Postkorskott Dinner (02)

[ateno]

Devereaux waits in her room, though its a nice room, the variety of entertainment is not your style.

Finally there is a knock, and a middle aged woman and young man are at your door.

"Mistess Devereaux, please follow us for dinner."

They lead you down the hall a short distance and halt and knock on a second door across the hall 5 doors from you.

Hiro you have found that the dried curried Goat is really good and you have found the music controls. So your time waiting seemed short when the door knocked. You see a older woman and a younger man and there is a third to your right a distance.

"Good evening Captain Watanabe. I am Transkott, I will lead you to dinner.
You tighten your jacket and come to the open door.

"This is Mistress Devereaux, she is also going to dinner with Mr. Blue. Mistress Devereaux, this is Captain Wantanabe of the 'Sekushīna Sutīdo''.

She waits in case you exchange other pleasantries and looks at the younger man who waits to the side of the wall.

""Follow me please." The young man waits and stays behind the two of you.

You pass a older man and a younger male and female discussing something and are lead into the room a short time later.

You are brought in to a long room that appears skinny, but has about 10% more room that is needs to fit the table.

Hand carved sections of purple rock have been fitted together, cut and sanded flat to make roof and walls covering. Yellow tinged lights show the white wood table with carved animal feet for the stands.

The floor is light grey with hints of red intermingled. There are occasional carpets showing interesting geometric patterns. Hiro you may roll 2d6.

At the far end of the table are two guards in black uniforms with automatic rifles, and a Maitres d who hands out some sparkling wine. "Thank you, we are waiting for . . . Ah here we go, our other guests have arrived. The three from earlier walk in looking happier than before.

More bubbly is handed out and after a short time you are called to the table and as walk towards the table, you see names at each location, you are all on one end of the table with the guards.

Octavia blue enters and says, "Good evening everyone, please sit." Octavia Blue is dressed in a raw silk powderpuff blue uniform styled jacket and pants with short black boots and a black animal hide belt. He is starting to loose his dark mud brown hair and seems to not have any other accessories or items.

"HELLO EVERYONE, you all know who I am, you are Lady Millicent Devereaux, late of the capitol district and owner of a ship where last time the 'Zoet' was dry docked for failing the yearly maintenance and waiting for parts, did you know that?" He smiles and moves on not expecting a response.

"You are Captain Hiro Watanabe, majority owner and Captain of the Sekushīna Sutīdo, a somewhat tired warhorse that should be put out to stud." He smiles at a personal joke and points at the older of the three.

"You are the esteemed but somewhat left behind Dr. Garett Lisbon." He changes from a announcing tone of voice to more conversational. "He and a team has just finished the last aspect of a dig I allowed on my land overseen by the Salamdeul University and his grad student cohorts Pasquel and Leena.

He looks around and smiles

About the time before it gets uncomfortable "Well lets eat!!

Dinner consists of:

Sweet Corn soup
Meatballs in a warm mushroom sauce
Spicy Roasted Greens of some sort
Short Rib stew with a mashed green potato like vegetable

All served with bubbly wine.

[ateno]

After desert is finished, A dark plum like berry pudding. Octavia gets everyone's attention.

"So I have a proposal for three of you, Garett your students may stay or go, transport to the starport has been arranged for them.

After the decision is made.

"Hiro, you and the Lady both own ships, both are old, both in a pickle. I would like to trade.
I have full ownership of a 300 ton ship that though older than either of yours but has a 100 rating on maintenance, it is shaped like a [manta ray] and has large capacity for cargo. The 'Train to the Stars' has a history carrying around a circus that folded 50 years ago. I acquired the papers and stored it. Its not making me money so I have a opportunity so it costs me nothing to trade it. For full ownership of your shares in your two ships. Its stored in a interesting place, Garett that's what I need you for.

First response, Questions?

[Rhonin84]

Pasquel, looking at him and Leena, "Your work here is finished and I will make sure to pass on my recommendations for both of you." Smiling and his voice becoming warm and sincerity glows from his eyes, "Seem though I still have another adventure, that I must go on alone." Once they are out of the room.

"Good sir, I am always interested in interesting places, I do need a little more information though."

[cybersavant]

#29 Unread post by ateno » Apr 14th, '21, 11:46

cybersavant wrote: ↑Apr 13th, '21, 04:02
Gunnar Thunarssen "Simple enough. Do I keep everyone at a distance, or wait for instruction on each?"

