Yay!
I couldn't help tying in, but I will wait for Faanku to resumeus at a proper point now.
[002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Face down on the Galley table after their night of drinking, Damian wakes with start and smacks headlong in to the bulkhead as he tries to rush to the infirmary to celebrate the coda at the end of this coma.
Yay!
I couldn't help tying in, but I will wait for Faanku to resumeus at a proper point now.
Yay!
I couldn't help tying in, but I will wait for Faanku to resumeus at a proper point now.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Silas listens in as Romer and Damian discuss the finer details of dimensional jaunts, joining in from time to time. It's not long, however, until his level of scientific understanding isn't enough to keep up, and soon enough, he's snoring on the mess table loudly, half-empty bottle of cheap alcosynth in hand.
The noise from the intercom jolts him awake.
"Huh... wh...?"
He looks around just in time to see Damian running out of the room in panic, and turns to the sleeping Romer, nudging him awake.
"Hey. Hey, pal. Did you hear that? Is it just me, or did it sound like old man Odo?"
He rubs his temples and winces as he comes to regret last night's libations.
The noise from the intercom jolts him awake.
"Huh... wh...?"
He looks around just in time to see Damian running out of the room in panic, and turns to the sleeping Romer, nudging him awake.
"Hey. Hey, pal. Did you hear that? Is it just me, or did it sound like old man Odo?"
He rubs his temples and winces as he comes to regret last night's libations.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer's crusty eyes open, revealing the bloodshot sclera to Silas. He blinks hard a few times, trying to dislodge the sand, and says raspily, I didn't hear anything. Did you say Odo? Where'd he get to anyway?
He looks about for some water, hand at his throbbing temple.
He looks about for some water, hand at his throbbing temple.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Bay 19, Helden Lane Starport, Mejo
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:05
With a reassuring jolt the Vale touches down on Mejoan soil and breathes a hydraulic sigh of relief as the sublight drives wind down. She'd definitely seen better days, and the escape from active combat had left more than a few marks on her hull, but Silas would be impressed with how well the old boat holds up as he performs the post-flight checks.
As the crew shuffle down the loading hatch and into the landing bay, Kal Kasama is there to greet them, along with a dozen henchmen who seem entirely too well dressed and professional to be part of his posse. "Welcome home! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you personally on a job done very well. You've more than earned your pay for this one, lads, believe you me." Two of the armed henchmen stride past Kal and surround Katya, though they seem to have no hostile intent towards her. Noting your concern, Kal chimes up. "Oh, don't worry about them. Just doing their job, like you did yours. We're all friends of our benefactor here, trust me."
One of the henchmen confirms Katya's name, asks her to follow them once she does so. Before she leaves, she turns to the team with a happy smile. "Thank you, for everything. You saved my life. I'll make sure to be in touch as soon as I can." You sense nothing but genuine relief from the young woman, no sense of coercion behind her words, and a few moments later she has left the starport... but Kal and ten of the henchmen still remain.
"Now then." the skinny man starts. "If you'd all be so kind to follow me into the transport we have waiting for you, there's somewhere we all need to be." His smile is as unreadable as ever, but the fixed faces of the henchmen and their matte black SMGs suggest that you'd best have a very good reason for refusing. "Trust me."
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:05
With a reassuring jolt the Vale touches down on Mejoan soil and breathes a hydraulic sigh of relief as the sublight drives wind down. She'd definitely seen better days, and the escape from active combat had left more than a few marks on her hull, but Silas would be impressed with how well the old boat holds up as he performs the post-flight checks.
As the crew shuffle down the loading hatch and into the landing bay, Kal Kasama is there to greet them, along with a dozen henchmen who seem entirely too well dressed and professional to be part of his posse. "Welcome home! Allow me to be the first to congratulate you personally on a job done very well. You've more than earned your pay for this one, lads, believe you me." Two of the armed henchmen stride past Kal and surround Katya, though they seem to have no hostile intent towards her. Noting your concern, Kal chimes up. "Oh, don't worry about them. Just doing their job, like you did yours. We're all friends of our benefactor here, trust me."
