008: Reunion at Collace

[terrymixon]

Bona, Growler and Frank

"I will take your words to the rest so we can consider this situation fully. One way or another, I feel confident that an accord can be reached. Having neighbors like your people would undoubtedly be a good thing. The area is less than thirty parsecs from the Heirate border. I expect we will have some dealings with them as well, though I am uncertain what the tone of that will be. As for the gifts, I hope they save lives and enable the wounded to get back into battle once more should that be their desire."

Polly replies "I am grateful. Please impress upon your business partners that Ihatei expansionists encountering a colonist enclave garrisoned by Iyhula Clan troops will behave... with more propiety and respect. As to your medical gifts it is known that "Wounds taken to the front are a glory which never loses its lustre". Glancing over at Frank she smiles warmly "Although not a respected Aslan quotation it is also true that coming home in one piece is also positively rewarded".

"Perhaps the judicious use in repairing debilitating injuries while leaving the scars could be managed," Bona said. "In any case, I will pass your words to my partners, and we will thoroughly consider the matter. Personally, I think it sounds like a good idea."

[terrymixon]

Frank Cross

"If you prefer us to move our ship to the area under your control and set the meeting there at 10 hundred hours, that will mean less moving for the patient and provide all the proivacy we would like. I should have thought of that, and you are right to suggest it."

I have to say clearing out the parts you are responding to makes it hard to remember what was said.

Walt-
”Indeed, a great idea. We look forward to a productive friendship. This is going to be good for all of us.” He stands and extends a hand to all beginning with Polly. ”I’m going to step over to 4DC and inform them of the change in venue. Until the morning then.”

He Neural Links Bona: ”Can I get you alone once we both can break away, and before dinner? On the veranda?”

Frank stands and shakes all proferred hands.

"Until tomorrow. Let me send you my comms info." he provides a priority number to his offices at the Bartizan. "Send me your ship details and I'll make sure there is a suitable landing spot waiting for you. Thank you."

"I will do so. It's an 800-ton ship and fully streamlined."

[joertexas]

"Someone is being robbed," he said grimly. "Jaelah, take your family back a bit and I will deal with them."

"Be careful," Jaelah says as she moves her family back. "Mom, let Roscoe take the lead on this. He's pretty capable."

[terrymixon]

"Someone is being robbed," he said grimly. "Jaelah, take your family back a bit and I will deal with them."

"Be careful," Jaelah says as she moves her family back. "Mom, let Roscoe take the lead on this. He's pretty capable."

Roscoe isn't armed but he doesn't seem less confident because of that. he'll advance toward the dark alley.

His plan is to be confronted and improvise his attack based on their actions. After all, to his thinking, they have no idea what he is capable of.

[Tiglath]

William & Ciencia vs Vlezpridliashav

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."

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav states with level precision "You speak with an authority... that I recognize... Mr. Larsson. The Consulate always welcomes courtesy and cooperation and shares your wish for further peaceful dialog. It would be most unfortunate if these gestures were no more than that. While we welcome the goodwill that emanates from Coreward it seems that, more locally, expansionism and aggression as well as heinous crimes against humanity committed by your megacorporations seem to present observers of Imperial policy with... what is now... some rather mixed messaging as to the benefits of Imperial rule".

"I very much appreciate your candour regarding forthcoming events but I can not help but wonder if the appearance of a new Imperial megacorporation will be welcomed by a people who have just so valiantly thrown off the oppressive and strangling yoke of another?"

"Only time will tell," Ciencia said. "I am taking notes of the ill-behaved, though."

"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."

Vlezpridliashav responds smoothly "Forgive my confusion but I am taken aback. Is there dissonance within the highest levels of Imperial government? Or..." he smiles fondly "...just the joy of a couple learning each other's mind on certain matters?" He adds "You seem of independent spirit Lady Ciencia. How wonderful!"

Her smile widened. "You are exceptionally well informed, Ambassador. A little bird must have flown straight from Glisten to chirp in your ear so promptly. My new posting there was only announced eight days ago. Or was it nine? It is difficult keeping track of fast-moving events."

