008: Reunion at Collace

[joertexas]

"So it seems," Roscoe said. "There is nothing we can do about it. We'll just have to be mysterious and not give them a clue to work on. If asked, just smile and let them guess."

"Smile!" Roscoe gets "sandwiched" by the twins as they embrace him and toast the grav cam. There's only mutual/negotiationally consensual bodily pressure holding those furs in place! Unless he feels the need to assault either/both (and have it recorded for posterity) he gets a "party pic" sent to his comm and a lip print on each cheek to delete/later explain to Jaelah (the hound! )

As Jaelah was right there, Roscoe isn't feeling worried.

"They are getting images of everyone," he said over the link. "They're playing it off as a party gag but are leaving no one alone. Someone wants detailed records of the attendees."

"I've seen their type before," Jaelah replies. "They are quite possibly the most dangerous people here. They are certainly watching everyone they interact with most carefully."

[terrymixon]

William smiled at Ciencia while he shook his head. He then nods to Roscoe. "It seems that Walt has the 4DC folks attention. I guess he has already asked to hire them if I know my Growler. We'll see but I bet it's direct and to the point. As for mingling there's always the advantage of being seen. We are newcomers here and we need to give folks a chance to see us and get used to us on a more personal level. I'm going to talk to those Zhodani myself. I thought I saw some Aslan come in earlier, maybe see if there is an opportunity to introduce yourself."

"Very well. Jaelah, will you join me?"

He gave a little bow to Ciencia. "Feel like having a drink with a quartet of tigers?" William nodded slightly toward the four Zhodani. "I'm in the mood for a bit of a friendly chat." With her on his shoulder he approaches the four Zhodani. William's shield is up but his surface thoughts are friendly/curious. He greets them in rather fluent Zdetl. "Good evening gentlemen (using the noble tense), a very nice jump. Can I buy you all a drink? I am William Larsson and this is my wife Ciencia."

Ciencia nods. "Let's do it."

[terrymixon]

On route to the bar Jaelah notices that there is an addition to the aslan warriors guarding the periphery of the terrace. These warriors have traditional armour and look to be just as big and dangerous as their 4DC Imperial accoutered counterparts. Jaelah notes these warriors must carry shoulder mounted projectors which display holographic blue silk flags decorated with a "mon" in aslan script. She notes that the blue is the same colour as the 4DC guards' "favours".

At the bar she and Roscoe see a female aslan garbed in the same blue silk accompanied by the similarly attired stunning blond from the "advert" for the Teahleikhoi / Regiment of the Falling Night. The blond walks a pace behind the female aslan and the pair in turn are followed by a smaller female aslan in a plain grey robe that Jaelah nearly failed to notice.

As the female aslan approaches the bar staff produce a ridiculously overdone "cocktail" in a jug which features at least one whole root vegetable, sparklers, a small self powered windmill, sundry decorative items and vegetation centered around an incredibly gaudy pulsing neon 4DC centerpiece. While the blond deploys her fan and has trouble schooling her shoulders not to betray any mirth the female aslan inclines her head regally and moves to a nearby table. The blond then moves to the bar apparently to reassure the crestfallen bar staff and arrange for service in smaller drinking vessels.

Roscoe will walk over to the table, stopping short of approaching and incline his head politely. "Greetings," he said in Trokh. He has 3 loaded in the skill and his stat bonuses to the skill are quite high. "We do not wish to intrude if you desire solitude, but as this is a mixer and we are new here, we thought we should introduce ourselves. This is Jaelah Shugilamar and I am Roscoe Shugilamar, her mate."

He is intentionally putting Jaelah's name and presence first.

[ateno]

apologies for the quiet Arkar, which is not his style.

After landing deftly but not with panache, Arkar would get out of his suit and take a cigar if offered from the leader of 4DC.

Deciding on a light spicy lager he appraises himself of the area.

He looks for the table of lower ranking 4DCers and asks if he can join.

"Gentles, mind if I sit, I'm Arkar, I'm with the new group of hooligans' tha jumped in with who I think is your boss. Lots been going on with me lately and I need some down time. Share stories, have a time, if thats alright? If you got your own thing thats alright, but I have a stack of credits for a bottle of single malt if you will have me."

Arkar will quietly and slowly try to get them to talk about themselves and listen to war stories so he can get a background of politics and whats happening in 4DC, he will use he yeas as a con to look for information nuggets to store and share with the group later.

He would shoo off the cam girls, and try to avoid the high end negations.

