The Time and The Place

[The Bindoner]

Manfred replies:

Early start. Typical Oghman, wake up planning a raid.

I'll need to know some details, but the Captain'll likely go for it. The crew've been getting bored waiting for me, a prize'll be just the tonic. What's our cut?

[hardrocks]

Manfred replies:

Early start. Typical Oghman, wake up planning a raid.

I'll need to know some details, but the Captain'll likely go for it. The crew've been getting bored waiting for me, a prize'll be just the tonic. What's our cut?

Kar allows himself a small smile. knowing his friend and inclinations.

Juicy Manfred, the cut is juicy


Speak to th' Skippeare. Message me back and we could talk details. It'll be a Warship we're fighting, but not alone. More's the glory my shipmate

[Tiglath]

Raven

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.

Raven looks at Tiv with an appraising gaze "You seem to have a lot of anger for someone you have barely met". She adds "That seems unhealthy - I'll make her into a hat for you so then you can be free of it".

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?

Raven replies testily "I know who Asdis Saldis is!"

She then continues levelly "If we needed someone to herd Mardukian women and children she would be ideal for the task. Shepherds use dogs to herd animals - quite often they turn out to be the brains of the whole enterprise. We don't need her or her warriors either. If she gets here early we might rent some slaves from her for a day but no other "name" or any of their people will be anywhere close enough to claim any glory for my raid!"

Tiv having seemed to touch a nerve Raven turns all her simmering angst on the chemist.

Hi, welcome. I’m Aristotelis. You’re Commander Thingvallir and Officer Sorrow, here to collect a prescription, right?

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

Raven stares at Aristotelis "You know I am Raven Sorrow of The Cunning Serpent. You know we have made a trade agreement with you and yet you insist we come here in person - like nobody else! You do this to then inform us that you already possess the transport that could have delivered our goods to us?" She asks slowly and coldly "Fifl, do you really want me to remember your name?"

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.

Raven glances at his machine "So, I assume being dressed with human blood, bowels and viscera would upset it then? You try me apothecary - hand over our goods!"

(OOC: Apologies for catch up. Notifications are apparently things that other people get... ).

[Thumper]

"You seem to have a lot of anger for someone you have barely met"

Her Words is a bloviated pompous ass. She irritates me. You will see. I claim captive rights on her.

He smiles at Raven about the hat…



About Asdis:
As you wish. She and hers are not needed. Rented slaves only for the demo. We’ll need to keep our taking of the Pouncer and the nasty kittens quiet afterward anyways. Best to just clear her off to do her own thing.

[Tiglath]

About Asdis:
As you wish. She and hers are not needed. Rented slaves only for the demo. We’ll need to keep our taking of the Pouncer and the nasty kittens quiet afterward anyways. Best to just clear her off to do her own thing.

Raven allows "The Glorious Empire have no access to Oghma but they will surely have people like Ummimir who trade knowledge. I would prefer the telling of our raid to come out at the Jarl's table rather than any time beforehand".

She adds absently "I was planning on killing Her Words first". She explains "I think the shock and the insult of it might undo any coherent response from them. The Aslan might have better warriors but fear is ever our ally and we excel at spreading terror".

In an unusual moment of ruthlessly focussed candour Raven then admits "I understand that in the Tech branch knowledge is a communal resource and Techs cooperate throughout the Fleet to a common end. As a Raid Leader I compete not only against the battlefield whims of the gods but every other Oghman warrior who can heft an axe or thrust a spear. The Jarl gave me my young wolves while my rival Raid Leaders can rely on veteran warriors so I must achieve more with less or always be overlooked and pushed to the side in the reckoning of any joint venture".

She turns her black eyes on Tiv and her lips draw back from her teeth in a predatory grin "Glory does not share like silver".

[Thumper]

Raven allows "The Glorious Empire have no access to Oghma but they will surely have people like Ummimir who trade knowledge. I would prefer the telling of our raid to come out at the Jarl's table rather than any time beforehand".

Agreed...I shall have to ask Yumi and Pete to keep this only to themselves, until we are ready to use the Pouncer to collaborate with them. We need to impress upon our crew and your warband that "Plans Like Silence"...and we have follow on plans once the Aslans and the Pouncer is in our hands. Ones we need to act quickly on, and ones we can take time on. But that is for later.

