008: Reunion at Collace

[terrymixon]

Walt sees the IFV, the dissmbarkment, and looks over at Bona. On Neural comm to her

”Shit! Something’s going down. We have friends back there. We gotta check this out, just in case.”

On the group chat:
”Uh, is everything ok at the terrace? Seeing something about to go down. IVF with troops and heavy weapons on the terrace! North side!”

As he circles back up to his and Bona’s jump off point.

"No," Ciencia said over the link. "No overt response. No troops, no weapons. This needs to play out."

[terrymixon]

I have to say I wasn't expecting him to go this hard. He might really kick off the FFW here and now.

[Tiglath]

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.

Garvin responds " 'Oo's gonna start trouble in 'ere? The place is full of soldiers! Oh... oh, ruddy 'ell!"

Lethe says levelly "If you two are Imperial close protection I strongly advise that you stand down. There's a guest or two that have snuck in under false pretences. Our security is handling it and you two seem too clever to do something stupid".

Leaving Aster the lead here

[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.

Garvin responds " 'Oo's gonna start trouble in 'ere? The place is full of soldiers! Oh... oh, ruddy 'ell!"

Lethe says levelly "If you two are Imperial close protection I strongly advise that you stand down. There's a guest or two that have snuck in under false pretences. Our security is handling it and you two seem too clever to do something stupid".

Leaving Aster the lead here

Aster's eyes narrow. "If you're saying that my friends are the two who have 'snuck in', then we will have a problem."

[Tiglath]

William and Ciencia

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav raises his voice for emphasis and attention "Crown Princess Ciencia!" He then drops it to add "We both have our duties here but I regret any attempt on your person or the lives of your companions. Such an attack would never be authorised by the Consulate so I suggest you look to a renegade Zhodani group - quite possibly in league with your own renegade nobility. You are indeed unschooled in diplomacy and decidedly ill advised as to your popularity here but I would not see you harmed. Lady go where you will but bide here for a few minutes for no mater how loathsome you find our company myself and my Guards will protect you for as long as we still draw breath".

Kiriaklabatl looks like a man who has made the mistake of meeting his hero and discovered only terrible disappointment. He is also incandescently angry but manages to probably not say what he'd like to. "We need our blades to defend your lives! Which myself and my brother officers will do to the death. If you seek small talk with the Warlord might I suggest that the stack of Imperial heads he recently presented to his wife might be a talking point?"

He turns away from you scan the crowd at the bar.

Colonel Skeet seems to be heading through the press making slightly less progress than the Aslan of his bodyguard who also converge on your location.

[Tiglath]

Garvin and Aster

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.

Garvin responds " 'Oo's gonna start trouble in 'ere? The place is full of soldiers! Oh... oh, ruddy 'ell!"

Lethe says levelly "If you two are Imperial close protection I strongly advise that you stand down. There's a guest or two that have snuck in under false pretences. Our security is handling it and you two seem too clever to do something stupid".

Aster's eyes narrow. "If you're saying that my friends are the two who have 'snuck in', then we will have a problem."

Lethe replies making no attempt to mask her Swordy accent "Legend has it that gatecrashers here get thrown off the terrace but I don't think they do that with nobility. Crown Princess Ciencia - confirmed by a partial retina print. If you are her security speak to Duran and he'll sell you the original and only copy - now owned by 4DC. Collace has a very dark dark web. If she'll listen you could maybe tell her to turn her "Imperial" down a notch. This isn't Regina where they'll cheer and scatter flowers on cue. The Imperium and their corporations are not popular in 268. There's people on Collace who would lob RPGs in here on the off chance of taking her nicely toned Imperial ass out. However, this place lacks for anywhere with an overlook - why do you think we meet here?"

She adds "The Zhodani "made" her at the same time as we did. No one wants her harmed on their watch. If she'll stay put where she is she's safe behind some of the best warriors in the District. I expect the Colonel will hand her over to people who have no option but to obey her orders. So get ready for the Imperial clown show to drop in from the moon - Kirkton".

[terrymixon]

Garvin and Aster

Garvin responds " 'Oo's gonna start trouble in 'ere? The place is full of soldiers! Oh... oh, ruddy 'ell!"

Lethe says levelly "If you two are Imperial close protection I strongly advise that you stand down. There's a guest or two that have snuck in under false pretences. Our security is handling it and you two seem too clever to do something stupid".

Aster's eyes narrow. "If you're saying that my friends are the two who have 'snuck in', then we will have a problem."

