008: Reunion at Collace

[terrymixon]

Growler

is this in Tourmaline’s vision or out in the open?[/dialog]

The below definitively occurs in real time in the restaurant bar immediately after the "vision" (actually real visceral memory recollection ) because it (helpfully re possible psionic alternative explanations/realities) surely must do because now all your psionic powers are not accessible.

”You let me in. Surprising. I

Just searching for someone.

When I heard you were called a witch, I assumed you were psi. Problem with me is a lifetime spent in the Imperium. I need a teacher. I figured you were shielded, Wanted to verify. Searching is all I’m doing…for a kickass teacher. I found kickass…looking for the rest of that title?

You surprised the hell out of me.”

Tourmaline gives a lazy mellow smile "I didn't let you in... you just became trapped. I am told I am a powerful psionic but I was never taught or any use at it until I found my focus. It was much after that the Zhodani instructed me... because they owed us a favour. So, I am a Consular Guard trained and rated "Scrambler" - a combat Telekinetic but that was a little while ago when... Skeet and I were... pushing limits". Her lips twitch a smile as she talks whilst languidly draping herself over her beau - the laconic and rangey, dark haired, dark eyed Lannigan. (Apparently a "Ranger" affiliated to SEMC). He just clearly gives her "peace". She continues "The Zhodani couldn't measure my... other ability and shied away from it. Zhodani nobles are much more fearful than Jarls should be... after all domination* is a game adults can play or not... it's not frightening".

(OOC: * Oh, but Walt just got a taste of how it might be by just accidentally going near her mind... Aannnd she (seemingly unconscious of the full potential) may have not pronounced the capital "D" ["Wild" Psi Talent: Special much?] Whoa, now that might utterly mess with the Zhodani psyche! )

That's our Growler, showing his almost inhuman ability to stay low key and avoid poking things that might blow up in his face.

[Thumper]

Walt-
”My strength is drained. And quite frankly, that frightens me in a way nothing else does. Until now, I thought I might be amongst the strongest of psis, though unschooled. You took that from me…easily…

Look, this makes no sense to me. But I want to know more. Can you tell of this “focus”? I can pay well for your help.”

Linking to Bona, he informs her of his status and asks if she’s ok?

[terrymixon]

Walt-
Linking to Bona, he informs her of his status and asks if she’s ok?

Tiglath?

[Tiglath]

Walt-
Linking to Bona, he informs her of his status and asks if she’s ok?

Provided you're on the comm (neural - non psionic/telepathic link) Bona replies (I'm assuming she's psionic like the rest of us).

"I'm fine - a little worried but I'm good. Tourmaline looked stern and you seemed "not yourself" but then that all stopped and at exactly the same time all my psi talents "went away". I don't think anyone took them I just can't access them - like with a psi shield... but when my talents went away I saw something happen with her too. Her face changed from "warrior" to... she became so happy and relaxed... and she has a beautiful smile... is that... what "love" looks like???"

[terrymixon]

Walt-
Linking to Bona, he informs her of his status and asks if she’s ok?

Provided you're on the comm (neural - non psionic/telepathic link) Bona replies (I'm assuming she's psionic like the rest of us).

"I'm fine - a little worried but I'm good. Tourmaline looked stern and you seemed "not yourself" but then that all stopped and at exactly the same time all my psi talents "went away". I don't think anyone took them I just can't access them - like with a psi shield... but when my talents went away I saw something happen with her too. Her face changed from "warrior" to... she became so happy and relaxed... and she has a beautiful smile... is that... what "love" looks like???"

I was asking if she’d been affected psionically, but this works too.

[Tiglath]

Walt

”My strength is drained. And quite frankly, that frightens me in a way nothing else does. Until now, I thought I might be amongst the strongest of psis, though unschooled. You took that from me…easily…”

The now very mellow Tourmaline replies (her harsh "warrior edge" is gone - so much so that it's hard to believe she's the "Valkyrie" that Walt saw in action) "I live in Thor's lightning. I always have the urge to fight - sometimes I can barely control it. On the battlefield I let it out... but now I can step out of the storm for a little while... and steal back time for myself. Your strength is not "drained". It's just "put aside" like mine - but that wasn't my doing". She glances at the silent brooding form of Lannigan at her side "Don't you like the "peace" it brings? Just being able to not hear the storm? It's there but like rain... outside..."

