1661/Armsdealers and Soldiers

Armsdealers and Soldiers
Date of Scene:	25 February 2015
Location:	The Citadel - Front Gates
Synopsis:	Alvira and Yari share drinks and occupations.
Cast of Characters:	691, 722

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Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Even though Yari and her men have access to the greater bars and other diversions of the Confederacy's citadel, the young Centurion every now and then prefers something more rustic. Thus, she's found herself in the park just after the Gates, sitting in one of the white tents. Inside is a fairly standard bar, though the decor is very much aimed at military types and those familiar with arms. Guns, swords, and more exotic weaponry line the walls as decorations, and every now and then someone gets shot. It's the worst combination of mercenaries, professional killers, soldiers, and other ne'er-do-wells that make up much of the Confederacy's armed forces. Dressed in her newly repaired fancy red dress, the horned blonde Au Ra woman sticks out like a sore thumb. From all appearances, she's not even armed at first glance. Telltale bumps in places might hint otherwise.

Twelve empty bottles sit before her, only now being sweeped away by the forces that magically serve drinks here. A red-and-black pipe sits in her mouth as she alternatively smokes and devours even more drink. The one-armed Centurion looks like she's recovering from a fight of some sort; for all of her looks that occasionaly has her throwing a too-drunk fellow patron onto their backs with a sharp elbow, she has bruises and bandages on much of her. Otherwise, she's a strange, but silent figure as she nurses a very tall mug of exotic ale.

Alvira (722) has posed:
    It had taken well over a week, but her clearances had been processed. Eager to examine the Confederacy's facilities, it wasn't long before a small, single-pilot airship swoops up to the Citadel, acrobatically circling before slowing to a stop, hovering, then settling down to land. A door is flung open with a flourish and a woman steps out.

    Dressed as she was it's quick to assume she's some kind of nobility-not royalty but perhaps a member of the court based solely on her clothing. She wears an elaborately embroidered blue and gold longcoat, buttoned up the front, sleeves with cuffs turned down, collar also turned down. Beneath the coat, though hard to tell, she does wear a short grey skirt with white leggings underneath. Heeled, black, knee-high boots are on her feet, which click sharply against the ground when she walks, the toe ends covered in bronze.

    Her brown hair remains swept back in a braid, leaving her face fully visible. There seems to be some evidence of old scarring upon her, traces of some ancient battle on her face. At her hip rests the sheath to an unusually shaped sword with a hilt that resembles a pelvic bone.

    Alvira pushes the door to her small airship closed and locks it with a button press from the keyfob in her hand. A grin forms on her face and she strolls into the Citadel and the small camp area beyond with little hesitation. She seems almost magnetically attracted to the bar. Despite seeming a little out of place within, she doesn't let the patronage bother her too much and quickly orders something to drink.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
AS the well-dressed woman sits down, Yari's head turns to regard her. Slowly, the Centurion looks her over curiously, her tail flicking just a bit. Another drink is downed. By now, she's fairly well sloshed, and talking to random strangers seems far less of something to be done cautiously.

"The venusian ale is wonderful. Want one, Ma'am?" Her words are quiet, but with that subtle authority that might point to an officer of some kind, if Alvira's familiar with armies.

Then she pauses, as her radio chimes. "Ah. Excuse me a moment." Her hand thumps her chest in a saluting motion, and she speaks up over the radio. No, it seems she hasn't caught her newfound Elite's speaking. Legs crossing, she orders yet more beer, clearly trying to destroy her liver at this rate.

Alvira (722) has posed:
    Alvira is extremely acquainted with armies. Why, they're her /best customers/. Her keen business intuition and the fact that Yari just introduced herself over the radio right in front of her with her full rank clue her into Yari's profession pretty quickly. Calmly, she rests one hand against the bar and crosses one leg over the other.

    "A venusian ale. Why not? I haven't drank that before." It's hard to get a read from her on her voice. It seems polished and professional but at the same time, delberately practiced. It's as if someone took an iron to a shag carpet to try to make it smooth as silk.

    A laugh escapes her. "Uh, at ease, soldier, I'm not expecting formalities out /here/."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Yari turns, voices similarly matching. For once, the ninja is caught off guard. There's a trio of blinks as Alvira is just stared at for a couple of moments. And then she too joins in with quiet little giggles.

"Well. I guess introductions are over. Glad to have you with us, Miss Alv...mmm. Alvira." The lizard-woman takes another guarded sip. The room's spinning slightly, but her words are remarkably without slurr. Fairly clipped though, as if she's used to being drunk and not trying to sound like she is.

