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Post by HeadlessSeeker on Apr 6, 2019 12:43:29 GMT -6
"Oh, I think I understand perfectly what you are saying~" he said knowing it was a straight forward enough way to win the support of the more powerful houses within the Jupiter Sphere."I have some people positioned within the Jupiter Sphere who can show my commitment and resolve." he said with a pause."To show I am not just words, but also more then willing to follow through." he said a smirk coming to his face."But choosing who to support and who to smash... that is a matter that requires some thought." he said taking pause."But, you must have something in mind yes? Who do you think is deserving of... well being smashed?~" he said making it clear he was willing to follow through. However, there were some matters elsewhere he had to attend to. He also could not risk at this moment going deep into the Jupiter Sphere and taking these matters into his own hands. However, he had allies who could take up such a task within the Jupiter Sphere. They could be his hammer while he is far away to strike and show his willingness to support those that would support him. He liked the way Ayla was thinking.
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Post by akureiryu on Apr 7, 2019 1:20:05 GMT -6
Being out of her seat helped Natalia to feel a little more relaxed in the room with three figures much more important than herself. She still remained quiet however, instead looking toward Ayla and Citrio as the two continued to speak. She was an... interesting woman.
Although she'd known she would be staying here with Ayla, the redhead hadn't anticipated being a part of this meeting. At first, she'd thought the woman was almost trying to discourage them with the way she'd spoken about how seemingly far off they from accomplishing her goals. But the longer the meeting went on, the more Natalia started to wonder if she'd been testing the two; seeing how they would respond to what she said.
She knew that they were still a ways off from being able to make this idea into a reality. There was so much they still needed, even after Ayla had told them about the facility that could become their base for the time being. But none of that was enough to change Natalia's feelings: she knew they would be able to make it a reality. She believed in Marina and knew that she wouldn't let anything stop her. And she would do whatever she could to help make it happen.
Natalia felt a little nervous as she approached the table where the bottles of alcohol were, pouring herself a glass of champagne. She looked back toward the woman she would be staying with as she took small sip, never having drank much alcohol before. She was eager to spend more time with Ayla and get to know her better. There was... something about her that she couldn't quite put her finger on. And she was a very beautiful woman, of course.
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Post by Milady on Apr 13, 2019 8:29:50 GMT -6
Folding her hands together, and criss-crossing her fingers, Ayla went into deep thought.
Truth to be told, she did not expect this conversation to go... that far. And yet, they were here, and the prince was expecting of her to call the shot. Certainly determined... that one. Even if brash. - she thought to herself. And yet, this kind of attitude was going to drain the swamp that Jupiter was becoming. All that force needed guidance, and... a purpose. She stroke her chin.
"In two weeks, I am invited as an esteemed guest to a ball to House Lukar. That one invites only their friends and... people they wish to see as friends. Which is how I am going to be present. The head of the house, Count Dumar, is a rather droll, uninteresting character. At first, I was planning attend out of politeness only. But now... perhaps there will be some meaning behind my visit after all."
Another sip. Her ladyship sure enjoyed alcohol, paired with good food.
"House Lukar is currently in a dispute over a ferrying contract for the Government, with house Renard. They are fairly evenly matched, both in terms of connections and alliances. However, it does not take much to tip the balance, as the deadline closes in. If... say, a band of unidentified, but experienced and well-equipped pirates were to attack and destroy a convoy of house Renard, it would give Lukar the advantage they need to win the dispute in their favor."
Ayla cracked her fingers.
"Such a favor would no doubt be appreciated. House Lukar will discover that my wishes of good fortune to them have some ... miraculous substance. You will gain a powerful ally, with me as your humble intermediary."
