Iron Stars - zasha

Zasha awakens in the psychic conclave on Pelasgon, another day like any other, except it isn't as a mustard yellow envelope sealed with a red wax seal is passed under her door. The flat boots of the messenger echo down the hallway as he moves off, onto his other ports of call for the day. The message is from the chairman's office itself, and more importantly is sealed with his personal seal.

Zasha flips the envelope back and forth in her hands idly, examining the letter, as though she actually had precognitive abilities. She lays the missive on her desk temporarily, throws on some simple threads, slides into some boots, brushes her hair back into a simple pony, and wishes dreadfully for an EMS ability to produce a cup of espresso. Tentatively ready, she delicately grabs the envelope, picks at the seal with her thumbnail, and gently pries it off, and pulls out the insides to examine. (Do you prefer tags or no?)

(We don't tag in the server unless there would be some reason to do so. Such as drawing attention to a thread that the person normally wouldn't be watching) (edited)

(And don’t tag me either, because by default every thread needs my attention. So it just feels extra )

Operative. You have been selected as a proud member of the CBSS psychic corps, to undertake an important mission. On Vadhat, a sister communist planet, we have had word that an assassination attempt is being planned against our chief minister there. You possess a certain set of skills that would make the detection of bugs, bombs, and other tools of the cowardly assassin simple, and would compliment our security detail there. You are to meet the minister, join his escort convoy as it travels across the planet to the space port, and ensure he makes it to the orbital platform safely where he can be more easily protected. Complete this, and we will ensure a biopsion can heal your face, and we will provide you with other opportunities to make a name for yourself

She frowns as she reads, so many other planets desperate to see them fail, to see the greatness of their regime lifted, to see... her right hand rises unbidden to her face as her eyes flutter back and forth across the end of the chairman's words. A biopsion could surely be more use to the party elsewhere. But if she's to be expected to be doing clandestine activities, being unremarkable has its advantages. She takes the mission, folds it delicately back into its envelope with seal, and tucks it into a sealed pouch. As she readies the rest of her kit, she laments paper orders, and the invariable mistakes caused by them. Sure, it helps against cyber attacks, but it has its own problems too. By the time she's done musing, her armor and backpack are on, rifle is at the ready, and has a moment to hope that the Minister has heard word of her arrival already, before her footsteps follow her out the door, like the messenger before her.

A small beep on your pad informs you that 1,000 credits have been placed into your operations account, and you are free to get any gear with it you think you might need to keep the minister safe

23:28

(there's a few weapons in the iron stars book in the rules and books channel, otherwise, TL4 and lower, book prices. Theres also an equipment list on the resource doc that ;lets you know what items are in the game)

She had been eyeing the DMR for a while, but couldn't help thinking that if she had a chance to utilize it on this mission it would likely be a failure. Instead, she bypasses the armory and makes for the commissary. She asked the attendent to pull up any files on Vadhat for her while she perused the shelves. The first thing she grabbed, was a better bag, and began throwing a few extra supplies into it. She wasn't sure what they'd need, but her objective was currently to keep someone else alive, so she focused on that as extra rations, a pole, a flare, a medpack, a glowbug and some healing powder went it, before transferring the old contents. A metatool was quickly fastened to her wrist while the grapnel launch found a spot on her belt. She then picked up the scout report and left the place 800 credits poorer. She wished she was able to hold on to a bit more, considering whoever they were up against was some form of enemy to the people, receptive to capitalistic forms of persuasion. But alas, there was little else she could do, but hope that the minister had decent staff already, including a medic, and that she would do a good job. Maybe she should work on those precognitive skills.

Your transport is a clunky shuttlecraft that has been pressed into service to assist you in getting to vadhat. The crew are grease covered, cigar smoking shipmen who look to live out of their hanging together craft. They’ve brought it down right within the conclave compound, and are fussing with one another about the exact placement of fuses and a set of exterior light panels

Zasha keeps her pace, but having noticed the crew appearing to have electrical issues, alters her path to bring her alongside them. She wasn't sure if she could help, but there was only one way to find out. "Greetings comrades, need any help?

