Military Base #34

[spacegy4 1048]

The invitation to dance simply hung in space for a while until the intense invitation yanked her back to reality.   "Ah... well no thanks."  She uttered quickly before withdrawing.  The vivid memory of seeing drunken Soviet soldiery trying to dance to polka on a military base was enough to make her steer clear of such an avocation for the time being.

After pulling away from the dance area the teenager would eye the tables once again.  After turning toward the standing area for a more thorough examination a strange feeling of relief washed over her she eyed the newcomer.  Against all the odds that someone appeared to share her withdrawn attitude toward the more rambunctious festivities of the event.

As the calmer music began Hana felt lulled toward the individual she witnessed make the request.  Anyone who valued control over the sheer chaos that previously occupied the room was someone she could identify with.  She'd saunter through a crowd and over toward the table Maya stood nearby before briefly getting her attention with a slight wave.  "Thanks for making that request.  Definitely more my speed for this sort of event.  I'm Hana by the way.  Communications division.  I don't think we've had a chance to meet yet."

Spoiler

Trigger: Introduce yourself to someone new 1 letter

 

Edited June 14, 2018 by spacegy4

[roboblu 1005]

As her chest ceased thumping to the mellow notes of Chasing Cars, Maya finally felt like she had room to breathe - and eat! A sudden and terrible hunger had just come over the diplomat, and she glanced over her shoulder toward what was now a bustling refreshments corner. You did this to yourself when you suggested a slow song, a bitter voice spoke. She would need to wait a few minutes before heading over; crowds were not especially kind when one happened to possess a pair of large, curling horns. Maya couldn't count the number of times she had accidentally whacked someone upside the head. Once, in basic training, she had even knocked one of her fellow recruits out! No, since tonight was supposed to be a nice night with lots of fun and conscious company, Maya decided to stay put and wait a few minutes before satiating her growling stomach.

Her dark eyes settled on the dance floor, where Colonel Maira was attempting to teach a few unfortunate souls to dance. A smile crept onto the diplomat's face as she watched the comedy unfold. Maira was the picture of elegance, rhythm, soul; her charges were somewhat less well-endowed, but seemed to be trying their best. Well, all but one. A young, silver-haired soldier veered away from the dance floor, apparently having been coerced into coming along. Maya watched the girl with mild interest, and was genuinely surprised when that silver head spun in her direction. What began as a confident strut toward the diplomat ended in a tiny, almost shy wave, drawing another smile from Maya's lips. "Thanks for making that request. Definitely more my speed for this sort of event. I'm Hana by the way. Communications division. I don't think we've had a chance to meet yet."

"A pleasure, Hana. My name is Maya- also Communications! I'm surprised we haven't already met." A dry chuckle spilled out from somewhere deep in her throat. "Well ... I suppose I don't usually come out to these events." Maya was definitely feeling uncomfortable, but she remained friendly in the face and forced her shoulders to relax. Genuis struck  - perhaps this party would be excellent conversation practice for her upcoming diplomatic mission! Having found her resolve, the woman continued, "Are you stationed in the area?"

Trigger - introduce yourself to someone new (x1)

Edited June 14, 2018 by roboblu

[jaistlyn 8193]

After the sharp, minty performance they put up, Delistair followed Cadmium off the stage to catch his breath. “I’m glad I didn’t fudge it up!” Del replied, shaking the younger man’s hand. “That was definitely a notch up from the vanilla songs I was singing. I’m Delistair, communications department.“ 

He steered them both towards the drinks table, where he picked up a glass of rum and offered it towards Cadmium. “I recognize your name. You’re one of the promoted officers, aren’t you? Congratulations!” He picked up another glass himself. “A toast?” Delistair would then take a sip of the caramel-smooth liquid. “That guitar of yours - it’s special, isn’t it? It’s either that, or you have legendary skills!” 

Spotting Maira on the dance floor, he turned around in curiosity. She was teaching someone to dance, someone who towered over her. It looked like she could end up on a rocky road leading to disaster.

Trigger - toast. Earning 3 letters, making a total of 4!

Spoiler

Part of the writing challenge by @roboblu! Named 6 ice cream flavours!

 

 

 

[supernal 22146]

The band switched to a slow song, a superior tactical decision so that the audience could catch their breath from all of the rowdiness and so that they could bring the energy down from a turbulent pitch to a low simmer.

