008: Reunion at Collace

[terrymixon]

"Is that Sagamal?" he asked curiously. "William is a native speaker, but I haven't invested the time to learn it. An oversight I will need to address."

Prerna smiles and shakes her head. "It's Norsk. Unless you visit Joyeuse, you probably won't need it."

“Ah. Thank you.”

[helvorn]

Walt-
”One might think that, Dzofin. Unfortunately, all call signs have a story. Often the origin of the name is vastly different than the assumed meaning.

In my case, a young Marine Academy Cadet me, a pain in the ass Baron’s son classmate, a field exercise, and a steaming growler left in the bully baby Baron’s helmet.

He couldn’t prove that I was the guilty culprit, but he tried making my remaining Academy days a living Hell. He hates me to this day. The name kinda stuck. And now I’m an ennobled Count, and he’s still a blathering idiot. Funny how things turn out.

So, yes, ‘Growler’ sounds pretty badass, and it is…till you hear the story. But It inspires me!”

Dzofin half turned to face Walter as well as keeping an eye on the Deathwalker. His ears swiveled as well to track Growler and the Deathwalker. He listened to the story and halfway through snorted out a mouthful of ale and started coughing and sorting with Vargr laughter. "That is one of the funniest stories I have heard tell by a human!" Dzofin managed to control himself but continued chuffing with laughter. "I am inspired by your name and your charisma Growler. Come and drink with us." He turned to Bona. Dzofin seemed pleased with her compliments. "Thank you for your words of praise. I did what any leader would do. Drink with us as well Bona. Are you attached to this human male with the impressive title of Growler?"

[terrymixon]

Walt-
”One might think that, Dzofin. Unfortunately, all call signs have a story. Often the origin of the name is vastly different than the assumed meaning.

In my case, a young Marine Academy Cadet me, a pain in the ass Baron’s son classmate, a field exercise, and a steaming growler left in the bully baby Baron’s helmet.

He couldn’t prove that I was the guilty culprit, but he tried making my remaining Academy days a living Hell. He hates me to this day. The name kinda stuck. And now I’m an ennobled Count, and he’s still a blathering idiot. Funny how things turn out.

So, yes, ‘Growler’ sounds pretty badass, and it is…till you hear the story. But It inspires me!”

Dzofin half turned to face Walter as well as keeping an eye on the Deathwalker. His ears swiveled as well to track Growler and the Deathwalker. He listened to the story and halfway through snorted out a mouthful of ale and started coughing and sorting with Vargr laughter. "That is one of the funniest stories I have heard tell by a human!" Dzofin managed to control himself but continued chuffing with laughter. "I am inspired by your name and your charisma Growler. Come and drink with us." He turned to Bona. Dzofin seemed pleased with her compliments. "Thank you for your words of praise. I did what any leader would do. Drink with us as well Bona. Are you attached to this human male with the impressive title of Growler?"

She looked over at Walt and smiled. “He is charismatic, isn’t he? We are still working out what we are to one another. Thank you. I’d be most pleased to join you.”

[Tiglath]

"Is that Sagamal?" he asked curiously. "William is a native speaker, but I haven't invested the time to learn it. An oversight I will need to address."

Prerna smiles and shakes her head. "It's Norsk. Unless you visit Joyeuse, you probably won't need it."

T'lia gives a bright smile "It's an interesting language". She glances playfully at Prerna "I speak Sagamaal badly enough but I can sometimes make myself understood in Norsk... or just by grunting and pointing - Sword Worlders are wonderfully based people I've found". Taking a more learned tone she continues "Prerna is modest as to the proliferation of her people. You may see there are many here tonight - wherever there is fighting or exploring it draws them. If you wish to speak Old Norsk you could practice with some of the original colonists from Tarsus".

