The Time and The Place

[The Bindoner]

I know Raggi has been with her since leaving the Sword Worlds. He or Aedzveis must have the most tenure on Sal’s crew.

Yumi answers in broad terms. Tiv gets the impression she is being honest, but glossing stories that aren't hers to tell: Raggi’s been with the ship for years, from when it had a different name, he joined under the old Captain. Aedzveis and Captain Scarlett came to the Thorn a bit later. Somewhere in the Imperium, I think. She wasn’t Captain then, of course. Astrogator.

If this caper you’re hearing about works out, we might have need of skilled crews. If it weren’t for those clothes, I’d try recruiting you right now. If that’s fashion, then I obviously have no eye for it. Must be some sort of public defence against us barbarians…or pirates… Come to think of it, I could probably use your lockpick talents tomorrow. I’d like to bounce a hacking plan off you in the morning.

Thorn is short-handed as it is. We’re recruiting too. And I’m sticking with her. The Captain’s looking for something big, and I want to be there for it.

She looks affronted at the comment about her clothes: What, you don’t think pregnant bag-lady sexy? Breaking character she giggles: Too funny. Yah, it’s a fashion, and it’s an electric fence. Didn’t know I’d be at a party, yah?


Ah, a caper! Love to help. I’m on duty all day, but you can come aboard.

Wolfe: By all means. I will give consideration to any proposal. If I see no risk of compromising our access to this station, then we will discuss terms.
Nah, we want you back here too…to bring us some good stuff if nothing else. I kind of like you two already. Sounds like we share similar experiences…and perhaps genes. You want a contract, I’ll write you one. It seems that a cargo hold full of militarily useful micro-manufacturing is worth as many slaves of your choosing as you can carry and the remainder of your belly full of Boron ore. Tiv extracts his hand computer, ensures it is connected to the system wifi, then speaks directions to the AI program to draft a contract for the same.

Wolfe: We do not have a military or industrial cargo. We brought food, beer and spirits, to sell to the station. We will pay you in cash.

Dorn: Tyr is hard pressed, we do not lightly trade away our weapons, or the capacity to produce them. What other goods does Oghma need?

Wolfe: Assuming that your people can provide what Tyr needs, I will recommend to the Ministry that a trade mission visits. If your “clan” can guarantee a number and quality of personnel, we will return in 8 or 9 weeks with an agreed cargo for exchange.


Dorn: I will assess your captives, and make an offer. When is convenient? It would be efficient to study your people also, on the same visit.

I like the way you think, Ummiimir. Especially about getting the Cats to provoke a fight. I shall think on a way to affect that. My study of the nasty kitties indicates the male of the species is prone to aggression. Do we know if any substances promote their aggression? Perhaps there is a way of doping them into a fight. Let the station record the events as they unfold showing us as the innocent party.

Ummiimir offers his thoughts: Yes, starting a fight is easy enough. The Aslan have a highly developed code of honour, and, as you say, their males are swift to resort to violence. Starting the fight is not the problem, though, it is framing events so that you do not appear to provoke it. A slight must be accidental, inadvertent, the response an unwarranted escalation.

The easiest way to drug an Aslan is to give them Dustspice. They will eagerly accept it. It is rather expensive, even if you could find it here. There are some independent brokers on the station, perhaps one has a stock. It would certainly impair their judgement, and the offer of it would be seen as a friendly act. A promising line.

I do think it best if the escort is dealt with out of system. Perhaps the two kitty ships have an emergency rendevouz plan in Thebus or Noricum. If the Yeraorao (crewed by us) were to leave the station, get immediately pursued by the llsa, and prematurely jumped; I would presume the escort would jump to that rendevouz point. If the Serpent and Lady Ice were already there and waiting in ambush, the escort would fall right into their hands. Even better should the llsa and/or Yeraorao arrive a little ahead of the escort…they could play too. If not, the Lady Ice and Serpent should be sufficient for the job.

Ummiimir demurs: I am no naval tactician, so I will not offer advice on the matter.


Wolfe: A plan that relies on several ships making accurate Jumps is a roll of dice. I have often plotted a fleet Jump over networked vessels, and I still factor in that there will be some scattering in time and space.

Dorn: We should measure the bear before we divide it’s pelt. What is this escort? The Empire has some powerful ships, with better technology than either of ours.

Beside losing the missile bay, Ilsa’s Particle weapons have been replaced with lasers, yet I think she is still stronger than Lady Ice, or the Oghman Oars I have seen. To plan an assault on any warship without her, that is to amputate with scalpels and no bone saw.

Wolfe: Ja, Dyanne. Find out what the escort is, then plan to defeat it.