"You're well met Delistair."

Cadmium took up the offered glass of rum and clinked the edges of their glasses together in recognition. He sipped at the liquor once and then nursed the drink in hand. Conversation built up around them, both because they were at the drinks table and drinks were free, and because the previous song and the current combined to form an emotional rollercoaster which proved to be cathartic – if people were anxious before, much of the tension had been vented into the air vicariously.

"Thank you for the kind words. It isn't anything like that though, I hardly play. I'm afraid I'm a cheat and you've caught me tipping my hand. Metal strings, and I have an affinity for it. for metal I mean, not strings. I used more than just my hands for that song. Keen of you to notice, especially while putting on a performance of your own. Communications is stronger for having you in it."

Cadmium took another drink and felt a little bold.

"I had a thought. You know fundraising, for veterans and their families and that sort? We can put out a calendar posing in swimwear in front of our instruments. Guaranteed success."

He delivered this with flat affect and deadpan expression, deliberately misleading Delistair into thinking he was serious, waiting for the flicker of doubt in the other's eyes before allowing a grin to nearly take his head off – in that taciturn manner Cad hoped to let Del in on the joke.

"Do you sing for fun or do you moonlight on the military at nightclubs and lounges?"

Trigger – ask about (assume?) hobby

[LastLight 1315]

Hana's refusal to dance didn't come off anomalous in any way from Nur's perspective until raucous laughter erupted from somewhere in his periphery. His sharp eyes immediately angled in the direction it was coming from and found another fellow soldier's gaze, who quickly turned his attention and elbowed another member of his entourage, leaning in and making what must have been quite some hilarious quip. After another moment of eye contact it was ascertained that it was at his expense but he wasn't very certain why, although it may have become somewhat clear why so many people had to be encouraged to dance and why when they did, they were gripped with trepidation.

It reminded him of the times he had been imprisoned in life. Once by a net, another by a particularly greedy and hungry ogre in his tribe who had taken an interest in him on a whim and several other instances. Never by fear of laughter, however. It was strenuous, no revolting, to attempt and wrap his mind around the idea of being imprisoned by another person's inclination to ridicule. Maira had the right idea. 

Hearing her call him to the dance floor with such confidence and grace was suddenly the most impressive thing he had seen at the celebration. Doubly so when she began to sway her hips and spin , each of her motions flowing smoothly with the explosive music that suddenly erupted from the stage. 

At first he watched her move.

At first the music was painful. 

Then she finally coaxed movement from his hips. A bump to the left, then to the right. The music stopped hurting and started flowing through his body like water, guiding it along and although it was visible that he was an amateur, stopping frequently to repeat and practice some of the movements, it was also visible that he didn't have a care in the world other than to dance. Maira offered her hand and there was no hesitation. He reached out, grasped, recalled to memory the way he had seen others dance, and lifted it over her head so that she might twirl like a whirlwind. Rather fast, unaware of his own strength. Almost fast enough for her dress to rise a little too high for comfort. 

Sure enough, like she encouraged, he began to have fun. He caught a glimpse of the stage, where Delistair was rocking out with Cadmium not too far behind. He had never heard a human make sounds like that with his voice. In comparison to the vocals from earlier, it was like hearing a duck whinny. But it was fun. A part of him wanted to go up there and scream at the top of his lungs just like he was doing. He was sure he could do so louder. 

Spoiler

Trigger: Dance with someone. 

 

[spacegy4 1048]

The conversation was welcomed.  Getting to know someone else in the military was a welcome opportunity when that getting to know wasn't a hastened exchange in the middle of a war zone.  Gaining new friends, allies, and connections 

"A pleasure to meet you too Maya.  I don't often come to these either, but with a chance to travel I decided I might as well check this place out."  It took a noticeably brief thought to consider the conversation and what details she was permitted to share.

"My unit didn't have a division at first.  It was included with communications only recently."  Bringing up even simple details felt a bit stressful considering even simple details of her station had never been discussed with an individual from another section.  "I'm stationed various places.  It never seems like I'm in one place very long.  Typically at sea."  After all while on station she traveled on the TMV Haze.  That submarine never remained parked in one place long.  "I fly fast aircraft to give a first response to  mystery airborne threats.  Say Genesaris enters our airspace with a military craft.  My team would be the first to intercept it."