She leaned forward. "I would say that we are still finding out footing. We aren't necessarily disagreeing, but finding our comfort zone." Her smile widened. "You are very smooth and polished, but I'd wager the new technology that brought the news was an unexpected surprise. Maybe even more than finding out I was sitting at your table talking to your friendly associates. Would you agree that this counts as a diplomatic encounter? Should we speak more plainly and actually accomplish something or politely continue dancing around the big points?"

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies urbanely "Mrs Larrson, if I am smooth it is perhaps because I am a diplomat. Perhaps you again discount that I am might merely also be exceptionally well observed? But forgive the instincts of such a tired old predator as myself where my attention is still instinctively drawn to fast moving objects... or even events. For news to cover so many parsecs in as many days would be a great uplift to humanity as a whole. We seem to see the irrefutable evidence of such a phenomenon before our very eyes - yet apparently unannounced and kept secret by the Imperium. You are quite right that those seeking enlightenment do now correspond with me from Glisten but the transit time for the fastest mail from there is two weeks. Please indulge the storytelling of my dotage but in my current posting I enjoy the very activity of correspondence and so, steeped in the minutiae of its transaction, I could not but help recognize your beauty and noble bearing from the likeness on the holostamp. So, all on Collace would just ask to know how you are now here... Crown Princess Ciencia".

He adds levelly "Princess, with the greatest respect and no sleight to those who advise you and the most steadfast hope that someone does, in the field in which I profess some modest expertise your clandestine arrival here on independent ground rates as a "diplomatic incident" as a bare minimum. Furthermore the unannounced presence of the future Emperor flaunting Imperial dominance over neutral and unaligned worlds may amount to what some would describe as a most inflammatory act appearing to grant direct Imperial affirmation of your local expansionist policies! Crown Princess, your Empire's posture here is plain for all to see!"

[Tiglath]

William & Ciencia vs Vlezpridliashav

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav states with level precision "You speak with an authority... that I recognize... Mr. Larsson. The Consulate always welcomes courtesy and cooperation and shares your wish for further peaceful dialog. It would be most unfortunate if these gestures were no more than that. While we welcome the goodwill that emanates from Coreward it seems that, more locally, expansionism and aggression as well as heinous crimes against humanity committed by your megacorporations seem to present observers of Imperial policy with... what is now... some rather mixed messaging as to the benefits of Imperial rule".

"I very much appreciate your candour regarding forthcoming events but I can not help but wonder if the appearance of a new Imperial megacorporation will be welcomed by a people who have just so valiantly thrown off the oppressive and strangling yoke of another?"

William met Ambassador Vlezpridliashav's eyes steadily. "I've always found that words mean little unless backed up with deeds. Believe me, as one who has fought and bled for causes created to enrich the megacorporations that they are not always the models of behavior that we wish to follow. I would expect that the disruptive effect of what we are doing may somewhat reduce the entrenched power of which you speak."

"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."

Vlezpridliashav responds smoothly "Forgive my confusion but I am taken aback. Is there dissonance within the highest levels of Imperial government? Or..." he smiles fondly "...just the joy of a couple learning each other's mind on certain matters?" He adds "You seem of independent spirit Lady Ciencia. How wonderful!"

William chuckled and shook his head. "She always gets the nuance better than I. It's a gift."

"Spirited, yet perceptive with it and also with an eye for the commerce which benefits all just as surely as worthy philanthropy. You are indeed a most fortunate man, Mr Larsson".

"Ambassador, as you know any discussion regarding large-scale policy, megacorporations and disruptions to the status quo are complicated. Our message to you is equally complicated. You will find that we are all one mind with the sector and higher levels of government but as my wife stated we are private players." William smiled warmly at Ciencia. "Perhaps there is a dissonance or perhaps there are two separate messages being delivered at the same time. Certainly even with newlyweds unity of action and purpose is one of the hallmarks of a good marriage. Also in differences of experience and approach a marriage can find strength. You can believe that we both are equally serious and equally aligned."