*part 2 to follow*

[The Bindoner]

Raven adds sullenly "We too are primarily tasked with diplomacy. It would not serve my Jarl well for his raiders to be barred from Blackrock's markets nor for a stellar Empire to declare war on our home planet. We are perhaps too close to home for bold moves. We might serve Oghma best if we take to the Sindalian Main". She then distractedly dips a finger in her ale and begins drawing a pattern on the table top. She places five dots in a row with the fifth lower than the line of four. She smears the fourth dot as she muses "Fuel for the "rainbow bridge" is the only thing that would hold us back... unless I can leap the Bifröst another way...".

"Commander Wolfe, you are both a leader and a diplomat and therefore have an understanding of how Oghman raiders work - where one finds success others follow. You are also a wise and properly cautious commander and... might... in your calculations allow for how we work... and still yet be mistaken. As to ourselves we have already sized each other up as warriors will and have established that I will beat you in a duel. However, I feel that this is an auspicious night and so, since we have no need for blades, maybe you might feel you could beat me in a game of chance or... maybe a wager?"

Wolfe laughs appreciatively: Oghmans on the Main! That would be something to see. He resumes his usual calm, professional tone: If that is your intent, then I am fortunate to have the chance to help. I think Tyr would welcome that, if an agreement on territorial claims can be reached. * he looks aside to grin at Dorn * Especially if Dyanne’s theory of shared heritage is proven.

Dorn smiles back: I have high hopes, now that I have seen them.

Wolfe, detecting a distaste for the art of negotiations, muses: Diplomacy is as much a weapon as any blade, it is just another way of bending another to the interests of the state. It is particularly useful when a sword is not enough to compel the opponent.



As an officer, I learned not to fight unless I was sure of the outcome. Unless it is necessary, to protect others, or to fulfil orders. I take the same approach to gambling.

Dorn cuts in: He means he tired of losing his money.

Exactly. So, Raven of Oghma, before I accept any wager, I’ll hear the terms.

The Bindoner wrote: ↑Sat Feb 25, 2023 12:49 am Ummiimir... comments on the discussion: It is true, the escort is not registered, and so is not protected. It could, indeed, be regarded as hostile. To the Oghmen: The more delicate matter would be the action against the ship already here. Ideally one would disable or subvert surveillance, capture the vessel and leave without anyone knowing an incident had taken place, but I doubt that would be possible. So. Some justification will need to be invented, perhaps a provocation, that causes them to forfeit sanctuary. Then, if discovered, the intervention would be explainable.
Raven listens and then replies "Good - then we can surely strike the escort at will and from an aspect of our choosing since we will initiate the attack".

Seemingly less interested in ship to ship combat she asks Ummiimir "What sort of incident would cause a forfeiture of the Theev Lord's sanctuary... and give me a ship to leap the Bifröst?"

Soraia looks up from her tablet: I think the escort will have good enough sensors to detect the approach of most ships. The Oghman Oars have a better chance of achieving surprise, but only with skilful handling. They will be tracked as they leave here, but a skilled Astrogator and Pilot, with the location of the target ship, could plot a departure that uses the rock’s shadow to mask a change of vector.

Ummiimir addresses a different aspect:

How does a vessel lose the right of sanctuary? Simply by violating the sanctuary of another. Brawls, even gunfights, between crews are tolerable if there is an obvious cause, they are public, and they are brief. Mere high spirits. Private conflicts, in private spaces, are more serious. An attempt to kill or capture the officers of a ship, or the ship itself, those definitely are a breach. Stealing a cargo is certainly a breach. Your prisoners are merchandise, as far as Blackrock is concerned.

He adds: An attack on the facilities of the station itself is also a breach. This is an area where you will need to take care. A discovered security penetration is amnestied, with cooperation, but if it is part of a plot against another guest, I think things will be different.

She looks confused: Why would that matter? I am only collecting genetic samples now, recruitment to the program would only follow if the results are satisfactory.
Raven quaffs ale and around hearty eating (of veg and protein) allows "You are properly loyal Dyanne Dorn but I am just sounding out your Commander. It is the Oghman way. Indeed I have looked him in the eye and know that he has no wish to meet my gaze in battle. There is no shame in it - he steers ships and I am a Name known among Oghman raiders and have piled a heap of souls in Hel's domain. Indeed he would gain more reputation by killing me than I him. He strikes me as a careful but not cautious commander and that's no bad thing at all in the business we will be in". She smiles "Tell him I said that... later".

She raises her glass "Gods, I drink to hearty appetites! You can call it what you like but if you plan on getting "genetic samples" off all of my warband here and now two things are guaranteed: firstly there will be a fight - and I will not protect you; secondly, and if somehow the first doesn't happen, you will be going back to your ship in a wheelbarrow".

Collecting samples in this place? Of course not. I do not have the equipment with me, and besides, this is hardly a hygienic environment.