There were other less classified things that the girl was certainly happy to move on to.  "On the side I get to use some resources to develop new vehicles, aircraft, weapons equipment and other things.  Practically all the equipment I use outside of my main post I've made myself!"

The last statement was an intensely proud declaration and the teenager's face beamed as she said it.  "If you're in need of a weapon for self defense or other equipment I can make you something."

Spoiler

1. Establish a resource channel with another guest ( make personally crafted equipment available to one another ).

 

Edited June 20, 2018 by spacegy4

[roboblu 1005]

Maya was often impressed by the accomplishments of her peers, but she delighted in hearing others share their passions. Hana, for example, almost instantly transformed when she began discussing her handmade equipment, the subject bringing light to her cheeks and stars to her eyes. Despite her many travels and marvelous feats, the teenager clearly loved simply working with her hands and creating new, useful things. Maya was thoroughly charmed. "I can't say I own many weapons- I'm in the diplomacy sector. I'm lucky to have an escort on most of my travels." The woman tilted her head, sending a mess of dark locks over one shoulder. "Still, a soldier should be able to protect themselves, shouldn't they?" Maya had cried about this for weeks after realizing her long-range rifle had been confiscated following her heart attack. "I would definitely be interested in something small and light." 

The diplomat thought for a moment, then grabbed a napkin and procured a pen from her handbag. She scrawled something on the thin crepe paper in neat, orderly letters. 'MAYA ZAPATERO, NU MARTYR, RENOVATIO.' Admiring the way the words "Nu Martyr, Renovatio" looked beneath her name, Maya then scratched something at the bottom of the square. '87.85 kHz.' She looked up at Hana's expectant face. "This is my new station," she began, sliding the napkin toward Hana. "And my holo-array frequency is there, right below. It should direct calls to my communication device. Give me a ring- I'd love to purchase one of your pieces!" Maya gave her new acquaintance a warm smile, then spied over Hana's shoulder at the dwindling line for food. "Hana, excuse me- I've been eyeing the refreshments table all night, and the line seems to be thinning." 

Taking a step away from the standing table, the diplomat addressed her fellow soldier. "Can I get you anything?" After taking Hana's order, Maya walked across the hall and over to the long, plentiful table. She stood there for a tense moment, stunned by the variety before her. What blessed abundance! Unbeknownst to many, Maya Zapatero absolutely loved food, and had an exceptionally difficult time choosing between the crab cakes and the bacon-wrapped dates and the cheese with crackers- just why did these plates have to be so small? Eventually the tall woman made her way to the drinks, and juggled her own beverage and plates with whatever Hana had requested with the skill of a professional clown. While pouring herself a glass of punch (she could already smell -ah, tell- that someone had spiked it), Maya happened to see another horned individual standing somewhat awkwardly in the corner, and, oddly enough, he was attempting to read a book. Curious, she leaned around the drink dispensers to get a better look. "I'm sorry to interrupt - may I ask what you're reading?"

@PurplePanda

Spoiler

Trigger - hand out contact info (x1)

 

[jaistlyn 8193]

The slower and softer song that came after theirs coaxed conversation out of people, the pair at the drinks table included. Delistair raised his eyebrows at Cadmium’s confession of his ability.

“Affinity for metal, huh. Yeah, I can see that. Otherwise you wouldn’t have kept the rhythm so well if you didn’t play,” Del grinned at his own pun, not knowing that Cadmium was about to pull a bigger joke of his own.

”W e can put out a calendar posing in swimwear in front of our instruments. Guaranteed success."

Delistair blinked, momentarily stunned for words as his brain tried to process whether he had heard what he thought he did. He formed a flash judgement about Cadmium - wild, despite his reserved appearance - until the younger man grinned like a madman. Del laughed in relief. “Don’t let the in-charges hear of it, or it might really come true.” Luckily, the topic was rapidly changed.

"Do you sing for fun or do you moonlight on the military at nightclubs and lounges?"

“I used to sing for some extra cash when I was younger. Not anymore. The military keeps me busy,” he shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. Though I do kind of miss my band in school. It was crazy.” The sentiment referring to both the band and his studies, but this was not the time to go into that kind of detail, so Del left it at that.

