010: Off to The Deeps

[terrymixon]

Walt-
"Remember, we're duly deputized Imperial Law Enforcement officers, in addition to everything else to which we hold pedigree. We could get our way into the planet, but uncooperative means would prove be counterproductive to our charity and recruiting efforts. No, we're better off trying this the diplomatic way. We have more money than we know what to do with; and, thanks to Metz, Bianca, and Bilis, we have tech we can bargain with. No, much better to do this by stepping through the front door. If not, we try elsewhere.

Keep our disguises and strong psi abilities for getting out of a scrape unidentified should our op go sideways...avoid an official altercation should it happen.

In that diplomacy, we should probably focus on our patents of nobility and our law enforcement credentials...downplay the bounty hunter credentials. Emphasize we've become much more than we were with a much larger community awareness than when we were "merely" bounty hunters. And I'm certainly not the guy who should work the diplomacy...even if I wanted to.

"Remember the demarcation between Imperial authority and local," Aster said. "Inside the extrality line, yes, you could force your way in. Would it be productive? Like you said, probably not. Outside the extrality line, your status in the Imperium doesn't mean nearly as much. Forget that and bad things will likely happen."

William spoke up. "I agree that it is best to try to keep with in the bounds of legality if we can. Let's start on the Imperial side first so we don't to piss anyone off by stepping on their toes. The planet has a count assigned. What do we know about them and can we get an audience ASAP. I'm sure they will be more than happy to help the Imperial Consort with local contacts."

"Count Ausine Jusriral," Aster said. "A very close ally of the deceased and unlamented Duchess Muktheswara of Glisten. I recommend not going that route."

[Tiglath]

"Remember the demarcation between Imperial authority and local," Aster said. "Inside the extrality line, yes, you could force your way in. Would it be productive? Like you said, probably not. Outside the extrality line, your status in the Imperium doesn't mean nearly as much. Forget that and bad things will likely happen."

William spoke up. "I agree that it is best to try to keep with in the bounds of legality if we can. Let's start on the Imperial side first so we don't to piss anyone off by stepping on their toes. The planet has a count assigned. What do we know about them and can we get an audience ASAP. I'm sure they will be more than happy to help the Imperial Consort with local contacts."

"Count Ausine Jusriral," Aster said. "A very close ally of the deceased and unlamented Duchess Muktheswara of Glisten. I recommend not going that route."

"Well, bollocks!" Garvin smiles an apology at Aster "Sorry, love".

He then continues, pacing and planning "Do we need to run a cut off then? Some local we know who we can sub contract? If we have no connection with the project and it benefits the people... Or, put another way around..." he ruefully runs his fingers through his hair "...allows the Count an' 'is cronies to screw more productivity out of their workers at no cost to them then the thing will surely still fly - even if we have to Trojan Horse it in?"

He muses "Maybe at the same time it wouldn't hurt to let the Count know we care... mark 'is cards... just let 'im know we're about. Not that I'm thinkin' of runnin' the conduct of Imperial Court business in any way that parallels or even resembles 'ow someone might run a crime syndicate... Those two entities are, of course, very different... um..." he smiles cheerfully "...beasts".

[joertexas]

He muses "Maybe at the same time it wouldn't hurt to let the Count know we care... mark 'is cards... just let 'im know we're about. Not that I'm thinkin' of runnin' the conduct of Imperial Court business in any way that parallels or even resembles 'ow someone might run a crime syndicate... Those two entities are, of course, very different... um..." he smiles cheerfully "...beasts".

"Do we know what removing the atmospheric taint will do to the planetary ecosystem," Jaelah asks. "Also, who would most benefit if that were to happen?"

[terrymixon]

He muses "Maybe at the same time it wouldn't hurt to let the Count know we care... mark 'is cards... just let 'im know we're about. Not that I'm thinkin' of runnin' the conduct of Imperial Court business in any way that parallels or even resembles 'ow someone might run a crime syndicate... Those two entities are, of course, very different... um..." he smiles cheerfully "...beasts".

"Do we know what removing the atmospheric taint will do to the planetary ecosystem," Jaelah asks. "Also, who would most benefit if that were to happen?"