Vlezpridliashav replies "Crown Consort, Emperor Elect, your position here is absolutely plain. You stride over the border and plant your sunburst flag on Collace with absolutely no consultation with the billion people who live here. Do you come here announced or even with an invitation? I can assure you that I do. Just as the population would rejoice in their freedom from the malign influence of one Imperial megacorporation you personally and immediately replace it with yet another mercantile dominance? That SuSAG would attempt to sneak a return is perhaps anticipated but direct, immediate and personal Imperial intervention on their behalf as soon as the brave and independent people of this sub sector have cast them out is surely a most egregious insult? Be sure that you actions here do not go unobserved".

William notices that the Zhodani Guards have now unpeacebonded their sabers and now move to protect the Imperial/Ambassadorial conference. As he moves to take post Kiriaklabatl gives him a disdainful glance.

[terrymixon]

William & Ciencia

Her smile widened. "You are exceptionally well informed, Ambassador. A little bird must have flown straight from Glisten to chirp in your ear so promptly. My new posting there was only announced eight days ago. Or was it nine? It is difficult keeping track of fast-moving events."

She leaned forward. "I would say that we are still finding out footing. We aren't necessarily disagreeing, but finding our comfort zone." Her smile widened. "You are very smooth and polished, but I'd wager the new technology that brought the news was an unexpected surprise. Maybe even more than finding out I was sitting at your table talking to your friendly associates. Would you agree that this counts as a diplomatic encounter? Should we speak more plainly and actually accomplish something or politely continue dancing around the big points?"

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies urbanely "Mrs Larrson, if I am smooth it is perhaps because I am a diplomat. Perhaps you again discount that I am might merely also be exceptionally well observed? But forgive the instincts of such a tired old predator as myself where my attention is still instinctively drawn to fast moving objects... or even events. For news to cover so many parsecs in as many days would be a great uplift to humanity as a whole. We seem to see the irrefutable evidence of such a phenomenon before our very eyes - yet apparently unannounced and kept secret by the Imperium. You are quite right that those seeking enlightenment do now correspond with me from Glisten but the transit time for the fastest mail from there is two weeks. Please indulge the storytelling of my dotage but in my retirement posting I enjoy the very activity of correspondence and so, steeped in the minutiae of its transaction, I could not but help recognize your beauty and noble bearing from the likeness on the holostamp. So, all on Collace would just ask to know how you are now here... Crown Princess Ciencia".

He adds levelly "Princess, with the greatest respect and no sleight to those who advise you and the most steadfast hope that someone does, in the field in which I profess some modest expertise your clandestine arrival here on independent ground rates as a "diplomatic incident" at a minimum. Furthermore the unannounced presence of the future Emperor flaunting Imperial dominance over neutral and unaligned worlds may amount to what some would describe as a most inflammatory act appearing to grant direct Imperial affirmation of your local expansionist policies! Crown Princess, your Empire's posture here is plain for all to see!"

"I'm not so certain that I would characterize this as a diplomatic incident," she disagreed politely. "I believe that is incendiary language and I don't see a reason to fight. In fact, I see this situation in a rather different light. You'll note that I don't have any any of the trappings that go along with my Imperial position at hand. Oh, and I suppose you haven't heard yet, so it only seems fair to inform you. My father sent a message asking me to remain in the Spinward Marches for a while and to fill the role--at least temporarily--of Arch Duchess of Deneb. I believe he wants to give me some seasoning.

"That news will arrive at the same time word of my nuptials will. You see, we've sped ahead of that sort of thing thought I'm willing to tell you all about it. It's not a secret Imperial technology. It's actually a civilian invention that will undoubtedly cause quite a bit of furor once word of it begins spreading."

She leaned back in her seat, picked up her drink, and sipped it. "I wasn't expecting to run into a representative of the Consulate during this trip. You see, I'm actually here to support a friend in a personal matter. I have no ulterior motives for my presence, and I honestly didn't expect anyone would recognize me. Kudos to you for that. Are you a stamp collector? You must be if you know who I am simply based on a stamp."