Since Cadmium has already displayed his skills, Delistair felt the urge to respond in kind. “My observation skills are, by the way, just average. I’m in Communications because I’m a good jinx.” He grinned, then pointed at a speaker near them so as to draw Cadmium’s attention to it. The speaker used simple, unhidden crystal magitech communication to receive the output from the sound equipment. Skilled in the discipline of abjuration, and because the event organizers had no reason to make the broadcast signals more secure, it was a relatively easy thing for Delistair to distrupt the magical waves. Those near the speaker, especially the one who had his hand curled around a book, might get a rude shock as it went silent, then suddenly sputtered once, loudly, and came back to life. 

“You know, perhaps we could do something with that metal affinity of yours and the magic of mine..” Del thought about a request that Hana had made of him some time ago. “I have trouble infusing enchantments into large pieces of metal. If we combined our skills, we might possibly make things like whole pieces of armour resistant to magic, for usable periods of time.” Full-scale enchantments like that usually couldn’t last for more than a day at a time, unless tedious amounts of preparation were done beforehand.

Rolled an 87 - earning 3 letters, making a total of 7! Sorry, I’ll be claiming that prize!  ?

[spacegy4 1048]

Small and light.  Hana had made such a thing for a colleague before.  In a trade with Delistair she produced a short barreled revolver based on a design from her homeland.  Perhaps a similar concept would function for Maya, but more information was needed before a final design could be decided on.  The engineer would gratefully accept the paper containing the contact information.  "Thanks!  It would probably be best if I reached out to you.  Things around my work change too frequently.  For a friend a simple trade or favor works fine!  No need to pay me in full."

She relished the opportunity to have the food delivered.  Following a request for crab puffs and an additional beverage the teenager would watch her return with seemingly practiced grace.  The exaggerated movement surely attracted the attention of other individuals nearby and along with it attention to the engineer receiving the delivery.  It was about then to Hana's surprise to discover there was an individual present she knew prior to the event present after all!  Delistair was present at the stage.  Had she been so enveloped in her own proceedings to the point that she'd failed to notice his participation until now?

Edited June 24, 2018 by spacegy4

[PurplePanda 326]

With wax stuffed in his pointed, devilish ears, he didn't really hear Maya's approach, and didn't even notice the music had quieted down to some thing much more manageable. He did manage to hear the question. Any thing mentioning books was bound to grab his attention. He was shocked that any one had approached him at all, and he politely snapped his book shut and  with his clawed fingers, gingerly took the length of wax  out of his ears. It wasn't like he was actually reading, it was impossible to do so in this kind of setting. A tight-lipped smile, slightly abashed appeared on his face. " Oh, hello! This book I am reading? It's merely the Sorcer's Almanac in Regards To Casting Protective Sheilds .. Volume one. I've already read it half a dozen times, but it is a very productive read. " 

In A'rithor's experience, just saying the title was enough to make most females grow bored with him and leave. Most were attracted to his intensely demonic features, which was more intense than the average tiefling. If this woman left, it would be the perfect excuse to head back to his bunk and gain some piece and quiet. If not, maybe he could have a delightful conversation about books while not having to shout over absurdly loud music since it had dimmed and wasn't loud at this point. Nope.

Edited June 25, 2018 by PurplePanda
SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[supernal 22146]

Cadmium smiled at Delistair's mention that they keep their voices low, lest they be overhead by a higher-up. He smiled because in another year, or maybe two, Cadmium intended to be one of those higher-ups. He wondered how many soldiers would be keeping their voices low when he walked a circuit, for fear they might accidentally prompt him to treat seriously the notion of a sexy-fun-time calendar, or something like that.

"I actually do think its kind of a big deal." His drink was more than half gone by now. Cadmium took conscious note of this and made an effort to slow down and nurse the liquor, to remind himself to hydrate with some water, or else he risked making a fool of himself, thinking he was spouting off some brilliant insight when in reality he was just babbling.

But before that . . .

"It sounds fun. Fun is important. And like you made friends, and crafted experiences, and those things have informed the person that you are now. Maybe not in overt ways, you're a soldier and not a bard after all, but maybe in other ways. Maybe your singing and your music pushed you towards Communications – I've heard it say that music is the language of the soul. That sounds heavy to me."

