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[Oni Storm]

"Simplicity itself brother. I have no mech here, but I do know where they have simulators that mimic piloting a mech to a truly impressive degree of reality and how to get in at them. Even generates heat. It is the best I can do for now. But it will let you discover if your old self is truly in there after all."

Another machine to be plugged into, another game of life and death, another bit of a glimpse to what he was and what he could yet become. Victor thought on all of these as the man spoke the words to him. "Sure why not? What's another machine or two?" he shrugged and the look of disinterest fell back across his face. Routine shoot, dodge, take cover, shoot, dodge, knee, knee, kick. Game set match Laxsinger. It was a holovid playing in a continuious loop and yet for some reason, it just didn't seem like it was him doing it at all. Always the scenes came as if from a witness or outside view. He'd done the simulations time and time again. Climbed aboard his current swayback and headed out into the test grounds and training field. He'd watch himself now and and the him of then. The moves would match completely, but something there wasn't quite right. Some how he just felt like it was all wrong. Was this man right, was it some deep down fear? Had he lost himself and who he once was? or was it far worse and more akin to what scared him most. Was it that he wasn't any of these things, but someone or something different, something more? Something destined for far greater trials of devastation and pain? Oh yes perhaps that was it? Perhaps it was about bringing pain, the pain of loss, the pain of suffering, the agony of not knowing who or where you are or belong. Perhaps that is what the world truly deserved and he desired to show. A smile appeared on his face again for a scant few seconds, this one twisted and demonic but a smile none the less, then it quickly resided from view and he was back to his normal self. "When are you wanting to do this? On the marrow perhaps?"

Edited by Oni Storm, 01 October 2012 - 07:29 PM.

[RogueSpear]

"A good a time as any, my brother. Would that I could arrange it sooner. Here, this has my P-Comm details. Contact me tomorrow at your convenience and we shall arrange it." Vantas had seen the predatory smile. There was a darkness in the man, the shadow of a wound or a demon made flesh he did not know. Time, it seemed would tell. Mentally, he shook off the distraction, put aside his deep nature and once more resigned himself to counting facts and figures - and saw a familiar jade heart. "I will leave you to your lady, sir, I am afraid I must attend to business, and I have just noticed an old associate." He bowed in the traditional manner, a half bow as both fists were clapped to the opposite shoulder. Traditional from the community he came from, though it had begun to catch on with the Irregulars. Presumably because he was the only one to bow at all, he had often joked. Even Ol' Jack had taken it up.
He had been a dark one too, mused Vantas as he made his leave, but he had not regretted that investment. Bottle still in his left hand, corked, a glass of the fine whiskey in his right, he had no hands to clap Otto on the shoulder.
So instead he leaned in to the infantryman's ear, Otto half turning as his previous conversation partners looked at Vantas in vary degrees of surprise and concern, and quietly said:
"Boo."

[Oni Storm]

She smiled at him again with that childlike innocence that belied true evil behind it's intentions and put her head on his shoulder as the music slowly and softly began to play.

"So tell me something soldier boy, what brings you here? I mean aside from the chance to dance with beautiful women?" she blushed slightly. "You must have some endeavor in mind aside from just serving God and House and being seen in your little uniform on parade so to speak. So what else are you looking to achieve for yourself here? Better housing, status, rations for the men, pay, what? What brings or drives you here for the next few days? Where do you want all this end in your personal life of hopes and dreams?" She looked not just quizzical this time but like she truly cared and had interest in him and his endeavors.

[Listless Nomad]

With her arms around his neck, and his hands resting lightly on her swaying hips, James was entirely content. The more aggressive, martial tune honoring the Federated Suns had subsided into a calmer, and softer tune - perfect for slowly dancing couples. Feeling the warmth of her skin on his, smelling the jasmine fragrance of her perfume, and with his brain addled by alcohol, James had only one outcome to the night on his mind. His duty, and his sense of propriety, however, prevented him from making an overt move. Inwardly, he was a little annoyed that she had ignored his earlier inquiry, but he quickly pushed it aside. Despite her tightlipped attitude about herself, James still wanted to know more about her. He was coming to quite enjoy her company, and her mystery. Unfortunately, before he could repeat his query, she threw another at him.