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Post by HeadlessSeeker on Apr 13, 2019 12:17:02 GMT -6
Citrio grinned a tad liking the target she suggested, and knew that being able to sway the balance of power in such a way would prove ever useful. When he eventually did return to the Jupiter Sphere, if he made the houses aware of his ability, then he could avoid using it. But he had to be careful not to show his hand to much, or risk the entire operation before it even had a chance to get started."Very well~" Citrio would say having made his choice."House Renard shall very soon find itself missing a convoy. Their ability to fulfill contracts shall be diminished. I have just the person in mind~" he said knowing that this task could be pulled off with his allies in the Jupiter Sphere."By the time you attend this ball the deed shall be done." he said as he would take a sip from his own drink."This shall be the start of a new series of operations. Ones which shall shape the outcome of my eventual return to Jupiter. Now, since you will be acting in such a direct role, being an intermediary..." he said with a pause."There must be somthing more I can to do to thank you when the time comes hmm~?"
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Oberst
Administrator 
The Boss
Posts: 1,481
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Post by Oberst on Apr 15, 2019 18:37:25 GMT -6
Marina's connections within Jupiter had limited knowledge of the power struggle between their noble houses. After all she was concerned in favoring the Galileo institute, letting them conduct their research as they pleased without getting too bogged down in politics. Citrio seemed to have a solid enough grasp of the situation or at least enough to fully trust Ayla.
Instead of weighing in, the uniformed blond stood up from her seat with the glass in hand heading over to Natalia's side. It was obvious to see she was seeing their host with interest. " I am sure she'll take good care of you but don't forget about dear ol' me." Marina was no longer Natalia's commander and yet she and a few others had decided to willfully follow her into exile.
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Post by akureiryu on Apr 15, 2019 20:09:25 GMT -6
Natalia had remained by the table once she'd gotten her glass of champagne, still listening to the conversation between Citrio and Ayla. Something about a ball that she had been invited to. But before she could continue listening to what they were beginning to plan, her attention turned to Marina as she walked over toward her.
The redhead still had a smile on her face, enjoying herself as much as she could at a meeting like this. Of course, having something alcoholic to drink was helping. But the smile on her face got bigger when she heard what the blonde said. "I could never forget about you, my lady," she answered back. She had only joined the Federation under Marina's recommendation, and she'd been more than eager to follow her when she left. Considering everything the woman had done for her, Natalia would always remain at Marina's side and happily do whatever she could for her. She was going to say something, but looked back toward Citrio and Ayla when he seemed to think there was something else he could do to thank her. "I'm glad everyone's getting along so well now."
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Post by Milady on Apr 16, 2019 11:44:03 GMT -6
Ayla smiled enigmatically, hearing the prince filled with confidence, and asking her about how she could be repaid for her services.
"Oh, I'm sure after your throne is secure and all your enemies have been banished from the realm, there would be plenty of opportunities to remember those who helped you along the way. But as it stands, splitting the hoard of an unkilled dragon is a bit... premature."
She did agree to play the game, but did not know for how long it will last, and how high the stakes would eventually get. Clasping her hands together, the woman reached down and rang a small, but loud bell in the air. The doors opened, and a few servants appeared to take empty plates away from the table, and replace some dishes with others.
"Now that these matters have been discussed, please, enjoy the meals. Though if you are tired from the road, I could have my servants show you to your rooms. I am certain my bedchambers would be superior to any kind of quarters available on your ah... dingy little space boats." - Ayla said, chuckling at her own remark.
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Post by HeadlessSeeker on Apr 16, 2019 12:01:02 GMT -6
"I suppose you are right... but still..." Citrio said though trailed off noticing how the servants came in and began to take away empty plates and replace dishes as well. He adjusted in position as she spoke further and playfully smile."Yes of course." he said sensing she was done talking business."While I have tried to do my best to make the ships quarters... homely... There is only such much that can be done for a industrial vessel." he srhugged though eyed Ayla."Without a doubt your bed chambers would be far superior~ warmer~ and more homely~" he said a bit playfully.
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Post by Milady on Apr 21, 2019 9:17:13 GMT -6
"Certainly, my dear prince. As you learned by now, I am a most generous host. My first prerogative is that my guests feel warm and welcome."
