The Unseen Servant forums

A Passage to Inchin

The members of the newly minted "Slightly Ethical Mercenary Company" spend the remaining days of their “shore leave” and off duty time both wisely and well in Collace City’s arcology. If their identities are revealed, they enjoy a certain celebrity – the odd “free beer” happens.

It seems that minor incidents of drunkeness, property damage and debauchery are given a "free pass" by Collace PD patrol officers. An expected night in the cells turns into a cab ride home (with a blue light on).

Jess’ Marine companion weighs anchor leaving only fond memories and the wrapper off his fish supper as evidence. Jess sees him maybe a couple of times more.

Prerna declares a trip Upspire this surprises everyone as there is a common belief she would be “unwelcome near valuables” – it seems not so.

Frank enjoys blissful evenings with Polly who seems entirely smitten with him. Finally, having contrived an evening without her bodyguard Polly dismisses his strange sense of being watched as “silly” and then proceeds to distract him entirely.

Scipio 'Skip' Dallas finds word of his heroism has got around and, although very well meaning, the celebrity is an occasionally something of an intrusion. During one such incident he is “rescued” from the crew of an Imperial Merchantman by a pair of very attractive blond twins from Upspire. They seem impressed by his heroism and more by the manner in which he conducts himself and insist on buying him dinner. They are both bright, attractive and also seem attracted to him. They ask if he would consider taking them on another “date” so they could “show him the sights” of the arcology or maybe go grav boarding?

Jakob being an, at least temporary Collace native, spends his off duty time off base. It seems he must have a new girlfriend – that would explain the “happy”.

(OOC: Please feel free to continue on with any Collace based plots/posts. We will gently transition into a meeting with your client (The Minister) and your charges for the diplomatic mission).

Tiglath wrote:A Passage to Inchin


Prerna declares a trip Upspire this surprises everyone as there is a common belief she would be “unwelcome near valuables” – it seems not so.

She is also frequently seen in Erica's company, both as they look after Harry, and also while they are off-duty. Erica, the tall brunette, makes a someone odd companion for Prerna, the petite redhead, but neither of them seems to mind. When it comes time to leave, the pair embrace, and Prerna wipes a tear from Erica's face before giving her a gentle kiss. "I will see you when I come back," she promises.

Tiglath wrote:A Passage to Inchin

Frank enjoys blissful evenings with Polly who seems entirely smitten with him. Finally, having contrived an evening without her bodyguard Polly dismisses his strange sense of being watched as “silly” and then proceeds to distract him entirely.

Frank

Perhaps it's the events during the taking of the Bartizan and the forming of the new mercenary company, or perhaps just the influence of a good woman, but over the days that Frank spends time with Polly before the group leaves for the mission the others notice that some of the 'darkness' in him seems to lift. He still has his moments of reflection and mentions of the 1188th still result in a 'shadow' passing over his features, but he seems more at ease with himself and the direction he is headed. He opens up to Polly and enjoys learning more about her life.

Rather than fill this thread with Frolly [Frank/Polly] related stuff and bore everyone I'll take this to PM is Tiglath is happy with that.

shaidar wrote:

Tiglath wrote:A Passage to Inchin

Frank enjoys blissful evenings with Polly who seems entirely smitten with him. Finally, having contrived an evening without her bodyguard Polly dismisses his strange sense of being watched as “silly” and then proceeds to distract him entirely.

Frank

Perhaps it's the events during the taking of the Bartizan and the forming of the new mercenary company, or perhaps just the influence of a good woman, but over the days that Frank spends time with Polly before the group leaves for the mission the others notice that some of the 'darkness' in him seems to lift. He still has his moments of reflection and mentions of the 1188th still result in a 'shadow' passing over his features, but he seems more at ease with himself and the direction he is headed. He opens up to Polly and enjoys learning more about her life.

Rather than fill this thread with Frolly [Frank/Polly] related stuff and bore everyone I'll take this to PM is Tiglath is happy with that.

Prerna works with the local authorities to see about having the remains released for burial, and arranging a memorial service for them.

Jess’ Marine companion weighs anchor leaving only fond memories and the wrapper off his fish supper as evidence. Jess sees him maybe a couple of times more.

Awks. Should have learned his name. Thought he'd be shipboard and away....

Make the best of it though, a friend in the Marines is a good thing to have.

And he was good sport. Zer0-G training I suppose. Hooking up again wouldn't be terrible

joertexas wrote:Prerna works with the local authorities to see about having the remains released for burial, and arranging a memorial service for them.

Collace PD are remarkably efficient and remains are released and processed with all appropriate propriety.

