Arabella watches Besty's reaction when Emma mentions payment. "Emma's point is well taken. If we were just being entertaining for an hour, I'd say the free food and drink might be payment enough. But what we are doing is technically illegal and if this switch doesn't work and any of us get caught, some of us could end up in jail. If Bart becomes mayor, it sounds like he has the power to see to it the stay is long-term. Something for our trouble will be necessary. Surely you have governmental resources that could bring some platinum our way with a little creative accounting."
"I can't pay you out of the government till, I'm too ethical for that," Betsy says with a wry grin. "And being mayor doesn't pay too well. I'm afraid the best I can offer you is 400p total. I'm hoping that you'll do this for the good of the town more than anything."
Betsy draws you a map of Bart's house, and marks where the guards will be.
"This all sounds good. But if the two of you come in in "wedding" clothes, everyone will know something's up. Besides, this is just the proposal, so the fancy dress clothes I got you should be fine. Anything else I can do for you?"
Well, the wedding cloths would be for the day of getting hitched. Just good old sunday go to meeting cloths will work for the "proposal".
Now to find a ring
Perfect, so now we need to go make a spectacle of ourselves for at least an hour.
Do we have a means of talking to each other, and not just like this, but over distance
He dresses up in his best clothing, and slides the low signature knife into a scabbard in his sleeve.
He then comes out and looks around.
"Alright then. So, to sum up, Araballe and Harold will profess their undying love to one another and Emma and I will sneak in, swap out the dingus. No one will see anything odd and we'll be off planet before the end game comes out. That sound about right?"
She looks at everyone.. and smiles at Arabella and Harold.
"I'm just sorry i'll miss the show, true love is so rare..."
Arabella is ready. "How about we mingle for an hour. I'll chat with folks and try to learn anything about this Bart character that might be important. We should probably take turns pretending to look for a bathroom or powder room to find out where the security guards turn us back. That's be a good indication where to go. Unless Betsy can provide us with a floor plan of the place. Maybe checking for permits or land sales would turn up an architect drawing or something related to how utilities connects to the place. I've got a comm unit, so text me or Harold when you are in position, someplace inconspicuous near where you think the office is."
Betsy draws you a map of Bart's house, and marks where the guards will be.
Anybody else want to ask/say anything?
Betsy's last advice is "While many people wear guns in public, it's considered taboo when at a 'high-society' party. But if you have a small gun or a knife that can be very well concealed, you can do that. I'd suggest you go to Dave's (the guy that got you the invitations) tonight, so that you can all be seen coming from his ranch to the party tomorrow."
Miss, as I really dont feel comfortable without a gun of one sort or another, i was wondering if you might direct me to where i can pick up a sleeve gun and ammo?
"I have a nice derringer I can easily hide."
"I can have one of my friends pick up a couple of derringers, it would look suspicious if you bought them just before the party. Only two, yes? Anyone else want one? They cost 100p, just so you know."
Well I know i can swing that and a box of ammo. just give me a few minutes
He then heads to his room and digs up 130p
Arabella has a pistol, but she only uses it as a last resort when things get dicey. She'll be okay to go into the party armed only with her wits. After all, it's just a party with lots of armed security guards hanging around. What could go wrong?
At which time, there is a hail from outside.
"Halloo the ship! Is there a Harold Wainwright aboard? I might be an old friend."
The man behind the call is whip thin with a face like a chainsaw sculpture and a flat nose that has seen more than its fair share of breakage.
Having returned to the main bay where the discussion is going on, Harold looks up with shock.
Thats a voice I aint heard for a while, pardon me for a bit
He makes his way out the lock.
Conrad, you bastard, you still owe me a fiver from the valley. You know the one. Where we bet if we were going to live or not
He extends his hand.
What you need.
Conrad seems both relieved and reserved, but the grim slit of his mouth cracks a small grin, "Harold! Fiver, huh. Owe some other folks a lot more than that these days. Heard you might be here, looking for work, or a way off planet at least. You know I'm pretty good with a gun, or fists if it comes to that. Thought you lot might need some extra muscle."
A, requesting to join as a shooter are you. Yea, I remember that you even outshot me, so I got no worries on that score. About those others that you owe to, would they try to follow if you hopped aboard ?
He steps back a pace, and his eyes go over the crowd with an automatic scan.
"I don't think they'd have any quarrel with you or your ship. What they want is their money. Getting in the way of me earning can't help them there."
In that case, welcome aboard. payment is equal shares. find an open bunk and some dress cloths. We are off to a ball tonight
After talking to Conrad, harold goes in and gives everyone an introduction to Conrad
Arabella greets Conrad graciously, ignoring his less comely features. "I'm Arabella. I usually arrange shipping jobs when I'm not offering soul-saving advice. I'm a Taoist shepherd if you need any sage advice, I'll give it to you. If you don't need any, I'll give you some anyway." She gives him a smile and a handshake.
Then she looks down at her fancy dress clothes. "I don't usually dress like this but we've got a gig at a local party. I'll fill you in on the plan when you get presentable. This here is Betsy, local mayor, and our current boss. She can help with any clothing needs. No obvious guns, but if you're good with your fists, that might come in handy, pardon the pun, if things go off kilter."