”Look, this makes no sense to me. But I want to know more. Can you tell of this “focus”? I can pay well for your help.”

She begins to reply "It makes sense to me - we complete each other..." As soon as Walt mentions "focus" he can now see the necklace Tormaline wears. Why didn't he see it before? I mean he's a guy and Tourmaline is surely "Valhalla grade" eye candy. He didn't stare or drool (probably) but he sure looked. Lannigan lifts it from about her neck and she starts seemingly uncomfortable with the separation but her trust in the taciturn merc is evident. The pendant is a crystal with a flame trapped inside - but the crystal is cracked. As it rotates looking inside through the flaw is psionically so "intense" as to be avoided.

Walt examines the pendant and is sure it is a Psionic focus of Ancient origin (but one that is damaged / partially functional/always on).

(OOC: Walt's Ancient devices knowledge/recognition/"fathoming" roll:

You may have more or less DMs but you nailed it! )

Edit: added a missing "and"

[Tiglath]

I was asking if she’d been affected psionically, but this works too.

(OOC: The chronological "Who's zooming who?" as witnessed by Bona (front row seat) was Walt "contacts" Tourmaline and her instinctive (possibly unconscious) reaction to that was to Dominate him. Just as things were possibly looking dicey Lannigan shows up and embraces Tourmaline. Everybody's psionics drop out: Walt, Bona (and apparently Tourmaline - by her account and on the evidence that her Domination of Walt ceased at the same instant).

Bona didn't use her Psionics and as far as she's aware no one used Psi on her she just suddenly lost the ability to use her talents.

[terrymixon]

I was asking if she’d been affected psionically, but this works too.

(OOC: The chronological "Who's zooming who?" as witnessed by Bona (front row seat) was Walt "contacts" Tourmaline and her instinctive (possibly unconscious) reaction to that was to Dominate him. Just as things were possibly looking dicey Lannigan shows up and embraces Tourmaline. Everybody's psionics drop out: Walt, Bona (and apparently Tourmaline - by her account and on the evidence that her Domination of Walt ceased at the same instant).

Bona didn't use her Psionics and as far as she's aware no one used Psi on her she just suddenly lost the ability to use her talents.

Bona eyed Lannigan. Perhaps there was more to him than met the eye.

[Thumper]

Walt winces from the pendant’s power leak, but resumes his visual examination with interest. He looks to Bona momentarily, knowing she carries the memories of Bilis prior to her creation.

On the Link to Bona:
”Honey, do you know of this artifact or it’s like? Can it be repaired? Or is this a Metz/Bianca or Metz and Bilis question? “

Verbally to Tourmalines and Lannigan:
”Whoa! The power is raw. This is precious! I know of its origin…generally, and I can deduce its function.

He leans in close to both:
”Do you happen to have neural link? If so, we should go there for the following discussion. Or somewhere more secure. Mine is very likely un-hackable…even in this crowd. And with you around, I’m guessing psi intrusion is blocked?”

When he pulls back, he asks:
”May I?” requesting to handle the artifact.

[Tiglath]

Walt and Bona

He leans in close to both:
”Do you happen to have neural link? If so, we should go there for the following discussion. Or somewhere more secure. Mine is very likely un-hackable…even in this crowd. And with you around, I’m guessing psi intrusion is blocked?”

When he pulls back, he asks:
”May I?” requesting to handle the artifact.

Tourmaline replies "What's a neural link? We have comm dots and I have a laser comm. This is 268 we have a particular stealth tech called "whispering". She adds very quietly "No one's going to pick anything up over the ambient noise in here".

Lannigan nods once in confirmation to Walt's query.

Tourmaline reluctantly acquiesces to Walt handling the psi focus "I don't think it will work for you immediately. It seemed to take a while to attune to me - or me to it". He's grateful that he's currently dealing with the "mellow" version of her.

[terrymixon]

Walt and Bona

Walt winces from the pendant’s power leak, but resumes his visual examination with interest. He looks to Bona momentarily, knowing she carries the memories of Bilis prior to her creation.

On the Link to Bona:
”Honey, do you know of this artifact or it’s like? Can it be repaired? Or is this a Metz/Bianca or Metz and Bilis question? “

"I don't know. Bilis wasn't made to repair, but to fabricate. I believe that without knowing a lot more, it wouldn't be possible. Even if Bilis knew more, the chances of success are low."

