Collace Homecoming

[joertexas]

Prerna moves easily around the room, escorted by Erica. She interacts easily with the Zhodani - when she isn't looking at Erica, of course.

[Tiglath]

Freya

Or may be the masks of Spirelle aren't just on the outside?

Philosophy of this form clearly needs lubrication, and so she checks the qualities of the beverages on offer.

Approaching the bar Freya is greeted by Trooper King "Awright stranger...". He is clipped around the back of the head by Corporal Charlie who asks "What would you like, Ma'am?" The bar is basic in terms of functionality but contains super high end drinks - which the SEMC staff are doling out in generous measures. A baffled Kingy complains "You've only blown 'er cover, Corp - she's in disguise!!!"

The Imperial in the Ambassador's company props the bar a little way down and offers "I can recommend the Kristel champagne". He moves up to earnestly introduce himself "Name's Bryce Willis - I used to be a double agent for ImpInt while working with NavInt. Indeed I was also an assassin - I murdered Avastan Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov on their behalf but I now realise how dishonest that line of work was... entirely improper. Did you know Vladimir Mikhailov was also a double agent? He sold out almost every Imperial agent on Tarkine". He raises his glass happily "Here's to making amends".

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya

Or may be the masks of Spirelle aren't just on the outside?

Philosophy of this form clearly needs lubrication, and so she checks the qualities of the beverages on offer.

Approaching the bar Freya is greeted by Trooper King "Awright stranger...". He is clipped around the back of the head by Corporal Charlie who asks "What would you like, Ma'am?" The bar is basic in terms of functionality but contains super high end drinks - which the SEMC staff are doling out in generous measures. A baffled Kingy complains "You've only blown 'er cover, Corp - she's in disguise!!!"

The Imperial in the Ambassador's company props the bar a little way down and offers "I can recommend the Kristel champagne". He moves up to earnestly introduce himself "Name's Bryce Willis - I used to be a double agent for ImpInt while working with NavInt. Indeed I was also an assassin - I murdered Avastan Secretary Vladimir Mikhailov on their behalf but I now realise that dishonest line of work was... entirely improper. Did you know Vladimir Mikhailov was also a double agent? He sold out almost every Imperial agent on Tarkine". He raises his glass happily "Here's to making amends".

Freya smiles at the admission even as she records the conversation for later verification. I've come to suspect all stories of bravado and contrition. And with Agents (as you describe yourself), even names are taken with a pinch of salt. Didn't someone once suggest that Truth should be protected with a bodyguard of lies?
Even the mask doesn't hide the smile on Freya's face.
But the stories are entertaining and pass the time at these events. So tell me more of these and I shall listen intently - and the hours will pass pleasantly for us both!

[Tiglath]

Freya

Bryce chuckles and adds "Indeed when I strayed from morality's path I used many aliases...". He continues to smile as he re-focusses "Your witticism is most entertaining but fundamentally flawed - for truth is surely all. I will tell you more and reward your quest for truth with proof positive. Why would you not demand it among a web of Doctor Van Owen's lies? You are an SEMC officer no? Therefore, the corroborative and uncontestable physical proof - the assassination weapon from Avastan is already in your possession and can be matched by biometric evidence to myself!"

He holds out his glass for a refill. Trooper King steadies Bryce's hand as he pours a refill of champagne "Steady on, old son! 'Bin on the ole "marchin' powder" eh? Drink for distance - you've got a whole Regimental dinner yet! They go on for yonks - even wiv'aht prize givin' at the end". Proving his worth as "Smellier" Kingy confides with an obvious wink "Gettin' through it. Ice bucket, pot plant, yellow ice bucket - Bob's yer Bruncle". Charlie intervenes with an imperative "Kingy - fekkin' posh do!!! Now, pop dahn into the cellar for a bit". Kingy replies "There isn't... oh, right, Corp". Trooper King sinks down below eye level.

[Tiglath]

Kit

Kit will work through the room asking the Zhodani about the meanings behind the various medals and symbols on there uniforms, but not directly asking about what they did to earn the medals.

Kit is able to use his new found knowledge of Zhodani medals to tick off more than a few items on his “spotters guide”.

