Orpheus walks in, "I was told we had 10 minutes, not five... though, if it is not too much to ask, whom are we planning to potentially kill?"
Viper straps himself into his crash couch, somehow missing Orpheus in the dropship.
He then muses outloud to anyone who will listen.
I hope that the landing is not to bumpy.
Orpheus says, "It could be worse. We could be in drop pods. I have never liked that feeling."
Drop pods, I remember a few of them. I prefer the feeling of a ship descending when I am in control.
He then makes sure everything he has is cinched down tight.
Jester, having been part of quite a few drops in those pods in his younger days, simply rolls his eyes as he gets himself strapped in.
I was just glad to land in one piece!
Despite her age Frau Hoffen most resembles a petulant, sulking teenager on the flight down. Her bad attitude continues through customs and onto the streets of Puerto Abundante as she uses her commlink to navigate to the appointed meeting site. Her negativity might be more contagious if it weren't for the blue skies and gentle warm breeze without a hint of excess humidity.
"Okay, it's this place here," she says, speaking clearly rather than mumbling for the first time since departing the Jenni Lynne. Her comm buzzes in her hand and a look of contempt and borderline rage contorts her face. "He did not just change location literally the second I arrived!" She begins to swear in Gaelic and German as she types frantically into the comm.
The comm buzzes again. "J K. J effing k? Are you kidding me?!" Another buzz. "Look left."
Looking over in the indicated direction Hoffen and company have to squint due to the sun. A moment later when their eyes adjust they see an expensive looking cafe at the edge of the central square. A man wearing dark sunglasses is sitting at one of the large round tables in the outdoor seating area. He raises his glass and nods slightly.
The hostess moves to confront the group as they approach. She glances back at the man, who nods. Putting on a well-rehearsed smile she says, ”Right this way folks.” She leads the group to the man’s table. The chairs are arranged so there is no one sitting next to the gentleman in the dark glasses.
Once all are seated the hostess moves quickly away. On the table there are several pies, a plate of biscuits, a bowl of whipped butter, several types of jams, a pot of coffee, and a pitcher of water. He looks at Hoffen. ”So Die Fledermaus, how are you?”
”That’s Strauss. Herr Hoffen liked Wagner.” she snorts.
Looking at the PC’s ”Allow me to introduce myself. I am The Devil. Louis Cypher.”
Hoffen snickers. ”I told you he was melodramatic. Cypher, this is-”
She is interrupted as The Devil holds up a hand. ”Please, you know how I like to show off.”
Hoffen exhales and nods.
”Well as always ladies first. Miss WhiteAngel. Wraith, very nice. Many people lost something on Tukayyid. Believe me I know. Oh watch those Devil A7 jump jets, they can be Hell at times. Lord Lambert, you are most interesting. Playboy noble. What is someone like you doing way out here? I guess it’s a good thing you excelled at ‘All’ of your classes. Mr. Muller, this planet must remind you a little of home. A flyer and a mech pilot? Very unusual. And Mr Kunegund, Orpheus I like that. You are… enigmatic to say the least. You could possibly be most…’Helpful’.”
”The local fruits are excellent.” Indicating the food. ”And this local cabernet is full bodied and rich.” Holding up a bottle and offering it. ”Or would you prefer something stronger? The Whiskey here is...better than synthohol.”
Glancing at his wrist chronometer then back to the group. ”Would anyone like something more substantial to eat? The food here is actually pretty good. Excellent cuts of beef and an abundance of local vegetables. Oh you must try the cheese rolls, worth going a parsec out of your way to get. Menus are on the table.” He glances over at the waitress, who quickly moves over ready to take orders.
Hoffen's face brightens up, but less in a manner of pure joy and more mischievous pleasure. "Checks on you? Wraith, you simply must try the caviar. They import it from off-world. And Lord Lambert, I have heard the '15 Lead Goose is as delicious a wine as it is pricey. Orpheus? Have you ever had a filet mignon from a real cow with a direct Terran genetic line? Waitress, Bloody Mary, a porterhouse as big as my head. Pink. Add the grilled shrimp, and load up that baked potato. Bring another for Viper plus whatever he wants!" Knowing how experienced campaigners will react to a blank check on the sort of good meal that comes only once a blue moon Hoffen finally finds something to enjoy about her situation.