Lethe replies making no attempt to mask her Swordy accent "Legend has it that gatecrashers here get thrown off the terrace but I don't think they do that with nobility. Crown Princess Ciencia - confirmed by a partial retina print. If you are her security speak to Duran and he'll sell you the original and only copy - now owned by 4DC. Collace has a very dark dark web. If she'll listen you could maybe tell her to turn her "Imperial" down a notch. This isn't Regina where they'll cheer and scatter flowers on cue. The Imperium and their corporations are not popular in 268. There's people on Collace who would lob RPGs in here on the off chance of taking her nicely toned Imperial ass out. However, this place lacks for anywhere with an overlook - why do you think we meet here?"

She adds "The Zhodani "made" her at the same time as we did. No one wants her harmed on their watch. If she'll stay put where she is she's safe behind some of the best warriors in the District. I expect the Colonel will hand her over to people who have no option but to obey her orders. So get ready for the Imperial clown show to drop in from the moon - Kirkton".

"Everyone is free to pick their friends, but enemies get made by actions. You--and presumably 4DC--seem to have decided to make enemies, if what you say is true. I guess we'll see who ends up happier when the bill comes due. Garvin."

She heads for the disturbance.

[Tiglath]

"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.

Sure enough as Roscoe crosses in front of the alley a voice calls " 'Old it there chummy! Yer surrounded by the undercroft Skittler-sharps so let's 'ave yer lolly! Wallet an' comm - come on get 'em aht! No need to get bashed or shot give 'em over now". Two ne'er-do-wells are visible - one armed with an autopistol and the other with a long crowbar.

Roscoe can see another grappling with what might be a Vargr deeper in the alley.

[terrymixon]

"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.

Sure enough as Roscoe crosses in front of the alley a voice calls " 'Old it there chummy! Yer surrounded by the undercroft Skittler-sharps so let's 'ave yer lolly! Wallet an' comm - come on get 'em aht! No need to get bashed or shot give 'em over now". Two ne'er-do-wells are visible - one armed with an autopistol and the other with a long crowbar.

Roscoe can see another grappling with what might be a Vargr deeper in the alley.

"Well, I wouldn't want to get shot or bashed," Roscoe said. He'll bring his stunner out of his PD ring and shoot the one with the pistol even as he charges in.

The skill sheet has his skills and stats already baked in. I'm happy to let you roll for Roscoe.

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav raises his voice for emphasis and attention "Crown Princess Ciencia!" He then drops it to add "We both have our duties here but I regret any attempt on your person or the lives of your companions. Such an attack would never be authorised by the Consulate so I suggest you look to a renegade Zhodani group - quite possibly in league with your own renegade nobility. You are indeed unschooled in diplomacy and decidedly ill advised as to your popularity here but I would not see you harmed. Lady go where you will but bide here for a few minutes for no mater how loathsome you find our company myself and my Guards will protect you for as long as we still draw breath".

Kiriaklabatl looks like a man who has made the mistake of meeting his hero and discovered only terrible disappointment. He is also incandescently angry but manages to probably not say what he'd like to. "We need our blades to defend your lives! Which myself and my brother officers will do to the death. If you seek small talk with the Warlord might I suggest that the stack of Imperial heads he recently presented to his wife might be a talking point?"

He turns away from you scan the crowd at the bar.

Colonel Skeet seems to be heading through the press making slightly less progress than the Aslan of his bodyguard who also converge on your location.

She's confused, likely due to inexperience. She doesn't respond but doesn't leave either.

[Tiglath]

Garvin and Aster

Aster's eyes narrow. "If you're saying that my friends are the two who have 'snuck in', then we will have a problem."

Lethe replies making no attempt to mask her Swordy accent "Legend has it that gatecrashers here get thrown off the terrace but I don't think they do that with nobility. Crown Princess Ciencia - confirmed by a partial retina print. If you are her security speak to Duran and he'll sell you the original and only copy - now owned by 4DC. Collace has a very dark dark web. If she'll listen you could maybe tell her to turn her "Imperial" down a notch. This isn't Regina where they'll cheer and scatter flowers on cue. The Imperium and their corporations are not popular in 268. There's people on Collace who would lob RPGs in here on the off chance of taking her nicely toned Imperial ass out. However, this place lacks for anywhere with an overlook - why do you think we meet here?"

She adds "The Zhodani "made" her at the same time as we did. No one wants her harmed on their watch. If she'll stay put where she is she's safe behind some of the best warriors in the District. I expect the Colonel will hand her over to people who have no option but to obey her orders. So get ready for the Imperial clown show to drop in from the moon - Kirkton".

