Balkiir had shown up in full kit, fatigues neatly pressed and spotless. His web gear replaced with tooled leather. His side arm a traditional big bore revolver, and his Heavy blade which matched Elspeths. In addition he wore a poly-carapace breastplate fitted with his medals, and awards. looking lighter, and more for dress wear than his typical gear he Stood adujsting his knee boots as the Emissary spoke, then waited for Elisabeth before he boarded.

He looked a bit more polished than he normally did. He wasn't loaded for bear, but his sidearm and sword were more than enough for the average Valkiir man to deal with anything not in full combat kit.

Nera stepped into the shuttle nodding to Balkiir as she passed.

"Ah, Marshall, you are looking lovely," she said truthfully. Nera was kitted out in her dress uniform, a matte black affair with silver piping and a silver sash. It was tailored to a nearly painful form fit. Her rank adornments and buttons were made of polished silver as well and engraved as lovingly as micro lathes could manage. Her boots were of a black synthetic leather that had been polished to a mirror shine. A constellation of campaign ribbons and medals completed the ensemble, her Star of Terra prominent with its diamond clusters.


A chrome plated pistol hung in a black leather holster opposite a scabbarded saber. She smiled at a glance at the sword.

"Yes trust the TAEN, we can kill you from a light second away and the best way to emphasize that is to carry a weapon that only slightly postdates fire."

Alex spent the afternoon looking at formalwear in the tuxedo type rental places and thrift shops near Suri's place. His criteria was to find something the shopkeeper truly believed was amazing that would be wired and have multiple working pockets. That is how he ended up with J-Now's original vintage alexandrite show suit. J-Now was a popular Valkir Teen star from about 40 years ago, before Rajiman became all the rage and long before the stars were going for the whole mystic lawyer church phase. Alex explains to Mr Soleil when he is getting dressed and the cyberoid frowns at the ancient history. It is not so old my friend, and the classics never go out of style. I was a fan of J-Now in my youth. I am recalling the concerts when he wore these kind of suits and my Lady Emily and I would dance all night. I had to have this.

He explains further. You see J-Now was the complete package, singer, dancer, actor even a composer. One tour he was wearing the same suit at every concert. Many were made this is one, collecting item you see? They are being active and painted alexandrite. This is changing color depending on the light based on a purely natural property like the stone.

The active part was the internal wiring which allowed the suit to be controlled to produce LCD effects and images, including holo projection video and 3d sound extending out to enhance the effect of the concert. The whole thing is powered by J-Now's dance moves through piezo patches in all the flexion areas. This particular suit is in perfect shape, and though it doesn't have the Holo-projector, Alex uses the wiring and power and hidden pockets for his own gadgetry.

The suit is broad shouldered and slim at the waist with baggy pants. It looks blood red or dark emerald green when switching from Yellow (sun, fire, incandescent) or blue (flourescent, LED) light. And in the wrinkles and shadows as it moves flashes of the other color come and go. Under the jacket, vest and baggy pants is a yellow dress shirt with brown pin stripes and a ribbon Col Sanders Bow tie. There are frills at the wrist. And zip up flat brown leather boots.

Alex did not wear his pistol, and he looks at the others a little unsure.
I was thinking we were having a party not a battle, should I bring weapons?
He asks the Marshal.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Sat 31 Oct 2015.

" I prefer to think of it as "Yes I can kill you from a light second out...but your not worth it, so I brought a slightly over engineered sharp stick." Balkir chuckled warmly as he patted his much heavier, and very practical long sword." We take our blades very seriously."

  When Alex showed up Balkiir  looked at him with a raised eyebrow. then with  the overly serious and puffed up stance of a Valkiir street girl, he walked around him sizing him up.then without warning broke into a very quick series of dance steps, surprisingly graceful and light for a man his size wearing stripped down combat gear and boots. sliding away with a come  at me bro motion." If you wear that suit, you better be able to dance..or tell one hell of a joke..

 Your on a Valkiir world...always bring one or two guns to a party...especially a diplomatic reception....either that or have a dashingly devilish leader, who will charm the feathers off of that old cuss before he knows what hit him."

Alex looks serious
Yes you are right. The man this suit was made for was the greatest dancer. I will be humbled when dancing in it.
I was not knowing you are also a fan of J-Now. Those Who Came Before have covered the verse in synchronicity.

Alex considers the pistol. He decides to leave it. He does draw out and the long chain that is part of his suit and ensures the 20cm black cylanders on the end is loose at his belt level pocket. It will be sufficient he guesses.

