huzzaaaaaaaah
Tranquility
Piper looked at one side of the room, then at the other, meekly raising his hand- although it was so low that it was almost impossible for Tebigon to see it. "You think I should talk about the creations my planet is trying to sell?" He whispered to Rufus. "I mean, not many people are buying paintings these days..."
Caroline
Johnathan chuckled, moving closer, opening his shirt just a little more so the woman would get a nice view of his chest- that always got them interested. One of the vantages of being born in a society where being nice and thing is in your genes. "No, actually. Only those that interest me." He smiled, tapping his finger against the console. "Sharla. A beautiful name. Goes well with your exquisite looks and delightful perfume. Saffronese, right?"
He slapped himself lightly on the forehead. "Oh, where are my manners! My name is Johnathan. I've been hired to be part of the Communications crew. You?"
THE SLORG!
Hrof gave the captain a sharp salute when she entered the shuttle bay, and after she explained the job of the security personnel, gave a quick, "yes captain."
Once aboard the shuttle, Hrof did not take a seat or buckle himself in, but instead headed for one of the handrails to the side. He took a grip on it with his left hand and braced his left foot against the wall as the shuttle pulled out and they lost gravity. He quickly switched his suit over to strength mode, the bits between the outer armor panels glowing red, and kept himself as steady as possible there. His right hand stayed on his holstered pistol, ready to draw it.
A civilian shuttle on a routine landing stop probably seemed like a silly place to be ready for a shootout, but Hrof was on duty. As far as he was concerned, he should always be ready for a shootout while on duty.
You are reading this.
International Space Colony Tranquility, Sol System
"The position of your hand would indicate you already plan to discuss that," Rufus replied to Piper. "However such a subject does not appear to be best categorized into the current topic of discussion."
Without much fanfare, Bobby started to inspect the Captain's chair to make sure it exceeded safety margins by at least two standard deviations. He also looked to see if he could install a seat warmer into it - humans seemed to like those.
Tranquility
Charles rose up and spoke into his microphone with a clear and loud voice "Yes, the Solar Republic would also like to discuss the matter of escaped Royalist warcriminals and exchanges with other nations." before he sat down again and crossed his arms. His cybernetic eye surveying the surroundings.
Caroline
"Jonathan was it?!" John called from the pilots seat "Is the communications green?! Would be bad if the cap'n wanted to call us while we are dark!" He glanced over to Jonathan and the glasses-girl as he relaxed and leaned back in his seat, having put the ship to auto-orbit for the time being.
edited 8th Nov '13 3:31:02 AM by Clawthewolf
Dreams of Revenge
Azunn — Tranquility
Azunn remained silent; Sirian space had remained relatively quiet for now, and the Union was not in the business of making statements for the sake of making them. Hopefully, things would remain that way. His interest had been piqued by the Sol Republic delegate's request, though. It would doubtlessly be enlightening to see Tebigon's (and by extension, the Verandi's) reaction.
Erruan — Shuttle
Erruan noted the captain's sidearm with approval. At least she could defend herself if a threat managed to get past the security detail. That wasn't very likely, but stranger things had happened. She nodded curtly as Solaris explained the security team's role. Seemed simple enough.
Erruan squeezed herself into a seat and buckled up. Though she could function perfectly well in such environments, the Sirian was wary in zero gravity. There had been a few close calls during zero G training, though nobody had been seriously injured (or worse). However, it was a relatively minor concern.
The captain's fidgeting didn't go unnoticed. Erruan was about to bring it up when she thought better of it. One of the others would probably be better suited to handling whatever was troubling Solaris. In Erruan's opinion she wasn't very good at that sort of thing. And anyway, she was a (former, she noted with a hint of bitterness) soldier - it wasn't part of the job description.
Locking you up on radar since '09
huzzaaaaaaaah
Tranquility
"Well, it was only half up." Piper whispered back, lowering his hand and hiding it under the table. "No one saw it, anyway... I'm just worried that I'm not doing the Society any justice. It's not like it matters much to us who's leading what, as long as they like culture and like acquiring it."
