Collace Homecoming

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

Freya arrives in IISS Admin dress uniform with Detached Duty and SEMC affiliation patches affixed per IISS-GUC-36/21.

Any citations she may (or may not) have acquired are of a types that stay, quietly, in locked draws rather than being brazenly displayed upon her bosom.

[shaidar]

Frank is impressed by the way the room has turned out.

He his not wearing a psi-shield, and has made it clear to the company that wearing one is a personal choice. On his SEMC dress uniform he is wearing his MCUG and MCG medals and he also sports his new Shinobigatana, the hilt tied in a peace knot.

[dongriffiths]

Klaus will turn up in his marine uniform with SEMC patches feeling uncomfortable in the PSI-shield he was issued.

[BackworldTraveller]

Klaus will turn up in his marine uniform with SEMC patches feeling uncomfortable in the PSI-shield he was issued.

Freya intercepts him as he approaches
Of all the people here, you are the one with no SEMC secrets...

...So, unless the contents of your head are so dirty you don't want anyone to pry...

[dongriffiths]

Freya intercepts him as he approaches
Of all the people here, you are the one with no SEMC secrets...

...So, unless the contents of your head are so dirty you don't want anyone to pry...

Hardly, I'm just trying to blend in. If I don't wear the shield I'll get filthy Zs trying to probe for stuff that isn't there.

I'll take it off if that's what you want. I just hope you're guests aren't easily upset.

[The Bindoner]

Jess wears her MCUF, but not the MCG shown on her ribbon bar. She couldn't wear it even if she wanted to - the medal is with her mother, back on Mirage.

She decides not to wear the Psi-shield. This is a diplomatic event, and advertising distrust of the honoured guests seems undiplomatic.

[Tiglath]

Dinner - Arrivals (1)

The personnel section of the aircraft lift into the hangar descends and Sergeant Gaughan is immediately recognised alongside a female figure nearly his height in Sword Worlds military uniform. Next to the pair looms the dark bulk of Mr Solomon, Collace Arms Dealer of renown. He stands in his calf length overcoat and homburg – both in a distinctive black. The “Amazon's” uniform is more “field” than “dress” but the creases are razor sharp. She snaps a salute at Frank and then steps off the lift platform removing her plain field cap and handing it to a steward on entering the reception area. The blond strides towards the bar and emphatically places her “order” Trooper King spills the first shot and, after he serves her second “take away” under scathing Sagamaal abuse, is left in a quivering awestruck puddle. The Swordy nods respectfully at Major Nayar and Ms East before approaching Colonel Cross to offer a crushing handshake. "Good evening, Colonel. These ceremonies always make me nervous". Eyeing Polly's revealing silken gown she growls in honest appreciation "You are beautiful Frøken Iyhlua". Kristin Vitt's uniform is standard military green but bears a Major's epaulettes with the coloured tabs of the Logistics Branch. As far as unit distinctions go there are none save for what might be a unit insignia pinned into her left lapel: a theatrical mask laid over a sword. As to decorations her Amazonian chest makes an impressive display. [ HR on route! ] She has a strip of gold and silver “notices” (the term translates badly) but many of these have the “command” distinctions upon them and below that are serial wound badges but in between are very few campaign or service medals. However above these awards for combat leadership and courage are the crossed axes of the gold close combat medal and the starship and tank destruction badges. In the Sword Worlds these are awards only awarded to those that personally achieved the act.

Meanwhile Mr. Solomon hands off his hat and overcoat to reveal a black suit. He orders a rum and greeting any he encounters with a neutral “Awright” approaches QSM Henker.

[Tiglath]

Dinner - Arrivals (2)

Meanwhile the orbiting Zhodani “drone” swarm suddenly becomes perfectly still as “the hour” strikes local time. The Naval Landing Force snap to attention and present arms (their drill is good) and the fighter lift from the Zhodani corvette begins its descent. The platform bears the Zhodani encountered before but in sober formal wear. How do they manage “shades” of black...???

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav wears a much more functional turban with what must be civilian evening dress albeit an exquisitely tailored example of the type. His “escort” Tsadrastebr wears an elegant gown while his Scribe Itvikiasalt wears a plainer suit. Pilot officer Briakqraiepr's sable locks contrast with her silver gown while Nsobiepr's own argent hair is a counterpoint to her blue/black dress.

