Ludicus grins, clearly enjoying the somewhat belligerent tension the moment has.
Refreshing, straight to the point and from the heart.
Still, before he answers, he does fix his eyes on his opposite number, doing his best to convey that they are on dangerous ground now.
"Can we put in as much as the people of this world?
Of course we cannot! This is their home, and they are an unknown quality to us as we are to them.
But we are here, we do not NEED to be here.
We're here to stand shoulder to shoulder with the defenders of Damaris, and when you say that the cannot leave, that Is a sword that cuts both ways no?
They cannot leave and we can, but WE could have ignored the call as well."
Ludicus takes a small sip from his own glass to wet his throat before continuing.
"That we are here by choice does not mean that we will contribute less than our best.
And I better than most know what kind of camaraderie is formed between men and women who share a war for survival."
Leaning in very close and speaking with a low and very precise voice, Ludicus delivers a point that does not force his voice to rise, but still carries an emotional investment.
"Would we be as devastated? As things stand now, no. But IF it comes to that, find us, look into our eyes and see if that has not changed by then. Because then the people here will MEAN something to us beyond what they do now."
Leaning back, Ludicus seems to relax and become his previous affable self again.
"But that is a moot point, because we will NOT fail here. I foresee our triumph here, and I am ready to toast it"
The last is delivered with enough force to be heard by anyone nearby that may be listening.
He finds an appropriate time to interject bluntly, but not accusingly, General Dante is not your only concern. Is there something else we should be worried about? Commander McKie makes it sound more like a statement than a question, but his tone is one that you'd take if asking a professional if there's something that would keep them from doing their job.
Locke wrestled with the idea of telling the charming First Officer before eventually giving in and sharing.
Iago... This is not to be shared with anyone. Not even Silas Tyr. I feel like you are a man who will keep his word if I share this.
She lowered her voice to a whisper.
I have received orders to abandon Damaris, despite my position here as a garrisoned naval unit. Battlefleet Calixis claims it can ill-afford to send ships as the Margin Crusade has it stretched thin. I... I had been stalling here. I want to help and I believe Damaris is too valuable to not commit the Aegis to the fight, even in spite of my orders. Damaris is being treated as an acceptable loss.
I was not sure Damaris could be saved... But I think with House Tyr's support, we have a far better chance than I speculated a week ago. Iago: I will defy my orders. It may lead to a demotion or another backwater post, but at least I will have my honor, and fulfill the finest traditions of the Imperial Navy...
__________________________________________________________________________
Mouth tightening slightly to show a shift from pleasantries to business Navis continues "Times are only harder until the hill is crested and the path leads downhill. Damaris shall be the crest for all of us... House Tyr is as a mother stork disgorging the tendrils of our dynasty onto the planet to make it strong. Through strength it will endure... and all that is left unburnt will reap profit for us."
"I would not sway you from Lady Orleans, nor seek to winnow what contracts have already been written. We all profit the more that efforts are funneled and directed in unified route... and my Lord Captain is making similar entreaties to the Lady." swivelling to show Silas engaged in conversation with Orleans "House Tyr asks little of you Lord Captain Blitz... we merely offer you the opportunity to share in our inevitable success."
Off to a fairly mediocre start, Navis' attempts to deceive Jeremiah Blitz were utterly unsuccessful. The man's face said it all. He was utterly unconvinced he could trust anything Navis Yosarni said to him. With a slightly contemptuous air about him, he replied-
Your honeyed words reek of manipulation, Yosarni. Unified trade agreements? Utter nonsense. The tendrils you speak of... they sound more akin to a parasite; seeking to suck the planet dry. At my expense? Nay, sir. Kapak could not afford my price and I daresay your dynasty could not either. I will confer with Lady Orleans tomorrow. Until that point, I have nothing further to discuss with House Tyr or her representatives. Begone, away with you and your prattle...
__________________________________________________________________________
Ludicus grins, clearly enjoying the somewhat belligerent tension the moment has.
Refreshing, straight to the point and from the heart.Still, before he answers, he does fix his eyes on his opposite number, doing his best to convey that they are on dangerous ground now.
"Can we put in as much as the people of this world?
Of course we cannot! This is their home, and they are an unknown quality to us as we are to them.
But we are here, we do not NEED to be here.
We're here to stand shoulder to shoulder with the defenders of Damaris, and when you say that the cannot leave, that Is a sword that cuts both ways no?