"Sorry. I am bad at being informal. What do you do?" Seems the ninja is attempting to feel out Alvira's capabilities. Here, she'll hold a glass high in a toast as magically several of said ales appears on the bartop when Alvira isn't exactly looking. Creepy Confederate magic-army-bars.

Alvira (722) has posed:
    Alvira fact number one: once she caught a ninja off guard.

    "Just Alvira is fine, but if you wish to call me by a title, I will also accept 'Executor.'" she notes with a smile, waving one of the ever-present bartenders around to request a venusian ale. "I don't suppose I caught you at a...bad time?" Yari didn't look drunk to her but her glass was also a lot emptier than moments before. "Primarily, I am an engineer with the unfortunate day job of running a large business."

    She sighs dramatically, "Oh how busy that keeps me. If I let it." She glances briefly to see that the ales (guess she gets a lot today!) have arrived. Smoothly, she scoops one up and holds the glass up to toast. "To the Empire! Mine, yours, and the Confederacy!"

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
"Mmm. Not at all. I'm far more talkative while drunk on alcohol and victory. Even the lingering scent of the battlefield..." The soldier-ninja pauses, lets out another tiny giggle, and proceeds to further devour ale. How much can this woman drink? Thankfully she has the Confederacy's medical ward to fall back on in case of alcohol poison.

"It seems I ramble about useless things too. So, an engineer forced into the role of a business woman. That perhaps explains the accent and title. It is an honor, Executor Alvira." Then, she finally slumps to the side slightly as her alcohol tolerance slowly bumps against its limit.

Clink! A toast!

"For a safer world! Words. Mmm. Not used to this 'Multiverse' yet. If you just have clearance...the same?"

She straightens a bit, eyes narrowing briefly, then relaxing. A stray thought occurs. "Any specialties in your business?"

Alvira (722) has posed:
    If this species was anything similar to the bangaa of her world-and Alvira was making the assumption that she was to some degree-then Yari could no doubt consume a lot of alcohol. Not before showing some of the effects, apparently, such as the extremely loosened tongue. Ultimately, the CEO doesn't seem to mind this at all. A loose tongue was an excellent way to learn things.

    "Oh! Forced is a bit too...forceful of a verb for that. It's moreso a helpful adaptation that made my life so much easier in the long run." She sips the ale, savoring the flavor as it's a new one for her. Once that flavor is more or less 'memorized', she goes ahead and downs half the drink. "...oh, not bad. Not bad at all. Well, I wouldn't say I'm a /stranger/ to the multiverse. I have done my research. My market research. I've also been permitted to scout a few sites in the past but nothing so /dramatic/ as departing on my own like I have today. I suppose I've been overly cautious up to this point!"

    She finishes off that glass of ale and starts on the second. "Specialties? Well, magitek is native to Archades though not for the reasons found in your Empire. It's more of a concern of scale and efficiency, enabling the feats of engineering that go into the modern airship."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
The lizard-like woman's lip is gently bit as she considers Alvira's words. Her head tilts, tail swishes, in all those ways associated with many who possess animal-like features. Instinct and reason both equally rule Yari Takane.

But Yari leans towards reason amidst her booze-fueled haze. It makes her a sight more open.

"Ah. So you enjoy it, then. A fortunate occurance. Market research...all a bit above my head. Just a soldier." A full chuckle as she settles in, laughs, and ducks down to dodge an inexpertly shot gun. The cuprit is swiftly brought down amidst the fists of a few patrons.

"...The crowd is spirited today. An auspicious moment, I think, Executor Alvira. I can't fault caution. Scouting, mmm? I am drunk and so I will skip my formalities for a change. Just ask. I have Troopers in need of field experience." Yari looks Alvira in the eyes, her lips quirking upwards.

A hand runs through her hair, the twin tails of blonde undone with an expert motion. She's left somewhat disheveled and wild with so many tresses, but Yari leans forward towards Alvira conversationally. Her single arm even claps around the woman's shoulders should she allow it.

"The world of 'business' is beyond me. But between us? You know my Empire in some fashion, so...do your 'market research' and use your clearance to contact Lord Legatus Gaius van Baelsar. He might be interested in your wares." A true smile for a moment, and then it fades into a mask of neutrality. The woes of a young soldier leak into those eyes.

"If you'd listen to a drunk soldier, I just...want the best for my world and country. That's all. If that includes a few outsiders selling wares and making a profit, well good for everyone, mmm? I'll take gain over money any day."

Alvira (722) has posed:
    "Of course I do." Alvira titters, "My apologies if my dramatic sarcasm was not clear enough. Owning a large company is fantastic and filled with many wonderful perks." She nurses the next cup of ale, "Well, granted, I am a bit more hands on than others of my station in market research. There are always way to add personal touches to a job to make it more desireable to yourself-gah!"