Some bodies have funerals locally others are handed to the Imperial Navy for transport back over the border to their homeworlds. Whatever else they may do the Imperials to this right.

shaidar wrote:Rather than fill this thread with Frolly [Frank/Polly] related stuff and bore everyone I'll take this to PM is Tiglath is happy with that.

Yes, will do.

Tiglath wrote:

joertexas wrote:Prerna works with the local authorities to see about having the remains released for burial, and arranging a memorial service for them.

Collace PD are remarkably efficient and remains are released and processed with all appropriate propriety.

Some bodies have funerals locally others are handed to the Imperial Navy for transport back over the border to their homeworlds. Whatever else they may do the Imperials to this right.

Prerna attends the local funerals of those in her own former command, and others that she knew personally. For those taken offworld, she records and attaches letters to their families. At the end of it, she's exhausted, but more at peace. She's also coldly determined to find the rest of the people responsible, but that is a fight for another day.

She also works with Erica, and whomever is taking over Harry's care, to treat Harry during this time.

Between this and preparing for the mission, Prerna is a busy lady.

Jakob pushes his endurance to the limit. Exercising with the troops, drilling them on debarkation and deployment. Checking their loadouts and teaching them the Imperial method of donning combat armor when your life literally depended on it.

His happy carried him for a while, but when he moved onto the base his focus drove him from early in the morning to late at night. Tactical manuals were bought and shared. Drills were whiteboarded, and scenarios talked through.

That afternoon, he found COL Cross.

"Sir, sorry to disturb you. May I have a moment?" Jakob said. He seemed mildly embarassed.

OOC: Assuming "yes"

"Sir, the unit has gained some fame, and most of the guys have gotten free beer off it. Beau has three marriage proposals, but he's waiting for an even dozen before putting them into a hat and making a selection." Jakob paused, and then handed over a comm info card. "I was asked to give you this, sir. The do uniforms for the city, and have a lot of MILSPEC experience. You design the utility uniform, and they will make it to your specs. Free of charge. A gift."

After bringing the vehicles in Jess arranges a meeting with Yūgure.

In Trokh: Mr Solomon sends his respects, and I am honoured to convey them. A very useful friend to share. I hope that, in the future, our connection will be as much of a recommendation for you.

I understand that you are sending our friend Polly away? This prospect saddens me, and my colleagues. She is the reason I approached you. She looked out of her depth, and I wanted to help. I still do. No doubt she is a competent woman, and she is obviously doing well under your tutelage, but she is our mascot, and to me a symbol of our connection. I believe my comrades feel the same. If her work takes her from this world for a time, as ours does, we hope to be reunited on our return.

Jess genuinely feels protective toward Polly and has decided Frank seems to have honourable intentions ( well, near enough... ), so she's trying to keep Polly around.

Leitz wrote:Jakob pushes his endurance to the limit. Exercising with the troops, drilling them on debarkation and deployment. Checking their loadouts and teaching them the Imperial method of donning combat armor when your life literally depended on it.

His happy carried him for a while, but when he moved onto the base his focus drove him from early in the morning to late at night. Tactical manuals were bought and shared. Drills were whiteboarded, and scenarios talked through.

That afternoon, he found COL Cross.

"Sir, sorry to disturb you. May I have a moment?" Jakob said. He seemed mildly embarassed.

OOC: Assuming "yes"

"Sir, the unit has gained some fame, and most of the guys have gotten free beer off it. Beau has three marriage proposals, but he's waiting for an even dozen before putting them into a hat and making a selection." Jakob paused, and then handed over a comm info card. "I was asked to give you this, sir. The do uniforms for the city, and have a lot of MILSPEC experience. You design the utility uniform, and they will make it to your specs. Free of charge. A gift."

Frank

"Uniforms, good work. Did you already have a design in mind, or I should I find someone to work on it? We ought to have the combat armour tie in to the informs to some degree as well, so we can be recognised either way"

Jakob

"Skip and I can explain what the Marines did, and why. There were a lot of small things to make the transition from utilities to armor quick, and to build muscle memory." Jakob paused, and then stood a little straighter. "Also, on that note, I wanted to talk about the training I'm doing with my team. With all due respect to my Army bretheren, the Marines raised 'break things and kill people' to an art form. I'm drilling my guys like Marines, and they are responding well. Beau is a natural leader, and as his tactical skills grow he'll become an unstoppable force. RIght now I'm training them all to know what an NCO needs to know, and to think as tacticians and leaders. We can grow that concept, if you like."

The Bindoner wrote:I understand that you are sending our friend Polly away? This prospect saddens me, and my colleagues... No doubt she is a competent woman, and she is obviously doing well under your tutelage, but she is our mascot, and to me a symbol of our connection.