They cannot leave and we can, but WE could have ignored the call as well."Ludicus takes a small sip from his own glass to wet his throat before continuing.
"That we are here by choice does not mean that we will contribute less than our best.
And I better than most know what kind of camaraderie is formed between men and women who share a war for survival."Leaning in very close and speaking with a low and very precise voice, Ludicus delivers a point that does not force his voice to rise, but still carries an emotional investment.
"Would we be as devastated? As things stand now, no. But IF it comes to that, find us, look into our eyes and see if that has not changed by then. Because then the people here will MEAN something to us beyond what they do now."
Leaning back, Ludicus seems to relax and become his previous affable self again.
"But that is a moot point, because we will NOT fail here. I foresee our triumph here, and I am ready to toast it"
The last is delivered with enough force to be heard by anyone nearby that may be listening.
Locke wrestled with the idea of telling the charming First Officer before eventually giving in and sharing.
Iago... This is not to be shared with anyone. Not even Silas Tyr. I feel like you are a man who will keep his word if I share this.
She lowered her voice to a whisper.
I have received orders to abandon Damaris, despite my position here as a garrisoned naval unit. Battlefleet Calixis claims it can ill-afford to send ships as the Margin Crusade has it stretched thin. I... I had been stalling here. I want to help and I believe Damaris is too valuable to not commit the Aegis to the fight, even in spite of my orders. Damaris is being treated as an acceptable loss.
I was not sure Damaris could be saved... But I think with House Tyr's support, we have a far better chance than I speculated a week ago. Iago: I will defy my orders. It may lead to a demotion or another backwater post, but at least I will have my honor, and fulfill the finest traditions of the Imperial Navy...
Commander McKie simply nods, covering his surprise at the revelation, There's no need to speak of it. Now that you're decided, it'll be my honor to fight these Orks with you, Lord-Captain.
Now, where were we before I rudely side-tracked us? Torpedoes? Ah, right...
Microbead
"Lord-Captain Tyr has invested a great deal on Damaris' survival, in terms of both rreputation and resources," Arannis answers, continuing the telepathic conversation. "Ambitious as he is, eager as he is for his House to regain its former glory, do I believe he would have done so even were the cause hopeless? No, I do not. But do I believe that more ships, more men and more weapons would help? Of course, I do not need to be a strategist to say that. But I also believe that we do have a chance as is, but not if there is dissension. Not if there are many plans and many voices; there needs to be one plan, one force behind it and one voice directing that force."
He pauses for a moment, allowing the words to sink in and the other psyker to consider them before adding, "And you can easily see for yourself whether I truly believe what I have said, if you have not tried to do so already. Look into my mind, a simple enough task for one of your skill, especially now that I am willing to allow it as well."
1d100
Executive Officer Kass seemed satisfied with Ludicus' zeal.
Alright, Marleno. I have some more questions for you but essentially, i'm sold. I'll put in a good word for you to Lord-Captain Locke, recommending she fall in behind you at the damned Defence Council. Hope you find a way to deal with Dante though... that man has been heard cursed around the Aegis a lot of late. Now, lets have that toast... and you can tell me how you lost the eyes.
___________________________________________________________________________ __
There was a significant pause in the telepathic communications between the expert telepath and the mere practitioner. It dragged on for several seconds, before Staysis finally responded.
Your commitment to your House is impressive, young one. Your gesture is noble; but I would caution you not to be so trusting in future. An unguarded mind... that is a perilous thing. In truth, I have a way off Damaris, in case things go truly awry. Provide me with your personal assurance that should my plans fall through in that contingency, the will take me with her. In return... I will use what influence I have to shift things in favor of backing House Tyr as leader of the defence. I have not sifted your mind. But you would have no way of knowing if I had... so you will have to make up your own mind whether I felt the need to.
"Perhaps the shrine could be opened, to inspire our veterans to victory. The guard are steadfast, but a man inspired by the relics of the faithful can take the place of ten."
Considering how to broach any military means the Ecclessiachy may have on Damaris without accusing them of nurturing a guard in breach of rules...
"Is the shrine well protected, it would be unthinkable for it to fall to the ork rampage?"
Bishop Arint seemed a bit baffled.
Open... the relic? Oh no... you see I only have the codes to open the outer part... of the casket. I'm not sure any... still living... knows what truly lies inside... I believe it to be... Saint Drusus' severed hand... but I know not... how to fully open the casket...