One of the henchmen confirms Katya's name, asks her to follow them once she does so. Before she leaves, she turns to the team with a happy smile. "Thank you, for everything. You saved my life. I'll make sure to be in touch as soon as I can." You sense nothing but genuine relief from the young woman, no sense of coercion behind her words, and a few moments later she has left the starport... but Kal and ten of the henchmen still remain.
"Now then." the skinny man starts. "If you'd all be so kind to follow me into the transport we have waiting for you, there's somewhere we all need to be." His smile is as unreadable as ever, but the fixed faces of the henchmen and their matte black SMGs suggest that you'd best have a very good reason for refusing. "Trust me."
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Damian Stavros (HP: 3/3, AC: 14, Spells: 4/4)
Even ten thugs with SMGs can't dampen Damian's mood. The Vale is back, Odo is alive, and he spent several days solidifying his theories with the Codex. Besides, something about seeing Katya honestly happy - because of them - touches him in a way he is unaccustomed to.
"Lead on, Kal," he says. Ashley start walking he leans over to whisper to Odo, "You'll let us know if this is a bad idea, right?"
Even ten thugs with SMGs can't dampen Damian's mood. The Vale is back, Odo is alive, and he spent several days solidifying his theories with the Codex. Besides, something about seeing Katya honestly happy - because of them - touches him in a way he is unaccustomed to.
"Lead on, Kal," he says. Ashley start walking he leans over to whisper to Odo, "You'll let us know if this is a bad idea, right?"
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Odo drops a paternal hand on Silas' shoulder as he lurches down the gangplank. "It feels strange, not being behind the stick on the Vale, son. But if I'm being honest, you fly a sight better than I ever will. She's not much, maybe, but she means a lot to me. She deserves a good pilot at the helm."
He turns back to gaze at the ship as Kasama greets them. He glances back at their benefactor from time to time, but the ship clearly has his attention. The one time this changes is when Kasama's men move toward Katya; at this, his head snaps back and he takes a halting half-step toward her. He pauses, uncertain, at Kal's reassurance, and his shoulders relax a bit when she speaks.
"Well...you have our comms channel, lass. Please do let us know when you've settled in. I'd hate to think we'd pulled you out of that hell-hole, just for-- well.
Safe travels." He straightens his coat, seemingly as much for something to do with his hands as for any other reason.
Vyrner nods slightly to Damian as he obligingly trudges forward at the insistence of the gunmen, but pauses a moment and puts a hand to his ribs, drawing in a sharp breath. "A moment, just a moment. We had a rather...hard landing, back on Kakamedes, and I'm still feeling the effects of it, I'm afraid." The spacer closes his eyes and takes several more deep breaths.
I'm going to Commit Effort to see what the next 24 hours likely hold for Odo, should he follow Kasama.
He turns back to gaze at the ship as Kasama greets them. He glances back at their benefactor from time to time, but the ship clearly has his attention. The one time this changes is when Kasama's men move toward Katya; at this, his head snaps back and he takes a halting half-step toward her. He pauses, uncertain, at Kal's reassurance, and his shoulders relax a bit when she speaks.
"Well...you have our comms channel, lass. Please do let us know when you've settled in. I'd hate to think we'd pulled you out of that hell-hole, just for-- well.
Safe travels." He straightens his coat, seemingly as much for something to do with his hands as for any other reason.
Vyrner nods slightly to Damian as he obligingly trudges forward at the insistence of the gunmen, but pauses a moment and puts a hand to his ribs, drawing in a sharp breath. "A moment, just a moment. We had a rather...hard landing, back on Kakamedes, and I'm still feeling the effects of it, I'm afraid." The spacer closes his eyes and takes several more deep breaths.
I'm going to Commit Effort to see what the next 24 hours likely hold for Odo, should he follow Kasama.
