Avastan: Planetfall

[Tiglath]

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

Jess ogles a different variety of butts from the majority of the audience...

She identifies an Imperial standard ACR (a "local" built under license model) most likely the ubiquitous Collace pattern. Next is an indigenous autorifle built by the Avastan Komsomolets fabrication works and usually identified by these initials*. It will have similar ballistic qualities to the ACR but likely with less fancy ammo options and sights. The design is rugged, simple and famously seems to ignore environmental conditions - so a bit of beer and gravy won't hold it back. The third weapon has a visible pistol grip rather than a butt and appears to be a machine pistol - notoriously difficult to handle on full auto and favoured by "theatrical" rather than "tactical" criminals.

(OOC: *

NB Further task plusses for: Int / Background: Ex army / Relevant skill - so Jess did rather well...

Tidied up the couple of redundant posts. Planning to add more plot later...)

[Tiglath]

Jess and Kit

The VP growls “Well, if you're doing business in here. Then you're in the right place with the right people”. He gestures to take in the room “We are Abyss. We do the usual and more. We take cargo for sure but we also run people, pharms, weapons... anything... it's a sideline we're developing. Try me for a deal but even if you and I can't do business then maybe we can still trade?”

He continues “I'd be mighty interested in getting eyes inside a prize vessel held at the starport. Hawkwind - Empress Marava class. Deliverance is sitting on her like an egg! Well, actually they've hired “zinky boys” from the city to do it – Avastan Bratva. Security is outside the local military and so all of my usual contacts are out of touch! If you do business in our circles on Avastan maybe you'll hear something. Thing is I pretty much know that those “up their own ass Imperial shitbags” on Deliverance have found somethin' that they just don't want to share aboard Hawkwind. I mean to find out what it is!”

He muses “If you're workin' the room you could take the doll an' see what they're sellin' but the Master at Arms won't be pleased – he's a big fan of her work”. He offers “Here's a piece of info upfront. Storm's in but she's empty. No doubt buyin' up more guns or bombs for their war with the Bellatradian Syndicate on Singer. Captain Hearn Sarhan owns a lot of eyes in 268 and brokers Intel on the side if you're lookin' for dark markets. Now in exchange for that info you be sure to tell me if'n you hear anything of Sergei Valha or the Red Angel bein' in system”. He checks the room and uneasily takes a drink before settling back in his seat.

Query: Is Kit holding position or moving over to the bar area?

[Tiglath]

Prerna

X-Ray is steadied by Prerna's attention while Anya watches with a half smile. She then replies “I'll put the order in for your steaks and a good beer to go with them”. Seemingly both amused and intrigued by Prerna's offer she replies “You can buy my time for sure but I don't often get offered dinner. So thank you – I'll eat with you and you can ask me what you like. I can tell you about our famous guests and who's who - journos love that”. After a short delay commensurate with cooking steaks to order Anya returns with the meals and drinks. She serves a void black beer with the steaks – which are excellent. The beer's dark tannin flavour superbly compliments the richness of the steak. She cautions “Go carefully - that's Avastan Imperial stout” and then adds “Planetary Empire – didn't really work out”. The ale is certainly powerful but not overwhelming when taken with the big steak and sides and makes an excellent accompaniment to the meal.

[joertexas]

Prerna

X-Ray is steadied by Prerna's attention while Anya watches with a half smile. She then replies “I'll put the order in for your steaks and a good beer to go with them”. Seemingly both amused and intrigued by Prerna's offer she replies “You can buy my time for sure but I don't often get offered dinner. So thank you – I'll eat with you and you can ask me what you like. I can tell you about our famous guests and who's who - journos love that”. After a short delay commensurate with cooking steaks to order Anya returns with the meals and drinks. She serves a void black beer with the steaks – which are excellent. The beer's dark tannin flavour superbly compliments the richness of the steak. She cautions “Go carefully - that's Avastan Imperial stout” and then adds “Planetary Empire – didn't really work out”. The ale is certainly powerful but not overwhelming when taken with the big steak and sides and makes an excellent accompaniment to the meal.

When Anya sits down, Prerna leans close and speaks quietly in her ear. "We are here for information. My wife wouldn't like it if I made a pass at you, but you can pretend I did."

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Anya eyes Prerna and gives her a warm smile as she tucks into her own steak saying "She's a lucky woman. I can tell you things about folk who visit this bar or who is in tonight. What would you like to know?"

[joertexas]

Prerna

Anya eyes Prerna and gives her a warm smile as she tucks into her own steak saying "She's a lucky woman. I can tell you things about folk who visit this bar or who is in tonight. What would you like to know?"