Arint puffed out his chest in pride.
It is well protected... indeed! No less than... five hundred elite... custodians! They live only... to protect the relic... guard it in shifts of... 20...
"And if the orks take the planet? What defilement will they inflict upon it? It is time to pull all our reserves into defending Damaris, Bishop."
Marshall Thrace seemed amused by the playful answer; and apparently she was either off-duty at the party or simply open to drinking while on it; it was not entirely clear. She raised her glass and Trien poured for both of them.
Based on the complaints i've had about you in the short time you've been here, I was half-expecting to have to put you in cuffs. You seem friendly enough to me. But don't think I won't throw you out if your excessively drunk and disorderly. Cheers!
Marshal Thrace: Carouse: 1d100 ⇒ 78
Oh dear.
Thrace continued to mock Trien with minor insults, seemingly testing whether he would lose his temper over them. In the process, she made the mistake of matching the mutant's ever-increasing drinking pace. Obviously enjoying herself as time went by and she became increasingly inebriated, much to the amusement of passers by who occasionally drifted in and out of conversation, she made a confession to the Navigator.
Marshal Thrace: Common Lore Underworld -30: 1d100 ⇒ 1
Wow.
You know, I've heard stories about you... Trien. It took me a while to connect the dots, the rumors. You've been involved in some very murky business, so I gather. Business that would make a Magister concerned... But you know; none of that really matters here. We all have a past. And I understand... i've heard whispers... that the Tyr dynasty is showing rapid commitment to Damaris. That's good enough for me...
Trien stared into his glass for a moment, lost in his thoughts.
I am...quite surprised for my name to have reached so far. In truth part of the reason I have come this far out is to escape my reputation. I would take it as a personal favour if you kept what you know to yourself, there are many people that would not have your outlook.
At this moment, we need to stand together
Trien raised his full glass once more, making sure the Marshalls glass was full as well.
Together Damaris will stand, I hope you will stand with us Marshall?
Trien stared into his glass for a moment, lost in his thoughts.I am...quite surprised for my name to have reached so far. In truth part of the reason I have come this far out is to escape my reputation. I would take it as a personal favour if you kept what you know to yourself, there are many people that would not have your outlook.
At this moment, we need to stand together
Trien raised his full glass once more, making sure the Marshalls glass was full as well.
Together Damaris will stand, I hope you will stand with us Marshall? ...
I stand for Damaris, of course. Your dynasty has made waves literally within hours of your arrival... So i'm happy to pledge what little political support I can. I have Lord-Captain Locke's ear... I'll be say the right words to her.
Irena's stark request seemed to snap the Bishop out of his slightly confused state.
I... What? Oh no, madam, the relic must remain protected. I cannot send my custodians to the walls and leave the relic at... at the mercy of some Ork sneak attack, a heretic, or some over-zealous fanatic!
Bishop Arint's impassioned speech became a low muttering as he walked away.
If the planet falls... the Relic cannot fall too...
__________________________________________________________________________
Scene 2: The Feast
The initial phase of mingling eventually came to a close as the magnificent banquet was opened up to the guests. Nobility, officers and officials were all carefully seated according to a guest list. All of the Rogue Trader dynasties, as well as Lord-Captain Locke, General Dante, Governor Kapak and Commander Reynolds were present at the high table, while as the distance declined from that table, steadily less important officials took their seats.
Governor Kapak stood up and took a moment to address the gathered one hundred guests. It was actually quite an impressive speech.
Based on the pleasant and mildly surprised looks on the various noble's faces, it would seem that such an elegant speech and effort from Governor Kapak is not normal. It feels like Kapak is stepping up to his duties, perhaps after a period of decline over several years.
Good Evening, everyone. Thank you for joining me in our annual gala; and turning up in such finery despite the hasty rescheduling on my part. Despite some criticism for hosting a gala in a time where we are preparing for war... I felt it was important to honor the fine men and women of the Imperium and the Imperial Navy, who have honored us with their presence, their forces and their mighty starships. It is truly a testament to the people of this great planet of Damaris that not only our Imperial Navy garrison and old friends like Lady Orleans have committed itself to assist in the defence that is to come; but also benevolent strangers from the Blitz and Tyr dynasty. Our defence council is working tirelessly around the clock in order to prepare our forces and strategy. It is important for the people of Damaris to see that we are still going about our lives, our daily business; for if we do not seem unduly concerned by the menace approaching us, they will follow suit. Cancelling the gala would send a signal of distress and fear throughout the populace. I propose we raise a glass to both the triumphant and uplifting spirit of the people of Damaris; and to the many allies and friends that have pledged themselves to the fight.