Shadrach, Demon-Hunter - Dust to Dust
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Vyrner's eyes roll back in his head and he......opens them again, a flash of the future clear in his mind. It seems that Kal is to take you to meet with the elusive 'benefactor', who desires a meeting. You don't sense any danger from this, at least physically.
Code: Select all
...arrives at the imposing building, steps out of the limo and is escorted in through the main lobby,
past hundreds of people, to a waiting room, where the secretary smiles at him, shows him in to the
main office, where the man sits behind his huge desk, powerful, a meeting, discussion, negotiation...Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Vyrner Odo (HP: 7/7, AC: 13, Effort: 1/2)
Vyrner gasps once more before nodding to the gunman at his elbow. "Let's be off, then."
Vyrner gasps once more before nodding to the gunman at his elbow. "Let's be off, then."
Shadrach, Demon-Hunter - Dust to Dust
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer’s eyes shift to the SMG wielding guys, ready in case of treachery.
He follows, keeping back a bit as a kind of rear guard for his friends.
He follows, keeping back a bit as a kind of rear guard for his friends.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Neogen Group Head Office, The Spires, Mejo
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:22
The journey into the richest business area in Mejo is more than pleasurable, despite the stony-faced armed escorts that accompany you, seated as you are in the finest antigrav limousines on the market. The minibar is fully stocked and your drink is kept perfectly at a temperature of your choosing by the latest in Neogen's temperature-lock technology; even real food is available, and instantly cooked to perfection the moment you select it from the menu.
The comfort doesn't last long though, as within a quarter of an hour you have arrived at your destination; the tallest building in The Spires, the Neogen Group's HQ. The imposing black tower seems to loom out over you, an intentional feature meant to drive home how powerful the megacorp is, and anyone with any knowledge on the subject would know that this is no empty statement; Neogen is one of the "Big 3" of the twelve corporations with a seat on the Mejoan Council, the planet's governmental body who control the Unified System's trade hub.
The interior of the sprawling building is no less impressive, and without your escorts guiding you through the lobby and down select hallways it would be a challenge to avoid getting lost. Eventually you are led into a large gravchute elevator, which pressurises and silently lifts you hundreds of floors above ground level without even a jolt. Its doors open into a second foyer, as tastefully decorated as downstairs but with several comfortable couches a large desk at one end, behind which sits a woman dressed in a suit that must cost as much as the Vale. She immediately looks up from the holoterminal she was working on and smiles, motioning to the couches.
"Mr. Bao shall be with you shortly. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
The escorts do not follow you into the luxurious lobby, instead taking the gravchute somewhere.
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:22
The journey into the richest business area in Mejo is more than pleasurable, despite the stony-faced armed escorts that accompany you, seated as you are in the finest antigrav limousines on the market. The minibar is fully stocked and your drink is kept perfectly at a temperature of your choosing by the latest in Neogen's temperature-lock technology; even real food is available, and instantly cooked to perfection the moment you select it from the menu.
The comfort doesn't last long though, as within a quarter of an hour you have arrived at your destination; the tallest building in The Spires, the Neogen Group's HQ. The imposing black tower seems to loom out over you, an intentional feature meant to drive home how powerful the megacorp is, and anyone with any knowledge on the subject would know that this is no empty statement; Neogen is one of the "Big 3" of the twelve corporations with a seat on the Mejoan Council, the planet's governmental body who control the Unified System's trade hub.
The interior of the sprawling building is no less impressive, and without your escorts guiding you through the lobby and down select hallways it would be a challenge to avoid getting lost. Eventually you are led into a large gravchute elevator, which pressurises and silently lifts you hundreds of floors above ground level without even a jolt. Its doors open into a second foyer, as tastefully decorated as downstairs but with several comfortable couches a large desk at one end, behind which sits a woman dressed in a suit that must cost as much as the Vale. She immediately looks up from the holoterminal she was working on and smiles, motioning to the couches.
"Mr. Bao shall be with you shortly. Please, make yourselves comfortable."