Arkar

[joertexas]

William smiled at Ciencia while he shook his head. He then nods to Roscoe. "It seems that Walt has the 4DC folks attention. I guess he has already asked to hire them if I know my Growler. We'll see but I bet it's direct and to the point. As for mingling there's always the advantage of being seen. We are newcomers here and we need to give folks a chance to see us and get used to us on a more personal level. I'm going to talk to those Zhodani myself. I thought I saw some Aslan come in earlier, maybe see if there is an opportunity to introduce yourself."

"Very well. Jaelah, will you join me?"

"Roscoe and I are headed that way.

[joertexas]

Roscoe will walk over to the table, stopping short of approaching and incline his head politely. "Greetings," he said in Trokh. He has 3 loaded in the skill and his stat bonuses to the skill are quite high. "We do not wish to intrude if you desire solitude, but as this is a mixer and we are new here, we thought we should introduce ourselves. This is Jaelah Shugilamar and I am Roscoe Shugilamar, her mate."

Jaelah, in company with Ciencia, awaits the Aslan delegation's response.

[terrymixon]

Roscoe will walk over to the table, stopping short of approaching and incline his head politely. "Greetings," he said in Trokh. He has 3 loaded in the skill and his stat bonuses to the skill are quite high. "We do not wish to intrude if you desire solitude, but as this is a mixer and we are new here, we thought we should introduce ourselves. This is Jaelah Shugilamar and I am Roscoe Shugilamar, her mate."

Jaelah, in company with Ciencia, awaits the Aslan delegation's response.

Ciencia went with William. He said one thing and then had her arm on him as he went to the Zho.

[Tiglath]

He gave a little bow to Ciencia. "Feel like having a drink with a quartet of tigers?" William nodded slightly toward the four Zhodani. "I'm in the mood for a bit of a friendly chat." With her on his shoulder he approaches the four Zhodani. William's shield is up but his surface thoughts are friendly/curious. He greets them in rather fluent Zdetl. "Good evening gentlemen (using the noble tense), a very nice jump. Can I buy you all a drink? I am William Larsson and this is my wife Ciencia."

Ciencia nods. "Let's do it."

The four Zhodani officers' apparent surprise at your approach turns most definitely to "pleasant surprise" when you address them in their native tongue. The senior officer introduces himself and his comrades "Mr and Mrs Larsson what a pleasure to meet people who speak our language so fluently and well. I am Major Kiriaklabatl, “Kiri” if you prefer and my comrades Captain Qliazatliepr - “Qlia”, Captain Zhablzdieliepr - “Shab” and Captain Chtemialiepr - "Chet". We are attached to the Ambassadorial diplomatic mission to Collace promoting and appreciation of Zhodani language and culture but I had no idea we had already been so successful! The Ambassador is dining this evening and so a little later on I will introduce you to him myself. Does your surname reflect some Sword World heritage?"

The officers are wearing their medal ribbons but not full formal uniform and have clearly been given a dispensation to retain their swords which, though sheathed and carried in their waist sashes, appear to be of the curved cutlass or hanger type.

[Tiglath]

Roscoe will walk over to the table, stopping short of approaching and incline his head politely. "Greetings," he said in Trokh. He has 3 loaded in the skill and his stat bonuses to the skill are quite high. "We do not wish to intrude if you desire solitude, but as this is a mixer and we are new here, we thought we should introduce ourselves. This is Jaelah Shugilamar and I am Roscoe Shugilamar, her mate."

The silk clad female Aslan replies "Please approach and sit. I am Yūgure, The Twilight, wife of Warlord Ikazuchi Commander of the Teahleikhoi. This is my assistant Polly Iyhlua Maguire and Sazanami". The attractive blond extends an enthusiastic human handshake while the grey clad Aslan inclines her cowl fractionally. Polly says "Your Trokh is better than mine - I am still learning. May I pour you drinks? Colonel Skeet has gifted us a fine cocktail of fruit juices and tea. It is refreshing and alcohol free". Yūgure replies interestedly "Are you here to meet mercenaries Roscoe and Jaelah Shugilamar?"

Polly seems to be the most "readable" of the three but while Sazanami remains inscrutably placid Yūgure is surely very observant and as articulate as she seems intelligent. You definitely have her interest and if she reversed the given order of your names it was likely to observe any reaction.

