008: Reunion at Collace

[terrymixon]

“While I might suspect a few people could use it, that’s not the same thing as knowing. That’s why you need to have some visibility. Even if you had a group of people secretly recommending names, how will people react to this from someone unknown?”

"That's the whole point. If you see someone, and I'll bet you know of them, you bring them the funds. Or, you can introduce your friend, one of our agents, who will give something to them, if that works better. Think about the local restaurant, repair tech, busker, coworker, whomever. There's the good student who could use money for clothes, or a tutor. This isn't a formal process, since I'm not trying to make money at it. For you two, I would give you a thousand credits to disperse as you see fit. Then, when you find another need, you come back for more. I don't even want to know who you gave it to, unless there's a security problem, and even then you'd go to the local factor for assistance."

She shook her head. “It’s too cumbersome and relies too heavily on a limited number of people. I know a few but there are legions of people that might need help. Of those I know, some are good at concealing their need and I might not realize it. This would need a lot of people and still miss the most needy. You will have to have a way people can apply and be vetted. Nothing else can work. And that will draw the trouble.”

[joertexas]

She shook her head. “It’s too cumbersome and relies too heavily on a limited number of people. I know a few but there are legions of people that might need help. Of those I know, some are good at concealing their need and I might not realize it. This would need a lot of people and still miss the most needy. You will have to have a way people can apply and be vetted. Nothing else can work. And that will draw the trouble.”

Jaelah thinks for a moment. "There are groups out there who help the needy. We could start by supporting them. I still want to use qualified individuals, even for just a while. I want to see how this process will work before I go to taking and vetting applicants. You both work in professions that see a lot of the needs. I want to leverage that to start. Again, I'm talking a few thousand credits, not billions."

[terrymixon]

She shook her head. “It’s too cumbersome and relies too heavily on a limited number of people. I know a few but there are legions of people that might need help. Of those I know, some are good at concealing their need and I might not realize it. This would need a lot of people and still miss the most needy. You will have to have a way people can apply and be vetted. Nothing else can work. And that will draw the trouble.”

Jaelah thinks for a moment. "There are groups out there who help the needy. We could start by supporting them. I still want to use qualified individuals, even for just a while. I want to see how this process will work before I go to taking and vetting applicants. You both work in professions that see a lot of the needs. I want to leverage that to start. Again, I'm talking a few thousand credits, not billions."

“I hear you, but do the math, dear. Two billion credits divided by 2,000 is a million. That is a very large scale operation. In this case, the smaller amounts make it more complicated, not less.”

[joertexas]

“I hear you, but do the math, dear. Two billion credits divided by 2,000 is a million. That is a very large scale operation. In this case, the smaller amounts make it more complicated, not less.”

Jaelah nods. "Yes, I know that this is a huge undertaking. I'm not on a timeline, I just want to help, and keep it under the sensors net while I figure out what works. Will you help me with the research?"

[terrymixon]

“I hear you, but do the math, dear. Two billion credits divided by 2,000 is a million. That is a very large scale operation. In this case, the smaller amounts make it more complicated, not less.”

Jaelah nods. "Yes, I know that this is a huge undertaking. I'm not on a timeline, I just want to help, and keep it under the sensors net while I figure out what works. Will you help me with the research?"

“Of course I’ll help. I just don’t have the skills to lead this kind of effort. You’ll want to start looking for others to help. I know organizations that help people and it might be better to help them help others.”

[joertexas]

“Of course I’ll help. I just don’t have the skills to lead this kind of effort. You’ll want to start looking for others to help. I know organizations that help people and it might be better to help them help others.”

"We will start there, then. Now, would you like to see the hub for the portal system?"

[terrymixon]

“Of course I’ll help. I just don’t have the skills to lead this kind of effort. You’ll want to start looking for others to help. I know organizations that help people and it might be better to help them help others.”

"We will start there, then. Now, would you like to see the hub for the portal system?"

“Yes.”

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

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.”

It's been a week, so I'm poking for action.

She nudges her husband discreetly. "Ahem."

[joertexas]

“Yes.”

Jaelah pings Roscoe via their link to return home. When he does, Jaelah takes everyone to the hub via the portals.

[helvorn]

William and Ciencia


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.”

It's been a week, so I'm poking for action.

She nudges her husband discreetly. "Ahem."