I am hoping for the devilish charm.

" The pistol is for show, the real weapon is the man carrying it." Balkiir agreed, patting his ceremonial pistol. I know his stuff, had to do a report of it in cultural studies. Can't match his moves, or his lyrics, but My grandad was a big fan."

"I'm more into classical,a little sturmmetal, a smatter of Kronos.. but ya got to know the big hits.

Tal like Alex had spent the afternoon looking for the right tuxedo and a fire arm as well only deciding later after looking on a cane sword.   The tux he bought was of much older vintage than Alex's.   It was of the style an old fictional character, known as James Bond, would wear.   The cane was an added touch for security purposes because while most parties were sublime they could turn ugly in a hurry.   All in all, he felt like an ancient Victorian styled gentleman with cane and all minus the top hat of course.

When he saw Alex in his suit, Tal just shook his head in unbelief and muffled laughter, but when it changed color he just couldn't believe it more and when both he and the big guy did a jig, Tal almost lost it than and there but quickly turned away in silent if not muffled laughter.   The only other piece of accessories that Tal wore were his high tech mirrored glasses.

When the group had arrived at the shuttle and the lady stepped out and to the side.   He kept quiet and let the introductions be voiced as he entered the spacious carrier, he whispered a silent "WOW".   He hadn't been in something this fancy in a long time, not since his tours of duty when he was in the army and his show of heroism got him promoted.   Tal promptly took his seat and definitely kept his hands to himself.

"I have to assume that we'll be as safe as we might be anywhere at the reception, Alex, my problem is I'm legally required to be armed at all times. To be honest, I'm more adept at destroying peoples minds than at wielding a pistol." She looked around the cabin "I'm glad so many have turned out and that you've all chosen to turn out well. Respecting the man who planned this reception would be a wise thing to do. Thank you all for taking the effort to show up in a manner which shows respect for our host."

Having spent the rest of his evening the night before cleaning up his attire making sure everything was neatly pressed, stray threads burned away, he was ready for this dinner party his old friend had invited him too.  It wasn't his first formal dinner, nor would be his last he figured which is why keeping a suit on hand for such occasions was done more out of habit the necessity.

Looking at his gear he considered including a "deterrent" but decided against it since this outing was likely to have a lot of security in place.  He wasn't much for tech or gadgets so he made sure he at least had a communicator handy.

He followed the group as they boarded their ride taking his seat with the rest of them.  Being on his best behavior he politely sat quietly and nodded to T'risa as she thanked them all for their efforts.

This is funny, because I am shooting with the pistol more expertly than I am harming any mind.

In any case I am keeping my accessory as it is so good at holding this chain and the pocket is just right. 

He pats the heavy black cylinder of his psi sword.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:32, Tue 03 Nov 2015.

Emerging finally from her beloved engine room, Lynn had scrubbed herself free of engine grime and oil and arrived at the reception in a sparkling black dress, cut high up one side and off the opposite shoulder, displaying an impressive amount of cleavage (or an amount of impressive cleavage, depending on your viewpoint). Far from looking low class, the dress was a designer one, and offset by fire opal earrings, necklace, and ring. She wore flats instead of heels, and if she had a weapon in that outfit  she was a magician as well as an engineer.

"Surprisingly, this old thing still fits. Well, it may be a bit tight in places that probably don't need to be pushed up any further, but still..."

She did a little twirl, her blond hair swinging out behind her in a golden halo.

"Any last minute rules I need to know about? Like which fork you use to pick your nose and what is salad and what is just really exotic pets?"

The Emissary smiled and seemed pleased with the turn out, and the general appearance of the guests waiting for transport.

"our kind words are most appreciated Marshal K'mahda. They will reach the ears of his excellency."

"It is indeed considered good form to carry at least a token weapon, or posses a means of self defense." The Emissary informed anyone listening." A weapon of some importance to yourself, your culture, or of family value is often carried by Members of the Quetzal as a gesture of respect. Both to declare your ability to support those you are close to, and as a show that you are willing to defend all that you hold to be of value."

as a symbol of the willingness and ability to defend and support, a member of the Quetzl who has passed the trials of fitness is presented with a Machotle." She opened her outer robe slightl to reveal a bladed weapon sheathed on her hip, the short heavv blade angled sharply forward about halfway up it's length and seemed to be designed for chopping or hacking rather than stabbing It's origin as a useful tool, was rather obvious in it's design.

the particular weapon she wore was housed in a cutaway sheath that displayed the obsidian black glasslike material the blade was formed from.