"So tell me something soldier boy, what brings you here? I mean aside from the chance to dance with beautiful women?" Her voice was silky smooth and sultry, and the faintest hint of a blush arose on her cheeks. The question gave James pause. He opened his mouth to respond with his rote phrase, referencing his duties to the Draconis March and Duke Sandoval. Something in her eyes told him the question ran deeper though. As if to confirm his suspicions, Katie noticed his pause and added to her initial question.

"You must have some endeavor in mind aside from just serving God and House and being seen in your little uniform on parade so to speak. So what else are you looking to achieve for yourself here? Better housing, status, rations for the men, pay, what? What brings or drives you here for the next few days? Where do you want all this end in your personal life of hopes and dreams?"

This line of questioning took aback, and caused him to pause his dancing for a moment.

Why was I here really? This assignment was offered to me...but I didn't have to accept. Did I do it for personal glory, or was there in fact something deeper at work here?

Frowning, James furrowed his brow which caused Katie's face to cloud with concern. James could tell that Katie was truly beginning to care for him, and that she genuinely wanted an answer from him. With a smile, he began slowly dancing with her as he pondered her answer.

"Well Ms. Pride, I cannot say for certain why I am here. I came for duty, and for country, and for myself. As a member of the Robinson Rangers, I serve my house and my lord. I also seek, as you said, to raise the profile of my unit and perhaps improve our funding or equipment. The more I think about it, however, the more I think I wanted to see if I could do it. My time in the hospital shook me, if I might be so blunt, and I worried that I came out a different man. Performing in a warzone is one thing, but acting like a human being at peace is another entirely. Tonight has been the first time in a long time that I've felt relaxed and at peace." Pausing once again, James stepped back from Katie and bowed deeply at the waist before standing tall once again. "Tonight, however, whatever my other reasons before, my reason for being here stands before me. Tonight m'lady, you give me purpose to remain at this rather drab event."

With a wink, James took Katie's hand in his and searched her face for a response. His faced flushed as he realized what he had said, and cursed alcohol for allowing him to say too much...

[Sparks Murphey]

Ariha was looking rather glum when Kristian returned, but looked up in surprise when he put her glass next to her.

“I figured you weren’t coming back,” she said.

“Me? Nah, the bartender was just busy,” Kristian replied. Ariha still looked somewhat insecure, though. “Hey, I meant what I said. That stuff about engines was really interesting. It’s not often I meet a girl as cute and intelligent as you.”

Ariha glanced away with a shy smile, which is probably why her next comment caught him off guard.

“What brings you here?”

“What?” Kristian said, swallowing a mouthful of champagne hurriedly.

“Well, you know I’m here as an engineering intern with Blankenburg. All I know about you is that you’re a Solaris 7 fan. So why are you here at a high profile event? Mister polar bear?” she added with a slightly teasing smile.

“Uh. I’m in marketing,” he replied, moments before mentally kicking himself.

“Really? Who with?”

“No one, no one really important.”

“Oh. Okay,” Ariha said, a little hurt.

“Okay,” Kristian glanced around, looking for inspiration, “don’t let this spread too far, but I actually work for a guy called DeMarkus Frankfurt. He’s the...”

“No way! The guy who beat Min the Merciless? What’s he doing here?”

“Um. Well, we’re,” s***, what would a Solaris stable need a marketer for, “you know, setting sponsorship deals and stuff.”

“Neat! I should, um, you might like to meet some of the other Blankenburg reps here. I’m sure they’d be interested in something like that.”

“Yeah, uh, that sounds great.” Oh my god, is this really happening?

“Would, um,” Ariha bit her lip nervously, “Would you be able to introduce me to him?”

“Uh, sure, um. I think he’s dancing at the moment, though,” Kristian gave a half-hearted wave at the dancing guests on the dance floor, “I don’t think he saw me.”

“Maybe we could have another dance, and you could introduce me when we’re done?” Ariha pleaded.

“Sure,” Kristian said getting to his feet and escorting her out onto the dance floor.

Their second dance wasn’t much better, though this time it was because Kristian was too busy trying to work out how he was going to get himself out of this pit of deception to properly think about the pretty young lady in his arms. As the dance came to a close, he parted from her and hurried over to DeMarkus.