"Everyone is free to pick their friends, but enemies get made by actions. You--and presumably 4DC--seem to have decided to make enemies, if what you say is true. I guess we'll see who ends up happier when the bill comes due. Garvin."

She heads for the disturbance.

Lethe calls after Aster "Stand down!" then exasperatedly "Ýmirs frosteistna! More fekking Imperial arrogance!"

Garvin takes his leave with a possible explanation "She's not been to Collace before" and heads off after Aster.

(OOC: Swordy Trans service: By Ýmir’s frosty balls!).

[terrymixon]

Garvin and Aster


Lethe replies making no attempt to mask her Swordy accent "Legend has it that gatecrashers here get thrown off the terrace but I don't think they do that with nobility. Crown Princess Ciencia - confirmed by a partial retina print. If you are her security speak to Duran and he'll sell you the original and only copy - now owned by 4DC. Collace has a very dark dark web. If she'll listen you could maybe tell her to turn her "Imperial" down a notch. This isn't Regina where they'll cheer and scatter flowers on cue. The Imperium and their corporations are not popular in 268. There's people on Collace who would lob RPGs in here on the off chance of taking her nicely toned Imperial ass out. However, this place lacks for anywhere with an overlook - why do you think we meet here?"

She adds "The Zhodani "made" her at the same time as we did. No one wants her harmed on their watch. If she'll stay put where she is she's safe behind some of the best warriors in the District. I expect the Colonel will hand her over to people who have no option but to obey her orders. So get ready for the Imperial clown show to drop in from the moon - Kirkton".

"Everyone is free to pick their friends, but enemies get made by actions. You--and presumably 4DC--seem to have decided to make enemies, if what you say is true. I guess we'll see who ends up happier when the bill comes due. Garvin."

She heads for the disturbance.

Lethe calls after Aster "Stand down!" then exasperatedly "Ýmirs frosteistna! More fekking Imperial arrogance!"

Garvin takes his leave with a possible explanation "She's not been to Collace before" and heads off after Aster.

(OOC: Swordy Trans service: By Ýmir’s frosty balls!).

Yep, sure seems like the Imperials are the ones being arrogant.

[Tiglath]

William and Ciencia

She's confused, likely due to inexperience. She doesn't respond but doesn't leave either.

Ciencia maybe inexperienced but she is also very sharp. It must now occur to her (much to her chagrin) that she has just been "played" in the public gaze of Collace by a wily veteran of the Consulate Diplomatic Corps. What's worse(?) is, having done his job, he now reveals himself to be a decent and honorable adversary. She fully expects their public conversation won't play at all well in the local media. In equal measure if Kiriaklabatl is your average "Zho noble in the street" (which by any odds he isn't) or any sort of touchstone for the Zhodani psyche she appears to have reinforced every possible prejudice this "learned soldier" (who seemingly gets on fine with ex Marines in 268) may have had against the Imperium.

Fortunately this isn't a diplomatic mission...

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

She's confused, likely due to inexperience. She doesn't respond but doesn't leave either.

Ciencia maybe inexperienced but she is also very sharp. It must now occur to her (much to her chagrin) that she has just been "played" in the public gaze of Collace by a wily veteran of the Consulate Diplomatic Corps. What's worse(?) is, having done his job, he now reveals himself to be a decent and honorable adversary. She fully expects their public conversation won't play at all well in the local media. In equal measure if Kiriaklabatl is your average "Zho noble in the street" (which by any odds he isn't) or any sort of touchstone for the Zhodani psyche she appears to have reinforced every possible prejudice this "learned soldier" (who seemingly gets on fine with ex Marines in 268) may have had against the Imperium.

Fortunately this isn't a diplomatic mission...

I can't imagine how she possibly saw this in any other light. I certainly read it differently, anyway. *shrugs* Well, it is what it is. Scene well played.

Personally, I don't see anything said that is harmful. The stated goal is helping people. If that pissed them off, nothing she could have done would have made it better. I guess we'll see what happens and where she goes from here.

[helvorn]

William and Ciencia

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav raises his voice for emphasis and attention "Crown Princess Ciencia!" He then drops it to add "We both have our duties here but I regret any attempt on your person or the lives of your companions. Such an attack would never be authorised by the Consulate so I suggest you look to a renegade Zhodani group - quite possibly in league with your own renegade nobility. You are indeed unschooled in diplomacy and decidedly ill advised as to your popularity here but I would not see you harmed. Lady go where you will but bide here for a few minutes for no mater how loathsome you find our company myself and my Guards will protect you for as long as we still draw breath".