As the group boarded she stood quietly until hearing Lyns comment.

"Ah, I would be happy to assist in matter of etiquette and personal hygiene." She replied smoothly. Then with a slight smile" If in doubt, use only utensils that are smaller than your auditory appendage,and avoid an with sharp edges.

we are well aware that formal receptions are not always attended by those who have training in diplomacy and etiquette. If you wish a steward will be assigned to assist you in your attempts to avoid embarrassing social actions. We do not wish to cause a person discomfort in their first exposure to Quetzl social functions.. "

"I'm only really vaguely familiar with Quetzl etiquette. I spent some time as a liaison with the Quetzl fleet on a joint maneuver as a staff officer." T'risa intimated to the aide "Please make sure I don't overstep any boundaries."

Nera sat erect in her dress uniform. She had not spent much time with Quetzl before but as a senior flee officer she had spent plenty of times in awkward formal dinners and functions. She kept the barest hint of a smile on her otherwise stern face to give the impression of a serious spacer.

"Is there anything that we should absolutely avoid doing?" She interjected. Spacers tended to have few pretenses, the grueling life aboard ship quickly breaking down any such constructs.

"I don't want to cause any offense by making a social faux paux that is obvious among your people but obscure among my own."

Alex relaxes, a party is a party and he knows how to party. So he hangs out slumped back and tasting his drink until they get there.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Sun 08 Nov 2015.

Elsbeth stood at ease off to the left side of T'risa, one step back.  On her right was Balkiir.  And as per his suggestion, she was in her dress uniform, completely pressed and looking as though she'd never worn it before.  A select set of campaign and performance service ribbons adorned her breast pocket, though she appeared to decline to wear any actual medals on the uniform.  Her sergeant's chevrons and various ribbon were draped upon her shoulder epaulets.  She wore a dark green beret that carried the symbol of CMC force recon - an emblem only worn by those that had completed that training regimen was capped over her shoulder-length black hair which had been pulled back and primly set into a ponytail.

Her various electronics were still present, the earbud in her left ear, the dataglove on her left forearm, and the stylish glasses with the HUD display that was tied into the rest of the networked suite.  And on her hip sat both her mated Valkiir-style long blade in a handworked leather sheathe and in a holster on her thigh, a sturdy sidearm:  a well-cared for, plasma pistol with customized grips and optics.  Both weapons had seen obvious use, but were in excellent working order.  Thankfully, Mixtzin had given the armed contingent a heads-up concerning the display of weapons at the Embassy function.

She carried herself with precision matching the pace of both the Marshal and the large dark blue, Valkiir man to her right, though kept conspicuously quiet and alert as they made their way to the reception.  The tall Praetorian brunette nodded to the Quetzl Emissary and her offer of assistance, "Thank you, Ma'am."  Her physical weapons were already prominently displayed, but she cast a glance at both Balkiir and then T'risa when the remark about the importance of weapons and protect was made; a slight, crooked smile touching her lips for a moment.  She knew that both the Valkiir marine and the O'meadan Marshal were much more dangerous with respect to their potentially unseen abilities.  And that the prominent weapons that T'risa was displaying were those that were accompanying her; Elsbeth, Balkiir and the rest of her company were the real weapon - much more than anything that she actually physically carried herself.

And so, Elsbeth made sure that she looked the part of a ready, living weapon.  One that could show both initiative and follow orders.  And one that could probably eat on her own - with utensils no larger than her auditory appendages and without too many sharp edges (both the utensil and the user...).

The transport lifted almost silently as the last of the party boarded the pilot mae one low pass and accelerated at high speed across the city. From the air the city did not eem to be a major industrial center at all. neatly laid out streets wide tree lined avenues, and tidy housing areas were all that were visible beyond the starport.

like most modern cities the factories were underground cut into the solid bedrock of the low foothills around the city. In addition the valkiir had a tendency to put utilities, and heavy infrastructure underground as well. Not only did it keep their cities clean and quiet Orbital strikes were less likely to do serious damage to the tunnels, and those tunnels gave the Valkiir a fast, well protected path to deploy their soldiers and militia in case of attack.

only a slight shudder marked the sleek transports transition to supersonic speeds once it crossed out over the bay heading north toward the Quetzl enclave. then  a second shudder as it dropped back to subsonic cruise circling over the heavily forested hills that the Quetzl had chosen as their private enclave.