Using his own comparative analysis and informed (but still rather vague) understanding of Swordy awards he finds he can also rate Major Kristin Vitt as either “nails” or “licensed psychopath” - its clearly a subjective call. One of her awards is a Zhodani class four Hero medal,

He picks up on the conversation of Major Kiriaklabatl who laughs “Jakob, perhaps you now see that knowledge aforehand is hardly the same as predicting the future! As to actually shaping the future – I'm not sure that is the realm of noble soldiers such as you and I. We step in when others have failed. But enough mundane philosophy for I must declare the joy of the moment - Liv Ellis you look radiant!”

Major “Kiri” Kiriaklabatl has a grade 8 hero ribbon and a 5 (with bar) but after the 8 there is a blank black spacer before his lesser awards (and the strange absence of campaign or theatre ribbons) – odd. Kit reasons that the only way you get these combat awards without the campaign medals is if you earned them on “black ops”. He then notes that “Kiri” has the “command” clasps on nearly all of his ribbons. Whatever these Zhodani officers are by their combat awards they surely do not represent a "parade" unit. By standard military logic (but less an absent Colonel) these officers mathematically represent a battalion of Zhodani troops.

[dongriffiths]

Klaus manoeuvres round the edge of the gathering, watching and listening intently while trying to avoid being drawn into conversations.

[Tiglath]

All

A gong is sounded from underneath the bar and the Ambassador Vlezpridliashav takes charge declaring that as per Zhodani tradition he will "announce" the dinner guests as they progress through into the "non bar" dinning area to take their seats for dinner.

He pairs off the company announcing:
"Colonel Frank Cross and The Dowager Tsadrastebr,
Lady Polly Iyhlua, personal representative of Warlord Ikazuchi Commander of the Teahleikhoi Regiment, representative of the Iyhlua Clan and The Scribe Itvikiasatl,
Major PrernaNayariepr and Guards Major Kiriaklabatl,
Major Kristin Vitt, 800th Special Duties Construction and Training Battalion “Brandenberg” and Pilot Officer Briakqraiepr,
Captain Ankit Ghoshal and Pilot Officer Nsobiepr,
Lieutenant LivEllisiepr and Guards Captain Chtemialiepr,
Lieutenant FreyaIngridsdottiriepr and Guards Captain Qliazatliepr,
Quartermaster Sergeant Major Jessica Henker and Guards Captain Zhablzdieliepr,
Sergeant Klaus Arnholdt and Navigator Observer Lieutenant Tsadraiepr".
He adds tartly "Bryce Willis accompany our guest Mr. Solomon" and then smiles graciously as he offers a bow "Mistress Erica East would you do me the honour?"

Dinner is served and progresses through starter, main and dessert. The Collace fare is excellent so seafood (both meat and veg) predominates and is of top quality. The drinks to accompany the meal are light wines to compliment the seafood flavours. However after desert a robust and fruity vintage port from Mertactor is served which aids everyone's digestion (with the possible exception of QSM Henker - that was worth a ruddy fortune!!!)

There is an exchange of toasts after which to absolutely no one's surprise the Ambassador makes a speech. He briefly covers the benefits of interstellar amity, cooperation and the great benefits of mutual trade. Then as a Naval Landing Force matelot offers him a salute he cuts to the chase (and everyone's comms suffer a "timeout").

"We live in interesting times of increased and ever more aggressive Imperial expansion. This naked aggression is unwarranted and entirely unnecessary given the emerging and independent polity of District 268. This nascent independence is also stifled by the heavy handed interference of certain Corporations who should surely know better than to keep their mercantile hands clean of the taint Imperial politicing.

Indeed perhaps I will share information illuminating both the path of morality and current events in the subsector. It would seem that at great expense the SuSAG Corporation recently purchased an entirely worthless planet based on some faulty information. Surely there is no better cautionary tale to celebrate the importance of honesty and truth in all our dealings".

He smiles and taking a sip of port pauses to savour the vintage before he continues "The Zhodani Consulate has ever recognised those who strive to uphold the freedoms of other sophonts as well as pro bono military actions which, to their shame, the Imperium choses to ignore. Therefore it is my great pleasure, on behalf of all those who embrace freedom, to award those officers of the SEMC for their actions in the campaign that culminated so recently on Avastan with the Hero Medal Fourth Class with the Intelligence clasp. May I call forward the first recipient Colonel Frank Cross..."