She becomes thoughtful: It would be efficient to make an immediate start, though. Some baseline measurements. A physical examination, some fitness and stress tests. I have everything ready in my laboratory.

[Tiglath]

Wolfe laughs appreciatively: Oghmans on the Main! That would be something to see. He resumes his usual calm, professional tone: If that is your intent, then I am fortunate to have the chance to help. I think Tyr would welcome that, if an agreement on territorial claims can be reached. * he looks aside to grin at Dorn * Especially if Dyanne’s theory of shared heritage is proven.


Dorn smiles back: I have high hopes, now that I have seen them.

Wolfe, detecting a distaste for the art of negotiations, muses: Diplomacy is as much a weapon as any blade, it is just another way of bending another to the interests of the state. It is particularly useful when a sword is not enough to compel the opponent. As an officer, I learned not to fight unless I was sure of the outcome. Unless it is necessary, to protect others, or to fulfil orders. I take the same approach to gambling.

Exactly. So, Raven of Oghma, before I accept any wager, I’ll hear the terms.

Clearly enjoying the exchange Raven comments “Isn't diplomacy just convincing other people it was their own idea to follow your strategy? It is a very sound policy to fight only when you are sure you will win but that's rarely clear and so a war leader must be prepared to call on the favour of the gods!”

She quaffs heartily and then refocussing smiles as she growls quietly “There's your caution again Wolfe but this isn't gambling - it is the start of a saga!” Raising her voice so it will carry about the hall's tables she continues “So, you will bet me a Jump 2 drive for my Serpent against my ability to raid Acis this season?” Lowering her volume to conversational level again “If I am successful Tyr will outfit The Serpent at her yards at no cost. If I am not successful I will be dead and my brave Serpent broken or slain. You must know that Oghman crews will always repeat successful raids, there is no risk to yourself and the strategic benefit to Tyr dwarfs the cost of the drives”. She gives her lupine smile “You can even tell the folk on Tyr that you thought the whole thing up yourself” then she grins “but make sure I come out well enough in your retelling!”

Soraia looks up from her tablet: I think the escort will have good enough sensors to detect the approach of most ships. The Oghman Oars have a better chance of achieving surprise, but only with skilful handling. They will be tracked as they leave here, but a skilled Astrogator and Pilot, with the location of the target ship, could plot a departure that uses the rock’s shadow to mask a change of vector.

Ummiimir addresses a different aspect:

How does a vessel lose the right of sanctuary? Simply by violating the sanctuary of another. Brawls, even gunfights, between crews are tolerable if there is an obvious cause, they are public, and they are brief. Mere high spirits. Private conflicts, in private spaces, are more serious. An attempt to kill or capture the officers of a ship, or the ship itself, those definitely are a breach. Stealing a cargo is certainly a breach. Your prisoners are merchandise, as far as Blackrock is concerned.

He adds: An attack on the facilities of the station itself is also a breach. This is an area where you will need to take care. A discovered security penetration is amnestied, with cooperation, but if it is part of a plot against another guest, I think things will be different.

Raven broods "So, every act I propose is a breach and would result in damaging sanctions against the clan. Such an outcome would achieve the very opposite of my Jarl's intent for this voyage and so I say that this is too dangerous a place to risk failure. The Jarl can afford the loss of a ship but not the only market for the clan's raiding spoils. I am ever willing to risk my life to further clan Ásgeirr's cause and to fulfill the destiny of the Heirs of the Dragon but here, as things are, we risk far too much with far too much unknown. Taking a measure of these Aslan might help us to plan further but I'll not risk casting down everything that others have built against a half chance. Even if we take the Aslan ship and run clear then the Lords of Theev might yet hold us to account and still sanction the clan".

(OOC: The more I learn the more I'm getting a bit lukewarm on a smash and grab with no safety net and potentially huge strategic penalties to our cause - which might apply even if we pull off the blag and get the local "win").

[The Bindoner]

Clearly enjoying the exchange Raven comments “Isn't diplomacy just convincing other people it was their own idea to follow your strategy? It is a very sound policy to fight only when you are sure you will win but that's rarely clear and so a war leader must be prepared to call on the favour of the gods!”

She quaffs heartily and then refocussing smiles as she growls quietly “There's your caution again Wolfe but this isn't gambling - it is the start of a saga!” Raising her voice so it will carry about the hall's tables she continues “So, you will bet me a Jump 2 drive for my Serpent against my ability to raid Acis this season?” Lowering her volume to conversational level again “If I am successful Tyr will outfit The Serpent at her yards at no cost. If I am not successful I will be dead and my brave Serpent broken or slain. You must know that Oghman crews will always repeat successful raids, there is no risk to yourself and the strategic benefit to Tyr dwarfs the cost of the drives”. She gives her lupine smile “You can even tell the folk on Tyr that you thought the whole thing up yourself” then she grins “but make sure I come out well enough in your retelling!”