Viper leans back and places an order.
Well, waitress, I shall have a Sirloin, as big as you can get Medium rare. Baked potato, and whatever the veggies are.
He then Glances around not seeing anything more used to having instruments to let him see things.
He then continues to listen to what is going on.
Jester glances quickly at Hoffen before his gaze passes over the bodyguard then back to the waitress, "Steak, bloody, and potato with butter. Veggies are good. Whiskey to wash it down."
As he settles into his chair he decides to observe the Devil in operation here, feeling a bit naked here after being passed over during the man's spiel.
Your comm buzzes with a text message. It seems Hoffen sent you one surreptitiously from under the table. "Keep ckear headdd ur wildcard" She glances at you from behind the celery in her drink and meets your eyes for just a moment.
A chime from a high-end data pad grabs The Devil’s attention. After fiddling with the pad for a few moments, he looks up. ”Mr. Kraus, I have not forgotten you. I was waiting for an update to a query, which I now have. Jester, well here is something in which you might find merth. You were not the only one to disagree with a certain officer. No indeed. In fact that person is now the manager of an alpaca ranch out on the rim. Oh and give the Mydron cannon a chance. You never know what the future holds for that weapon... Well I do as well as a few other things.”
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"Huh? Something about whiskey?
Yeah, waitress, I'll have what she's having!"
Wraith, never one to deny the good things in life normally, needs little prompting to begin indulging now. Having taken care of the important things, she turns back to the newcomer.
"Meh. That's why I stripped out the ER-pips and put in more freezers. You keep 'em cool enough, they'll know their place," she states, addressing the more comfortable technical issue and deliberatly avoiding the still-raw topic of her home planet with this enigmatic newcomer.
"So who are you? I know I'm not that bright but why should we trust someone with your...nom de guerre?"
Jester reads the text message and simply grunts in acknowledgement as he returns her gaze. He types in reply Got it. U Owe me fer the drink
Jester smirks, Couldn't have happened to a nicer officer!"
That cannon nearly jammed on me when I last fired it! Whatablowhard.
Looking at Wraith. "My dear lady I am a trader. I deal in services. Or favors if you prefer. Trust, such an interesting commodity isn't it? But don't you know that the Devil always honors his contracts." He wears a devilish grin which suddenly vanishes. Replaced with a deadly serious expression."But of course I demand the same."
Kyle smiles tightly at the Devil before taking a seat he bearing becoming less relaxed, and more what you would expect to see from a noble lord slumming among the commoners. "A pleasure to meet you Mr. Cypher. I've heard so much about you. I do hope our business here is of the mutually beneficial variety." At this point Kyle breaks into a smirk, letting out a small chuckle as his posture relaxes. "Ok, I can only keep that up so long. I'm here because Frau Hoffen needed someone with the connections that I can bring. That and my charming smile." He winks at the Devil leans forward elbows on the table, eyes suddenly hungry. "So, what do you bring to the table. Hopefully something I haven't seen before.
When the waiter comes to take his order Kyle orders a dry aged wagyu with the 15 Lead Goose.
Orpheus blinks at the man's strange questions, then shrugs and decides to play along, "I am not certain how I might be 'helpful', but I would be pleased to assist for the right incentives."
Armed bodyguard - makes sense, I would do the same. And, besides, we outnumber them... which means that a man this confident must have some other tricks. It would not surprised me to learn that we are sitting on landmines.
He shakes his head, "I do not believe so, though I cannot be sure. To be honest, I do not believe it has ever occurred to me to trace the genetic lineage of anything found on my dinner plate. However, if you insist, I will certainly give it a try."
"Alas your lordship if there were only time." Giving a little smile. "It's good to know you weren't absent from class that day."
"Good hear that Orpheus. I do like helpful people. We definitely will chat more later."
Looking over a Hoffen. "You're really enjoying sticking me with the check aren't you? Oh I admit the 'J.K.' needs to be paid for but all this? Really? Wait you can't still be upset about that thing on that planet? It really wasn't my fault...mostly not my fault. Oh well enjoy today. I'll wait for tomorrow."
"It is only because it really was "mostly not" your fault that I didn't kill you that time with the thing," Hoffen replies over the brim of her second cocktail.
