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The Gala - Barrier - 03-03-2024
With rescue operations successfully underway, the space around New Paris orbit has once again returned to the eager anticipation of out-of-state visitors. The sad spectacle of Maquis terrorism, and the lukewarm reception of the Emperor's speech are already becoming buried under the anticipation for the biggest event of the decade - The Gallic-hosted Imperial Gala. With the list of guests growing much shorter than originally anticipated, previously-reserved invites are now being handed out to the heroes of the hour - the officers of both navies, and even enlisted personnel who can fake a haughty demeanor.
It will be an occasion for the ages - with the Emperor and all the eligible young gentlemen and ladies of society present, the evening should not lack for entertainment! And for those desiring quiet conversation with their comrades and allied counterparts, there are always the gardens outside of the convention hall to peruse. With dazzle, flash, and a quiet elegance of the most expensive place on New Paris, it will be a night to remember!
It will be an occasion for the ages - with the Emperor and all the eligible young gentlemen and ladies of society present, the evening should not lack for entertainment! And for those desiring quiet conversation with their comrades and allied counterparts, there are always the gardens outside of the convention hall to peruse. With dazzle, flash, and a quiet elegance of the most expensive place on New Paris, it will be a night to remember!
// This is a free-for-all story RP event loosely based on the outcome of the Alsace Passage. It is open to all members of the Rheinland Military, the MND, Rheinland Police, Gallic Navy, the GNI, and the Union Corse (if they can pass themselves off as a guest). Describe your characters entering and enjoying the gala - what do they see, what food do they try, what bribes do they decline to accept in exchange for state secrets? You must try to remain consistent with information introduced by previous posters. Additionally, if you would like to interact with another player, write out your dialogue in advance, and then decide on who will post parts of the interaction. I would recommend using discord pms or in-game chat to roleplay through the interaction, and then post the final embellished outcome here.
Have fun, and let me know if you have any questions via PMs here or on discord. Formatting styles, prose, etc. is all left up to your discretion.
RE: The Gala - DragoonArcanum - 03-03-2024
Captain Raphael Allard-Charlamange - the commanding officer of the Triumph-Class Destroyer GNS-Cambion - arrived at the Gala comparatively early, having taken a shuttle from Rambouillet Shipyard while his ship underwent extensive evaluation as a result of the damage sustained.
Initial entry had left him standing near the door, staring around the room and taking in the sight, the overly expensive dresses and suits, classical and cultured songs, performed at the hands of the finest musicians this side Gallia, and the immacuately maintained decor and construction of the hall, all tinged with the slight smell of wine and decedant food.
For the briefest of moments, he broke facade and chuckled, making mental comparison to private parties hosted at the early days of the Gallic War, before, with a sigh, settling to a forced and frustratingly neutral smile.
The man would rather be almost anywhere else.
Raphael had waived off much of the nights potential enjoyments, distanced from food and drink, save a single glass of wine, shared in early small conversations about nothing with the members of Gallic high society. The Captain's National Intelligence dress uniform - and more importantly, the data pad he carried underarm with him - had served to keep much of the socialite crowd from any attempt at deeper conversation, the crowd wary of spilling gossip and sharing secrets with a GNI official, and likewise the man's tight lipped and diplomatically elusive commentary regarding the events of the convoy made him decidedly uninteresting to such crowds regardless.
Thus it is that in short order, the Captain had manuevered his way past the crowds to one of the doorways out to the gardens, and leant against the wall close by, head turning between those inside and outside, yet seeming to pay more particular attention to other Gallic military officials than most of the Rheinland contingent, and regardless frequently distracted by the compilation of reports he had brought with him, expression in quiet moments slipping from a passively diplomatic smile to a slight frown.
RE: The Gala - Lord Caedus - 03-03-2024
A tall man in a crisp white uniform walks through the main entrance to the large ballroom that is being used as the reception area for the Gala. His uniform is clearly designed more for looks than any practical use, the overly large epaulets on his shoulders as well as the blue sash tightly wrapped at a diagonal on his chest restricting his movement too much to be comfortable to wear regularly speaking clearly to this, while the hilt of the sword resting in a gilded scabbard on his hip sparkles with a silver sheen.
