The Time and The Place

[Thumper]

Tiv looks up after composing his face and stands:
"I hear such things said of us aLL THE TiME. A few things of Sinner and outsiders ways we have learned."

He gestures toward the food spread.

"I am a bit partial to pickled fish myself, but I understand this fish is just 'to-die-for'. If you will lead, Raven..Kar? I saw something of concern with your Shaman's mount's flank that caught my eye. I think I need to make a calibration adjustment later to the work I performed on it this morning. I just want to peek at it now...I shall join you in a moment."

Looking at Remington and walking toward Thundercat, he asks:
"Let's take a look at that left flank for a second. And ask Rubati over to inspect this with me? Then we shall refresh ourselves."

As he squeezes in between the Thundercat and the fabric wall of the tent leaving no room for anyone to view what he is really doing.

His intent is to appear to be studying something while retrieving his PDL from the side panel of Thundercat and holster it, strip the rounds from the auto-pistol’s magazine and replace the mag. He will stash the auto-pistol that was in his holster in the deep pocket of Rubati's dress, and quietly whispers to her: "Aslan can suddenly be volatile. Should something happen, use your charms to keep the slaves calm and lead them to a safe location. As a last resort, you have this." and he taps the gun in her pocket.

He says loud enough to be heard but sounding as if speaking to Remington: "Yes, I shall have to order another part from the station later. Shaman, can you ride the Thundercat over to the other side of the pavilion so I may observe it's gait one more time?"
He steps behind the rear of Thundercat toward the original opening in the veil. Assuming at that time, the meat is being consumed, he'll discreetly draw his dosage of Combat Drug and auto-jab himself while behind concealment (Combat drug should take effect in 20 seconds/3 rounds) He'll stand in the original pavilion doorway and inspect Thundercat's movements while Remington rides the few paces. With line of sight to Max, the repair bot, he'll discretely hand signal Max to initiate his instructions (inject gas into the pouncer's' air system then move close to the airlock or on open cargo/boat/air raft hatch.)
Finally, he'll walk over to take a small sampling of food from Eno and Eshergamelat, stand at the periphery of the gathering with his right hip turned away from the guard who was alert for weapons and keep a close eye on the Aslan warriors...ready to draw his Sonic Stun Carbine.


Stealth:

[Tiglath]

Raven

Her Words watches Remington with interest, before addressing Raven:

Our warriors, too, favour a direct approach. Training, and the guile of the hunter, however, have given them the ability to look for subtler paths. Such as an open door.

Her Words waves lazily at the open walls: Now you can see both your way and your wares.

Raven quaffs wine and responds to Her Words with absent cheerfulness "Why look about for open doors when you have a blade to make them?"

Continuing on Raven says "Lady Her Words, you have the look of a buyer who wants no mere viewing but more of a... demonstration. Soon enough we'll begin the show and will include a little light sparring to display the goods better. Maybe your security people could use the opportunity to reduce their apparent... unease... around human slaves? Please ask them if they feel able to join in. Of course they can wear their full armour against the near naked human slaves - at least until they are more at their ease. However, trade rules always apply - you break it you pay for it, nei?"

She adds idly "Often we use drone vid capture of bouts for training purposes. Tiv has a pile of them on his comm. We collect them all the time but for myself experience is all".

She gestures, and the woman Savitri produces a control unit, which she uses. The side of the pavilion that has been damaged, and the one facing the slaves gathered in the hangar, retract into the corner support pillars. The damaged section fails to smoothly retract, sticking an inch out, with the trailing material jammed at the bottom. Her words sighs, and Small Birds looks pained.

Raven enthusiastically applauds the retracting panels of the pavillion then buttonholes Savitri to pass on "You should press the thing again - there's a bit still hanging out". Taking in the 360 view Raven frowns "You should have left the back curtain in place - now everyone will see each other when we go for a piss!" She pauses a moment in apparent thought and then asks "So, where do we go? I have a need myself and must check the facilities". She quietly confides "Our Technomancer has an irrational fear of confined latrines. He likes somewhere he can... run about". She shrugs apologetically "Just a moment - I'll let him know that I'm going to check".