Caroline
Johnathan gritted his teeth and rolled his eyes, before turning around in his chair and smiling at John. "Yes they are." He said, the smile and the angry tone of the voice making quite a contrast. "I don't think we're going to run into any problems." He turned back to Sharla, his smile replaced with a smirk. "Apologies, Sharla. Where were we? Oh yes, you were about to tell me what you were hired to do."
Tranquility
Tebigon's poker face remained just that. Again, however, he inwardly cringed. Charles' request was not unreasonable or not allowed by the rules of the conference, but it was unpredictable. Much like the volatile Solar Republic itself. With any luck he was going top give an update on the campaign against piracy. It was no secret, however, that many who found themselves out of favor with the new republic's government had found refuge in Verandi. No doubt some found this objectionable but Verandi had felt no inclination to refuse them even as it had helped to destroy their old society.
Tebgin recalled the kings private words, which were not fit for a general audience, on the subject. On this, he felt he did know the young queen's position. She was certainly going to continue her father's policies on this regard.
"The chair recognized Charles Linkolnton of the Solar Republic." Tebigon stated loudly. "You are permitted a brief statement on your subject."
Caroline - Bridge
"Navigation." Sharla responded with a grin. "I was hired just a few weeks ago actually, before we left Verandi. Same place as the perfume actually, though I'm from Luminose originally."
"Come to think of it," Sharla tilted her head quizzically, "What are you? And where are you from? Sorry but I don't remember seeing anyone like you before."
The subtext of her words was pretty clear. I don't date species I know nothing about.
Shuttle
Fortunately for those who did not like the zero gravity environment the trip was short. They had arrived at the dock of the Titania settlement. The captain unbuckled her seat belt as soon as the shuttle pilot gave the green light. With a swishing sound the hatch opened and the ramp extended downwards.
From her vantage point, Solaris could see the place was not the most well-kept of stations. While she could not truthfully condemn it as a dump, the faded paint, out-of-date equipment, and scrap scattered about the floor provided a dismal scene. Added to that were the dozen or so thugs, all humans, that stood around the entrances to the city. Only a few carried weapons, most of them small arms from the Solar Republic. They did make any overt movements, but kept their eyes fixed on the Caroline's shuttle.
huzzaaaaaaaah
Caroline
Johnathan smiled, leaning back on his chair. "I get that question a lot." He said, turning to his computer, typing in a few keywords to bring up some pictures of his home. "I come from the Society of the Free Mind. We're a bunch of culture lovers, which means that pretty much everyone back home does something. Sculptures, paintings, video games, performance art, music, food, if it's some kind of art, there's people at the Society who know everything about it. You could say that for every five members of the Society, five of them are going to create at least two masterpieces in their lifetime. We're just that good."
He got closer to Sharla. "I'm a Master of the Tongue, which is how I got this job. Most members of the Society live out their lives back home, making stuff for other nations, but... I decided to leave, you know? Explore the universe." He blinked, and then pointed at the wings on his back and at his bare feet. "We live on a floating city located around a mountain, which is why we have wings, and we're so in touch with nature that we don't use shoes. How about you? What's your history?"
Some Guy Or Something
Shuttle
Rrivel never really got used to space travel. He supposed it was probably his natural connection with the ground and the homes that lay beneath it, much like all Rakashians. So when the trip proved short, he smiled a little to himself. Of course, he was still very much focused on his current job: Protect Solaris.
After a quick flurry of movements, he was unbuckled and following his current retainer, glaring venomously at the humans as if to dare them to make a move on him. From his admittedly shallow experiences with other space-faring races, he found humans to be both the best and the worst of them. On the one hand, they were twisted, corrupt, and willing to fight anyone including themselves for incredibly minor reasons. On the other hand, they did make the best cigars and both his current and first employers are human. But these thugs... They smelled of trouble and Rrivel would rather deal with them now than later when they had their cargo with them.
