It's the next day and things seem normal. After being stonewalled, T'shock eventually gave up for the time being and found a place to sleep. CHAD was updated by Jaq on the truth of the matter behind the Drizzeleaf incident. And now Jaq knows CHAD has been taking orders from either a voice in his head or a fairy (I'll let the players decide that one). CHAD's requirements are now known as well (can't have a character dying within one chapter, now can we?). Nono had the chance to work on Drizz's ship till nightfall (I'm excited to see the improvements). Joe clearly had nothing better to do than to find a place to stay as well and meet up with T'shock at the place she agreed to meet Nono at. Nash has enough information from his research to allow the player easy access to question-answer sessions with the GM about the Piressens either through PM or IM before each post he makes (I look forward to this). Lucky has since been informed of the Lockman competition that's going on today and that he should be there if only as eyes. Elena found a place to stay that has been reserved specifically for new arrivals (More specifically, people from places that don't have a claim on the settlement) and there are Blissians and thus, got Elena to socialize some with others of her own kind (as did Miya due to the other Deksharr bodyguards). By way of reminder, Jaqueline has a meeting with a Lockman rep today.

The News:
"A robbery occurred last night at the Barrak establishment, the robber having taken something the Barrakians refuse to inform us about."
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:52, Sat 24 Apr 2010.

Nono would have welcomed Driz to stay the night on his ship, and he would have worked most of the time that he had on the tiny ship while relying on Cid to keep Ray away from her and keeping her entertained, two tasks Cid could handle no prob.

Gleaning what he learned from the solid construction of T'Shock's ship, Nono added several detachable black armor panels to Driz's ship, making it look something like this: http://www.uncrate.com/men/ima...n-begins-tumbler.jpg  What's more fun than making a Barakian ship into a hotrod?  Let me rephrase that.  What's AS fun as making a Barakian ship into a hotrod?  Making a tiny fragile fey ship into a TANK!  Kupohoho!

Of course, Nono took the liberty of painting his own logo and phone number on one of the panels like he's a sponsor for a Nascar or something.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Sat 24 Apr 2010.

Walter was the one to lead Elena and Miya to "Noobtown" as Walter called it.  Lucky got himself a room at the same hotel Elena did and morning finds him enjoying breakfast in the public dining area.  Not the fancy digs he's become accustomed to, but he's certainly not above hanging out with Blissians who he's been chatting with about how he plans to found a hospital with Elena's help.

"I suspect this Lockman competition will be the perfect opportunity to pitch the idea," he says before lowing his voice some, "I can't imagine they'd host one that didn't wind up involving injuries."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Sat 24 Apr 2010.

  The trend of a Darkthorne having 'been there the whole time' was not the case today, as Joe was currently on his way to where they had figured on meeting up with T'Shock and Nono again.

  'Would it be reasonable expectations or stereotyping to figure she is going to want to look into those robbery thing?' Joe wondered, as they went  by a convenient in passing scenery example of the news.

  Regardless, Joe reached his destination without incident (so far), and looked around for those he planned on meeting.

OOC Style: Can't think of anything else Joe would have done different (they don't know T'Shock well enough to let em crash on his suited for living ship... Well, maybe if they asked).  Ah, and fitting a Metron Style Guncam to his handguns.

C.H.A.D. lies on his bunk staring at the cieling, discoving a new activity: letting his mind wander.  He goes over the events of the day before over and over.  Everything was new, none of it what he expected.  There was no combat, no mission was specified, save the one from the small voice, and he was wrong for following it.  Normally such mistakes would cause a soldier to be ejected from his troop.  For him that's his only use, what would he do if he lost his commander.  He realises he can't decide things for himself when he dosen't even know his options.

Jacqueline, unsurprisingly, has woken up early today to prepare herself for the meeting with the Lockman representative. Her hair is combed out and straightened in all the right places to frame her face and bring attention to it for communication. Even her fur was especially smoothed out and given an extra bit of brush today than normal. Currently, she's wearing a dark violet suit, perfectly pressed and making her purpose of business quite clear. The others on her ship know this as her 'Business' suit, with a capital B. It's no secret that she fully understands just how lucrative and important this deal is going to be.

Currently, she's waiting in her small conference room, patiently going over what she knows about the Lockman empire and what she specifically wants and needs out of this partnership for the Diamant casino. She's having a small glass of wine with her reading this morning. Only one to get her blood pumping for the morning and keep her relaxed.


