[IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

The music was loud. Light flashed over head, occasionally washing over the dance floor. There were writhing and twisting bodies all around them. Occasionally John bumped into someone as he gesticulated. Occasionally he stepped on Anna's feet, and he gave him mock-stern look. The difference between John's dancing and Anna's was night and day. Her control of her body and awareness of her surroundings was excellent. She moved in a way that could be considered art. Every motion could have been made into a pose for a painting or magazine. During the chorus, beginning with 'Ooo, I love my ugly boy ...' she would brush up against John or run a hand over his arms or shoulders. People were looking at John because he bumped into them or stepped on their feet. They were looking at Anna because her performance was magnetic.

John leaned in to express his distaste for the music. One side of his dance partner's lips spiked up towards the joint of her jaw, forming a sharp smirk. When she leaned in it was to put her cheek near his as she spoke close to his ear.

"I told you the music was bad. Only good club in town though."

When she pulled back from saying that Anna took hold of John's hands and helped to guide his movements during the remainder of the song. At it's conclusion, as the next song was starting up, he moved to the side of the dance floor, towards the bar. But didn't go far without John.

"Let's get you lubricated."
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

Though embarrassed at his own dancing, there is little that John can do but "suck it up" and be humble. "Yeah, maybe a few more drinks.", he says with a shy smile. "Not too many shots though...", he adds with his own mock-frown, "...I still have to be able to stand".

John was here to have fun, but his paranoid nature (reinforced by life-and-death situations in battle) always meant that there were certain lines that he could not cross. And while this nightclub seemed a place where one could go and have a good time, he knew that danger could crop up and any moment. Strange thoughts to have, especially after how nice the evening has gone so far. But John is different. He did not get to his position in life without being as vigilant as the Devil himself.

John allows Anna to lead him by the hand through the dance crowd to the bar. "What'll it be this time, Miss? I'm buying. It's the least I could after inflicting pain on your toes." After agreeing to get them a few more drinks, John glances over her head and looks around the dance area in order to size up security.
OOC: John will take his time in assessing the security situation in the dance area. He's just curious if it is as heavily protected as the casino area.
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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

"Drinking games are out of the question then?"

... Anna remarks, turning it into a question, when John mentions that he won't be having too many shots. At the bar Anna takes a seat and addresses the bar tender once John has asked to know what drink she would like.

"I'll have a white Russian."

There are a couple people behind the bar. The man tending to John and Anna is a dark skinned fellow with tight brown cornrows and a set of purple tinted glasses. Once he has their orders he sets about mixing and pouring drinks with a practiced ease. Though there is no flash or flair to his work.

While the bartender gets their intoxicants ready Anna turns to John and punches him lightly in the shoulder after he talks about stepping on her toes.

"May have to keep you at arms length for the sake of my feet."
OOC wrote:Make a Perception (with -2 penalty for poor lighting), Insight, and Expertise Soldier check for John's taking in the club security. The penalty is due to the poor lighting.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:1
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
OOC: Here are my rolls: Perception ---> Supernaturalist: D20 + 8 → 25(17 + 8). So, a 25. Insight ---> Supernaturalist: D20 → 77. So, a 7. And finally Expertise: Soldier ---> Supernaturalist: D20 + 12 → 23(11 + 12). So, a 23.
John's eyes gaze slowly about the exterior of the dance floor and bar area. Like a hawk looking over a field, he tries to discern the patrons from the security, and the hotheads from the those who are just there to peacefully have a good time. When Anna speaks to him about the drink she wants, it slowly jostles the soldier out of his stare.

"Yes...a White Russian...I'm on it." Ordering her drink plus another gin and tonic for himself, he gives Anna a good looking over. "Sooo....are you a dance-instructor or something? I mean, I know I'm a rank amatuer out there, but I didn't see anyone else stealing the show like you did. That was quite a surprise."

John can't help but chuckle when he thinks of how ridiculous he must have looked dancing with her. "Me dancing with you is like Pee Wee Herman in the same ring with Muhammad Ali. Hopefully the drinks will make me better at dancing and make you much less discriminating about your present company. Let me finish this and we'll see if your strategy for improving my moves pays off."
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

The club thrums with a chaotic dissonance. An aggressive energy punctuated by the hostile sounding music. The radiance of the room is dim, encouraging people to get close to the people they want to look at. Creating an odd clash of tension and an illusion of subdued intimacy in the club goers. Every so often colorful light flash over the dance floor like lightning strikes, invoking something primal.