The escorts do not follow you into the luxurious lobby, instead taking the gravchute somewhere.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Damian Stavros (HP: 3/3, AC: 14, Spells: 4/4)
Fifteen minutes is long enough. Damian presses the button in the limo and says "Filet mignon, rare, butter and mushroom glaze. Side salad, ginger dressing." He smiles as he eats a real bite of food, grinning around it at Silas and Romer. "Never skip a rich man's meal, friends." He scrapes the plate clean by the time the vehicle stops.
Stepping from the limo, he straightens his plain black sport coat and turtleneck - the simple outfit he wore to meet Kal, not expecting something more - and falls in officiously just behind Odo's right shoulder. The sidearm on his thigh doesn't stand out in Mejo, but he glances around in case it draws attention in the lobby. Perhaps it is best if it does. Show we are serious in our business.
Fifteen minutes is long enough. Damian presses the button in the limo and says "Filet mignon, rare, butter and mushroom glaze. Side salad, ginger dressing." He smiles as he eats a real bite of food, grinning around it at Silas and Romer. "Never skip a rich man's meal, friends." He scrapes the plate clean by the time the vehicle stops.
Stepping from the limo, he straightens his plain black sport coat and turtleneck - the simple outfit he wore to meet Kal, not expecting something more - and falls in officiously just behind Odo's right shoulder. The sidearm on his thigh doesn't stand out in Mejo, but he glances around in case it draws attention in the lobby. Perhaps it is best if it does. Show we are serious in our business.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer smiles and nods, Excellent. Most excellent.
He wonders if this is the same Mr Bao that his father always wanted to emulate with Kiwk. Then his jaw sets and he shakes his head, trying to remove his father from his thoughts.
He wonders if this is the same Mr Bao that his father always wanted to emulate with Kiwk. Then his jaw sets and he shakes his head, trying to remove his father from his thoughts.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Vyrner idles near the receptionist, blithely ignoring her invitation to be seated. As he and his companions wait, he keeps up a steady stream of chatter directed at the woman, heedless of any indications that he may be interrupting her work.
"This is a beautiful building. Of course, the ride over wasn't bad, either. Stavros over there--" he nods his head in Damien's direction- "Stavros ate an entire steak on the way over. Not sure how he does that- I'm all for accepting a man's hospitality, and it's a better meal than most of us have seen in a time, but I've been bouncing from spaceport to spaceport for so long it's done a number on my digestion."
"That's some nice art on the walls. Original, isn't it?" He wanders over to a large framed painting. He nods as he examines it. "Is that a van der Schuur? Looks like his style."
"You know, I've never been in one of Neogen's buildings before. Once upon a time, when I was still a young free trader- not long after Stavros took on with me, in fact- I tried to get a meeting with somebody at one of your branch offices. They sent out some junior functionary to dismiss me."
Eventually, the conversation so one-sided that even Odo recognizes it, he shrugs and strolls over to drop onto one of the couches next to Romer. He speaks to the man, his voice low and suddenly businesslike. "Do you know Bao? This meeting may well be a 'make-or-break' for us."
"This is a beautiful building. Of course, the ride over wasn't bad, either. Stavros over there--" he nods his head in Damien's direction- "Stavros ate an entire steak on the way over. Not sure how he does that- I'm all for accepting a man's hospitality, and it's a better meal than most of us have seen in a time, but I've been bouncing from spaceport to spaceport for so long it's done a number on my digestion."
"That's some nice art on the walls. Original, isn't it?" He wanders over to a large framed painting. He nods as he examines it. "Is that a van der Schuur? Looks like his style."
"You know, I've never been in one of Neogen's buildings before. Once upon a time, when I was still a young free trader- not long after Stavros took on with me, in fact- I tried to get a meeting with somebody at one of your branch offices. They sent out some junior functionary to dismiss me."
Eventually, the conversation so one-sided that even Odo recognizes it, he shrugs and strolls over to drop onto one of the couches next to Romer. He speaks to the man, his voice low and suddenly businesslike. "Do you know Bao? This meeting may well be a 'make-or-break' for us."
