The Time and The Place

[Tiglath]

"You know, if my cat is supposed to be the backup option to tangle with their big cat, I do need at least one of the raiding crew around to spar with me. More is better, because as you might have noticed, I know almost nothing about how felis magnus do their fighting, and I know nothing at all about how homo sapiens manage it with sharp sticks. So, odd as it may sound, having the extras is helping me make the cat better in a brawl."

"Which leads me to my next point: if you're expecting me to sit around operating these things in the hangar while you're in the process of storming a ship, I'm gonna need someone to keep me from getting shot, impaled, mauled, or otherwise messily rearranged. I don't have a clue who it ought to be, that's really your department, but I thought I'd put it on your radar. Unless you want to find someone else to keep you all out of the Jump Lord's clutches."

Raven listens and then simply nods before replying "Dagný will train with you and accompany you on the raid. It might be seen as a bad omen if you were killed". She then adds emphatically "Don't get killed!"
(OOC: Remmington will know that Dagný is another of Raven's religious lunatics warriors).

Tiv gears up to go with Raven.

Now that you’ve mastered the fighting commands to the Thundercat, how about you learn to ride it, Remington, and accompany us? That will make a grand show!

Raven, who has seemingly paid less attention to "matters robotic", responds "Ýmirs frosteistna! You will ride it, já? I thought you would just..." she brings her wrists together and twiddles her thumbs. She continues enthused "Well, then you must look the part! Dagný will open the armoury and equip you!" She appears to find this all highly amusing "Ride it? Hah, come and see me before we meet the Aslan - I'll fix your war make up".

Armoury: https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... hp?t=10329

[Gorethirster]

How about you learn to ride it, Remington, and accompany us? That will make a grand show!

Remington shoots Tiv a filthy look as he says that, but before he has a chance to express where Tiv can stick his idea (it's similar to where it came from) Raven butts in:

Dagný will open the armoury and equip you!" ...come and see me before we meet the Aslan - I'll fix your war make up".

"As charming as I'd look in furs and a rifle, I don't know if that's the best choice. Not that I'm worried about my safety mind you - no, I've long ago accepted that if you don't get me killed in a battlefield of your own making you'll get me killed by the places you choose to hang out afterwards - but if I'm going to play the bumbling idiot that starts a fight, you might want a little bit of distance to me. If I'm just a slave engineer the Jarl forced you to bring along, the lords of Theeve might be more willing to overlook my "mistake" that started the hangar brawl. If I'm decked out like a real raider, they might, Lords forbid, mistake me for one, and start to ask questions about why I had enough leeway to act a fool and start a fight in the first place. Let me look out of place, and nobody will question that I make bad decisions that you don't have the time or energy to prevent before they happen."

Remington pauses like he's finished talking, then abruptly starts again a somewhat vague, distracted tone

"Though I will ride the cat. That certainly will help my image with the warband. 'He's crazy, he rides a robot cat, who knows what he'll do next!'"

[Thumper]

Tiv looks blankly at Remington. He has nothing to say for once..he’s bewildered by Remington’s verbal intellect. So he just nods and, shaking his head slightly, turns to go see Medusa.

[Ecthelion]

I am awaited in the Valhalla! I would join your raid if you want! My blade and my laser will serve well. But I ask something in return. The helm of your ship to lead you through the stars, and the helm of enemy ship as a trophy!

[Tiglath]

Remington pauses like he's finished talking, then abruptly starts again a somewhat vague, distracted tone

"Though I will ride the cat. That certainly will help my image with the warband. 'He's crazy, he rides a robot cat, who knows what he'll do next!"

Raven listens and again nods her understanding and agreement with Remington's reasoning.

She then seems to lose her intense focus and hazily recites "Twice now you speak with the wisdom of the gods... There yet must be a third... Messages from Huginn and Muninn...".

Then she seems to snap herself from her reverie to stare warily at Remington with an appraising eye... calculating. She then proclaims loudly "You are a wise and excellent Shaman and truly a gifted Seer!" then quietly asides "Remember that Mímir was just as wise and useful to the All Father in life as when he was but a severed head".