Wolfe appears to enjoy the exchange too. He has been drinking more heartily than any other non-Oghman (though not to excess), and is in a good mood.

Smiling at her assessment of diplomacy: I cannot disagree with that.

I did not say we only fight when we believe we will win, it is just that we have learned not to start a fight where the outcome is in doubt. It is a time to preserve and build strength, not expend it.

Raven broods "So, every act I propose is a breach and would result in damaging sanctions against the clan. Such an outcome would achieve the very opposite of my Jarl's intent for this voyage and so I say that this is too dangerous a place to risk failure. The Jarl can afford the loss of a ship but not the only market for the clan's raiding spoils. I am ever willing to risk my life to further clan Ásgeirr's cause and to fulfill the destiny of the Heirs of the Dragon but here, as things are, we risk far too much with far too much unknown. Taking a measure of these Aslan might help us to plan further but I'll not risk casting down everything that others have built against a half chance. Even if we take the Aslan ship and run clear then the Lords of Theev might yet hold us to account and still sanction the clan".

Wolfe looks momentarily stunned at Raven’s proposal.

I cannot promise a J2 Drive! Dyanne and I used all our influence to outfit the Ilsa with one, and that is a direct asset of Tyr.

Recovering his composure, he starts again: I would happily make that wager, but I have no authority to offer it here or now.

I do not rule out the possibility of Tyrian yards refitting Oghman ships, and your proposal of Oghman raids on Acis has great merit, but I will have to put this before the ministries for approval.

Dorn seems more favourably inclined: If I am right, and we are of the same blood, then we can only be strengthened by uniting our people. I am sure with my evidence I will convince the Reichs Minister to acquiesce.

Raven broods "So, every act I propose is a breach and would result in damaging sanctions against the clan. Such an outcome would achieve the very opposite of my Jarl's intent for this voyage and so I say that this is too dangerous place to risk failure. The Jarl can afford the loss of a ship but not the only market for the Clan's raiding spoils. I am ever willing to risk my life to further clan Ásgeirr's cause and to fulfill the destiny of the Heirs of the Dragon but here, as things are, we risk far too much with far too much unknown. Taking a measure of these Aslan might help us to plan further but I'll not risk casting down everything that others have built against a half chance".

The art of the thing is to manoeuvre your target into initiating the incitement. In this you are fortunate, the Glorious Empire has all the pride and aggression the Aslan are famous for, without the moderation of the Hierate. Provoking them into a forfeit should not be too difficult.

Soraia smiles (for the first time): Oghma or Empire, whose fuse is shorter. Another wager?


Ummiimir ignores the comment and continues: Oghma is too valuable a client for Blackrock to ban a whole clan for one ship’s indiscretion. The Ásgeirr’s would only lose the right of this crew to visit.

He pauses for thought and adds: There is little love for the Aslan among the Lords of Theev, and less for the Glorious Empire. I could arrange a meeting with their representative, if you thought it worthwhile? It would be quite discrete, and informal, a business meeting with a Broker. While you bought, say, those narcotics you were interested in, a conversation about the Empire's hostile attitude and compatibility with trade here might be useful.


Lightly edited.

[Thumper]

Surely, if the rotten kitties attack first, the Lords of Theev would have absolutely no reason to take reprisals against Clan Aesgirr. In return for suffering their aggression, why should the Lords care if the offended confiscate the offenders' ship? The Theev Lords seem to have much better tech than the Yeroarao offers. They would likely support us and keep the whole affair discreet!

Just need to apply a little "cat nip" to let the Aslan nature loose. Some modified darts for my Fletchett pistol that permit the delivery of a little Spice Dust directly into a few of them, and they start the fight. Another take is to lace some food with the cat nip. I see no threat to the Clan in this...

Perhaps we offer Spice Dust meat snacks when they come to view slaves. Having diplomatically dealt with them already, I'm absolutely convinced the haughty kittens are certain to take offense to something we say or do or are. They perceive us as primitive barbarians...”supplicant” is what Her Words called me, though she traveled how many parsecs to come speak with the People of the Dragon? When Her Words and Singing Bird attack us in our hangar and are dealt with, we approach their hangar to demand from the remaining kittens an answer from the previous aggression. That's when I shoot them up with tipped or dipped darts. Our approaching them will trigger their overdeveloped sense of propriety. They will attack again, and we come away as the offended party...

Rush the ship as soon as the hangar fight begins. And we end up with a ship that is most useful to the Clan...and to raid Acis... Grave danger to us as individuals, zero danger for the Clan. What could be more Oghman?

If Raven hasn’t the… ambition… for this, another Clan Raid Leader will.