Ciencia set her drink back on the table. "I suppose if you want to take offense at me being here, I can't stop you, but I will caution you not to read too much into the situation because I'll be leaving again shortly. There's a lot of work to do back at Glisten. Oh, I decided that that will be the seat that I occupy for now. I don't want to get involved with the remainder of the high nobility there and fall into their machinations, and the Duchess of Glisten had a rather unfortunate encounter with a lethal weapon and her heir is under arrest for treason. It was quite exciting, really. There's a vacuum that I'm afraid I'm going to have to fill for some time."

Now she leaned forward and gave him a serious look. "Let me be frank, Ambassador. You seem inclined to see any action I take as coming from an overbearing Imperium. Let me flip the script on that. One of your covert operatives almost killed a friend of mine and I certainly wasn't joking when I said that did not make me very happy at all. Oh, I'm sure that you'll say that it's just the work of a madman and I have no proof otherwise, but here we go with those feelings of mistrust again. If we come into this discussion already discounting what the other has to say, then we' won't get very far.

"If you want to hear my story and learn something of what's going on inside the Marches, I'm willing to talk but if you insist on claiming that my presence here is an action against you and yours, not only are you mistaken and being overly paranoid, you'll have to get answers for yourself. You might be the wily old professional in diplomatic circles--and I certainly don't have very much experience when it comes to that--but I can tell when I'm being led along. You, Ambassador, said what you said precisely because you wanted to provoke a response. I'm not going to cooperate. Shall we set aside our professional responsibilities for now and have a pleasant chat or should I take my husband and go circulate elsewhere in the party? After all, there's quite a few people here that I am absolutely fascinated with. Your call, Ambassador."

[Tiglath]

Frank Cross

Walt-
”Indeed, a great idea. We look forward to a productive friendship. This is going to be good for all of us.” He stands and extends a hand to all beginning with Polly. ”I’m going to step over to 4DC and inform them of the change in venue. Until the morning then.”

He Neural Links Bona: ”Can I get you alone once we both can break away, and before dinner? On the veranda?”

Frank stands and shakes all proferred hands.

"Until tomorrow. Let me send you my comms info." he provides a priority number to his offices at the Bartizan. "Send me your ship details and I'll make sure there is a suitable landing spot waiting for you. Thank you."

"I will do so. It's an 800-ton ship and fully streamlined."

The Lost and Found can easily land on the less than 1000 dton spaceport that forms the flat roof of the Bartizan sea fortress projecting from the sea level roots of Collace Prime.

[Tiglath]

Garvin and Aster vs Styx and Lethe

Aster pokes Garvin. "Those Sword World tarts are eying us. Let's go make nice and see if they are worth the counterintelligence effort to seduce them."

Garvin sighs "I read up in "Relationships Monthly" that it's 'ow one partner responds to a, perceived mind you, unreasonable demand by the other that really cements or undermines a relationship. So, even though it might seem like an 'ardship, I'm just goin' to throw meself in 'ere full of buoyant positivity!"

He then adds "They're "players" alright. Styx is the more dominant twin but might not be the brains - that'll be Lethe". He twitches a smile at his wife "You got their names and personalities straight during our last encounter, right? She's also got a micro pistol in a pouch in 'er fur wrap. Struck me as nowhere near 'eavy enough for a tart's derringer. More like a covert piece for someone 'oo can really shoot - but you know guns aren't my thing..." he smiles "...people are".

She grinned. "Then let's go people."

Garvin grins and asks "Is that a verb?"

He then sets his gameface and heads over to the twins who seem to be taking a break from "circulating". Smiling at both but addressing one he states "You seem to be in slacktime so I'm takin' me chance. My usual chat up line is "If I said you 'ad a beautiful body would you 'old it against me?"* But seein' as you've got a micropistol in yer wrap an' I'm wearin' two polyceramic throwin' knives in echelon over me ribs I'm guessin' we're both in the "One shot an' one for professional insurance club?" Against a "show an' tell" I'll bet you that I came up a complete blank on your searches because I'm good at what I do - which is not comin' to notice an absolutely no wet work. My old lady's a fan an' we'd both like to buy you a drink...".