“Mr Frankfurt! If I could just ask one small favour of you, there’s a girl, and I really like her, and I may have told her that I work for you, and so now she wants to meet you, so if you could just pretend I do for a few minutes, I’d be eternally grateful,” Kristian rambled, not giving DeMarkus time to interject.

Kristian took a breath, and glanced back to where Ariha stood at the edge of the dance floor. She gave him a small, shy wave.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Kaylee looked up into DeMarkus' eyes, which had that far off look again. His mind was drifting. As they stood there waltzing about she stared off into the packs of royals and nobles tring to find their escort, privatly hired by Kay to safeguard and guide the two elderly Frankfurts. As she looked about she saw two people staring at her, or was it him, or them? The buisnessman that DeMarkus talked to at the bar and some young cutish girl who had the look of being starstruck on her face.


Their second dance wasn’t much better, though this time it was because Kristian was too busy trying to work out how he was going to get himself out of this pit of deception to properly think about the pretty young lady in his arms. As the dance came to a close, he parted from her and hurried over to DeMarkus.

“Mr Frankfurt! If I could just ask one small favour of you, there’s a girl, and I really like her, and I may have told her that I work for you, and so now she wants to meet you, so if you could just pretend I do for a few minutes, I’d be eternally grateful,” Kristian rambled, not giving DeMarkus time to interject.

Kristian took a breath, and glanced back to where Ariha stood at the edge of the dance floor. She gave him a small, shy wave.

[Now back to D's POV]
"Uh, okaies." DeMarkus responded Kaylee leaned in and kissed him on the cheek, stopping to whisper in his ear. "I'm going to go powder my nose." Then she was off disappearing inbetween some general from the Free Worlds League and some obese nobelwoman in a ruby red dress.

DeMarkus Headed on over to the young girl hovering at the edge of the dancefloor.

"Hias... I'ms DeMarkus Frankfurt, it'sa nice to meet ya." He offered his hand to the blushing young lady.

Edited by Thom Frankfurt, 16 October 2012 - 06:56 AM.

[Sparks Murphey]

Ariha took DeMarkus' hand nervously. “Ariha Kline. It's so great to meet you, I'm a big fan."

The three of them stood there smiling for an awkward moment as the blush crept up Ariha’s neck and onto her cheeks.

“I can’t think of anything to say," she finally squeaked.

“What about that match you were talking about earlier?" Kristian suggested.

Ariha stared at him, her expression growing from fear to terror as Kristian talked apparent nonsense.

“You remember, the one you said you really liked?" he added with a wink.

Realisation dawned. “Right! Um," she struggled to think of a match, “What about the match against Teddy Teddington last season? The one where his Charger threw you into the basement in the Factory?"

Edited by Sparks Murphey, 29 October 2012 - 07:50 PM.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Sparks Murphey, on 29 October 2012 - 07:49 PM, said:

Ariha took DeMarkus' hand nervously. “Ariha Kline. It's so great to meet you, I'm a big fan."

The three of them stood there smiling for an awkward moment as the blush crept up Ariha’s neck and onto her cheeks.

“I can’t think of anything to say," she finally squeaked.

“What about that match you were talking about earlier?" Kristian suggested.

Ariha stared at him, her expression growing from fear to terror as Kristian talked apparent nonsense.

“You remember, the one you said you really liked?" he added with a wink.

Realisation dawned. “Right! Um," she struggled to think of a match, “What about the match against Teddy Teddington last season? The one where his Charger threw you into the basement in the Factory?"

DeMarkus cringed inwardly at the memory of that fight, one of his last. All night he was struggling with the controls of 'Pain Bringer.' at Teddy and himself played a dangerous game of cat and mouse through Marik Stadium. His neural interface matchup with the neuralhelmet and therefore the Cataphract he had spent several years at the helm of was being hindered by too many years of neural feedback damage from head shots, slips and falls, and point blank weapons fire had taken their toll. But he recoverd quickly only showing his pain on his face for a split second.

"To's be honest, most mechwarriors tink of da Charger as a lemon. You's know, not very good. I's was in dat same boat wit dem til that fight. I's now got a deep, an newfound respect for anyting dat big dat moves dat fast." He trailed off reliving those few paniced seconds as the Cataphract collapsed through a sub basement and franticly shooting his weapons point blank through the dust and debris hoping for a lucky shot against the assault mech. He snapped out of the memory as Kaylee leaned in close and kissed him on the cheek and squeezed his arm reasurely.