“The taint is dual in nature,” Metz said. “A small aspect of it is natural but greatly compounded by running industry for centuries with no concerns about the environmental impact. I submit that cleaning the air will be of benefit to the environment here, if they don’t just start polluting more.”

[Thumper]

"I suppose there's no grounds for Ciencia to revoke the Count's title based on destroying their titled planet? Birds of a feather, and all that. Maybe we should discover the skeletons on the Count...

[terrymixon]

"I suppose there's no grounds for Ciencia to revoke the Count's title based on destroying their titled planet? Birds of a feather, and all that. Maybe we should discover the skeletons on the Count...

“Sadly, no,” Ciencia said. “Each planet in the Imperium governs itself and if they want to poison their world, we have no right to intervene. As much as I would like to blame the Count, he is not directly responsible. He might represent the Imperium here, but he does not rule. Even the Duchess didn’t rule Glisten. The locals have their own rulers and they are the ones to blame.”

[helvorn]

"I suppose there's no grounds for Ciencia to revoke the Count's title based on destroying their titled planet? Birds of a feather, and all that. Maybe we should discover the skeletons on the Count...

“Sadly, no,” Ciencia said. “Each planet in the Imperium governs itself and if they want to poison their world, we have no right to intervene. As much as I would like to blame the Count, he is not directly responsible. He might represent the Imperium here, but he does not rule. Even the Duchess didn’t rule Glisten. The locals have their own rulers and they are the ones to blame.”

"So the count is likely to be a jerk. Still he is likely to gain a great deal if the planet becomes more prosperous I would think. Also, he may want to get in on the good graces of the new regime. Garvin is right about marking his cards to let him know who is in charge. We don't want him interfering later when our backs are turned. I think we can apply a carrot and stick to get him to see things our way."

[Tiglath]

"I suppose there's no grounds for Ciencia to revoke the Count's title based on destroying their titled planet? Birds of a feather, and all that. Maybe we should discover the skeletons on the Count...

“Sadly, no,” Ciencia said. “Each planet in the Imperium governs itself and if they want to poison their world, we have no right to intervene. As much as I would like to blame the Count, he is not directly responsible. He might represent the Imperium here, but he does not rule. Even the Duchess didn’t rule Glisten. The locals have their own rulers and they are the ones to blame.”

"So the count is likely to be a jerk. Still he is likely to gain a great deal if the planet becomes more prosperous I would think. Also, he may want to get in on the good graces of the new regime. Garvin is right about marking his cards to let him know who is in charge. We don't want him interfering later when our backs are turned. I think we can apply a carrot and stick to get him to see things our way."

Garvin responds with a casually dangerous smile " 'Old up a bit there! Even if 'e is bent we should at least offer 'im an easy out for starters before we start threatenin' I'm with the carrot - let alone rammin' it in with a stick! I'm fine with openin' up a diplomatic approach before we start puttin' the frighteners on 'im. If Aster gives me the form I'll arrange a meet as a representative of the new administration. Even if 'e loathes us matey's obliged to at least grant us audience isn't 'e?"

Edit: added proposed action

[terrymixon]

“Sadly, no,” Ciencia said. “Each planet in the Imperium governs itself and if they want to poison their world, we have no right to intervene. As much as I would like to blame the Count, he is not directly responsible. He might represent the Imperium here, but he does not rule. Even the Duchess didn’t rule Glisten. The locals have their own rulers and they are the ones to blame.”

"So the count is likely to be a jerk. Still he is likely to gain a great deal if the planet becomes more prosperous I would think. Also, he may want to get in on the good graces of the new regime. Garvin is right about marking his cards to let him know who is in charge. We don't want him interfering later when our backs are turned. I think we can apply a carrot and stick to get him to see things our way."

Garvin responds with a casually dangerous smile " 'Old up a bit there! Even if 'e is bent we should at least offer 'im an easy out for starters before we start threatenin' I'm with the carrot - let alone rammin' it in with a stick! I'm fine with openin' up a diplomatic approach before we start puttin' the frighteners on 'im. If Aster gives me the form I'll arrange a meet as a representative of the new administration. Even if 'e loathes us matey's obliged to at least grant us audience isn't 'e?"