Raven leans into Tiv. Her black eyes are always difficult to read but after "not quite half" a pint of top quality wine her body language seems a little less swagger and a little more... Oh, lawks! Then Tiv remembers how much he's seen Raven drink and still seem sober. Therefore, when she drapes one arm about his shoulders while her free hand gently toys with his moustache (Don't touch the 'tache!!!) it's verging on the disturbing. When she then speaks breathily into his ear she just redefines that. Fortunately the content is so very much more as expected "I'm going to draw the two male Aslan into a duel. You and Remington take the armoured troll - use the drones. Pass the word. I will kill his second - the officer. Then we begin". She then questions "Did you just involve Rubati?!? By the gods she's a... sensual minx who needs a damn good... er... distracting hobby... and is also quite possibly some sort of spy... It's... I was... getting round to it!"

Then, regaining her cold focus, albeit rather hotly in his ear Raven purrs "Just one more thing. It is the personal will of Jarl Hallsteinn Ásgeirr and vital to this mission that we open the outer hanger airlock to give access to Áshildr's support group".

And then... the dampness...

Did... she...???

It must surely just be condensation from all the abundant and overfocussed manic intensity and hot breath...

Raven hails Savitri once more "I'm ready for my check of the latrines!"

[Thumper]

As the combat drug is kicking in, Tiv tries hard to not seem too twitchy. It takes a moment for Tiv to understand what is happening, but the clue light comes on in his mind. Not willing to let the moment pass without copping a feel and keeping up the charade, Tiv places his arm around Raven's waist then lets his hand drift to her buttocks...which he gently massages as she leans into his ear.

"I'm going to draw the two male Aslan into a duel. You and Remington take the armoured troll - use the drones. Pass the word. I will kill his second - the officer. Then we begin". She then questions "Did you just involve Rubati?!? By the gods she's a... sensual minx who needs a damn good... er... distracting hobby... and is also quite possibly some sort of spy... It's... I was... getting round to it!"

Upon hearing her speak of Rubati that way, Tiv pulls Raven into full body contact and leans his mouth close to her ear.
of course. Kar ‘n Regina,. You’ve done well with Remington, as has Leon with Roberta. Trusted ship crews are far more to my liking than forced slaves in ship critical positions. I intend to turn all I can to trustees and possibly freemen. More later, but Rubati seems like the next good precedent for the other ship slaves. And oh yes, Rubati is a fine catch...and she will be fun if she can pass this test. She needs and will be a good, uh, distraction!

I read in Regina's NPC that she was freed her first term...Is it safe to assume she is a free crewmember as Kar's partner?

Then, regaining her cold focus, albeit rather hotly in his ear Raven purrs "Just one more thing. It is the personal will of Jarl Hallsteinn Ásgeirr and vital to this mission that we open the outer hanger airlock to give access to Áshildr's support group".

Tiv is wearing a comm dot.
Arnwulf, say status of the Ashildr's reserve and whether the coded janitor bot is with them? Also, pass Raven's targeting priorities to all with comm dots.

Are there any PCs not receiving Arnwulf's feed?

And then... the dampness...

Did... she...???

It must surely just be condensation from all the abundant and overfocussed manic intensity and hot breath...

Tiv is indeed shocked. Fortunately his face is hidden in Raven's black hair. He returns the favor, and he's bizarrely disappointed as she pulls away. That was an...interesting...enjoyable exchange.

Raven hails Savitri once more "I'm ready for my check of the latrines!"

His hand lingers on her she withdraws.

He looks to Her Words: And how is the spread?

[hardrocks]

I read in Regina's NPC that she was freed her first term...Is it safe to assume she is a fully free crewmember as Kar's partner?

Er, not the "Freedom" you were thinking of. More of an Ohgman "I can no longer kill you with impunity" thing. Kar and Reggies' relationship IS complicated, but technically she is still a slave, though not a Thrall. But, to treat a highly skilled and valued crew member as such, would in Kar's opinion, be unwise.ooc]

[Legion Lee]

Leon witnesses what passes between Tiv and Raven (he is stood by Remington and the cat), although he did not hear what was said he knows the party is soon to start. He gives a non-comital glance over to Roberta and knows she is also ready.

[Tiglath]

Raven (chez latrine) looks in the mirror as she pulls down the neck seal on her armour to reveal the "target dot" in her tattoo. Pressing the one shot auto injector home she doses herself and meeting the gaze of her own black eyes says accusingly "Storing up trouble again?" she replies "If he loves me for the next hour I'm good" her reflection snipes back "Lying bitch!" to which she reacts but then angrily retorts "Raid Leader!"