The conversation transitioned smoothly away from hobbies and into practical skills. Cadmium finished his rum as he followed the thread of attention Delistair wove between the end of his finger and the unprotected speaker a short distance away. When he saw the speaker act up under Del's ministrations, Cadmium snorted – good thing his drink was done or the alcohol would have sprayed from his nose and stung his sinus cavity.

"You're bad Del, you're very bad. If we do that calendar, you can be the naughty one."

The smile faded from Cadmium's face as Delistair touched on a proposition. His brow remained smooth, his eyes alive with attention – the lack of smile was not displeasure, but focus, and an effervescence of thought raging in his mind.  

"That sounds very interesting. I'd love to help you with that project."

Placing his drink down Cadmium reached into the interior pocket of his suit jacket and pulled from it a glossy business card. He only had a few dozen because it was not standard operating procedure for military officials outside of press roles to have business cards, but it was one of the small ways in which Cadmium treated himself. He always wanted to give out an official sounding business card.

"That has my callsign frequency. We can establish a two-way from that but if you want to package your frequency in the handshake message I'll add you to my contacts. I actually have a project in mind too, one that I think you can help me with, and oddly enough, well, it uses the same two principles. Enchanted metal and abjuration. But I'm going for a, a kinda tuning fork kind of deal that we can lance behind enemy lines and that'll target specific bands for specific spells and spell-types. With enough recon ahead of time, we could disable magic for an enemy and keep using our own in the field."

It was ambitious, and very likely not financially viable, but the man had a dream and dreams deferred tended to dry up.

"I don't want to keep you locked up, talking shop all night. I hate officers that do that, and I don't want to become one of them my first day as one!"

@jaistlyn

Edited June 25, 2018 by supernal

[roboblu 1005]

Maya inhaled sharply when the tiefling raised his head, flashing a pair of brilliantly heterochromatic eyes, but she quickly covered her surprise in a feinted smile. The smile became more genuine when she heard the book's title. As it happened, Maya had read several books by the same author- or, at least, she thought it was the same author. "Is that by Tehlmarr Virro? He's written quite a few reference texts on tactical magic, if I'm not mistaken?" Her tone of her last few words implied a question, but Maya continued excitedly without waiting for much of an answer. "I read a few of Virro's tomes in basic training, but I'm afraid I'm not very magically inclined. Still, I can agree that he writes in a very practical, and, what's more, palatable manner." Recalling the many dense, unreadable textbooks she had pored over as a teenager, the diplomat couldn't help but laugh a little. "I only ever found a shred of success after reading his books, if you could call not-accidentally-hexing-the-other-recruits a success." 

It only took a split second of silence for Maya to realize how much she had been talking- and with an armful of crab cakes, no less! She quickly reeled herself in, looking a little embarrassed by what she perceived as having been insistent chattering. It wasn't often that she found an excuse to talk about reading, especially among military personnel. A sheepish grin crossed her face, and the diplomat awkwardly dropped all of her cups and plates on the table to extend a hand to the tiefling. "I'm sorry for getting a little carried away. My name is Maya Zapatero, Communications division." 

Before her hand was met with another, a sudden, unexpected flare in a nearby speaker caused Maya to flinch, bumping against the drinks table behind her. One of the cups of punch sloshed onto her dress ... and, more importantly, onto her plate full of crab cakes. Her mouth formed the shape of the 'o' in 'sorrow.'  

@PurplePanda

Edited June 25, 2018 by roboblu

[PurplePanda 326]

A'rithor was used to Maya's reaction to all of the things she was probably reacting to on his demonic face, it was expected, and thus his smile didn't even falter. The interest she expressed in one of his favorite authors caused his eyes to (literally) light up a good bit. This woman was the breath of fresh air that he needed in this party, and he was already forming the response to her in her head, before she spilled drink all over herself. It really was a shame to have a dress as fine as hers to be stained by the drink. The crab cakes were ruined, but a little spell of water manipulation could do the trick. His eyes glowed a fiercer color, as he spoke the firm sorcerer's language  for water, wind, and manipulation, gesturing at Maya's dress and plate as the staining liquid pulled right out of the fabric of Maya's dress. With the rest he gently directed the water around some of the guests and into the bin, where it belonged. Maya's dress would be completely dry, but so would the crab cakes, taken down to the driest form that they could have taken without turning into crab dust. It was a very practical spell to know both in water-based combat, and if you had spilled your tea all over your fine silks while reading. 