[Tiglath]

Walt

Roll dem bones for a "Fix" (or even a "Bodge").

If that's the way you want to go solutions from the glorious to the mundane may present themselves for this particular chipped windscreen...

[Tiglath]

Garvin (remember him?) pipes up on the neural link "...if they both get off at the same time and count as one person then we're golden... I was just askin' for a friend! Metz - it's all 'e thinks about now. Never mind swingin' - 'e's built a slide an' a trampoline!"

"Er... just in case anyone 'asn't twigged yet - this place is full of spies! Well, maybe not spies but "field agents" for all the interested parties 'ere. So that's four or five merc units, Aslan, Zhodani... Everyone runs their own Intel. I'm beginin' to get the Collace vibe: everyone is into everyone else's business. It's like "real time industrial espionage" an' yer "intelligence brokering" is a thing 'ere. Cor, stone me that's ruddy fascinatin' ... I mean 'ow they stay up... under a clingy frock like... Ow!"

"Aster love, it's the ruddy pinnacle of "crass Imperialism" to not ogle the Zhodani birds! You want to loosen up... be more diplomatic like me..." It is possible to "hear" his smile " 'Ere are you comin' over all... authoritarian again? Oh, will you 'ave a butchers at 'er with the Ambassador? Older bird with the look of a strict disciplinarian? Reminds me of Sister Vippy from the Fondling... er... Foundling 'Ome. Funny accent - Sword Worlds 'pparently. Lot of them in tonight. Wonder if there's time to nip back to the ship for me skool cap an' satchel...? Ow!

[terrymixon]

Garvin (remember him?) pipes up on the neural link "...if they both get off at the same time and count as one person then we're golden... I was just askin' for a friend! Metz - it's all 'e thinks about now. Never mind swingin' - 'e's built a slide an' a trampoline!"

"We can enjoy the playground if we ride together," she responded. "And look at the Consular Guard. So handsome. I wouldn't mind having one--or more!--of them drop in for a visit. They can make it up to me for the last Zhodoni I met."

"Er... just in case anyone 'asn't twigged yet - this place is full of spies! Well, maybe not spies but "field agents" for all the interested parties 'ere. So that's four or five merc units, Aslan, Zhodani... Everyone runs their own Intel. I'm beginin' to get the Collace vibe: everyone is into everyone else's business. It's like "real time industrial espionage" an' yer "intelligence brokering" is a thing 'ere. Cor, stone me that's ruddy fascinatin' ... I mean 'ow they stay up... under a clingy frock like... Ow!"

"Aster love, it's the ruddy pinnacle of "crass Imperialism" to not ogle the Zhodani birds! You want to loosen up... be more diplomatic like me..." It is possible to "hear" his smile " 'Ere are you comin' over all... authoritarian again? Oh, will you 'ave a butchers at 'er with the Ambassador? Older bird with the look of a strict disciplinarian? Reminds me of Sister Vippy from the Fondling... er... Foundling 'Ome. Funny accent - Sword Worlds 'pparently. Lot of them in tonight. Wonder if there's time to nip back to the ship for me skool cap an' satchel...? Ow!

"So we've seen," Roscoe said. "There are also a lot of psionics here. A lot. And we were approached by one of them. It's kind of spooky and they seem to have talents that I hadn't anticipated. The trip is proving to be educational."

"And they can deactivate or suppress psionics," Bona said. "Ask me how Growler found out."

[Thumper]

Walt

Roll dem bones for a "Fix" (or even a "Bodge").

If that's the way you want to go solutions from the glorious to the mundane may present themselves for this particular chipped windscreen...

Before touching the focus, Walt pulls from the pocket of the suit his own medallion (the INT enhancer), puts it on with no fanfare, and Tucks it away out of sight.

Does his Ancients INT medallion still function?

He peers at it a while, then he physically examines the artifact:

[2d6]=4
DM +6 or DM +4 (+5 INT with the INT medallion working…3 without & +1 Ancients Tech)

“So, this little gem leaks power continuously when it’s meant to be controlled? This damaged crystal is both a boon and a massive burden, I can tell. But you, Lannigan, can turn everything or everyone psi off and this down? Another Ancients Artifact or is it just you? Or is it only when the two of you are together?

