Week 7 - The Devilish Director Ironsbane

Those who had been invited to the auction would see cameras in the back for all the private buyers across the distant shores.

A burly man who looked like hired muscled got up and raised a mic and said, “The man who hired me is a Director of a small independent weapons manufacturing and sales agency. We normally supply hunters and woodsmen with their gear. Our boss was in love with a girl. But you know what, I’ll let him tell you his story.”

The hired goon put a holo-projector on the podium. It projected the image of a handsome young businessman. He looked no more than seventeen winters.

“My name is not important, but I inherited a weapons company from my father. He was a skillful businessman, working off of the Lost Hope station. My father had many ships, and many crews, and brought in enough ghaz to build a palace if he was so inclined. Instead he was hunted by the Iron Republic, and killed by his own hand. Took out most of his enemies or so the story went in the news.

When I was a child on Lost Hope I knew the beautiful Baby Blue Mconnel. I remember when her brother…well he did things to her. Bad Things. I told the Head of the Pirate Family and her older brother was banished aboard an escape pod heading for a dead moon.
Baby Blue Mcconnel was my only friend. I promised my father I would never be a pirate, so when she left to take over the family business I stayed behind.

Then at the height of my success, selling weapons to Gun runners in Volans, who returns to my life, Baby Blue Mcconnel. She’s now Captain Mcconnel, in charge of the family and wants to purchase her crew new weapons. And like a fool I accepted her money. Then like a bigger fool I refused to give her the weapons unless she married me.

She brought each one of my staff members in front of me, and said she would kill them unless I just gave her the weapons she paid for, or gave her the money back. I was inflexible, just like she always used to say. She always was so clever. So finally she agreed for us to be married, and as a starship captain she did marry us on the spot.
Baby Blue finally got her weapons and she left the planet, leaving me to clean up her mess. I followed after her, thinking once again like a fool that I would just bring them to the free systems and resurrect the dead when I got back. To my defense I did lock the door behind me, and I had never broken the law before.

Then a News Reporter showed up drawn by the weapons fire. A Brethren Squad showed up soon after and disposed of the bodies logging the place as a crime scene.

I lost many of my best workers due to my mistake, but I lost Baby Blue Mcconnel because of two forces. The Weapons Manufacter and Private Military Contracter know as Blackheart Security Solutions, and the vicious army of the Lions of Earth.
When I caught up with the fleet I saw it all happen. And I filmed it and I showed it to every Pirate family within transmission range and they passed it on. The Pirates are ready for war, if the rest of the universe wants it. I reached out to all my father's old crews and contacts. And when they saw the footage you are watching they vowed revenge for my bride on my behalf.

You see the Lions hailed the Mcconnel fleet, and said they wanted to offer the Mconnel a contract as privateers. For you laymen a Privateer is a pirate that works for hire for a nation. So because the fact that I begged her to go legit, she agreed to join the Lions of Earth expecting a fat paycheck.

Instead she got a fat sellout. A sellout to the Quall N’drone. Baby Blue is now permanently gone. We can’t ask for her back.

So instead we must have revenge on all people on the ships involved in this viciousness. We have a special assault squadron based on my fathers most excellent doctrine. They disabled our enemies and caught some of them.

They are currently being held on the world behind us. It is a jungle planet full of death. And we have cameras set up so you can watch any fools that try and save these men.

And the best part is you our wonderful audience will decide their fate based on your auction prices.

We have a crew of 10 Blackheart Security Operatives, and 8 Lions of Earth Mercs.

Once you’ve bought them you can do as you want. Implant them, torture them, make them your eternal undead slaves.

We are starting at a bid of 100,000 for each so a total of 1.8 million ghaz in certified banking guild ghaz. No gemstones, trades etc.”


The Djinni representative smiled and said, “1.8 Million.”

The rep of Qoppa HiveQueen said, “Ar’yay HiveQueen’s Horned Dogs are involved in this pirate hunt? Then I want those people she wants so I can keep them away from her.
3.5 Million Ghaz.”