 Stone buildings, and a huge stepped pyramid structure filled the open circle at the center of the small enclave, looking like an archaeological dig more than a city. however a powerful battlecruiser hovering over the landing area  ruined the quaint, low tech, image of the embassy.

the warship bore the insignia of the Quetzl High commission on it's sides, and the pictograms on its nose were those of an Embassy vessel.

"I don't care for the turrent arrangement," Nera spoke quietly, mostly to herself, her attention characteristically on the ship.

"A direct hit on the fowatd quater will send debris carreming back along the hull and take out half the ventral guns. They ought to..." She trailed off. Wary of criticising her allies.

This is looking interesting.

Alex enjoys the view as they approach.

Once seated while he is keeping his hands to himself, and looking around the shuttle cabin, he feels prompted to complement the ladies within the party, as if he hasn't done so individually already.   "You ladies look absolutely exquisite this evening.   You really look great, all decked out in either evening gown or dress uniform," he said as he felt rather humbled to be in such highly dressed company and clearly feeling out of place.
When the shuttle arrived at its final destination around the Battlecruiser, all he could think about was, "Wow, look at the size of that thing and we going to probably be going into it pretty quick so be on your best behavior."   And a cold chill of foreboding ran up his spine and it was all he could do to keep from either shaking himself or showing just how much nervous he was.

"I believe every species in the galaxy has their own tastes when it comes to war. No doubt you think Tau ships are rather fragile and overgunned too?" T'risa smiled as she made the comment "Not everyone fights in the same way. Rest assured that the Quetzl know what they're doing. I've taken part in some wargames with them and our losses were significantly higher than the Tau high command were expecting, even with battle witch support."

Nera smiled the non-committal smile that every officer learned early in their careers. It didn't contradict but nor did it agree. There seemed little point in lecturing the other woman on naval architecture when her own comment had only been a passing thought. Also her opinion on Tau ships was most definitely covered by the Official Secrets Act. She was momentarily tempted to point out that causalities were usually higher than you expected when your ships were fragile and over-gunned but the impulse passed.

"I've served alongside Quetzl in the past, they can be ferocious. It will be interesting to see what those they consider diplomatic are like. "

The Ihcuil'tic "It Is Written" is one of our older vessels. We do not usually send our front line warships on Diplomacy missions. It is His excellencies last combat flagship,, he requested it as his embassy when he was elevated to the High Commission." The Emissary replied with a smile. She seemed to pay close attention to Nera's analysis." Our last engagement revealed weaknesses in it's structural design ,reinforcements have been made internally.

 Quetzl force direction technology is more responsive...the addition of axial force directors the rotation of the ship is sufficient to bring her batteries into firing position at any significant target."

The transport sat down, and fifteen fully armored Quetzl marines stood in full dress, with armor , weapons, and obsidian visors polished to a high sheen, brilliant feathered capes covering their shoulders, and the Jaguar pictograph on their chest plates. A human woman stood at the head of the group wearing a short linen Kilt, and simple chest rap, she wore no weapons or armor, and did not have the same colorful accouterments.

Good greetings to you. Alex says, he's waiting for the events to unfold.
He watches the woman with the Warriors, interested.

Elsbeth looked out the shuttle window at the Quetzl battle cruiser.  She ignored the conversation on its potential shortcomings and simple let out a low whistle.  True, it wasn't a dreadnought - and she'd seen a number of those inside and out.  It may be a touch naive to some, but, she found the massive spines to be subtly elegant and exotically alien in their curvature.  The tall Praetorian bumped Balkiir gently with her elbow, motioning with her head to have him join her at the view port as she gawked a bit.

Plus, as an experienced gunner, Elsbeth could appreciate the presence of the inordinate amount of firepower that those spines might bring to any party.

When they docked, Elsbeth resumed her place just behind T'risa as her escort.  She looked at fifteen armoured Quetzl and felt under-dressed for a brief moment.  But it was only a moment.  Like she and Balkiir, the CMC Marine understood that they were primarily for show.  Professionally, she appreciated the display.  Personally, she wondered whether they might get a chance to talk shop.  The lanky brunette cast around for Mixtzin, intending to ask if etiquette might actually allow them to talk freely with the battle-dress adorned guards.

Still, she knew such questions could wait.  The raven-haired marine stood 'at ease', inclining her head slightly to acknowledge the woman with the honor guard.  Her hands clasped behind her back for the moment, Elsbeth stood and waited for T'risa to approach the kilted woman that awaited them.