Shadrach, Demon-Hunter - Dust to Dust
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Neogen Group Head Office, The Spires, Mejo
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:25
The receptionist just smiles politely and professionally as Vyrner speaks, hands clasped gently on the desk before her (genuine slow-grown mahogany, the merchant's keen eye tells him, worth more than its weight in iridium). She responds to his eventual question with amicable cheer, her tone subtly impressed even. "You are correct, Mr. Odo. Mr. Bao received the piece from Herr van der Schuur as a token of their friendship some years ago, and it has remained on display here ever since." She continues in her pleasant, conversational tone. "The Neogen Head Office, formally known as the Apex Building, was designed in 3178 by famed macroarchitecturalist Ibrahim al Rana, and construction was completed in June of 3180. The building is the frequent recipient of awards in various fields including but not limited to outstanding urban beauty, structural-cognitive design, and mastery of New Feng Shui energy flow."
"Your transport for the journey here was sent from Mr. Bao's personal garage, a Frontier Enterprises H203 Marionette, recently imported from Lorina. The vehicle has been modified slightly to incorporate some extra conveniences, such as the small microkitchen unit that you stated Mr. Stavros enjoyed so fully. Incidently, every cut of meat was delivered directly from the finest neo-bovine farms maintained by Gira's House Vivero, cyrosealed within a minute of carving."
"With regards to your poor treatment previously at the hands of one of Neogen's employees, I apologise profusely." The secretary bows her head in genuine sincerity. "If you could provide me with the name of whoever is responsible, I shall personally see that appropriate action is taken to ensure that such events never occur again. Neogen is utterly committed to its doctrine of accessibility and acceptance, and I hope you are able to forgive us this abhorrent conduct towards a potential partner."
"Finally, I can arrange for our medical team to provide a bioanalysis deepscan to pinpoint any potential ailments regarding your eupepsia in relation to your prolonged extra-planetary living conditions. Such diagnosis and any subsequent treatment will of course by completely complimentary, a small step towards repaying the debt incurred by our aforementioned junior functionary. Of course, this offer also extends to your crew."
After finishing she continues smiling, politely and professionally, her expression inviting any more questions Vyrner may have without an ounce of patronisation or cynicism.
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:25
The receptionist just smiles politely and professionally as Vyrner speaks, hands clasped gently on the desk before her (genuine slow-grown mahogany, the merchant's keen eye tells him, worth more than its weight in iridium). She responds to his eventual question with amicable cheer, her tone subtly impressed even. "You are correct, Mr. Odo. Mr. Bao received the piece from Herr van der Schuur as a token of their friendship some years ago, and it has remained on display here ever since." She continues in her pleasant, conversational tone. "The Neogen Head Office, formally known as the Apex Building, was designed in 3178 by famed macroarchitecturalist Ibrahim al Rana, and construction was completed in June of 3180. The building is the frequent recipient of awards in various fields including but not limited to outstanding urban beauty, structural-cognitive design, and mastery of New Feng Shui energy flow."
"Your transport for the journey here was sent from Mr. Bao's personal garage, a Frontier Enterprises H203 Marionette, recently imported from Lorina. The vehicle has been modified slightly to incorporate some extra conveniences, such as the small microkitchen unit that you stated Mr. Stavros enjoyed so fully. Incidently, every cut of meat was delivered directly from the finest neo-bovine farms maintained by Gira's House Vivero, cyrosealed within a minute of carving."
"With regards to your poor treatment previously at the hands of one of Neogen's employees, I apologise profusely." The secretary bows her head in genuine sincerity. "If you could provide me with the name of whoever is responsible, I shall personally see that appropriate action is taken to ensure that such events never occur again. Neogen is utterly committed to its doctrine of accessibility and acceptance, and I hope you are able to forgive us this abhorrent conduct towards a potential partner."