"I am going to level with you, and I really hope you won't spread this around. Innocent people's lives are at risk. Can we trust you?"

[Tiglath]

"I am going to level with you, and I really hope you won't spread this around. Innocent people's lives are at risk. Can we trust you?"

Anya looks Prerna in the eye and states levelly "I live on Avastan and, when I grew up, I found that my looks could get me advantage. Life here is simple - either have no expectations or make the climb. I'm not so sure any who try the last can ever remain innocent. I've made my way up and have seen enough to know that I'll not risk death or torture for someone else's cause. I must seem selfish but I'm just not that brave. You have purpose and seem kind but everyone knows that the Avastan Bratva run this city, all the trade and the starport. They control it all - I'm too small to pick a fight with that".

She ends with "I can tell you about Club Zoo but please don't trust me with your secrets".

[joertexas]

She ends with "I can tell you about Club Zoo but please don't trust me with your secrets".

"You're much braver than you give yourself credit for," Prerna replies. "Who are the people here right now?"

[gurusql]

Query: Is Kit holding position or moving over to the bar area?

Somehow the bold and color was to much for me and I missed this.

Kit is holding position.

[Tiglath]

Somehow the bold and color was to much for me and I missed this.

Kit is holding position.

(OOC: No worries!

I put "prompts" in bold green as it's an unusual combo but some folk have trouble with different colours and fonts so it's still a WIP! )

[gurusql]

No, you did great, 100% my mistake.

[The Bindoner]

The VP growls “Well, if you're doing business in here. Then you're in the right place with the right people”. He gestures to take in the room “We are Abyss. We do the usual and more. We take cargo for sure but we also run people, pharms, weapons... anything... it's a sideline we're developing. Try me for a deal but even if you and I can't do business then maybe we can still trade?”

Right friendly of yer. I’m buyin’ fer a PMC, so proper gear, not knock-offs an’ mixed lots. Anyway, we’ll talk business later

He continues “I'd be mighty interested in getting eyes inside a prize vessel held at the starport. Hawkwind - Empress Marava class. Deliverance is sitting on her like an egg! Well, actually they've hired “zinky boys” from the city to do it – Avastan Bratva. Security is outside the local military and so all of my usual contacts are out of touch! If you do business in our circles on Avastan maybe you'll hear something. Thing is I pretty much know that those “up their own ass Imperial shitbags” on Deliverance have found somethin' that they just don't want to share aboard Hawkwind. I mean to find out what it is!”

Well, now I’m interested in what’s in Hawkwind. I find anythin’ I’ll tell yer. Least I can do, return on hospitality. Not sure how I’ll get aboard though, ‘less they’re sellin’ somethin’ I’m buyin’. Can’t afford to buy off the local guns on spec.

Deliverance. That the Type T came in earlier? Patrol ship’s a pretty odd ride fer a freelance operation. I’d’ve thought the Navy’d be all over that.

Hmm, maybe they’re freelancers with a contract.

He muses “If you're workin' the room you could take the doll an' see what they're sellin' but the Master at Arms won't be pleased – he's a big fan of her work”. He offers “Here's a piece of info upfront. Storm's in but she's empty. No doubt buyin' up more guns or bombs for their war with the Bellatradian Syndicate on Singer. Captain Hearn Sarhan owns a lot of eyes in 268 and brokers Intel on the side if you're lookin' for dark markets. Now in exchange for that info you be sure to tell me if'n you hear anything of Sergei Valha or the Red Angel bein' in system”. He checks the room and uneasily takes a drink before settling back in his seat.

Jess laughs:

Well, I’m ‘ere to make friends, not enemies. ‘Sides, only just got ‘ere. Be rude ter swan off right away.


We’ll try an make more friends when she gets bored. Indicating Kit with a nod Or when ‘er manager there spots a payday.

Speakin’ of, Singer sounds my sort’v market. They hirin’ professnals there, or is it a private party?


Assuming she’s found an unopened bottle to claim she takes a drink.

Now, Sergei Valha and Red Angel, tell me ‘bout them. New ‘ere, never ‘eard of ‘em.

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Anya chats contentedly whilst eating “Um, well, the bar has a few parties of... celebrities... in tonight – famous trader crews apparently. There's five tables like this per side. You actually got the last one - there was a small mix up". She rolls her eyes and continues "So, on this side you are in the middle with Secretary Mikhailov and then the crew of the Drachenfels to your right. To your left is Captain Hearn Sarhan of Storm and next along is a local booking - Master A. Sanguinis and company. On the other side from the bar down from your right to left is... Oh, they're all ships' crews too! We have: Saxon, Deliverance, Abyss, Nazareth and Viper's Nest”.

