"This palace isn't just for the emperor." Zara explains. "It's a huge complex, home to hundreds of functionaries, and all their staff. It's natural that there are places to go for entertainment." Horst chuckles. "I've been searching for those three for a while." Zara shakes her head at the question. "No, we don't live here. We come here quite often, though. Actors and writers survive mostly on noble patronage, and many of our patrons work here."
Alright, now to focus on the taxes issue. Between Aurelios, Lysandra and Isabella I think the good Bishop would be the easiest to deal with and persuade. Maybe I should use the chance to visit the religious distract and try to speak with her. After that... maybe Isabella? Previously I was thinking of starting with Aurelios, but maybe I should leave him for last... Eanne called over her butler and instructed him to discreetly find out where and when she could meet any members of Aurelios' crew – or Aurelios himself. After that she looked at Bec. “Time for a visit to the religious district, and you are coming with me. Bring along a few more guards, just in case, even though I do not expect any trouble.” She instructed.
Elena grinned seeing the situation change. The victory would be theirs. "Issue fleet wide demand of surrender. Some of the mercenaries and pirates will surely give up seeing they lost. Capture the dreadnought. Hopefully, they are wise enough to surrender." She sighted, then smiled at admiral and crew. "Good work. Now, let's finish this!"
Delphis nods, getting to work, while Bec stands and straps her sword to her belt. "About time." She cracks her neck, and then selects a few troops to join them. According to the data slate, Lysandra is in the Great Cathedral, where she watched the emperor's coronation not long ago. Inside, a young priest greets her. "Good morning, my lady. How can we help you today?"
'I see, so this is also a cultural site,' Xavier smiled, 'If I ever feel inspired to make my own play or film script, I'll be sure to consult with the both of you and hire you to assist me.' 'But, please, I'm sure you'd like to discuss the troupe's performance today,' Xavier said as he stood from his seat, 'I will not occupy more of your precious time. It was a real pleasure to meet two of the people shaping the culture of the capital, but it is time for me to move on. Can you recommend anything worthwhile that I should see?'
The admiral nods, and has the comms officers send out their demand. Spoiler: Morale Roll D100: 27-15 (Crushing Defeat)=12 Aboard the dreadnought, the admiral tries to rally his crew, but their confidence has dried up. Being hit so hard by an enemy so much weaker has drained all their confidence, and dejected, the admiral powers down his ship's weapons and shields in surender. The mercs and pirates, their ships smaller and faster, instead turn and make a break for it, aiming to slip between the cracks of the XVth Fleet, and jump to FTL speed, where they can't be caught.
"It was our pleasure." Horst smiles. Zara nods. "Depends what your tastes are. There's a race about to start at the Hippodrome, if you're interested in racing. You should be able to make it without having to rush, though. I think there's a military parade, as well, if you're interested in that kind of thing. And of course, there's the Great Cathedral in the religious district, the largest in Terran space, besides the ones on Holy Terra that non-clergy can't go to, obviously. Oh, and there's a nice social club in the entertainment district that's also quite nice, I'll give you the address."
“Good morning to you as well. I was thinking of having a quick look around the Great Cathedral – it is very impressive.. and I would like to speak with Bishop Lysandra, if possible.” Eanne informed the young priest and gave him a friendly smile.
'Thanks, I really appreciate it,' Xavier smiled, 'I think I'll have a drink at that club for now. I hope I'll see you both around on occasion.' Xavier looked for the nearest way to a taxi to get to the club Zara had pointed him towards.
"Nnnh!" Vizelle whimpered at the sudden orgasm, her curvy body shuddering as she's suddenly flooded by pleasure. "Haaahn." She tries to catch her breath, but as a second, more powerful orgasm overwhelms her. Causing her to squirt as she cries out in bliss. "Mmmh... aaahn." Vizelle moaned, chuckling, "Aahn. I see you and I... have the same philosopy." She trembled, trying to telepathically pleasure Varrick in return.
Elena smiled. "Let's finish them!" She called cheerfully. She turned to admiral. "Concentrate on pirates. Mercenaries are not that important." Elena turned to display, and observed the mop up operations.
"You poor woman." Yannika muttered and then began to pray. "Goddess Jaya, keeper of the Sapphire Hearth, watch over this woman and lend her whatever strength she needs in her torment. By your grace, care, love, and protection will she endure and with her this world. Forgive me my sins of ignorance and grant me the wisdom to help her in this trial. In your name Great Mother." Yannika turned her attention back to Rhaiya, "What can you tell me about the box itself? Where did it come from? How did the bishop attain it?"
"Ah, of course. The bishop mentioned that someone might be coming to see her. Follow me." He returns the smile and leads her into the private area of the cathedral. In front of a pair of double doors guarded by the massive figures in full body power armour, he explains the situation. "No weapons, no guards." One of the figures says.
The address takes him to the lively entertainment district, filled with people drinking, playing music and dancing. He finds the club in the more respectable side of the district. Xavier is quickly allowed in by guards who verify his noble status. Inside, the club is much like he expected, clean and classy, with well dressed people talking and drinking, with an alien band playing some soft music. Looking around, he doesn't really spot anyone he recognises, though the people here are all clearly of wealth and status, except the staff. Looking around, he spots some obvious nobles, members of the Trade Guild, along with some churchmen and army officers. A woman in the garb of a maid quickly approaches, bowing respectfully. "Good day, sir." She smiles. "How may we serve you today?"
Spoiler: Telepathy Roll D100: 81-15 (Ancient Psionic)= 66 (Pass) Reaching out, she feels that his passive defenses are stronger than most people's active defenses, but she manages to send the same kind of signals to his brain. "Hmph..." He chuckles. "Bold of you."
Spoiler: Mop up D100: 2+20 ('Entertained' Thrax)=22 (Fail) Sadly, most of the pirates are more than skilled at evading military vessels, and escape into the void, leaving the dreadnought alone amidst the wreckage of so many other ships.
Rhaiya shakes her head. "I'm not sure. I think he bought it from someone. Or they sold it to him. An off worlder. He seemed like a trader."
"Mmh. I was expecting more." Vizelle hummed as he barely reacted, "Fufu. Maybe your age has gotten to you? Or do all ancient psionics suffer from low libido as well?" She said in a teasing tone.
He raises his hand, and again Vizelle begins to squirt as every muscle in her body tenses up. "You're in my world, girl." With a flick of his fingers, she's raised into the air. "Why exactly do you want this?" He walks forwards, running a hand over her chest. "You think you can manipulate me if you seduce me?"
Yannika huffed in frustration. "You say she's aware of what's happening around her?" she knelt close to the priestess. "Sister Barra? I am Yannika of House Wulfkin, Lady of the Holy Mother Church, Sworn Sister of the Sect of the Sapphire Hearth, Church WHORE, and Envoy of the Emperor. I'm here to help you." "Has anyone looked into a method to seal the portal? What research has been done?" She asked Rhaiya as she reached out to touch the tied priestess to comfort her.