[joertexas]

Roscoe-Jaelah / T'lia-Prerna

T'lia gives a bright smile "It's an interesting language". She glances playfully at Prerna "I speak Sagamaal badly enough but I can sometimes make myself understood in Norsk... or just by grunting and pointing - Sword Worlders are wonderfully based people I've found". Taking a more learned tone she continues "Prerna is modest as to the proliferation of her people. You may see there are many here tonight - wherever there is fighting or exploring it draws them. If you wish to speak Old Norsk you could practice with some of the original colonists from Tarsus".

Jaelah nods. "There are quite a few Sworld Worlders here. Speaking of fighting, I've heard talk of another war with the Zhodani, the Sword Worlds, and the Imperium. Do you know anything about that?"

Canonically, the Fifth Frontier War kicks off in 1107, lasting until 1110.

[Tiglath]

William and Ciencia

Kiriaklabatl replies carefully "Mister Larsson, you indeed honour us. Although I did not specify our unit our edge is indeed sharp because it is honed at every opportunity but... so very few people have any inkling of the capabilities of the Consular Guard outside of very select units of the Imperial military that I must ask... if you have served, sir?*"

Context: William's read on this guy is that he is "military intense" (as per reasonably expected) and equally quite "professionally guarded" but otherwise guileless. * The emphasis he puts on sir is in no way accusatory but instead respectful of one who has served.

He adds "I am at most a soldier and so I will refer matters of "basic uplift and socio-technological services" to those more qualified to address them. However, these seem goals on a scale worthy of consideration as to "investment" in at least some manner by those interested in the concept".

Ciencia, who has been quiet up to this point, finally speaks. "My husband is much more deeply steeped in military matters than I, but I too could tell your skills are very well honed. This is my first trip outside the Imperium, but sadly, not my first time encountering your people, though I believe the other person to be very different from yourselves."

She smiled and took a sip of her drink. "While I don't know any of the specifics, I suspect the other person was involved in something criminal and he almost killed a friend of mine in a dastardly attack with a knife from behind. I saw him appear from nothingness and the deed was done in an instant.

"Though he paid for that attack with his life in the very next second, the event leaves me in a strange mental space. I want to know more of your people and believe that only knowing one another can ease the tensions between our peoples. In conversations with my father some years ago, he felt the same way, though he was less optimistic than I. Perhaps it's because I'm young, but I believe that we have more in common than that which separates us. If you could tell me how the cultural exchange works, I would be most interested in participating."

William nodded to Kiriaklabatl with respect. "I have served on the knife's edge as much as I am sure as have you gentlemen. It is a pleasure to speak to you here on neutral ground as fellow warriors and persons of honor. A wise man respects his foes or potential foes while hate is a weapon seldom used in the arsenal of the professional. It is a shame that so much divides us when we as a people and ourselves personally, me and my wife, have so much in common with yourselves and your people." He smiled at Ciencia as she spoke and nodded with her. "Let us hope that the politicians and the ambassadors can work out ways that our particular skills are not required."

The four Zhodani officers are all equally perturbed and outraged by Ciencia's tale. Kiriaklabatl "My Lady, from your account it must be that your friend's attacker was certainly some type of renegade or one strayed so far from Morality's Path as to be... lost". Captain Qliazatliepr nods regretfully "I believe in Imperial terms such persons are known as "criminals" but who we would term "insane" or "unbalanced". Captain Zhablzdieliepr frowns in consternation at Ciencia's account but then suddenly seems gratefully relieved while still sympathetic "Lady, I am most upset to hear of such things and I wish your friend well but you stated that this is your first journey outside the Imperium and so the most unpleasant attack on your friend occurred inside its borders?"

The assembled officers seem to relax slightly from their collective perturbation but continue to demonstrate genuine and collective concern regarding Ciencia's tale.

