A Passage to Inchin

[Tiglath]

The unit trains and prepares. Even while sprinting across the Bartizan’s flight deck and running laps around its perimeter everyone realises that desert proofed armour is not pleasant to wear. At least the Collace natives are already used to dealing with Inchin’s atmosphere by default.

An irritant (or welcome distraction) dependant on your position in the chain of command are the Collace arcology grav boarders. It seems in the absence of The Purge they like flying under the bridge to the arcology and through the underside of the fortress. They wear skinsuits which leave little to the imagination and are "detrimental to military discipline". On atmospherically “clear” days they fly by the exercising troopers in the buff. Already one “negligent discharge” and a very minor GSW via ricochet (separate incidents) have already resulted.

One for the “Officer of the day” – nearly every other day.

Meanwhile, the Under Secretary (his capitals) to the Deputy Minister forwards the below “finalised note” (re: stateroom allocation) for your information.

He also includes an invitation to a formal reception aboard the Mertactor Lines Star class liner Spinward Star for the unit’s officers (his emphasis).

The reception will apparently be "an occasion facilitating both a meeting of delegates and the celebration of the ship’s departure on what may well prove to be a most worthy endeavour with significant diplomatic benefits for the entire District". It doesn't say if there will be beer.

Stateroom allocation (20):

Deputy Minister (3)
Under Secretary (3)
Imperial Delegation (2)
Five Delegations from Collace @ two staterooms (10)
Additional Flight crew (Launch) (1)
Gunners (1)

I'll move to the party next post usual space/time caveats apply

(OOC: Various folk are (quite unfairly in my opinion ) digging up Intel relevant to the mission. I will (gratefully) pause for them to hold forth!

Edit: But Leitz beat me to the post! ).

[joertexas]

"That's what I have in solid data, and the best guesses that I've come up with. Q and A time. Anyone?"[/dialog]

Prerna raises her hand. "Do we have any data on the guard's equipment, training, and readiness?"

[Tiglath]

Prerna raises her hand. "Do we have any data on the guard's equipment, training, and readiness?"

So far the only available info you have is that the “Baronial Guard” are a TL 9/10 Mechanised Unit operating tracked tanks and APCs with lift cavalry units equipped with grav sleds. They have proven capability in putting down protests by Inchin's workers.

[shaidar]

Frank

The Briefing

All the PCs would have been invited, plus Frank and Voss would be there

"I've also heard claims that the pirate activity around Avastan is Imperially backed. I don't know how true it is or whether the API have any influence over them, but for this mission we should assume they do. Jakob makes a good point about imperial hopes in the sector. If the imperium strengthens it's hold on the route to the Five Sisters via Collace and Inchin, then that means the Sword Worlds are effectively surrounded and that is not good for them. So, I would be expecting more direct action from the Sword Worlders than API in this regard, although either is possible, as is some kind of cooperation between the two. Remember, we are being paid to protect the diplomats, nothing else, we should not be taking sides. We don't want to get dragged into any other kind of conflict, local or otherwise. Although we may not get much of a choice."

The Grav-Boarders

Frank will liaise with the local PD to try and find a solution to the grav-boarders. While currently it is mostly a distraction, he is concerned that it could become very serious when the Bartizan resumes it's downport duties, which is not that far away.

[joertexas]

Frank

The Grav-Boarders

Frank will liaise with the local PD to try and find a solution to the grav-boarders. While currently it is mostly a distraction, he is concerned that it could become very serious when the Bartizan resumes it's downport duties, which is not that far away.

"How about we rig some nets on lifters across the openings," Prerna suggests. "We can move them at need. If you want to be nice, put warning markers on them."

[The Bindoner]

The Grav-Boarders

Frank will liaise with the local PD to try and find a solution to the grav-boarders. While currently it is mostly a distraction, he is concerned that it could become very serious when the Bartizan resumes it's downport duties, which is not that far away.

Also a security problem, good way to infiltrate us.

"How about we rig some nets on lifters across the openings," Prerna suggests. "We can move them at need. If you want to be nice, put warning markers on them."

Good idea. Also, turn it into an opportunity. Buy some high-spec paintball guns, use 'em for target practice. Make a sport of it, points by hit location. Put the Holo up on the datanet, maybe.


EDIT:


Regarding the briefing:


Do we have any information about the unrest? News reports at least. Is it reported as Labour disputes, pro-democracy protests, some proto-revolutionary uprising?

[Leitz]

"That's what I have in solid data, and the best guesses that I've come up with. Q and A time. Anyone?"[/dialog]

Prerna raises her hand. "Do we have any data on the guard's equipment, training, and readiness?"

"One question is how tightly controlled the guard are; does he actually control them or are they led by someone with their own interests? I don't know the answers, but knowing the question is a start," Jakob said.

[Tiglath]

A Departure

The team load their vehicles, equipment and supplies onto a series of shuttles for transit to Collace Orbital where the Spinward Star is docked. (Why, yes it has an unstreamlined hull). The Bartizan shows its worth as an ideal base for this type of operation.