Looking around John is able to note a healthy amount of cameras on the ceiling. They're well positioned to minimize the amount of possible blind spots. Across from the entry hall leading into the club, at a point between the bar and the dance floor, there is a set of stair leading up to what must be a VIP booth that overlooks the dance floor. There is a well built man with a holstered pistol at his hip and a black t-shirt with 'FLUX' printed on the front in blue letters stylized to look like electricity. Similarly dressed and armed bouncers move around the floor, monitoring the crowd. There are six that John sees, in addition to the stationary guard at the stairs.

When John pulls his attention away from taking in the club's security he find Anna's green eyes regarding him curiously. His extended assessment, or at least his being distracted, hadn't gone unnoticed by the woman. She eventually shakes her head when John asks if she was a dance instructor.

"I'm a performer, not an instructor. But yes, lot's of dancing. Started with ballet."

John's gin and tonic is an easier drink to make, as it is natural that his is set down on the counter sooner than his companion's. When the White Russian is placed down near Anna she takes the glass into both hands, rolling it forward and back between them in a slow motion mimicry of attempting to start a fire by rubbing two sticks together. A confused look crosses her face when he mentioned Pee Wee Herman, the reference apparently lost on her.

"What about you? What do you do John? Something physical I would guess, by the way you handled that man in the casino."
OOC wrote:You forgot to deduct 1 HP earlier. John is at 0 HP after his re-rolled Grab Action in the casino.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:0
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
OOC: Oops...my mistake. I subtracted the HP.
"What about you? What do you do John? Something physical I would guess, by the way you handled that man in the casino."
John prefaces his answer with a smile. He's found that doing so relaxes females who might otherwise find his occupation to be a little too "on the violent side". "I was part of a private security firm for a few years until I decided to go into business for myself. Before that I was on active duty in the US army." He takes another sip of his gin and tonic before continuing. "The pay is good, but the work hours can be highly volatile. Sometimes I have stretches of no work only to be followed by long periods of contract obligations. I had a job recently fall through so...voila!...instant leisure time."

John kicks back the rest of his drink and leans in a little closer to Anna. "So you are a performer, eh? Well that would explain how you stole the show out there. I think I'd like to see one of your performances. Where do you work?"
OOC: John will let her respond before offering to buy yet another round of drinks. We'd might as well be playing drinking games with all the liquor we're consuming. :lol: "
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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town


At hearing John's explanation of his occupation Anna tilts her head slightly to the side. Her straight red hair swaying to adjust with the movement.

"You are a security guard, like the ones at malls or corporate buildings. Or are you one of the people who installs security systems at people's homes?"

When John leans in closer Anna raises her beverage with one hand and takes a drink of the mixture. After imbibing some she lowers it to neck level before shaking her head.

"No set venue. I'm with a dance company. We move from city to city. For the next week we will be performing at the Roaratorio theatre in Ward 8."

Noting that John has finished his drink Anna gives him a stern look while her free hand taps a red painted nail against the bar top.

"Gin and tonic doesn't count. No cheating with watered down liquor. Just for that, you have to do a shot ... then more dancing to bad music."
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:0
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
"You are a security guard, like the ones at malls or corporate buildings. Or are you one of the people who installs security systems at people's homes?"
John knows discussing his occupation (and current allegiance) in too much detail would be a date-killer. He tries to give her some substance without giving specifics.

"Well, the job can include the things you just mentioned, being a bodyguard and using technology to secure someone's life. But sometimes it can also involve protecting property and in very hostile areas. I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's like being a soldier at times. The more dangerous the situation, the higher the pay."

After Anna mentions where she will be dancing next, John nods and smiles. "I would certainly like to see you perform on the big stage. And are you saying that I'm 'wimping out' with my gin and tonic?"

John sets the empty glass down. "If you get me too drunk, I'll just stagger around like a zombie. Maybe you think that would be an improvement over my dancing so far?"

