The Time and The Place

[Tiglath]

Áshildr opens the door to Raven’s cabin, a computer tablet in hand, showing a video feed of Remington’s stateroom. Leaning against the door frame she makes a rueful face:

I’m afraid it’s true, this is the most frustrating hidden camera film. All set-up, no action.

Very educational, though. I learned a lot. Not what I expected, but I think I’ll profit by it anyway.

Raven watches Sal and Aedzveis depart and then moves towards her occupied cabin door with deliberately slow purpose and locks her black pupils with Áshildr's green gaze “You know that you shouldn't spy on Remington's bedchamber. It's... unseemly... for a warrior of your status to be ogling an elderly slave so. Besides he's my Seer – if you want to ogle him you should ask”. Raven's delivery is near deadpan but could contain arch mockery. Someone who knows her well might be able to decipher the dangerous difference in her purpose which currently seems to be either veiled threat or smouldering intent. Now on an effective collision course with Áshildr's position in the cabin's doorway her voice takes on a low guttural tone she states “So, you overheard all my words in there... and yet... you remain disappointed for a lack of action? We should now review the findings of your witchery. I will show you that which, by your own admission, you state you missed”.

[Thumper]

Tiv watches Sal and Aedzveis leave then looks from Ashildr to Raven. He’s obviously missed something…something big. He adjusts his weapons belt then leans against the wall just outside the doorway. He looks to Raven with a renewed interest…

“hmmm…she thinks she’s pulled something clever.” He thinks to himself.

[The Bindoner]

Áshildr stands her ground as Raven closes on her, maintaining her nonchalant posture.

It was your override code I used to access the camera.


She moves aside to allow Raven to enter her room (which has been temporarily occupied by Manfred until now).


Checking the time on her tablet:

No time for a thorough assessment, but perhaps enough a quick debrief before I dress for Ummiimir’s party… There are bound to be people there I’ll want to meet.

Don’t worry I’ve persuaded the Serpent to turn a blind eye, and I haven’t had time to install my own. No chance of a voyeur tagged upload.

She flashes Tiv an impish smile before closing the door behind them.



The warriors are also preparing for their “outing”. Yngvildr has volunteered to remain with the ship as security.



Shortly before the estimated time for departure the Serpent announces that a Blackrock protocol robot has arrived from Ummiimir to escort the party. The robot is similar to the one assigned to the hangar (and dismissed), but differs in details.

[Thumper]

Tiv smiles and nods at Ashildr. He then walks back to the drone repair area where he adds Yshildr and other stay-behind-defenders to the bottom of the voice control list for the security disk and shipyard repair bot’s control priority list.

Seeing the protocol bot, Tiv invites the crew to follow.

[Tiglath]

Raven emerges from the cabin after a while and makes off to the warrior's hall (where she sleeps) to hurriedly prepare for Ummiimir's reception. On entering the hall she takes in the busy preparations about her and her lips draw back from her teeth as she bellows an appeal for approbation "Odin!" She then, in uncharacteristic good humour, joshes robustly with a few of her warband as they make their preparations before earnestly setting to her own. Short of time she leaves her black hair braided along the sides and back combed atop but adds minimal black colour to upper eyelids and lips and brief highlight and shadow to cheekbones (so much easier to appear human than her (raiding) "living dead" look...).

She dons her decorative "officer's/shipboard" armour and addresses her warband "Heed me now for this is but another test. Your battle array will suffice but remember that we are setting forth to be well hosted by an ally so we can dress for comfort. We are in a space station where there are controls enough to make this neutral ground. However, warrior crews operate only within "armed neutrality" and under those terms what we are about to perform is best described as an "arrogance". We will walk through the enemy's camp under the terms of this peace and proudly wear both weapons and finery in equal measure so that they will think twice of facing us in battle. So, you bloody mouthed wolves, wear your arm rings and carry your show pieces. We will go armed but this is not a march but a swagger!"

Raven forms her warband behind Kar and Tiv.

Sigmundr stands at her right hand bearing a shield with a black raven on a red field. To her left rear stands her Seer and gatherer of spirits - Remington "Many Names". He bears a totem staff carved with runes and adorned with fetishes which he seems unsure whether he should "bear" or actually "play". Behind them the blond Ragnheiðr and black haired Rúna bear long boarding shields as a split pair bearing the same device. The warband advance behind in the "boar's snout" formation that in action would lock in behind the shields but are now dispersed in a casual "skirmish order". Ingrid follows as skald leading traditional lusty singing but with full pieces of her own.