"Just wait for his lead, but if you see a a potential situation, act on it." Here, this is where you stand."

Gunnar Thunarssen moves where directed and watches the coming and going of everyone near.

[bsongy]

Though the dried curried Goat looks inviting, Hiro kneels, in anza, and spends the time in quiet mediation.

There is a knock. "Good evening Captain Watanabe. I am Transkott, I will lead you to dinner.

Hiro rises, opens the door and joins Transkott in the hallway. Though his attire is casual, rather simple, is flawless in cleanliness, quality and fit. Hiro's grooming is similar, his salt and pepper hair pulled back in a neat pony tail, clean shaven and with clean, subdued scents.

"This is Mistress Devereaux, she is also going to dinner with Mr. Blue. Mistress Devereaux, this is Captain Wantanabe of the 'Sekushīna Sutīdo''.

Hiro perfoms a shallow, but formal bow to Dev, and noting that Transkott failed to introduce the young man, makes a point of extending his hand to him, almost forcing a handshake upon him, saying "Hiro Watanabe"

After the pleasantries, Hiro asks Dev, "Devereaux? Like the particle?" as the group proceeds down the hallway.

.......

later, in the dining room

The floor is light grey with hints of red intermingled. There are occasional carpets showing interesting geometric patterns. Hiro you may roll 2d6.

[2d6]=9

Before Octavia Blue enters the room, Hiro wanders about,admiring the artwork, the "amethyst" stonework, the rug -- but, in particular he silently where the guards are standing in relation to his seat,

notes the name tapes of the two guards, the make and model of their automatic rifles, the number of extra magazines carried and the body armor they are wearing

.......


After Octavia Blue enters:

"You are Captain Hiro Watanabe, majority owner and Captain of the Sekushīna Sutīdo, a somewhat tired warhorse that should be put out to stud."

At these words, Hiro stiffens, the hairs standing on the back of his neck, his eyes locked onto Octavia Blue, a neutral expression upon his face, his left hand moved to casually rest upon his sword hilt, passively noting how either of the guards react to his change in posture. From this point forward, Hiro ignores the food and drink offered to him.

......

"Hiro, you and the Lady both own ships, both are old, both in a pickle. I would like to trade.
I have full ownership of a 300 ton ship that though older than either of yours but has a 100 rating on maintenance, it is shaped like a [manta ray] and has large capacity for cargo. The 'Train to the Stars' has a history carrying around a circus that folded 50 years ago. I acquired the papers and stored it. Its not making me money so I have a opportunity so it costs me nothing to trade it. For full ownership of your shares in your two ships. Its stored in a interesting place, Garett that's what I need you for.


Haiku 1:
Octavia Blue
the pudding sits uneaten
rude words heard calmly

Hiro opens his mouth to say something, thinks better of it, pauses, then begins again "So you propose that in exchange for our shares in two ships, we accept the paper for a 300 displacement ton 'manta ray shaped' ship, called 'Train to the Stars', that not only you are not in possession of said ship, but that you want us to recover the very ship you are trading with and face whatever hazards that may entai. That despite the fact that you apparently have only held the paper on the ship, perhaps never seeing the ship with your own eyes, we are to trust your assurances about the maintenance record of this ship. Assurances from you, a stranger, who we know little about, other than your rudeness. Is that a fair summary of your offer? If I have mis-represented anything I welcome your correction. "

[KoboldStew]

When Dev is picked up for dinner she is showered and changed, and has oped for an elaborate bracelet that encircles her forearm and appears to slink around it like a constantly moving silver snake.

Dev extends her hand to Captain Watanabe when they are introduced, and the snake reverses direction, appearing now to turn away from him, a shift accomplished because of the angle of her arm. "Why, Captain," she says, sizing him up. He is better dressed than most ship captains, and she wonders if their paths have crossed before. If they have, she has not remembered it, even if her smile is calculated to allow a hint of recognition. He's wearing a sword, she notices. Hers is amongst her wardrobe, still to arrive.

When Watanabe asks about the Devereaux particle the hint of recognition disappears. "Yes, my parents. Please, call me Dev." (It is a sentence she has used often.) They walk together to the dining room with their escorts, whom she assumes are also guards until she sees the real guards.