Enjoying the byplay that is going on, Viper drinks his beer, keeping a clear head.
She wanted us to play bodyguard, I can do that.
He glances around mentally noting possible issues without being obvious.
Orpheus pays attention to the conversation, and surroundings, taking only a single dark beer with his otherwise lavish meal, even if this thoughts drift slightly, It seems strange to me, to spend so much time trying to preserve an ancient genetic line, rather than experimenting and blending to make improvements with each generation. If this view extends to all of their society, it is small wonder that the Crusaders think them weak.. He takes a bite of the steak, then smiles, ...of course, what they miss is that some things simply do not require our 'improvement'.
Near the end of the meal the PC’s notice a steady stream of people heading across the square they seem all heading a street or two over. Including several of the restaurant staff. Leaving the immediate area mostly deserted.
Everyone hears distant music that immediately brings to mind a marching band.
”It’s the Harvest day parade.” Reaching into his coat he pulls out a small squat cylinder and sets it upon the table and presses a switch on top. Anyone wearing ear comms immediately notices they stop working. ”Being wary has always served me well. Now it is time to talk business.”
”So what can I do for Baroness Molly Fitzhugh-Hoffen? Oh sorry you don’t hyphenate. I thought everyone was doing it these days.” Wearing a smug little grin.
Hoffen gives a half-smile and sets her most recent drink down. ”I have some pretty old tech.”
”Into antiquities now?” That’s new, and interesting.” Slightly raising an eyebrow.
Hoffen, without missing a beat. ”Nothing new, I take my knick knacks like my men, older. This thing has data I’m hoping to recover from it and I didn’t want to fly all the way to Hideki.”
”Well this is most unexpected. And I make it a point to expect the unexpected.” He sits back and steeples his hands. ”Let us have a peek. Then we can move on to the recompense discussion.”
Hoffen opens her comm to project a holo image of the black box recorder. It spins in the air with some details enlarged for clarity.
His eyes light up with obvious interest and a slight hint of predatory gleam. Leaning forward to get a closer look at the image. ”Star League, damaged. Gonna need a…” Stopping suddenly and sitting back he eyes Hoffen. ”I want to ask why but we are all professionals here.” Taking a deep breath. ”A week maybe two. Have to move carefully and quietly with this. To avoid attracting unwanted attention from…” He looks up at the sky. He sits up wearing a grin of satisfaction. ”How wondrous the universe is. You arrive needing a favor and just happen to have a Mech lance. And I just happen to need one. What are the odds?”
Hoffen rolls her eyes at the obvious theatrics.
Checking his cronometer and quickly glancing around. ”Okay here is the quick and dirty of it. There is a planet a ways ‘East’ of us. Some not-all-there people with iron are causing trouble there. The kind of trouble that will be BAD for a WHOLE lot of other people. If you and your team can stop them...Well things might not be all puppies and sunshine but it WILL prevent that whole bunch of people from a quick trip to Dante’s place.” Looking first to Hoffen then to each of the team. ”I will provide full details once we have a deal. Also there will be additional rewards for each of you. So do we have a deal?”
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"See? This is why I said we should have specifics," Wraith states, well into a solid attack on both steak and booze. "Are we gonna be putting a number to a C-Bill amount, or at the end are you gonna be all 'surprise! you're reward is your hoop gets to accept my big hard input!' Because, chummer, that ain't gonna go so well.
As they say, fool me once....'"
Wraith had worked hard for her bad reputation. She didn't need a bad reputation of a slightly different nature getting in her way.
"Also, we're big on salvage. There gonna be full salvage rights coming this way, yeah? Saving people by risking my hoop ain't my way. Saving people for mad salvage rights is."
Well said. Good call.
Jester digs into his food with a gusto as it had been a long time since he had enjoyed such fare. His whisky though was barely touched. He grunts noncommittally to Cypher's words but seems content to hold his tongue for the moment.
Salvage, I know that mad salvage rights is what makes life for us go round. But yes, how about some numbers instead of generalities.
Viper then goes back to eating his steak and booze, while he listens for the answer.
If it aint to bad, a chance to check out on that wasp would not be to bad.