He lets her finish her drink before holding out his hand to take hers. "Alright, Lady Gaga, are you ready to see if your strategy is working?"
OOC: John will try to pick an area of the dance floor that is less crowded. That may not be possible and if not then he'll just do his best. He'll dance awhile longer and then (at some point) ask her if she wants to get some air...maybe even see a nice view of the city from the skyscraper.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

She listened quietly as John offers a more detailed explanation of his work. A thoughtful hum comes from her as she considers what he has said and voices her reevaluation of what had been described to her.

"More like the sort of thing Stronghold does."

She quips teasingly after John asked her if Anna though he was wimping out with the gin and tonic.

"Gin and tonic is definitely a wimp drink. It is watered down even before the ice melts."

Later Anna gives a couple vigorous nods after John talks about staggering like a zombie, and asks if she though that would be better than his earlier performance. She then offers a smile that reveals her white teeth, but says nothing on the matter.

Anna drains the last of her mixed drink when John offers her is hand, signaling that he was ready to return to the dance floor. She takes it with her free hand and after taking a step away from the bar he sets her glass down. The ice in it largely left untouched.
OOC wrote:Go ahead and make a Presence check to see how well John dances.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:0
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
Go ahead and make a Presence check to see how well John dances.
OOC: Ok...you asked for it. :oops: Here goes....Supernaturalist: D20 → 1010. Well John got a 10, which is more than twice as good as he did last time. Maybe the alcohol is working!
Maybe it's the alcohol. Maybe it's the fact that John was so embarrassed the first time that he just doesn't give a damn now. Whatever the reason, he seems to be loosening up some on the dance floor.

John finishes out the current song before leaning in a little closer to Anna. "Do they ever play slow songs here or am I just being a sentimental fool?"
OOC: Of course, if they keep playing the hi-octane dance music, John will just suck it up and keep going. After 2 or 3 more songs, he'll need to maintain the 'lubrication'. He'll continue to be the "Sugar Daddy" for the evening, buying drinks and whatever else the young woman wants...as long as it's not something ridiculously expensive...like lines of cocaine or something like that.
John comes to realize that he's getting quite a workout on the dance floor. He's certainly doing a lot more cardio than he thought he'd be doing when he entered the casino earlier. But he's happy. If it's partying with the hot redhead versus a night of gambling alone...well...he'll take partying with the hot redhead.
Last edited by Supernaturalist on Sat Jul 10, 2021 4:01 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Sakuro
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

OOC wrote:Date and title tag your last post please.
Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

"What? You can't keep up?"

Anna inquires in a challenging tone, a teasing smile on his red painted lips. Since entering the club John hadn't heard a single slow song and, there was a dedicated DJ managing the music. Not Anna or a juke box.

Hours of dancing do by with the regular break to get some drinks and chat at the bar. Maybe John get's some rest. But Anna always pulls his back to the dance floor before there is too much downtime. If John were in need of exercise, this would certainly go towards cardio. Anna seems tireless. After a bout of dancing, while you are at the bar, Anna takes a smartphone out of her pocket and looks at the screen. Her lips form into a thin straight lines as she puts it away.

"That's my curfew reminder. Thank you for the company. I need to call it a night."
OOC wrote:John has consumed a fair bit of alcohol a this point. Make a DC 15 Fortitude check. Failure means John is Impaired.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Supernaturalist »

John Steiner
HP:0
Cnd:Normal
PP:0

Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town
"That's my curfew reminder. Thank you for the company. I need to call it a night."
John helps Anna collect any loose items (jacket, purse, etc.) before making sure the bar tab is settled up. "Let me get you a cab and escort you to it.", he says with noticeably slurred speech.
OOC: I'm actually not sure how John got to the nightclub. A cab maybe? I don't think he has access to a vehicle. He probably has to arrange for a cab to pick him up and take him to a dropoff point where he walks the rest of the way. Correct me if I'm wrong. Here's John's Fortitude check: Supernaturalist: D20 + 8 → 18(10 + 8). So, an 18 total. John may not be impaired, but he's certainly got a good buzz going.
"You know, I never gave you my full name. Or at least I don't think I did. My name is John Steiner." He calls up an elevator and escorts her down to the ground level to insure her safety. "You mentioned Stronghold earlier. I'm in a similar line of work, though I'm not currently contracted out with Stronghold at present. But yes...you could draw some comparisons."

