Once everything was settled he made the proper arrangements to have his gear stowed in his new quarters.  He still had some things he needed to take care however for the most part everything was in order now to his satisfaction.  While taking time to stow away his belongings he receives Mixtzin's message about the event tomorrow evening and retrieves a small suitcase he had stuffed away.

"Seems I'll be needing this after all..."  He pulls out a finely tailored black suit from the case laying it out on his bed...

He returns to his task of taking care of his belongings before finally getting settled for the evening.  He hangs up his suit and changes into something a little more relaxed such as sweats and tshirt as he decides to take the opportunity to get some PT in before settling in for the night.  He shoots a quick message to Mixtzin inviting him along as he begins making his rounds through the ship.

He starts off at a brisk walk moving through the corridors, working to memorize a good path for him to use once they were deployed.  As a man of process and due diligence he wanted to make the most of his time here which meant staying active and prepared for anything.

Invitations from the Quetzl High Commission, Suhn Shae

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Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

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Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

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Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

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Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin

---

Dress: Formal

RSVP:  Cuappetlatl-Ocelopetlatl, Ilhuicac-Yaotlahueliloque, Itzcuauhtli Tlilectic-Mixtzin
This message was last edited by the player at 11:22, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

“Elsbeth, it would seem that you and T’risa have been leading very interesting lives since our paths last crossed.  I look forward to learning more of your joint exploits, as, I expect, will my old commander, Extli-Quantzin."

“Trisa, I have arranged for an invitation to be sent to Serana, as she is now part of the crew.  Do you think we should include Kronos?  I will send guidelines to all of the crew.”

"Why tragically Nera?  I am sure you will be resplendent in you dress uniform," Mixtzin's tone is slightly bantering, but his facial feathers and shade of skin do not so much as flicker, "My people reckon social standing to a very fine degree.  Everyone knows their place in society to within the nearest yoctometre, which is not to say that there is no possibility of elevation, as some manage by service.  Traditionally we are very formal and courteous with each other until permission is offered to be less so.  His Excellency, High Commissioner Pipiltin Etzhuanhuanca-Extli-Quantzin should be addressed, initially, as Your Excellency, if you cannot manage his full names and titles.  He is not a stickler for formality, but it is always a good idea to begin formally.  I will make the traditional obeisance of Kissing the Earth, tlalqualiztli, to one of superior rank, and greet him courteously ‘Mixpantzinco Pipiltin Etzhuanhuanca-Extli-Quantzin.’ "

“Kissing the Earth, tlalqualiztli, is done by going down on one knee, with head lowered, touching one hand to the floor and then to the lips, like so,” he then Kisses the Earth toward Nera.  “Mixpantzinco, Legendary Captain Nera Kalaperna.”  Rising from the deck of the Audacious Rose, “It will not be necessary for any of you to make this obeisance.  You may make whatever culturally accepted formal greeting you wish.”

After his discussion with T'risa, Nera and Elsbeth, Mixtzin responds to the message from Kendrick, accepting his invitation for a little PT, "A very good idea Rick, give me a few minutes to change."  Returning to his stateroom next to the sick, bay he quickly changes into some fresh fatigues and trots off to join Kendrick.

he smiles seeing Mixtzin as he steps out of his room trotting up to him in a light jog, beads of sweat starting to build on the side of his face.

"Ahh there you are old friend, shall we?"  He motions to him and they take off on their jog in tandem through the ships corridors.

"I've been trying to commit the ship's layout to memory and thought what better way then to see where I can do my workouts"  moving from the state rooms they make their way across the ship eventually making their way into a cargo area where he looks for a somewhat open spot they can work in.

"So tell me more about this T'risa we've signed on with?" drops down to the deck starting his push ups doing sets of 50 at time before changing it up and doing situps
This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

What the hell?

The invitation slipped under his door was something of a surprise, but Cain had been to all kinds of parties before, some lewder than others (he smiled at that), and he knew he could present himself well when the time arrived. Nothing too stiff, of course, but something formal and yet stylish would fit the bill.

He considered for a moment heading back to the ship to see how the refit was going, but instead opted just to send messages to Alex, Kendrick and T'risa, to see if they had all been invited.

Lynn moved around the ship, checking every exposed piece and double checking anything she saw being installed. She flittered from spot to spot like a kid at Christmas, poking into everything without being distracting. She talked with workers, making sure each piece being installed was in the right places before she went to the engine room and began inspecting every single part. She also made sure to check the crawl spaces to be sure there was nothing exposed and that she could wriggle through all the spots, which made many a worker smile.

When her pad beeped she pulled it out, hanging upside-down by her legs, and read the invite.

"Another fancy pants party? Pfft."

She almost replied with a no, but as this was her new crew it was likely not a request. So she replied with an affirmative.