[terrymixon]

Roscoe will walk over to the table, stopping short of approaching and incline his head politely. "Greetings," he said in Trokh. He has 3 loaded in the skill and his stat bonuses to the skill are quite high. "We do not wish to intrude if you desire solitude, but as this is a mixer and we are new here, we thought we should introduce ourselves. This is Jaelah Shugilamar and I am Roscoe Shugilamar, her mate."

The silk clad female Aslan replies "Please approach and sit. I am Yūgure, The Twilight, wife of Warlord Ikazuchi Commander of the Teahleikhoi. This is my assistant Polly Iyhlua Maguire and Sazanami". The attractive blond extends an enthusiastic human handshake while the grey clad Aslan inclines her cowl fractionally. Polly says "Your Trokh is better than mine - I am still learning. May I pour you drinks? Colonel Skeet has gifted us a fine cocktail of fruit juices and tea. It is refreshing and alcohol free". Yūgure replies interestedly "Are you here to meet mercenaries Roscoe and Jaelah Shugilamar?"

Polly seems to be the most "readable" of the three but while Sazanami remains inscrutably placid Yūgure is surely very observant and as articulate as she seems intelligent. You definitely have her interest and if she reversed the given order of your names it was likely to observe any reaction.

Roscoe will hold the seat for Jaelah and then sit once she has done so. "Thank you for the compliment. We are still learning your language, so please forgive any mistakes on our part. Shugilamar is Jaelah's name, and I have taken it as my own. As she is the name holder, surely we are Jaelah and Roscoe. Thank you for sharing your drinks with us. It is most appreciated." He looks to Jaelah to take the lead.

[Tiglath]

He looks for the table of lower ranking 4DCers and asks if he can join.

"Gentles, mind if I sit, I'm Arkar, I'm with the new group of hooligans' tha jumped in with who I think is your boss. Lots been going on with me lately and I need some down time. Share stories, have a time, if thats alright? If you got your own thing thats alright, but I have a stack of credits for a bottle of single malt if you will have me."

Arkar will quietly and slowly try to get them to talk about themselves and listen to war stories so he can get a background of politics and whats happening in 4DC, he will use he yeas as a con to look for information nuggets to store and share with the group later.

He would shoo off the cam girls, and try to avoid the high end negations.

"Drink high end whiskey instead of having the Minister of Thievery's wife dry hump my leg all night? You're on!" Arkar finds himself in company with five men he rates as long service professional soldiers. They favour "high side" hair styling and from their accent and manner he pegs them as "Imperial" for want of a better descriptive. They are both highly confident and self reliant and relaxed in their own company. The speaker continues "We just go by callsigns - so if you're after our life stories or a debrief on what we had for breakfast it ain't happening. So, if it's alright by the Master Chief here we'll do the introductions. I'm Hawkeye and this is...". The Master Chief grins and extends a hand "Recon One". His comrades laughingly introduce themselves "Two". "Three". "Four".

Arkar rates these men as intelligent high achieving soldiers operating at the top of their game. They're unlikely to let anything inadvertently slip but there's things they're prepared to mention. The first thing Arkar picks up on is the running gag that "Hawkeye" is somehow impaired in every possible sensory area.

[joertexas]

Roscoe will hold the seat for Jaelah and then sit once she has done so. "Thank you for the compliment. We are still learning your language, so please forgive any mistakes on our part. Shugilamar is Jaelah's name, and I have taken it as my own. As she is the name holder, surely we are Jaelah and Roscoe. Thank you for sharing your drinks with us. It is most appreciated." He looks to Jaelah to take the lead.

"Thank you, Roscoe. I was a police detective here until five years ago, and my family still lives here. I was compelled to leave, and I have just now returned. So, the merc companies' activities are news to me, although it pleases me to hear that the Purge is no longer a threat. I have some modest resources, with which I would like to help the ordinary people here to start or expand their businesses. That will require some mercenary support to ensure that they aren't preyed upon while they build."

[ateno]

"We just go by callsigns - so if you're after our life stories or a debrief on what we had for breakfast it ain't happening. So, if it's alright by the Master Chief here we'll do the introductions. I'm Hawkeye and this is...". The Master Chief grins and extends a hand "Recon One". His comrades laughingly introduce themselves "Two". "Three". "Four".

"So I found the forwards then, fine with me, I might need two bottles."

He orders two bottles, new glasses and spring or branch water.

"Like I said, I'm Arkar, no designation except Fixer. I just do what needs to be done.

