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Post by akureiryu on Mar 29, 2019 19:03:42 GMT -6
Since she'd been invited to join the group, Natalia sat down at the table with the other three in their 'meeting'. She'd quickly quieted down after introducing herself, seeing the nod of acknowledgement she'd gotten from Ayla. She was looking forward to getting to know the woman better, but that would obviously wait until a better time.
For now, the redhead remained quiet while the three began to talk. She looked toward Marina as she told their host about the events that had led to her current situation and why she wanted to work out an arrangement with the purple-haired woman before showing her what she offered as a 'down payment'. Then Ayla began to ask about Citrio, and Natalia looked toward the Jovian as he did the same thing Marina had earlier. It was hard for the redhead to not feel somewhat out of place among these three, but she remained quiet. She didn't want to do anything to interrupt the three of them while they were trying to work something out.
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Oberst
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Post by Oberst on Mar 30, 2019 21:04:04 GMT -6
Marina wasn't expecting a party for them. Truth to be told that one track mind of hers made her wonder if she could go back to the ship to arrange the next operation while Citrio and Natalia enjoyed themselves with Ayla.
" I can't say I swore loyalty to the Federation to begin with. It's a complicated history, i'd much rather rally under my lord Citrio's cause." It had been with her help that he'd begun putting together this whole operation.
" Natalia will stay here with you to help us coordinate efforts. She's well mannered enough and aims to please." Marina was certain Ayla would appreciate having a new plaything.
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Post by Milady on Mar 31, 2019 5:43:05 GMT -6
Ayla listened to Marina and Citrio, wanting to hear what they had to say. When they did, she slowly stood up, leaving the glass on the table. Walking past the chairs her guests sat in, long fingers brushing against the shoulders of the commodore, the prince, and the ... plaything. Her hand caught a bit of Natalia's hair, brushing against it, petting it between digits. Then, she rested her hands on the girl's shoulders, softly, but firmly enough to prefer her from standing up. Ayla was not blind to the purpose of this one here. She was a bribe, and a very well-thought one. Marina's idea, no doubt. How shrewd. She turned to Citrio, who outlined his purposes here just now.
"Marina has been teaching you to be bad, I see." - she chuckled, addressing the prince. "Back on Earth, and here in Jupiter, many people talk about their privileges, honor, and blood-right. My father, blessed be his memory, cared more about numbers. He preferred the stories they told. More plain, less open to interpretation."
Her hands gently locked around Natalia's neck, as if giving a soft massage.
"Tell me, how many men are still loyal to you? How many ships and mobile suits you have? The ones still operational, and not floating as debris above Mars, that is."
Ayla still spoke in that soft tone of hers, though the jovial undertones were no longer heard. Signifying that the meeting was past the stage of cordial, if meaningless politeness.
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Post by HeadlessSeeker on Mar 31, 2019 10:55:36 GMT -6
Citrio raised an eyebrow at the mention of how Marina had been teaching him to be 'bad'. She spoke of the honesty of numbers and how concrete they are opposed to the interpretation of words. He wondered somewhat where she was going with this, but then it became all too obvious. She was looking to see if he could even pull off what he said he wanted to. What were his resources and what were his current allies and friends that could help him with this? Citrio took pause before he replied, and thought about it placing a finger to his chin."I have many people still loyal to me. People loyal to me not just on my ship, but in rather strategic locations." Citrio stated having been maneuvering and gaining followers for some time now."Aside from Athens, I have four other ships that I maintain contact with. Possibly two others in the gap between Jupiter and Saturn. I currently have my eye on two strategic ships to add to the collection, and my associate Jove is expanding the fleet discreetly." he said leaning back in his chair a little."As for mobile suits, well I personally did not take much in the way of causalities on the way here. My hangers are full of mobile suits." he explained rather matter of factually."Crew loyal to Marina also ensured one important detail." he said starting to smirk."Any reinforcements to the Federation Jupiter fleet will be hampered by the conflict in the Mars Sphere. With the hopes for peace dashed it will be difficult to regroup they are already horribly stretched thin numbers." Citrio said, his plans while not totally successful had none the less worked out more or less in his favor."The moment anything starts the opening moves will be what matter. If we control the H3 then the Federation will be forced to recognize me over my father. This among other things. However, in order to proceed, we need a point from which to launch from."