William stands as the obviously important Zhodani approach. He inclines his head and return and smiles. "As my lovely wife said the pleasure of meeting you is immense. You honor us with your presence." He waves at the table. "We have had very enlightening conversation with your Guards. It is a new and pleasant experience to speak to gentlemen of such superb caliber and reputation in their trade." William steps over and puts his hands on one of the chairs. "Ambassador Vlezpridliashav,, Madam Tsadrastebr, Scribe Itvikiasatl, Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiep," he speaks in fluent Zhdat. "Would you care to join us? I believe there are items of profound importance to discuss if I might be so bold."

[helvorn]

Walt

”Turning back to Tourmalines: “I may know a way to help. If it works, will you train me and some of my friends?”

Tourmaline replies "I am interested in help but I can not train you here on Collace - not with so many myrkálfar* in attendance. If you hire our unit there is the "time between times". I can not in any way replace the instruction I received and to attempt to do might even be dangerous but it seems you are powerful witches and warlocks all and so it is a matter of honing skills you already have".

(OOC: She probably means "dark elves" (presumably Zhodani) but instead used "dusky/murky elves".

As per the psi focus / can it be repaired like chipped windshield (actually "veneered")?

Yes! But only because the method used is "fabrication" itself...).

Walt nods. Thinks a minute while turning to view the Zho across the room. He returns to the conversation nodding his head "yes" and grinning.

"Excellent suggestive selling, Tourmaline. Well played.' The smile slowly fades. "In all seriousness, how about the two of you come to our ship tomorrow. I'll make the intros to the two individuals you might really like meeting. I really do think there is a chance we can fix this problem for you."

He reaches to shake and clink pint mugs with all.

Dzofin is quite impressed with the company. He introduces himself to Walter as a consultant with SMEC. When Thursuthkvaehh laughed it was like a religious experience that Dzofin would be sure to share with any future pack mates or pups. He melted just a small bit back into the background as the discussion between Thursuthkvaehh and the human Growler continued. There was definitely odd things going on and Dzofin just quietly lapped at his beer. His eyes and nose tracked the change in atmosphere when the human male approached. Clearly the scent of serious discussion was thick in the air. His eyes caught the charm held by Thursuthkvaehh and the medallion that Growler flashed. The Dzofin would definitely watch these humans and their interactions to try to understand what type of power they dealt. Given the discussion of amulets, witches and powers he could guess the subject. Carefully he slipped back into the crowd.

[terrymixon]

Jaelah pings Roscoe via their link to return home. When he does, Jaelah takes everyone to the hub via the portals.

He returns with the young ones grinning. The way they are chattering about what they saw, they are enamored with the wilderness.

The trip to the hub is quick enough, as you head back to the ship and then to the hub. The "hall of mirrors" is interesting, but the few side trips to see a few examples of what is able to be visited really gets everyone quiet.

Once you have seen things, your father will suggest that you all return to the apartment. The two of them want to talk to you and Roscoe without your brother and sister underfoot.

Assuming you agree, you'll be back at the apartment in short order. It's been a whirlwind few hours, and the kids take your reminder to tell no one solemnly and head for their rooms.

"This apartment seems small now," your mother said as she sat on the couch. "You've found so much, and it is so hard to take in. We will help you, but this is going to be quite the undertaking. The two of us will have to let everything settle and then we can start approaching people to help. Like we said, there are organizations that have contacts already. We'll talk with them first. How will the funds be disbursed and how will the people with oversight know that the group is approved? For that matter, you'll want to have a professional look over the groups to be sure they aren't problematic. They'll also need to be working wherever people are. We can help, but we don't know everyone, and we have jobs that will limit our time."

[joertexas]

"This apartment seems small now," your mother said as she sat on the couch. "You've found so much, and it is so hard to take in. We will help you, but this is going to be quite the undertaking. The two of us will have to let everything settle and then we can start approaching people to help. Like we said, there are organizations that have contacts already. We'll talk with them first. How will the funds be disbursed and how will the people with oversight know that the group is approved? For that matter, you'll want to have a professional look over the groups to be sure they aren't problematic. They'll also need to be working wherever people are. We can help, but we don't know everyone, and we have jobs that will limit our time."

"I will take these questions to the factor we've hired, and arrange for you to meet her. She's much better placed to help us with the setup, but she doesn't know who we really are, or anything about the Ancients tech. We also need to figure out how to give you access to a portal. We could set it up here, of course. Or," she grins, "I can buy you a new place here with more room. Oh, and whether or not you want anything here, I'd like to build you a house on Farm World, where you can come to relax. It can be anywhere on the planet you'd like."

[Tiglath]

Recap/Catch Up:

Campaign goal met: Jaelah's "assistance package" for small businesses on Collace.