Edit: spelling correction

[Thumper]

Seeing Raven has properly accoutred and formed her band, he looks at Kar for his nod, then tells the protocol robot to lead on...allowing Kar to then lead the procession of his crew. He chuckles to himself with Raven's theatrics of using Remington as her banner bearer then joins in with the singing. He is truly enjoying being amongst Oghmen again.

[hardrocks]

Kar joins the assembled crew heading for Ummiimir’s party. Casting an eye over the ship's officers and chief slaves for anything he doesn't approve of. Satisfied, though perhaps wishing for once Leon did not have a stinking stogie clamped in his teeth, he stifles a grin at Raven's "pep talk" to the Warband. Perhaps upon reflection, it is better that Leon does have a cigar, less likely to offend. That does make him smile, thinking of some of Leon's more colorful language and the fights it got them into when they were young. Leading the group with Warband in full voice, Kar looks to Raven and Tiv still smiling now with a raised eyebrow.

This should be an interesting evening

Humming along to the old favourite he follows the Bot.

[Legion Lee]

Leon after a short bout of shopping returns to his cabin where he has a quick tidy and changes into some more presentable clothes (well presentable for him). Making sure the pistol at his hip is comfortable and a couple of spare cigars, he has a quick nip of rum and joins the rest of the crew ready for the party.

[The Bindoner]

The robot leads the procession out of the hangar complex. The door to the large elevator cabin opposite opens, and the robot stands aside, but Raven (reasoning that using the lift will break the momentum) leads the war-band along the corridor instead.


The robot, after a pause, strides rapidly past the marching Oghmen to again lead them as they proceed along the wide corridor as it curves “upward” past two more hangars.


As the party pass the first bay, the elevator doors open and a surveillance drone flies out. It zips in front and takes station ahead, keeping pace as its camera records the progress of the warriors and crew.

The corridor ends in more heavy blast-doors, which open as the robot approaches, as do a second set of doors beyond them.

Passing through, the robot leads the procession into the public areas of Blackrock. Passing corridors signed as leading to accommodation, warehouses, and offices, the parade moves through an area of small retail units and spaces to eat, drink and socialise.

The area is not crowded with visitors, and most of the staff is robotic, but those people that are present are waiting at doors and windows to watch the show.

There are a mix of apparently civilian ship’s crew, obvious pirates, and some hospitality workers.


In general, the civilian crews react with concern, even fear. Those already familiar with Oghmen seem to see this as a sign of trouble to come.

On the whole, the pirate crews enjoy the march-by. Intimidation is the core of most successful pirates strategy, and they appreciate seeing a professional example of it. An officer from Lady Ice nods slowly as he envies the discipline on display.

Tiv recognises “Yummie” Yumi and Stabbin’ Pete in one cantina. Behind them, a large holo-display shows the live feed from the drone. Yumi waves, while Pete grinning, points at the war-bands blades and gives a “thumbs up”.

Further in there are larger entertainment facilities. Reaching this area, the hovering drone rotates its camera away from the scene, and the Customer Interface robot leads everyone to the door of one. It opens onto a large room. At one end is a small stage with a large display screen on the wall, at the other end is a bar, with human staff, and between them several tables have been moved together to form one long table surrounded by seats. Oghman music plays in the background as Ummiimir and Soraia step forward to greet their guests. As Ummiimir speaks, the drone flies over to a station on the bar and deactivates, Soraia pocketing her tablet as it does:

Welcome, friends. I am delighted that you should honour us with such a splendid review.

Please, order what you want from the bar, make yourselves at home. Food will arrive when you are ready.

[hardrocks]

Smiling and nodding amiably to the serpents' warband and crew as they head for the refreshments. Kar greets Soraia

Thank you for the invite and the hospitality for my crew and comrades.

[Thumper]

As Tiv passes “Stabbin’ Pete” and “Yummie” Yumi, he raises his half-drained stein of ale in salute. Lowering it, he looks directly at “Yummie”…smiling, he waves her towards him as he extends his elbow toward her as an invitation to join him at the head of the procession.

Assuming she accepts the invite, he’ll also wave to Pete to follow as he marches off with Yummie at his side and offers her drink from his stein.

He explains that these two are friends…and Crew of Sal’s. He treats Yumi as his escort and Pete as his friend.

[Thumper]

Smiling and nodding amiably to the serpents' warband and crew as they head for the refreshments. Kar greets Soraia

Thank you for the invite and the hospitality for my crew and comrades.