"Evii is right though" -Saturn "I didn't know you were a bitch Evii." -Lior Val
John rolled his eyes as he heard Jonathan "Of course the guy from the 'utopian' society gotta be the arrogant one. Bet you can't even aim straight when pirates come."
huzzaaaaaaaah
Johnathan didn't even look at John, choosing to keep his attention on the lovely lady. "I don't need to prove anything to you, especially since your words are dripping with envy."
THE SLORG!
Assault rifle in hand now that he was no longer on the ship, but kept lowered, Hrof stepped out and took a look around, quickly noting the thugs. "Captain, if we are leaving to go secure the cargo, one of us should stay behind and watch the shuttle" Hrof said, his tone of voice less like a suggestion and more like a statement of fact.
edited 17th Nov '13 3:40:08 AM by FirockFinion
You are reading this.
John shrugs "I'm not the one hitting on the first lovely coworker I see." He then turns to his communication console and calls "Captain, check up, how are things on the ground?"
Charles begin to speak "Fellow stellar citizens, it have been ten years since the Freedom war ended and yet many Imperialist War criminals escape justice, we believe that they have fled the borders of the SR and as such we request aid in gathering the remanining fugitives to that they may be brought to justice!"
huzzaaaaaaaah
"Indeed, you're the one butting in my conversation with this lovely lady so you can complain like an old curmudgeon." Johnathan said, keeping his eyes on Sharla.
Dreams of Revenge
Erruan — Shuttle*
Erruanuzua took a little bit longer to extricate herself from her seat and exit the shuttle, but once she was out she immediately took note of her surroundings... and the gaggle of lowlives crowding around the city entrances. She might have tried to avoid judging people based on their appearances, but the Sirian doubted the humans were up to anything good, especially with how they eyed the shuttle.
Erruan didn't make a show of her weapon (though she kept it ready), hoping that her mere presence would be enough to dissuade any would-be "heroes" from trying their luck. The last thing she needed was for this job to beat her record for the time between her first firefight and accepting the contract in the first place. She grunted curtly in agreement with Hrof. Indicating the Grexian, she said, "He's got the right idea. Some of these people look like they've got more muscle than sense."
edited 20th Nov '13 2:33:05 PM by Flanker66
Locking you up on radar since '09
King of Lame-Style
Shuttle
Hamare would come out of the shuttle, making sure her satchel of tools and the millitia-class pistol were safe on her person as she looked around. Slums, on the same degree of dilapidation like the lower end docks back home.
The graceless warrior, wielder of the edgeless blade, prophet of the old religions, writer of fluent nonsense, saviour of soul and song.
Some Guy Or Something
International Space Colony Tranquility, Sol System
Rufus barely had to mentally process the current situation. Considering the general inhospitably to lifeforms of most Norb planets, and the completely monitored status of those with carbon and silicon atmospheres, that meant that there were six known systems that wouldn't be housing certain criminals. As for assisting... there probably wasn't much help they could offer - organics tended to be suspicious or hostile if Norb drones are scouring their system.
After inspecting the chair, Bobby made his way to the unused sectors of the ship, so as to cannibalize the necessary resistive elements for the planned upgrade.
Tranquility
Damn it.
Tebigon had a feeling this meeting was going to result in some headaches later. Pounding the gavel lightly, he cut short any chatter the Solarian's announcement might have caused. "Thank you for your comments, Ambassador Linkolnton. Your proposal will be taken under consideration."
The council chairman waited for anyone else to make a statement. When no one came forward he decided to begin moving on to the next order of business.
"We will now commence with the vote on which subject will be up for discussion first. Following the vote we will take a brief recess."
Tebigon's words were for the benefit of the newcomers and the cameras. Most of the veterans of the Galactic Nations had come already knowing which topics they wanted to debate and discuss first and which they planned to sleep through. A holoscreen appeared before each ambassador with the same list that Tebigon had glanced over earlier. Giving it a cursory glance one more time, Tebigon selected Piracy within Solar Republic and Border Stars.
