordered "an entire hog - roasted" which is taking up the centre of the table. There are half empty bottles and glasses of all denominations surrounding it together with a trencher before each seat loaded with meat. If there are vegetables they are lost among the drinks. The butts of one or two longarms* are visible on the table among the carnage.

On what is a “side table” just above Kit's head is set a dinner tray holding pills (both blue and red), pre cut lines of powder, derms, one or two differing injectables as well as vaping gear with a selection of loads.

Each spacer bears one of the cut off jackets in Abyss “colours” over their shipboard coveralls. Two sport higher tech slim fit vacc suits and bear the patches “Vice President” and “Master at Arms” on their jackets. A party girl seems to be situated next to or, in at least one case in the lap of, each spacer. Another girl climbs up from under the table while one spacer is already sleeping in his dinner. From the soundtrack the upstairs is "occupied".

In the flow of party events things seem to be in that period of time defined as either “the interval” or “half time”. The Master at Arms lifts his gaze and eyes Sugar appreciatively, then appraisingly and finally in admiration “Hell an' if it ain't Cupid Stunt herself. Here in this very room! Come and sit down!” He roars “Someone move that useless Prospect!” and “Shove up, darlin'. This here's royalty”.

Space is made at the head of the table as the Avastan party girls look daggers at Sugar and even more at Jess following in her wake. However, Sugar is no sissy and makes it understood that she is the main exhibit. The Master at Arms states “Damn, you look fine!” He shoves things out of the way as another spacer offers meat, drink and pharms to choice. The pirate says “We're fresh back so what's cookin' in Avastan?” Jess finds herself flanked by the pirate with the “VP” tag who climbs over the back of the bench and literally boots folk out of the way to seat to sit next to her. He clearly gargles with gravel or once inhaled too much vacuum and rumbles “You look like a whole diff'rent kinda party but don't smell like law. Why're you here?”

(OOC: There are no doubt better artistes stage names but here's a nod to the genius of Kenny Everett.

* Anorak wearing "gun spotters" may apply - punt a skill (you think might be of use) plus Int bonus. You'll just want to know out of professional interest because eveyone's here to have a nice time...

Oh, wait... ).

[The Bindoner]

Jess treats the party girls to her sternest RSM stare as she accompanies Sugar around the table. Tactically, this move is unsound, but strategically? Well, there’s no choice now.

Taking her seat she reaches for a lean cut of meat and looks for an unopened bottle.

Replying to the VP:

Entourage, ain’t I? Y’think a girl like her doesn’t take protection on a night out?


T’be honest, I ain’t really a paid bodyguard. Doin’ a favour. I’m 'ere on business.

Adding, with good humoured emphasis:Not that sort.

Taking a bite of her slice of meat she continues, while chewing: Met up on the ship. Reckoned Cupid here’d open doors I couldn’t get me foot in. So far it’s worked fine, eh?


Jess casts a discrete, professional eye over the weapons in sight.


Bidding for QM’s familiarity with the makes and marks of rifles:

[2d6]=8

Perhaps Gun Combat/Rifles 2 will help with that

EDITED dialog

[joertexas]

Prerna

Prerna and X Ray are joined by Anya, a statuesque brunette, who must be only here because her modelling job doesn't pay enough. Prerna can see faint relief behind the young woman's welcoming smile as she greets them and leads the way to a booth on the right hand side (east) of the stage. The booth is artfully lit appearing shaded from the outside but seemingly adequately lit from within. A staircase at the back leads upstairs. X Ray dutifully clears it under the guise of checking it out and covertly reports “Fek my old boots! There's opportunity for some serious Upspire shit going on up there... er... Ma'am!”

Anya casts the menu onto holo projectors in the ten seater table overlooking the stage where the performance is well underway. X Ray just stares briefly then snaps himself back to it and mutters “Sorry Ma'am, s' a bit distractin'... folk floatin' about... you know... at it”. Immediately distracted once more he idly muses “Ruddy 'ell! Ow does she keep 'er 'at on?”

All the booths opposite (left hand side (west) appear occupied. Prerna sees Jess, Sugar and Kit heading into one of these booths accompanied by a spacer with a cut off “heraldic” over jacket. She also sees Polly sat at the small bar at the top (north) end of the room batting off male attention while Liv enters the booth next door accompanied by Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov and Viktor Solonik. Two suited goons take post outside.

Anya takes drinks orders, asks if Prerna would like to order anything from the “sweet trolley” and then asks if she or her companion will be ordering anything after their meal.

(OOC: Fortunately at the finishing school Prerna went to they explained the etiquette. The “sweet trolley” will be pharma to order on one of those half size trays covered with the black velvet cloth Prerna noticed the hostesses toting about and “after meal ordering” probably refers to Anya herself.
Roll(2d6)+3:
5,4,+3
Total:12 (inc skills & Int)

Prerna grasps X-Ray's hand for a moment to settle him down, while she smiles at Anya. "We would like some steak, if you have it, and maybe some information, if you're willing to provide it. Food first, and the best decent beer you have, please. I'd be glad to pay for your meal if you'd sit with us, too."