"Second engine on starbord side...." he makes a noise akin to flatulence with his mouth, indicating it isnt working. "Cannot find the fault or broken wire inside. Might be here until tonight if it has to be entirely removed"

She frowns, not at the men, but at the news. A delay that significant would reflect poorly on her as well. "Perhaps I can help. I'm no mechanic but..." Zasha moves to the starboard side of the vessel, and comes to a halt next to the aforementioned engine, making sure to be of to the side and out of danger. She closes her eyes and reaches out with her mind, channeling her electrokinesis. Even though she doesn't know how to repair an engine, she should be able to track the electrical pathing and find the interruption...

You're able to identify three places within, where the flow and the current does not complete, and with your expert help , a repair that should have taken all day is handled in less than an hour. "Thank you madam, please, climb aboard. The captain has given you his quarters for the journey in thanks for the assist. The party would have been greatly displeased with the delay"

"Thank you comrade, but I must politely refuse. I merely did what any good polity member should. The traditional passenger quarters should be more than sufficient." Besides, she'd rather the captain of the vessel she's flying in be at their best.

He nods respectfully and the crew climbs aboard. As you get settled the ship lifts off, passing through the orbital platform defenses and the CBSS fleet at practice , doing simulated iron rain runs on the moon yet again. A large portion of the fleet has been deployed to Al-Thynnian to support the workers revolution there. Soon more brothers and sisters will become part of the revolution. Pulling galactic west, away from those sights, the ship makes spike translation toward Vadhat space

14:37

(2 days of downtime while traveling. We have a roll20 handout near the top that says what you can do during it)

Zasha spends the time in transit, doing her best to assist the crew maintain the vessel as much as possible, which, much to her chagrin, is largely limited to holding a flashlight while someone else works. But every little bit counts, she reminds herself. Plus when they're not busy, there's time for cards, stories, drink, and cigars. (Fix 2/90)

Vadhat is a world that is a recent CBSS member, and the minister is waiting for you down below in the city of Phosphoria. The plan is to run through the desert, and plans lands to the ruins of the orbital elevator, where he will be meeting up with additional security forces, and will be spirited back into space via concealed lander there. The planetside run ends at a landing field outside the city, where several soldiers mill about near an access turnstile into the city.

Zasha will thank the crew and captain for their service to the CBSS, before collecting her kit and striding towards the turnstile., taking in the view of Phosphoria. Approaching the soldiers, she'll stop in front of them, inquiring, "Comrade Zasha Gaduya. Here to see the Chief Minister." (edited)

One of the guards claps twice, and a motorbike is swung around front of the guardhouse for you. "Please, map is uploaded on the bike map screen. You'll be able to get through the traffic faster on this"

Zasha, eyes the motorcycle. A classic combustion engine. Not a hoverbike. Her face lit up at the collection of glorious metal and craftsmenship. Barely containing her excitement, she swung a leg over the chassis, managing a simple, "Spasibo!" thank you! that was lost to the throaty machine before opening up the throttle. Telling herself that she was just getting aquainted with the machine, she took out the pony, let the winds of Vadhat enter her soul, as she took off around the length of the airfield, the back of her mind flowing with the energy of the cycle tracing electrons rushing faster than her, with her, as her, while somewhere, distantly, long long ago, Kenny Loggins crooned about The Danger Zone. Reconnecting with the map, and comfortable with the gentle roar of the beast she sat astride, Zasha entered the city proper, taking in as much of Phosphoria as she could while moving between traffic towards the marked location.

The thing you remember most about this city, reflecting on your time here in the coming hours, days, or possibly even years, is the soot. Everything has a layer of black on it. The buildings, the blocky vehicles in the streets, the signs, even the children and the workers. Massive factories churn the products of the local desert into alloys, silicates, and other processed materials the CBSS is always anxious to get its hands on, and thick clouds of factory smoke rise from points all over the city.

03:29

The main government center is the only section of the city that remains clean, washer crews of prisoners constantly on the grounds here, scrubbing the tiles, bricks, and stonework with soft cloths to keep the soot away. Two more guards meet you at the main doors, saluting as you dismount the bike. On the street outside the large metal gates, several of the motorcade cars are beginning to come together

The ash of progress. The City of Soot, was a lot better than the city of the starving and damned. Nodding respectfully to the guards, she figures she better identify herself to the minister and his protection detail before taking any further actions in the complex.