Her senses begin to alert for "the quickening" of the combat drug as she flips the retaining thong from the hammer of the 10mm in her shoulder rig. She then draws the big automatic from her right thigh and fishing a spare "finger calibre" magnum round from a belt loop she chambers it under the hammer.

Finally (yet still counting down time in her head) she checks her make up in the mirror: the lines are still good and the definition of the black block over her eyes is sound. It's a stylized skull but still a homage to the Hel Lokidottir - goddess of death. On her cheeks the tiwaz rune and the valknut are clear and unambiguous – victory or death in battle. As she retouches her black lipstick she recalls an old Oghman foray into “light entertainment” music. With her “death face” complete and eyeing the mirror once more she shatters just one side with her gauntleted fist in another homage to Hel and then coldly repeats the popular refrain “C'mon Barbie - let's go party!”

Her ablutions/preparations complete Raven will facilitate her escort back to the festivities.

[The Bindoner]

Raven enthusiastically applauds the retracting panels of the pavillion then buttonholes Savitri to pass on "You should press the thing again - there's a bit still hanging out". Taking in the 360 view Raven frowns "You should have left the back curtain in place - now everyone will see each other when we go for a piss!" She pauses a moment in apparent thought and then asks "So, where do we go? I have a need myself and must check the facilities". She quietly confides "Our Technomancer has an irrational fear of confined latrines. He likes somewhere he can... run about". She shrugs apologetically "Just a moment - I'll let him know that I'm going to check".

Her Words appears not to notice Raven's words. Small Birds looks embarrassed.

Small Birds Singing indicates, by gesture, that Savitri take Raven to a place suited to her needs. Savitri indicates that she understands, and gives rapid instruction to Eno and her team. Under her watch (as she waits for Raven) they begin circulating the food and drink, one woman handing a full cup and plate to each Aslan while another provides a smaller portion to each free Oghman.

Tiv's intent is to appear to be studying something while retrieving his PDL from the side panel of Thundercat and holster it, strip the rounds from the auto-pistol’s magazine and replace the mag. He will stash the auto-pistol that was in his holster in the deep pocket of Rubati's dress, and quietly whispers to her: "Aslan can suddenly be volatile. Should something happen, use your charms to keep the slaves calm and lead them to a safe location. As a last resort, you have this." and he taps the gun in her pocket.

Rubati's eyes widen, then she smiles, as Tiv slides his weapon into her clothes.

Aloud, but seemingly to herself: Even here in the stars, those who appear as gods are only people.


Directly to Tiv: What is a safe place and how can I go there?

With line of sight to Max, the repair bot, he'll discretely hand signal Max to initiate his instructions (inject gas into the pouncer's' air system then move close to the airlock or on open cargo/boat/air raft hatch.)

The robot recovers a cylinder from its stowage and attaches it to the spare port of a three-way junction valve it has already installed where the station life-support connects to the ship. The cylinder will not be enough to quickly knock out everyone on the ship - the gas will disperse through the ventilation system, gradually overcoming those breathing it. Upside - they may not notice it until it's too late. Downside, they may only be groggy when the fun starts.

Finally, he'll walk over to take a small sampling of food from Eno and Eshergamelat, stand at the periphery of the gathering with his right hip turned away from the guard who was alert for weapons and keep a close eye on the Aslan warriors...ready to draw his Sonic Stun Carbine.

Tiv is sure that he was shielded from direct sight, and his activities obscured, but the male Aslan are clearly suspicious of him, Orlakei in particular. He rumbles something into a throat-mic and the “troll” focuses his attention on Tiv and Rubati. Orlakei walks over to stand beside Her Words.


Bending, he whispers something to her, which she apparently dislikes. She replies, loud enough to be overheard:

You honour your duty with your diligence, but this is a business meeting, not a parley.

Continuing on Raven says "Lady Her Words, you have the look of a buyer who wants no mere viewing but more of a... demonstration. Soon enough we'll begin the show and will include a little light sparring to display the goods better. Maybe your security people could use the opportunity to reduce their apparent... unease... around human slaves? Please ask them if they feel able to join in. Of course they can wear their full armour against the near naked human slaves - at least until they are more at their ease. However, trade rules always apply - you break it you pay for it, nei?"

She adds, idly: "Often we use drone vid capture of bouts for training purposes. Tiv has a pile of them on his comm. We collect them all the time but for myself experience is all".