Kiriaklabatl looks like a man who has made the mistake of meeting his hero and discovered only terrible disappointment. He is also incandescently angry but manages to probably not say what he'd like to. "We need our blades to defend your lives! Which myself and my brother officers will do to the death. If you seek small talk with the Warlord might I suggest that the stack of Imperial heads he recently presented to his wife might be a talking point?"

He turns away from you scan the crowd at the bar.

Colonel Skeet seems to be heading through the press making slightly less progress than the Aslan of his bodyguard who also converge on your location.

"Your company is not in any way loathsome Ambassador. We appreciate and accept your protection as honorable persons and warriors." William nods toward the Ambassador as he looks at Ciencia. He speaks to her privately on the neural communicator. "You deal with it the Ambassador. We can still salvage the situation."

He calls out on broadcast via the neural communicator "Call off any QRF. Let's deal with this by talking our way out."

William steps forward and elbows his way through to stand next to Kiriaklabatl and draws a wallet that morphs into a blade that glimmers a bit. "If there is blood and death required to protect my wife and the Ambassador then this Imperial Marine will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder to the death with you should it be required. If it takes bloodshed by the Aslan or others including my wife to cull the traitors and criminals from Our domain then so be it. You have my word of honor on that."

[Thumper]

Walt sails up past what he perceives to be the troop leader emerging from the IFV. Based on Ciencia’s proclamation of “This needs to play out”:

”Stand down 4DC. We have this in hand.” Then he activates the chameleon shield on the Rexwell suit to become “nearly invisible”, verbalized the “emerge” words for both PD rings (one on each hand) to bring his grav sword to his left hand and his Grav Pistol to his right, as he (invisibly) takes up position overhead the Zho guard where he hovers at the ready. The backdrop of the open sky above the fray should keep the “Predator” invisibility well camouflaged.

On the group chat he announces. ”Growler is overhead if needed”


Rexwell Suit capabilities:
viewtopic.php?p=712902#p712902

Simuktaneous post with Helvorn above

[helvorn]

William and Ciencia

She's confused, likely due to inexperience. She doesn't respond but doesn't leave either.

Ciencia maybe inexperienced but she is also very sharp. It must now occur to her (much to her chagrin) that she has just been "played" in the public gaze of Collace by a wily veteran of the Consulate Diplomatic Corps. What's worse(?) is, having done his job, he now reveals himself to be a decent and honorable adversary. She fully expects their public conversation won't play at all well in the local media. In equal measure if Kiriaklabatl is your average "Zho noble in the street" (which by any odds he isn't) or any sort of touchstone for the Zhodani psyche she appears to have reinforced every possible prejudice this "learned soldier" (who seemingly gets on fine with ex Marines in 268) may have had against the Imperium.

Fortunately this isn't a diplomatic mission...

I can't imagine how she possibly saw this in any other light. I certainly read it differently, anyway. *shrugs* Well, it is what it is. Scene well played. I guess we'll see what happens and where she goes from here.

I would agree that the escalation came out of left field. Surprises are always fun.

[terrymixon]

William and Ciencia

Ambassador Vlezpridliashav raises his voice for emphasis and attention "Crown Princess Ciencia!" He then drops it to add "We both have our duties here but I regret any attempt on your person or the lives of your companions. Such an attack would never be authorised by the Consulate so I suggest you look to a renegade Zhodani group - quite possibly in league with your own renegade nobility. You are indeed unschooled in diplomacy and decidedly ill advised as to your popularity here but I would not see you harmed. Lady go where you will but bide here for a few minutes for no mater how loathsome you find our company myself and my Guards will protect you for as long as we still draw breath".

Kiriaklabatl looks like a man who has made the mistake of meeting his hero and discovered only terrible disappointment. He is also incandescently angry but manages to probably not say what he'd like to. "We need our blades to defend your lives! Which myself and my brother officers will do to the death. If you seek small talk with the Warlord might I suggest that the stack of Imperial heads he recently presented to his wife might be a talking point?"

He turns away from you scan the crowd at the bar.

Colonel Skeet seems to be heading through the press making slightly less progress than the Aslan of his bodyguard who also converge on your location.

"Your company is not in any way loathsome Ambassador. We appreciate and accept your protection as honorable persons and warriors." William nods toward the Ambassador as he looks at Ciencia. He speaks to her privately on the neural communicator. "You deal with it the Ambassador. We can still salvage the situation."