“Welcome. Orders or identification papers please?” The first of the guards asks. The other is standing near the doors rigid straight , preparing to open it if things check out

"Of course," She declares, before reaching into her pockets and providing both the yellow envelope as well as her identification. While the first guard peruses her papers, she turns to the other to see him better, "What news is there in Phosphoria? I've not been here in quite some time?" (edited)

“Unrest in the city. People unhappy with the unification. They like the communist vision, just not the people of another planet telling them what to do. Tensions will fade when conditions improve and they see we can take care of them, I think” the guard sergeant says looking out over the city street

Zasha frowns, and loses her train of thought just as quickly as she had it, the idea of being true to the vision but not like being told what to do was all too familiar. Quickly, she tries to focus on the mission at hand. "These unhappy people, is their unrest... kak vy govorite... ne zhestokiy..." how do you say... not violent her boots tap the pavement as she searches for the word, trying a different path in her mind first, "Are they organized at all? Oh, da," snapping her fingers, "have they been peaceful so far or are there any threats?"

"There is one that is credible enough, which is also the reason you're here. This is the one we are taking seriously for now." He puts a small stamp on the papers, signaling it is within permission for you to be inside the grounds and wander without escort if you do not want it. "Someone always goes a bit too far..but you understand" he says, looking away a bit, as he looks upon your face and realizes other implications of his comment (edited)

"The average human brain has over 86 billion neurons, running off of approximately 100 watts of electricity daily. The right person, can wield that like a surgeon." Zasha takes her orders and identification back, and stands at attention in front of the soldiers. "Someone always doesn't go far enough, leaving the wrong person with the right tools, with just the right motivation, and just enough power to completely annihalate someone if they choose." Relaxing, she resituates her gear, as though to make herself presentable. "Don't let feelings of kindness or embarrassment block your vision, sergeant." "Thank you, keep a close eye on the ministry transport. I'll be wanting to know if anyone came close or showed them an unusual amount of attention. Pay special attention to anyone who's face is as yebanyy fucked as mine." Zasha heads inside, waiting till she rounds the first corner to take the band off her wrist, fixing her pony up, and placing her bangs just so, softening the puckered flesh crossing her face to onlookers. All without using a mirror.

The ministry doors are opened and there are signs on the wall pointing to the planetary chairman's office. It is near the top of the building and you run into increasing numbers of personal protective detail officers on the way, as you begin climbing the random and seemingly endless flights of stairs. The double doors at the top are pulled open for you as you make your way inside, and there are at least twenty of them inside the room along with a tired looking man behind a large desk, one hand resting on the side of his head, propping him up

She presents in front of the minister, coming to attention as her boots click heels. The right fist holding the hammer of industry to her heart, the left arm mirroring it as the planetary sickle behind her representing the agricultural strength pushing them forward. A salute of the people, for the people, deriving it's strength from them. "Zasha Gaduya, from the enclave on Pelsagon, as requested."

"Welcome to Vadhat ,

18:14

Miss Gaduya. I wish it was under better circumstances. I trust you have been briefed on the matter here and you know why you have been requested?"

"I have been made aware of a threat against your life and the prosperity of the CBSS. Is there any other information you could provide that might better help me serve you, minister?"

"We don't thiink they're going to make a move in the city where we are strong and regular army units are close by. I worry about the stretch of desert road between here and the elevator ruins, which is most of the trip. In an actual gunfight, you're not expected to help aside from what's necessary to defend me, and yourself. Your role is to detect and possibly defend against any sort of IED, or other electronic attack or signal warfare against the motorcade"

"Understood. I have a few more protocol questions, but they may be better suited to the head of your security detail. If there's nothing further to add, I'll liason with them... try and relax minister. Using all your energy on what might happen will leave you empty for when it comes time to what will happen."

You're directed to the head of the security detail, another hard working and care worn faced man sitting behind a desk, scribbling intently with a long data stylus. Outside, the motorcade cars and accompanying outrider grav cycles are beginning to line up, and prepare to head out

"Zasha" she pulls out the scouting report for the planet, and places it in front of the head of security. "I would presume that you've identified the most likely points of attack? I also need to be patched into your comms."

He nods, holding up a finger that he will be with you in a moment, pointing to the side of his head where he is on a call. A small sheet of laminate paper is passed over showing the combined frequency for the entire column.