"Yes that was a tough match. But you won sweety." Kay smiled at her husband and the younger business reps. She the leaned in close to whisper into DeMarkus' ear. "Honey, I'll be right back I need to use the little girls room." she then kissed him again and then addressed the youngsters. "It was really nice to meet you, but if you'll please excuse me." And with a whisp of satin and the click of not-to-sure footed step of heels upon the dance floor Kaylee disappeared into the crowd, but not in the direction of the little girls room.

"So's ayeah. Charger, decent mech wit all da new stuff becoming's available. So's Ariha, awhat brings you's to Tharkad?" He asked trying to make small talk with the fan. After asking the question he noticed the paniced look on Kristian's face.

Oh shoot, this is gonna be interesting.

[Oni Storm]

"Tonight, however, whatever my other reasons before, my reason for being here stands before me. Tonight m'lady, you give me purpose to remain at this rather drab event."

With a wink, James took Katie's hand in his and searched her face for a response. His faced flushed as he realized what he had said, and cursed alcohol for allowing him to say too much...

Katie blushed, not quite knowing how to respond at first. She knew what she wanted, but she also knew what they were here for, and having lost sight of her sister and Victor, she was slightly nervous as to where they had run off to and what might have happened to them. She blinked and tried to find her words once more, but after opening her mouth and finding no voice to tell him with, she simple laid her head again upon his chest and continued dancing as the next song began to play.

As the song ended, Katie shivered with a pulsating quiver. "Oh that's right! I promised Kaylee, I'd introduce her to Princess Katherine and Miss Melissa, care to come with?"

Edited by Oni Storm, 26 November 2012 - 08:01 AM.

[Vodkavaiator]

Quote

Bottle still in his left hand, corked, a glass of the fine whiskey in his right, he had no hands to clap Otto on the shoulder.
So instead he leaned in to the infantryman's ear, Otto half turning as his previous conversation partners looked at Vantas in vary degrees of surprise and concern, and quietly said:
"Boo."

Otto turned to face the stranger who had whispered in his ear and broke into a large grin as he recognized the familiar face of Vantas Strider, erstwhile captain of the Rogue's Armoured Irregulars.

"Well, I don't suppose you are the Ghost of Christmas past, though you could certainly do with some more sun..." Otto quipped, noting the still corked bottle of whiskey the Mechwarrior was carrying.

"So Vantas any particular occasion you are celebrating or are you simply misappropriating company funding again?" He continued raising his own beer in mock toast before downing most of the bottle in a fell swoop. "Well, at least the beer is drinkable but I cannot say I find events like these terribly interesting. Though, one does what one must, apparently even the Infantry has to impress potential customers now. It almost makes me miss when there was a good proper war ongoing." Otto finally concluded, winking slightly as he signaled the barkeeper for another beer.

"Making any new friends or are you trying to find a suitable excuse to leave just as I am?" He asked, gesturing for Vantas to take a seat.

Edited by Vodkavaiator, 13 November 2012 - 06:26 PM.

[RogueSpear]

Vantas grinned widely, taking the grizzled infantryman by the arm and led him back to the bar. "More sun he says, and yet here I am more likely to blend in to the mud than the snow with him!" He cried. "What a travesty, this man has gone oddly colourblind. Clearly this beer he drinks is some moonshine from his dropship. The noble Green Hearts never could muster a beer or a salute, good as they are in a fight," He winked broadly and paused for dramatic effect. "I think we need a solution! A potion of sorts to heal this great man! BARKEEP! Another glass if you would be so kind!"
He poured Otto a glass of the whiskey and waited for the infantryman to drink, and nod appreciatively. "And he is cured. Yes my friend, there is a particular occasion behind me misappropriating company funds. It is an occasion caused by a terrible reason: We need more funds. So here I am to wave our name in the faces of the high and mighty, so that they may know that were we walk, our foes tremble and our friends...well, they sleep well most days. They do not sleep well on others but that is only because mechs do make so much noise when moving. Night operations though are so cliché, we prefer to fight without costing small children their sleep." He had donned a serious face and a somber tone, and he caught a few of the gathered patrons chuckle or snort. "Infantry though...they make less noise. Perhaps we should team up. We shall fight during the day, and you can fight at night, so that we may sleep and you may not die of skin cancer."