Kapak raised a full glass of vintage wine and the room followed suit, following his toast. Kapak was not finished, though. Indeed, Kapak nodded gravely as the pitch of his voice expertly changed along with the subject matter.
While the Ork xenos is a foul threat, we are cautiously optimistic. We have the strength, the expertise and the zeal to fend off the greenskins. It will be a fierce fight- but we shall prevail and we will become stronger for it. Each of you is instrumental to the defence. Whether a sailor, an administrator, a priest, a soldier, a merchant, a captain of industry... you are all here because you embody the finest of Damaris' qualities. Unified in purpose and in spirit, we will stand as firm as our moon, the Bulwark itself. Irrepressible and resolute, our walls will hold firm, our soldiers zeal will near-match the Adeptus Astartes themselves. Damaris, will survive. Damaris, will thrive.
With a sweeping hand that encompassed the magnificent banquet laid out, Governor Kapak gave a kindly smile.
For now though... let us take a brief moment of respite and enjoy the fantastic food and beverages our efforts in the past decade have wrought. Eat, drink and be merry; for soon, Damaris will go to war.
The end of Kapak's speech was met with applause; although General Dante and Commander Reynolds made a point of making the very barest effort to contribute.
In close quarters with multiple noteworthy individuals, the opportunity for trying to win over a significant individual was limited. The merry making and close knit table was, however, a good opportunity to address multiple individuals at once; and perhaps to impress those yet to be won over with the plans House Tyr had began to put in place with regards to investing their own wealth.
Iago simply watches the proceedings during this part of the gala letting the others take the lead in speaking to the gathering. Commander McKie spent much of his time cultivating an image of a no-nonsense naval officer interested in nothing but running an efficient ship. And so he spent much of the banquet with a scowl upon his face indicating he'd rather be elsewhere.
Silas notes General Dante's and Commander Reynolds' less than enthusiastic response to the speech.
He now knows what to do get them on his side.
Silas asks the governor if he could make his own speech.
"Governor, I noticed that we need to get your military establishment on our side. Allow me to reach out to them by way of a speech."
Irena dwells on being little more than an ornament at this gathering, adn waits for some prompt from the others.
1d100
Silas notes General Dante's and Commander Reynolds' less than enthusiastic response to the speech.
He now knows what to do get them on his side.
Silas asks the governor if he could make his own speech.
"Governor, I noticed that we need to get your military establishment on our side. Allow me to reach out to them by way of a speech."
Kapak motioned for Silas to go ahead with a wave of his hand.
"Err...lord captain, if any military questions comes up you feel would be best to not answer yourself, don't forget that both me and Mr McKie are here to field such questions for you."
"Thank you."
Silas taps his goblet to get everyone's attention. When sure he had it, he began:
"Friends, on this eve of the coming battle, let us think of the sacrifices the sons and daughters of Damaris will make for her safety and preservation. Let us think of the courage they will display in the face of unrelenting xenos barbarism."
"Their sacrifice and courage all the more noble for it is for you that they make them."
"So let us now salute them."
Silas sips at his goblet.
"Salute also those who have made them such beacons of valor. General Dante, Commander Reynolds, we salute you being there for the sons and daughters of Damaris."
"Courage and Sacrifice!!!"
Silas then raises the goblet and drains it.
Commander McKie raises his goblet and nods respectfully to General Dante, giving a look intended to show agreement. This is not a place for warriors and these words are wasted on such men. Not quite sympathy...more, a challenge.
Are you up for it, General?
Arannis listens to the Governor's speech, yet at the same time ponders the older Astropath's advice. Still, he does not regret his decision; allies are important and at times one has to make a decision that may appear less than prudent. After all, wise or not, opening his mind to his counterpart worked.
When Silas tries his hand at speaking to those gathered, the psyker is mildly surprised and pleasantly so when it appears that his words reach the guests' ears, having a positive impact on them. He does wish, however, that the Lord-Captain did not dwell on sacrifice so much and the thought is punctuated with a soft sigh.