All of the SEMC officers present on Avastan receive the award. It is not a brass analogue but a reflective material resembling glass apparently filled with an internally mobile substance best described as "roiling fog". It occurs to all that if the glass "ribbon" were worn as an award it would be effectively invisible.

Klaus gets no award but much to his surprise receives an enthusiastic kiss from Lieutenant Tsadraiepr who then, seemingly entirely giddy with emotion at the current events, hastens from her seat to collect a tray of awards from a service bot and assist in the presentation. Meanwhile Liv recovers from having inhaled port during the Ambassador's initial announcement but now seems staggered after having received her reward from the Ambassador. She orders double scotch from Charlie.

The Ambassador concludes the "prize giving" by handing an award to Erica who seems quite surprised and touched as this occurs and as something of an unwelcome interruption of everyone's "mellow" the Guards officers simultaneously stand and turn to face the Ambassador. They slam to attention and then draw their sabres to present a salute. The officers' return to their seats seems to end all formality and the Ambassador and Officers make a show of loosening their uniform. A humidor of Zhodani cigars is circulated and all are free to circulate and take their ease. As soon as the Ambassador concludes all comms are restored.

Meanwhile in the peanut gallery...
"That's it Corp! It's wot they reminds me of but I can't say in case they gets the 'ump...".
"Kingy, even I can read your filthy mind so wiv them you've no chance"
"Well, awright then - pole vaulters!"
"Wot?? That was the title of that grumble holo Able was touting abaht. Fek now you've got me finkin' abaht Frankie Vaughan at a posh do! They'll fink I'm you!!!"

(OOC: Collace trans service: Frankie Vaughan = rhyming slang for prawn Grumble flik - see Frankie Vaughan).

[The Bindoner]

Quartermaster Sergeant Major Jessica Henker and Guards Captain Zhablzdieliepr,

He adds tartly "Bryce Willis accompany our guest Mr. Solomon"

Jess, having managed to keep a low profile so far, accepts that the time has come.

Cap’n Zablsdeeleaper, honoured to meet you. Guards, eh? Line or Cavalry?

She tries to keep the conversation professional, rather than political, but is irked by the snub to her friend:

Why's Mr Soloman not placed with a Joedhani? He’s a respectable pillar of the local economy, and potentially a great business partner for the Consulate here. Wasted opportunity, putting him with Willis.

All of the SEMC officers present on Avastan receive the award.

Jess smiles to herself at the announcement of the award. She has been pondering the design of her commemorative tattoo of the Avastan mission, and here is a new element to shape it around.

She has mixed feelings about the medal. As an Imperial, she hesitates to receive an award from a foreign state, but as a soldier she is glad to add lustre to her unit with official recognition of it’s fighting ability.

She accepts the award in parade-ground style, with professional pride.

I won’t give this one to Mum.

[Tiglath]

Cap’n Zablsdeeleaper, honoured to meet you. Guards, eh? Line or Cavalry?

She tries to keep the conversation professional, rather than political, but is irked by the snub to her friend:

Why's Mr Soloman not placed with a Joedhani? He’s a respectable pillar of the local economy, and potentially a great business partner for the Consulate here. Wasted opportunity, putting him with Willis.

The Zhodani officer seems rather socially awkward/unfamiliar but is doing his (rather limited) best at "hosting" at a mess dinner (Jess has been there).

In answer to Jess he seems grateful to be on "matters military" and instinctively responds "Guards Commando, Marm,*" he then immediately adds "on attachment to the Consular Navy. You might call me "Shab" if you wish... or find it easier". He seems momentarily baffled by Jess' comment (Mr. Solomon does indeed get his seat at the top table but, although he's seated next to Zhodani, he's by no means in "pole position" and albeit on a table end still has conversational access to two or thee Zho). Zhablzdieliepr, possibly overcompensating in response to Jess' tone, adds "The seating arrangements merely conform to our societal norms - it would be wholly inappropriate otherwise..." he rallies with "... and this is a military dinner. Mr. Solomon will no doubt receive favour in business concerns for he is vouchsafed by your invitation. His dinner partner does not reflect the value the Commissary will place upon him at all but the need for Bryce Willis to atone for his "wilful illness" to as many Collace citizens as he may. I understand that he was a spy who actually worked for other spies...". Zhablzdieliepr corrects himself "I humbly apologise, Marm, it is... hardly a matter for dinner conversation. If you will indulge me I would hear you relate your recent action on Avastan. I am above all a professional soldier and I would relish a first hand account of your recent meritorious action on Avastan".