The rest of the dinner would go slow, and rather unexciting. All what was needed to be said was said, and the food was good. Once everyone felt satiated enough, Ayla stood up, ringing her bell again to get the servants around and clean the table. Clapping her hands together, and smiling in the most pleasant way possible.
"I hope you enjoyed the meal my dears. I, for one, cannot eat a bite more. I will have servants show you to your quarters. If there is anything else you need, anything at all - feel free to inquire. They are a quiet, unassuming bunch, but they will get it done." - as she said that, a maid and a butler approached. Both looked in their early twenties, with the butler wearing a tuxedo with a bowtie, and the maid - a traditional uniform, with a black dress, a white apron, long white stockings, and shoes. They made their silent greetings, and offered Marina and Citrio to follow them. As the group was about to go though, Natalie would feel Ayla's hand on her shoulder.
"Not you." - the woman said softly, as the rest would go, and leave her and her guest... in privacy.
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Post by akureiryu on Apr 21, 2019 12:01:38 GMT -6
Once dinner was served, everything seemed to settle down somewhat. It had certainly been interesting for Natalia to observe Ayla and listen to what she said while she spoke to Citrio. The woman always seemed to be thinking several steps ahead, and she didn't seem like the tip to let anyone get one up on her. The redhead mostly stayed quiet while they ate, only speaking up whenever someone would ask her something. There were moments she had to hold herself back as she was eating the delicious food, enjoying it quite a bit more than what they'd been eating before they'd arrived here.
After the meal, the redhead looked toward their host as she rang a bell and looked toward the servants who entered the room. Some cleared the table while two others came toward them. She looked toward the pair, interested in the uniform the maid was wearing. But as the two were about to guide Citrio and Marina toward their rooms, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked toward Ayla and listened to her, a small smile still on her face. "Of course, my lady," she said, remaining with the purple-haired woman. Natalia could feel her heart beating a little faster as she thought about having some privacy with Ayla.
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Post by Milady on Apr 28, 2019 6:43:11 GMT -6
Ayla chuckled silently. feeling the girl tense up a little, once the two were alone. Though it was not the reaction that amused the noble lady. It was the wording.
"My lady, hmm? You catch on quite quickly." - she said, standing behind Natalie once more, just like she did before. Only this time, there was no hurry to pass by. And plenty of time to... admire. Her fingers ran through that long hair, fondling some of it between fingers. The steps echoing down the hall were getting quieter and quieter, until silence was hanging over the now very large, very empty office, with only the two of them around.
"I am very sorry to not have had paid attention to you during the dinner. I was preoccupied with my more titular guests. Between the prince, the ex-commodore, and myself, we had plenty to talk about."
The hands traveled down to fix the girl's collar, in a doting, almost motherly sort of way.
"Yet I was surprised to see you here. Natalie, was it? Your presence was neither necessary nor beneficial to this conversation, and yet Marina chose to bring you along. You must be a very special and trusted person to her, to be allowed to hear what you did today."
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Post by akureiryu on May 15, 2019 22:15:19 GMT -6
Natalia remained sitting as she listened to the sounds of footsteps getting further and further away, leaving the two of them alone. And she stayed still, waiting until she would be 'allowed' to get up. But the redhead couldn't help smiling when she heard what the woman said. Of course, she was going to address Ayla respectfully until she was told otherwise.
The young woman took a slow breath when she felt Ayla playing with her hair, happy that the woman seemed to like her. She was hopefully that she'd made a good first impression so far on the woman who would be her host for the time being. Finally, after hearing those footsteps get quieter and quieter, they were far enough away that they couldn't be heard anymore. Now it really was just the two of them.