The liner’s crew seem efficient enough and the Purser’s department facilitate stowing your gear and vehicles in the cargo hold to your satisfaction. Those travelling cold are given a medical and prepped for cold sleep in batches by the professional and easy going ship’s medic aided by the autodoc.

Once all is secured and the low berths filled and checked the team are issued cabins and a very nice brochure is sent to their comms. As unit medic Prerna is issued a "repeater" bio monitor showing vitals and status for all those mercs in cold sleep.

Meanwhile the formal reception gets under way. Folk seem to have embraced the formality of the “formal do” with “black tie” evening wear being prominent but by no means universal.

Under Secretary Penfold of the Collace Ministry of Interstellar Relations meets you in the Reception Lounge with his clipboard. What are obviously lower tech augmentics whirr as his eyes scan your unit IDs. He is soon convinced that a QSM is a Warrant Officer and therefore, with much relief, an officer. He welcomes you “Ah, our security people! I feel safer already haha” he pauses for absent hilarity and then, taking nervous glance at the two stewards with trays of champagne, directs the team to a table arrayed with ice buckets. The ice buckets contain Frosters Beer (lightweight ale in every sense) in small tins. “There is beer. Did my time in the PDF cadets so I know soldiers prefer beer”.

He assists you to “circulate” which he deems important. He orchestrates a bizarre “social ballet” whereby you are allowed through into the forward lounge and are rotated through a meet and greet with the delegates. It’s a bit like speed dating in groups. He introduces you, leaves you to attend to something very important and then comes back to move you on. All have to admit he is a very functional functionary.

You have five groups with which you “mingle”.

The first is introduced as the Collace City Chamber of Commerce and appears to consist of four Merchants. Well three and a man in a black hat who cheerfully recognises Jess and shakes her hand “Shalom Jess!” says Mr Solomon. He introduces his “fellow merchants” (who seem somewhat nervous of him and now Jess too) as Wilson, Kepple and Betti. He states they are here to promote business between Inchin and Collace.

The Collace Orbital Consortium turns out to be some old acquaintances. The aristocratic Duran (who some have nearly met before) greets the team warmly and insists on swapping any Frosters for whiskey or cocktails on his tab. Although obviously well bred and mannered he is urbane, witty and charming with a “silver fox’s” eye for the ladies. He sends Countess Darklan’s regards (which you eventually deduce is Tourmaline) and grumbles at Colonel Skeet for sending him on this “fool’s errand” representing the Shore while bemoaning the separation from his Upspire mistress. Two stunning young women then rejoin Duran. He introduces his nieces Styx and Lethe who are acting as his assistants on the trip. The blond twins are wearing elegant yet revealing evening gowns. Skip and the twins share a moment of recognition. Lethe pouts peevishly “Captain Dallas, you didn’t return our comm!” while Styx simply stares at him.

The next group are a welcome sight as The Emerging Markets Division of the Iyhlua Clan are none other than Polly and Sazanami. Polly is immaculate in clan colours but in chic local style – a light blue silk evening dress and strappy heels. Exquisitely tailored within an inch of decency (but an inch nonetheless) she looks stunning. She carries a fan (Jess notes that it is a war fan and Polly seems to know how to use it peacefully without exsanguinating). Silent Sazanami is dressed in a grey silk business suit but entirely defers to Polly. Polly snaps her fan open revealing the Iyhlua clan mon and bows to Frank. "Colonel Cross the Iyhula Clan is grateful for your protection. I hope your services will not be required". She inclines her head to Jess and says in Trokh "The Twilight extends her personal best wishes to her Bannerman".

(OOC: Don’t exhaust yourselves there are another two groups and the Deputy Minister to meet yet! Hard life this hard bitten merc lark!

I'll do a "Who's who" )

[joertexas]

A Departure

(OOC: Don’t exhaust yourselves there are another two groups and the Deputy Minister to meet yet! Hard life this hard bitten merc lark!

I'll do a "Who's who" )

After a tearful goodbye with Erica, Prerna boards the liner with the other officers. Their gear had been sent ahead, and Prerna spares a though that her gear would be in her stateroom when she got there. She'd been aboard ships like this a few times, but it wasn't her preferred method of travel. The ship itself was fine, and the crew was attentive, but some of the passengers left a lot to be desired, in her view.

She endures the litany of introductions, and tries to determine who is important to their mission, Soloman being one as a potential intelligence source, and who isn't. She ignores the latter group as much as she can get away with, and carefully observes those in the former group. Prerna speaks only when spoken to, and she hides behind a glass of sparkling water as she "mingles".

[shaidar]

Frank will suggest that everyone wears their nice shiny new dress uniforms to the do, along with any medals. I'm assuming we ended up with both day-to-day uniforms plus some posh dress uniforms for special occasions .

[Tiglath]

(OOC: You could probably get to an approximation of a "Number One" uniform with medal ribbons if not "Full Cermonial". As ably demonstated in The Bindoner's pic! )

[shaidar]

no 1 looks sufficient, just something for ceremonies. If it wasn't covered under the free uniform offer Frank would have paid for the company to get them.