[Listless Nomad]

Oni Storm, on 07 November 2012 - 11:44 PM, said:

"Tonight, however, whatever my other reasons before, my reason for being here stands before me. Tonight m'lady, you give me purpose to remain at this rather drab event."

With a wink, James took Katie's hand in his and searched her face for a response. His faced flushed as he realized what he had said, and cursed alcohol for allowing him to say too much...

Katie blushed, not quite knowing how to respond at first. She knew what she wanted, but she also knew what they were here for, and having lost sight of her sister and Victor, she was slightly nervous as to where they had run off to and what might have happened to them. She blinked and tried to find her words once more, but after opening her mouth and finding no voice to tell him with, she simple laid her head again upon his chest and continued dancing as the nest song began to play.

As the song ended, Katie shivered with a pulsating quiver. "Oh that's right! I promised Kaylee, I'd introduce her to Princess Katherine and Miss Melissa, care to come with?"

James swallowed hard as he tried to reign in his emotions. His face was flushed with embarrassment, and for once he was glad that Katie could not easily see his face.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! You over extended yourself again James! You got out ahead of your lines and got yourself killed. Nice going.

Katie's lack of response had made it clear that she was not interested in the events of the night progressing further, and that she felt him foolish for assuming so. Rather than wanting the two of them to be alone together, she now wanted to include as many other people as possible into their lives. The co ruler of the Federated Commonwealth no less. Still embarrassed at his rejection, James' alcohol fuel brain began to overreact and plan for failure. Feeling in no mood or state of mind to meet either the Archon or Princess, James began formulating an excuse when he saw Kaylee swiftly moving through the crowd, as if searching for someone. James opened his mouth to call to her, but before he could she had disappeared back into the crowd. As the current song they danced too ended, James' shoulders slumped and he backed away from his dance partner.

"My dearest dance partner. This evening has been a wonderful event, made all the more enjoyable by your beauty and charm. As much as I would love to attend to your arm and be your escort in meeting the Archon and Princess, I feel that such an honor is too great for a lowly soldier such as myself. Alcohol has made me careless with my words and I do not wish to impose upon you further." James removed his hat with a flourish, before bowing deeply at the waist. "I hope that I have not kept you too long from your lovely sister or her date, and I do hope to see you again during the summit. I hear walks through the Royal Gardens in the moonlight are not something to be missed." James produced a business card from his uniform, given to him by the Draconis March Delegation to distribute to weapons manufacturers and other nobles. He gently placed in Katie's hand before brushing her knuckles with his lips. "Here is my personal P-Comm number. Please feel free to contact me if you deem my company worthy. I've been assigned to Suite 347 of the guest quarters here in the palace. Thank you again for a most wonderful evening."

Without another word, James turned and headed toward the far side of the ballroom, grabbing a glass of champagne off a server's tray as he did so. Between the alcohol and his injury, James' gait had become quite erratic, and he simply wanted to find a place to sit down and sulk at his decision to retreat from the battle.

[Oni Storm]

"Thank you again for a most wonderful evening."

Without another word, James turned and headed toward the far side of the ballroom.

Katie watched wide-eyed and slightly dejected as he left (Was it something I said? or is he really that lacking in self-esteem and confidence? Pity) She continued watching till he had grabbed another glass and was out of sight (Feeling sorry for himself, no doubt) a slight tear began forming at her eye before she refocused of the task at hand. (Right, know then Kaylee! Where are you? Where did you go?) She began to wonder off into the crowd, quickly sliding her way in and out, looking like some kind of predatory cat skulking through the tall grass after her prey. Spotting Kaylee finally she began to close in, a bright half plastered and somewhat forced (Id-iot!) smile upon her face.

Edited by Oni Storm, 26 November 2012 - 07:50 AM.

[Thom Frankfurt]

Through the sea of uniforms and lace Kaylee swam. Everywhere the Jingle of medals, wisp of expensive silks, and murmur of conversations competed with the string band playing in the back. Onward Kaylee wandered passing a ancient looking woman in a powdered blue dress who reeked of too much perfume. The old lady smiled warmly at Kaylee as she passed, but Kay was hellbent on getting away from stinky.