Arkar will feel them out and not be a arse but look for interesting tidbits and interesting points.

deception [2d6+7]=9+7=16 diplomat [2d6+5]=9+5=14 Persuade[2d6+4]=9+4=13 Streetwise [2d6+4]=5+4=9

Arkar

[Tiglath]

Arkar

"So I found the forwards then, fine with me, I might need two bottles."

He orders two bottles, new glasses and spring or branch water.

"Like I said, I'm Arkar, no designation except Fixer. I just do what needs to be done.

Arkar will feel them out and not be a arse but look for interesting tidbits and interesting points.

"Same line of work then". The Recon team are clearly specialists and from Arkar's non military understanding must be "Deep or Long Range" high survivability high mobility assets who can operate independently in hostile territory without detection. He gets the sense that while "Hawkeye" is a valued team member his role is "overwatch" and the team also tactically deploy "little buddies" who may be drones or robots. Arkar learns that the team recently had a successful deployment on Avastan as part of an anti-piracy operation on behalf of Collace's Imperial backed government but effectively executed by The Shore (seemingly a parent/umbrella organization including 4DC Mercs).

Arkar's immediate understanding of Collace's criminal "architecture" makes this either ironic or immediately understandable as The Shore seems to be the confederation of smugglers, pirates and mercenaries who eradicated The Purge and then stepped into the resultant operational void to run selected (and more acceptable) parts of their business empire in a much less visible (and much more businesslike) manner. The Shore now seem to have expanded to operate assets from Avastan downport (much to the displeasure of the Avastan Bratva) in addition to their control of Collace's (illegal) orbital business.

[Tiglath]

"Thank you, Roscoe. I was a police detective here until five years ago, and my family still lives here. I was compelled to leave, and I have just now returned. So, the merc companies' activities are news to me, although it pleases me to hear that the Purge is no longer a threat. I have some modest resources, with which I would like to help the ordinary people here to start or expand their businesses. That will require some mercenary support to ensure that they aren't preyed upon while they build."

Yūgure nods "That would be a matter for a business meeting where "modesty" has little place but I can assure you that your people will be able to build whatever they desire. I have an excellent working relationship with the Collace Prime Police Department Serious and Violent Crime Division. We share a common marketplace..." she glances at Polly then corrects herself "...interest. I can guarantee the safety of your "builders". Unless, of course, the nature of what you propose to build is something that would compete with my own business interests in which case we can negotiate a solution to our mutual benefit".

She pauses to lap some of her drink apparently savouring the beverage as she asides to Polly "Colonel Skeet is sometimes trying with his childery... childishness?" Polly nods and Yūgure continues "...and yet his gifts are exquisite". Checking a comm she adds "My Lord is returned from Tarsus together with... my Ronin. We must both attend to our proper duties as wives tonight Polly Iyhlua".

Returning her attention to Jaelah she says "Please forgive my lack of manners. I have just learned that my husband has returned from the battlefield and we have been apart for awhile". Making an effort to focuss back in she continues "You were driven out and yet have gathered your strength and now made your return". Jaelah hears a coughing noise from Yūgure which she determines is laughter "I admire that. Your gambit has... spirit. Dependent on the "modesty" of your proposed investment we could certainly look to remove obstacles from your path and are indeed very well placed to provide warriors to provide security while Collace PD fulfill your law enforcement needs. Lawlessness is never good business".

While Jaelah converses Roscoe studies his environment realizing that he nearly failed to notice Sazanami the small demure grey clad female Aslan standing a pace behind Yūgure "The Twilight's" shoulder. Although he knew she was there seemingly the slight Aslan was almost hidden by her own "stillness"... but that would be ridiculous because no one can hide in plain sight by standing still. As Yūgure and Polly "sidebar" he can't help but begin to suspect that the top edges of Polly Iyhlua's fan are incredibly sharp.

[terrymixon]

While Jaelah converses Roscoe studies his environment realizing that he nearly failed to notice Sazanami the small demure grey clad female Aslan standing a pace behind Yūgure "The Twilight's" shoulder. Although he knew she was there seemingly the slight Aslan was almost hidden by her own "stillness"... but that would be ridiculous because no one can hide in plain sight by standing still. As Yūgure and Polly "sidebar" he can't help but begin to suspect that the top edges of Polly Iyhlua's fan are incredibly sharp.

Roscoe focuses his attention on her. "If I might ask, Lady Sazanami, what is it you do for your mistress?"