We very much look forward to your demonstration. Commandant Ftyuhlou (she indicates Orlakei) is particularly eager to assess the potential of these wild humans. He earned great favour commanding our dog-soldiers, and well understands them. I hope it will not be necessary to physically interact with them, however. Such sport is unbecoming in one of his status.

Raven hails Savitri once more "I'm ready for my check of the latrines!"

Savitri is hovering nearby, eager to lead Raven away. Escorted by Claws Sky (for whom the doors open automatically), she takes her back through the airlock, turns right along the main corridor and opens the second door on the left, ushering Raven into the unoccupied stateroom beyond. Claws Sky waits at the junction with the airlock

Tiv is wearing a comm dot.
Arnwulf, say status of the Ashildr's reserve and whether the coded janitor bot is with them? Also, pass Raven's targeting priorities to all with comm dots.

Are there any PCs not receiving Arnwulf's feed?

Arnwulf responds: Áshildr’s team are running a training exercise in the hangar connection corridor. Their mock pursuit and evasion routines have brought them near to the Aslan’s hangar, but they are currently out of range of its door camera. The janitor bot is working near the airlock too.


All PCs have access to the Serpent’s comm channel, on which Arnwulf is speaking. The signal is relayed via Blackrock fibre.


At first the Aslan pick at the snacks, and politely sip from their cups, but their appetite is piqued, and they begin enthusiastically consuming the viands. Eno and her team replenish assiduously, making sure each morsel is replaced before it is missed.

Her Words and Small Birds graze freely. Orlakei takes a few polite bites, at first, then begins to eat. The “Troll” neither eats nor drinks.

Claws-Sky takes a piece of meat on each claw of his left hand as he escorts Raven and Savitri, eating them while he waits at the junction.


Her Words remarks:

Your servant has done you honour. These really do appeal. I had not expected to genuinely enjoy food offered by... free humans.

Small Birds adds:

We have eaten many things out of politeness, few from pleasure.

Her ablutions/preparations complete Raven will facilitate her escort back to the festivities.

Savitri is waiting, and leads Raven back to the hangar, Claws-Sky moving slightly ahead to authorise door opening.


a little light editing

[Thumper]

Rubati's eyes widen, then she smiles, as Tiv slides his weapon into her clothes.

Aloud, but seemingly to herself: Even here in the stars, those who appear as gods are only people.

Directly to Tiv: What is a safe place and how can I go there?

Yes. Today it's people and Aslan...the Cats. They are not gods. In fact, they are treacherous and will attack us and the Mardukians without hesitance if provoked...and maybe unprovoked. Should they attack, we will slay them.

Keep your hand out of this pocket and don't touch the gun unless an Aslan threatens you or the Slaves, then you may use it. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. And by the Gods, don't fiddle with the hardware through your clothes...pretend it not even there. Appear to them as if it is not there. I promise you can play with it later.

I trust you'll know a safe direction...just put distance between you and the rotten kitties. I have faith in you to know the right thing to do should the time come.

He looks up at Remington with a look of concern...she's really naive.

You honour your duty with your diligence, but this is a business meeting, not a parley.

He looks at Her words considering his thoughts. He hesitates intentionally for effect, then speaks as he walks back to join the party:
Lady Her Words, if you did your homework about Oghma, you may have learned that my type of talents are quite rare amongst my people. This requires I wear many hats. This mount is a rare and recently restored advanced technology artifact of our ancestors, the Dragon Lords of the Sindalian Empire. We are their heirs. Getting this mount back to original condition is really quite important. Mating today's available TL parts with original TL 15 parts is quite a challenge...but one I must get right...and quickly. Shaman Many-Names is training that slave girl in science, engineering, and religion...she is his apprentice...and a novice.

To Rubati: Rubati, return to the slave line.

Arriving at the gathering and gesturing to the table, he adds:

Besides, I provided refreshment, servants, and a Skippare and Raid Leader with which to broker a trade...and I requested the proper and customary excusal. Surely you shouldn't require me to babysit the discussion. He smiles briefly.

He is intentionally being "diplomatic" while also poking her in the eye...just a little...introducing a little more "cultural" friction while seeming sincere. Also confessing a potential Oghmite weakness enhances the sincerity of his explanation and diffuses suspicion.

We very much look forward to your demonstration. Commandant Ftyuhlou (she indicates Orlakei) is particularly eager to assess the potential of these wild humans. He earned great favour commanding our dog-soldiers, and well understands them. I hope it will not be necessary to physically interact with them, however. Such sport is unbecoming in one of his status.