Growler on the Link:

"Ask me how Growler found out."

”Yeah, yeah. If ya never ask the question…the answer’s always “No”. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. And all that…”

[ateno]

"Er... just in case anyone 'asn't twigged yet - this place is full of spies! Well, maybe not spies but "field agents" for all the interested parties 'ere. So that's four or five merc units, Aslan, Zhodani... Everyone runs their own Intel. I'm beginin' to get the Collace vibe: everyone is into everyone else's business. It's like "real time industrial espionage" an' yer "intelligence brokering" is a thing 'ere. Cor, stone me that's ruddy fascinatin' ... I mean 'ow they stay up... under a clingy frock like... Ow!"

On the psi net:

"If anyone needs anything i'm over here saving my self in case"

Arkar

[Tiglath]

Walt

Does his Ancients INT medallion still function?

Yes

He peers at it a while, then he physically examines the artifact:

[2d6]=4
DM +6 or DM +4 (+5 INT with the INT medallion working…3 without & +1 Ancients Tech)

Walt reckons the inner workings of the focus are beyond his ken but if Bilis could recreate the material that the focus is made of... then maybe the fractured face of the pendant could be "shielded/walled over"? i.e. making the "pendant" a "locket" - for want of a better descriptive.

"So, this little gem leaks power continuously when it’s meant to be controlled? This damaged crystal is both a boon and a massive burden, I can tell. But you, Lannigan, can turn everything or everyone psi off and this down? Another Ancients Artifact or is it just you? Or is it only when the two of you are together?

Lannigan nods once more and then indicates his own head.

Tourmaline adds "It is his gift - he is another "wild" talent. Lannigan is a Psionic "Blank"... an anti-psionic. A happy discovery from the battlefield at Avastan Down. It may have saved his life when he cut me from my power... although apparently... my berserkergang was near spent...".

[Tiglath]

Arkar

"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 is towed along in the wake of Recon One as they introduce themselves to the grey uniformed Sword Worlders. Both teams are very "alpha", very confident individuals - Arkar reckons a bar room brawl between them would demolish the restaurant and possibly the top of the arcology. "One" (The Master Chief) "takes point" and introduces himself with challenging smile "Hey, what're you guys doing in our bar?" The biggest Swordy seems to read the Imperials' body language well enough and replies with a grin "Oh, we just got here - so it's our bar now". He introduces himself and his comrades "Chefsergeant Rolf Jørgen. This is Seniorsergent Vanja Torben and Seniorsergent Einar Kjeld. Major Kristín Vitt is having sex against the bar. We are with Monoc Securities". The Master Chief gives a good natured laugh good and replies "The hell you're with Monoc - that's just a cover organization! Well, since we were here first, I'm willing to buy a round while we debate who owns this bar. I'm "One" that's "Two", "Three" and "Four" - contractual obligation". Chefsergeant Rolf Jørgen chuckles and extends his hand in the warrior's grip "So, we are with Monoc and you are not 4DC Deep Recon. I think this will be a fine debate!"

Arkar gets the impression that this might very well be a case of "Greek meets Greek" and either a fight and/or bacchanal of legendary proportions. If he tags in he's likely to wake up in a skip* and need major organ refurbishment therapy.

(OOC: * Traditional end to a "lost" night out (British). A skip (UK) being a roadside portable "bin" for builder's waste / very comfy nest (not!) for a follower of Bacchus ).

[Tiglath]

William and Ciencia

Kiriaklabatl smiles and... continues "Indeed I think a toast to diplomacy is a timely one for I believe the Ambassador is about to join us".

William nodded. "... Let us strive toward that sentiment."

The Zhodani officers make space around William and Ciencia as a small group of older Zhodani approach. The trio are (redundantly) shaded by a ceremonial parasol bearer who is a young female Zhodani naval officer. The principal is an ageing yet seemingly still vigorous silver bearded male. He wears an impressive turban with a feathered plume and jeweled decoration. The open neck and mid length sleeves of his black collarless thigh length coat reveal a belted tunic in rose coloured silk and loose grey riding trousers tucked into black knee length boots. The grip of the saber at his waist looks well worn. He is accompanied by another slighter, grey clad unarmed male wearing a well decorated but less ostentatious turban and bearing what appears to be a ceremonial scroll. The third figure stands a step behind the principal at his left shoulder. Black hair piled in a chignon she is draped in "uberblack" cloth describing her ageing features as “hawkish” might be not unkind for she surely has something of a predatory aspect to her demeanour. So, whilst maybe not pretty, she is surely a “handsome” woman.