The Krato Ur-Duke Jomm snarled, "5.5 Million ghaz, the Lions of Earth serve Vulfrym a known K'ias. I need him so I can torture him into making new Annihilators for my stables of slaves."

--

This mission has two different types of actions you can make. You must choose above who you think should win the prisoners. Majority wins.

The second action is a post to either be a guest at the auction (no violence allowed), or
To try and save the men from the nearby jungle moon. Common threats poison barbed plants, toxic swamp gas and lots of giant alien insects. Put together a plan to get past all threats.

To reach the planet you have to survive two passes by the terrible, most horrifying and dreaded 100 Stilleto rush, if that is what is attacking you.

This mission is open to All Players.

Post your plan to this mission on either the defenders or attacker's side here on this thread only. First person to post gets a single extra repost later to launch secret attacks, ambushes etc. All other players get one post only. This thread will be locked at 11pm E.S.T. on Friday July 1st (we have included extra time this week to account for the live events at Origins Convention) (three week RT = 1 Week GT this week only)

Only actions listed on this mission thread will count as locked in for player actions.

You are encouraged to set up threads in your own factions to discuss this matter.

(OoC: Can we counter bid if some one out bids us?)

Leon Simmons had a data pad with a very large number on it. He knew the operators training was only worth 3 million but Childeen made it clear money wasn't the issue, getting his people back safe and sound was. Arrayed in front of him was a mind boggling array of different creatures. He remembered from his brief that the Djinni could literally make money appear, if it wanted to it could outbid the entire universe just for fun.

"6.5 million, The Childeen Blackheart is not going to leave his people behind." Leon said, he turned to the Djinni, "Wouldn't it be funny to just release the prisoners back to their respective areas. This guy goes through all this trouble to ensure they have horrible things done and then his plan goes up in flames because the people he is sold to don't even care. I bet his bitch fit of rage would be classic."

***
If a joint EEF operation was mounted 30 aegis fighters would join the fleet but hang back to EMP any fighter rushes. If the intiial EMP didn't take them down they would aim for the weak point on the stillettos to disable them.

As a diplomatic envoy to SUARM space Edges-297 watched the proceedings of those about to be auctioned off. He had been sent to take part in galactic events big or small. His tiny metallic body stood motionless as the organic races bid on the lives of these... criminals? The subtleties of galactic politics often escaped him. There were times when he wondered why Mor'aye'ahn would bother with wanting to have their worlds interract with these irrational and often dangerous beings.
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Mor'aye'ahn sends no aid or money ot the auction but does keep an eye on the proceedings for entertainment value.

Narrowed jade eyes scanned the crowd for that which he sought, finding it wasn't to hard, but then again how hard could it be to find a morbidly obese humanoid with a lower body made of clouds? Snaking his way towards his target past all sorts of disgusting pirates and riffraff, he was mindful to school his face into one of a more pleasant nature, the face he usually reserved for business.

Coming to a stop just feet of his target he allowed his eyes to rove over the being's immense form, it was truly disgusting for one of it's kind, no wonder it was here. He grinned up at the creature and proceeded to speak in his most charming voice, "Well, it is indeed true what they say, Djinn look just like the creatures from Earther legends. However, do they have the powers to match I wonder?"

The Djinn proceeded to look down at him and grinned, then his eyes narrowed as if he were examining an insect, "Indeed it is true, but why do you bother me so?" Not missing a beat Orleos kept speaking, "Curiosity truth be told. When I look around I see everyone's wishes as plain as day. For the Quall it is a petty cat fight and implantation, the pirates wish vengeance in the name of a man who rules with his smaller 'head', EEF wishes to be Heroes, and Blackheart should be called Stupid-Bleedingheart, but you...you elude me."

The Djinn chuckled at the Earther before him, "How true, indeed how true, but the question you ask is what I want to do with them, yes? Well, what I plan to do with them is whatever I want, whatever entertains me, that's all that matters!" At this the Djinn let out a booming laugh.