The first glass of wine is drunk quickly, a lubricator. The second she takes and holds in her arm with only sips.

The dinner is delicious, though Dev does not ever finish a full course. She is surprised at the tension in the room, and does not respond to Octavia Blue's offer. Watanabe's response, while brusque, is a good test of both individuals -- him and Blue.

If pressed, she will for now simply indicate the truth, that she was due to collect a ship of her own, and joint ownership had not been her intention. She would of course, look at any paperwork that is presented.

[KoboldStew]

Dev is seated at dinner beside Dr Lisbon, and over the appetizer asks him about his work -- what he does, what brings him here. "Oh how very interesting.... Why, that must be dangerous.... What do you hope to find?... What are the challenges that you face with that sort of work?"

The questions are asked sincerely, and she responds with interest. She has not met many academics, but she does know she can always say "Tell me about your research" and appear more attractive in their eyes by doing so.

[ateno]

Octavia Blue:

"Of course more information, I knew it would be a hard sell. I would be worried if you agreed immediately.

He pulls out some papers.

"The 'Train to the Stars' is a fully operational jump 2, maneuver 4 ship 300 ton custom ship with quite a few custom additions.
Many staterooms, 3 turrets, all fitted out, cargo accessories and some other accessories that I do not know of. 75 tons internal storage, 200 external storage. It was built in the capital shipyards 80 or so years ago. What else would you like to know about the ship itself?

As I said the ship brought a travelling circus around the empire, but due to increased imperial oversight and a change in government, the company was closed down and the ship was sold to the bank. The bank prepped it for sale, sending it through a full check and I made sure the sale did not go through and a couple years later I used a connection to buy it for almost scrap prices. Because I knew it would come in handy.
All I would prefer to say beyond that is that the ship is fully 100% legally owned by me with no trail anywhere else.

I would like the three of you to inspect the ship yourselves, see if what I say is correct and if you are interested, prep it for sailing. It is hiding in an asteroid, nearby, which you Garett might be interested in. I would send you out there in one of my flyers. Flyer would wait until you got services up, spend as long as you want and call me and I will pick you up and finalize the deal?

I understand that you could have a sentential attachment to your current ship, I understand that, but so you know, my number people say the going price of the 'Train' is about 3-4 times the price of a yacht."

He pauses and drinks some wine.

"I of course would protect my investment, I would send one of my guards. He points with his wine glass over his right shoulder, and looks over at the guard.

Hiro that is, as you recall guard Thunarssen.

Gunnar, Octavia shows a micro-expression of surprise.

He turns back, "I will vouch for his space abilities and knowing how to work as a team member. He wont just wont be a waiting rifle."

Any other questions, afterward we will retire and if you would meet on the pad at 0900 for launch? Guards, stay with me please?

[KoboldStew]

Dev begins laughing, and stands up, holding a glass.

"Field trip! Fantastic. We'll have a recce." She's clearly putting on a brave face. "Let's check it out, at least, eh Captain Watanabe? Who knows? We might end up business parters. In a circus transport." She continues laughing, and then she levels her eye at Octavia Blue. "This better be good."

[Rhonin84]

Dev is seated at dinner beside Dr Lisbon, and over the appetizer asks him about his work -- what he does, what brings him here. "Oh how very interesting.... Why, that must be dangerous.... What do you hope to find?... What are the challenges that you face with that sort of work?"

The questions are asked sincerely, and she responds with interest. She has not met many academics, but she does know she can always say "Tell me about your research" and appear more attractive in their eyes by doing so.

I have been looking at the evidence of intelligent life on a variety of planets over the years. Major Universities sponsor my trips and I in turn get to teach another generation about the fine sciences of Archeology.

Looking for any reaction

[KoboldStew]

Over the course of dinner, Dev had carried on a conversation. She makes an easy joke in response to the archaeologist's claim about seeking intelligent life ("If it's intelligent life you seek, you should stay away from some of the nobles I've met...") but she is interested, and does press him for details -- "Are you looking for previously unknown cultures, or just non-human ones?" "Do you define intelligence by the technology produced, or by something else in the archaeological record?" "What do you look for that others don't?"

Dev's education has been limited: most of her schooling was done through monitors, and she doesn't have a wide knowledge base outside her specialties, but she is sharp and is comfortable driving a conversation in which she knows little.