Yūgure replies "Mr. Solomon is a yakuza - albeit a polite and honourable human in our dealings so far".

She continues "Polly is formidable, disarming - as a negotiating weapon on the clan's behalf she has no equal. I too am very fond of her but must send her on a confidential mission so she may grow and serve the Iyhlua. The details of her mission have been declared secret so I must honour that agreement".

Yūgure's tail twitches and she paces in apparently lost in thought. She stops, illuminated by sunlight, and snaps open her fan which boldly displays the Iyhlua clan mon. She then switches to Galanglic to say "When Polly travels she will have brave and honourable warriors at her side. I believe you yourself would make no other choice".

As is her wont Yūgure then ends the meeting. As Jess leaves she says "Remember, warrior of the clan, that a sword still has an edge even when wielded by a merchant".

Leitz wrote:Jakob

"Skip and I can explain what the Marines did, and why. There were a lot of small things to make the transition from utilities to armor quick, and to build muscle memory." Jakob paused, and then stood a little straighter. "Also, on that note, I wanted to talk about the training I'm doing with my team. With all due respect to my Army bretheren, the Marines raised 'break things and kill people' to an art form. I'm drilling my guys like Marines, and they are responding well. Beau is a natural leader, and as his tactical skills grow he'll become an unstoppable force. RIght now I'm training them all to know what an NCO needs to know, and to think as tacticians and leaders. We can grow that concept, if you like."

Frank smiles at Jakob "Well, nobody can say that the Marines don't do their job extremely well, that's for sure. Do you have a problem taking the lead on the uniforms? Of course there will be others to help and we should get input from all the senior officers, Jess and Prerna in particular. We just need to make sure that we don't look too much like an Imperial unit, there are areas in this sector where being mistaken for Imperials would not be a good for our health. It sound like you're doing an excellent job with your team. I've been thinking about training and we need to ensure that we standardise how we train across squads, to make it easier to move people around. That would include all the other squads. Jess's and Perna's squads are more specialised, but I am sure there are common areas...and Caxton's too. I should get involved, not because I doubt your skills, but for purely professional reasons. A man has to improve himself to continue to meet his responsibilities and if the company is going to thrive it's going to need a firm foundation to build from." he pauses and sighs "I've only been in the job a few days and I'm already sounding pompous enough for the position. Are you happy with everything, is there anything else you want to discuss?"

Skip wakes up around 6 AM local time, hops in the shower, and heads down for the Aid Society's breakfast. Last night had been unexpected, but he was never the type to say no to a free meal, especially when it comes from the direction of beautiful Upspire twins. Not bad for only a few days onworld, but not what he had expected either. Sure, a Starburst carried weight, far more out of service than inside of it, but Skip was a little alarmed that it carried said weight out in the District. As he perused the local news headlines over coffee, he chuckled to himself considering the option of breaking his brand new contract with Slightly Honourable to stay on Collace to become a wealthy woman's toy. Not quite the future he imagined for himself. Maybe he'd call back, if he had time.

Collace wasn't the planet he imagined to for himself either. He had grown up wearing respirators on Strouden and longed for a world where he could leave the contained life behind. Collace had a strange appeal with its massive arcology and acid oceans, but to him it was functionally scaled up version of being crammed on a ship. Tiring of headlines featuring unrecognizable names and local celebrities, he starts to study the Inchin briefing his employers sent over. Great, another hostile atmosphere he thinks to himself.

Finishing his meal, he gathers his belongings and hops in a taxi down to the Baritzan. Time for his first real day on the job. Arriving, he introduces himself to his new squad and tries to get an impression of the fresh material he has to work with. He finds Jakob already hard at work with his. There's some catching up to do.

ok I'm back!

Taking advantage of finding herself alone with Frank in bustle of organising things Jess tells him Hey, Frank, haven't had a chance to chat in a while, eh? Seen more of strangers than friends over the last few days. Obviously a little uneasy about raising the next subject she rushes on: 'bout our friend Polly. I tried to get her assigned here, rather than posted away, but I'm afraid the Cats've got her marked as a talent they're gonna use. Good news, Yūgure thinks she's valuable enough to guard well. Mean's she'll want 'er back, to have on hand. Puts my mind at ease a bit, knowin' our Mollie'll look after her, an' she'll be back safe..

Picking up her kit Jess takes her leave.


Jess invites Mr Solomon to a decent Upspire restaurant, nothing fancy, to say "thank you" and have a non-business conversation.

Afterwards she sends him a case of whatever drink he favoured.