Orleos turned towards the podium and proceeded to continue speaking, "It's just a shame to see them go to waste is all, after all, the poor things would probably just break after you toyed with them for even a few moments, something like that is so...uncreative. Death would be better and the toys would last longer. It would be better if they lasted for quite some time, with someone who could appreciate them, yes?"

The Djinn ceased laughing and seemed caught between being insulted and intrigued, "Oh? What would you do then, little man?" The grin on Orleos's face widened 'Now to go in for the kill.' Orleos brought his voice down to a level where only they could hear, "I would deny them their freedom when they thought they had it within their grasp and then show them what it truly means to be a prisoner. I would make them dance, have their very essence's ripped from their bodies and hung upon my wall, make them watch the world change before them for eternity, and should I grow tired of their silent vigil I'd release them for sport and right before they reached freedom, I would tear it away again. All to watch them break."

The Djinn found himself speechless for a moment, but only a moment, "Well then, I must say that the idea has merit little man. Go ahead then, buy them." At this Orleos proceeded to pull a frown and sighed, "Unfortunately I cannot match that what the Bleedingheart has to offer, but if someone were to buy them for me, why then I would be indebted to them. Of course I would hand them over in due time, but only after I had prepared them, but I 'wish' I knew what would be the right price to trade them for. After all, everything has a price doesn't it? Perhaps if you wanted them back we could negotiate? Or if you lost, I could offer you something else? I have many fun things in my collection, after all."

Turning to walk away Orleos spoke one last time, "Ah well, I hope you enjoy the auction, perhaps I shall peruse the refreshments. I am so thirsty after all this talking." As he walked away he did not see the look of contemplation upon the Djinn's face, he didn't have to, he played his part.

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Should the Djinn win the auction and give into Orleos's Temptation, they will leave together for Quanalithi with the prisoners, wherein the Djinn will be brought into the Chambers beneath Sacrenine Fine Arts to be killed and bound into a work of art. Necessary preparations for the Black Chamber were made prior to arrival at the auction house by Eante, 4 elemental wards in place, toe preserved, and 5 support summoners standing by.

Otherwise, once the auction is over Orleos will leave unless conflict breaks out and he is able to react, away from prying eyes will commence the summoning of chimeras and other non-total control minions that will keep the enemy busy, will try to avoid attacking the pirates directly, but will aide whichever side is with Blackheart. Arrived on a freighter, will avoid space battle if at all possible due to condition in which he arrived. Armed with only Zelan crystal whip, springshot pistol 12 rounds, and 2 crystal balls in the event that he is unseen and can bind the souls of npc characters of importance should they die.

Ryuk was hiding in the shadows as the bidding began. He followed the goon that started and politely inquired about the goon's leader to arrange for a private audience between the leader of this pirate group and himself. Passed along was a private encrypted com crystal, one that prevents locations from being determined. Ryuk decided to make sure the com crystal was recieved, a little fear is a good incentive for low grade goons like these. Ryuk slides up next to the goon, and states "I have your scent, if this crystal is not given to him in a week I will come and find you" as his eyes have a flash of fire. Into the goons hand was pressed 5 Ghaz, and Ryuk states "I reward people well, and punshish failure worse. Get this to the leader and have him contact me. You will get more when the job is complete."

Ryuk then sticks to the shadows, survaying the area. Bringing all of the Rabble was a good idea, the open bar is nice, and the fact that they are quickly identifing the pirates and giving each his message to take back to their captains. Some of each group where actually getting chummy together, this seem to bode well for his proposition to the captains. At least it bodes well for future interactions. . .


Ryuk smiled as he left, with all the training and real live experience the Rabble had, this is a good time for them to take a quick break.

****************************************************************************************************************

The message that is relayed to the pirates identified to bring to their captains.