Kiriaklabatl smiles at William's last and seems keen, at least on the grounds of chivalry, to change the subject "Now, to divert my Lady's remembrance from such trauma, I see an excuse for a toast that reflects the last idea Mr Larsson's shared and indeed my own last conversation with Captain Jakob Domici of the SEMC's Bartizan Garrison. He stands yonder in company with the beautiful LivEllisDomiciiepr". He raises his glass to the SEMC officer he acknowledged before who cheerfully returns the salute before resuming his own socializing. "Kiri" continues "Indeed I think a toast to diplomacy is a timely one for I believe the Ambassador is about to join us".

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

The four Zhodani officers are all equally perturbed and outraged by Ciencia's tale. Kiriaklabatl "My Lady, from your account it must be that your friend's attacker was certainly some type of renegade or one strayed so far from Morality's Path as to be... lost". Captain Qliazatliepr nods regretfully "I believe in Imperial terms such persons are known as "criminals" but who we would term "insane" or "unbalanced". Captain Zhablzdieliepr frowns in consternation at Ciencia's account but then suddenly seems gratefully relieved while still sympathetic "Lady, I am most upset to hear of such things and I wish your friend well but you stated that this is your first journey outside the Imperium and so the most unpleasant attack on your friend occurred inside its borders?"

The assembled officers seem to relax slightly from their collective perturbation but continue to demonstrate genuine and collective concern regarding Ciencia's tale.

“Indeed. The incident happened on Banfi Starport at Glisten. It was most unexpected and disturbing, and I can only agree that the man was certainly disturbed. My friend survived and that is all that matters.”

Kiriaklabatl smiles at William's last and seems keen, at least on the grounds of chivalry, to change the subject "Now, to divert my Lady's remembrance from such trauma, I see an excuse for a toast that reflects the last idea Mr Larsson's shared and indeed my own last conversation with Captain Jakob Domici of the SEMC's Bartizan Garrison. He stands yonder in company with the beautiful LivEllisDomiciiepr". He raises his glass to the SEMC officer he acknowledged before who cheerfully returns the salute before resuming his own socializing. "Kiri" continues "Indeed I think a toast to diplomacy is a timely one for I believe the Ambassador is about to join us".

She smiled. “I’m always willing to toast diplomacy, and I look forward to meeting the Ambassador.”

[helvorn]

William and Ciencia

The four Zhodani officers are all equally perturbed and outraged by Ciencia's tale. Kiriaklabatl "My Lady, from your account it must be that your friend's attacker was certainly some type of renegade or one strayed so far from Morality's Path as to be... lost". Captain Qliazatliepr nods regretfully "I believe in Imperial terms such persons are known as "criminals" but who we would term "insane" or "unbalanced". Captain Zhablzdieliepr frowns in consternation at Ciencia's account but then suddenly seems gratefully relieved while still sympathetic "Lady, I am most upset to hear of such things and I wish your friend well but you stated that this is your first journey outside the Imperium and so the most unpleasant attack on your friend occurred inside its borders?"

The assembled officers seem to relax slightly from their collective perturbation but continue to demonstrate genuine and collective concern regarding Ciencia's tale.

Kiriaklabatl smiles at William's last and seems keen, at least on the grounds of chivalry, to change the subject "Now, to divert my Lady's remembrance from such trauma, I see an excuse for a toast that reflects the last idea Mr Larsson's shared and indeed my own last conversation with Captain Jakob Domici of the SEMC's Bartizan Garrison. He stands yonder in company with the beautiful LivEllisDomiciiepr". He raises his glass to the SEMC officer he acknowledged before who cheerfully returns the salute before resuming his own socializing. "Kiri" continues "Indeed I think a toast to diplomacy is a timely one for I believe the Ambassador is about to join us".

William nodded. "It was a closely decided matter but fortunately the assassin failed. None of the evidence pointed to any involvement of the Consulate but rather a rogue element inside the Imperium. Unfortunately such incidents serve to reinforce existing prejudices against psionics and your people." William glanced at the SEMC officer and back at Ciencia. He smiled at her and then gave a short bow to Kiri and then raised his glass. "May the diplomats and politicians establish peace and friendship instead of sowing warfare and hatred. There is an old Terran saying that backs 'They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more'. Let us strive toward that sentiment."