Kyle shrugs as he eats his meal. "I'm not the one that's going to be getting shot at, but my friends are, and I would rather we know more about our opposition before we commit. I'm less concerned with numbers," he gestures to Viper "Than I am with who it is we are going up against. Local pirates are a completely different story than clanners. They each have different variables that need to be considered. Certainly you understand?"
Orpheus shrugs, "I would think, before we can possibly agree, we would need more details. If you are describing rabble pirates who have been cannibalizing their gear and can barely keep a Shadow Hawk operational, that would be one thing. If, instead, we will be walking into a... lance... of well-maintained Gladi-" He forces a cough to cover his slip, mentally wincing at the delay before lance, even if he avoided saying "Star", then continues, "Grasshoppers, Thunderbolts and a pair of assault 'Mechs - then I may be less keen on the idea.. and the price would certainly go up."
He listens without comment until all have spoken.
” Why Miss WhiteAngle such protests, I ‘Did’ take you to dinner first.” He says with his trademark devilish grin.
Which quickly turns serious.
”I understand your concerns about the lack of information. But the circumstances call for disgression. I guarantee there will be salvage. In addition you will have extensive Intel support that will afford you unparalleled tactical options.” He pauses and appears to be thinking.
”All I can tell you up front about the OPFO…the targets.” Shaking his head and looking slightly displeased.
”You should be engaged with no more than a mixed-weight lance and a few combat vehicles. There will be a small ‘leg’ unit present. They will have substandard equipment and training but will be enthusiastic.”Looking each of the group in the eyes.
”You will be provided with extremely detailed information on the targets once you agree.”Pausing again he takes a deep breath.
”But since I am making an unusual request I can offer a cash bonus as well. Oh say, 30K” Smiling at Lord Lambert’s arguments or lack there-of. ”Wow I guess you were absent ‘that’ day. But I do admire effort. Make it 40”
Leaning closer to the group.
” And most importantly I will be in your debt and owe you a future favor.” The grin returns.
Checking his chronometer once again. "So are you in?"
Kyle smiles "I was in the moment I tasted this fantastic meal. I was just curious how much you were willing to share with us. he says as he tosses back the last of his drink.
Orpheus says, "Some of us require more than just a meal, however, your offer seems decent enough."
The numbers to me seem sound. But I guess it is up to the Frau to determine if we go or don't go.
Viper pauses, looks over at Frau Hoffen and waits for the answer[/b]
Looking over the rim of her most recent Bloody Mary at the others Hoffen shrugs. She rotates her head to look at her assembled squad, stopping when she meets Jester's gaze. "If he's promising support, he's coming with. If he's coming with, it isn't likely to be a double cross." Without turning to look at him, she holds a hand up to cut him off from speaking. "Don't. You've got a lance," she sighs.
Jester had been listening to Cypher's speech, an unimpressed look on his face as he outlines the supposed opposition they would face. As Hoffen responds Jester gives her a subtle nod here.
Styles himself the Devil, does he? Now he gets to live by his words.
”Well as always Molly you take advantage of my good nature."Bowing slightly. When he looks up the devilish grin is there. "Tempus Fudgit. I will meet you at your ship in…” Again with the cronometer. ”73 minutes. Please ensure it is ready to lift off in 96 minutes. If you have any issues contact this.” Pointing his comm at Hoffen. There is a beep and a message appears on hers’. ”It’s my ‘man’ at the starport he will troubleshoot any problems.” He motions the waitress over and quickly takes care of the check. Eliciting a. ”Why thank you sir. Thank you very much.” Turning to Hoffen. ”So you still have JoJo slinging grub on your boat.”It was a statement not a question. ”Tell her I’ll expect her famous mushroom and cheese omlets. And don’t worry I’ll bring the eggs and the mushrooms... and the cheese. Oh I’ll need 2 tons of cargo space.” He pivots and quickly departs. Followed by the bodyguard.
Orpheus raises an eyebrow, "I assume there is an operational reason for his timing being so precise, rather than just a particularity of his? Certainly does not leave us any time to negotiate parts or resupply."
Willie walks a most circuitous route away from the spaceport cafe and toward the pad where the company's dropship waited in standby mode to break atmosphere. He ducks into service halls with confidence before crossing a busy food court and somehow managing to exit the terminal entirely and re-enter almost with perfect ease.