As Tiv enters Ummimmir’s reception, he hands the empty mug to Yummie and says, Seems as though you need a drink and I need a refill. He figures, after yummie’s flirting earlier, she must have a thing for…more distinguished men.

After sending her searching for a drink and for a refill, he turns his attention to Ummimmiir. He will present himself as the Clan emissary that he is. Speaking in accented imperial, he says, Sir, I present Captain Kar Tollerson and Raid Leader Raven Sorrow….again. Thank you for your reception. Earlier, I hope you found some treasures appealing. I’m certain more will be made available for your perusal as more clan ships arrive. I see my best friend, Capt Niels is inbound now. I will secure you early inspection of their wares as well.

When Kar and Ummimmir begin speaking, he’ll turn to Soraia and ask to purchase the fiber optic network tapping hardware he needs. He'll pass his parts list from his hand computer to hers. "Settle this up with Kar's raid payments from earlier today."

*Edited*

[Thumper]

Tiv has +2 Persuasion skill...zero modifier for social...Unless you want to grant she's into smart/educated men, persuasion is the only modifier that applies.



Also, the pursuasion roll for negotiating with Ummimmiir for the hacking hardware/software he needs to get eyes and ears in the Aslan hangar.

[Thumper]

Tiv will also look for an opportunity to discuss with Soraia a request that she keep tabs on the escorting Aslan warship somewhere out in the system.
Negotiation Roll:

[Tiglath]

Pleased with the successful passage of her "arrogance" through the starport Raven orders ale and makes sure her warband are catered for.

After properly greeting Ummiimir and Soraia and giving thanks for hosting the crew she lets Tiv take the diplomatic lead and leans back on the bar and waits to see how events unfold. Her contentment (if not bonhomie) also extends to the pirates who have joined the company. Raven has to allow that they haven't done anything at all untoward or even overly annoying... yet.

[The Bindoner]

Yumi and Pete have a brief discussion, then leave the cantina and join the Oghman parade. It looks like Pete persuaded Yumi to accept the invitation.

Yumi is a young woman wearing a somewhat startling ensemble that is, presumably, “fashion”. Her civilian appearance is marred by the combat snub-pistol on her hip. Her features are similar to those of Eno, suggesting a shared genotype.

Pete is equally young, but not so fashionable. He wears synth-leather trousers and a cut-away shirt designed to show of his weight-lifter’s physique. He has a large “Bowie” knife on his belt.


Yumi tastes Tiv’s beer, pulls a face and hands it back. She walks with Tiv, but her attention is on the Oghma women – or, more specifically, on what they are wearing.

Pete is delighted to be among people who apparently love swords and knives as much as he does. He shows off his high-tech blade to anyone who cares, but shows genuine appreciation of the craftsmanship of Oghman blades.

He pulls his hand computer from his pocket, logs into the station network and, letting Yummie see, books a room for the night at the station.

Yumi rolls her eyes, but stays with the parade.


Ran out of time, Part 2 to follow.

[The Bindoner]

Ummiimir smiles at Yummie and Stabbin’ Pete: Captain Scarlett’s associates, I believe. Yumi, and Pete. How nice to see newcomers making friends with locals.


Turning back to Kar and the senior Oghmen: I am glad that you brought guests, because I, too, have invited some. They should be here soon.

He looks aside and raises an eyebrow at Soraia, who puts her hand in a pocket. The screen on the stage activates, as does a holo-projector mounted in the centre of the ceiling. The space transforms from the plain white functional space of Blackrock as an overlay of a typical Oghma hall appears, open at one end to show the frigid terrain of a picturesque Oghman valley.


So you will feel at home. I arranged human staff too. Unfortunately, no Oghma clothes were available for them.

As Tiv enters Ummimmir’s reception, he hands the empty mug to Yummie and says, Seems we need a refill. He figures, after seeing yummie’s flirting earlier, she must have a thing for…more distinguished men.

Yumi takes puts the empty drinking horn on the nearest surface and walks off without speaking.

After sending her for refill, he turns his attention to Ummimmiir. He will present himself as the Clan emissary that he is. Speaking in heavily accented imperial, he says, Sir, I present Captain Kar Tollerson and Raid Leader Raven Sorrow….again. Thank you for your reception. Earlier, I hope you found some treasures appealing. I’m certain more will be made available for your perusal as more clan ships arrive. I see my best friend, Capt Niels is inbound now. I will secure you early inspection of their wares as well.

Yes, there were some interesting items. More so than usual, for a Marduk trove. I home your Friend Captain Neils has been as fortunate in his discoveries.

She returns with two tumblers of whisky.