I was dismayed at the treatment of the Mcconnel and her family. I could only stand by as the Lions of Earth and
the Hive Queen took the family for implantation. I made an offer, and that offer goes for every pirate family.
Join my army with a Unity hook up, and gain enourmous benefits. If you don't join, as long as you do not attack
me or members of the Unity or the Kansantian Federation, I will not attack nor make any intentional attacks against
you.

There may be a way to save Baby Blue McConnel and her crew, but I can not do it myself, If you join me, we might be
able to pull it off.

A lanky uthvelor man stepped through the doors; his pale blue eyes gazed over the crowd with a snobbish indifference. He walked with the natural grace and confidence of a seasoned warrior. Behind him were two uth soldiers and two plainly dressed earthers.

“On behalf of Zaodonai Hajima of the uthvelor,” he announced. “I, lieutenant Rilath, hereby submit a bid.” He straightened himself up, his hands resting behind his back. “We bid the safe return and larval removal of 5000 McConnel pirates. This includes their leader, Babyblue Mcconnel.”

He motions to the earthers standing behind him. “We have brought two of them with us today, both free of any larval parasites, as proof of our goodwill. You will find they are unharmed and healthy.”

Rilath bows his head politely and steps back into the crowd. He continues to gaze around the room in an almost unnerving manner.

The minute Deer finds out that the kid of Magnus Ironsbane is involved he knows what he got to do.
Rescue the Lions of Earth and give a glorious intergalactic middle finger to the Pirates and their friends.

I'm sending in a pair of IR Gunships, a cloaked Trident Missile Ship and 60 Starfighters. The Gunships are gonna go in gangbusters, make a lot of noise to draw out the "dreaded" 100 Starfighters.

Now Deer knows Stilletos, and Deer knows Ironbane's pappys tactics. Therefore Deer would assume its not just 100 Stilletos. If its like Ironbanes attacks last year its probably about 30 Stilletos with Ironbanes special decoys to make it look like 100 starfighters. There is something really nasty hiding in the center where we are seeing the fake stilettos.

If the Stilletos appear the Gunships will turn to run but its a trap. In the rear of the Gunship is a docking bay and in the docking bay of both ships is a Neutron Dancer drop tank.
Boom boom goes the cannons and a pair of Nbombs will go off in the center of the 100 Stilletos. If they are real then bombs will kill them. And if they are not then the bomb will maybe still kill them.

Then my IR Chaos Starfighters move in a tow away what we find for investigating.

The Trident will scout the planet find the Lions of Earth and get those coordinates to the one man who has actually shown Deer respect in all conversations, General Vulfrym.
And also to Blackheart because he delivers weapons to Deer and he should be helped.

Things were starting to get interesting. Even within the auction house, the tension was becoming palpable. The projections of the would-be rescuers kept everyone on edge. And still the bidding for that which may get salvaged without payment continued.

A grim and well-aged looking gentlemen of mixed Earther and K'iou descent slowly got up from his place in the back row. His robes of black with navy blue undergarments were rimmed with gold. The robe was thick and heavy and plates of firm material protruded from top to bottom. The armored robes were a clear sign that this was a Lawgiver of Beacon City. More specifically, this was Grand Judge of Arcana Grandis. His pepper grey beard and long hair implied a man much older then he was. He made his way to Djinni representative and sat down quietly.

"Interesting turn of events you think. You are being out bid for the moment. I know I was to meet with you afterword, but I think I could be of some help. It is quite clear that this Baby Blue person is important. You know you could just conjure her here at any time. If your worried about retribution for doing such, we can help. Consider it a part of our bargain to trade favors with your kind. The General Garmin Fe gives his best regards and would gladly help you to make sure your kind is never hunted down to make weapons of mass destruction again."

With that the Judge gentle gets up and leaves to get a drink, avoiding the intense glance of hate from rival hivequeen representative. The no violence rule was serving him well and was delivering great pleasure right about now. He would stay and be ready to continue his discussion with the Djinni and work out the details of an alliance.