(OOC: * Grocho Marx not The Bellamy Brothers
Garvin chatting up birds:

Oh FFS he is like some sort of walking bioweapon.
Hai Karate (by SuSAG) "Be careful how you use it".

[terrymixon]

Garvin and Aster vs Styx and Lethe

Garvin sighs "I read up in "Relationships Monthly" that it's 'ow one partner responds to a, perceived mind you, unreasonable demand by the other that really cements or undermines a relationship. So, even though it might seem like an 'ardship, I'm just goin' to throw meself in 'ere full of buoyant positivity!"

He then adds "They're "players" alright. Styx is the more dominant twin but might not be the brains - that'll be Lethe". He twitches a smile at his wife "You got their names and personalities straight during our last encounter, right? She's also got a micro pistol in a pouch in 'er fur wrap. Struck me as nowhere near 'eavy enough for a tart's derringer. More like a covert piece for someone 'oo can really shoot - but you know guns aren't my thing..." he smiles "...people are".

She grinned. "Then let's go people."

Garvin grins and asks "Is that a verb?"

He then sets his gameface and heads over to the twins who seem to be taking a break from "circulating". Smiling at both but addressing one he states "You seem to be in slacktime so I'm takin' me chance. My usual chat up line is "If I said you 'ad a beautiful body would you 'old it against me?"* But seein' as you've got a micropistol in yer wrap an' I'm wearin' two polyceramic throwin' knives in echelon over me ribs I'm guessin' we're both in the "One shot an' one for professional insurance club?" Against a "show an' tell" I'll bet you that I came up a complete blank on your searches because I'm good at what I do - which is not comin' to notice an absolutely no wet work. My old lady's a fan an' we'd both like to buy you a drink...".

(OOC: * Grocho Marx not The Bellamy Brothers
Garvin chatting up birds:

Oh FFS he is like some sort of walking bioweapon.
Hai Karate (by SuSAG) "Be careful how you use it".

The one you are addressing (which one is that?) smiles in a way that just screams "I'm available and willing", but you don't really believe that. There's an edge just below the surface that puts a sliver of distance into her otherwise accommodating response. "Is a set of knives all you're hiding? I like knives, too. Tell you what. If you show me yours, I'll show you mine."

[Tiglath]

Garvin and Aster vs Styx and Lethe

She grinned. "Then let's go people."

Garvin grins and asks "Is that a verb?"

He then sets his gameface and heads over to the twins who seem to be taking a break from "circulating". Smiling at both but addressing one he states "You seem to be in slacktime so I'm takin' me chance. My usual chat up line is "If I said you 'ad a beautiful body would you 'old it against me?"* But seein' as you've got a micropistol in yer wrap an' I'm wearin' two polyceramic throwin' knives in echelon over me ribs I'm guessin' we're both in the "One shot an' one for professional insurance club?" Against a "show an' tell" I'll bet you that I came up a complete blank on your searches because I'm good at what I do - which is not comin' to notice an absolutely no wet work. My old lady's a fan an' we'd both like to buy you a drink...".

(OOC: * Grocho Marx not The Bellamy Brothers
Garvin chatting up birds:

Oh FFS he is like some sort of walking bioweapon.
Hai Karate (by SuSAG) "Be careful how you use it".

The one you are addressing (which one is that?) smiles in a way that just screams "I'm available and willing", but you don't really believe that. There's an edge just below the surface that puts a sliver of distance into her otherwise accommodating response. "Is a set of knives all you're hiding? I like knives, too. Tell you what. If you show me yours, I'll show you mine."

Garvin is "on point" so he's addressing Styx (who he perceives as the major threat). He grins "Well, I'm tryin' to disguise me enthusiastic intentions but I've never put off a girl keen on gettin' 'er 'ands around me hilt". He holds open his jacket giving access to draw either of the two throwing knives whose sheaths are incorporated within the styling of his waistcoat

(OOC: Likes knives? Oh, yes she does! Styx also has a double edged ceramic punch dagger in the other end of her fur wrap. Styx and Lethe are both professional field agents (actually renegade/burned agents of the Sword Worlds elite Jagd ref Col Kurz 1188th Lift Infantry) but are more than happy to "fool around" when off the clock - which they now are having just pulled off the field Intelligence coup of the decade on Collace.