In the meantime, Ummimmiir and Soraia, how likely is it you could locate the phantom escort? I'd bet you that Kar would settle a fair deal for your services in locating and determining its capabilities. If it is in the belt, I bet Arnwulf and I could maneuver the Serpent close enough to launch a party to board. Nodding to Wolfe and Dorn Should we fail to get aboard, then our uptight genetic relatives kill it.

Tiv smiles to all at the table.

Oh yes Tiv did!! It’s obvious Tiv tried hard to find a word that would not be derogatory of Raven.

[Tiglath]

The art of the thing is to manoeuvre your target into initiating the incitement. In this you are fortunate, the Glorious Empire has all the pride and aggression the Aslan are famous for, without the moderation of the Hierate. Provoking them into a forfeit should not be too difficult.

Soraia smiles (for the first time): Oghma or Empire, whose fuse is shorter. Another wager?

Ummiimir ignores the comment and continues: Oghma is too valuable a client for Blackrock to ban a whole clan for one ship’s indiscretion. The Ásgeirr’s would only lose the right of this crew to visit.

He pauses for thought and adds: There is little love for the Aslan among the Lords of Theev, and less for the Glorious Empire. I could arrange a meeting with their representative, if you thought it worthwhile? It would be quite discrete, and informal, a business meeting with a Broker. While you bought, say, those narcotics you were interested in, a conversation about the Empire's hostile attitude and compatibility with trade here might be useful.

Raven seems pleased by the news of the Aslan. "I know not these "Empire Aslan". If they are as rash as you say and vulnerable to intoxication then we may provoke them. Indeed if only the Serpent's crew are to be exiled from Blackrock then I see no obstacle to the plan. However, a prideful warrior is still a warrior and will require a better warrior to best him...".

If Raven hasn’t the… ambition… for this, another Clan Raid Leader will.

Nodding to Wolfe and Dorn Should we fail to get aboard, then our uptight genetic relatives kill it.

Tiv smiles to all at the table.

Oh yes Tiv did!! It’s obvious Tiv tried hard to find a word that would not be derogatory of Raven.

The boisterous Raven becomes quiet and still and then addresses Wolfe and Dorn "A man once insulted me and lived. I hadn't heard him in the throng of the meadhall and so I was unaware of his words. It is unfortunate that such slights go unavenged but such is the nature of things - and of men. Some become brave in their cups others, even as they become old and slow, grasp at the bravado of lost youth and flap their mouths. Some do both. Maybe they recall old romances. As memory fades they perhaps remember most not the girls they kissed but the girls who kissed them...".

Seeming to focus back she concludes her tale "Of course, so emboldened, he repeated himself - this time I heard. I made a crow's feast of him. The gods have no time for fools".

She smiles coldly adding "I can name only one man that my blade Battle Hag has kissed and who yet remains outside Hel's domain".

Finally turning her black eyes down the table she calls "Tiv! Were you talking? I'll wager by now you have raiding Acis all over your lips and have convinced everyone it was your idea!"

(OOC: Tiv can likely avoid trouble with Raven who, whilst maintaining her "rep" (and possibly acknowledging his diplomacy), seems to have deliberately left him an "out". However, don't prod the Tyrrians too much or they won't let us in their High Castle...

Edit: and apologies for constant "fiddling" but I couldn't stop everything being "dialogue blue" until I re-coloured all the non dialogue bits black... ).

[Thumper]

Tiv keeps his eyes locked on Raven’s as he leans back in his chair and makes a show of tracing the scar across his jaw as a slight grin emerges on his face and a sparkle touches his eyes. He says in a low far away voice: The kiss of both girls at once is a sweet memory that can never be forgotten.

He leans forward into the stare. After a short pause and studious look, a wide smile flashes and, mingled with a hearty chuckle, he follows : “Ah, there she is. My favorite warrior is still here! So, we have a plan and we are agreed! Skoal!”

He exuberantly raises his drinking horn and gulps ale, a bit runs over and down his chin.

[The Bindoner]

In the meantime, Ummimmiir and Soraia, how likely is it you could locate the phantom escort? I'd bet you that Kar would settle a fair deal for your services in locating and determining its capabilities. If it is in the belt, I bet Arnwulf and I could maneuver the Serpent close enough to launch a party to board. Nodding to Wolfe and Dorn Should we fail to get aboard, then our uptight genetic relatives kill it.

Tiv smiles to all at the table.

Soraia, looking mildly offended, curtly replies: I was the one who told you it was there. For free.

Ummiimir quickly, and smoothly takes over: Soraia’s ship is a Forward Reconnaissance Scout, it was built for such tasks, and we have made improvements. Speaking of which, monitoring the location of this vessel is one thing, providing the details to clients another. After all, information is our business, and the equipment we use was quite expensive.

The simplest service is to reveal the location of the mystery ship. Scanning it would be more work. Tracking it and providing updates is a larger task, that takes us away from other projects.

