Chapter 1, Part 4: Krenshawz

Note, we made an adjustment in how we're doing scenes because the three of us playing realized we wanted to advance the story more quickly. Hence, we're inserting "start of scene" lines, with a timeline to finish the role-play along with the basic goal or tone or idea of the scene. You'll see those represented here.

If you want to start at the beginning....

Rules for this referee-less, play by post game.

Chapter 1

Part 4

Krenshawz

Lero watches as the Count approaches the President, who takes two steps forward to greet him. The commander also sees a frown—small and quick—creep across the face of Premier Norman. The Count steps back and waves his hand at Lero, who steps forward and smiles. Morrissy bows slightly but keeps eye contact. Lero returns the bow, noticing her eyes are colored green with flecks of silver. Morrissy says, “We, the people of Krenshawz welcome you and your crew.” Lero, following the advice of Hertwig, says, “We thank you for your hospitality, and we look forward to fruitful discussions between Krenshawz and the Imperium.”

Flashes exploded from the ring of journalists who had formed a mass behind Lero, the Count, and Zernov. The marines look anxious, but Lero nods slightly and they maintain their cool.

The journalists are taking vids of Hertwig and the premier shaking hands. The premier smiles broadly.

The Count is nervous but excellent job at hiding it. Although he has always craved for a life full of glam, fame, and fortune, he has always hated being in the spotlight. Fortunately, Lero is right there beside him, unknowingly helping him by attracting the attention of some of the journalists in the event. Hertwig says, "It is a pleasure to be here with President Morrissy and Premier Norman. Our Imperial Majesty Strephon Aella Alkhalikoi sends his warmest wishes to the people of Krenshawz. As a sign of good will and as a way to thank you for your hospitality, we would like to present you with this gift from Commander Lero and myself."

The Count signals Sublieutenant Chapman to bring forth the present. As Hertwig hands over the gift to President Morrissy, he bows before her, just enough to make her feel important, while at the same time not showing any level of submission to her or her government.

The Count then moves slightly to the side to give Lero and Zernov a chance to "pay their respect" to the President.

Lero smiles at the president and bows again to her and attempts to mimic the Count's bow. The commander is not unused to diplomacy, but his experience has been in Imperial territory, negotiating a peace deal between two warring parties in the Aramis sector. He had a different level of authority there--and that had been more straightforward and, in the end, blunt. Lero smiled at the memory of him threatening one of the belligerent's leaders, Moxa Losu, with the destruction of his army from the cruiser orbiting the planet if he did not stand down and come to the table. Orbital bombardment is crude but effective.

Lero straightens up and steps to the left, following the path of Hertwig to the premier. He glances to his right and watches his XO greet Morrissy.

The premier bows before Lero, a tad bit less than Morrissy bowed. Lero returns it. The premier smiles at him and waits. Lero says, “I am Commander Lero, captain of the INS Deimos, and I thank you for the hospitality.”

The premier nods once. “We welcome the esteemed guests from the Imperium, and we look forward to a mutually beneficial discussion. In honor of your welcome, we wish to present to you a symbol of Krenshawz and our people.” The premier gestures to a girl, perhaps eight or so standard years. The girl raises both her hands, which she has cupped and opens them. In them is a green plant with long leaves about five inches. It is topped by a bright yellow flower with a red center. As Lero watches, the flower begins to rise from the child’s hands. He watches as it gently rises up and above his head. Then he can see a small sack beneath the plant. It must be filled with gas of some sort.

As if reading his thoughts, the girl says, “That is a Krenshawz air plant. They th—.” The girl took a deep breath. “They thrive in the upper mountains on the Sabine continent. Coming in bold colors, they propagate by dropping their seed with the use of diatomic hydrogen that is part of the waste byproduct, stored in the buoyancy sack you see. The rarest and richest flower colors are yellow, and often—so say the seekers—found only in the most challenging and difficult mountain crevices.”

Lero watches the plant rise and gently sail out over the landing pad. He turns to the girl.”I thank you for this gift and lesson.”

She smiles in return. All the while, the journalists captures the ceremony.

The premier swings her arms wide, taking in the Count, Lero, the XO, and the marines. “Come, let us take you to the Hall of the People. There, we can discuss the business of both Krenshawz and the Imperium.” She turns, and the crowd behind her splits to allow a path to a luxurious automobile the first in a convoy.

Zernov watches the exchange between power brokers. This is a game he is not skilled for but he does know that leaders want to talk to leaders and not to 'the help.' As eyes swept towards him from Lero, the President and Premier, Zernov executes a stiff bow, lower by an inch than others had so far. "Premier, President." Ok good, nice and short.

Zernov glances towards Brixanna to see her and the team establish how they want to protect the shuttle. Seeing that in good order, he follows behind the gathering of leaders and aids with the marines. The convoy is long with plenty of security personnel providing crowd control. The luxury craft looks to provide enough room for the Krenshawz delegation, and only four from the Deimos. Zernov looks to the marine leader and nods to the follow vehicle, indicating they should find room with Krenshawz security team.

The Marine 2nd Lieutenant looks over the vehicle. "Sir, are you sure? I'd like one of mine to be with the commander." 

Roll Investigate to see if there is immediate danger or an ambush/r 2d6 = (6+6) = 12

Zernov faces the marine and leans close. "Look at the security. the convoy is relaxed, bored even. crowd control is a little anxious so the threat here is from outside the convoy, far as they're concerned this is a milk run. Ride in the security vehicle."

Scene in the convoy begins: we have 1 day to RP with each other and Krenshawz delegation. This tends to be small talk and rapport building.

As the convoy zips through the streets cleared of traffic, Lero sits next to Morrissy, while Hertwig engages with the premier. The president points out buildings and monuments along the route through the capital city, which feature a few skyscrapers and significant sprawl. “Are you far from home?”

Lero nods. "I am. I miss it and don’t. Home can be a complex relationship. How long have you been president?”

roll 1d6 for number of years    1d6 = (5) = 5

Morrissy says, “Yes. Home can be complex. I’ve served the people of Krenshawz for five years now. I have another year left on my term. Here, the president serves one six-year term. After that, perhaps I will be a judge.” Morrissy looks out the window. “There’s the High Court of Appeals there.” She gestures to a bright white stone structure.

She looks back Lero. “So why has the Imperium sent you and the Deimos?”

Lero smiles. "A mission to foster goodwill and long-lasting relationships.”

Hertwig turns around to Morrissy and starts a conversation with her.

roll Diplomacy to adulate Morrissy and praise her for her role within Krenshawz government

/r 2d6+2 2d6+2 = (3+5)+2 = 10

"In Kusyu, Aslan females are in charge of all administrative and cultural aspects of our community. We believe females are more qualified to take on this roles than males, and thus you will see a large portion of the female population working in these roles. Unfortunately, I have seen that humans do not share the same beliefs as us, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that the people of Krenshawz respect their women." The Count turns slightly towards the window and gestures to some of the buildings outside. "I have heard good things about your leadership and I believe both groups will benefit from a strong trade alliance.

"Tell me President Morrissey, what keeps you awake at night?"

Lero watches the president. Eventually she responds to the count’s query. “The welfare of my constituents. We have struggled to maintain our technology, and only imports keep the high port up and our fleet capable of fending off pirates. I fear the day when we cannot keep our heads above water.”