Betsy says "It's a little last-minute, but I think I can find some fancy clothes for you. Your weapons are limited to knives and Derringers. You want a Derringer? It's 100p."
Daisy smiles and shakes Conrad's hand. "Any friend of Harold's is welcome! Nice to meet you. I'm Daisy. If you are going to the party, let's fill you in on the plan and figure out the best place for you at the party. Perhaps you can hang back and support if needed."
She then helps fill him in on the basic plan.
To Betsy he says, "Got one, but always preferred two guns, as Harold can attest. I'll be of whatever aid I can be. Give me a few minutes to get cleaned up."
"Happy to be of service to all of you. I'm not the best at fancy events, but let me know what needs hurtin' and I'll get the job done."
Betsy says "Hopefully, no one will get hurt. This is a stealth mission.", and proceeds to fill Conrad in on the details.
"Sounds simple enough."
So : you load up your clothes and weapons, and in the middle of the night go to Betsy's friend's house (who has the invitations), and spend the next day there. Around dusk, you all get dressed and geared up, and accompany him to Bart's house, where a steady stream of people are arriving. You get in, and see the house is crowded with people in their "Sunday best" clothes, or better.
Anybody want to do anything before the proposal starts?
Harold takes a walk around the ball, grabs a drink and starts to nurse it.
+++15 mins+++
He comments quietly over the radio
Daisy walks up to Harold.
" I'm happy to see the crowd. I was worried it might be a smaller affair but this helps."
She then ambles over to Emma,"You ready? We're all depending on you but I've got your back."
"Shame with all this money about and we are trying to steal a mechanical doohickey.
Conrad attempts to remain innocuous behind some decorative plants or something.
Finishing his drink, he quietly comments over the radio.
+++Give me a holler when you want me to kick it off+++
He moves over and gets a second beer to nurse, as he slowly makes his way to the stage, listening for the comm responses as he idles around.
Arabella enters with Harold at her side, giving him affectionate glances and laughing at his comments. They make a point to find the host/hostess and give gracious praise for the beauty of the home, the quality of the food and music.
Then they visit the table to get a few nibbles and some of what there is to drink, keeping the consumption minimal to keep heads clear.
When the 15 minute warning is given, Arabella gives Harold an affectionate peck on the cheek, intentionally leaving a lipstick smudge, and seeks out anyone who seems to be connected to the entertainments, assuming there is some kind of band playing some kind of elegant party music.
She waits for a break in the set and tells the leader, "Ah anticipate my gentleman friend," she points out Harold, "is goin' ta propose tonight. Ah'd be ever so grateful if y'all could strike up some music appropriate for romantic atmosphere. Maybe a waltz. Thank you so much."
She 'borrows' a few flowers from an out of the way table display, plucks the petals off, and then engages four youngish women, informing of her anticipated proposal, and giving them each a handful of flower petals with the request to toss them on the couple as soon as Arabella says 'I do.'
Finally she works her way back to Harold as the moment to begin gets close. "Ready at this end," she says into the earbud communicators.
Reroll from Charismatic Edge
Best result: 7
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So : you load up your clothes and weapons, and in the middle of the night go to Betsy's friend's house (who has the invitations), and spend the next day there.
Ever one who was more focused on things, Emma brought along a few choice items to get herself busy. Left to her own devices with the fancy clothes, she muddles the problem that keeps itching at her mind. She goes to work.
Later, when she emerges dressed in the fluffy gown, her items are no where to be seen.
She spent the time sewing and making hidden pockets in the flowing silk for to better hide and conceal a greater quantity of small items. This way she can take along her illegal electronic lockpick, along with weapons of smallish stature, and let none be the wiser.
*****
After making an initial circuit of the place, like a lonely asteroid making a cold and silent orbit of solar system that will be it's dying place, she spends her time near the critical staircase, nursing a drink and waiting for the Opportune Moment(tm).
Daisy will enter but try to keep somewhat on the outer edges, letting Arabella take center stage. If needed she'll gently prompt random people to pay attention with things like:
"I hear her man might finally propose to her tonight!"
"Nice to meet you as well. Sorry, I was looking at that couple. My intuition tells me they might have an announcement tonight!"
And similar. As time gets close she'll join Emma and be ready to head up as stealthily as she can in a room full of a lot of people who will hopefully be distracted..
Blushing slightly at the kiss, Harold comments.
Go wait in the punch line love.
He waits until Arabella is in the punch line across the room.
He then approaches and waves at the MC, and asks if he can come up and say a few things.
Taking the mike he walks over to the front of the stage.
Ladies and Gentlemen, your attention please.
The last few years, I have been on a free trader, and now a couple of us are possibly staying here as settlers.
The reasoning for this change of thought was the lovely visage of Arabella, whom came aboard as a passenger for a run.
After several days of getting to know her, I came to the realization that she was indeed the perfect woman for me. Mature, Funny at times, Steady, Intelligent, Beautiful.