The Ambassadorial entourage is also accompanied by an "Imperial" wearing a smart civvy evening suit.

However, military attention is drawn to the Ambassador's escort. Unusually four black clad Zhodani officers with white turbans and curved swords carried in their waist sashes flank the ambassadorial party. Even more unusually (for officers) their wordless drill is, in basic military terms, “fekkin' gleaming”. They draw their blades and carry them to escort the Ambassador to the roped reception area whereupon they again form into line and bring the blades up to salute their SEMC hosts.

After the salute they sheathe their blades and "fall out" ready to mingle at the reception.

The sublime quality of the drill on display doesn't even escape comment from the pundits of the peanut gallery.

“Fek me! Stop boggin' officers' crumpet an' give yer mincers a treat Kingy! Now that there would bring shameless tears of joy to any crusty old drill pig's eye. In fact 'e might just be done wiv it and crack one off in admiration. Kingy - don't you fekkin' dare!!!”

(OOC: Phew, a two parter! Have at it in either direction. Go for an "alien encounter" - or maybe just meet the Zhodani while "mingling" pre dinner ).

(OOC: PS ).

[Tiglath]

Hardly, I'm just trying to blend in. If I don't wear the shield I'll get filthy Zs trying to probe for stuff that isn't there.

I'll take it off if that's what you want. I just hope you're guests aren't easily upset.

Please make a "Military Knowledge" roll for Klaus

I'll PM you with "What you think you know..."

Or do you...???

Klaus will certainly be aware that a proportion of SEMC command seem to be "Op Sec reckless" (as per Imperial Doctrine) given that the huge pile of Zho's present could even now be rummaging through the filing cabinets of their minds and leaving all manner of custard pies and squeaky toys behind...

[shaidar]

Frank

Frank firmly returns Ms Vitt's handshake (but not too firmly, it's not a contest), and nods towards Mr Solomon. "Majot Vitt, Mr Solomon, what a pleasant surprise, welcome."

With the arrival of the ambassadorial retinue Frank smiles at Vitt and Solomon, "Apologies, we must go and greet the ambassador." Arm in arm with Polly, Frank heads in the direction of the entrance and the Ambassador.

"Ambassador, welcome, I hope the venue meets with your approval. May I introduce Ms Polly Iyhlua...Polly, this is Ambassador Vlezpridliashav ."

If the ambassador offers his hand to shake then, Frank will shake it, otherwise he won't offer his hand. He's not sure on Zho customs and touching."

[Tiglath]

Dinner - The Mingling

The Ambassador is indeed “touchy” (but not “feely”) and shakes hands with Frank and Polly. He is, perhaps unsurprisingly, an effortless expert at small talk complimenting Polly on her gown and proving to be easy company. In turn he introduces his entourage once more and adds “Please meet some of my officers: Major Kiriaklabatl and Captains Chtemialiepr, Qliazatliepr and Zhablzdieliepr and this is my ward Lieutenant Tsadraiepr, Navigator Observer". This last female officer wears what looks to be a dress naval uniform and has none of the Zhodani “Hero Medals” worn by the male officers. She is surely on her first posting and seems both excited by contact with the SEMC and wary in equal measure.

The Ambassador then takes time to speak with Major Kristin Vitt who stands awkwardly in the crowd. “Pleased to meet you Major - I have read most complimentary reports of your work. Those who instruct and create are surely just as valuable to our collective efforts, no?” Vitt, clearly uncomfortable, dutifully replies “Ja, Ambassador”. The break in conversation is filled by Pilot Officer Briakqraiepr who switches places with the Ambassador as he moves on to “circulate”. The Zhodani Flight Officer purrs “So you are the dashing Major Vitt? Call me Bria. Maybe later you will show me some of your daring...”. Major Vitt seems more than happy with the exchange.

Meanwhile Major Kiriaklabatl pushes through the throng to cheerfully greet Captain Domici the pair appear to be immediately at ease in each others company. The swarthy but suave Zhodani officer compliments Liv and kisses her hand introducing his comrades to Jakob before they dutifully circulate. For her part, while distractedly responding to the generous compliments of the Zhodani officer cadre, Liv wears a look of utter astonishment.