"Finally, I can arrange for our medical team to provide a bioanalysis deepscan to pinpoint any potential ailments regarding your eupepsia in relation to your prolonged extra-planetary living conditions. Such diagnosis and any subsequent treatment will of course by completely complimentary, a small step towards repaying the debt incurred by our aforementioned junior functionary. Of course, this offer also extends to your crew."
After finishing she continues smiling, politely and professionally, her expression inviting any more questions Vyrner may have without an ounce of patronisation or cynicism.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Damian follows slowly as Odo wanders, hanging back about 10 feet, his actions a study in economy of action. His posture is relaxed, hands clasped behind his back. Thank God I don't need to do the talking, he thinks to himself.
He is watching the people. Foremost, Kal and the secretary, if they have any tension or reactions to each other. Then his crew, if any show signs of oddness. Then anyone who is paying them attention in this lobby rather than moving through on their business.
He is watching the people. Foremost, Kal and the secretary, if they have any tension or reactions to each other. Then his crew, if any show signs of oddness. Then anyone who is paying them attention in this lobby rather than moving through on their business.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Seeing as the rest of the crew seems focused on the armoured limo's fine dining capabilities, Silas rummages through the impeccably cooled drinks in the minibar and is surprised and delighted to find a flask of the finest Antakis whiskey - pre-split, no doubt.
He takes a swig and the taste is no less sublime than he remembers - even dan Valdeyr himself wouldn't scoff at this. He takes another sip, thinks for a bit, then grabs another flask and stuffs it into his coat pocket, shrugging at the guards.
***
As the group makes its way to the lobby, he is surprised to see the armed muscle leave, leaving them all in possession of their weapons. He knows there's more to this than mere neglect. This is a show of force, and not a very subtle one at that. The ex-soldier joins Odo in his casual stroll around the room; however, instead of works of art, he's looking for concealed turrets and other automatic defences.
He takes a swig and the taste is no less sublime than he remembers - even dan Valdeyr himself wouldn't scoff at this. He takes another sip, thinks for a bit, then grabs another flask and stuffs it into his coat pocket, shrugging at the guards.
***
As the group makes its way to the lobby, he is surprised to see the armed muscle leave, leaving them all in possession of their weapons. He knows there's more to this than mere neglect. This is a show of force, and not a very subtle one at that. The ex-soldier joins Odo in his casual stroll around the room; however, instead of works of art, he's looking for concealed turrets and other automatic defences.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Romer listens to the display of wealth and mutters, Wow. Dad aspires to be Bao but he's got a ways to go...
He approaches the receptionist's desk, smiling, and asks, This is all very nice. We appreciate Mr. Bao's generosity. Do you have an idea how long until he will arrive? I'm surprised we're seeing the man himself, not an associate.
He approaches the receptionist's desk, smiling, and asks, This is all very nice. We appreciate Mr. Bao's generosity. Do you have an idea how long until he will arrive? I'm surprised we're seeing the man himself, not an associate.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Odo holds up his right hand quickly, forestalling the receptionist's offers. "Oh, there's no need for any of that. We look forward to working with Mr. Bao; the thing with your executive was years ago, and my digestive issue has been my old friend for many years."
The old trader leans over to Romer and lowers his voice. "I wonder what we're being set up for. It's far more than I'd expect from someone like Mr. Bao for a no-name crew like us."
The old trader leans over to Romer and lowers his voice. "I wonder what we're being set up for. It's far more than I'd expect from someone like Mr. Bao for a no-name crew like us."
Shadrach, Demon-Hunter - Dust to Dust
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Neogen Group Head Office, The Spires, Mejo
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:27
Silas gives up trying to find any hidden security systems; there are so many places that it would probably be faster to find somewhere in the waiting room that isn't concealing a potential threat. As Romer asks how much longer they would be waiting, a light blinks on the secretary's desk and her smiles widens slightly. "Mr. Bao shall see you now. Please follow me." The woman moves to a large set of heavy wooden doors and places an open hand on them seemingly at random, causing a delicate pattern of light to spread from the point of contact; an extremely sophisticated security system, likely the finest any of you have ever seen. After a second, the large doors swing open silently, as if they were lighter than air.