Tiv nods at Orlakei. Yes, well, I believe Raven was hoping to engage one of your males. Perhaps you have a capable one. But I shall leave her demonstration to her.

I did some reading from the station library about your Dog-soldiers after our meeting yesterday. I understand they were used very successfully against the Tyrian Empire...is that the unit you commanded?

Tiv will ask innocuous follow on questions to flesh out more detail and just to keep Orlakei talking until Raven returns. People bragging about themselves rarely aree overly observant, and they feel more at ease.

Your servant has done you honour. These really do appeal. I had not expected to genuinely enjoy food offered by... free humans.

Small Birds adds:
We have eaten many things out of politeness, few from pleasure.

Yes, well the pleasure is and will be all mine. I suspect you may find we're full of surprises. Ah, Raid Leader returns.

Between the Combat Drug and the energy drain required to remain so diplomatic, he is itching for action to begin quickly...

He adjusts his position so as to maintain a clear field of fire on the heavily armored one (is that Troll?)

[Tiglath]

We very much look forward to your demonstration...

Raven immediately responds "Then let the warm up bouts begin!" She indicates for the the "gladiators" and "encouraged slaves" to begin sparring in matched ability bouts. She throws her purse into the "square" as incentive adding "No serious injuries and our hosts have an idea of what they are looking for. So set to and call loudly on your gods". Her lips draw back from straight white teeth "Loki might favour you here - so don't be at all quiet". Turning to Tiv she once more moves much closer than necessary to nevertheless very audibly request "Technomancer, cause the winged beasts that record the bouts to come forth. My Lady Her Words and her advisors may wish to... focus in... on the warrior's technique".

(OOC: More distraction for everyone's antics and noise cover put in place aforehand because Raven knows has an "informed suspicion" of what might happen next... Ooops, cancel the "wink" actually meant:

And if we can launch the VT (anti tank) and backup VB FPV drone strikes right under our enemy's nose we've pulled a "Midway". OK our drones aren't torpedo planes and dive bombers...).

Raven hails Savitri once more "I'm ready for my check of the latrines!"

Claws-Sky takes a piece of meat on each claw of his left hand as he escorts Raven and Savitri, eating them while he waits at the junction.

Savitri is waiting, and leads Raven back to the hangar, Claws-Sky moving slightly ahead to authorise door opening.

Raven coarsely encourages Claws-Sky's efforts with a robust shove "Hurry up doorman! Get the hatch open you blundering oaf! Gods, you are a useless slacker - no wonder they only trust to arm you with a sex aid and not a weapon, eh?"

Having shoved him forwards she makes sure to step back (OOC: effectively a clearance strike giving her room to draw) because she anticipates what he might do next in reaction will converge in time and space with what she has already planned for (draw action)... (OOC: I believe like Raven he's currently helmetless?)

(OOC: Oh, yes she did - she mocked his "wand"... However, (see my last below) Raven's all set to take this guy on and thereby remove his energy pistol(?) from the equation / capture his security "doofer" - which must be good right? Of course she really has absolutely no idea what/how it works! Can I get a "Crom!" here? )

Commandant Ftyuhlou (she indicates Orlakei) is particularly eager to assess the potential of these wild humans. He earned great favour commanding our dog-soldiers, and well understands them. I hope it will not be necessary to physically interact with them, however. Such sport is unbecoming in one of his status.

Raven returns. She rejoins the "high table" once more straddling her bench and continues her tour de force of etiquette and deportment by confiding "That's better! If you're thinking of going I'd leave it a minute or two though!" She swigs more wine and winks at Her Words "While in the in the latrine I worked out what you meant about his "status" and why he's scared of the human slaves. His nerve has gone, ja?" She nods sagely "It can happen - I used to serve under an old raid leader like that. Soiled himself everytime a hatch slammed shut!" She laughs "He'd never leave the ship - the..." she pauses possibly for breath and meets Ftyuhlou/Orlakei's gaze "...gutless "lead from the rear" bastard!" She then states "I believe my rank equates to that of a Commandant - although I actually fight and lead from the front. So perhaps that's not really the same".

(OOC: Now, Raven's not trying to knock a pint completely over here - just spill one enough to precipitate an artfully worded invitation to navigate around the flow chart that inevitably leads to some fisticuffs in the car park...

Mind you, if matey with the wand "wants some" while we're all offside and private. Well... rude not to...