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Post by akureiryu on Mar 31, 2019 13:47:20 GMT -6
Natalia's eyes followed Ayla as the woman stood up from the table and began to walk around it, making her way passed Marina and Citrio first. And then she was staying behind her. The redhead could feel her playing with her hair, brushing and petting it before she brought her hands to her shoulders. As she felt them against her, the girl didn't try to squirm or move away from her. She remained where she was, sitting in her chair while the purple-haired woman continued to speak.
She looked back toward Citrio as Ayla seemed to focus on him, talking about how Marina had taught him to 'be bad'. She didn't know as much about everything the two of them had done together. But once she stopped, Natalia felt the woman's fingers moving around her neck. But, just like before, she didn't struggle or try to squirm away from the woman. Her only reaction was to take a slow breath as she felt her fingers around her neck. The redhead remained quiet while Ayla asked for more specific numbers, wondering if the answers Citrio and Marina gave her would be acceptable.
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Oberst
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Post by Oberst on Mar 31, 2019 17:49:21 GMT -6
" I only have a handful of subordinates under my command, around 20 bodies. it's not like my charms are enough to sway an entire task force." Marina would explain wondering if Ayla really thought she could get away making a larger number of officers and pilots come along.
" They're mostly young ones like Natalia right here. I've only brought trustworthy people along for the ride." She would continue now that Citrio had explained how many ships and suits they had.
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Post by Milady on Apr 2, 2019 14:28:13 GMT -6
"So... You are planning to take over the entire colony and dethrone your father, using your... unidentified number of men, on your four ships?"
Ayla chuckled, somewhat incredulously. Then again, it was not at all surprising, their situation, that is. After all, if things were better, they would not have come to me. She thought, while idly holding her hands around Natalia, before letting go, and stepping away. Slowly walking towards one of the windows, arms crossed behind her back. Towards one of the tables with champagne and a fruit basket. Pouring another glass to herself
"Lets entertain a thought that your little squadron will somehow penetrate the colony's defenses and manages to get to our liege before he escapes. And that the Federation would be too preoccupied with Zeon to ignore you usurping their pocket ruler and trading partner. It still leaves the issue of loyalty of all the houses. The younger members may be swayed by the words of justice and glory, but the older heads sit quite comfortably on Federation trade contracts. And each of these houses has more ships and soldiers than you do. Meaning that even if you succeed, you will have an entire nation to pacify."
The woman turned around, to face her guests.
"You can see how these factors do not amount to a happy ending, from my perspective. As dull as it is, most of us are living comfortably selling materials to Earth. With your blood-right compromised by a coup, you would need something other than legitimacy to offer to other houses... Certainly more than a couple of gold-plated mobile suits and a ... cute retainer."
She winked, unclear if to Natalia or to Citrio, and lifting the glass up a little, as if cheering.
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Post by Oberst on Apr 2, 2019 18:20:38 GMT -6
" Make no mistake. We have allies within the current Jovian Self defense force chain of command along with other elements independent from our operation that will be more than willing to support us maintaining the Federation out once this all blows over. Due to the covert nature of these groups we really can't make use of them right now since we're still in the process of gathering support, men and material. You seem to to think we're marching on the capital tomorrow but this isn't the case at all, Ayla. I myself agree we're very under equipped and short staffed at the moment that's why I am going to start an expansion program that will grant us larger, more respectable fleet in the long term." Marina could see why Ayla wasn't entirely sold on their idea and would attempt at explaining their position in further detail in a calm demeanor.
" Right now all we need is a base of operations other than a transport ship, no matter how large it is we can't afford to put all our eggs in just one basket." There were many aspects of their operation that she would rather keep secret, after all it wasn't a guarantee Ayla wasn't going to sell them out.
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Post by HeadlessSeeker on Apr 2, 2019 18:39:35 GMT -6
Citrio would look to Marina and nod in agreement with what she had just said."Indeed, we are not yet ready. While things have indeed progressed faster then I expected, we are not in a position to immediately act. We only ask to for the time being use this place as our home base of sorts." he said confirming what Marina had said."The Federation forces are spread thin, decentralized, and the conflict with Mars will push them to the limit. put on top of that the nature of the Jupiter Sphere Defence force and things suddenly become a lot more... feasible. We have slowly gained allies within the chain of command in the JSDF which will not only be able to assist us when the time comes... but they have drip fed us information. For instance, the quality of equipment that the JSDF he ten perhaps twenty years out of date for the most part. This is why I spent a fortune to have AE deliver a... better product for our forces." he smirked alluding to the massive order of updated Bredas and Jaguars."To be honest, the Energy Fleet is better equipped then the JSDF." he stated knowing that they had to be as they were the direct targets of raids.