"Hmmm...I guess I can put on my good overalls..."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Fri 09 Oct 2015.

A squad of young looking men, and women filed aboard. All fresh faced, wide eyed, and looking around curiously. Herding them along came Poppy who barked out berthing orders and duty assignments in crisp drill instructor style. The Comically over sized smokey the bear hat, swagger stick, and authority glasses completing the picture.

At a closer look the too perfect skin, and identical spikey haircut, and lack of any personal jewelry, or modifications, along with the strange, graceful, but awkward looking at the sae time walk marked them a Cyberoids, fresh.....newly decanted cyberoids.

she hit the all call button on the ships PA.

Marshal, Prometheus sent us a batch of newbies to lend a hand....Dern kids,got lost on the docks...had to rescue one from a really sleezy looking dock hand... Momma Poppy has it all under control...I may need some bail money though...."

"Nera, a group of disreputable looking types in Navy fatigues are looking for you..."

Mixi, there's a package for you...

Elspeth, fresh load of ordnance, and guns on the docks... Thought you'd like to see that it's in proper order...


Balkiir say's dinner is at 1800...and if you don't eat he will find you, and force feed you...He'll do it too..saw him...It was messy..."

Nera sighed with relief.

"Another date with the uniform postponed," she grinned.

"Poppy," she said, queuing the link, "Please send my associates to ready room A, I will join them there presently."

Nera bounded up the gangway, easily avoiding the working techs. Dealing with the Navy was easy, dealing with diplomatic functions, that was another matter.

Some Notes on Protocol for Dinner at the Quetzl High Commission:

To:
   Colonial Marshal T'risa K'mahda, Commander of the Audacious Rose
   Lady Lynn Winters
   Legendary Captain Nera Kalaperna
   Pilot Tal Atvar
   Marine Sergeant Elsbeth Sinclair-Smythe
   Marine Balkiir Kovul
   Marine/Agent Kendrick Johnson
   Scout Cain Betler
   Audacious Rose AI Serana
   Poppy
   Adept Alejades PushK'Hal

Purpose:

The purpose of this dinner is an exchange of information concerning SHE, and what may be done to avert the existential threat posed by this entity, and to discover what assistance my people can offer in this endeavor, and also in the recovery of Mohljaniir technology from the Najuhlim.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• My people reckon social standing to a very fine degree.  Everyone knows their place in society to within the nearest yoctometre.  Please let me know if I have your titles shown correctly, so that I may introduce you appropriately to Pipiltin Etzhuanhuanca-Extli-Quantzin.

• Colonial Marshal K'mahda has, graciously and generously, offered her credit facilities to those in need of funds for this occasion.  Any crew member who feels the need may have their purchases for this occasion charged to her account.

• Traditionally we are very formal and courteous with each other until permission is offered to be less so.  His Excellency, High Commissioner Pipiltin Etzhuanhuanca-Extli-Quantzin should be addressed, initially, as Your Excellency, if you cannot manage his full names and titles.  He is not a stickler for formality, but it is always a good idea to begin formally.

• I will make the traditional obeisance of Kissing the Earth, tlalqualiztli, to one of superior rank, and greet him courteously, "Mixpantzinco Pipiltin Etzhuanhuanca-Extli-Quantzin," and then introduce each of you to my old friend, and former commander, His Excellency, Lord Blood Glutton.

• Tlalqualiztli, Kissing the Earth, is done by going down on one knee, with head lowered, touching one hand to the floor and then to the lips.  I will demonstrate the method for any of you who wish to make this formal greeting, although it will not be necessary for any of you to make the gesture.  You may make whatever culturally accepted formal greeting you wish.

• While Colonial Marshal K'mahda has not made attendance mandatory, she asked me to convey her thanks to the High Commissioner, and to let him know that she will attend with the crew of the Audacious Rose.

It is my hope and wish that you will all attend, and enjoy the hospitality of the Quetzl High Commission, and of my friend, Lord Blood Glutton.  Let us make this a fruitful meeting.

Mixtli

T'risa smiled knowing Poppy would see the new recruits safe, although no doubt they'd all be as quirky as she by the time their period of service was complete. "Take care of them Poppy. You're responsible for them now. I'll write a thank you note to Prometheus for entrusting us with the care of these people." She paused for a moment "Bail money? What did you do this time? Actually, no never mind. Feel free to draw on my resources."

Mixtzin wasn't expecting a package and wondered what it could be, "Thank you Poppy.  Do you have any idea what it might be, or from whence it came?"

Poppy's announcement of dinner, and Balkiir's offer of assistance in feeding those who are late to table, causes his skin to flash bright blue in response.  He and Kendrick must be careful not to be late.