Sabre has since been assigned to watch over CHAD primarily, if only because of his success the previous day in getting him to return of his own free will. The previous day, after his return and explanation, saw CHAD being given a full briefing on where everything in the ship is located and who his superiors are. His specific training for his position, however, is to begin today.

Sabre arrives at CHAD's quarters with a tray of food, offering it to the giant. "Breakfast this morning, Chad. I think, once we get everybody used to you, we'll have you eating with the other security officers." He smiles hopefully at him, "Speaking of which, you have one hour to eat before you're to report to the cargo bay. You'll be getting started in your position today... and also get more of a uniform."

Nash is getting prepared today for the contest. He still has no idea what this contest is going to be, but he's prepared himself with knowledge about the area and Lockman, as well as the local culture involved in this. He still doesn't have the speech down, but he doesn't plan on speaking much anyway unless he has to. At the very least, he's looking the part.

His mind races, What's going to happen today? What's this contest going to be? Probably dangerous. Probably cut-throat. Can I do that? Not if it involves fighting. Maybe it will be a test of knowledge? Trivia? No... that's stupid. This is going to be dangerous... but I can do this. Relax. Stay calm. Keep up appearances.

Considering his wings, he still cannot wear a shirt, but he's otherwise dressed more like the others in the area, biding his time and keeping his ears sharp for more information on what's going to be happening today.

Elena and Miya are both in very relaxed conditions at the moment, being able to converse with their own kind again.

Elena is swift to tell the other Blissians about her plan for a hospital in the area and tell them about what happened with Jason and Lucky.  She's quick to applaud Lucky for all the help he's given, wanting to include him in the telling as much as possible. At his mention of the competition, Elena is at first excited at his talking of opportunity for getting a hospital moving... but the reasoning for it makes her frown, Oh... Is it really going to result in a lot of people getting hurt? Shouldn't we do something to kind of stop that so that fewer get hurt and need immediate treatment?"

Miya is still keeping tabs on Elena, but she's also taking the opportunity to relax her guard a little around her fellow Deksharr. They may not jump to protect Elena as quickly as they'd move to protect their own clients, but she's certain that only an idiot would cause trouble with so many trained arms around. In her mind, that means she only needs to keep watch out for Walter, for now.

Miya isn't one to gossip, so she keeps information about Elena and her purpose to herself for now, especially since the Blissian has been doing a fine job of representing herself on it so far.

Drizzeleaf's ship not only looks like the wicked Bat-Tank of the "Batman Begins" movie, but is even more durable size-to-durability-ratio wise. Ironically due to its size. Similar to how a lego construction has a very hard time breaking if built right, Drizzeleaf's ship is now something like that, but metal.

When she sees it, she squeals in delight and hovers over to kiss Nono on the cheek. "This is great! I *have* to fly it into the restaurant you're meeting the barrakian in and park on the table!" she says with much enthusiasm. "That is, if the restaurant isn't one of those "no fae ships allowed inside" types." she says the last part in a disappointed "spoiled sports" tone, having experience behind that statement.

T'shock is waiting there, wearing Barrakian style clothing (viking-like hide "armor" of sorts). She notices Joe and waves him over. "Got us a table. C'mon, let's order. I'm hungry and getting much hungrier by the minute." and she goes to have a seat. "Sleep well?" she asks once seated with Joe.

One of the blissians at "noobtown" is none other than Billy. He's leaning in a chair, guitar in his lap as he is plucking away some beautiful classical piece, humming along to it in his angelic voice. He has no robe or sunglasses here. He just wears those when he goes out so that he's not bothered by too many "oh look a Blissian!" tourists. It's a common practice among Blissians who are far from their home-world for a long time. He is such a case.

His ears pirk as he overhears the conversation between Lucky and Elena. "Stop a Lockman competition?" he says with a chuckle, his voice as soothing as ever, "That would cause more hurt than help. Let them have their fun. I'm sure it won't even amount to broken bones. Just bumps and bruises. Think of it like a race. There's always the risk of a crash. But in this case, they aren't driving two tons of metal around. Still... going there is advised if you're looking to help. I myself plan to go there."

To those with incredible perception, Billy doesn't have a Deksharr with him. Either his is slacking off, or... he might actually NOT be assigned one. Which is rare for good reason. But then, with the Deksharr and Blissians mingling and such, this is a hard thing to notice.

A male Deksharr nearby says, "Actually, the Gynome has a point" he's referring to Lucky, "If you ask the Lockmans, they may be willing to offer a donation to improve their press. There will be news crews at this competition, you know."