Silas' resounding speech was met with applause; raucous in some cases, especially further down the tables- but mostly polite applause from the higher tables. Dante and Reynolds bowed their heads for a moment, acknowledging the toast. They both applauded; albeit with unreadable expressions on their faces.
As the tables became lively again and the banquet continued, General Dante spoke; quietly enough that his voice was loosely restricted to the top table.
His natural authority had the table mostly quiet as he spoke, in a deep, resounding voice.
Courage... the men of Damaris cannot be said to lack. For hearth and home, they will bleed and fight. But I hear the word "Sacrifice" more and more as the Orks approach. Bandied about by classical nobility, Rogue Traders, Navy Commanders.
General Dante's gaze slowly rounded the table, with a fierce glare in his one non-bionic eye.
I do not think people understand what this word entails. What will you "sacrifice" for Damaris, you who seek to command good men and women who will die for you? While my men and I sacrifice ourselves on the ground and Commander Reynolds non warp-capable system ships fight in orbit, giving our all for Damaris... You will always have the option of retreat, while the only sacrifices you make will be the lives of crewmen so meaningless to you that you won't even know the names of countless thousands; life is cheap in the Imperium. I will do all I can to stop our forces from being used as chattel and cannon fodder.
Governor Kapak was the first to protest.
General Dante, this is hardly suitable talk for the dinner table. We must show unity, not discord...
To the surprise of many at the table, Hadron Shard, sat nearby, also spoke up. The tech-priest was sat on the other side of Dante (with Commander Reynolds on the other) and heir relationship seemed amiable enough. It was unlikely their seated positions were an accident; such things were crafted with purpose and design.
Your intent; impassioned but flawed, General. Your accusations; unfair. Lady Orleans; invested heavily in Damaris future. House Tyr; many hundreds of thousand gelt- promised as investment. Your fervor; strengthens not our walls. House Tyr's coin- will serve to this purpose.
Several other individuals also seemed to be waiting for a suitable moment to have their voices heard.
You suggest that the capability to flee is tantamount to cowardice - what would you have us do, ground our ship, destroy the warp drive? I find your accusations unfair and unseemly sir. Our lives will be on the line before the threat reaches the planet."
Dante bristled, obviously angry.
I am suggesting that those that actually have agency and an option to not die for Damaris themselves, should not speak of sacrifice. Not when all this fuss is made of much-vaunted "assistance" which appears to cost you very little. It belittles and disrespects those that will truly give their lives and their all in this conflict!
Perhaps I came off a little strong, I have served for a time on battle lines, I am no stranger to war. I do not seek to belittle you or your men.
However you must surely see that the more allies you bring to the coming onslaught, the better the chances of your own men, and we will be on the front lines.
"General Dante, we do not belittle the sacrifice that you and your soldiers will do in the coming fighting. Indeed, we are inspired to do no less than to give our all in this coming conflict."
"We stand with you in fighting the xenos menace. As a leader, you must lead your men and be a beacon for your allies to follow. No man is an island is a pearl of wisdom older than the Imperium."
Many others echoed Silas Tyr's words, including Lady Orleans and Lord-Captain Locke, calling for unity and defending Irena Tyr and House Tyr's noble speech. Jeremiah Blitz looked a little unhappy but said nothing.
General Dante, red-faced from arguing and the sudden rush of peers talking and shouting him down, looked quite resentful as he eventually quietened. The General looked as much contemplative as he was angry, for a moment. The change in the air and the subtle shift in political power that had gone against him was suddenly apparent to the veteran leader.
"I was a leader of men myself general, not quite as high up the ranks of command as yourself perhaps, but led from the front, I bled and fought together with my men.
I know the sacrifice that is expected of men on the frontline, indeed, I have seen many a fine soldier make the ultimate sacrifice for victory so that others may live and not be forced to make such sacrifice."
"As a military man to another I say this, our duty is to spend men to win, but we must never waste them.
No matter what you think, our men, free agents they might be, are still members of the empire, they know they can die at any moment.
It is up to us to give them hope, it is up to us to us give them something to rally around.
We would stand with you, so I ask you, let us stand with you, stand with us, united in purpose, with a common goal."
Trien looked back and forth between General Dante and Silas. From what he could discern about the situation, he thought that perhaps General Dante was unhappy about something, but he couldn't quite be sure. He eventually decided that he had been quite lucky with the marshall and that he shouldn't push his luck any more at the moment. He sat back in his chair and stared off into the middle distance. His mask's eyeless stare scrutinized the guests without his input. He saw people shift in their chairs uncomfortably as they thought he might be staring at them. He smiled slightly and took another drink.