She paused as she spied two women from the Draconis Combine though. Clad in silky kimonos depicting cherry blossoms, the duo's hair and make up was done up in Geisha fashion. The conversed among themselves in Japanese lightly with plesant smiles upon the faces. Lightly perfumed, they wore just enough to hint at cherry blossoms that went along perfectly with their kimonos. Kay eyed the silken gowns enviously, she now knew what she wanted for Christmas. Smiling to herself she turned her attention back to the task at hand; finding Mar and her's escort, who was currently failing epicly at his duty. Thinking it over she began heading back to the bar where no doubt a career mercenary would be in this stuffy atmosphere. But first she had to make her way through the nobels, generals, and courtesans in her way first.

"...All in all, it was a most impressive showing. He scored even higher than the Archon-Prince designate and even Field Mashal Hasek-Davion, but ultimately like everyone else, his mech succumbed." The Davion general offered to his equal from the Lyran half of the Federated Commonwealth while plucking a new glass of wine from a passing server's tray. An easy score of medals lined up in military precision jingled as he shrugged.

"Just like his father before him, Cadet Allard-Liao looks like he was born to pilot the Centurion." He added before taking a sip of the pinkish wine that was being served for the event.

"Wasn't there another cadet at NAMA that was showing promise as well?" The Lyran General, who's uniform and facial hair strangely reminded Kaylee of a portrait of some obscure 19th Century general asked.

"Excuse me." She offered while cutting between the robust men who stood to the side to offer her passage but continued their conversation like she was beneath their notice.

"Ah, you mean Cadet Frankfurt?" Kaylee paused at the name, turning slightly. "Expelled early last year. Damned good sim scores, didn't really fit in well though. Understandable considering how his father is Capellan and the 'dreaded Hangman of Tikonov.'" The two chuckled and Kay frowned angrily at them.

"Um, excuse me, what's so funny?" The two turned to this graying redhead in the sapphire blue dress who was attempting to barge into their conversation. The two casted curious glances at one another, then the Davion General answered her question.

"Oh, we're just talking about the recent cadets from the Nagelring and New Avalon Military Academy." He replied while setting the now empty wine glass down upon a passing servers tray. He straightened his uniform afterward.

"No, not that. The other part." She pried stressing what she wanted to hear.

"Oh, we were chuckling at some pretend Sola-" Kaylee cut him off with a snap kick straight inbetween his legs, the general dropped with a 'Oomph!' clutching at his crushed *********. Serveal nobles leapt back, their faces aghast at the sudden violence. Servant trays crashed to the ground, the sound of expensive crystal shattering against the ground adding to the shocked curses and cries of outrage as the sting band died out admist the chaos. And above it all Kaylee's roar of 'THAT'S MY HUSBAND!!'

Edited by Thom Frankfurt, 26 November 2012 - 06:44 PM.

[Sparks Murphey]

The ball came to a close shortly afterwards, as the linchpin dignitaries in attendance quietly departed to avoid the inevitable press. No one seemed to have an official version of what had happened: according to some, she was a Capellan tech who had attacked a Davion general for some slight during the Fourth Succession War; others said she was the wife of a Lyran general whom the Davion general had either insulted or propositioned. Some rumours said the Lyran seemed okay with this.

All in all, it was a poor start to a summit intended to foster cooperation. Spokespeople for the Capellan Confederation and the Federated Commonwealth issues statements that this was an incident between individuals and not nations, and that they would be pursuing their own investigations. Due to a time lag, the NAMA released their own press release independent of the Federated Commonwealth, stating that Leftenant General Jonathan Sanchez was recovering, and spurring further observations that the FedCom was too big and fractious to be properly governed.

Anti-oligarchy protesters had already been assembling outside the summit, but now they were joined by others protesting Davion superiority, Capellan sneakiness, or whatever other factionalism they happened to support. The Tharkad City Police brought in additional riot teams, and two modified Firestarters were stationed on the fence line.