Edit: to fix the wonky narration/dialogue glitch

[Tiglath]

I am awaited in the Valhalla! I would join your raid if you want! My blade and my laser will serve well. But I ask something in return. The helm of your ship to lead you through the stars, and the helm of enemy ship as a trophy!

Raven gives her vulpine smile "My warband would be honoured by the presence of a Priest of the Aesir!"

Dagný will help you with anything you need from the armoury*.

Turning to the assembled company she declares "It seems we have our helmsman!"

(OOC: At the bottom of the list there are some neat sights [+ve DMs To Hit] and useful gear (like grenades) in addition to weapons and armour).
Armoury: https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... hp?t=10329

[Ecthelion]

Raven gives her vulpine smile "My warband would be honoured by the presence of a Priest of the Aesir!"

Dagný will help you with anything you need from the armoury*.

Turning to the assembled company she declares "It seems we have our helmsman!"

Sigbjørn imitates the sounds and the movements of the buck and of the bear, dancing around Raven smiling.

[The Bindoner]

Gris and Roberta cooperate to convert the liquid storage tanks of the Janitor, cutting the tops off and converting them into “lids”. They now have two lever-grip catches, and a flexible silicone gasket to form a water/airtight seal.

Gris: [_2d6]=(2+5)=7 +1 Int =8

Roberta: [_2d6]=(6+6)=12 +1 Mechanic skill.

[The Bindoner]

A message arrives from Vetrliði Tófi:

The other clans are not far behind us. They are free to trade. Your Serpent won us the advantage of time here, I prefer not to waste it. Do you have a market ready, or shall I make one?

[The Bindoner]

From Ásdís Saldís to Tiv:

Commander Thingvallir, I am informed you have committed our ships to offer their slaves to one of your buyers before taking any other offers. Please arrange for this to be completed as soon as possible so that I can meet my regular clients.

Commander Saldís and her crew are the Ásgeirr Clan specialists in slave trading, and she is usually the lead broker on visits to Blackrock.


A message arrives from Skeppare Ingólfr Sigsteinn of the Þórví Járnsíða:

Clan Signý ships Snorri and Skrauti Æsileif are approaching. Arrival in 6 hours.
Ships of Clans Víðarr, Ǫrvar and Hǫðr follow close behind.

[Thumper]

From Ásdís Saldís to Tiv:

Commander Thingvallir, I am informed you have committed our ships to offer their slaves to one of your buyers before taking any other offers. Please arrange for this to be completed as soon as possible so that I can meet my regular clients.

Commander Saldís and her crew are the Ásgeirr Clan specialists in slave trading, and she is usually the lead broker on visits to Blackrock.


A message arrives from Skeppare Ingólfr Sigsteinn of the Þórví Járnsíða:

Clan Signý ships Snorri and Skrauti Æsileif are approaching. Arrival in 6 hours.
Ships of Clans Víðarr, Ǫrvar and Hǫðr follow close behind.

Tiv will respond to Ásdís Saldís‘ and Skeppare Ingólfr‘s messages with the following identical messages:

I have been on Blackrock for over a month arranging trade deals for the clan. Arrangements are in play for which I ask your support. I require three things from you.

1) Provide the Vargr slave trader, Aedzveis, with an opportunity for right of first refusal on your live cargo. I will connect the two of you. I have established a long-term trade arrangement with her that directly supplies one of our Jarl’s strategic objectives. Also, please take on Aedveiz’ cargo for delivery to Lord Hallsteinn then forward on to my office.

2) Provide Ummimiir and Soraia (a known and revered service provider to our Jarl…he holds our Jarl’s favor), and Raggi and Sal (both of the ship Rosethorn) an opportunity for right of first refusal of any hard goods, especially Sinner artifacts.

Please resume your normal trade relationships after attempting to accommodate these first two requirements.

3) Any and all dealings with Aslans must come only through me. Impede any other Oghmen dealings with Aslans, as best as you can. This is a critical requirement.