Oddly the above punch up wouldn't change what she does next! Albeit someone might get a "surprise"...

Hopefully all the above rambling and options on interrupted plot lines makes sense and all is rightly and properly at the whim of the GM! )

[Thumper]

Raven’s return ends other discussions.

Sure enough…

Tiv gives the “spin-up”sign for Remington to launch the suicide drone. Rover should have seen that and also launched. Ideal position would be to hover behind the food table and VIPs facing the slave bout (so as to shoot Ironman or other males in the back). He looks to verify that’s where Rover goes.

Following that, he half-faces the bout while positioning his sonic stun carbine to hang on the sling from his shoulder with one hand on the weapon at the ready. All he has to do is raise and fire. He maintains a position with direct field of fire against his prey!

To no one in particular…
Just in case they get carried away.

[Gorethirster]

Shaman, can you ride the Thundercat over to the other side of the pavilion so I may observe it's gait one more time?"

Remington obligingly turns the cat and parades across the pavilion. His pride in the colors, manufactured for the occasion, refuses to let him lower his standard, and he manages to get it snarled in the bracing for the roof. Disentangling it involves several inventive curses involving sexual relations with animals of the feline variety and several new, randomly placed skylights, but eventually he fulfills Tiv's request.

Tiv gives the “spin-up”sign for Remington to launch the suicide drone.

Addressing no one and yet everyone Remington says "Allow me to give you a better view of the stalwart merchandise in the back of the display." As he says this he fishes around in his many pockets and digs out a first-person headset with receiver antennas and a controller. Donning the headwear, (but still refusing to get off the cat), Remington looks like some sort of alien from a very low-budget film. He takes the suicide drone up, behind the pavilion, with a good line of sight to the slave display but a short path down to the troll.

[The Bindoner]

He looks at Her words considering his thoughts. He hesitates intentionally for effect, then speaks as he walks back to join the party:
Lady Her Words, if you did your homework about Oghma, you may have learned that my type of talents are quite rare amongst my people. This requires I wear many hats. This mount is a rare and recently restored advanced technology artifact of our ancestors, the Dragon Lords of the Sindalian Empire. We are their heirs. Getting this mount back to original condition is really quite important. Mating today's available TL parts with original TL 15 parts is quite a challenge...but one I must get right...and quickly. Shaman Many-Names is training that slave girl in science, engineering, and religion...she is his apprentice...and a novice.

To Rubati: Rubati, return to the slave line.

Arriving at the gathering and gesturing to the table, he adds:

Besides, I provided refreshment, servants, and a Skippare and Raid Leader with which to broker a trade...and I requested the proper and customary excusal. Surely you shouldn't require me to babysit the discussion. He smiles briefly.

………………………….


The males remain alert and suspicious, Her Words and Small Birds remain polite and smiling.

Her Words replies:

We have, indeed, researched Oghma. Your machine is as much a puzzle as anything else about your world.

Rubati obeys Tiv, but her bearing is still not that of a slave, more that of a junior colleague following instructions.

You have shown proper respect to the civilities. More – she picks up what appears to be a skinned, roasted, sticky-glazed mouse and daintily eats the morsel - you have given us the best food we have tasted since leaving Syoakh.


The spice is superior to that of Ftulrois. From the Marches, I judge.

Tiv nods at Orlakei. Yes, well, I believe Raven was hoping to engage one of your males. Perhaps you have a capable one. But I shall leave her demonstration to her.

I did some reading from the station library about your Dog-soldiers after our meeting yesterday. I understand they were used very successfully against the Tyrian Empire...is that the unit you commanded?

Tiv will ask innocuous follow on questions to flesh out more detail and just to keep Orlakei talking until Raven returns. People bragging about themselves rarely are overly observant, and they feel more at ease.

Yes, I commanded a unit of our Dog-Soldiers against those Tyr pirates. A good match. Tyrians are not worthy foes for Aslan warriors. There is honour in defeating them, but not fighting them.

Raven immediately responds "Then let the warm up bouts begin!" She indicates for the the "gladiators" and "encouraged slaves" to begin sparring in matched ability bouts. She throws her purse into the "square" as incentive adding "No serious injuries and our hosts have an idea of what they are looking for. So set to and call loudly on your gods". Her lips draw back from straight white teeth "Loki might favour you here - so don't be at all quiet". Turning to Tiv she once more moves much closer than necessary to nevertheless very audibly request "Technomancer, cause the winged beasts that record the bouts to come forth. My Lady Her Words and her advisors may wish to... focus in... on the warrior's technique".