Inside Government House, the second day of the summit was a mix of the boring (Carlos Nieto’s presentation on international coin metallurgy) to the inflammatory (Doctor Leslie Schroder’s barely veiled attack on the Draconis Combine entitled “Overcoming the Barriers to Interplanetary Medical Aid”) to the inspiring (Li-Hua Tien’s plan to end poverty within the Inner Sphere by 3079). As the lectures, discussions and focus groups drew to a close for the day, however, those in attendance prepared once more for the crux of the matter: the evening’s networking and carousing, to be staged in the Commonwealth-Grand Hotel Interstellar’s sumptuous Goliath Room. With any luck, they could resume the conversations and political manoeuvrings cut short by the previous night’s...unscheduled excitement. Or at least resume their drinking.

[Listless Nomad]

James awoke the next morning groggy and dejected. His fling from the night before had weighed heavily on his mind, as had his failure to find any kind of success. Donning his Ranger PT sweats, James went for a morning run through the palace gardens in an attempt to clear his head both of the hangover, and of Katie. Following the run and a hearty, traditional Lyran breakfast, James felt rejuvenated and more like his old self. His limp had acted up near the end of the run, but James had gritted his teeth to grind through it, likely making the base physician back on Robinson cringe involuntarily.

Later in the day, James attended a number of symposiums, mainly reflections on combined arms tactics or weapon pitches from various salesmen. It was all rather dry, and James could admit that he had fallen asleep more than his fair share of times. Thinking about it, he cracked a smile. It harkened him back to his days at the Robinson Battle Academy, falling asleep in a lecture after a night of partying a smidge too hard. When he returned to his hotel room following dinner with the other members of the Draconis March delegation, he found an invitation to attend a party in the Commonwealth-Grand Hotel Interstellar’s Goliath Room. The thought of another party filled with politicians made him visibly cringe, but James wanted another chance to see his dear friend Graf again. They’d gotten separated at the previous night’s party, and he wanted a chance to catch up further with the young mechwarrior. James vacillated between wanting Katie to be at the party, and hoping she’d stay away, eventually deciding that fate ruled all things, and ultimately the decision was out of his hands.

A quick shower to wash off the grime of the day ensued, and before he knew it, James was out the door and on his way to another party. Dressed in a more informal dress uniform, James decided to forgo the boots, riding pants, and spurs from the previous night in favor of more comfortable dress slacks and his service jacket. Falling in behind a group of dignitaries from one of the Lyran's far flung districts, James tried to keep to himself as much as possible, and simply listened to the group gossip. Apparently a woman had assaulted the commander of the NAIS training cadre shortly after James had left the party, and was subsequently arrested. Not one of the dignitaries could agree on what the man had done to deserve a phsyical altercation, but no matter the reason they all agreed it was most uncouth. Eventually James managed to separate from the Lyrans on a public transport trolly, before eventually making his way through the lobby of the Commonwealth-Grand Hotel Innerstellar. As he rode the elevator upwards to the Goliath room, James closed his eyes and attempted to collect himself for the coming ordeal. With a pleasant chime, the elevator paused and the doors slid open silently, revealing the splendor of the Goliath room. While not quite so large as its name would imply, it provided ample space for its patrons to mingle, or find a quiet corner to converse in. Most of the visitors seemed to have taken his approach, favoring suits and cocktail dresses over tuxedos and ball gowns, and James took a stride towards the bar before stopping himself. He didn’t want to get into trouble like he had the previous night, but suddenly found himself with nowhere to go, and nothing to do. Without a friendly face in sight as of yet, James felt himself completely alone.

[TheFlyingScotsman]

Asfrid sits slumpingly at the bar, down at the end. She is wearing a wrinkled black silk number that shows off her not so ample cleavage and her bony and protrusive shoulders. She looks very out of place in it, and she has destroyed the careful work that went into her hair, preferring to tie it off and sling it back over her shoulder. Her dress shoes dangle off her feet above the floor, swaying back and forth as she works her way into the most recent of four drinks. A cigar simmers in a nearby ash tray.

Looking dejected, she slowly looks over the crowd, her eyes passing over James, briefly catching her attention. She looks back to her drink, swishing it absent-mindedly before taking a sip.

[Sparks Murphey]

Kristian drove through the light snowfall, dreading the evening to come. Last night had been steadily heading towards disaster, until his new client’s wife brought the whole thing to an abrupt and calamitous halt. He’d spent most of the day researching the Hyper-5 autocannon’s marketability, ready to correct Frankfurt on any confusion.