Soraia adds an observation: Target’s likely to be a stealth warship, and it’s lurking in watch to cover Her Words’ mission. They’ll have decent enough sensors themselves, I should think. Also, I suspect it is a bigger ship than yours, with bigger warriors. I’ll need cash up front if you plan to try boarding alone.










Ummiimir and Wolfe talk together “about Dustbelt politics”. Essentially a veiled negotiation about the terms of a consultancy.

Soraia quietly works away at her tablet.

Dorn, assuming permission, turns her attention to the young warriors. She is unable to speak Oghma, and most of the warband know no other language, so both sides rely on translators. It is soon clear that Dyanne is more of a Doctor and Captain than a mistress of small talk. Fortunately for her, Áshildr appears to make introductions, and improve the interpretation.

[Thumper]

indeed, Soraia, I should have asked, “Can you locate her AGAIN, and get us the details we need?”

Looking up from a short whispered conversation with Yumi…

Skippare Tollerson, I would prefer to obtain as much information on this shadow ship as possible to make a final plan on Phase 2 of this action. I also recommend you meet with the station leader to obtain both spice dust and see if they can produce spice dust delivering flechettes. You have no more need of my presence in discussions of raid details, Raven Sorrow…I take my leave to conduct my Technomancy, as you say. Yumi has agreed to assist. Kar, I saw Handson, Eno and Regina were quite adept at rebuilding the electronics of the bots earlier. Would you mind if I borrow them for a few minutes?

I hope to return soon.

And he and Yumi say proper goodbyes to all at the table.

Edits

[Tiglath]

He leans forward into the stare, a wide smile flashes and, mingled with a hearty chuckle, he follows : “Ah, there she is. My favorite warrior is still here! So, we have a plan and we are agreed! Skoal!”

He exuberantly raises his drinking horn and gulps ale, a bit runs over and down his chin.

Raven relaxes her body language and softens her tone and, perhaps secretly amused, shakes her head in wonder "Tiv, for a heretic you play dangerous games" then she enthusiastically joins the toast.

She stands in proper respect as Tiv takes his leave.

[hardrocks]

Skippare Tollerson, I would prefer to obtain as much information on this shadow ship as possible to make a final plan on Phase 2 of this action. I also recommend you meet with the station leader to obtain both spice dust and see if they can produce spice dust delivering flechettes. You have no more need of my presence in discussions of raid details, Raven Sorrow…I take my leave to conduct my Technomancy, as you say. Yumi has agreed to assist. Kar, I saw Handson, Eno and Regina were quite adept at rebuilding the electronics of the bots earlier. Would you mind if I borrow them for a few minutes?

Finishing his drink Kar replies, before Tiv leaves.

You may indeed make use of the Serpents slaves to assist you in these matters, I'm sure they can help.

Pondering the Tiv's other request,

I will make an appointment to meet with the station leader to barter for the dust and any other items. I feel the fletchetes maybe a bit too much, it is unlikly a wound from one would go unnoticed. Perhaps simply adding it to food and drink we offer may surfice. There maybe a drug that inhibits or negates its effects that we could take as a precaution if we had to ingest it as well. I shall think on other delivery systems, perhaps an aerosol...

[The Bindoner]

Finishing his drink Kar replies, before Tiv leaves.

You may indeed make use of the Serpents slaves to assist you in these matters, I'm sure they can help.

Regina, looking mildly surprised, then resigned, leaves Kar and joins Tiv. She contacts the Serpent and tells Handson and Eno to bring a toolkit and join Commander Thingvallir for a mission.

Yumi observes, while fiddling with her comm: If I’m working, I want my tools. I’m going back to the Thorn, meet you where you're going. Looking Regina up and down: At least you won’t be lonely, Captain’s woman to keep you company.

Pete, receiving a ping on his comm, looks at it, looks around, catches Yumi’s gaze, and gives her a “thumbs up” before going back to his conversation (via machine translation) with Dagný and Erlingr.

I will make an appointment to meet with the station leader to barter for the dust and any other items.

Ummiimir smiles: I’ll contact her tonight and arrange something for tomorrow. No charge for making the introduction. I’m afraid drugging clients is not something I can advise on, but I’m sure Medusa will be a fount of knowledge that we can both profit from.

Kar guesses that Ummiimir will also be getting a percentage on any sale the meeting generates.

[Thumper]

You may indeed make use of the Serpents slaves to assist you in these matters, I'm sure they can help.

Thank you Skippare. I hope we wont be long. He holds up the bag of comm connections and bugs he (with Yumi"s help) acquired from Soraia.

Regina, looking mildly surprised, then resigned, leaves Kar and joins Tiv. She contacts the Serpent and tells Handson and Eno to bring a toolkit and join Commander Thingvallir for a mission.