Teasingly: Try something refined, Yaban. You might get a taste for it.

It is a complex drink, with more flavours than a standard Oghma spirit or Imperial Spaceport-bar Whiskey.

When it’s appropriate at a break in niceties, he’ll ask to purchase the fiber optic network tapping hardware he needs.

Ummiimir looks doubtful: I deal in information, not apparatus. He summons Soraia to consult: Soraia is the technician, I’m merely the salesman.

After listening to Tiv’s request Soraia tells him: I could supply what you need from my own equipment. I will deny doing so.

Ummiimir announces: One thousand.

Yumi snorts, and interjects: Really? For cables and connectors?

Ummiimir looks uncomfortable: Specific cables and rather bespoke connectors. The right parts for the job, that are not otherwise available, discretely, here and now.

OK, point, but… Still sounds like you’re gouging. Man wants this kit, he’s no simple savage.

Yumi and Ummiimir wrangle for while, as Soraia watches, amused. Eventually they agree on Cr.500 (essentially store price, on an Imperial world)

Shortly after this, two more people arrive, a man and woman in black military uniform. Ummiimir greets them :Konrad, Dyanne, welcome! Come and meet our guests.

Addressing Kar, Tiv and Raven: This is Commander Wolfe and Captain Dorn, of the Tyrian ship SS Ilsa. I have hopes that you will find you have things in common.

Commander Wolfe corrects Ummiimir in accented Anglic: A ship of Tyr, only, not a Tyrian ship. A small distinction, but important, here at Blackrock station, yes? We are a civilian ship now. Though as officers of the reserve, Captain Dorn and I are entitled to our uniform, neither we nor the Ilsa are part of the fleet at present.


EDITED: Added Wolfe's dialogue.

[Thumper]

So you will feel at home. I arranged human staff too. Unfortunately, no Oghma clothes were available for them.

Tiv looks around, smiles, and says, Sir, that looks quite brilliant. Quite homely! My compliments to your digital art department. Thank you. This may well be more human station staff than I have ever seen at one time on this station. He smiles at Soraia.

She returns with two tumblers of whisky.
Teasingly: Try something refined, Yaban. You might get a taste for it.

Tiv turns to her smirking yet quizzical at her teasing. I have had many try to teach me to appreciate the distilled drinks. Never grew a taste for them…always taste like disinfectant. But for you, I’ll try. He takes a sip and rolls it around his tongue. After a long taste, he takes another. When he’s finished appraising the blend of flavors, he says: Well, that’s the best damned whiskey I’ve ever placed in my mouth. I am a convert. I may have to be careful drinking this! . He draws his hand computer and speaks…Yaban Hearing the translation, he quietly says…You’re not wrong. He smiles a long smile locking eyes with her then reluctantly turns his attention to the negotiation.

Yumi and Ummiimir wrangle for while, as Soraia watches, amused. Eventually they agree on Cr.500 (essentially store price, on an Imperial world)

Again, Tiv locks eyes with Yumi. He smiles appreciatively, gives a small nod then finishes the last of his tumbler. Seeing her nearing the bottom of hers, he offers to get them a refresh, waits for her to finish then heads off after asking And what shall I ask for to get this again?
Upon returning, he listens into the conversation as he hands Yumi’s glass to her with the silly grin that seems to always reside on his face, but his eyes do shine in a way that those who know him can tell his smile is real. He leans in and whispers, Very impressive. Thank you. I owe you a big one. Glad to know I'm not a complete savage...

We are a civilian ship now. Though as officers of the reserve, Captain Dorn and I are entitled to our uniform, neither we nor the Ilsa are part of the fleet at present.

Tiv extends his hand in greeting.
My name is Tiv. Technical Commander Tivali Thingvellier, but please...Tiv. Out on your own now? And a long way from home. What is it that brings you to Blackrock? I’ve heard your ship is quite impressive.

[Legion Lee]

Leon is not one for diplomatic conversations and once introductions have been made will make his way over to the bar. He will take a small rum and join in with Ravens warriors. He will take in the party and all guests looking for potential threats/exit / looking for hidden entrance points...(just in case)

For a change, there is no customary cigar stub hanging from his mouth.

[Thumper]

While Tiv is at the bar getting the refills of high quality whiskey, he will make a couple of introductions:
Leon...Stabbin' Pete. Pete, Leon. Pete you didn't say what you did on the ship. Leon's the Cunning Serpent's chief gunner...and a damn fine one too.

Once he has the refills...
Excuse me boys, but duty calls with our hosts...

That's obviously before the intro to the Illsa Captain.