Edit: added proposed action

I only just happened to note the edit. You might want to make a new post if you want to be sure it gets seen.

“Which form?” she asked. “The My Title is bigger than Your Title form? You are a count like him.”

[ateno]

"Well, that does not mean we can't make him -- a worry about his position, Ass----es are usually worried about their positions, easier to manipulate."

paues

"Do we want to go that way?"

Arkar

[helvorn]

"Well, that does not mean we can't make him -- a worry about his position, Ass----es are usually worried about their positions, easier to manipulate."

paues

"Do we want to go that way?"

Arkar

William nodded. "I would like to at least try the diplomatic approach. If we have someone set up to read him with telepathy he will be much easier to manipulate and possibly gain his cooperation. In the meantime is there an foreign office on the planet that might be our alternative approach? Doctor Metz are there any scientific organizations that you might approach with the secret handshake to help get things moving? "

[Tiglath]

“Which form?” she asked. “The My Title is bigger than Your Title form? You are a count like him.”

Garvin gives Aster a shamelessly admiring look "Form - not as in astonishingly attractive aesthetics but form as in racing. A full briefin' on whatever's known on the Count. Plus whatever's suspected that I could maybe get leverage on. You know - degenerate 'obbies, gamblin' , any addictions or dependencies - chemical or otherwise... I mean 'e is old skool Imperial nobility after all! Omicron's records will likely match what I'd 'ave to spend weeks on if I was researchin' 'im as a mark". He absently adds "Mark - proposed target of criminal activity".

"Well, that does not mean we can't make him -- a worry about his position, Ass----es are usually worried about their positions, easier to manipulate."

paues

"Do we want to go that way?"

William nodded. "I would like to at least try the diplomatic approach. If we have someone set up to read him with telepathy he will be much easier to manipulate and possibly gain his cooperation. In the meantime is there an foreign office on the planet that might be our alternative approach? Doctor Metz are there any scientific organizations that you might approach with the secret handshake to help get things moving? "

Garvin gives an amiable grin "Well I'll meet 'im then - Count to Count. Anyone else is welcome o' course but we shouldn't over do it an' no "big guns" he gives Ciencia and William a cheery wink "just peer to peer for now - keep 'im comfy. I've bin brushin' up on me people skills an' me telepathy so I reckon I might fit the bill. If me an' 'ooever comes along drop a slack 'andful of the Doc's "bugs" at the meeting then we might learn more "after" than "during" if you follow my drift".

[helvorn]

William laughed. "Okay Garvin, just make sure not to steal the candlesticks while you're at it."

[terrymixon]

"Well, that does not mean we can't make him -- a worry about his position, Ass----es are usually worried about their positions, easier to manipulate."

paues

"Do we want to go that way?"

Arkar

William nodded. "I would like to at least try the diplomatic approach. If we have someone set up to read him with telepathy he will be much easier to manipulate and possibly gain his cooperation. In the meantime is there an foreign office on the planet that might be our alternative approach? Doctor Metz are there any scientific organizations that you might approach with the secret handshake to help get things moving? "

"There is likely something, but I won't know without doing some digging and making some calls."

[terrymixon]

“Which form?” she asked. “The My Title is bigger than Your Title form? You are a count like him.”

Garvin gives Aster a shamelessly admiring look "Form - not as in astonishingly attractive aesthetics but form as in racing. A full briefin' on whatever's known on the Count. Plus whatever's suspected that I could maybe get leverage on. You know - degenerate 'obbies, gamblin' , any addictions or dependencies - chemical or otherwise... I mean 'e is old skool Imperial nobility after all! Omicron's records will likely match what I'd 'ave to spend weeks on if I was researchin' 'im as a mark". He absently adds "Mark - proposed target of criminal activity".

"Ah. I'll tap into the resources here and have a summary for you shortly." She'll pull out here com and get to work.

[Tiglath]

William laughed. "Okay Garvin, just make sure not to steal the candlesticks while you're at it."