Hot blond twins sketch bios: Styx likes blades, handguns and high tech burglary and is an assassin. Lethe likes people, other folk's security systems and drones/robots and is wet work support).

[terrymixon]

William & Ciencia vs Vlezpridliashav

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav states with level precision "You speak with an authority... that I recognize... Mr. Larsson. The Consulate always welcomes courtesy and cooperation and shares your wish for further peaceful dialog. It would be most unfortunate if these gestures were no more than that. While we welcome the goodwill that emanates from Coreward it seems that, more locally, expansionism and aggression as well as heinous crimes against humanity committed by your megacorporations seem to present observers of Imperial policy with... what is now... some rather mixed messaging as to the benefits of Imperial rule".

"I very much appreciate your candour regarding forthcoming events but I can not help but wonder if the appearance of a new Imperial megacorporation will be welcomed by a people who have just so valiantly thrown off the oppressive and strangling yoke of another?"

William met Ambassador Vlezpridliashav's eyes steadily. "I've always found that words mean little unless backed up with deeds. Believe me, as one who has fought and bled for causes created to enrich the megacorporations that they are not always the models of behavior that we wish to follow. I would expect that the disruptive effect of what we are doing may somewhat reduce the entrenched power of which you speak."

"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."

Vlezpridliashav responds smoothly "Forgive my confusion but I am taken aback. Is there dissonance within the highest levels of Imperial government? Or..." he smiles fondly "...just the joy of a couple learning each other's mind on certain matters?" He adds "You seem of independent spirit Lady Ciencia. How wonderful!"

William chuckled and shook his head. "She always gets the nuance better than I. It's a gift."

"Spirited, yet perceptive with it and also with an eye for the commerce which benefits all just as surely as worthy philanthropy. You are indeed a most fortunate man, Mr Larsson".

"Ambassador, as you know any discussion regarding large-scale policy, megacorporations and disruptions to the status quo are complicated. Our message to you is equally complicated. You will find that we are all one mind with the sector and higher levels of government but as my wife stated we are private players." William smiled warmly at Ciencia. "Perhaps there is a dissonance or perhaps there are two separate messages being delivered at the same time. Certainly even with newlyweds unity of action and purpose is one of the hallmarks of a good marriage. Also in differences of experience and approach a marriage can find strength. You can believe that we both are equally serious and equally aligned."

Vlezpridliashav replies "Crown Consort, Emperor Elect, your position here is absolutely plain. You stride over the border and plant your sunburst flag on Collace with absolutely no consultation with the billion people who live here. Do you come here announced or even with an invitation? I can assure you that I do. Just as the population would rejoice in their freedom from the malign influence of one Imperial megacorporation you personally and immediately replace it with yet another mercantile dominance? That SuSAG would attempt to sneak a return is perhaps anticipated but direct, immediate and personal Imperial intervention on their behalf as soon as the brave and independent people of this sub sector have cast them out is surely a most egregious insult? Be sure that you actions here do not go unobserved".

William notices that the Zhodani Guards have now unpeacebonded their sabers and now move to protect the Imperial/Ambassadorial conference. As he moves to take post Kiriaklabatl gives him a disdainful glance.

Ciencia nodded and stood. "It saddens me that you intentionally misinterpret what you see, but I cannot say it surprises me. I had hoped to have a dialog, but you are unwilling to meet me even partway. " She leaned forward. "Tell me, Ambassador, how do you think our hosts will react to the insult you have given them? Throwing your peace bonds aside at a celebration? Attempting--and failing--to intimidate people that have offered you no threat or insult? You're right that people will take notice of what is happening here, but you've badly misjudged just what that means."

She raised an eyebrow at Kiriaklabatl as she stood. "We are leaving, warrior. Unless, of course, you plan to attack us start the next war between our peoples right here and now."