After several minutes of quiet exchanges and selections Lord Tebigon announced the hour long recess. Some immediately made a beeline for the exits, others dawdled about and chatted with their colleagues. No doubt many would end up at the various restaurants, cafes, or other establishments surrounding the main building. Unofficially, this was where the real politicking took place. The rule of thumb that one did not discuss politics at the table was reversed for actual politicians, who found that they could generally speak more candidly with even their bitterest opponents over a salad.
Lord Tebigon was two things; A Verandi nobleman and a miserly bastard. Whereas others of the upper class could fritter away their money, Tebigon had maintained his influence by ensuring he had money when he needed it. With that in mind, the Verandi headed over to one of the cheaper diners across the street.
International Space Colony Tranquility, Sol System
Rufus glanced at the holoscreen for several instruction cycles, and then raised her hand to press one of the buttons on the screen. It hovered over the option for Mandates and Protectorates, and with a tap, cast a vote for the selected topic. The Norb ambassador then stood up, offered a "Good day," to the ambassadors nearby, if they had remained, and began to hop away.
She hopped out of the building and across the street, following behind the Verandi ambassador at a brisk pace. With the death of a head of state of the allied nation, it would be only proper to offer condolences. Quite likely over a serving of stimulant-infused beverages. Offering to pay for such things were likely to be seen as an uncomfortable situation depending on the context, and would have to be assessed later on in real-time. Using money was so inefficient, but the Norb's units had to have access to the things when operating in the rest of the galaxy, usually credit accounts. She or her successor unit would have to discuss the change to an energy-based currency as a galactic standard when the time was right.
huzzaaaaaaaah
Tranquility
Piper awkwardly glanced at Rufus' screen, raising his hand to press Mandates and Protectorates at the same time as she did. Standing up, he respectfully bowed to the others before walking outside, waiting to see the only other ambassador he had talked to for more than a minute: Blue. So he stood there, in the entrance, looking around like a little kid lost in a shop, waiting for Blue to show up.
THE SLORG!
Blue listened to the proceedings, paying only marginal attention to the announcement of the Solar Republic representative. Blue knew that at least a couple escaped royalists had gone in the direction of Grexia, hoping to hide in what they thought was nowhere. Thankfully they'd been... 'redirected' from that path by way of a few attack vessels posing as wandering pirates. That same method had proved less than successful against a stubborn Verandi private explorer vessel, but that was a matter for another time.
Once the recess was called, Blue stood from his seat in the peanut gallery and headed out along with his two security escorts. "This would be a good opportunity to speak with Lord Tebigon; try to see which way he went" Blue ordered his two guards as they came out the entrance.
Both Military caste members quickly glanced around, looking for Tebigon as well as their usual scanning for any potential threats. "There he is, two o' clock" the gunner said, pointing ahead and slightly to the right, at the back of Lord Tebigon moving to the diner.
"And the weirdo, two-thirty" the Female ranger added, directing their attention a little further to right at Piper waiting there.
"Him again?! Want me to deal with this sir?" the gunner asked, stepping forward and reaching his hand for his sidearm.
"Maybe wait until he actually does something threatening first" Blue told the gunner, a little chidingly. The gunner stood down, and Blue started walking forward, in path to go past Piper. "Ambassador Piper," he said, addressing Piper like he only intended to give a comment as he passed by, because he did. "Your public speaking skills could use some work."
edited 27th Nov '13 3:53:34 AM by FirockFinion
You are reading this.
huzzaaaaaaaah
Tranquility
Once he heard Blue's comment, Piper blushed slightly, letting out an awkward chuckle and rubbing the back of his neck. "I-It's just like my teacher said. You can teach a man how to write a speech, but if he can't write it, it's not worth the time!" He opened his eyes, noticing Blue had walked past him. His wings fluttering a bit, he followed the "ambassador". "So I-I thought maybe we could go eat something during the reccess! Maybe work out the details of your s-statue?"
Caroline
Sharla’s head kept turning from John to Johnathan, depending on who was talking at that very second.
“Ooookay.” She said uncertainly after the exchange was over. “So, Society of Free Minds? SFM? What do you call a person from there? A Socialite? What do you do then if your a tongue guy? Do you sing?"