The the hardships Jess endures for the good of the unit *sigh* If only they knew...

The Bindoner wrote:Taking advantage of finding herself alone with Frank in bustle of organising things Jess tells him Hey, Frank, haven't had a chance to chat in a while, eh? Seen more of strangers than friends over the last few days. Obviously a little uneasy about raising the next subject she rushes on: 'bout our friend Polly. I tried to get her assigned here, rather than posted away, but I'm afraid the Cats've got her marked as a talent they're gonna use. Good news, Yūgure thinks she's valuable enough to guard well. Mean's she'll want 'er back, to have on hand. Puts my mind at ease a bit, knowin' our Mollie'll look after her, an' she'll be back safe..

Frank
"Things are certainly busy, but the good kind of busy. Polly seems very happy with her new job, but I appreciate your concern" he drops his voice low "She's been sworn to secrecy so she can't tell me anything, but I get the impression that we might see her sooner than we think, but I didn't say that"

shaidar wrote:"I've only been in the job a few days and I'm already sounding pompous enough for the position. Are you happy with everything, is there anything else you want to discuss?" Frank said.

Jakob paused, just for a moment, then shrugged. "The TO&E thing got sorted. Beau will make a good sergeant, and I was a training officer for a while. If this new gig is cake, then we'll have a lot of opportunity to train in our jammies (1) and get good. If it gets lively then we'll have combat experienced Marines to grow from. Either way, we bring everyone home and live to celebrate."

He met Frank's gaze. I have some intel (2), happy to share with the team. It just needs to seem like I came up with it on my own. I'm giving someone else cover. (3)



1. "Jammies", combat armor, since Marines have to live and sleep in it.
2. Assuming Tiglath provides anything via Liv.
3. "Cover" is protecting someone else.

Leitz wrote:

shaidar wrote:"I've only been in the job a few days and I'm already sounding pompous enough for
the position. Are you happy with everything, is there anything else you want to discuss?" Frank said.

Jakob paused, just for a moment, then shrugged. "The TO&E thing got sorted. Beau will make a good sergeant, and I was a training officer for a while. If this new gig is cake, then we'll have a lot of opportunity to train in our jammies (1) and get good. If it gets lively then we'll have combat experienced Marines to grow from. Either way, we bring everyone home and live to celebrate."

He met Frank's gaze. I have some intel (2), happy to share with the team. It just needs to seem like I came up with it on my own. I'm giving someone else cover. (3)Frank

Frank

"This is new territory for us all and communication is key if this is to work. As our first job this is important in so many ways, the troopers first deployment, the shaking down of our command structure and making a very good impression with our client. Word travels and reputation is everything in this game, apart from the lives of our troops, of course, that should always be our top priority, we are slightly ethical after all. As for intel, it's always good when from a reliable source. I trust you to handle this appropriately and pass on what you can, when you can"

With Frank's blessing, and whomever he invites to the table, Jakob set up a quick briefing. He brought his comp on-line and let Dubs help him set things up. He looked at the assembled officers and NCOs, and smiled. "I'll be quick and to the point. It's a short briefing, and we can bounce questions around at the end."

An image of the Deputy Minister came up on the screen. "The lead Dip; career man, no known vices. Professional, even if he's not used to working with a military option. An interesting detail from the comm he sent; the image of a ship in the background is an Imperial System Defense Boat. Maybe family?"

The next image was the star map."A couple of notes here, though you all may have more insight. First, Avastan doesn't like the idea of a major port on Inchin. It will hurt their pass through trade. While Avastan will still get any J1 routes heading spinward and back, a J2 could got from Tarsus to Inchin without a layover. More to the point, a J3 hauler can do Collace, Inchin, and then Quhaiathat. The real kicker is that Avastan is the furthest outpost with an almost decent port. Further out it's lower grade ports or amber zones. So, Avastan has an interest in Inchin failing."

"Further, keeping with the J3 concept, an Imperially aligned Inchin connects the two groups of Imperial systems. I'm not sure of the Swordies care about things this far away, but anyone who doesn't like Imperial interests is helped if this project fails."

"Baron Iarl Rowri," Jakob said, as the man's image filled the screen. "No actual title, or ties to the nobility. Came into some cash, thought this was a good business idea. Unfortunately, he's letting the pressure get to him. The Baronial Guard is heavy handed and local support is minimal. He's not even local; but from here at Collace. Is there a connection between the Deputy Minister and Baron Rowri?"

"His baronial guard are a mechanized unit. Great for mobility and offense, but his hearts and minds campaign may suffer. Especially if his troops think vehicle mounted firepower is a general problem solver."

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