Even as she spoke in a level voice, she was paying attention to the people around them. This situation had just gotten hairy, and she expected their hosts to intervene. It would be telling how that occurred. Perhaps she was the one misjudging, but she didn't think so. The Zhodoni had just offered a provocation to a room full of mercenaries and things were going to get interesting.

[helvorn]

William & Ciencia

Her smile widened. "You are exceptionally well informed, Ambassador. A little bird must have flown straight from Glisten to chirp in your ear so promptly. My new posting there was only announced eight days ago. Or was it nine? It is difficult keeping track of fast-moving events."

She leaned forward. "I would say that we are still finding out footing. We aren't necessarily disagreeing, but finding our comfort zone." Her smile widened. "You are very smooth and polished, but I'd wager the new technology that brought the news was an unexpected surprise. Maybe even more than finding out I was sitting at your table talking to your friendly associates. Would you agree that this counts as a diplomatic encounter? Should we speak more plainly and actually accomplish something or politely continue dancing around the big points?"

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav replies urbanely "Mrs Larrson, if I am smooth it is perhaps because I am a diplomat. Perhaps you again discount that I am might merely also be exceptionally well observed? But forgive the instincts of such a tired old predator as myself where my attention is still instinctively drawn to fast moving objects... or even events. For news to cover so many parsecs in as many days would be a great uplift to humanity as a whole. We seem to see the irrefutable evidence of such a phenomenon before our very eyes - yet apparently unannounced and kept secret by the Imperium. You are quite right that those seeking enlightenment do now correspond with me from Glisten but the transit time for the fastest mail from there is two weeks. Please indulge the storytelling of my dotage but in my retirement posting I enjoy the very activity of correspondence and so, steeped in the minutiae of its transaction, I could not but help recognize your beauty and noble bearing from the likeness on the holostamp. So, all on Collace would just ask to know how you are now here... Crown Princess Ciencia".

He adds levelly "Princess, with the greatest respect and no sleight to those who advise you and the most steadfast hope that someone does, in the field in which I profess some modest expertise your clandestine arrival here on independent ground rates as a "diplomatic incident" at a minimum. Furthermore the unannounced presence of the future Emperor flaunting Imperial dominance over neutral and unaligned worlds may amount to what some would describe as a most inflammatory act appearing to grant direct Imperial affirmation of your local expansionist policies! Crown Princess, your Empire's posture here is plain for all to see!"

"I'm not so certain that I would characterize this as a diplomatic incident," she disagreed politely. "I believe that is incendiary language and I don't see a reason to fight. In fact, I see this situation in a rather different light. You'll note that I don't have any any of the trappings that go along with my Imperial position at hand. Oh, and I suppose you haven't heard yet, so it only seems fair to inform you. My father sent a message asking me to remain in the Spinward Marches for a while and to fill the role--at least temporarily--of Arch Duchess of Deneb. I believe he wants to give me some seasoning.

"That news will arrive at the same time word of my nuptials will. You see, we've sped ahead of that sort of thing thought I'm willing to tell you all about it. It's not a secret Imperial technology. It's actually a civilian invention that will undoubtedly cause quite a bit of furor once word of it begins spreading."

She leaned back in her seat, picked up her drink, and sipped it. "I wasn't expecting to run into a representative of the Consulate during this trip. You see, I'm actually here to support a friend in a personal matter. I have no ulterior motives for my presence, and I honestly didn't expect anyone would recognize me. Kudos to you for that. Are you a stamp collector? You must be if you know who I am simply based on a stamp."

Ciencia set her drink back on the table. "I suppose if you want to take offense at me being here, I can't stop you, but I will caution you not to read too much into the situation because I'll be leaving again shortly. There's a lot of work to do back at Glisten. Oh, I decided that that will be the seat that I occupy for now. I don't want to get involved with the remainder of the high nobility there and fall into their machinations, and the Duchess of Glisten had a rather unfortunate encounter with a lethal weapon and her heir is under arrest for treason. It was quite exciting, really. There's a vacuum that I'm afraid I'm going to have to fill for some time."