(OOC: * He seems to have mispronounced/misunderstood the apostrophe. He's in good company. I audio witnessed (disclaimer not actively watching) Ginger Spice in company with the Tank Regiment (who were showcasing their new female tank commander). Ginger gushed "Wot's nice is they feels so comfy wiv 'er that they all calls 'er "Mum". This was one of the times that the old ability to monitor two radio channels at once did me the dirty... )

[joertexas]

Once the formalities are over, Prerna turns to the Major with a smile. "Well, that was unexpected. This is the first actual award I've ever received."

[BackworldTraveller]

Freya checks her off-line memory to see if the comms jamming has affected that too.

As an aside to Prerna
I find it disappointing that none of these awards are normally worn in public. But they are nice to have even if they have to be kept in a draw.

I'd see the officers of the 208th (Iderati), 213th (Lunion) or 214th (Glisten) Fleets being scandalised that there is evidence of us having had "Congress with the enemy".

She smiles, briefly.

I quite like the feeling of being scandalous!

[Tiglath]

Once the formalities are over, Prerna turns to the Major with a smile. "Well, that was unexpected. This is the first actual award I've ever received."

Guards Major "Kiri" Kiriaklabatl raises his brandy glass in salute "Congratulations on your award Major. I'm sure it was well deserved but I think I have seen you win a greater prize".

Now she knows what to look for Prerna can detect a "glassy glint" from that odd gap among the Zhodani officer's medal ribbons.

[joertexas]

Once the formalities are over, Prerna turns to the Major with a smile. "Well, that was unexpected. This is the first actual award I've ever received."

Guards Major "Kiri" Kiriaklabatl raises his brandy glass in salute "Congratulations on your award Major. I'm sure it was well deserved but I think I have seen you win a greater prize".

Now she knows what to look for Prerna can detect a "glassy glint" from that odd gap among the Zhodani officer's medal ribbons.

Prerna smiles and glances in Erica's direction. "Yes, I believe I have."

She shifts her focus to Freya. "I was never much for decorations. Of course, not having had them may color my attitude."

[The Bindoner]

Jess is mollified by Shab’s assurances that Mr Solomon is not being snubbed. She dismisses the issue with;

Oh, spies. Not gentlemen, I’m told. Well, if he's sayin' sorry for somethin', I'm sure Mr Solomon will be int'rested to hear it.

She happily accepts his change of subject.

I’ll swap stories with you, Shab. Call me Jess, and I’ll tell you what I can ‘bout Avastan, if you tell me something ‘bout what a Guards Commando does.

Jess relates some tales from the last ticket, without revealing much about SEMC’s tactics, equipment or organisation – all colourful incident, little detail.

After a while, she drops into conversation the observation: Lot of decorated officers at table tonight. I doubt you’ve got a freezer full of troops in the hold for ev'ryone to command, so I’m guessin’ this cruise is a reward that feels like a punishment. Gettin’ shown off ‘round the worlds. Done that. I’d rather a hot tour on a cold world than another ride on that carousel.

[Tiglath]

Jess

I’ll swap stories with you, Shab. Call me Jess, and I’ll tell you what I can ‘bout Avastan, if you tell me something ‘bout what a Guards Commando does.

Jess relates some tales from the last ticket, without revealing much about SEMC’s tactics, equipment or organisation – all colourful incident, little detail.

After a while, she drops into conversation the observation: Lot of decorated officers at table tonight. I doubt you’ve got a freezer full of troops in the hold for ev'ryone to command, so I’m guessin’ this cruise is a reward that feels like a punishment. Gettin’ shown off ‘round the worlds. Done that. I’d rather a hot tour on a cold world than another ride on that carousel.

"Shab" takes a breath and pauses for a moment before answering carefully "Guards units are similar in status to the Imperial Marines or the Duke of Regina's Huscarls in that we are premier units of the Consulate's Armed Forces. Our Commando units perform much the same duties as any specialist light infantry force - we can provide long range real time reconnaissance to keep our units safe, perform a tactical scouting role or intervene on the battlefield as necessary".