He phrases it politely and with mild curiosity, but he suspects that she might be using something adjacent to psionics and is curious what he can determine without using his own talents.

[Tiglath]

While Jaelah converses Roscoe studies his environment realizing that he nearly failed to notice Sazanami the small demure grey clad female Aslan standing a pace behind Yūgure "The Twilight's" shoulder. Although he knew she was there seemingly the slight Aslan was almost hidden by her own "stillness"... but that would be ridiculous because no one can hide in plain sight by standing still. As Yūgure and Polly "sidebar" he can't help but begin to suspect that the top edges of Polly Iyhlua's fan are incredibly sharp.

Roscoe focuses his attention on her. "If I might ask, Lady Sazanami, what is it you do for your mistress?"

He phrases it politely and with mild curiosity, but he suspects that she might be using something adjacent to psionics and is curious what he can determine without using his own talents.

Sazanami doesn't react but then Yūgure nods and she replies in a soft but strangely audible whisper "I am my mistress Yūgure "The Twilight's" assistant, confidant and once, and sometimes still, tutor. I now also perform the same task for Polly Iyhlua Maguire. She is an able student. Teachable and nowhere near as willful".

Yūgure adds "Sazanami has given her life twice in my service. Once protecting myself, once protecting Polly Iyhlua. The duties of an assistant bear high expectations and are indeed demanding. I can do her no more honour than she heaps upon herself and then ignores".

[terrymixon]

While Jaelah converses Roscoe studies his environment realizing that he nearly failed to notice Sazanami the small demure grey clad female Aslan standing a pace behind Yūgure "The Twilight's" shoulder. Although he knew she was there seemingly the slight Aslan was almost hidden by her own "stillness"... but that would be ridiculous because no one can hide in plain sight by standing still. As Yūgure and Polly "sidebar" he can't help but begin to suspect that the top edges of Polly Iyhlua's fan are incredibly sharp.

Roscoe focuses his attention on her. "If I might ask, Lady Sazanami, what is it you do for your mistress?"

He phrases it politely and with mild curiosity, but he suspects that she might be using something adjacent to psionics and is curious what he can determine without using his own talents.

Sazanami doesn't react but then Yūgure nods and she replies in a soft but strangely audible whisper "I am my mistress Yūgure "The Twilight's" assistant, confidant and once, and sometimes still, tutor. I now also perform the same task for Polly Iyhlua Maguire. She is an able student. Teachable and nowhere near as willful".

Yūgure adds "Sazanami has given her life twice in my service. Once protecting myself, once protecting Polly Iyhlua. The duties of an assistant bear high expectations and are indeed demanding. I can do her no more honour than she heaps upon herself and then ignores".

"I see. Thank you for the explanation."

[joertexas]

Roscoe focuses his attention on her. "If I might ask, Lady Sazanami, what is it you do for your mistress?"

He phrases it politely and with mild curiosity, but he suspects that she might be using something adjacent to psionics and is curious what he can determine without using his own talents.

Sazanami doesn't react but then Yūgure nods and she replies in a soft but strangely audible whisper "I am my mistress Yūgure "The Twilight's" assistant, confidant and once, and sometimes still, tutor. I now also perform the same task for Polly Iyhlua Maguire. She is an able student. Teachable and nowhere near as willful".

Yūgure adds "Sazanami has given her life twice in my service. Once protecting myself, once protecting Polly Iyhlua. The duties of an assistant bear high expectations and are indeed demanding. I can do her no more honour than she heaps upon herself and then ignores".

"I see. Thank you for the explanation."

Jaelah nods. "It is good that you have a working relationship with the P-D here. That makes things easier. We can speak more at a later time."

[terrymixon]

Sazanami doesn't react but then Yūgure nods and she replies in a soft but strangely audible whisper "I am my mistress Yūgure "The Twilight's" assistant, confidant and once, and sometimes still, tutor. I now also perform the same task for Polly Iyhlua Maguire. She is an able student. Teachable and nowhere near as willful".

Yūgure adds "Sazanami has given her life twice in my service. Once protecting myself, once protecting Polly Iyhlua. The duties of an assistant bear high expectations and are indeed demanding. I can do her no more honour than she heaps upon herself and then ignores".

"I see. Thank you for the explanation."

Jaelah nods. "It is good that you have a working relationship with the P-D here. That makes things easier. We can speak more at a later time."

"As I have asked about you and yours, is there anything you might ask of us?" Roscoe asked. "We are an unknown and would be happy to talk about ourselves."