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

The four Zhodani officers are all equally perturbed and outraged by Ciencia's tale. Kiriaklabatl "My Lady, from your account it must be that your friend's attacker was certainly some type of renegade or one strayed so far from Morality's Path as to be... lost". Captain Qliazatliepr nods regretfully "I believe in Imperial terms such persons are known as "criminals" but who we would term "insane" or "unbalanced". Captain Zhablzdieliepr frowns in consternation at Ciencia's account but then suddenly seems gratefully relieved while still sympathetic "Lady, I am most upset to hear of such things and I wish your friend well but you stated that this is your first journey outside the Imperium and so the most unpleasant attack on your friend occurred inside its borders?"

The assembled officers seem to relax slightly from their collective perturbation but continue to demonstrate genuine and collective concern regarding Ciencia's tale.

Kiriaklabatl smiles at William's last and seems keen, at least on the grounds of chivalry, to change the subject "Now, to divert my Lady's remembrance from such trauma, I see an excuse for a toast that reflects the last idea Mr Larsson's shared and indeed my own last conversation with Captain Jakob Domici of the SEMC's Bartizan Garrison. He stands yonder in company with the beautiful LivEllisDomiciiepr". He raises his glass to the SEMC officer he acknowledged before who cheerfully returns the salute before resuming his own socializing. "Kiri" continues "Indeed I think a toast to diplomacy is a timely one for I believe the Ambassador is about to join us".

William nodded. "It was a closely decided matter but fortunately the assassin failed. None of the evidence pointed to any involvement of the Consulate but rather a rogue element inside the Imperium. Unfortunately such incidents serve to reinforce existing prejudices against psionics and your people." William glanced at the SEMC officer and back at Ciencia. He smiled at her and then gave a short bow to Kiri and then raised his glass. "May the diplomats and politicians establish peace and friendship instead of sowing warfare and hatred. There is an old Terran saying that backs 'They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more'. Let us strive toward that sentiment."

"I can drink to that," Ciencia said.

[Tiglath]

Arkar

As a hand of cards concludes the team certainly note the new female arrivals "Two" comments "Dang but "Legs One" has thrown herself all over that SEMC guy... but at least that leaves her buddy on her lonesome... might dial my sights in...".

"I won't be in your way. I'll deal you out then? While your a 100 short? OK."

Arkar shuffles the cards.

"Two" returns with a resilient laugh "Well, shit! Deal me back in? Fuckin' bounced by her girlfriend! Case o' true lust there so I wasn't steppin' in! That an' her girlfriend's a Merc". "Three" crows "Keep your sight dialled in buddy - maybe she'll let you watch! Oyyy!" "One" laughingly comments "Oh right, Recon One keepin' it classy much?" "Two" continues "It's like a Swordy convention out there! This crew say they're from "Monoc" - could be but I'm not so sure. To me they look like "doorkickers". Operators - maybe our level". "Four" replies "No one around here has Tier One operatives 'cept us!" "Two" replies "The Outworld have". "One" says "Well, let's go fight 'em or fuck 'em". Glancing over at Arkar he says "Come and join if you like. This is a peaceful meet up. Most likely everyone'll just swing dicks not fists an' drink beer". He adds "I'm guessing you're their Intel guy? 4DC have those - we're good with that".

[ateno]

"Two" replies "The Outworld have". "One" says "Well, let's go fight 'em or fuck 'em". Glancing over at Arkar he says "Come and join if you like. This is a peaceful meet up. Most likely everyone'll just swing dicks not fists an' drink beer". He adds "I'm guessing you're their Intel guy? 4DC have those - we're good with that".

"Intel or not I am always up for meeting new people. Where we going?"