(OOC: A nearly graphic (top is north):
xxxxxx The Bar xxxxxx
Saxon / Drachenfels
Deliverance / Secretary Mikhailov
Abyss / Prerna
Nazareth / Captain Hearn Sarhan of Storm
Viper's Nest / A. Sanguinis

Notes: Polly is at the bar, Kit is at the front of Abyss' booth, Liv is in with Mikhailov, Jess and Kit are with Abyss. The booths have a significant rake to allow a view of the stage which has a 1.5m path around it. The booths have upstairs facilities and are a close distance apart. Let's call it a pistol shot for reference. There are staff exits either side of the bar both of which are where to food comes from

The whole of bar Дух (spirit) is shaped like an Omega - with a stage in the middle, bar (and kitchen) at the top and security/entrance at the bottom. The booths (with their listed occupants) form an arc to each side of the central stage).

[Tiglath]

Jess and Kit

The VP growls “The Bratva are as unimaginative as they are difficult to buy off. There's not so many that a crew couldn't shoot their way in but the vessel is held behind a berm at the starport and the outside of that is guarded by API's infantry. We're all down behind our own berms but the infantry keeps us all honest – an' separate!” He chuckles “What we do behind our berm is our business but there's pros an' cons”.

He takes a swig from a bottle of Junk Daniels (which Jess identifies as cooking whiskey) and irritably opines “Those pussies on Deliverance reckon they're made men. They let on they're untouchable due to the backing they got. Freelance? My arse! I'd put my money on that Type T Patrol Cruiser bein' either a rental... or a loaner!”

The VP quips “If'n you're gonna be rude you just make sure to let me know in advance”. He quickly adds “Now Singer's no market for anyone who wants either good business or a guarantee of coming back alive. Desperate crime families make for bad partners and I can't guess what they're lookin' to scam up here. Deal with them snakes if you can - but cash up front... an' don't be there for delivery!”

He eyes Kit “Manager, eh? There's something about his hair... I think he might be sat too near the stage! As a personal favour just don't share his profession with the Master at Arms? Save a man makin' a fool of himself with the petty cash”. He shoves glasses and bottles aside and, finding Jess a clean glass, orders her a bottle of whatever she chooses. It is delivered and poured by a gorgeous waitress who looks like the muse for some old master. Halfway through pouring for Jess she exclaims “Bylat!” After flawlessly delivering “Club Zoo bids you an enjoyable evening, Madam” with an appropriate smile she turns to brutally taze the "prospect" to her rear while savagely abusing him in “Avastan (local dialect) Gopnik” (according to your comm's translator). His rigid body “planks” between table and bench much to the amusement of all present.

“Red Angel?” the VP has another drink and his hand shakes slightly “There's folk drawn to piracy for many reasons – mostly bad breaks an' profit. Then there's those that just like the actual process way too much. Startin' to control things, takin' a tax off of their brothers and pickin' corsairs an' warships as targets... I'll be damned if there's no decency left in the dark...”

[The Bindoner]

The VP growls “The Bratva are as unimaginative as they are difficult to buy off. There's not so many that a crew couldn't shoot their way in but the vessel is held behind a berm at the starport and the outside of that is guarded by API's infantry. We're all down behind our own berms but the infantry keeps us all honest – an' separate!” He chuckles “What we do behind our berm is our business but there's pros an' cons”.

Nice set up. See why you want a new face looking in on yer neighbours.

He takes a swig from a bottle of Junk Daniels (which Jess identifies as cooking whiskey) and irritably opines “Those pussies on Deliverance reckon they're made men. They let on they're untouchable due to the backing they got. Freelance? I'd put my money on that Type T bein' either a rental... or a loaner!”

Figures. You don’t capture Type T’s in a flyin’ condition, an the Navy don’t sell ‘em to just anyone. Gotta be made. Or

The VP quips “If'n you're gonna be rude you just make sure to let me know in advance”. He quickly adds “Now Singer's no market for anyone who wants either good business or a guarantee of coming back alive. Desperate crime families make for bad partners and I can't guess what they're lookin' to scam up here. Deal with them snakes if you can - but cash up front... an' don't be there for delivery!”

Jess laughs again. Never plan on bein’ rude, just happens, sometimes.

So, Singer’s bad business, pity. Thought I’d got a new market. Still, might be worth a punt, nothin’ better comes up. Thanks for the heads-up.