He calls out on broadcast via the neural communicator "Call off any QRF. Let's deal with this by talking our way out."

William steps forward and elbows his way through to stand next to Kiriaklabatl and draws a wallet that morphs into a blade that glimmers a bit. "If there is blood and death required to protect my wife and the Ambassador then this Imperial Marine will proudly stand shoulder to shoulder to the death with you should it be required. If it takes bloodshed by the Aslan or others including my wife to cull the traitors and criminals from Our domain then so be it. You have my word of honor on that."

"Perhaps I have made a mistake," she admits. "I never said you were loathsome, Ambassador, but if the way you spoke is meant to be a response to a promise to help the average person here on Collace, you might see where it would be confusing. Coming here was a mistake. I didn't anticipate being recognized and my presence is a distraction from the good work my friends want to do here. My compliments on your skill in framing the conversation. This is a day I am sure that we will both remember in the future, though likely in different ways. Warrior, I apologize for my words. You have been nothing but noble. I have brought dishonor on myself and will remember my error."

[Tiglath]

Growler

Walt sails up past what he perceives to be the troop leader emerging from the IFV. Based on Ciencia’s proclamation of “This needs to play out”:

”Stand down 4DC. We have this in hand.” Then he activates the chameleon shield on the Rexwell suit to become “nearly invisible”, verbalized the “emerge” words for both PD rings (one on each hand) to bring his grav sword to his left hand and his Grav Pistol to his right, as he (invisibly) takes up position overhead the Zho guard where he hovers at the ready. The backdrop of the open sky above the fray should keep the “Predator” invisibility well camouflaged.

On the group chat he announces. ”Growler is overhead if needed”

The squad leader makes his way into the bar while one of the rifle armed mercs shouts a reply to Growler "Wrong unit mate - so you can fekkin' do one! No offence mind". Meanwhile a rifleman in the squad casually yet serially helps himself to an unattended tray of hors d'oeuvres. The same junior leader then shouts "Shugs, love, paint the invisible floaty man with vis light so 'e doesn't get any ideas about bein' a clever canute will ya? 'Ow many targets and 'ow many rounds again?"

A low intensity vislight beam coaxially mounted to the IFV's VRF Gauss gun illuminates Growler's ballistic chest plate but then, still tracking his movement, yet apparently adjusted by the gunner lowers itself to focus on his groin. A honeyed female voice that could likely lure celibate hermits from remote locations purrs over the PA "Hundred rounds per target, ten targets - but you are the only target*. Behave, stud, or its gauss needle bukkake".

(OOC: * Unless Bona joins in airborne - in which case the PD unit will lock her up as well (because it detects, tracks and locks local airborne threats.

And the classy Merc unit takes the field... ).

[terrymixon]

Growler

Walt sails up past what he perceives to be the troop leader emerging from the IFV. Based on Ciencia’s proclamation of “This needs to play out”:

”Stand down 4DC. We have this in hand.” Then he activates the chameleon shield on the Rexwell suit to become “nearly invisible”, verbalized the “emerge” words for both PD rings (one on each hand) to bring his grav sword to his left hand and his Grav Pistol to his right, as he (invisibly) takes up position overhead the Zho guard where he hovers at the ready. The backdrop of the open sky above the fray should keep the “Predator” invisibility well camouflaged.

On the group chat he announces. ”Growler is overhead if needed”

The squad leader makes his way into the bar while one of the rifle armed mercs shouts a reply to Growler "Wrong unit mate - so you can fekkin' do one! No offence mind". Meanwhile a rifleman in the squad casually yet serially helps himself to an unattended tray of hors d'oeuvres. The same junior leader then shouts "Shugs, love, paint the invisible floaty man with vis light so 'e doesn't get any ideas about bein' a clever canute will ya? 'Ow many targets and 'ow many rounds again?"

A low intensity vislight beam coaxially mounted to the IFV's VRF Gauss gun illuminates Growler's ballistic chest plate but then, still tracking his movement, yet apparently adjusted by the gunner lowers itself to focus on his groin. A honeyed female voice that could likely lure celibate hermits from remote locations purrs over the PA "Hundred rounds per target, ten targets - but you are the only target*. Behave, stud, or its gauss needle bukkake".

(OOC: * Unless Bona joins in airborne - in which case the PD unit will lock her up as well (because it detects, tracks and locks local airborne threats.

And the classy Merc unit takes the field... ).

Bona would be there, though trailing Walt.