    Her reaction to the gunshot is a little less languid. She stands, turning, a hand raised, blue light gathering in the palm. Fortunately for this person, he is immediately jumped upon by the other patrons, requiring no reaction from the woman. Yet...Alvira still looks little disappointed.

    She seats herself and Yari leans forward to drape an arm around her shoulders, which the CEO seems perfectly okay with, especially as they huddle together to conspire further.

    "Legatus Gaius van Baelsar. This is a name familiar to me-and I agree, an excellent place to start my search, as it were." She straightens just a little and puts a hand to her heart. "Ah, yes, a sentiment I can understand quite well. We all want what's best for our country, don't we? That is the nature of any well-crafted Empire. I will seek out your Legatus, yes." Reaching over, she gives Yari a hearty pat on the back.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
A hand is waved dismissively. "It's a bit unfortunate in my line of work, but I am not good with sarcasm. Working on it." Sluuurp. She's moved onto cheap stuff now. Don't want to be /too/ sloshed. She'll end up in just a shirt on a roof again.

Yari looks quite happy to huddle, and perhaps is using Alvira for some support. She's definitely tilting by now.

"Good. You'll make profit if the Lord Legatus and Emperor wills it."

The pat has her tipping foward a bit, then wobling backwards. A small frown.

"...Cut off point." She says with a slightly mournful tone.

"What's your goals? Just profit?"

Alvira (722) has posed:
    Well acquainted with the signs of the intoxicated, Alvira nevertheless maintains a visage of cheer and not disgust. Even in the face of Yari's thick breath, she keeps her poise and friendly demeanor. "I would hope that any contract we arrange would work out so favorably for me." She smiles thinly-else she's /not/ going to arrange a contract, simple as that.

    Gently, she rights the lizard lady. "Expand my networks, branch out into the multiverse at large, brand recognition. Profit is but a pleasant side effect. Beyond that, I would supposed I'd enjoy it if my country took all of Ivalice under its wings but not all...cultures agree with their way of life. Pity that-but that is an issue directly concerning the Emperor and his subordinates, not a merchant such as myself."

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
Oh hey, why is the room spinning? Tiiilt...and up! Yari turns to her compatriot and gives a goofy little grin. She's certainly gotten more cheerful!

"We know how to reward those who work hard and help the Empire. In our society, even the poorest of orphans could rise up and take that title if they were the best. Show that you're worthy of working for us, and I think you'll succeed."

"Same on that sentiment. But for us, their consent isn't required." Then, she pauses.

"Yes. One needs to respect the chain of command. Discipline evaporates without it. And wild flailing ends in piles of corpses. Like those Eorzeans. It's inevitable that we'll prove ourselves more wothy and add their strength to our own."

Alvira (722) has posed:
    "Absolutely. It is quite possible to get where you want to go with the proper hard work and dedication." Alvira is quick to point out, sipping from her glass. Inwardly she scowls at the demand that she 'show them she's worthy of /working/ for them.' Tch. She'll show them alright.

    The mug is drained completely, leaving it empty upon the counter. "Oh? Go on, go on, tell me more about the Eorzeans, I've only read a preliminary summary of your particular world." Market research indeed.

Yari Takane (691) has posed:
It's a small frown that graces Yari's face. "Barbarians." She says distastefully, a bit of Garlean pride surfacing in the usually humble ninja.

"Three seperate city-states that have formed an alliance. Limsa Lominsa, an admiralty composed of former pirates turned privateers. Ul'Dah, a desert city famed for its wealth and military power. Gridania, a city built deep in a forest, praying to their false Elementals. All three are completely rotten and weak. It's only their reliance on mercenary 'Adventurers' that we've been unable to take them."

A shrug. "But weak and corrupt or not, they're at least brave. Once we wipe away their false way of life, they will grow strong under our fist."

Alvira (722) has posed:
    A thin smile spreads across Alvira's face as she listens, knowing she's in for a fantastic and biased explanation the moment the word 'barbarians' is dropped. Not that she especially minds the bias at all-who did not have some kind of bias favoring their own country? The grin slowly fades, however, when Yari admits that they have been unable to overcome their adversaries due to 'Adventurers' getting in the way.

    Alvira grows very quiet, green eyes focusing elsewhere. "...I see."

    The mood passes. "In time you will likely succeed as long as your determination can outlast theirs." Alvira says, standing up in her seat. "Honorable Yari Takane, I seek to resume my tour. It has been a pleasure meeting you."