Yumi:If I’m working, I want my tools. I’m going back to the Thorn, meet you where you're going. Looking Regina up and down: At least you won’t be lonely, Captain’s woman to keep you company.

Detecting a hint of jealousy, he reassures Yumi with a soft touch on the arm: She is well spoken for by the Skippare. She's off limits... How about I get a taxi to pick up your things and deliver them to the Cunning Serpent. Perhaps tell Raggi what you need, if you like. We could get back to the party quicker that way.

[The Bindoner]

Detecting a hint of jealousy, he reassures Yumi with a soft touch on the arm: She is well spoken for by the Skippare. She's off limits...

Yumi wrinkles her nose in distaste: Private property. Her eyes flick across the table of Oghmans: Lucky her, I suppose.

How about I get a taxi to pick up your things and deliver them to the Cunning Serpent. Perhaps tell Raggi what you need, if you like. We could get back to the party quicker that way.

Nah, less the others know, the better. Delivery to your ship, too many questions. Anyway, this isn’t work-wear, I need to change.

Yumi has been tapping away at her comm and a small, single-seat buggy arrives at the door. She hops on and is whisked off.

She reappears at the Serpent’s bay in time to join up with the rest of Tiv’s team, dressed in a fashion version of a ship jumpsuit with a shoulder bag.

[Thumper]

At the Serpent, Tiv eyes Yumi appreciatively…looking her up and down. Wonderful. He takes Yumi on a stroll through the Cunning Serpent while he gathers up Eno, Gris and Handson, the modified commdots and drone/bots that the crew previously repaired. He ensures Yumi gets a look at the armor and weapons on the walls and racks. He also Invites Remington to join, but only if Arnwulf does not have other tasks assigned, and only if they want. He asks the Serpent to relay an invitation to Ingrid, wherever she is. Tiv figures their Engineering backgrounds may give them an interest or aptitude for this project.

“Now, let’s get started, hm? I hope this won’t take long. I saw you all do a great job putting those robots back together again. Eno, I overheard you mention your computer programming expertise.

Regina and Handson, I need you to sync up the data tap connections and these all the audio-visual cameras and commdot transmitters to the same frequency so as to be interoperable. Ensure the sensors and data recording wafers in the disk and robots work.

While you are doing that, Eno, Yumi and I will check the programming and modify logic and routing instructions. Eno, the security drone should enter the Aslan hangar, which is identical to this one, inspect as much of the complex as possible, loiter a little then depart. It should take a circuitous path back appearing to inspect public areas until no Aslans are present then inspect its way back to our hangar for data wafer download and power recharge. Send it out on the route at various times and ensure logic permits for variability and reactive routing. Tiv hands Eno a data wafer please install this encryption to the transmission program.

I’ll take the repair bot and instruct it to conduct the data line taps and commdots install.

Yumi, would you rather check the programming of the cleaning bot and give it routing instructions or supervise the frequency sync?

While working, Tiv will ask Regina and Eno if they have any Oghmite clothing they might part with that would be a good fit for Yumi. What can Tiv trade for them? He makes it very clear it is a question, a request and a trade…not a demand in any form.

He casually mentions to Regina that she could probably become an Oghman citizen and clan member…being long-time companions with Kar. Having children together would likely guarantee that.

[The Bindoner]

Yumi listens to Tiv issuing tasks and outlining his plan.

Nice toys, but how you getting them in? I guess you want me to pop-lock, but I don’t hear about my cloak. Can’t work when people watch, yah?

OOC: more detailed response to follow - ran out of time tonight.

[Gorethirster]

Remington, mentally exhausted from a level of scheming he hadn't seen since he secured tenure, was mostly silent during the party. However, a lack of commentary was not a lack of attention. As best as he could, he kept his ears open to the plans, partly to ensure nobody volunteered him for anything without him coming up with a reason why Lady Vigdis would never approve. When he receives Tiv's invitation, Remington jumps at the opportunity to get out of the mob of shouting drunks, and makes appropriate polite excuses to Kar and Raven.

Arriving back at the Serpent, Remington jumps on the opportunity to corner Tiv and poke holes in the plan he's been drafting all night.

"I held my tongue while we were in mixed company (and Raven was around to cuff me for talking too much,) but I'm not buying the plan. The station tolerates brawls. Even if we provoke one in our hangar, then go to the cats to demand apology and start another fight, I doubt the management would give a shit. Who cares who insulted who, as long as the fight is quick and wraps up. I doubt we'd be the first to get insulted, demand an apology, and get another fight for our trouble. Unless you can bait them into a sincere attempt on someone's life, it won't hold water. And I don't think even a drugged up kitty would go straight to murder, and even if they did anyone left on-station would know that they weren't usually that aggressive. The line between a particularly aggressive brawl and an attempted murder is too fuzzy. You've seen Raven train. They can't throw anything at her worse than her training regime, so you are going to have to work damned hard to convince the management that she was sincerely afraid for her life. And as far as "nonchalantly" dosing the cats with a flechette gun, I'm sorry, have you been huffing solder fumes? I don't think anyone would buy that you had your gun out before you'd even asked for the apology."