Arkar

[Tiglath]

Roscoe-Jaelah / T'lia-Prerna

T'lia gives a bright smile "It's an interesting language". She glances playfully at Prerna "I speak Sagamaal badly enough but I can sometimes make myself understood in Norsk... or just by grunting and pointing - Sword Worlders are wonderfully based people I've found". Taking a more learned tone she continues "Prerna is modest as to the proliferation of her people. You may see there are many here tonight - wherever there is fighting or exploring it draws them. If you wish to speak Old Norsk you could practice with some of the original colonists from Tarsus".

Jaelah nods. "There are quite a few Sworld Worlders here. Speaking of fighting, I've heard talk of another war with the Zhodani, the Sword Worlds, and the Imperium. Do you know anything about that?"

T'lia replies with a smile "District 268 is collection of relatively rich planets. They rub up roughly with their neighbours and can afford soldiers for hire. So of course the place is full of Sword Worlders!" She appears concerned yet resigned "You bring your news with you from within the Imperium. Sadly it is no surprise to hear, even in an area of self determined neutrality such as District 268, that there is strategic confirmation of the tactical expansionism that the people here see in newsfeeds everyday".

Canonically, the Fifth Frontier War kicks off in 1107, lasting until 1110.

Unless, the casus belli is some apparent gross overarching policy shift by the Imperium...

[terrymixon]

Roscoe-Jaelah / T'lia-Prerna

Canonically, the Fifth Frontier War kicks off in 1107, lasting until 1110.

Unless, the casus belli is some apparent gross overarching policy shift by the Imperium...

Or word from their spies get back that Aki holds an Ancients base that the Imperium is already exploiting...

As T'lia hadn't responded to the revelation of the amount being invested, his request for pricing for the companies, or his request that he give them a showing of the new tech so he could get a quote for protection, he'll continue awaiting her response.

[Tiglath]

Roscoe-Jaelah / T'lia-Prerna

Canonically, the Fifth Frontier War kicks off in 1107, lasting until 1110.

Unless, the casus belli is some apparent gross overarching policy shift by the Imperium...

Or word from their spies get back that Aki holds an Ancients base that the Imperium is already exploiting...

As T'lia hadn't responded to the revelation of the amount being invested, his request for pricing for the companies, or his request that he give them a showing of the new tech so he could get a quote for protection, he'll continue awaiting her response.

T'lia responds "I expect a like amount (1 Billion) in direct transfer, negotiable stocks, cash or factory grade pharma - which is a stable currency in 268, will secure your interest. The details should be arranged and finalized by people qualified in Corporate level re-acquisition".

(OOC: Ballpark 2 Billion but I'm lacking a business degree and since the "Billion campaign" PCs can print money at will it makes no odds...

Per 268 availability of "crew" / "skilled workers" are going to be the limiting factor - although Collace (high tech, high pop with a "housing shortage") is an ideal source).

[terrymixon]

Roscoe-Jaelah / T'lia-Prerna

Unless, the casus belli is some apparent gross overarching policy shift by the Imperium...

Or word from their spies get back that Aki holds an Ancients base that the Imperium is already exploiting...

As T'lia hadn't responded to the revelation of the amount being invested, his request for pricing for the companies, or his request that he give them a showing of the new tech so he could get a quote for protection, he'll continue awaiting her response.

T'lia responds "I expect a like amount (1 Billion) in direct transfer, negotiable stocks, cash or factory grade pharma - which is a stable currency in 268, will secure your interest. The details should be arranged and finalized by people qualified in Corporate level re-acquisition".

(OOC: Ballpark 2 Billion but I'm lacking a business degree and since the "Billion campaign" PCs can print money at will it makes no odds...

Per 268 availability of "crew" / "skilled workers" are going to be the limiting factor - although Collace (high tech, high pop with a "housing shortage") is an ideal source).

I wish I'd be around to see how this plays out long term. We're going to leave a mark. And we don't print money. It's printed for us.