Having “worked the room” the Ambassador hoves back into Frank's view. He comments “My officers are intrigued by your Captain Domici. It is important to break one's stereotypes. He is a most virtuous warrior is he not? Surely a gentleman and by any measure “noble” and yet his fiancee, the beautiful Lieutenant Liv Ellis most recently of Imperial Intelligence, surely possesses what we would define as nobility itself?” Seemingly pleased with his choice of words he gives a warm smile “They make a most handsome couple - I understand there is to be a wedding. Would it be acceptable to offer a gift?” Clearly enjoying himself no end he claps his hands together joyfully. “We were offered an invitation to merely dine and yet what delightful and intriguing company you offer us Colonel Cross! My, what a gift, I am taken aback with how your company enriches our tables. I can not wait to hear your philosophy”.

[The Bindoner]

Meanwhile Mr. Solomon hands off his hat and overcoat to reveal a black suit. He orders a rum and greeting any he encounters with a neutral “Awright” approaches QSM Henker.

Jess is nursing a single malt (that she reluctantly supplied). She smiles and offers her hand:

Mr Solomon, I’m so glad you accepted the invitation. Should be an int’restin’ evenin’.

Me, I intend to jus’ blend in an’ observe, keep the lads in order, but feel free to mingle. It’s why I asked you. Hopefully we’ll all learn somethin’. I’d be fas’nated to swap notes later.

[gurusql]

Kit

Kit will work through the room asking the Zhodani about the meanings behind the various medals and symbols on there uniforms, but not directly asking about what they did to earn the medals.

[shaidar]

Frank smiles at the ambassador

"They certainly broke the mold with Captain Domici, we are lucky to have him, Lieutenant Ellis too. I'm sure they would appreciate any gift. I'm not sure I have a philosophy, just find people you trust and give them the opportunity to grow and do their job. That and don't expect people to put their lives at risk if you won't do the same. In that respect I'm a hands on kind of guy, well as much as I can be. "

[Tiglath]

Jess

Meanwhile Mr. Solomon hands off his hat and overcoat to reveal a black suit. He orders a rum and greeting any he encounters with a neutral “Awright” approaches QSM Henker.

Jess is nursing a single malt (that she reluctantly supplied). She smiles and offers her hand:

Mr Solomon, I’m so glad you accepted the invitation. Should be an int’restin’ evenin’.

Me, I intend to jus’ blend in an’ observe, keep the lads in order, but feel free to mingle. It’s why I asked you. Hopefully we’ll all learn somethin’. I’d be fas’nated to swap notes later.

Mr Solomon raises both hands in cheery greeting "Shalom, Jess, shalom!"

He then adds "Thanks for the invite - very nice". Taking in the company he opines "Well, this is different! Mind you, interstellar commerce is the foundation of civilisation - that and everybody needs guns...".

[Tiglath]

Kit

Kit will work through the room asking the Zhodani about the meanings behind the various medals and symbols on there uniforms, but not directly asking about what they did to earn the medals.

Kit approaches a solitary Zhodani officer when to both their surprise he finds himself intercepted by Pilot Officer Nsobiepr. "Captain Ankit Ghoshal, don't you know that should always watch your six in crowded airspace?" Damn but but she's tall in heels! That and the silver hair makes her at the very least intriguing. She continues playfully "Perhaps you are forgiven because you are not Flight but one of the Marine soldiers, yes?" her Galanglic is clunky and accented but effective. She adds "I will introduce you to Qliazatlipr and then send Zhablzdielipr to join you. His Galanglic is poor because he spends far too much time with his weapons and yet he dearly wants to converse with an Imperial Marine. Because they are men they will forget but once you are introduced please use the contracted forms of our names - so I am Nsobi". She smiles "I can afford to share you because I am having you for dinner later" seeming to have caused possible chagrin she corrects "We are eating with each other, yes? I will tell you how I became an ace!" Having apparently corrected herself she introduces Kit to the nearby cheerful Zhodani officer "Guards Captain Qliazatliepr - “Qlia” and, as another much more intense individual joins you, "Guards Captain Zhablzdieliepr - “Shab”.

Both officers brace up and they shake hands as they are introduced. Qlia states "You have an interest in military awards Captain Ghosal and yet, as a Marine, the discretion to not ask of their origin". Both officers have each reaped a healthy number of low to mid range Hero medals (the lesser awards with multiple "bars") and also combat awards but seemingly few for command. Shab states bluntly "Two MCUF and an MCG - those are not given away".