He eyes Kit “Manager, eh? There's something about his hair - I think he might be sat too near the stage! As a personal favour just don't share his profession with the Master at Arms? Save a man makin' a fool of himself with the petty cash”. He shoves glasses and bottles aside and, finding Jess a clean glass, orders her a bottle of whatever she chooses. It is delivered and poured by a gorgeous waitress who looks like the muse for some old master. Halfway through pouring for Jess she exclaims “Bylat!” After flawlessly delivering “Club Zoo bids you an enjoyable evening, Madam” with an appropriate smile she turns to brutally taze the "prospect" to her rear while savagely abusing him in “Avastan (local dialect) Gopnik” (according to your comm's translator). His rigid body “planks” between table and bench much to the amusement of all present.

Well, I s’pose it’s ‘er I’m doin’ the favour for, not ‘im. Sure, I’ll keep shtum.

Her good intentions of sticking to beer go by the board with the VPs offer and she orders a decent Scotch. Not a good one, just not a bad one. She isn’t going to drink much of it, but this is about making a good impression. Neither timid nor taking the proverbial.

Cheers. Right decent of yer. I'll buy next time, eh?

Jess laughs heartily when the prospect gets his off-switch flipped.

“Red Angel?” the VP has another drink and his hand shakes slightly “There's folk drawn to piracy for many reasons – mostly bad breaks an' profit. Then there's those that just like the actual process way too much. Startin' to control things, takin' a tax off of their brothers and pickin' corsairs an' warships as targets... I'll be damned if there's no decency left in the dark...

”

Right, bad lot. An’ they’re not ‘ere now?
Well, I ain’t in your trade, I’m a buyer, an’ they’ll have cargo to sell. Reckon I’ll be safe ‘nough . Sure, I find anythin’ out, I’ll pass it on.


OOC: Sorry, I've been busy with other things. Thought I'd better just get a response up, as proof of life.

[The Bindoner]

Jess relaxes with her drink and looks around the club.

Yer right, I ought ter work the room a bit, when 'er Ladyship gets restless.

So, who's who in 'ere? Anyone I c'n deal with? Anyone with answers to yer questions I c'n schmooze?

[joertexas]

Prerna

Anya chats contentedly whilst eating “Um, well, the bar has a few parties of... celebrities... in tonight – famous trader crews apparently. There's five tables like this per side. You actually got the last one - there was a small mix up". She rolls her eyes and continues "So, on this side you are in the middle with Secretary Mikhailov and then the crew of the Drachenfels to your right. To your left is Captain Hearn Sarhan of Storm and next along is a local booking - Master A. Sanguinis and company. On the other side from the bar down from your right to left is... Oh, they're all ships' crews too! We have: Saxon, Deliverance, Abyss, Nazareth and Viper's Nest”.

(OOC: A nearly graphic (top is north):
xxxxxx The Bar xxxxxx
Saxon / Drachenfels
Deliverance / Secretary Mikhailov
Abyss / Prerna
Nazareth / Captain Hearn Sarhan of Storm
Viper's Nest / A. Sanguinis

Notes: Polly is at the bar, Kit is at the front of Abyss' booth, Liv is in with Mikhailov, Jess and Kit are with Abyss. The booths have a significant rake to allow a view of the stage which has a 1.5m path around it. The booths have upstairs facilities and are a close distance apart. Let's call it a pistol shot for reference. There are staff exits either side of the bar both of which are where to food comes from

The whole of bar Дух (spirit) is shaped like an Omega - with a stage in the middle, bar (and kitchen) at the top and security/entrance at the bottom. The booths (with their listed occupants) form an arc to each side of the central stage).

Prerna takes out her hand comm and pretends to check her messages while she takes some discreet video. She carefully avoids filming Anya. "Thank you for the tour," she smiles at Anya. "We won't involve you in anything we might be contemplating." She puts her comm away after a moment, and starts eating her meal.

[Tiglath]

Freya

When her comm beeps Freya's realises she is default "duty officer" in the merc HQ during the card game. She is in receipt of an internal ship message from the bridge watch officer. Sharing all the diplomatic skills of the rest of the crew he states sarcastically "If you people need to draw extra power to the hold it is simply just common courtesy to ask. Adjustments have now been made and may I forward the compliments of our engineering staff". With an utterly insincere smile he adds "Thank you so much" and cuts the call.

[Tiglath]

Frank

Gaughan looks up from his cards and says "Sure that's a nice wee tent she's made there. Very... ah... Aslan so it is".

The female aslan is setting up serial light blue "screens" marked with clan symbols around the "Aslan area" designated for the unit's onboard allies.

[Tiglath]

Prerna

Anya replies “You are kind... and dangerous...” she smiles “and I wish you good fortune. As hostesses here we are expected to maintain a certain professional discretion and distance”. She smiles “Well, that is of course, unless our clients choose to buy our time. Thank you for dinner”.