[Rhonin84]

Over the course of dinner, Dev had carried on a conversation. She makes an easy joke in response to the archaeologist's claim about seeking intelligent life ("If it's intelligent life you seek, you should stay away from some of the nobles I've met...") but she is interested, and does press him for details -- "Are you looking for previously unknown cultures, or just non-human ones?" "Do you define intelligence by the technology produced, or by something else in the archaeological record?" "What do you look for that others don't?"

Dev's education has been limited: most of her schooling was done through monitors, and she doesn't have a wide knowledge base, but she is sharp and is comfortable driving a conversation in which she knows little.

Chuckling at the jokes and inferences about intelligent life being absent from the ruling class, "Oh I can agree with you on that, I have had more than my share of run ins with government types who are only interested in their world view."

Seeing that she is actually engaged in the conversation, "I am looking at intelligent life, one that is a Type I or II on the Kaddarav Scale." Taking a sip of whatever drink is close by, "I am also interested in what some call the Ancients, those that may have seeded the galaxy for us."

Pausing for a moment.

[KoboldStew]

"I don't know the Kaddarav scale," she admits. "but I've heard of the Ancients. Let me guess... You're one of the thousands who think they can find the lost homeworld?" She's not mocking him, but she's seen enough holos to know that's what they're always after. "Or perhaps you are looking for a mysterious black globe so you can start your own navy?"

[Rhonin84]

"I don't know the Kaddarav scale," she admits. "but I've heard of the Ancients. Let me guess... You're one of the thousands who think they can find the lost homeworld?" She's not mocking him, but she's seen enough holos to know that's what they're always after. "Or perhaps you are looking for a mysterious black globe so you can start your own navy?"

Sitting back and looking at her, "I think we are fools to ignore scientific theory and there is enough out there to show that the evidence is being censored at the highest levels in our government."

Taking another sip a much smaller one, "Navy, no I spent a lot of time by myself on scout ships when I worked for the Scouts. Starting my own Navy is not what I want, I'd rather be left alone to pursue my studies."

[bsongy]

"If everything is as you say it is, I am sure I would not have any problem with completing the deal. But in that case, I would, or course, have a great deal of personal belongings and equipment to transfer from my yacht to the new ship. Would it be better to travel in my Yacht rather than the flyer?"

[bsongy]

It was said: "I am also interested in what some call the Ancients, those that may have seeded the galaxy for us."

Hiro perks up at the mention of The Ancients, breaking his focus on negotiations with Octavia Blue.

"I or II on the scale? You are looking for a Ringworld or Dyson sphere?! asks Hiro, unsure if he is remembering the details of the scale correctly.

[Rhonin84]

"I or II on the scale? You are looking for a Ringworld or Dyson sphere?! asks Hiro, unsure if he is remembering the details of the scale correctly.

Shaking his head in the negative and smiling, enjoying the chance to teach. "No the scale I am referring to is the scale that measures how much energy a species generates."
Ticking off one finger and then a second, Type One would be energy on a planetary level and type two would be energy on a planetary system level." Smiling and his eyes sparkling just a little bit more.

[KoboldStew]

Sitting back and looking at her, "I think we are fools to ignore scientific theory and there is enough out there to show that the evidence is being censored at the highest levels in our government."

A spark lights in Dev's eye unexpectedly. She points a finger, smiling. "You don't need an archaeologist! What you need is someone who can hack into government computers, and do a different kind of excavating. I know someone who could help you."

Taking another sip a much smaller one, "Navy, no I spent a lot of time by myself on scout ships when I worked for the Scouts. Starting my own Navy is not what I want, I'd rather be left alone to pursue my studies."

This strikes Dev as funny, and she immediately lifts her glass. "To being left alone."

[bsongy]

Ticking off one finger and then a second, Type One would be energy on a planetary level and type two would be energy on a planetary system level." Smiling and his eyes sparkling just a little bit more.

Hiro responds, thoughtfully "Oh, I see, but the thought of a society that had the energy of an entire planetary system at their disposal is mind boggling."

[bsongy]

Taking another sip a much smaller one, "Navy, no I spent a lot of time by myself on scout ships when I worked for the Scouts. Starting my own Navy is not what I want, I'd rather be left alone to pursue my studies."

This strikes Dev as funny, and she immediately lifts her glass. "To being left alone."

Hiro nods in agreement to the toast.