The Horned Dog Junib'tal strode in he wasn't the most intimidating sight as he was a Kumfei, his robes were a bit too big on him so he sort of looked like an enlarged doll. He wore a large pouch at his waist which was quite full and he carried no weapons. He glanced around the room to see all the people gathered in here, he noticed the representative from Qoppa Hive Queen giving him a dirty look. He paused listening to something the nodded, turned to the representative and gave an evil grin and a wink. He noticed the Uthvelor and said "ah I see the EEF gave you those pirates we handed over to them. I suppose it makes sense that the EEF would use a neutral party to hand them over to these Pirates."

Junib'tal strode over to the Blackheart rep and says "I wish you the best of luck here, just in case they don't accept the return of their men. We would help you out with the payments but as you are aware our actual stores of Ghaz aren't great. I have been told that I can give you 100,000 in Ghaz but we cannot afford any more as most of our resources are tied up in physical objects like gems I know it isn't much but please use it to help get your people back.

Junib'tal then turned to see the Judge from Beacon City and a large evil grin appeared on his face (which was quite a feat as he is so small) he strode over to him and reached into his pouch. The Judge got into a defensive stance to ward off any attack the Horned Dog might throw at him but instead Junib'tal took out a small stick with a piece of meat on it. He reached up and offered it to the Judge.
Good day Mr. Judge, would you like some meat on a stick? It is seasoned magnificently if I do say so myself. Well aged too, a year back we captured an earther from Beacon City and have him chained in a basement. Five times a day we carve him up while he is still conscious so he feels everything we heal him between carvings so he always has more meat to provide and so he doesn't die. We then cook the meat and season it just right. We make these nifty meat on a stick items from it, quite tasty. (Junib'tal notices that the Judge is actually recoiling from the meat) No? shame really (Junib'tal takes a big bite of the meat then another devouring the entire thing minus the stick) Mmm that was really good, (he takes another out of the pouch which the Judge sees is full of the meat) does anyone else want one? (the representative from Qoppa raises his hand so Junib'tal hands him one) There we go, don't feel shy everyone there is plenty for everyone. Unlike most people here I thought ahead and brought snacks (Junib'tal laughs as he hands one to the Krato Ur-Duke Jomm then several more as the Ur-Duke loves it so. Junib'tal starts to eat another one himself as the Djinni representative helped himself as well. The Judge's face gets redder with rage as this all goes on around him) Ah that hits the spot, you beacon city guys always taste so good, I am not sure what it is about you all but you hold the flavor so well.

For the battle portion
50 Neo Flayers and 30 Quall Intercepters would jump in and target the Pirate Stilletos while attempting to escort and protect Sector General Deers ships. The pilots know that they will be in for the fight of their lives against the Dreaded Stilletos but they have the love of the Hive at their backs and they know that even the most seemingly invincible foe can be defeated as long as you have your friends and family at your side rooting you on and watching your back they also hoped that the Flayers would draw fire as that was what they were ordered to do. If some flayers die no harm no foul....too bad the ships had to go with them but as the old saying goes you cannot make a K'iorn suit without skinning some elves.
A single freighter will head down to the planet with 50 Horned Dogs wearing fire proof space suits armed with Leyas powered Flame throwers to burn the obstacles in front of them. The weapons shall also be artificed with control fire so the flames only consume what the Horned Dogs want them to and not go out of control. The larva should be able to handle the poisons and disease from the local flora and fauna if the space suit is breached.

Leon would continue bidding and max out at 52.1 million (The entirety of Blackheart's readily available liquid income plus the gifts from his allies). If bidding still rose past that he was authorized to offer up Conflagros with the stipulation its people couldn't be sold into slavery or tortured, Ironsbane would literally get one of the most profitable weapons producing worlds in the galaxy. A memorandum had already circulated through every facet of the corporation to expect major cuts and possibly even dissolution of Blackheart Securities if that was what was what it would take to get his people back.

Leon Simmons was over joyed when he saw the Uth there with the pirate crew member, “Thank god!” He shouted interrupting the entire event.