I will connect you with Ummimir/Soraia, Raggi, and Sal. I may be quite busy today. I will greet you when able.

He will send introductory messages to each of the respective individuals.

He turns to Raven and Kar, we need to kick this off before Her Words Calm Prey is tempted by other distractions. Shall I send her a message inviting her to our hangar in, say, two hours?

[Tiglath]

He turns to Raven and Kar, we need to kick this off before Her Words Calm Prey is tempted by other distractions. Shall I send her a message inviting her to our hangar in, say, two hours?

Raven replies "Do it - we risk being overtaken by events!"

Then with a wild look she adds "The gods are bored and drive us forward! Tell her to cancel her visit here and that we will provide a display of wares and a blood show in her own hangar at her convenience - but it must be today!"

(OOC: I'm not sure we ever firmed up our plan but I think we can roll it all into one "Big Fat Kill" - for Sin City fans... ).

[Thumper]

Tiv fires off a message to Her Words explaining that the first Oghmite ship is prepared to demonstrate its human cargo. Complications with arranging for the sale of Mardukian artifacts precludes the Cunning Serpent from hosting. But, he professes that Aesgirr hospitality requires us to provide refreshment as well as entertainment under the circumstances. He explains he can bring the samples to her hangar in two hours, and expect catering deliveries from station drones.

He swallows his dignity and, on the second draft of the message, adds the minimum amount of supplicatory statements which he learned from his previous visit that she expects.

Reviewing it a third time he tastes vomit in the back of his throat. But he mashes the “Send” button.

I’m so going to enjoy ripping her Dew Claws from her wrists and teeth from her mouth. I want her alive, if able. A quick death would be far too kind to her.

[The Bindoner]

The three Ásgeirr Skeppares reply to Tiv's message, acknowledging receipt and compliance with his directions.

Ásdís Saldís then contacts Tiv with another message:
You forbid contact with Aslani. Do you have a specific group in mind? I have two long-standing Aslan clients, one from the Hierate, one from Imperial space. I am also hearing of a new player. My buyers tell me there is an emissary of the Glorious Empire here. They are not happy, it disrupts things. Some of my clients would sell on to that market, and think they will lose trade. Others think another buyer will drive up prices. If you mean that the Empire is off limits for trade, then I will comply anyway, I intend to keep my friends. If you forbid all contact with Aslani, I want to know the reason, and it will need to be a good one. Reputations are hard to earn, easy to lose.

[Thumper]

Tiv responds with:

Unaware of your pre-existing Aslan contacts. You are free to trade with them. Do not interact with the emissary of the Glorious Empire. All contact with them must come through me. This restriction may be a temporary one.

[The Bindoner]

Raven, Tiv and those of the warband not busy with other things set out for the apothecary, leaving Kar and Leon on the Serpent to monitor comms.

After taking the personnel lift to the commercial level, the group divide, with most of the young warriors dispersing into small groups and “wandering” through the area like tourists. They keep pace with Raven, alternating “window shopping” with “exuberant dashes”, so that some are ahead, others behind.

The whole area is very nearly deserted, with no human staff in any of the facilities, and only a couple of other vistors talking over breakfast in one of the smaller café units.

The Apothecary is in a branch corridor, leading away from the CBD to the behind-the-scenes areas, where engineering and maintenance services begin. It is, essentially, a dead-end backstreet. The units near the intersection are a tattoo parlour (closed) and an electronics outlet (retail, robotic). Opposite the pharmacy is a self-service Fab-Shop, with 3D printers sitting idle. Further down the corridor are dark units, available for rent.

The Asclepieion Pharmacy is a typically antiseptic Blackrock space, well lit and clean. The walls have generic pharmaceutical samples on shelves, and touch-screen displays for information.