When he leads you through the baggage handler tunnels the reason his evasive pattern through the spaceport is possible becomes clear. A burly bag thrower who whispers conspiratorially with Willie. They clasp hands and the burly man gives him a salute straight out of the LCAF infantry handbook.
"Good man. He will erase all trace of our little walk," Willie says as you ride the freight elevator up into the dropship.
"Ugh. That tomato juice is going to give me heartburn." Hoffen grumbles on the walk back to the ship. "Look, he's not a liar. Not a major liar. And working for him does come with perks. But it also comes with hidden dangers. He's going to be watching. He might snoop. He will for sure try and make one of you into an 'asset'. That said, compared to some of his comrades, Cypher is one of the goo-uh, no, better ones. Just don't forget that Faustian bargains tend to turn out bad." Hoffen pulls out her comm. "Are we good? Yeah? Expect a package from Cypher. It will come in under...uh, well you'll know it when you see it, trust me. You sure? Okay. No. Yeah, loading bay. Five minutessh." It sounds like heartburn may not be the only negative consequence of her drink when she begins slurring a little.
She stops for a moment and gathers her warriors for an impromptu huddle. "You've got a new tech. I know it wassh a little concerning that the other two stayed behind, but thish guy came highly recommended. His name is..." she holds up the comm and stares with bloodshot eyes, Hoffen falls heavily to the tarmac outside the Jenni Lynne's loading ramp. She weakly points to the open cargo doors.
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"Does being one of his assets pay well?" Wraith asks innocently. Alas, she never does get an answer as their erstwhile employer tries to make out with the pavement.
"Huh. Is a little light rooffie in the drink just the sort of wacky games you two play? Ah well, you'll probably do this for me some day so just consider this interest paid forward.
Um, one of you big strong mans wanna help me get her up?"
Wraith bends to and tries to level Hoffen up, getting under her shoulder and gauging how far she can get.
Yep...that's me. Gear's already to go. Didn't have time to stock up on MRE's though...picking was slim last couple of places I was at. Gunner says, nodding at the ex-Lyrran soldier.
His salute was almost perfect. I'm from Alarion, myself. I assume you are ex-LCAF? grunts the tech as he shoulders his bags and massive guncase.
Might have a pair of prying eyes. Our 9 o'clock...white hat, yellow shirt...
Jester's eyes narrow as he watches Frau struggle to maintain her composure. Something's not right here...
As she stumbles to the ground a bolt of realization hits him and he shoves Wraith aside, none too gently.
"She's been drugged! Outta the way!" Jester quickly grabs a medkit here and inserts a needle into her vein. "Gotta get her to vomit here!"
Before Willie can reply to Gunner his eyes go wide. Willie is watching a security monitor and sees Frau Hoffen collapse just outside. He rushes to the big red button to get the doors open as Jester begins to work.
Jester's medical training is as solid as it was back on Thu Dump. He checks her vitals and prepares what looks to be an anti-narcotic agent but stops when the woman begins to enter a grand mal seizure.
"We should get her to the infirmary!" The pilot shouts from stop the ramp. "She said that Cypher feller might try some crazy s$@!."
At some point in time during Hoffen's episode, when he is fairly certain no one is looking Kyle will pocket her comlink.
Looking at the others in the medical bay
Look I doubt Cypher is the one that drugged her. After all, a consequence of that would be him not getting to go along with this trip.
He then heads to the loading bay to close the ship up, as soon as Cypher arrives.
Orpheus shrugs, "Depends on the nature of the poison. Something that makes her pliable, for example. May be that she is simply having a bad reaction or had more than expected."
He shrugs, "Or, for that matter, it could be some sort of prank."
He blinks then says, "...or, it could be to incapacitate her at what we thought was a very precise time? I suddenly have an urge to watch Mr. Cypher's arrival from a cockpit... with flamers and pulse lasers ready to settle any arguments."
Jester looks up from the others a grim look on his face. "She is stable fer now. Never seen anything like this before. No drug I ever heard of." He slaps his fist into the palm of his hand, "I'll bet Cypher knows...and we ain't gonna like the answer."
Gunner rushes over after dropping his duffel bags and gun case. He swings his backpack over his shoulder and reaches for a medkit, his training in combat medicine taking over.
Anything I can do to help?
I might be able to help with that...