01:13

After he says goodbye, he hangs up. "I believe we have, that was actually just me getting it confirmed, we've identified three main locations. The first is in the dune sea just outside the city, the sand is capable of hiding lots of explosives or other hidden ambush forces. The second, we think is going to be in the forested region halfway between here and the elevator. finally, we think outside the ruins of the space elevator itself. The complex is massive, and they don't need to get close to the dropship to cut us off. I'd expect either explosives to topple stonework to crush the car and block us, or some sort of coordinated ambush from the buildings

She grabs the laminate, and starts inputing the information into her compad. "Where do you want me positioned, and do you have any intel on if they have any intentions to try and capture?"

"We are not going to make heroic efforts to try to capture one of the rebels, the safety of the minister is our concern and we cannot afford to be distracted from it. If an opportunity presents itself we will make an arrest to find out the depth of what is happening here. You are the best judge of your own powers. Where do you think it is best to be placed in order to defuse any possible explosive traps we may run across?"

(If they want to try and capture the minister. To the gulag with any of their people

) "Ideally in front of the minister, far enough at the head that if necessary I could attempt to trigger the ordinance early if necessary. But still close enough that their weapons are primed and ready."

"Is within 50m of his car , while on your bike, enough space to do your role?"

17:43

"You are the expert on these abilities. I will defer to you"

"Yes."

He nods "It seems there is little left to do, than to do"

(I'm good to kick off when you are, when you're back)

(Ready when you are boss!)

The motorcade assembles outside the front of the minister's office, and he prepares to head outside. Marksmen watch the surrounding streets, while other local forces have the motorcade route blocked off. A pair of light patrol helicopters are already overhead, keeping an eye on the surrounding streets as best they can.

Zasha heads towards the motorcade before the minister exits, quickly reaching out with her mind to make sure that everything is as it should be with the minister's vehicles before they leave.

You do not detect any explosives, or anything that does not belong on a working vehicle of this type.

17:25

Everyone begins mounting up, and the gates open with a loud thunderclap of sirens. The helicopters above begin panning out, and the motorcade sets off, trying to get through the city roads as quickly as possible. Windows and doors shut along the route, as instructed, and the near entire city garrison has turned out to line the route as well. Their green and black personnel carriers form roadblocks at intersections, while deployable barricades line the sidewalks. the soldiers are a mix of old and young. Some are grim faced, others seem bored or almost hoping for some sort of fight

Zasha gets on the motorcycle this time strapping on the accompanying helmet as she eyes the protective detail. If something went down, this was going to be an all out warzone. Pushing aside the thoughts of her own mortality, she focused on the mission, bringing the overlay of the route into her mind, as she keyed the ignition and moved the bike to her place in the column. There was little else she could do, except put her faith in the rest of the team. If a sniper decided to make their move, well, the minister's detail would take care of that. She could only focus on her small part. She notified the rest of the team that she was ready, and while waiting for the minister to load, attuned her MES with her bike, becoming familiar with every electrical conduction, so as to be so familiar with it that it wouldn't interfere with any other signals en route.

The cars continue racing toward hte city edge, and finally pass the gatehouse out into the open desert for the first time. A large pile of trash and an overturned truck mark the street 2 kilometers ahead, easily seen due to the lack of trees or any other distinguishing features of note. The helicopters do not see anyone on foot around it, but the vehicles are starting to slow down slightly anyway

Zasha looks at the blockage with trepidation, trying to ignore the burn of the desert heat sweating into her eyes. Trying to keep the column at her back in case she needs the covering fire, she slows down within 10m of the mess, pushing her mind's eye to the mess, scanning for anything that's using juice, or receptive to powering.

There is a power signal under the junk, a battery connected to something you cant identify, and a transmitted/receiver

Zasha notifies the security detail of the situation and the potential for ambush. Trying to think of a way to possibly defuse the situation, she ponders trying to isolate any incoming signals and how to mitigate any power coming in... or what if instead of trying to block a signal... Zasha looks at the swirling potential of the battery, and the electrons dancing inside. She begins slowly adding her own juice to the battery, seeing if she's able to overcharge the unit and reduce it too slag.

(Using your powers like this still takes effort for you at low level like this rigjht?)