At the talk of medals he replies "All four of us are fortunate that our actions were noted by our leader and that our service was rewarded. As you correctly observe we are a small unit and we are fortunate in that honoured Kiriaklabatl is an accomplished tactical commander". He seems to agree with Jess' observation "Indeed a diplomatic tour is a waste of warrior skills such as mine so I am grateful for whatever military distractions I can find".

[gurusql]

Kit

"We are eating with each other, yes? I will tell you how I became an ace!"

Kit will try an make small talk with Pilot Officer Nsobiepr at dinner and follow-up on hearing her tale of being an ace.

If the conversation wains he will ask the Pilot, "I ask this only if it is non-classified information, were you present at Avastan before coming here?"

[Tiglath]

Kit (and possibly others)

Kit will try an make small talk with Pilot Officer Nsobiepr at dinner and follow-up on hearing her tale of being an ace.

If the conversation wains he will ask the Pilot, "I ask this only if it is non-classified information, were you present at Avastan before coming here?"

Nsobiepr is vivacious company (possibly as befitting a hand picked Ambassador's companion) and relates tales of five of her space and orbital victories in her ten ton Chanjitl "light" fighter. Meanwhile Kit tries to keep up with 3D chess with variant relative positions due to rapid changes in vector and velocity. Nsobi clearly relishes dogfighting as a pair with her wingmangirl "Bria" Briakqraiepr and the close range destructive power of her pulse laser.

Responding to Kit she smiles then states "The "Magician's Gambit" is a diplomatic vessel so wouldn't be involved in any overt or covert action but then I suspect the... you would call her the "Wraith" - yes? She has likely been standing at your shoulder since Inchin". She adds "This well above my briefing grade and well into the realm of you people who wear the smoky glass" she taps Kit's most recent award with a slender finger "but I think I can postulate on things that don't exist. Ghosts surely can't be "classified" no? Perhaps this doesn't translate but there is irony - in that your "guardian angel" is in fact a "vengeful spirit" no?"

She looks momentarily distracted then offers "I apologise my flight sister is oversharing" she fans herself theatrically "Major Vitt is surely our ally of good faith and an honourable warrior but she goes about just being so wholly dishonest - all the time!!! Why is that so... warm? No... hot!"

[Tiglath]

Frank (and possibly others)

Frank sees Liv making her way to him at the bar but her navigation has more in common with pinball than bee line. Kingy pipes up "An'uver treble of the gold watch*, Ma'am?" Charlie intervenes as "Barsteward" (after all he has the name badge) "A nice pale ale's refreshin' this time o' night Ma'am. Kingy, pour the officer a half". Liv laughs "Charlie, you're not an officer but you are a gentleman and, Kingy, you have... a true gift for... very vivid imagination...". She turns back to Frank and nods over to "Kiri" and Jakob in earnest conversation "Colonel, I fear that man is going to run away with my husband to be!" she laughs "That bromance has been simmering since Avastan - they're like mothers from another brother... wait... never mind... anyway the Ambassador explained it all... the trouble I've been having in my head... Remember I heard people swimming through the walls on Inchin?" She grabs her pale ale and takes a hefty swig "Well, it all makes sense... and I'm not mad - haha!"

Frank overhears "Righto Kingy she's elephant's - ruddy kharzied! Nuffin' else 'till she's 'ad a few spacers - shandy or water, awright? Kingy...??? Kingy, unless you 'ave just invented yogic flyin' you best get that bar towel off your mincers fekkin' sharpish!!!"
" 's necessary Corp. That Zho bird's sittin' on Major Vitt's lap an' it's gettin' all 'andsy. If'n I catch sight o' any more o' that you know it'll bring me trouble on somefink chronic. I'll be awright if I doesn't 'ave a butchers - I can just feel abaht for fings... ooh, good evenin' Sir or Madam".
"You ruddy fruit! Get your 'ands off my cobblers an' shape up or I will do you wiv them poncy fruit tongs an' that little spike for pickin' up the green fings wiv. It will take ages - an' I will enjoy it!!!"
"Ruddy overbearin' conduct that is... s'pose I could just look wiv the one eye...".