[Leitz]

Frank will suggest that everyone wears their nice shiny new dress uniforms to the do, along with any medals. I'm assuming we ended up with both day-to-day uniforms plus some posh dress uniforms for special occasions .

Jakob will note, just to Frank, that being directed and "handled" by the under secretary constitutes "work", and thus our pay should start at that point.

[shaidar]

Frank smiles, nods, and remarks innocently that if Jakob checks his contract of employment he'll note that there is no provision for overtime payments.

[Leitz]

Frank smiles, nods, and remarks innocently that if Jakob checks his contract of employment he'll note that there is no provision for overtime payments.

"Work is work," Jakob replied. He smiled, and continued to speak quietly. "The real issue is the number of people who think they are in charge keeps growing. If every Dip thinks they have command authority, the situation can get bad fast."

[Tiglath]

One of the things Under Secretary Penfold does before letting you into the party is get Frank's signature on the Ministry's contract. You are all now both being paid by and are contracted to the Collace Ministry of Interstellar Relations.

[shaidar]

Frank

General Soirée

Frank does his best to mingle, make small talk and remember who's who...

The next group are a welcome sight as The Emerging Markets Division of the Iyhlua Clan are none other than Polly and Sazanami. Polly is immaculate in clan colours but in chic local style – a light blue silk evening dress and strappy heels. Exquisitely tailored within an inch of decency (but an inch nonetheless) she looks stunning. She carries a fan (Jess notes that it is a war fan and Polly seems to know how to use it peacefully without exsanguinating). Silent Sazanami is dressed in a grey silk business suit but entirely defers to Polly. Polly snaps her fan open revealing the Iyhlua clan mon and bows to Frank. "Colonel Cross the Iyhula Clan is grateful for your protection. I hope your services will not be required". She inclines her head to Jess and says in Trokh "The Twilight extends her personal best wishes to her Bannerman".

Frank tips his head in a small bow and replies with a smile and a twinkle in his eye "Ms Maguire, what a very pleasant surprise to see you, and also representation for the Iyhlua clan on this mission. Thank you for your confidence in our skills, and I also hope that our services will not be necissary"

Jakob

Frank smiles, nods, and remarks innocently that if Jakob checks his contract of employment he'll note that there is no provision for overtime payments.

"Work is work," Jakob replied. He smiled, and continued to speak quietly. "The real issue is the number of people who think they are in charge keeps growing. If every Dip thinks they have command authority, the situation can get bad fast."

"Yes, it could get interesting, but hopefully we'll have to time to manage it over the course of the journey and make sure everyone understands how it will work"

[Tiglath]

Frank

General Soirée

Frank tips his head in a small bow and replies with a smile and a twinkle in his eye "Ms Maguire, what a very pleasant surprise to see you, and also representation for the Iyhlua clan on this mission. Thank you for your confidence in our skills, and I also hope that our services will not be necissary"

Polly beams with delight at being reunited with Frank and the team.

[Leitz]

The Grav-Boarders

"How about we rig some nets on lifters across the openings," Prerna suggests. "We can move them at need. If you want to be nice, put warning markers on them."

"I'd consider it good training for the troops; either the 'keep your eyes on task' or 'splatter them with training rounds if they become a threat'. Either way, we learn more about our guys." Jakob winked. "With 'guys' being in a gender neutral sense."

[Tiglath]

The social whirl continues...

The next party The District 268 Interests Group are immaculately turned out in “full on” tailored black tie - even the striking blond of the principal’s arm wears a tuxedo trouser suit with her heels. The confident and handsome leader of the group offers Frank his hand “Local Deputy Director Drace Keening, Schunamann und Sohn AG. This is my executive associate Kristín Vitt and my assistants Mr. Wint and Mr. Kidd”.

The blonde casts an appraising eye over each of you while the two assistants simply give you a dead eyed stare.

Drace continues “Colonel Cross and Major Nayar I have to extend the Corporation’s thanks for clearing up that bad business in the Underhive. A terrible and tragic accident brought about by disavowed employees and rogue mercenaries tampering with a stolen product recklessly misused in a manner for which it was never intended. If I can help you in any way it will be my pleasure to do so”.

The next group on your travels are the group no one else is talking to. The Prospectors Consortium don’t seem to have the social skills or upward mobility for this scene. Two wear scruffy lounge suits (not dinner jackets! ) and appear to be intent on drinking well but not wisely of the free stuff. They introduce themselves as Dwayne and Wayne representing the Belter’s Union. "Fast Eddie" Wylam is the guy in shades with lots of jewellery and a white tuxedo. He introduces himself to people wearing the most additions to their uniform first – that extra campaign medal or light infantry lanyard bumps you up the order. Being female also gets you the upgrade. Fast Eddie is friendly and enthusiastic – he’s also clearly a gent because he wiped most of the prawn cocktail of his mitts before shaking hands. He says “Oh, meet the Prof” as a method of introducing the awkward older guy who, having gathered himself both a plate and a glass, juggles both badly while utterly bemused as to how to go about greeting you. He opts for a shy nod and manages “Um … Benson of the … um … Froin Institute. It’s in Five Sisters - you won't have heard of it”. He seems rather over awed by all your uniforms.