Darrel, Khea and Tolman head up to the elite restaurant/nightclub known as the Tropic of Sir Galahad. Although your group does not have reservations, as it turns out, there are always two or three tables reserved for VIPs. They are hardly likely to turn away someone of the Count's status; just Darrel being there will raise revenues at least 10% for the next month, dropping to 1-3% for the next year.


The decor is Retro-Chic (art deco), and a lot of people are dressed to match. There are tables all around the 360-degree club, with the kitchen and bar in the central area. Technically, there are two bars, each stretching nearly half way around the central area. The two bars are only separated by access openings to the central area. It currently has six bartenders working.

There are maybe 200 people here right now. At first glance, there appears to be no hiding places, but then you notice that there is a shaded booth in each of the four corners.

The maitre'd doesn't even ask for your credentials, but escorts you to one of the VIP tables. It's probable that the club has some sort of facial recognition software installed on its surveillance system... anyone that comes up in the elevator and maybe even that enters the building.

In the center of the table is a miniature version of the building with a Retro-chic veneer placed over it. It projects a discreet holographic display of the menu. It isn't hard to determine that the menus displayed at your table are different from some of the others. It isn't so much that the prices are higher on your menus, but that they offer more expensive dishes.

Khea nervously scans the room and takes in the different scens while being walked to their table, staring at anyone who gives her more than a casual look as it wanting to see if he challenges her.
When seated and he maitre'd is out of hearing range she whispers to Count "I tell you, this evening will end with me clawing one of them. Best get done what we are here for and leave quickly."

In this nightclub, it's extremely unlikely that anyone would be so gauche as to insult, intentionally or no, Khea or any other Aslan. It's the 'modern' age--everyone has seen extensive pictures and video of Aslan, so everyone knows what an Aslan looks like, and probably has a fair (though probably wrong) idea of what an Aslan's personality is like.

So a few that have never actually seen an Aslan in person look a bit longer than a glance, but it does not seem to be challenging in any way. One patron even gives Khea a two-finger salute, indicating that she's met Aslan before and that Khea is welcome to join her at her table if the opportunity and mood present themselves.

Taps the host, "I'd like a corner booth."


"I agree, we're here for information, but, sometimes one must stop and smell the roses."

Looking over the menu (Assuming there's a fancy Aslan non-alcoholic beverage), turning to Khea,"Why not enjoy one of these while we souse out our potential informant.". And the Count finds a suitable beverage for himself.

Motions to the waiter, pointing out the choices "Thank you."

Waves over Tolman, (Based on the comm/infonet photo description) "Del Vinian, please find and invite him over. By the way, do you have a scrambler, I'd rather not be broadcasting."

"Scramblers are SOP, sir," Tolman replies. "It takes an actual order to shut them off."

"I believe Mr. Del Vinian is the gentleman at the head of the large table gathering over there. What authorization do I have for the invitation?"

In reply to Tolman Jackstadt (msg # 5):

"Tell him I'm interested in expanding my local business operations, and his contacts would prove beneficial."

"Yes, sir. Words only," Tolman replies, and heads over to the indicated table.

At first, the man looks slightly annoyed, then his expression changes to confusion, finally settling into a hard business negotiation look. He makes some excuse to the table, and then walks back over to the Count's booth in the corner with Tolman.

"Ah, Count Cromwell. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Do we indulge in the social ammenities first, or get right down to business?"

With a sincere smile, "Well, you could kiss my noble ass 1st and I could blather on about your innate business acumen...Or we might just be gentlemen enjoying a social moment."

NOTE: Making sure that a bottle of whatever his favorite drink is arrives at the same time.

OOC: I am sincere, ehhhh...just being funny/clever, anyone of SSB or a businessB, would find this funny.. keep in mind, I'm NOT trying to be a stuck up dick, however my wording might seem. Understand?

"I am truly sorry about disrupting your meal, however, there's somethings I need to discuss with you that are time sensitive. Again, I want to say, which isn't something that I normally do...but, I'm sorry, the importance of the matter precludes that."

Khea decides that for now it is best to stay in the background and observe. Counts introduction was confusing enough for her as she tries to make sense of the pecking order between those two males with her limited understanding of Humaniti society.

You and me both, Khea! I'm still trying to figure out what he said... or didn't say... or whatever....


"Well, then, if time is of the essence, we can certainly skip the amenities and catch up on them some other time," Del Vinian says as he slides into a chair. He eyes the bottle of Dom Perignon a bit speculatively.

"You've got my attention."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 22:59, Wed 14 Jan 2015.