Now she leaned forward and gave him a serious look. "Let me be frank, Ambassador. You seem inclined to see any action I take as coming from an overbearing Imperium. Let me flip the script on that. One of your covert operatives almost killed a friend of mine and I certainly wasn't joking when I said that did not make me very happy at all. Oh, I'm sure that you'll say that it's just the work of a madman and I have no proof otherwise, but here we go with those feelings of mistrust again. If we come into this discussion already discounting what the other has to say, then we' won't get very far.

"If you want to hear my story and learn something of what's going on inside the Marches, I'm willing to talk but if you insist on claiming that my presence here is an action against you and yours, not only are you mistaken and being overly paranoid, you'll have to get answers for yourself. You might be the wily old professional in diplomatic circles--and I certainly don't have very much experience when it comes to that--but I can tell when I'm being led along. You, Ambassador, said what you said precisely because you wanted to provoke a response. I'm not going to cooperate. Shall we set aside our professional responsibilities for now and have a pleasant chat or should I take my husband and go circulate elsewhere in the party? After all, there's quite a few people here that I am absolutely fascinated with. Your call, Ambassador."

William is quite aware of the movement of the Consulate Guards but remains relaxed. "I would expect reflexive hostility from the Ine Givar not an experienced and observant diplomat as yourself. Also the protective instincts of your guards are admirable and professional but are provocative and entirely unnecessary in addition to drawing unwanted attention. The last thing we need are retinues of personal guards bumping about at a peaceful party. It would be rude to our hosts." He sipped his drink calmly. "As my wife pointed out we offer a hand of cooperation not a mailed fist of aggression. Rather than an overt and arrogant act perhaps we are here as simply William and Ciencia Larrson traveling with friends to see the truth on the ground and help those friends in a noble cause. After all traveling incognito is a time honored tradition."

When Ciencia rose William did so as well. He looked at Kiriaklabatl sadly and shook his head head. "I would expect more physical restraint from professionals with far more deadly weapons than the merely physical. You place your principal in danger by openly breaking the peace." He held out his arm to Ciencia."Unfortunately I fear that we must depart your company Ambassador, My Lady, gentlemen. Darling, I have always wanted to meet with an Aslan Warlord. I understand that they regard honor and oath keeping most highly."

[terrymixon]

Aster nudged Garvin. “Trouble brewing.”

Tiglath, I'll leave how the twins react to you as I don't know their loyalties or inclinations in the matter of politics.

[Thumper]

As Bona and Walt have just departed, are they still within range of receiving a Neural Comm message of those still at the Merc gathering?

[shaidar]

It's a little unclear to me how obvious the disagreement with the ambassador is, since it's behind a privacy shield.

[terrymixon]

It's a little unclear to me how obvious the disagreement with the ambassador is, since it's behind a privacy shield.

Not sure either, but as guards are moving to surround the table where people are standing up, and doing things with weapons, that's visual.

[Tiglath]

As Bona and Walt have just departed, are they still within range of receiving a Neural Link message of those still at the Merc gathering?

Whether they are or not as they leave the terrace by grav belt they can see a grav infantry fighting vehicle rising to drop its disembarkation ramp and dismount a squad of fully equipped soldiers onto the restaurant terrace. The IFV is a non Imperial design (that Walt would recognise) being relatively small by comparison and so likely a local build. Nevertheless Walt reckons it mounts a turreted plasma weapon and a VRF Gauss gun in a separate rotating mount (likely a point defence system). The dismounting fire team of troopers wear mid tech combat armour and carry ACRs plus a LMG/squad support variant.

[Tiglath]

It's a little unclear to me how obvious the disagreement with the ambassador is, since it's behind a privacy shield.

Not sure either, but as guards are moving to surround the table where people are standing up, and doing things with weapons, that's visual.

There's no privacy field active this is a meeting in the bar area (where there are tables but not the fancy outside ones with their own atmosphere and privacy fields).

[Tiglath]

It's a little unclear to me how obvious the disagreement with the ambassador is, since it's behind a privacy shield.

Please check your PMs