Garvin smiles "Well, if 'e's left 'em out there, lyin' about all unattended... but o' course you all insisted I pack in thievin' when I became an Imperial noble... because they... or we don't do that sort of thing".

For those with any eye for detail Aster's engagement ring* matches rather specifically to the one Garvin described as proposing to steal while getting married in the pocket universe/farm world/now Jaelah's home. Due to the restriction of space and time he could only have obtained it after the wedding (and therefore whilst "enobled"). It is indeed a lovely piece and no doubt valued as "art" well beyond the sum of its base components.

(* Ref: Quote: "It's in Delancy's - that bespoke jewelers, Banfi Starport - they don't put any prices on 'cos it's vulgar. Platinum and diamond. Stone's big enough but not ridiculous but with a really clever Iridium setting...".).

[terrymixon]

William laughed. "Okay Garvin, just make sure not to steal the candlesticks while you're at it."

Garvin smiles "Well, if 'e's left 'em out there, lyin' about all unattended... but o' course you all insisted I pack in thievin' when I became an Imperial noble... because they... or we don't do that sort of thing".

For those with any eye for detail Aster's engagement ring* matches rather specifically to the one Garvin described as proposing to steal while getting married in the pocket universe/farm world/now Jaelah's home. Due to the restriction of space and time he could only have obtained it after the wedding (and therefore whilst "enobled"). It is indeed a lovely piece and no doubt valued as "art" well beyond the sum of its base components.

(* Ref: Quote: "It's in Delancy's - that bespoke jewelers, Banfi Starport - they don't put any prices on 'cos it's vulgar. Platinum and diamond. Stone's big enough but not ridiculous but with a really clever Iridium setting...".).

And if the idea of it being stolen bothers Aster, it doesn't show from the way she wears it so openly. Almost as if she doesn't think it's stolen.

[terrymixon]

"Looks like he has a nice file already put together," Aster said after a minute. "Looks like he's got fingers in the industrial sector here. Up to the palm. He's a major investor. On the criminal side, there is a note that someone thinks he's smuggling something based on the ships he has coming in and out, but no one bothered to look too closely. That's sloppy and I'll send an update once we have more information." She grins. "And he is an inveterate gambler. Not the races, mind you, but underground gladiatorial-style games. You know the type. Everything from street brawlers to swordsmen. Not illegal here, and no indication he is an owner or investor, just a patron. I'd wager you can work with that."

[joertexas]

"Looks like he has a nice file already put together," Aster said after a minute. "Looks like he's got fingers in the industrial sector here. Up to the palm. He's a major investor. On the criminal side, there is a note that someone thinks he's smuggling something based on the ships he has coming in and out, but no one bothered to look too closely. That's sloppy and I'll send an update once we have more information." She grins. "And he is an inveterate gambler. Not the races, mind you, but underground gladiatorial-style games. You know the type. Everything from street brawlers to swordsmen. Not illegal here, and no indication he is an owner or investor, just a patron. I'd wager you can work with that."

"I'll be happy to look into his business," Jaelah offers.

[terrymixon]

"Looks like he has a nice file already put together," Aster said after a minute. "Looks like he's got fingers in the industrial sector here. Up to the palm. He's a major investor. On the criminal side, there is a note that someone thinks he's smuggling something based on the ships he has coming in and out, but no one bothered to look too closely. That's sloppy and I'll send an update once we have more information." She grins. "And he is an inveterate gambler. Not the races, mind you, but underground gladiatorial-style games. You know the type. Everything from street brawlers to swordsmen. Not illegal here, and no indication he is an owner or investor, just a patron. I'd wager you can work with that."

"I'll be happy to look into his business," Jaelah offers.

She'll send the file over to you. It has a tangled mess of shell companies and major manufacturers. Not all are certain, but he has an ownership stake in the three largest industrial concerns that could be as little as 10% or as much as 40%. One in particular, Gravrison Interstellar makes starship parts that get shipped far and wide. He *might* have a controlling interest. Also, it is one of the largest and worst polluters according to your earlier research. Your guess is that his family has had interest in this business for a very long time. Generations.