All three stop and incline their heads to William and Ciencia before they approach. In softly accented Galanglic the Ambassador states "Mr and Mrs Larsson, I am Ambassador Vlezpridliashav and this is my escort the Dowager Tsadrastebr and the Scribe Itvikiasatl. What a pleasure to meet you both in such interesting circumstances". He adds casually "My Guards attend us of course but, if I may ask your indulgence, this is my ward Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiepr who is granting us shade as we dine". He introduces the young Consular Navy officer who seems overtly friendly and very eager to meet people if surprised to be introduced.

(OOC: Here's a reminder of Ciencia's Intel brief on arrival:

Ciencia would find out on arrival (via Imperial priority Diplomatic Corps transmissions that she's overtaken) that the Zhodani Ambassador Vlezpridliashav and his current partner The Dowager Tsadrastebr* are visiting District 268 and are even resident in Collace Prime at this time.

* ImpInt claim this identity is consistent with an Outworld Coalition exchange candidate from Arden who performed abysmally in the discredited "Cultural exchange space warfare Programme". Notes state that in these "wargames" (appropriate to her status) she was given command of a Sword World Torpedo Boat Squadron tasked with attacking significant Imperial Fleet elements resulting in [Classified: local archive*]. The official report on the programme satisfactorily shows Imperial ship types and tech to be dominant in all aspects of space warfare.

There is an ImpInt note rating this NavInt Intel as zero out of ten (irrelevant/corrupted) as to utility and a reference profile index.

*Now redacted Auth: Office of the Sector Admiral of the Spinward Marches (Admiral Santanocheev). Note: This data has been curated by the 'Office of Naval Information' and any copies marked as authored by the 'Office of Naval Intelligence' must be deleted as potentially erroneous/disinformation.

In an interesting local choice the Zhodani Ambassador elected to dock his ~800t vessel at the "very Downspire" Bartizan (owned by SEMC Mercs and several shell Corporations - very likely "The Shore").

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

Kiriaklabatl smiles and... continues "Indeed I think a toast to diplomacy is a timely one for I believe the Ambassador is about to join us".

William nodded. "... Let us strive toward that sentiment."

The Zhodani officers make space around William and Ciencia as a small group of older Zhodani approach. The trio are (redundantly) shaded by a ceremonial parasol bearer who is a young female Zhodani naval officer. The principal is an ageing yet seemingly still vigorous silver bearded male. He wears an impressive turban with a feathered plume and jeweled decoration. The open neck and mid length sleeves of his black collarless thigh length coat reveal a belted tunic in rose coloured silk and loose grey riding trousers tucked into black knee length boots. The grip of the saber at his waist looks well worn. He is accompanied by another slighter, grey clad unarmed male wearing a well decorated but less ostentatious turban and bearing what appears to be a ceremonial scroll. The third figure stands a step behind the principal at his left shoulder. Black hair piled in a chignon she is draped in "uberblack" cloth describing her ageing features as “hawkish” might be not unkind for she surely has something of a predatory aspect to her demeanour. So, whilst maybe not pretty, she is surely a “handsome” woman.

All three stop and incline their heads to William and Ciencia before they approach. In softly accented Galanglic the Ambassador states "Mr and Mrs Larsson, I am Ambassador Vlezpridliashav and this is my escort the Dowager Tsadrastebr and the Scribe Itvikiasatl. What a pleasure to meet you both in such interesting circumstances". He adds casually "My Guards attend us of course but, if I may ask your indulgence, this is my ward Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiepr who is granting us shade as we dine". He introduces the young Consular Navy officer who seems overtly friendly and very eager to meet people if surprised to be introduced.

“The pleasure is ours, Ambassador Vlezpridliashav,” Ciencia said in his tongue. “Madam Tsadrastebr, Scribe Itvikiasatl, Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiepr, our greeting to you as well. Your associates have been very interesting and engaging companions, and I am glad to have met you all.”