It only took a few seconds for communications between the orbiting Caroline and the surface to go from one to the other and back again. John should not have to wait too long for the captain to check in. Except he did wait long. And waited, and waited, and waited. There was no response at all from Titania.
Titania
Completely oblivious to the fact that John had been trying to hail her, Solaris was doing the same as her security team and sizing up the local toughs in the hanger. Prepared as she was, the captain was most assuredly not looking for a fight and hoped that the large specimens of the warrior sub-species would be enough to deter the thugs from taking any rash action.
Solaris did not like the ideas of going deeper into the colony short one hand but her Grexian and Sirian bodyguards’ statements made sense. As did her guard volunteering.
“Good idea, Mr. Hrof. And thank you, Mr. Rrivel. Do stay with our transport to discourage any unwelcome guests.”
With that done, the Caroline crew made their way forward. Titania was not a busy moon, but today it seemed to be attracting a lot of traffic. Besides Solaris and her people, several other ships already docked or in the process of docking. More than one of the recent arrivals had also acted on Titania’s reputation and brought their own security. One particularly brave or dim captain came alone. Solaris watched as he strode confidently towards the thugs. When they began rising and handling their weapons with more bluster he hesitated for a second then plowed on ahead. The men scowled but did nothing to stop him. Solaris brightened at that, being reassured that the bluster showed was all bark and no bite.
With Rrivel left behind, the crew proceeded past the thugs, each being eyeballed from menacing faces. Solaris let her hand drift down to her firearm.
Caroline - Shuttle Bay
The captain arrived a few minutes after the security detail and Hamare. At her hip was a Verandi sidearm, its place of origin obvious by the comparative bulkiness when put up against the guns of other human nations.
"Titania is not known for being friendly." She said while walking up to the crew going with her. "I suppose something about being on the far part of the solar system puts the inhabitants in a perpetually bad mood. I do not believe we will encounter any trouble but it never hurts to show off a bit."
She looked at Hamare in particular for the next bit. "I need your expertise to determine whether all the equipment we are here to obtain is actually operable. More than once settlers have gotten cheated out of promised goods and the company promised that we would personally see that everything would be in order."
The shuttle was a small thing that did not justify a gravity generator. Solaris tied her braid up to prevent it from floating about before they left the Caroline. Soon they were flying down to Titania's surface. The captain, if anyone noticed, seemed bothered. She kept clenching and unclenching her fists, checking her manifest over and over, and muttering something under her breath.
Caroline - Bridge
"Sharla." The girl said with a grin. Her chair swiveled so that she was facing Johnathan directly, a dash of Saffronese perfume became noticeable as she did. Mousy brown hair swept past her chin, and she adjusted the glasses on her nose, which were almost surely more for decoration that actual vision augmentation. "Do you always mingle, as a crew, first chance you get getting on a ship?"
Tranquility
Even though the news had been broken out by the reporters yesterday, a low buzz filled the chamber. Though many accepted the news stoically many more immediately began murmuring to themselves, their staff, and their fellow delegates. Tebigon was almost certain he saw Sol coins being being transferred discreetly between two delegates in one of the center rows. He knew he should be upset at that put the Verandi ambassador could not help but wonder just what they had bet on since the king's death had been already been confirmed before he had announced it.
He expected a few words of console from the friendly governments by the end of the day. In the mean time it was proper to carry on with the meeting. He glanced down at the list of this conference's topics of discussion as put forward by the various sub-committees that were under the umbrella of the Galactic Nations.
Introduction of New Member States
State of Galactic Affairs
Piracy within Solar Republic and Border Stars
Territorial Dispute Between Verandi and Sirian Union
Trade Route Patrol
Mandates and Protectorates
That was just the start of the list that ended eventually with Member Proposals and Funding. Those last, like the first two, were in that order on the list specifically because that was the order they would be addressed in. The rest would be voted on whether they would be discussed at all. But Tebigon was getting ahead of himself.
"Does anyone else have a statement they wish to submit on the state of galactic affairs?"
edited 4th Nov '13 3:31:50 PM by Parable