Opposite the door is a counter with two comfortable-looking office chairs in front, and more touch-screens. Sitting behind the counter is a bald, olive-skinned man. He is fit-looking, but without the bulk of a body-builder or warrior, and has a friendly demeanour. He beams a smile as you enter, stands, and walks around the counter to meet his customers with a warm handshake.
Hi, welcome. I’m Aristotelis. You’re Commander Thingvallir and Officer Sorrow, here to collect a prescription, right?

The naming is a statement, not a question. He seems happy to meet everyone, but pays more attention to Raven than Tiv.


Still smiling, he looks around, taking in the other Oghmen outside.

Amused: I have transport arranged, you didn’t need to bring porters.

He walks past the counter to the rear wall and makes a gesture against it with his fingertips. A previously concealed door slides aside, revealing a bright space twice the size of the shopfront. It has storage shelves full of sealed boxes, and one side is taken up by a pharma-fab unit.

Come on through.

After Raven and Tiv enter, he stands in the doorway:

I’m afraid it’s a protected environment. - he extends an arm toward the machine - I try not to contaminate it more than I need to.

(Re)edited

[Thumper]

As they walk, Tiv continues exchanging messages with Asdis Saldis. A thought strikes him and he shares it with Raven.

Asdis Saldis is inbound. She is the clan’s lead slave broker. She also speaks Aslani. If she can get here on time, perhaps we should invite her along to the party under the cause of bringing our slave broker along…adds credibility to our visit. And she speaks Aslani. Would be great to have another covert speaker in the room to read the temperature of our negotiations real-time. Shall I ask her to hustle if she she has the means…and bring her best body guards?


——————
Turning to the druggist, Tiv says,:

Understandable. We’re expecting the product to be on hand and ready for takeaway. We also are expecting some catering to be provided?

As he scans the room warily and mentally prepares for any surprise.

[The Bindoner]

In the Aslan hangar, the hatch to the ship opens, and a second male warrior emerges, receiving a bowed head from the armoured guard. The “new” warrior is dressed in lighter, flexible armour, but also carries a double-ended pole-arm, a slung long gun, and a sword sheathed at his hip. Her Words follows, with Small Birds beside her and the human woman behind. All four move through the airlock, into the corridor, turn left, and pass out of sight into the private quarters (which have not yet been accessed by your devices).



The data usage of the hangar spikes.


………..


Ásdís contacts Tiv:

I have been contacted by Small Birds Singing, on behalf of Her Words Calm Prey, inviting me to display my best stock, emphasis on physical fitness. My clients tell me all incoming Oghma ships are being contacted. It looks like an audit of the market.


I will meet you to discuss the issue in person.

[Thumper]

In the Aslan hangar, the hatch to the ship opens, and a second male warrior emerges, receiving a bowed head from the armoured guard. The “new” warrior is dressed in lighter, flexible armour, but also carries a double-ended pole-arm, a slung long gun, and a sword sheathed at his hip. Her Words follows, with Small Birds beside her and the human woman behind. All four move through the airlock, into the corridor, turn left, and pass out of sight into the private quarters (which have not yet been accessed by your devices).



The data usage of the hangar spikes.


………..


Ásdís contacts Tiv:

I have been contacted by Small Birds Singing, on behalf of Her Words Calm Prey, inviting me to display my best stock, emphasis on physical fitness. My clients tell me all incoming Oghma ships are being contacted. It looks like an audit of the market.


I will meet you to discuss the issue in person.

That is the very one I have a concern with. What is your ETA?

[hardrocks]

Kar monitors the situation via comms and feed from the bridge of The Serpent, ably assisted by Leon and Regina.
Whilst some of the remaining warband and crew continue their tasks, Roberta runs security in the hanger.
He expects the transaction with Medusa will go smoothly and considering his last attempt at negotiation, his abscence might not be missed.
All on the 'Serpent are ready with weapons and gear nearby for any need arising.
And Roberta is looking alertly nochelant, with some of the warband attepting to mimic her focused indifference.

With the plan in motion, Kar contacts Manfred, over secure comms, on the Lady Ice.
Requesting his assstance in getting his Skippeare to agree to help in the taking of the Aslan ship in this system, nearby.