"There's no need to apologize, my lady," Natalia said, still looking ahead. "I completely understand. There was quite a bit the three of you had to discuss." The redhead had known her place during the meeting. Outside of when she'd been addressed, she had stayed fairly quiet while the three of them had been talking. But it had been a chance for her to observe Ayla and try to get to know her a little better. While she spoke, she could feel the woman's hands moving and soon fixing her collar.
The redhead continued to listen as Ayla spoke again, this time pointing out what she had just been thinking about her 'role' during the meeting. But it made her happy just to hear her speak about how special or trusted she must have been to Marina. "Lady Von Witzland has done a lot for me. More than she had to," Natalia said, opening up a little. "I'm sure she knows that I wouldn't do anything to betray her trust."
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Post by Milady on May 16, 2019 21:02:13 GMT -6
Ayla smiled, hearing that heartfelt confession. So she was Marina's confidante after all. And a very loyal one too! She was perfect.
"I wonder what is it she did to earn such loyalty... But this is your chance to return the favor. This mission is very important to Marina, you see."
Ayla's hands went a bit lower than the neck, two digits wrapping around one of the buttons.
"You see, despite our cordial meeting, much of this alliance is still in the air. There is a good chance she might go back on me and compromise me before the Jupiter government. Or I could decide to sell her out at the last moment. Which makes your presence here very important."
Ayla slowly undid the first button and went for the other.
"So stiff... Must be uncomfortable for your neck. You have such a lovely neck, dear. But where was I... Ah yes... Your purpose here. With you around, I hope Marina would not be brash enough to try anything dishonest with me. But it does not solve the issue of my own loyalty. So... to keep your friend safe, you need to keep me happy."
With that, Ayla turned the chair and made the girl look up at her. Making a long, longing eye contact.
"Do you understand, Natalie?"
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Post by akureiryu on May 18, 2019 15:43:41 GMT -6
Natalia saw no reason to not speak the truth to Ayla. In her mind, all lying to her would do was potentially lead to her eventually finding out about it and distrusting her. And that was the last thing she wanted.
She once again listened to the woman's voice as she spoke again. No matter how much time passed, the redhead could always remember the things Marina had done to earn her trust and devotion. So hearing that she had a chance to repay Marina for that certainly got her attention. She felt the purple-haired woman's hands slide lower on her neck until they reached a button, and Natalia lifted her chin a little so she had room.
The things Ayla said about the alliance that had been discussed were all thoughts that had entered into her mind. This alliance had only just been made, and both sides still needed to prove to the other just how dedicated to it they were. Natalia was sure that Marina wouldn't go back on her word, but she much more familiar with the blonde than with the woman behind her. If she chose to, it would be easy for her to sell them out to the Jupiter government.
Natalia continued to look ahead when Ayla mentioned her, feeling that button she'd been fingering come undone. But she remained still in Ayla's hands, a soft, small smile on her face as she complimented her neck. She breathed slowly as the woman continued, giving more detail to the role she was playing now that she would be staying with Ayla.
Her chair was spun and, feeling the woman's hand under her chin, Natalia looked up into her host's eyes. Despite everything that seemed to hang in the balance, there was a pleased expression on the redhead's face. "I do, my lady," she answered, still not resisting anything she did. "I'll do my best to make you as... happy as I can."
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Post by Milady on Jun 6, 2019 8:18:08 GMT -6
"I'm glad you see it my way."
Ayla smiled, letting go of the collar, and pressed the finger under the girl's chin, making her look up to her, not letting her turn away. "Of course, you won't be needing this military uniform. If I have someone walking around in a Federation garb, word will get out eventually. You will have to wear something more ... appropriate to fit into my retinue. I saw the way you looked at my maid, when she walked in. Would you like to be one? At least... on the outside."
Chuckling, the woman moved closer, pushing her knee between the girl's legs and resting it on the seat below. Putting both hands on her face, stroking the girl's cheek.
"I will have something nice tailored just for you. In the meanwhile, why don't you visit your ship for the last time, say goodbye to all your friends. I imagine you'll be staying here for quite a while..."
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