She adds absently "I was planning on killing Her Words first". She explains "I think the shock and the insult of it might undo any coherent response from them. The Aslan might have better warriors but fear is ever our ally and we excel at spreading terror".

You are correct. But consider this: Her Word's husband is, by her proclamation, a very important Aslan Chieftain; and he was supposed to attend the demonstration of stock. Don't you think killing him first would have the greatest fear effect, followed by Her Words dropping in a heap...no matter whether a bloody kill or a knock out from my sonic carbine, and a ferocious assault on the armored clan warriors...all simultaneous actions. Should be a paralyzing opening salvo, wouldn't you think?

In an unusual moment of ruthlessly focussed candour Raven then admits "I understand that in the Tech branch knowledge is a communal resource and Techs cooperate throughout the Fleet to a common end. As a Raid Leader I compete not only against the battlefield whims of the gods but every other Oghman warrior who can heft an axe or thrust a spear. The Jarl gave me my young wolves while my rival Raid Leaders can rely on veteran warriors so I must achieve more with less or always be overlooked and pushed to the side in the reckoning of any joint venture".

She turns her black eyes on Tiv and her lips draw back from her teeth in a predatory grin "Glory does not share like silver".

True...it does not. I've been around long enough to know of that line of thinking, though internalizing such is foreign to me. I will support you and your warband to the fullest...I have faith in you.

[Tiglath]

You are correct. But consider this: Her Word's husband is, by her proclamation, a very important Aslan Chieftain; and he was supposed to attend the demonstration of stock. Don't you think killing him first would have the greatest fear effect, followed by Her Words dropping in a heap...no matter whether a bloody kill or a knock out from my sonic carbine, and a ferocious assault on the armored clan warriors...all simultaneous actions. Should be a paralyzing opening salvo, wouldn't you think?

Raven processes Tiv's response seemingly fitting it into her evolving view of how events might unfold. She absently adds "Killing Her Words' husband? By my reckoning he would be on fire by then...". She states "Remington will channel the aspect of Logi for the meeting. However, you are right in that our first blows must be coordinated and as devastating as a strike from Mjǫllnir itself". She adds pensively "We will need small body worn communicators for the task in hand. I will hand you that responsibility Tech Commander".*

True...it does not. I've been around long enough to know of that line of thinking, though internalizing such is foreign to me. I will support you and your warband to the fullest...I have faith in you.

If Raven is both surprised and touched by Tiv's declaration of support her emotions are quickly masked as she initially manages to offer no more than an awkward grunt in response and to deliver Tiv a hearty clap on the shoulder. After a moment's silence she marshals her response "If I have both the favour of the gods and the faith of heretics then I can't lose!"

(OOC: * Likely already avaialable for those with higher tech armour. I'm reasonably sure we have sufficient for PCs/group leaders).

[The Bindoner]

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

45 minutes.


...............


While Tiv and Raven talk, Aristotelis turns his attention to Ragnheiðr and Rúna.

Standing in the doorway, he chats amiably with them, through the delay of the Serpent’s translation. Rúna is happy to talk, and perhaps a little flattered. Ragnheiðr does not engage in conversation at all, standing silently alert.

When Raven and Tiv’s conversation ends, Aristotelis casually reaches out a hand to touch the wall, and the door snaps shut, leaving the two girls outside.

A bit rude, I know, but I didn’t think the blonde trusted me enough to let you out of her sight, and this is a private meeting. Well, it is now the door is shut. Faraday.

Your order, that is product not on these shelves. I’ll show you to our secure facility.

He walks quickly to the opposite wall, taking a small device (about the size and shape of a USB stick) out of the inside pocket of his jacket. Holding it between finger and thumb, he places it against an inventory screen and, looking at the display, announces: Καψάλης, με πελάτες. Κατηγορία ασφαλείας δύο.

A section of shelving rises rapidly out of sight, revealing a pressure door. He uses the same device to touch where a handle should be, and it opens, revealing a tunnel carved through rock. The tunnel walls and ceiling carry conduits and wires, behind a metal mesh, forming an inner tunnel, the floor of which is overlaid with steel mesh decking.

Let’s go and meet Medusa, shall we?