"Two billion in direct transfer it is." Roscoe will get her information and make the transfer. "We can work out the fine details as we proceed. And what about a demonstration of the new technology so that we can discuss the fee for its protection and minimizing as many negative impacts as we can? I understand tonight is overtaken by other business, but scheduling a time would allow me to work around meeting Jaelah's family."

And if Garvin ever puts in a reappearance, I'll get Aster into the mix.

[terrymixon]

Apropos to nothing, I just got the prerelease Kickstarter JTAS #16 issue and found an article on Curry Houses of the Vargr. Seems like they're all over the Marches and surrounding area. Now that Roscoe sees a Vargr here, he's wondering if there are any on Collace. He is an adventurous diner.

Here's a snip to tell you about it.

While Jesedipere is a backwater world in the Aramis subsector at the very edge of Imperial space, it is home to the infamous Joy Street. Every Traveller in the spinward end of the Imperium has heard of Joy Street, with its numerous bars, gambling dens, brothels and perhaps most famously its legendary Vargr curry houses.

These Vargr-style restaurants, which make up most businesses between the junctions of Marquis Way and Akerut Parkway, were opened by first-generation Vargr refugees from the Kforuz corsair groups’ rapid expansion. Joy Street is seen as the start of Humaniti’s interaction with Vargr curries, now the meal of choice for the start of the weekend or the first night of shore leave.

This explosion of restaurants, helped by the massive influx of refugees, saw Vargr curry houses spring up throughout the Spinward Marches, Corridor and parts of the Spinward Extents. Although they hate to admit it, Aslan enjoy Vargr curry, which is a major reason for their success in the Trojan Reach. However, Aslan prefer traditional Vargr sauce dens, where the meat is raw and the spices can hurt.

Sounds fun.

[Thumper]

Walt puts his arm around Bona reassuringly and smiles.
“So, Dzofin, I heard just the tail end of your Story as I stepped over here. Clearly a warrior. Saw you come in with the Aslan procession. But you’re not with them? Can you tell me what you do when not crashing parties?

[Tiglath]

Apropos to nothing, I just got the prerelease Kickstarter JTAS #16 issue and found an article on Curry Houses of the Vargr. Seems like they're all over the Marches and surrounding area. Now that Roscoe sees a Vargr here, he's wondering if there are any on Collace. He is an adventurous diner.

Here's a snip to tell you about it.

While Jesedipere is a backwater world in the Aramis subsector at the very edge of Imperial space, it is home to the infamous Joy Street. Every Traveller in the spinward end of the Imperium has heard of Joy Street, with its numerous bars, gambling dens, brothels and perhaps most famously its legendary Vargr curry houses.

These Vargr-style restaurants, which make up most businesses between the junctions of Marquis Way and Akerut Parkway, were opened by first-generation Vargr refugees from the Kforuz corsair groups’ rapid expansion. Joy Street is seen as the start of Humaniti’s interaction with Vargr curries, now the meal of choice for the start of the weekend or the first night of shore leave.

This explosion of restaurants, helped by the massive influx of refugees, saw Vargr curry houses spring up throughout the Spinward Marches, Corridor and parts of the Spinward Extents. Although they hate to admit it, Aslan enjoy Vargr curry, which is a major reason for their success in the Trojan Reach. However, Aslan prefer traditional Vargr sauce dens, where the meat is raw and the spices can hurt.

Sounds fun.

Such restaurants are to be found in the Brick Lane/Ocean Road area of Collace Prime!

[Tiglath]

Walt

Walt-
”Not all, Gorgeous! Too much…but not all.. He smiles back.

”One gets what one pays for. From what I’ve seen and heard here today, we might be on point to hiring the quality help we need. Major Tourmaline. A real pleasure. Tell me, is 4DC worth such a price?”

Tourmaline replies with a grin "Easily - we are the best Merc unit on Collace!"

[Thumper]

Walt grins, admiring the confidence:
“”And if I asked SEMC or the Twilight, might I not hear the same statement?”