(By my understanding, with phase coherence, no. Basically just using conduit, but doing it to the point something breaks. However, reading through the whole tree again, I think I have been cheating on accident, in that I've been using energy sensitivity, frequently. To the point I'd suggest me just altering the character sheet to have it instead. In which case, yes to the effort. Also, sorry, rl is going to be crazy for me the next couple days, sorry, will do my best to post at least once a day.)

(sounds good, thanks for the heads up)

14:23

(and yes, lets change it then)

(Updated sheet- needed more love than I realized, sorry- added to backstory, committed effort, updated technique, fixed some other little errors, and added in some goals. Should be all better now.)

(Perfect) Sensing the device. You feel you could spend some of your psychic potential to fry the battery and stop the IED from going off, ensuring the safety of the convoy

Zasha feels the tides of power rise inside her, and guides the flow, feeling the hangover headache growing in her mind from the effort used to siphon her energy.

There is a gentle pop, though far smaller than the IED explosion would have been. The bomb has been safely defused.

If there is an accompanying ambush, any fighters nestled in the dunes choose not to engage, and are not spotted by any of the scout elements- the convoy continues on toward the next marker, while two bikes from the rearguard stop to investigate. They do confirm it was an IED, and the minister privately gives thanks to Zasha for her saving their lives.

Zasha pushes the praise aside for now. The route isn't finished, and the effort of the task is beginning to push her limits... she hoped that she wouldn't have to torch, as she takes her place at the head of the column, and reaches out with her mind yet again. (Sorry, back in action!)

The forested region ahead is the second place where an attack was thought to be planned. So far the defense minister was correct about the bombs and their likely placement. The trees here are healthier and leafy. The bikes and armored cars draw in close to the ministers. If there are incoming rounds, they’ll hit the vehicles with less precious cargo. (Notice/wis)

(6)

You see the glint of the sun on glass In a tree, as the column begins to head into the forested area. It doesn’t seem like any of the other security forces have noticed

Zasha fights her instincts, wanting to throw the bike into a skid for cover while firing at the potential target, as her hands gripped the handlebars tighter, unintentionally engaging the throttle momentarily. But that wasn't her role. Instead, she messaged the security team, "Potential threat, possible scope glint or other reflection in the trees above." Trusting in the rest of the team, she tried to ignore the crosshairs her mind placed over her heart by reminding herself that she wasn't the target... Closing her eyes briefly, she let the motorcycle engine and the reverb it created amongst the trees of Vadhat and drum out her mortal fears, so she could do her part. She reached out for any signs of devices as she continued on, whilst awaiting an update from the head of security.

The vehicles begin circling the limosine as the first crack of gunfire bounces off the bulletproof windshield of the lead SUV "Push, push. All vehicles, move as far as you can through the ambush. Only shoot if you can do so without slowing down"

Even though she'd anticipated it, she couldn't hold back the flinch as the rifle report echoed seemingly from everywhere in the trees. She only hopes that the armor of the vehicle and the advance warning she provided had been enough. Hunching down as low as she could, she hugged the chassis of the bike for dear life, ignoring the rifle slung on her back. Hoping for the best, she pushed on, MES pushing at the world around her, desperately trying to identify any dangers that would halt the motorcade's progression.

Ahead a fallen tree stands in the path of the road, and you once again feel a faint energy signal around it

Zasha begins a silent prayer to gods she no longer believes in as she sends an impulse of power into whatever is receptive to her signal. There's a good chance this might inadvertently kill her. But it's also the only way through, and a road block WILL kill them, she can only hope whatever it is will clear the tree without killing her.

(Same thing here? frying it?)

(Premature detonation, idea being, blow it up and clear the road)

There is a crackle in the air , followed by a sharp intake of pressure. The bomb detonates, sending wooden shrapnel high into the air, flaming and shredding. THe convoy pushes on, with the loss of one burning security vehicle and its crew. THe minister is safe, and the convoy less one car continues on. Excellent work operative. THe minister owes you a favor

(Kinda thought that was going to kill me on accident, lmao)

(You were far enough away. I know from the book on magic, if a thing is not a specified range but “unaided sight” you can send your powers out for a kilometer , so in this case you’re good. )

00:54

The convoy pushes on and it seems that the ambush expected at the elevator ruins never got into position. With both previous attempts failed the rebels have decided to fight another day. The bulky lander makes its way down from orbit and a phalanx of bodyguards and soldiers bundle the minister on board. He throws a radio in your direction capable of reaching him as the lander takes off from the jungle of fallen stonework and metal beams that had once been a glorious technical achievement for the people that lived here