[Thumper]

Tiv awaits verification of his meeting time with Her Words before replying to Asdis..,he expected a reply by now.

————-
Tiv looks to his hand-computer to see if it’s translation software caught and transcribed the foreign words. He looks to Raven then follows down the corridor…unconsciously checking his PDL holster’s retaining latch functions to permit a rapid draw.

[The Bindoner]

The moment the door closed, comms lost signal.

[Tiglath]

Raven

Now, I thought this might take a while to administrate but then I made the Initiative Roll! Hopefully I've left enough "narrative gap" for any interruption... I've stacked up the "precursor posts" for reference but the poor chemist bloke has ignored the "warning growls" and now fallen foul of Raven's bloody mindedness/hangover.

Tiv having seemed to touch a nerve Raven turns all her simmering angst on the chemist.

Hi, welcome...

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

Raven stares at Aristotelis "You know I am Raven Sorrow of The Cunning Serpent. You know we have made a trade agreement with you and yet you insist we come here in person - like nobody else! You do this to then inform us that you already possess the transport that could have delivered our goods to us?" She asks slowly and coldly "Fifl, do you really want me to remember your name?"

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.

Raven glances at his machine "So, I assume being dressed with human blood, bowels and viscera would upset it then? You try me apothecary - hand over our goods!"

When Raven and Tiv’s conversation ends, Aristotelis casually reaches out a hand to touch the wall, and the door snaps shut, leaving the two girls outside.

A bit rude, I know, but I didn’t think the blonde trusted me enough to let you out of her sight, and this is a private meeting. Well, it is now the door is shut. Faraday.

Your order, that is product not on these shelves. I’ll show you to our secure facility.

He walks quickly to the opposite wall, taking a small device (about the size and shape of a USB stick) out of the inside pocket of his jacket. Holding it between finger and thumb, he places it against an inventory screen and, looking at the display, announces: Καψάλης, με πελάτες. Κατηγορία ασφαλείας δύο.

A section of shelving rises rapidly out of sight, revealing a pressure door. He uses the same device to touch where a handle should be, and it opens, revealing a tunnel carved through rock. The tunnel walls and ceiling carry conduits and wires, behind a metal mesh, forming an inner tunnel, the floor of which is overlaid with steel mesh decking.

Let’s go and meet Medusa, shall we?

When the door snaps shut Raven moves from the casual slouch she adopted when talking with Tiv and stretches raising one arm high as the other drifts to her lower back as she extends her spine.

She lets Tiv step forward and then moves ahead of him holding him back saying "Follow my lead".*

When within but a few meters of the chemist Raven replies very slowly "How about "Let's not!" Maybe we just do what we came here to do?"

Tiv has no idea where the little automatic came from but its pointed right at the chemist's face (see inhumanly fast Initiative below). If the chemist didn't pick up on the aggressive cues before (see above) or has any read on people/self preservation then meeting Raven's black gaze he can't but know he's dealing with a racing certainty of being shot unless he negotiates successfully.

Raven snarls "Rude? Arsgat, I find you personally insulting! I don't want a tour of your workplace and neither do I need to see again someone with whom I made an agreement just last night! What I want is delivery of goods as promised - here and now!"

Sure that she has the chemist's full attention Raven deliberately lowers her aim "I think you can still be an apothecary without your bowels - I'll pay Medusa the wereguild. Don't worry I'm not aiming at your balls - I fancy taking them as earings for my insulted bodyguard. I have only ever dealt with two kinds of amateurs: those who want to change the conditions of an agreed deal and those who change the venue of a meet. Those who break their word are in a different category - warn Medusa about that. Now, Arsgat, choices: you can send for our goods and then speak the power word that disables your defences and give the Technomancer here your little wand to open the outside door... or you can start screaming and bleeding - your choice".

(OOC: Tactics Roll: [2d6+3]=12+3=15 Well, damn!

* NB If I have understood Tactics skill properly then Tiv is now also on "bananas Initiative"!!! ).

[The Bindoner]

* NB If I have understood Tactics skill properly then Tiv is now also on "bananas Initiative"!!! ).

You have the right of it. Cogitating on composing a post (and grateful it's not Medusa, who is yet another rod I've rod I've made for my own back, dialogue-wise ).

[Tiglath]

* NB If I have understood Tactics skill properly then Tiv is now also on "bananas Initiative"!!! ).