Raven returns. She rejoins the "high table" once more straddling her bench and continues her tour de force of etiquette and deportment by confiding "That's better! If you're thinking of going I'd leave it a minute or two though!" She swigs more wine and winks at Her Words "While in the in the latrine I worked out what you meant about his "status" and why he's scared of the human slaves. His nerve has gone, ja?" She nods sagely "It can happen - I used to serve under an old raid leader like that. Soiled himself everytime a hatch slammed shut!" She laughs "He'd never leave the ship - the..." she pauses possibly for breath and meets Ftyuhlou/Orlakei's gaze "...gutless "lead from the rear" bastard!" She then states "I believe my rank equates to that of a Commandant - although I actually fight and lead from the front. So perhaps that's not really the same".

Her Words looks as though Raven has carried her invented bad smell with her.


Orlakei, plainly angry, is about to confront Raven when Small Birds distracts him with a gentle touch and whispered words.

He grumbles a complaint, the gist of which seems to be “I’m not sure this deal is worth the price”.

Remington obligingly turns the cat and parades across the pavilion. His pride in the colors, manufactured for the occasion, refuses to let him lower his standard, and he manages to get it snarled in the bracing for the roof. Disentangling it involves several inventive curses involving sexual relations with animals of the feline variety and several new, randomly placed skylights, but eventually he fulfills Tiv's request.
Tiv gives the “spin-up”sign for Remington to launch the suicide drone.
Addressing no one and yet everyone Remington says "Allow me to give you a better view of the stalwart merchandise in the back of the display." As he says this he fishes around in his many pockets and digs out a first-person headset with receiver antennas and a controller. Donning the headwear, (but still refusing to get off the cat), Remington looks like some sort of alien from a very low-budget film. He takes the suicide drone up, behind the pavilion, with a good line of sight to the slave display but a short path down to the troll.

Small Birds looks alarmed at Remington’s antics, and makes to intervene, but Her Words restrains her, sighing heavily before commenting bitterly:

No. More damage does not matter.

The females watch the drones launch, but lose interest when they pose no immediate threat. The males remain suspicious.

Orlakei growls into his throat-mic: Htahroiyeea, stay alert. Ahyehwia, cameras, please.

The “Troll” (Htahroiyeea/Moving Wall) activates a clear visor that drops over his eyes, faintly glowing at the edge (evidently a HUD).


Roberta and the Oghman “slaves”, Rúna and Steinn, begin the hastily planned demonstration. The “borrowed” slaves are an unknown quality, but Roberta made a rough assessment en route, and sorted them into antagonistic pairs, each from different islands. Now Ragnheiðr directs Erlingr and Yngvildr to prod the first pair into the “arena” and begin.

The first chosen pair seem equally matched at first, but it soon becomes clear that one of them genuinely hates the other, and is more determined to win. He dominates the fight, taking only one blow before beating his opponent down. Both appear to be competent fighters, but fury counts.

Most of the Aslan pay close attention to the bout, especially Orlakei and Her Words, who exchange opinions on the combat. Their tone is professional as they comment on physique and technique. The Troll keeps his attention on the Oghmen.

Yngvildr and Erlingr separate the pair before the loser is seriously harmed, and Ragnheiðr picks the next opponents.

[Thumper]

Yes, I commanded a unit of our Dog-Soldiers against those Tyr pirates. A good match. Tyrians are not worthy foes for Aslan warriors. There is honour in defeating them, but not fighting them.

Well, I don't know much about Tyr, but you've only just met Oghmites. I'd bet you Raven would mop the deck with you.

[Gorethirster]

I'd bet you Raven would mop the deck with you.

Despite the lack of clear witticism, Remington sniggers for just half a second longer than any pun might have called for. His attention is utterly focused on keeping the camera on the bouts, because the second he stops focusing he knows the drone will begin drifting towards the troll. And unless he can count on Raven dying with certainty, he will not be the one to jump the gun. So he waits, and he watches a slave pit fights more intensely than he's ever watched a sporting event in his life.

[Tiglath]

Cheering the end of the gladiatorial bout Raven talks covertly into her tankard "When the time comes the drone and The Troll must see eye to eye. That faceplate is the only weak spot on his armour". She then adds "What's wrong with these Golden Aslan??? They seem beyond the reach of any insult!”