00:54

(3xp 5000 credits)

00:54

(Great first mission)

Level 2
Focus- Psychic training
Skill points- Telepathy 1 (2sp), Teleportation 0 (1sp)
Techniques- Phase Coherence (focus bonus), Fascile Mind (with telepathy lvl)
Old Hp 6
Hp Roll 7
New Hp 7
Current AB 1
Motorcycle
Favor from the government

(edited)

(you can also keep the bike, and you have a favor from the government)

17:49

(if you choose not to spend it on bioscopic healing for your scars)

Zasha salutes the Minister briefly, before grabbing the radio and finding a piece of relative safety amongst the ruins. Nesting inside a cage of concrete and metal alloys, she unseals her helmet and takes a moment to close her eyes, and breathes. Out here, after the forest, and the desert, thanfully it's a respite from the smogsoup of Phosphoria, and she takes on deep, heavy, almost indulgent lungfulls of the sweet oxygen as she feels the adrenaline start to dump out of her system, as she tries to move past the feelin.g of someone's ironsights lined up on her back that'd been there since the forest. Mopping up some of the sweat from the back of her neck, she pulls out a scrunchie and ties her hair back into a ponytail, and only then, does she turn the radio on. She gazes around at the ruins, wondering if they could still serve some purpose rather than a shuttle port too far from home, before kicking some loose concrete bits with her boots, taking one last deep gulp of air, and rising back on her feet as a citizen of the CBSS. "Minister, glad you made if safely. May the rest of your travels be less hazardous as you continue to serve the people." (was gonna keep the bike anyway

) (I like open ended favors.

) (edited)

"And may your own assignments leave you a safe and productive servant of the people. All people. Thank you again, for everything. I'll ensure the Party Chair hears about your exemplary work"

Finding a smaller pebble, she picks it up, and places it in her pouch. A little memento to take home with her, before eyeing the road back to the city. She stares at the helmet on the ground where she laid it somewhat ruefully before picking it back up, and has it half back on before mentally cursing the thing, attatching it to the rear saddle bag, and swinging her leg back over the powerful machine. Keying the ignition, she sets off back towards the city center, intending to report in to the enclave. As she feeds the engine fuel and feels the power surging between her thighs, she lets loose with the throttle, feeling the air whip through her hair and letting all her senses rest, feeling only this moment, as she returns to base, making the most of this trip as she takes less direct paths when presented. Freedom. So delicious. So deadly. She loved it. But not as much as she loves the CBSS

(If you didn't have anything you wanted to do, we for sure have some other things I can send you out on. Vadhat has plenty to offer, or we can get you back to Pelasgon too)

(Current plan from my end, report mission, request transport, while waiting for transport hit the local bars or whatever else to find a traitor or 2. Will be a good goldfish though, and gladly take on any other hooks or plot lines. I'm pretty down for whatever.

)

(I'm always going to default to you if you've got a direction. Consider me a backup)

18:55

Returning to the choking smog of Phosphoria, you're given priority access to a communications uplink as well as a private suite of rooms so you can rinse and relax after protecting the minister. Food is laid out for you, a better fare than what most of the laborers would be able to get their hands on, but most of the laborers cant also claim to have saved their planet's highest political figure from certain death twice in one day

(Consider me willing to take just about any and every hook though. lol) Body worn out from the excitement and the time on the bike, Zasha collapses into the comms chair and drapes her legs over the arm, reclining in an almost treasonous amount of luxury. Pulling the dataslate into her lap, she grabs the stylus and keys in her security access, and while waiting for it to authorize, plucks one of the rich dark grapes from the platter, and slowly savors the flavors as it pops in her mouth. Closing her eyes, she revels in the juice as it slides down her throat, before returning to the task at hand.