"The use of shock and awe as well as the quick achievement of objectives will one hundred percent be necessary." he would say with a pause considering one of her very sound points."The matter of particular houses rising up to maintain their contracts with the Earth Federation has been somthing I have considered." he said tapping the table a little glancing off before looking back to her."I have come to a solution that will bring them in line if it comes to that. Or at least buy time long enough to deal with the situation. However, I doubt it will rise to such a point." he said having collected a number of weapons of interest.
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Post by akureiryu on Apr 2, 2019 18:52:58 GMT -6
Natalia remained where she was sitting, though it wasn't like she had much of a choice. Even if Ayla's hands were somewhat relaxed, they were still around her throat. As the woman began to speak again, she could understand why the Jovian woman was somewhat skeptical of how successful their plan would be based off what information she had now.
The redhead felt Ayla let go of her throat and took a slow breath, still watching the woman as she made her way over to one of the tables and poured herself a glass of champagne. She was very aware of just how out of place she was in this meeting, remaining silent as she listened to Ayla continue to express her doubts about what Marina and Citrio would be able to do. She blinked, still looking toward Ayla, when she talked about a 'cute retainer'. Even when Marina and Citrio began to give her more details and try to further sell her on what they wanted to accomplish, she was still looking at the alluring woman for a while longer before she turned her head to look at the pair.
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Post by Milady on Apr 4, 2019 13:01:58 GMT -6
Ayla drank her champagne, her eyes locked on the fizzy little bubbles escaping the golden liquid, as it vanished from the glass. It was true, she could sell them out. Rattle the tale about a disloyal prince wanting to usurp his daddy's throne and impose... whatever it was he wanted to impose. Wage a war with the Federation? Support the Martians? Both? If she opened her mouth, all hopes of swift and decisive victory would be all but lost. And she... she would probably get a shiny medal, or some other token reward, and continue on selling her titanium to Earth, like she did for the last... ten years our so.
She pulled away the glass, and yawned, covering her mouth with her white leather glove.
Before approaching the table again.
"It is good that you realize your position. However, one cannot simply engage in your little intrigue unprepared. Athene is a large, noticeable ship, with a very noticeable owner. I would imagine more than a few hundred people would know by now that it is stationed here. Soon enough the news of your arrival would reach your father's ears. Which is why it must be short indeed. Though I do thank you for granting me the honor of your visit." - the woman said dejectedly, as she sat back at her chair and finished her champagne. Slowly eyeing all three of her visitors, her eyes passing over Marina, Citrio, and fixating on Natalia's face, for a little bit longer. The glass went empty, only to be refilled shortly after. A long, uncomfortable pause hung in the room.
"However... inside of the asteroid belt, where my colony resides, there is an abandoned gas storage facility. An engineering project from my father's early years, it has been left to disrepair after the gas supplies found on the asteroid were deemed insufficient to warrant such a venture. I imagine that, a handful of personnel, and a couple of transport freighters with my flags over them would help resolve your little housing issue, at least for a ... little while. There, my dear prince, you could enjoy the hospitality of your home, away from ... prying eyes." - she looked at the boy and smiled, fluttering her lashes a bit.
"As for other houses... that matter may be a little bit more complex. You're eager to make friends, I can see that much. But tell me, young would-be usurper, how willing would you be to make... enemies?"
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Post by HeadlessSeeker on Apr 4, 2019 13:39:23 GMT -6
At first as Ayla had spoke Citrio grew worried and disappointed as she would mentioned how without a doubt people had taken notice of his presence. Indeed, his father without a doubt kept an eye out for him specifically. He had never been this close to home before, and had not had contact with the old man for some time now. But, it did now sound like she would be the one sending the message. He could not ask her to black laser comms to Jupiter, as that would raise far too many suspicions. But, what she said next was a nice ray of hope. They needed a place to station, and it seemed she had just a place in mind. He smirked at her suggestion liking how it sounded."I believe... that will do nicely~" he said happily."Perfectly discreet and unnoticed. I believe it suits our needs very well. Also thank you for the offer to put your flags over our movements... it is greatly appreciated." Citrio would say with a pause."Perhaps after this... I can show you some of the mobile suits I have?" he asked thinking that such a gesture should be paid.