Jaelah: viewtopic.php?p=733417#p733417

4DC Mercs hired but SEMC and the Aslan remain uncommitted

Walt: viewtopic.php?p=735297#p735297

Intel learned
Arkar: viewtopic.php?p=735119#p735119
Dzofin: viewtopic.php?p=735902#p735902

[Tiglath]

“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.”

It's been a week, so I'm poking for action.

She nudges her husband discreetly. "Ahem."

William stands as the obviously important Zhodani approach. He inclines his head and return and smiles. "As my lovely wife said the pleasure of meeting you is immense. You honor us with your presence." He waves at the table. "We have had very enlightening conversation with your Guards. It is a new and pleasant experience to speak to gentlemen of such superb caliber and reputation in their trade." William steps over and puts his hands on one of the chairs. "Ambassador Vlezpridliashav,, Madam Tsadrastebr, Scribe Itvikiasatl, Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiep," he speaks in fluent Zhdat. "Would you care to join us? I believe there are items of profound importance to discuss if I might be so bold."

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies "I will certainly do so and thank you for the invitation . Boldness can be a most admirable attribute. I find that in diplomatic circles people rarely speak their mind". He smiles and says "I shall act on my own observation and agree that your wife is indeed lovely. Together you make a wonderful couple and seem very much at ease in each others company... albeit so recently and so very happily married?" He chuckles "Please forgive me if you think me too forward or intrusive but my people are often unjustly accused of mental prying when we simply use the same vision enjoyed by every other being but tempered with the applied knowledge of our shared nature to discern facts that are apparent for all to see - if they have the understanding. So, now to these items of importance. What is it that you would like to discuss?"

[terrymixon]

William stands as the obviously important Zhodani approach. He inclines his head and return and smiles. "As my lovely wife said the pleasure of meeting you is immense. You honor us with your presence." He waves at the table. "We have had very enlightening conversation with your Guards. It is a new and pleasant experience to speak to gentlemen of such superb caliber and reputation in their trade." William steps over and puts his hands on one of the chairs. "Ambassador Vlezpridliashav,, Madam Tsadrastebr, Scribe Itvikiasatl, Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiep," he speaks in fluent Zhdat. "Would you care to join us? I believe there are items of profound importance to discuss if I might be so bold."

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies "I will certainly do so and thank you for the invitation . Boldness can be a most admirable attribute. I find that in diplomatic circles people rarely speak their mind". He smiles and says "I shall act on my own observation and agree that your wife is indeed lovely. Together you make a wonderful couple and seem very much at ease in each others company... albeit so recently and so very happily married?" He chuckles "Please forgive me if you think me too forward or intrusive but my people are often unjustly accused of mental prying when we simply use the same vision enjoyed by every other being but tempered with the applied knowledge of our shared nature to discern facts that are apparent for all to see - if they have the understanding. So, now to these items of importance. What is it that you would like to discuss?"

"You are quite astute," Ciencia said with a smile. "We are very recently married. Only a little more than a week as man and wife, as a matter of fact."

She will defer to William as he broached the subject.

[helvorn]

William stands as the obviously important Zhodani approach. He inclines his head and return and smiles. "As my lovely wife said the pleasure of meeting you is immense. You honor us with your presence." He waves at the table. "We have had very enlightening conversation with your Guards. It is a new and pleasant experience to speak to gentlemen of such superb caliber and reputation in their trade." William steps over and puts his hands on one of the chairs. "Ambassador Vlezpridliashav,, Madam Tsadrastebr, Scribe Itvikiasatl, Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiep," he speaks in fluent Zhdat. "Would you care to join us? I believe there are items of profound importance to discuss if I might be so bold."

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies "I will certainly do so and thank you for the invitation . Boldness can be a most admirable attribute. I find that in diplomatic circles people rarely speak their mind". He smiles and says "I shall act on my own observation and agree that your wife is indeed lovely. Together you make a wonderful couple and seem very much at ease in each others company... albeit so recently and so very happily married?" He chuckles "Please forgive me if you think me too forward or intrusive but my people are often unjustly accused of mental prying when we simply use the same vision enjoyed by every other being but tempered with the applied knowledge of our shared nature to discern facts that are apparent for all to see - if they have the understanding. So, now to these items of importance. What is it that you would like to discuss?"

"You are quite astute," Ciencia said with a smile. "We are very recently married. Only a little more than a week as man and wife, as a matter of fact."

She will defer to William as he broached the subject.