After leaving the elevators and heading out past the the front doors of the tower, John flags down a cab. "Well Anna, thank you for an unexpectedly good time. I got more exercise than a day of basic training....must have burned off a couple of thousand calories. Anyway, might I call on you for dinner or lunch sometime?"
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

OOC wrote:A cab would work. The Jaguars allow civilian traffic in and out of the Ward, but to get in you have to pay a toll if you do not live in Ward 23.
Saturday 21th, March 2019 - A Night on the Town

"Anna Semenov."

The red haired woman responded, after John had given her his surname. When she states the name 'Semenov', Anna takes on; a soft eastern European accent that fades away afterwards. Conversation is light as you make your exit from the noise club scene and descend to the ground floor of the monolithic Initium Novum Tower.

At the sidewalk, while John tries to get the attention of a cab, Anna gives his a fake look of suspicion when he asks about going out at a future date. The look lasts a short time before he gives a thoughtful hum, then a few seconds later smiles.

"If you come to one of my performances, you may take me to dinner after the show."

When the taxi does finally arrive Anna gives John a quick kiss on the cheek before slipping into the back of the vehicle.

"Good night John Steiner."

... the door closes with that, and the taxi drives off into the night.
OOC wrote:We will end the interlude there.
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by Sakuro »

Friday, April 12, 2019 - Broken Wings


"I'll call the infirmary with your instructions Ascendant."

... the guard responds after Diego gives his directions. Then he picks up a phone linked to the base's internal communications systems, presses a couple buttons, and relays Diego's directions to the infirmary staff. The guard remains at their post, unless Diego asks them to accompany him.

When Diego arrives at the infirmary Major Karlsten's bed is just then being wheeled into a private room. One of the base's guards, a short red haired woman with fair skin and blue eyes, stands at the side of the doorway wearing some of that new Kevlar body armor you've acquired, and a P90 held formally in her gloved hands.

Once the door is closed and he is alone with Valkyrie Diego is able to fully take in her physical state. At least the visible portion. She most of her body is physically mobilized to make sure broken bones have a chance to heal properly. She's bandages, IVs stick out of her arm, and there are monitoring devices hooked up to her. To someone who isn't a medical professional, the only thing missing seems to be a life support pump breathing for her.

It's bad, but somehow Maja maintains a certain nobility to her bearing. Just as Diego may appraise her, she is appraising him with those stormy grey-blue eyes of hers. Eyes like angry waves roiling in a storm.

"Are you the base commander?"
OOC wrote:Don't forget to include: "Friday, April 12, 2019 - Broken Wings" at the start of your posts.

Below is a visual aid for what Maja looks like:

Image
Image of actress Katheryn Winnick
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Re: [IC] - In the Shadow of Imperator: Extended Interludes

Post by mrdent12 »

Friday, April 12, 2019 - Broken Wings

"I am one of them yes. This is a jointly operated base between Praetor Null and Dr. Sokolov. Corporal Sanders is the designated administrator. Iona, a robot with artificial intelligence to think like a human as best I can gather, is the other. My name is Ascendant Diego Gonzalez.", says Diego. "While I doubt I can shock you, it would be best to reveal my true form before it catches you by surprise.", adds Diego. He shifts into his native form making the cloud of nanities look vaguely humanoid in shape before returning to his former visage.

Pausing for a very brief moment, he continues. "I had you moved here to speak privately with you for a moment before Iona, the doctor who performed the medical procedures to save you, arrived. I was told you vanished when Imperator did, so I do not know what you have seen of the aftermath. His former Praetors have split up with one of them killed by Praetor Null for being disloyal, one going to Singapore who by all accounts is starting to run the place, Dr. Sokolov who betrayed the cause yet works with Praetor Null again out of necessity, and Praetor Null who is my master.", explains Diego. "Dr. Sokolov and his minions knowingly or not are working against the interests of Praetor Null jeopardizing the operations conducted by him to free Hadron City from Stronghold. In some cases, the plans of Sokolov have resulted in severe consequences. Iona seems to be naive about this, but as a robot I can only assume Sokolov knows everything it does.", continues Diego. He lets that sink in before assessing any physical response by Valkyrie.
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