(1 Gynomb is the name of the black cat race, usually from Planet Pirace)

Speaking of news, the Blissian news is playing:
"This is Hiyoo, bringing you the latest in Seralara; One of our top geologists, Ejuket Roger Xalitron, has discovered a new mineral on home-world! This is very exciting news as it shows promise for more discovery of our very planet!" she says with excitement. "Ejuket Xalitron?"

(2 Seralara is a city on Planet Bliss.)
(3 Ejuket is sort of like a professor on Bliss)

The camera moves to a male blissian with a proud smile. "Thank you, Hiyoo. Yes, for now the mineral does not have a name, but we have discovered some really nice qualities to it, not unlike the popular "Gammus" mineral. Here's what it looks like." he holds up a green rock that seems to glow and dim, pulsing with light almost like the light is a heartbeat. He continues on some random factoids about the mineral, but is very brief.

(4 Gammus is the common fuel used like gasoline for us Earthlings)


The Deksharr news is also playing, of course:
"...in his ship. He claims it was sabotage and suspects he knows who is was, but will not so much as say who until he is certain and has all the evidence. Captain Wilnum?" the camera goes to Cpt Wilnum, a strong, middle-aged Deksharr man who looks his part. "I do not tolerate such cowardice." he says in a very loud, stern tone. "I have poured my entire life savings into getting to the bottom of this. Saboteur, beware, for among the things I purchased with my savings is a massive bounty for you. Dead or alive. I hope you die of fear, you low-life." the reporter then asks, "You did, of course, make sure bounty-hunters won't simply bring you a dead body and throw fake evidence at you to make a quick buck, right?" the captain answers, "You're straight I made sure! All bounty hunters are expected to come to me with irrefutable evidence. If they bring a dead body and it isn't someone worthy of the death sentence, I will see to their rightful imprisonment and sentencing for murder." the reporter nods. "Thank you, Captain. Well you heard it here, folks. All you bounty hunters out there? The reward for finding, detaining and bringing the saboteur is ten THOUSAND credits. You heard me right. You could practically retire. But the captain did not sink that much money to be scammed, so you scammers can just forget it. For more information, go to www.sabotagebounty.net."

------------------------------

The competition has not started, but even now, it is being set up and prepared for. Party favors, materials, tables, chairs, you name it. It's all being organized, situated and set up for the upcoming event. Should Nash have shown up early, all he would find is a bunch of hired help doing the mentioned organizing. But at the head of this is Rocky. The very young teen son of Nick Lockman himself. The brown-haired human boy looks about as the workers busy themselves setting up.

"Aww... c'mon, Rocky... lemme take a load off your shoulders." a rather dark-furred looking red fox with off-white hair says. Whether he's Piressen or Tharian in origin is impossible to tell, but chances are good he's Piressen what with him serving Rocky and all.

"Naw. I wanna do this." Rocky replies. "Thanks for the sentiment, Brian. Tell ya what. Take care of security detail. I know you'll handle that better than me, hands down. And by the way... thanks for coming."

Brian nods, "Heh. I wouldn't miss this, Rocky. Fun as you are, I *gotta* see how this turns out."

Rocky chuckles and smirks. "Yeah. It'll be fun."

The two of them do some kind of secret handshake and Brian walks off. If Nash is there, he would go straight for Nash as though Nash was on the schedule of things to do for Brian. Of course, if Nash isn't there, this whole exchange between Rocky and Brian is pure flavor text for the enjoyment of the players.

------------------------------

Pros and cons time. The Lockman Empire is known to be competing with Pedro Sickler (the ruler of Planet Tavern), trying to compete with Tavern's sheer volume of casinos. The Lockman Empire is also more emphatic about protecting its assets (and thus, would be more protective of Jaqueline than the other big wigs of the universe, save maybe for the Tharian Empire). So while they serve as a nice insurance agency, Jaqueline will soon be on Tavern's radar as competition. Making deals with Tavern would be more lucrative, but they don't really protect their own and almost laugh at a fallen casino for not being able to protect itself.

The Lockman rep arrives at Jaqueline's conference room, having been shown in. He has a seat when he is invited to and looks at Jaq with a perfect poker face.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:29, Sat 15 May 2010.

Nono is shaking his circle fist as he gushes tears ( http://nightstorm77.deviantart...NIME-TEARS-136588187 )of joy at Drizzeleaf's reaction to his work.  When she kisses his cheek, his face turns beat red and his nose bleeds.