He reached the edge of the line of protesters, slowing as the police guided his little hatchback through the crowd to the hotel’s underground carpark. Of course, Frankfurt wasn’t the real worry. He still wasn’t sure where he stood with Ariha. Or his boss, Arielle Falatti, for that matter. Part of him hoped that she wouldn’t be there, so he wouldn’t have to navigated the lies he’d told. Another part just wanted to see her again.

Kristian sighed as he got into the lift. Marketing didn’t seem to be the dream job he’d expected it to be. He was meant to be a silver-tongued propagandist, not stumbling from one disaster to another.

“You alright, Kristian?” asked a female voice, startling him.

The owner of the voice was Lacie Easson, resplendent in her royal blue and silver Commonwealth-Grand Hotel suit. Before he’d worked for Quickscell, he’d worked as a bellboy for C-GH, and did his training with Lacie. He remembered the way guests had generally looked past him like he was scenery, unless he was needed for something. Here he was doing the same to a former friend.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” Kristian said, “Just bracing myself for another night skirting high society’s backstabbing.”

“I don’t envy you,” Lacie said, watching the numbers climb, “Well, maybe the tomato puffs.”

“Oh, come on. We both know you’ll be eating them in the kitchen.”

“Yeah, but that’s leftovers. It’s not the same. Oh, and watch out for the drinks. Ronnie Border pulled a drinks shift tonight.”

Kristian cringed. Despite working in high-end hospitality, Ronnie had a deep loathing for the nobility, and had expressed his loathing through quiet pranks on the guests before. Always so it looked like an accident and always with a polite smile, of course. Kristian wondered whose bright idea it was to let him on tonight.

The elevator chimed softly. “Your floor, sir,” Lacie said with a slight smile.

The Goliath Room was as he’d remembered it, lots of wood panelling and rich burgundy leather. The centre of the room was dominated by a bar built in the shape of a mini rotunda, stocked with some of the best wines and spirits in the Inner Sphere. Beyond it arched the two stairways leading to the overlooking upper level. Several U-shaped arrangements of couches and armchairs, each with its own crackling fireplace, provided places for quiet conversation, though Kristian suspected the occupants wouldn’t want to know about the other function those couches had performed at last year’s TharHes Christmas party. A buffet table had been set up alongside the east wall, and, although it was still mostly bare, the first aromas from the adjoining kitchen were beginning to waft enticingly.

The outer balcony called to Kristian: it commanded one of the best views over the city and, despite the inevitable chill, had been one of his favourite areas when he’d worked here. He wasn’t here for sightseeing, though, and unlike before, he was now a guest and not an employee, so he could go out there any time he liked. For now, the man in the Robinson Rangers service jacket was looking lost, uncertain about whether to go to the bar or socialise elsewhere. In another career, Kristian would have approached him to offer assistance. Now, the man represented a perfect opportunity. So, he didn’t know what he wanted? Kristian did: autocannons.

“Good evening,” Kristian said to the man with a smile, “I’m Kristian Hupetcoff. From Quickscell. How did you find the summit earlier?”

[Listless Nomad]

“Good evening,” Kristian said to the man with a smile, “I’m Kristian Hupetcoff. From Quickscell. How did you find the summit earlier?”

James was initially startled by the sudden speech behind him, but relief quickly filled his mind. Like a man adrift at sea, James clutched for the opportunity to converse with someone and not feel quite so lost in the myriad of swirling colors and jewelry. Extending his hand to greet the newcomer, James introduced himself in kind.

"Major James Söderlund, Bravo Company, Robinson Rangers. Did you say you work for Quikscell?"

Edited by Listless Nomad, 27 August 2013 - 08:04 PM.

[Sparks Murphey]

“That’s right, Major, part of the Lyran branch here on Tharkad. We’ve got a technology demonstration tomorrow you should see, assuming we make it through the night,” Kristian said, taking a champagne from a passing waiter. He didn’t recognise him, and briefly wondered if he was the man C-GH had hired to replace him. “The Rangers are based on in Draconis March, aren’t they? Is the Fox keeping you well supplied?”

Edited by Sparks Murphey, 06 November 2013 - 04:11 AM.