After their offer he would run over to the Uth speaking loudly and enthusiastically, “Thank you so much for this I can't Vulfrym pulled it off and the Quall actually agreed to part with them like that. I seriously can't believe they are that reasonable!”

After he calmed down he would say, “Childeen wanted me to let your boss know the order is for delivery, and a reward is being arranged for your work on this subject.”

***
At Orleos place the teams waited uneasily in the L shape hidden behind sculptures and easels, and strategically positioned furniture.

From what they were briefed and what Eante had said if Orleos was successful, him and a Djinni would pop into existence in the middle of this room. Orleos would try to smooze it but if something went south...

The moment that happened wards would be triggered to keep the Djinni from gating out and the team would hit it with controlled bursts of everything in their arsenal. Zela spring shot rounds, PDR bursts, lasers, chill bolts, fire darts, you name it and some one carried it.

They were on a hair line trigger, if it went to shit. This was a fucking bomb dropping on Beaver Cleaverville. For a few seconds, this place was Armageddon! There was a fire fight!!!

***
If Deers rescue effort succeeded and the auction was called off or if they accepted the Uth bid and Ironsbane would be reunited with his love and Leon would approach them. “Childeen lost his wife a few years ago. He understands the pain you felt and doesn't blame your response to it. He wanted me to give you this. Its reservations for Casablanca, honey moon suite and all, also a voucher for all the services Lion Guard has to offer. He wishes you both well in your marriage.”

If after the fact all the attempts made to save the Lions and Blackheart personnel failed General Vulfrym was going to do something he didn't want to. He honestly hated time shredding, its funny how it seemed the only time he had to was when he was in temporal empire space.

If after the fact Deers, Celyse, and Childeen failed then he would time shred back. First to have Celyse set up a detail to guard them on the plane of awareness and then to the planet itself. Punishment of the left to take out the pirates wait a second and hit it again to take out the Dahumb queens people who were sure to follow him. Repeat that particular annoyance until frost covered Dahumb corpses littered the halls.

His immutable lions would grab the Blackheart contractors and they would all leave via a standard energy bridge to the plane of awareness. From there he trusted Celyse to be more than competent enough to get them to an EEF patrol and back to safe space.

The sad part is the Dahumb wouldn't leave him alone, despite the fact they knew if every faction got time shredders the universe would unravel and that Vulfrym would give them out if the Dahumb didn't relent.

They wouldn't leave him be, even though he already had thousands of copies of the time lock schematics ready for release, along multiple time lines, in multiple places, through everything from direct mail, to net releases across IR space.

Vulfrym was honestly sad the Dahumb were so childish. They would truly take off their nose to spite their faces.

Assuming that Celyse's offer is accepted and all else goes to plan the EEF will perpare all larva freed pirates for transport to whatever location the pirates and the uth agree on so the exchange can be completed. Also a schuedle will be established for the return of the other pirates.

On behalf of the pirate family of Captain Q are an Earther named Killroy Nalleh, a friend of his Nino Mahzer, and two Tzira who go by Proy and Fori. (If that many not allowed, cut a Tzira and Earther).

They are wearing business suits, and each of the Earthers will have medicine balls that they'll be using as they bid. They'll be doing the silent rolls, but very obviously using them. Their job is to read the crowd, bid, but not to actually win. The bet will work the crowd up to 3 million ghaz a person.

When asked what the desired result is, i.e. what they want out of the victims, their answer will be, "for leverage. You can never have enough leverage."

As the Horned Dog goads Harmon Fe's men, suddenly Nalleh will lose control of his medicine ball, which will magically find its way towards the cultists head. "Oops, nervous twitch." When re cultist invariably responds, feigning offense and calling me rude (or whatnot), Nalleh will either retort with rudeness begets rudeness, ir how silence is golden and manners indicate you eat at a dinner table, not an auction. .. and then retort how Quall larvae tastes better anyway. (If it escalates, totally pick a fight).