"Kupopopo!" he says, "I'm so very happy you like it!  I was a little afraid it wasn't sparkly enough for your tastes...  Well... VERY afraid.  I was ready with all kinds of defensive things to say like 'I left it matte black so you could choose your color scheme to paint over it.'  Beautiful fae girl kiss is one of the best payments and compliments I've ever received!  Please do show off!  I doubt the restaurants around here are snobby enough to frown on such a sweet lady's happiness!  If so, I'll be happy to watch them embarrass themselves for lack of anything they can do about it!  Let's go-ho-ho!"

When Driz is ready, Nono heads for the restaurant.

As focused Lucky is on the conversation and Elena's pretty face, not to mention the other very pretty girls present, both Blissian, Deksharr, and otherwise, he can't help but be distracted by Billy's singing.  Wow.  That guy's got the kind of voice that just melts your mind, body, and spirit!  Lucky's trying not to be overwhelmed or cry, but is having a hard time of it.  He may not be perceptive enough to noticed Billy has no body guard, but when it comes to money, he has a sixth sense.  His ear flicks and he manages to catch both news reports.

Seriously? Lucky's thinking, refraining from face-palming, You went public with that?  Better hope that mineral is scarce Mr. Xalitron, or you and your planet just made some very powerful enemies that make that 10,000 cred bounty seem like pocket change.

Back to the topic at hand.  Lucky may be a non-violent guy, but he's still a guy.  He was looking forward to the competition, blood and all.  Stopping it was the last thing on his mind.

"The musician is right," he says, having never been introduced to Billy, "I may be a little alien to this particular colony, but I spent many a year on Tavern, and I'm pretty sure this colony would likely riot if the competition were canceled.  But like he said.  I'm sure it won't be too bad."

He turns to face Billy.

"Wow!  Words can't describe.  Love your music!"

As for Walter... well...  he has a place of his own several blocks away from Noobtown.  He agreed to meet Lucky at the hotel after breakfast and hasn't arrived yet.

  Joe's fashion sense meanwhile, was much the same as it was yesterday.  "I slept alright, hope you did too."  They hadn't expected T'shock to wait for him to the point of not eating without him.  Though as least she's not gonna starve herself on account of Nono not around yet.

  Joe's intent to bring up the robbed Barakian place (comments of 'Is this because I'm a Barakian?' sort from T'Shock would be met with a dull 'well, Yes') is sidelined by the Deksharr rant. "...Wait, they aren't saying who sabotaged... Whatever, before they have the evidence.  But they're offering 10 K credits to catch someone anyways?"

As soon as Sabre opens the door he stands at attention.  "Reporting for duty!" he greets firmly.  As he;s offered the tray he accepts it, inspecting the double lumberjack breakfast special before him.  To the comment of the security crew getting used to him he asks, "Why do they need to 'get used' to me?" he asks sounding a bit less buisnesslike.

After recieving his orders he nods, "It will not take me an hour to eat.  I will report to the cargo bay in exactly one hour." he states.

"Will my door be left unlocked or will I have to disable the locks again?" he asks referring to the only other time he broke out.

Jacqueline 'hrms' as she thinks about the consequences and possibilities of this partnership. Looking at the information she has on the rivalry between Lockman and Sickler, she's amazed that she agreed to this meeting so readily, and that her father didn't have more qualms with it. She puts away her docket of information as well as her wine as soon as the representative is ushered in.

Jacqueline stands officially as the rep comes in, "Welcome to the Diamant ship. Please, have a seat so that we can begin." She motions to a chair directly across from where she's standing, slowly taking a chair herself and folding her hands calmly on the table as she waits for the representative to do the same.

Once he's seated, she nods, "As I'm sure you're aware, I am Jacqueline Diamant of the Diamant company. And you are...?"


Sabre smiles at CHAD, a little patronizingly, "The crew needs to get used to you because they're not very familiar with your kind. If you're going to work with us, then we'll need to make sure the team can work around you without being distracted, and vice versa."

He nods firmly at CHAD's comment that eating won't take him an hour, "The hour is so that you can eat and get your food digested. Just some preparation time, really."

When asked about the doors being locked, Sabre quickly answers that the doors will be unlocked, but adds that CHAD isn't to listen to any 'little voices' telling him to leave the ship or do anything other than the orders he's just been given.

With all that being said, Sabre leaves CHAD to eat as he goes to prepare himself for the day and check up on CHAD's uniform.