William smiled and squeezed Ciencia's hand. "Recently and quite happily married." He took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "I bring a message from the highest levels of Imperial government. The news I have will be breaking in a a few days to a week so this is not top-secret knowledge but rather a courtesy and gesture of cooperation as well as a wish for further peaceful dialog. There is a new Imperial based megacorporation that is going to be initially focused on small-scale but widespread improvements in living standards and technological levels in District 268. The actions of the principles of the organization are meant as philanthropic rather than cover for a power grab in the subsector. Obviously this is not a place for the detailed discussion but I will be happy to explain the details here for later at a location of your choice."

[terrymixon]

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies "I will certainly do so and thank you for the invitation . Boldness can be a most admirable attribute. I find that in diplomatic circles people rarely speak their mind". He smiles and says "I shall act on my own observation and agree that your wife is indeed lovely. Together you make a wonderful couple and seem very much at ease in each others company... albeit so recently and so very happily married?" He chuckles "Please forgive me if you think me too forward or intrusive but my people are often unjustly accused of mental prying when we simply use the same vision enjoyed by every other being but tempered with the applied knowledge of our shared nature to discern facts that are apparent for all to see - if they have the understanding. So, now to these items of importance. What is it that you would like to discuss?"

"You are quite astute," Ciencia said with a smile. "We are very recently married. Only a little more than a week as man and wife, as a matter of fact."

She will defer to William as he broached the subject.

William smiled and squeezed Ciencia's hand. "Recently and quite happily married." He took a deep breath and thought for a moment. "I bring a message from the highest levels of Imperial government. The news I have will be breaking in a a few days to a week so this is not top-secret knowledge but rather a courtesy and gesture of cooperation as well as a wish for further peaceful dialog. There is a new Imperial based megacorporation that is going to be initially focused on small-scale but widespread improvements in living standards and technological levels in District 268. The actions of the principles of the organization are meant as philanthropic rather than cover for a power grab in the subsector. Obviously this is not a place for the detailed discussion but I will be happy to explain the details here for later at a location of your choice."

"Perhaps not a message from the government," she disagreed with a shake of her head. "This is a private enterprise, and the message is from those behind the company. The Imperial government can either approve or disapprove, but we will be proceeding anyway. Though, to be clear, there will be additional commercial activity that will probably cause some disruption as well."

[terrymixon]

"This apartment seems small now," your mother said as she sat on the couch. "You've found so much, and it is so hard to take in. We will help you, but this is going to be quite the undertaking. The two of us will have to let everything settle and then we can start approaching people to help. Like we said, there are organizations that have contacts already. We'll talk with them first. How will the funds be disbursed and how will the people with oversight know that the group is approved? For that matter, you'll want to have a professional look over the groups to be sure they aren't problematic. They'll also need to be working wherever people are. We can help, but we don't know everyone, and we have jobs that will limit our time."

"I will take these questions to the factor we've hired, and arrange for you to meet her. She's much better placed to help us with the setup, but she doesn't know who we really are, or anything about the Ancients tech. We also need to figure out how to give you access to a portal. We could set it up here, of course. Or," she grins, "I can buy you a new place here with more room. Oh, and whether or not you want anything here, I'd like to build you a house on Farm World, where you can come to relax. It can be anywhere on the planet you'd like."

"You might have the money to afford better quarters, but we don't," her father said. "We will speak with the factor and see what can be arranged. As for a home there, that is something we will have to talk about at length. We shouldn't be rushing big decisions, and your siblings have friends here, as do we. It's complicated. If there is a portal here, it would need to be guarded better than anything I can think of yet still be accessible."

"I will be opening a business here that will need to be heavily protected," Roscoe said. "You are welcome to come back to the ship tomorrow at 10 am to see a demonstration of the technology with the factor. That will serve several purposes. In any case, this business could house the teleportal and that room could only be accessible to you. In addition, it can be modified to only allow you and your family to activate it or pass through. With robotically controlled security measures, that would keep Farm World safe and still let you through. If you could be lured into working for that company, we could arrange a living space that is well protected there as well."

"We'll see," your mother said. "At the least, meeting the factor and seeing the technology is something we can do. We'll have to take a personal day from our jobs, and get the kids out of school, but I believe it is worth it. We will be there."

[joertexas]

"We'll see," your mother said. "At the least, meeting the factor and seeing the technology is something we can do. We'll have to take a personal day from our jobs, and get the kids out of school, but I believe it is worth it. We will be there."

Jaelah smiles. "Now that the business is settled, I'd like to take you all to dinner. Where would you like to go?"