Remington pauses to catch his breath. His face is flushed, but his eyes are gleaming in a way that suggests he's not just being a downer for the sake of it.

"But why don't we try this on for size: drop the attempt to start a brawl that's clearly a threat to life and limb to professional murderers. I wouldn't buy it, you wouldn't buy it, Raven won't even pretend she's afraid for her life, and the management will know we had a hand in things even if they don't find out about the drugs. I think we should play up the cargo protection angle. Drugging the cats with free snacks during a slave display is a great idea. But we do the snacks and the display in their hangar. Then I, a slave who's known to run his mouth more than is good for him, "accidentally"' step on their tail or throw a ball of yarn or something. When they demand I apologize, someone else from the crew steps up in my defense and insults them again, they demand the slaves we brought to right the insult we've done to them, or else just attack us and we argue after the fact they were trying to steal the slaves, and bing bam boom we steal their ship. I have complete faith in my ability to deliberately put my foot in my mouth, I have complete faith in Raven's ability to steer the subsequent shouting match in the direction of claiming the slaves, and I have complete faith that anyone who knows anything about any of us will think it's perfectly natural."

Remington pauses again and shrugs.

"But I've never stolen a ship. Just grants, promising grad students, an endowed professorship... I certainly wouldn't have any useful advice to give. I'm just an academic."

Remington is banking that he'll have an easier time convincing Tiv than he would Raven or Kar. Even if he doesn't buy it, Tiv will at least talk rather than threaten some creative yet excruciating punishment for sass.

[Tiglath]

Remington, mentally exhausted...

(OOC: Oh, sublime post sir! Style, content - all there!

A (white gloved) ripple of applause from Box Five at the Opera! )

[Thumper]

"I'm sorry, have you been huffing solder fumes? I don't think anyone would buy that you had your gun out before you'd even asked for the apology."

Remington pauses to catch his breath. His face is flushed, but his eyes are gleaming in a way that suggests he's not just being a downer for the sake of it.

"But why don't we try this on for size: ... I think we should play up the cargo protection angle. Drugging the cats with free snacks during a slave display is a great idea. But we do the snacks and the display in their hangar. Then I, a slave who's known to run his mouth more than is good for him, "accidentally"' step on their tail or throw a ball of yarn or something. When they demand I apologize, someone else from the crew steps up in my defense and insults them again, they demand the slaves we brought to right the insult we've done to them, or else just attack us and we argue after the fact they were trying to steal the slaves, and bing bam boom we steal their ship. I have complete faith in my ability to deliberately put my foot in my mouth, I have complete faith in Raven's ability to steer the subsequent shouting match in the direction of claiming the slaves, and I have complete faith that anyone who knows anything about any of us will think it's perfectly natural."

...

"But I've never stolen a ship. Just grants, promising grad students, an endowed professorship... I certainly wouldn't have any useful advice to give. I'm just an academic."

Tiv is interrupted just as he's about to make a charmingly clever retort to Yumi. Annoyed by the intrusion, he initially tries to ignore the babbling and stay focused on teasing the girl, but Remington's comments divert his attention. As it continues, he turns to listen to Remington and as Remington lays out his plan, he becomes quite attentive.

Why Remington, you have diverted your genius from books to tactics and strategy. And Bravo...you have the right of it!! That is the best plan presented yet. I agree, no others have the gift of running their mouths than you and Raven.

You had best be very discreet with that talent or Raven may feel threatened for position as Raid Leader!! He looks around... It is well there are few to hear your suggestion, and none to bear that back to the Raven's ears!

Not fully understanding Remington's comments about his professorial job, and knowing that education elsewhere in the galaxy is quite different from the self-smart education of Oghmites, Remington recognizes he fails to grasp Remington's last comments; but he can't let this pass:

Um, Remington. Laying battle plans...You've stolen students and well endowed professors? Are you certain you do not have Oghmite blood?

Tiv looks at Remington quizzically.

We shall present that plan upon returning to the party. Thank you, Remington. You really would make a fine Oghman...or Vigdis' vision of the new Oghman!

For now, we shall get to work.

[Thumper]

Yumi listens to Tiv issuing tasks and outlining his plan.

Nice toys, but how you getting them in? I guess you want me to pop-lock, but I don’t hear about my cloak. Can’t work when people watch, yah?

OOC: more detailed response to follow - ran out of time tonight.

I'll need your help popping locks later, but I believe a key may be forthcoming soon to make that job easier.