"One has to be willing to make enemies when reaching for such things..." Citrio said knowing this to be a fact."I am willing to make enemies. I will have to make enemies. Some people I wont be able to recompense with." he said with a shake of his head."It is unfortunate, but I know what it means to go forward with this."
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Post by Oberst on Apr 4, 2019 14:34:08 GMT -6
While the conversation went on, Marina would fix herself a glass of refreshing champagne, not having tasted a sip in far too long. ' This is good.' She thought to herself, relieved they managed to adress Ayla's simple concerns regarding their uprising.
A woman like Marina Von Witzland was not in the least bothered at the prospect of making a few more enemies out of the Jovian ruling houses, much less the few loyal elements of their JSDF. The Jovian Federation branch was the least of her concern, knowing they lacked experienced commanders.
" Diplomacy has never been my strong suit. I prefer decisives shows of force." If Citrio gave her the OK, Marina was more than ready to utterly eliminate all those who dared defy their plot.
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Post by akureiryu on Apr 4, 2019 19:27:18 GMT -6
Natalia's attention was once again focused on Ayla as the woman began to speak again, hopeful at first that what Citrio and Marina had said had been enough to sway her. But it was beginning to sound like she still wasn't convinced to help them, instead bringing up that it was likely Citrio's father either knew or would soon know that they were there.
For a moment, after she'd eyed Citrio and Marina, the redhead found herself looking into the purple-haired woman's eyes as they looked right back at her. But it wasn't until she turned toward the various bottles that her eyes explored a little, eager to see more. After what seemed like such a long, awkward pause, she continued to speak and seemed much more willing to help them. Hearing about the facility they could use, at least for now, brought a smile to Natalia's face.
But there was still a little awkwardness for her as she sat in on this now much less formal meeting. She kept watching as Ayla and Citrio spoke, then looked toward Marina as she poured herself a glass of champagne. She still kept quiet, but the redhead got up from the table as well.
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Post by Milady on Apr 6, 2019 11:39:53 GMT -6
Ayla smiled, putting her glass down on the table.
"That is very good. How do those witty earthlings used to say... You cannot make an omelette without cracking a few eggs? Yes, I think that is how the saying goes. If you want your little conquest to go smoothly, you need to win our hearts and minds first. You certainly have mine with your charming disposition and generous gifts, but I do not think the favors you hold will give you enough mobile suits to bribe half the system, especially since these robot toys might be later used against you..."
The woman hummed, as she picked up a small crystalline plate of honey, and dipped a small piece of cheese into it, while neatly holding it on the tip of a toothpick. The golden honey slowly dripped from the piece, and into the bowl, as she took it into her mouth, smiling a bit wider.
"I could whisper a sweet tale into the ears of those who would like to hear it. But for a future dictator of ours, you have remarkably little to offer to most. The larger houses hold strong positions in the current office, and have enough money to buy whatever they want and more. So, positions and wealth are not going to work much, as they already have these. But there is something you can provide them, something they would not, or dare not, do themselves."
Ayla went for another piece of cheese.
"The balance of power between houses is brittle and held by power parity. At the same time, an elaborate chain of slights and misgivings prevents them from allying with one another against the throne. If some of the houses were to become weakened and disappear, the power vacuum would be filled by others. None would dare openly engaging in a feud, though. You can promise some of the houses to smash their enemies in court, once you come to power. But words are cheap, certainly cheaper than Federation contracts and the current king's good will. If I am to sing this song to others, I would need you to show your commitment and resolve to ... uphold your end of the bargain."
In other words... a show of force.
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( OOC: Dear Natasha, I'm so sorry for how unengaging this thread must seem to you, with how the convo is held between me, Marina, and Citrio. This thread is going to be over soon, but if you wish, we could play a private thread, just between the two of us, to make up for it <3 In the meantime, you could entertain yourself and us by perhaps writing what your character thinks about the whole conversation. It's always fun to read other character's thoughts. )
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