While taking in the sotto voce moronothon from behind the bar Frank sees Liv admiring her new award and talking to either him or possibly herself "So, they nailed me by awarding me the old "Smoke an' Mirrors". It was always a mythical career killer in ImpInt but then I always admired those legendary field agents allegedly "tainted" with it so maybe it's more of a real accolade - at least in my new line of work. Lot to take in..." She muses "Fek, a "verified sighting" submitted to ImpInt of what I've seen tonight and I'd be promoted up and out to my choice of post. Even if I wanted it that can't happen now...".

(OOC: * Collace trans service: Gold Watch = Scotch. Elephant's trunk = drunk. Kharzi = an apocryphal potentate. Mincers = mince pies = eyes. Butcher's hook = look. Cobbler's awls = billiards ).

[shaidar]

Frank moves around the reception, doing his best to talk to everyone and making sure everyone is enjoying themselves While he enjoys a drink, he does his best to avoid getting completely blotto.

He smiles at the approach of Liv

"I never thought you were mad, Lieutenant, but I'm glad the ambassador has helped cleared up whatever was worrying you. I'm not sure I've ever seen you this relaxed, it should happen more often. As for the medal, in this kind of business you tend to not get too many medals, unless a company decides to invent some of it's own, so you take the compliment when you get it, particularly when it seems to have some kind of ethical connotations, rather than being just for blowing stuff up and killing people. I'm going to take it as an indicator that the SEMC is at least heading in the right direction. he glances at Charlie and Kingy "The troops deserve some kind of recognition too, I just need to think of something suitable, which I won't soon regret."

[Tiglath]

Frank

"I never thought you were mad, Lieutenant, but I'm glad the ambassador has helped cleared up whatever was worrying you. I'm not sure I've ever seen you this relaxed, it should happen more often. As for the medal, in this kind of business you tend to not get too many medals, unless a company decides to invent some of it's own, so you take the compliment when you get it, particularly when it seems to have some kind of ethical connotations, rather than being just for blowing stuff up and killing people. I'm going to take it as an indicator that the SEMC is at least heading in the right direction. he glances at Charlie and Kingy "The troops deserve some kind of recognition too, I just need to think of something suitable, which I won't soon regret."

Liv is surely relaxed and by technical observation "happily pissed" [English drunk (cheerfully between squiffy and cnuted) - not US angry]. She replies to Frank candidly "You might not have done but on the evidence - I did. Jakob supported me and Erica helped me with the "psych" stuff - she's good people" then she gives a cheerfully resigned sigh "The Ambassador's explanation makes perfect sense so now I know I'm not mad... just... something else".

Then she switches from introspection to humour "As far as those medals go about the only place it's safe to wear them on pro Imperial Collace is inside this hangar. At a minimum to the layman they identify you as an Out World sympathiser and by application of only some small logic as a supporter who is active enough to be rewarded for their service. To any ImpInt or NavInt agent you absolutely are an active enemy asset. Meanwhile I'm still damned if I can work out exactly when we started working for the Out World Coalition - even though they've never actively hired the unit or paid us".

She becomes briefly pensive but then giggles saying "That's fine, thank you, Kingy" to the hand from below the bar attempting and serially failing to blindly drop ice into her (single) single malt. Inhaling the malt's flavour but not yet sipping it she muses "Colonel, you know the Zhodani military works differently to the Imperial model? It's because their officers are all nobility who have a much higher chance of being psionic adepts of real ability. Kiri and his buddies are Guards Officers which means they are not only elite soldiers but their psionic talents are... truly daunting - but that's not the thing. I over heard Jess' dinner partner stating he is Guards Commando - that may have been an Intel slip. From what I saw on Avastan I know that "Kiri" is too. The Guards Commando concentrates adepts whose psionic potential is..." she sips her Scotch and seeming to search for a descriptive settles for "...the stuff of military nightmares..." she gives a mellow smile "... I'm slipping - there should have been a "Fekking" in there somewhere for soldierly emphasis and also a fistful of "Classifieds". My money says these guys aren't bored officers doing the Grand Tour or even the officer cadre of a frozen infantry battalion but something way more destructive - they're one single fireteam. Damn... fekkin' fireteam... missed it again - it was even alliterative".