Kit has learned that the Hero medals rate in ascending order through classes one to ten with the lower denominations being common whilst Class 7 or 8 would rate as MCG equivalents.

[The Bindoner]

Mr Solomon raises both hands in cheery greeting "Shalom, Jess, shalom!"

He then adds "Thanks for the invite - very nice". Taking in the company he opines "Well, this is different! Mind you, interstellar commerce is the foundation of civilisation - that and everybody needs guns...".

Yes, diff'rent's the word.

I was wondrin' if you'd already got a line on Joe ord'nance. I’d be intrested in assessin’ their weapons.


Changing subject: There’s a lot of talk they can get in your head. I’ve got a plan to make ‘em jump right out again. Mentally undress any of ‘em as looks at me. She snorts with laughter at the idea.

[gurusql]

Kit approaches a solitary Zhodani officer when to both their surprise he finds himself intercepted by Pilot Officer Nsobiepr. "Captain Ankit Ghoshal, don't you know that should always watch your six in crowded airspace?" Damn but but she's tall in heels! That and the silver hair makes her at the very least intriguing. She continues playfully "Perhaps you are forgiven because you are not Flight but one of the Marine soldiers, yes?" her Galanglic is clunky and accented but effective. She adds "I will introduce you to Qliazatlipr and then send Zhablzdielipr to join you. His Galanglic is poor because he spends far too much time with his weapons and yet he dearly wants to converse with an Imperial Marine. Because they are men they will forget but once you are introduced please use the contracted forms of our names - so I am Nsobi". She smiles "I can afford to share you because I am having you for dinner later" seeming to have caused possible chagrin she corrects "We are eating with each other, yes? I will tell you how I became an ace!" Having apparently corrected herself she introduces Kit to the nearby cheerful Zhodani officer "Guards Captain Qliazatliepr - “Qlia” and, as another much more intense individual joins you, "Guards Captain Zhablzdieliepr - “Shab”.

Kit will stop when approached by Nsobi, "Of course, it is sound advice to watch your flank.". Kit's mind starts to wander, Why do we still use six for rear flank when we have not used an analog clock in years, does the Zhodani's homeworld have 24 hours to or is their Galanglic really so good that they use that idiom, wait is that an idiom? Back on task. As the introductions for Qlia and Shab come in Kit will let them in on his nickname as well, "You may call me Kit. Nsobi, I will be happy to sit with you at the table and hear how you became an ace."

Both officers brace up and they shake hands as they are introduced. Qlia states "You have an interest in military awards Captain Ghosal and yet, as a Marine, the discretion to not ask of their origin". Both officers have each reaped a healthy number of low to mid range Hero medals (the lesser awards with multiple "bars") and also combat awards but seemingly few for command. Shab states bluntly "Two MCUF and an MCG - those are not given away".

"I find that awards are a window into the soul of a culture. They show what the culture values and finds important. And hence the men and women that wear it, often believe those same values. I see once again, your knowledge about my medals is flawless. And no, to my knowledge they are not given away."

Kit has learned that the Hero medals rate in ascending order through classes one to ten with the lower denominations being common whilst Class 7 or 8 would rate as MCG equivalents.

Kit will use this knowledge to understand some of the awards that are on the uniforms of Zhodani. If any offer stories, he will not stop them, but will not ask for any stories either. As he begins to understand the medal system he will test his knowledge by asking others if that is an "x" based on what he has learned.

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya finds the sparring an interesting observer sport, and wonders if all scouts have this Voyeur's view of human interactions, or just some? May that is because most of her inter-human interactions have fallen into "Admin" or "Brawling" categories. All this carousing and diplomacy seems artificial and unreal. Or may be the masks of Spirelle aren't just on the outside?

Philosophy of this form clearly needs lubrication, and so she checks the qualities of the beverages on offer.

[Tiglath]

OOC: Update Saturday. Nothing to see here and ignore all those PM like noises behind the scenes - it's just someone "putting another bag on"...

And for those less accustomed to British culture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bn2BpHc6Pqk

Old skool song and dance man who does his own stunts, can roller skate behind a double decker bus and play The Phantom!