Unlike most techpriests who find eating to be at best a waste of time and efficiency (and at worst a major flaw of the mortal form), Enginseer Kavro has always been intrigued and taken the time to enjoy fine cuisine when offered. It is not the food itself that sparks his curiosity, but rather the diverse range of flavors that his gustatory and olfactory senses can differentiate. To that end his respirator had been designed with a unique port and grinder system that allowed him to forego the typical nutrient ingestion systems and instead dine as a normal human when he so desired. The food of Damaris burst his taste buds alive.
As Lord Silas gives his speech, Kavro quietly takes in his words, compiling his thoughts on the evening for a later debriefing. The man has taken on the mantle of leadership quite well. It is a fitting role, one the Silas obviously had the genetic composition to be superior at. I will have to presume this is something found commonly in the bloodlines of Rogue Traders, though more research will be required. General Dante's rebuttal, unfortunately, draws an opposite conclusion. Arrogance, jealousy, bitterness - emotions can be a form of weakness, and in this case, I fear it could be disastrous for this planet. Still, as with any system, they can be manipulated. Perhaps his loyalty to his men will be the point to target to override those emotions that are posing a problem for gaining his cooperation. Will need to speak to Lord-Captain Silas later
Kavro is surprised by the powerful and vocal nature of his fellow techpriest Hadron Shard. He has clearly seen my perspective and come to our side; hopefully his role as the supplier of arms and armament will sway the General
"As you can see, General, others too are familiar with the word 'sacrifice' and the things it requires."
Fine words continued to be traded across the table, but there was a distinct sense of "us" and "them"; with them being Commander Reynolds and General Dante, who remained very quiet and impassive, looking less and less comfortable.
Eventually, Governor Kapak steered the conversation in a different direction, to the relief of many. General Dante visibly had problems holding his tongue at Silas' last mention of "sacrifice". The dinner was magnificent and incredibly satisfying- although decadent in the extreme.
As the banquet finished, people began to mingle once more; while others took to the dance floor while a classical group of musicians played soft, slow mellow music.
Scene 3: The Dance
Once the last of the dancing, drinking and socialising was done in this phase, the officers of the Aeternus would have no further chance this evening to influence the powerful in Damaris. Quite the charming crew for the most part, they found themselves increasingly waylaid by petty officials and lesser men, seeking to align themselves with the flavor of the month.
Commander McKie grows visibly angry after the General sits and words are still directed across the table at him. It's obvious he wishes to say something, possibly to stop this attack, but he remains silent and stays seated. Barely eating, his metallic arm lays across his lap. He taps his remaining hand on the table absentmindedly.
Perhaps this can still be salvaged.
The commander will probably fall in line if the general joins "our" side, the question is, would the general join if the commander did?
He seems stubborn and prideful, so maybe not...
Trien looks at everyone moving across the dance floor, their limbs making awkward shifting movements. After a few moments he thought he recognised the motion as dancing. As his eyes tracked a few people, he thought he could follow a pattern. The urge to join the social interaction was driving him towards the dance floor, he thought that this was probably a result of the large quantity of alcohol he had drunk during his contest with the marshall, but at the moment he couldn't bring himself to care about it. He was going to try this..dancing...it couldn't be too hard surely?
Silas beckons Navis and whispers to him, "Navis, I think now would be the time to make the offer of safe passage to relevant and valued consultants."
Silas notes how marginalized the general and the commander were made by his words. Things will be difficult with those two.
"Again, you speak a lot of sense. Keep up the excellent work."
Silas smiles and nods his head in the direction of the general and the commander.
"Those two will be a big problem."
"Perhaps a tour of the Aeternus will help prove to them the value of our help."
McKie approaches Navis and Silas, attempting to dislodge himself from yet another functionary and catching the last snippet of conversation. He gives a wry smile and chuckles,
I think we've attacked the man enough. Perhaps we should approach him somewhere he feels comfortable and on his terms. Another repeat of this night and he'll be lost to us for good.
He looks around with his characteristic scowl as another gaggle of politicians approach, quickly adding, I think Mr. Yosarni and I can salvage the situation though. Perhaps good Arbiters to the bad that he experienced tonight?