With that out of the way, his smile returned and he gave a gracious bow to Maya, bowing instead of grabbing her hand with his nearly blade-like claws " Maya Zapatero, a pleasure to meet any one who is a fan of Virro's work. I am A'rithor Ema'ze, also in the Communication's Division. Virro's style is /very/ practical which is what had me drawn to his works when I was having trouble when first starting out. If his works do not seem to help you, and you are still passionate to keep trying your hand at magic, could I recommend Piarro Grentice's fifth edition of Sorcerer's Starting Flame. It was a bit too... Sensational for my tastes personally, but I know many students who have had success with his books rather than Virro's." He was very gracious, not biding around her fumble, keeping the conversation keeping on a torturous bout of embarrassed stumbling. Rhythm was so important to him that even his scythed tail swayed back and forth in time to his speech pattern. 

[jaistlyn 8193]

Delistair accepted the newly-minted calling card with a small amount of surprise. “Thank you. I don’t have a card, but I do think it’s a great idea to have some on hand!” He waved the card once, then placed it in one of the pockets of his pressed pants. “I’ll send an establishment signal to you later. I’ll definitely be happy to talk more about this collaboration!” Del did have his communicator with him, but he was refraining from pulling it out. Otherwise, he might be tempted to answer his work messages and inadvertently withdraw himself mentally from the party. While he was here, he might as well meet more people first.

Engrossed with talking to Cadmium, Del  hadn’t noticed that his little prank had caused sorrow to a lady. The clapping that happened after the neat clean-up was what drew his eyes in that direction, but it was a red dress that caught his attention.

Delistair took a double take at Hana in the dress. His expression showed not romantic interest, but that of a brother who suddenly realized that his little sister was no longer a child, but a fine young lady. And for good reason. He had been seeing his missing sister’s shadow through the younger Hana, and he had never seen her wearing anything beyond utility clothing before. It was already a shock to see her in a dress, and an eyecatching one at that.

After a pause that was longer than necessary, Del turned back to Cadmium. “You know what, I just saw someone who has a talent for working with metals too, though in a different sense of the word. Come, I’ll introduce you to her.”

Making his way towards Hana, he made not effort to hide his surprise. “Wow, Hana. I didn’t expect you would turn up in a dress. It really suits you, though! Anyway, this is Cadmium. He has an affinity with metal materials. And Cadmium, this is Hana. She’s one of the most talented engineers I have ever known. I thought it would be useful for you two to know each other!”

Trigger: introduce someone I know to someone else I know!

[roboblu 1005]

A bout of clapping arose in response to A'rithor's clever use of magic, though Maya's reddening cheeks belied her embarrassment. As a diplomat, she was used to being the center of attention, but only in a carefully controlled environment. As an introvert and naturally shy person, she loathed the feeling of eyes on her body, especially after she had made an absolute spectacle of herself. Regardless, she had the good sense to understand that A'rithor had acted with noble intentions, and had done a lovely job in removing the punch from her mother's dress. She offered him a smile tightened by stress. "Thank you, A'rithor. It's clear that you possess magical talent in addition to a wonderful taste in books!" The woman took a slight breath, composing herself, willing her voice to steady. "I will be sure to investigate Piarro Grentice ... did you say the fifth edition?" 

As the song changed to something more lively, Maya felt her nerves picking up with the reverberating bass line. Her heart lurched, and she offered a silent prayer to Gaia that she would be able to make it through this party without causing another scene. With a start, the diplomat remembered the crab cakes. Her gaze flicked over to the appetizers with something like disappointment; they had been dehydrated by A'rithor's magic, rendering them shrunken and crumbling. She picked up the plate and her spilled cup, hefting a quiet sigh almost unheard in the increasing volume. A quick glance over her shoulder found Hana locked in conversation with two other soldiers. While Maya did have Hana's crabcakes in tow, they had been ... altered, and surely it would be rude to interrupt! The diplomat turned back to the gentleman before her, her voice raising to a shout. "I'm going to step outside- care to join me?"

Trigger- ask someone to step outside for a more private conversation

Edited June 30, 2018 by roboblu