The dimly-lit room beyond is perhaps not exactly what you were expecting. There's a large desk at the back of the room, and the carpeting and furniture seems extremely expensive, but that's perhaps it. An imposing man in dark grey suit stands with his back to you, facing the rear wall of the office which is made up of dozens of holoterminal screens. Some show news feeds, some show figures, stock-market data, personnel profiles. Silas even notices one displaying the results from the day's G-Circuit. The secretary leading you has you stop before the desk, and then approaches the man and whispers something in his ear for several seconds before taking her leave, bowing one last time to you all with her usual knowing smile. After the door is closed behind her, the man turns to face you, and you notice the cyberware for the first time; a chromed metal right arm, and a uniquely glowing jewel of bright emerald in place of his left eye. He regards you all for a few moments, then speaks in an incredibly commanding tone, assertive yet strangely agreeable. "Gentlemen. My name is Lijuan Bao. Take a seat." He motions to several large genuine leather armchairs opposite his desk, exactly one for each of you. "You returned from Kakimedes just over twenty-five hours ago, undertaking a job from the fixer Kal Kasama. Tell me what happened within the Jodhild system. Omit nothing."
You find it incredibly hard to believe that Bao has not been briefed on your recent exploits, though the man's expression makes it obvious that he's completely serious.
Sunday 20-02-3200
22:27
Silas gives up trying to find any hidden security systems; there are so many places that it would probably be faster to find somewhere in the waiting room that isn't concealing a potential threat. As Romer asks how much longer they would be waiting, a light blinks on the secretary's desk and her smiles widens slightly. "Mr. Bao shall see you now. Please follow me." The woman moves to a large set of heavy wooden doors and places an open hand on them seemingly at random, causing a delicate pattern of light to spread from the point of contact; an extremely sophisticated security system, likely the finest any of you have ever seen. After a second, the large doors swing open silently, as if they were lighter than air.
The dimly-lit room beyond is perhaps not exactly what you were expecting. There's a large desk at the back of the room, and the carpeting and furniture seems extremely expensive, but that's perhaps it. An imposing man in dark grey suit stands with his back to you, facing the rear wall of the office which is made up of dozens of holoterminal screens. Some show news feeds, some show figures, stock-market data, personnel profiles. Silas even notices one displaying the results from the day's G-Circuit. The secretary leading you has you stop before the desk, and then approaches the man and whispers something in his ear for several seconds before taking her leave, bowing one last time to you all with her usual knowing smile. After the door is closed behind her, the man turns to face you, and you notice the cyberware for the first time; a chromed metal right arm, and a uniquely glowing jewel of bright emerald in place of his left eye. He regards you all for a few moments, then speaks in an incredibly commanding tone, assertive yet strangely agreeable. "Gentlemen. My name is Lijuan Bao. Take a seat." He motions to several large genuine leather armchairs opposite his desk, exactly one for each of you. "You returned from Kakimedes just over twenty-five hours ago, undertaking a job from the fixer Kal Kasama. Tell me what happened within the Jodhild system. Omit nothing."
You find it incredibly hard to believe that Bao has not been briefed on your recent exploits, though the man's expression makes it obvious that he's completely serious.
Re: [002] - Out of the Frying Pan
Damian Stavros (HP: 3/3, AC: 14, Spells: 4/4)
Like the Cathedrals of Old Earth or the columns of Meneksis Prime thinks Damian, cataloging the excesses in his mind, each one intended to make the viewer feel smaller and inferior before a self-made God. His face has settled back into an impassive mask before the door opens and he follows Odo in, remaining at his shoulder. His laser pistol bumps on his thigh, reminding him of its presence. Not what I'd want to use, anyway. But not here. This is a man that I want to know nothing of true power.
At the man's question, Damian glances sidways at Odo, giving the Captain a slight nod of encouragement, to tell the story as far as he can.
At the man's question, Damian glances sidways at Odo, giving the Captain a slight nod of encouragement, to tell the story as far as he can.