You have the right of it. Cogitating on composing a post (and grateful it's not Medusa, who is yet another rod I've rod I've made for my own back, dialogue-wise ).

Thanks very much for the steer.

I was much concerned that I had giddily carpeed way too much diem and rather overreached...

[Thumper]

About half way through Raven’s soliloquy, Tiv rolls his eyes, casually draws his PDL and lazily aims at the chemist’s right knee with the holo-hud. He looks unperturbed. After Raven concludes her speech, he says in a very dispassionate, confident, matter-of-fact, low tone of voice:

You see why we call her “Hel Bitch?” She’s the biggest badass on all of Oghma.

I hope you understand the amount of pain you suffer is directly proportional to the amount of time it takes you to do as she directs.

He holds his left hand out for the key fob while keeping his PDL trained on the druggist’s knee.

[The Bindoner]

Aristotelis appears surprised, but not frightened. In fact, he seems amused.

Oh, you are just priceless! I see why she likes you.

He annunciates clearly to the air: Παύση, δέκα δευτερόλεπτα.

Raven thought she had heard a new sound, and with Aristotelis’ words it stops, confirming her suspicion – there was a gas leak of some sort, and now that she has the idea front and centre she notices the subtle drift of mist across a low power laser sensor in the open doorway.

Tiv notes that, in this room, the standard Blackrock design security cameras appear to be active, but the lens aperture is covered.



Aristotelis casually tosses the key fob over.

Have it. It won’t work. Thumbprint reader, pulse monitor. More importantly, a remote override. I doubt I could use it. I certainly can't disable anything now, just pause it while I talk.

Παύση, δέκα.

He chuckles to himself: Amateur, she calls me.

This is a front, sweetheart. I’m not a counter-clerk, or lab tech, or whatever you think, and none of the things you want are here, in the open, for me to give you. There’s barely enough retail meds here to cure a cold! You might do everything in plain sight on your world, but we keep secrets.

Παύση, δέκα

Now, my boss wanted to help you, will you let her?

Because you’ve got a choice here. Take a short nap, and hope you wake up somewhere nice, or just come and collect what you came for, and we’ll forget… this.

Παύση, πέντε.

The man’s self-assurance is almost Oghman. This is plainly not the first time he has been threatened with guns. Perhaps he believes he has some back-up.

His demeanour has shown surprise, irritation, amusement, but not yet fear.

Raven judges that he is aware of how dangerous an individual she is, but still feels confident that he can display unconcern at her threats.

Raven is now fairly certain some creature is slithering among the conduits in the corridor – she catches glimpses of light reflected off eyes at different (increasingly close) points, and the impression of movement in the shadows.

I’ll take one Endurance roll from each of you, before anything else.

Edited

[Tiglath]

Raven
2d6+0
[2d6]=9

[Thumper]

[The Bindoner]

Both pass. Neither of you notice anything.

[Tiglath]

Raven, seemingly relishing imminent combat, replies “You clearly don't know Oghmen. Listen, if I do not soon return then my warband will attack your “front”. The authorities will attend - there will be blood. They will surely investigate why a warband would attack a little drug shop and your once hidden operation will now be in the open. By assaulting the senior Ásgeirr Commander here you will wreck a trade agreement and, instead of making an ally, you invite a war with my clan. All because you think less of us and wanted to swing your balls? Heimskr skítkarl – nothing you have done here helps us or your Mistress! You are dead man - sweetheart. It's just a question of who kills you first Medusa or me. I'd keep delaying the count if I were you, Arsgat”.

She holsters her "holdout" weapon and then primes a stun grenade and throws it into the corridor where she guesstimates the creature's advance and the blast radius will coincide.

Raven raises her voice “Hei, whoever's listening. I can't stop my warband attacking unless you open the outer door. Unless you do so now you risk everything that I spoke of and all will know Medusa's business. They will also know that she breaks her word! Open the door, deliver my goods to my ship...” she pauses “...and we'll forget this”.

She adds “And you'll still get your new coat!”

[The Bindoner]

She holsters her "holdout" weapon and then primes a stun grenade and throws it into the corridor where she guesstimates the creature's advance and the blast radius will coincide.

That falls under Athletics/Coordination.