ROUTING: CBSS>INTERNAL>PELSAGON>ENCLAVE
ATTN: CHAIRMAN
FROM: ***** ******** (ZG11529)
SITREP: 
TASK ACCOMPLISHED, PRIMARY HVT SUCCESSFULLY EXFILTRATED.
HOSTILES ATTEMPTED (2) TIMES TO ELIMINATE HVT
(2) BOMBS AND AT LEAST (1) SNIPER
POSSIBLY LOCAL THREAT
AWAITING FURTHER ORDERS OR WILL EVAC WITH NEXT FLIGHT

GLORY TO THE CBSS

Setting the stylus down and returning to the task at hand, she pulls the platter into her lap, and, having savored the fruits of the vine, tears wolfishly into the spread. Calling out to the laborers through crumbs, she looks around somewhat whistefully, but not surprisingly, at the lack of whisky in the comms station. She could really use a drink as her mind brings back the sniper round * cracking *as it hit behind her. Two birds, one stone. Calling out to the staff, she asks, Proshu proshcheniya, excuse me but, hypothetically speaking, if I wanted to say, meet some local friends, in a place with lots of shadows, where I wouldn't want any ministry officials to see me, where would I have a drink?" Who would be likely to be an enemy to the CBSS though... "Maybe a place where the bourgeoisie used to frequent."

“Admirals club is where most of them used to spend time debating ideas. Front of the building is gone now, have to use the alley door Lots of the old guard that didn’t go to prison still spend time there. They keep to themselves for the most part, but don’t flash anything official”

"Danka" With those simple instructions, Zasha will finish up her meal, and then head out into the city, looking to find the alley entrance

The door in question is heavily rusted, with the words BEWARE OF DOG mostly worn away. You can only tell what was once written here because the space the letters used to occupy is less rusted than the rest of the door A closed vision slit 2/3 of the way up can look out from within if anyone knocks, but it is closed right now

~~Zasha approaches, but doesn't knock yet, instead, she engages her mind to try and sense the minds and moods of any that might be behind the steel.~~ (edited)

(The targets for telepathic contact have to be visible to establish something, so right now you wouldnt be able to sense anything)

14:12

(When you do see someone, the contact is instant)

Staring at the door, she ruminates on if she should try staking out the place, or maybe some other clever attempt at sussing out a form of entry... A few minutes later, she found herself rapping her knuckles with the back of her hand against the big iron door.

A small slit opens in the door, and a pair of weather beaten eyes look out onto the street. ""Yes?"

"Yes.... what? This is ze Admirals club still, yes? I have thirst and credits."

(You could make contact with him now and I know you’re not here much right now so in the interest of time I’ll reveal that he is bored and tired of guard duty, likely to make mistakes or overlook things )

04:51

“Credits? I could do with a few of those. Maybe would move away from the door to pick them up and you slip inside. I don’t know. Such a silly thing to say”

"Oh, yes, I meant to alert you to this fact of 500 credits found in the alley way. Perhaps you have a lost and found where you could keep safe, yes? Wow... so silly, normally I keep for myself."

“Ah I think I have a safe place here in my pocket” The door slides open on heavy bolts and a truly ugly brute of a man stands behind it. He moves aside, hand outstretched. The hallway to the right of him winds into the guts of the building. Mint green tile makes up the flooring and out here it maintains the resemblance of a lack of care thst the bar inside probably does away with

"Spasiba, may it find its rightful owner." Zasha places the credit chit in his hand and folds his fingers delicately on top of it. While his type would have been offputting for some, he gave off an almost home feeling of security to her. His type were exactly the gentlemen that would have protected her previously. Shame she hadn't always brought the guard. She makes her way down the hallway, somewhat half aware, practically a trip down memory lane, even down to the flickering fluorescent pasting shadows on the walls.

The club opens to a gathering of well dressed men and women , sitting around a rich mahogany bar and layered wood with cushion. Several booths are filled with patrons having drinks and complaining about the new order

A scar crooked smile grew on her face. She may not have been here before, but she'd been in many places just like it. Her shoulders relaxed and she shook some of the stiffness of her gait off with each step closer to the bar. For now, she paid little heed to these malcontents. The ones openly complaining would be those that had been bourgeoisie, for sure. But unlikely to use IEDs or snipers. "Barmen. Whiskey, please." She didn't wait to be addressed as she held up 3 fingers while pulling out a seat that would keep the worst parts of her in shadow.

All around you the locals are talking about missing the old order already and the generous corporate accounts that now are assets for the use of all people, and will serve to help rebuild this world. Getting their corporate thralls to rise up has not worked and they have no reason to oppose a system where life might be better for them

(post here when returning)