She is a very strong woman, that mesmerized me from the time we first met.
I never believed in that claptrap of love at first sight, but she ended up showing me the error of my ways and proving that it does exist. And that you should never stop looking for your one.
Howard pauses, and takes another sip.
Can I please get My date for the night Arabella, to please come to the stage
He holds the mike, and bounces slightly in anticipation as he watches her walk across the floor to the stage.
He walks over and offers her a hand to get up on the stage, they then walk to the front of the stage.
He takes a step back and resumes speaking into the mike as he takes a knee.
Arabella, would you do me the honour of making me the happiest man on the planet in this verse, and become my wife.
He passes the mike to Arabella, and then opens a small box up, and pulls out the premade bit of shiny that was whipped up in the engine room, and waits for her answer, after which he will slide it the whole way onto the finger.
As soon as the crowd is engaged and, assuming the coast is relatively clear, Daisy will guide Emma up the stairs...
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"That would have gone so much better if they were both naked," Emma states unemotionally, holding a flute of champaign like a club.
As the Opportune Moment draws nigh, Emma's eyes take on a glazed look as she focuses on sensing the Emanations in the Penumbra and sensing how to pass through them.
Raise. +2 steps.
Emma's eyes flutter open as Daisy is indicating the need to elevate and begin insertion into the critical area.
The party-goers start to move towards the happy couple as they proceed with their engagement rituals, until Harold and Arabella are completely encircled by a packed ring of people. Emma and Daisy can see that altho none of the guards have moved, they're all looking at the spectacle. You both get +2 to your Stealth rolls.
Emma, now that you've boosted your Stealth, please make a roll... :)
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Unlocking the secret and scarred parts of her brain that have been opened and enhanced, Time itself stretches before Emma not as some endless wall that hides one moment from the next, but as an open hallway, where all moments and those choices are clear in their path. To say that Emma is unnoticed is an understatement. Emma is seen but not recognized. Any eyes that take her in immediately discount her as beneath the effort of seeing in their search for signals to send to the master brain.
Emma moves without sound, and, more importantly, without importance.
Daisy heads upstairs, thinking it's all going well so far. She turns her head for just a few seconds and then... loses Emma.
panicking a little she sees her well ahead of her and follows...
Arabella acts the part of being surprised by the proposal. She spends some time being overcome with emotion before accepting the proposal.
After giving some time for the crowd to form, Arabella takes the microphone and says, "Ah'm overwhelmed with joy. Ah have a story ta tell y'all that I haven't told Harold here. When ah was young, my ma was not married. She was a beautiful woman, an' one day ah asked her why she was not married. Why had no man seen what ah saw ev'ry day, her love fer others, her grace, an' the won'erful sound of her laughter, like birdsong on the first day of spring. She told me a story of how there was a young man who was a suitor. He proposed and she was so happy, she danced a dance for 'im. He acted pleased, but he immediately withdrew his proposal and left with a pitifully sad look on his face. My ma, of course, was distraught but she carried on. She later learned that the man was from a religion that claimed that dancing was evil, a way women seduced men. The man became a successful businessman, but it turned out his success was due to many acts of corruption. He never married but molested women in his company who were vulnerable and powerless to report it, knowing their claims would not be believed if he lied about what he had done."
Arabella paused for dramatic effect, but really was looking around the room, hoping she was holding the attention of the security people and the host. Then she continued, "Long story short, mah ma told me she'us glad she had danced that dance 'cause it spared her from marriage to a man who would have made her miserable. She taught me the dance and made me promise to dance the same dance for any man who proposed to me, as a kind of test. Ah'd like ta do that dance now."
She turned to the band leader and said, "Can y'all play somethin' in a slow waltz tempo, somethin' like Ariel in the Spring?"
As the band starts, Arabella begins to rock to the tempo and then to spin, lifting her arms and then doing more involved steps. She removed the shawl she had been wearing and draped it over Harold's shoulder. She continued, eventually removing her jacket, pretending it was too restrictive and warm. Her gown underneath showed off her figure, and it had a slit down the left and right, so her legs became exposed as she danced.
She eventually danced over to Harold and embraced him and drew him into the dance, leading him this way and that, gradually pulling herself closer and closer to him. Finally, she ended the dance with a passionate kiss on the lips that went on a while.
When she finished and the applause subsided, she said, "He passed the test, don't you think? This also explains why members of the Justinian Church don't make love standin' up. It can lead ta dancin'. Anyway, ah recommend whenever y're asked to enter inta a relationship with someone, ya make sure they're worthy." She gave a quick glance toward the crowd and then said, "Join with me! Let's all dance! You guys," and she points to the people she has figured out are the security guards, "don't be wallflowers! Join in! It's just one dance!"
Technically, your dancing would require a Performance roll, but since you've had Companion training in your past, we'll just hand-wave that.
The guards were definitely watching you dance, but when invited to dance, none of them move from their posts.
Emma and Daisy walk thru several hallways on the way to Bart's office. You find it locked, with an old-fashioned mechanical lock.