Watching as Poppy hands over the package to Mixtzin he hops to his feet as well.  "Seems that Dinner will be ready soon.  I am going to head back and get cleaned up"  It's with that he pats his old friend on the shoulder and a trots off back to his room where he takes some time to shower off and change into some crew fatigues.

Elsbeth chirped a "Roger that, Poppy.  Thank you." as she was already on the move back to the receiving dock.  Balkiir was likely still there dealing with the movement of all the rest of the incoming supplies.  Which, of course, meant that there was still plenty to be done.

Having dropped off the two hardcases for Serana, the armoured Praetorian threaded her way through the ship back to the cargo area.  She dodged a couple of the different work areas without having to refer back to her HUD and the ship's schematic that she'd stored there.  A fact which satisfied her immensely.

Back at the cargo ramp, indeed, she did find Balkiir surrounded by a number of crates.  The huge, dark-blue Valkiir male was sorting through the various cases and checking out the armaments.  Moving up along side him, Elsbeth started to unpack one of the other cases, checking through the contents and then making sure that everything appeared to check out.

As she worked from crate to crate, she asked the bulky blue man rather idly, "Friend Balkiir.... what exactly is the appropriate attire for a Valkiir consort and an active duty Colonial Marine when meeting with a high-ranking Quetzl dignitary?"  Given his psychic awareness and close connection to her, Elsbeth was pretty sure that her genuine confusion concerning the matter was clearly resonating.  If the past was any indication, she was pretty sure that he'd have plenty of ideas about what was appropriate formal wear (Valkiir males seemed to be groomed that way given their elevated status due to their relative rarity).  And what she would look good in.  Of course, the two didn't necessarily coincide, but he hadn't lead her too far astray yet.

Go with dress blues,blade and sidearm." Balkiir suggested splitting his time between kitchen and store room."I haven't ever met a Quetzl leader type. But they are pretty formal...so we'll give them the spit polish, and medals look.."

In reply to Mixtzin (msg # 26):

It's kinda heavy and smells like...(sound of sniffing) chocolate, and tobacco...and..wow I need to replace a chem sniffer..something in here is ...wowwwww hot....If they could my eye would be bleeding.

Nera's good mood after speaking to her people soured somewhat as she struggled into her dress uniform.

The tightly tailored suit of silver trimmed black that served the TAEN as a dress uniform was not comfortable. A black jacket that buttoned to the neck with intricate silver threading at the seams. Long black pants, tailored to tuck into black boots polished to a mirror shine. The buckles were worked silver as were her intrcately embroidered epaulets. That was the standard fair. To this she added a belt of silvery synthetic from which hung a chrome plated side arm and a ceremonial saber in a guided scabbard. It's handle held almost twenty five sapphires, one for each year of her service.

The final insult was her medals, foremost amongst them the Star of Terra she had won at Rothchilde. It was an impressive haul, but it seemed a little silly. Each one reminded her of some past battle. She didn't think of herself as a hero, just as someone who tried to get the job done and keep her people alive. She was never good enough to keep all her people alive though, never.

With a sigh she added her saucer hat and headed out of her quarters, jingling irritatingly.

"Poppy," she queued the voice link, "When everyone is ready please have them assemble in the main hold, there should be transport arranged."

One of her sailors came to mock attention as she passed.

"Looking good ma'am," he grinned. Nera gave him a mock glare.

"If it wasn't beneath my dignity Simpkins I'd hit you with this damn sword."

"That butter cutter wouldn't even leave a decent welt." Simpkins replied with a good natured snort then went back to helping a work gang with the heavy lifting.

At some point in the days leading up to the party, before he went out gambling with Tal Alex returned to the ship with a short and thin newly hatched cyberoid in tow. However the fellow already seemed to be running Alex about with questions.

Alex would have introduced him as Mr Soleil and shown him to the labs and stateroom they would be working from.

Mr Soleil approaches the ship like a model on a runway. He frowns at the workers and seems to float just above any filth in the dock.  He wears a suit of his own design with platform heeled shoes stockings and uniform-like jacket with stars on a blue field a fluer de Lys pattern accentuated at the neck. He carries a small foux velvet man-purse. The whole concoction is a tailored Vacc suit Alex was required to purchase through the cyberoid center.

When Mr Soleil reaches the ship, he daintily picks up his feet at the threshold and steps on board with a happy sigh.

Alex shows him around the lab and stateroom, Mr Soleil shakes his head at the resources available but keeps up a positive face.

"Oh HI!!!!!!" Poppy squealed with delight and rushes up to Soleil giving him a huge hug as she jumps up and down slightly. "ohyouaregoingtoloveithereloveitloveitloveit....Alex is the sweetest guy, you really are going to like him a lot did you have any trouble getting the paperwork finished I know a guy who specializes in accessories for new arrivals the would be happy to spruce up your chassis if they stuck you with one of those creator curse mechanical chassis oh my god I cant believe thy still issue those things I mean they are atrocious like walking around in somebody elses body and the latency on the neural nets...just shoot me okay...I mean seriously shoot me but not the  butt I just got a new one and I'd have to shoot back if someone messed it up..I love the heels very risky fashion wise these new outfits are soooooo form and function no spice at all .. Poppy actually paused for a breath, for show if nothing else. She wore a pseudo uniform, standard Valkiir militia dove gray with brown panels over he chest and shoulder. the mini skirt, crossed pistol belts, grenades, makeup case, and pink kitty face button on her collar instead of rank set it apart though.

"Oh sorry I'm Poppy...I run things around here...Oh sorry I expedite things, scheduling, supplies, mail, you know the little things that make fighting a war against a psycho she terror possible.And I'm an old hand at dealing with organics, they are so cute but you really have to know how to deal with them."

Mr Soleil cringes at the sudden assault he's only been in the world 30 minutes and this is the first tactile feedback, he holds his arms up to deflect and is grabbed suddenly EAAAHGHG! he begins Thank the universe it isn't organic his isolated executive function moans inside his head, referring to Poppy. He continues his glutteral fear shriek and converts it to a greeting.
ghAaHhello my dear - I uh do not think ill be shooting until er well Wednesday.... his smile is a full pungent grimace and he pulls apart using the opportunity to give her air kisses on the cheek and back up into ha graceful bow at an appropriate distance where he can kiss the air just above her hand.
My it will be LOVELY to learn all the chasis options and work in a well bounded professional environment. Schmooze drips like honey from his lips if he gets a moment of space.

"Fabulous." Poppy smoozed back with a smile that seemed impossibly bright and cheery."Although with this crew you might want to leave shooting penciled in for any day ending in Y"

Poppy hooked his arm without warning and began to move with purpose." This way to your quarters, I know Alex showed you the lab. but the gang has set up a little clubhouse down in cargo bay two..very exclusive... we have a shiny new tank just to hang out in. Lots of spare room for private servers, and a full data-net. With real time dynamic virtual simulators....with one thousand to one time compression...you can have a whole month of down time on a coffee break!!!!...It's not the center but it's good for just hanging out and kicking back when your on down time...I mean don't get me wrong I love my body..but sometimes it's just nice to slip out of it, and run around naked."


OOC: "tank" referrers to a virtual simulator for personal use by the AI on the ship..typically it's used for recreational activities, private study/research.

"naked" referrers to not being housed in a physical chassis... pure code inside a simulated environment.

At Poppy's invitation regarding the tank and now from a safer distance Louis does truly smile.

Well now you do have my interest.
He says thinking of the opportunity.
I feared I would be ... he doesn't finish the thought but she knows, of course. Stuck in the confines of positive curvature space with no perspective but self. Necessary sure but droll.

He perks up seeing Poppy as not just a bouncy kitten man worshipping inferior cyberoid. But as a very useful and resourceful.... What is it? ... Friend.

<darkblue> Tell me Poppy, if you please , Are Commodore Kaliperna and Marshall K'mahda the most senior officials running this mission?
...
And is it possible I am invited to this meet and greet with His Excellency the Blood Glutton?
I am prepared to attend even if it means as only a s..servant of Professor PushK'Hal. The prospect of it has got me in a twitter<darkblue>
He speaks privately, leaning in.

thought you were going to ...be trapped on a ship full of squishy fluid bags obsessed with social pecking order, resource hoarding, personal dominance, and sexual reproduction, who drip, and slough off all sorts of biological trash every second of their life........Yeah we all get that feeling once or twice a day. Just remember the universe has decided that they needed someone to keep them from going extinct and we got the job....ours is a tragic lot...utterly superior in every way but fated to serve..." Poppy feigned a tragic long suffering swoon. Poppy then laughed as she led him around the ship and down to the "Cyberoid Lounge". at its center a large, sealed sphere with a number of interface couches and data ports. and a sign that read..."organics will be politely, and respectfully vaporized." in big slightly off kilter letters.

""They are the leaders of the operation, although they haven't worked out the exact balance of responsibilities yet..I'm expecting some sort of ritual challenge. I'm picturing a big pit, with spikes and flame jets, and some archaic weaponry...or a cup of tea in the officers lounge over a plate of cookies...ya never know....I've worked with the Marshall, she's quick, intuitive, professional, and has a penchant for antagonizing centuries old megalomaniacs with a large fleet at their disposal...other than that she's okay."

"I think we're on the list as associates...."Poppy whispered "I was heading to my quarters to get dressed for the event. I have a new set of arms I have been waiting to debut..so if you want to go put on your best enviro-suit and meet me at the landing pad..I'll sneak you in."