Cleanly shaven, and with his dark brown hair slicked back tightly against his head, his appearance screams of the sort of upbringing that only comes with being born into one of the wealthiest families of Gallia’s ruling elite. He turns his head, grinning at the stunning blonde woman at his side, her dark red dress hugging her voluptuous curves in a way that almost makes the dark haired man jealous.
“It seems we are a little early, my dear, there doesn’t seem to be too many others here yet.”
Rolling his broad shoulders, he starts walking across the room, snagging the both of them a glass of champagne on their way from a passing waitress. Giving the servant a grin and a nod of his head in thanks, he moves to one corner of the room, turning his back to it while placing his free arm around the blonde’s waist.
“Hopefully we will find someone to converse with soon, Marie, it would be such a bore to come all the way here from Orleans to simply sip champagne all night.”
The blonde woman looks back up at him, grinning widely before tasting from her glass. Even with the heels she has on, her eyes barely reach up to his shoulder, forcing her to tilt her head back fairly far to look into his slate green eyes, her own bright blue orbs sparkling in the lights cast from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
“I would not mind if that were the case, Pierre, the guests at these events are typically so dull. Hopefully these Rheinlanders can provide some excitement.”
The two of them share a chuckle, then go back to watching the entrance, waiting for more guests to arrive.
Cleanly shaven, and with his dark brown hair slicked back tightly against his head, his appearance screams of the sort of upbringing that only comes with being born into one of the wealthiest families of Gallia’s ruling elite. He turns his head, grinning at the stunning blonde woman at his side, her dark red dress hugging her voluptuous curves in a way that almost makes the dark haired man jealous.
“It seems we are a little early, my dear, there doesn’t seem to be too many others here yet.”
Rolling his broad shoulders, he starts walking across the room, snagging the both of them a glass of champagne on their way from a passing waitress. Giving the servant a grin and a nod of his head in thanks, he moves to one corner of the room, turning his back to it while placing his free arm around the blonde’s waist.
“Hopefully we will find someone to converse with soon, Marie, it would be such a bore to come all the way here from Orleans to simply sip champagne all night.”
The blonde woman looks back up at him, grinning widely before tasting from her glass. Even with the heels she has on, her eyes barely reach up to his shoulder, forcing her to tilt her head back fairly far to look into his slate green eyes, her own bright blue orbs sparkling in the lights cast from the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
“I would not mind if that were the case, Pierre, the guests at these events are typically so dull. Hopefully these Rheinlanders can provide some excitement.”
The two of them share a chuckle, then go back to watching the entrance, waiting for more guests to arrive.
RE: The Gala - Zephyranthes - 03-03-2024
I thought I was done with these types of parties...
Surrounded by new arrivals from the far corners of Gallia and Rheinland, a young, maroon-haired woman shimmied her way into the entrance line and took up a space with attempted grace and poise. The first couple steps were clumsily syncopated as anxiety gripped her heart, but each following movement brought with it the memory of practiced etiquette and courtly behavior from years long past. Indeed, in her maroon velvet coat, gold trimmings, and ruffled white shirt, the ensemble she sported was a throwback to that same past life, evoking the courtly style of the reign of the last of Gallia's kings. She stood out among the throngs of Gallia's finest through her lack of military decoration or uniform, the only evidence of any martial inclination coming in the form of an ornamental silver gorget hanging from her neck and a peculiar sabre adorned with a butterfly-winged guard at her left side.
Her heartbeat quickened with each passing moment, a flurry of excitement and racing thoughts coursing through every inch of her. Mitigation came through practiced breathing and posture, and within a few more steps, she had become one with the upper crust again. With proper manner and decorum, she accepted a flute of champagne from a waiter, then began working towards her ultimate objective of being at such a function: Mingling. Her violet eyes, piercing as they scanned the environment for potential conversation partners, darted across the room as though they would encounter a familiar face just around the corner.
...but it seems they are not done with me.
Surrounded by new arrivals from the far corners of Gallia and Rheinland, a young, maroon-haired woman shimmied her way into the entrance line and took up a space with attempted grace and poise. The first couple steps were clumsily syncopated as anxiety gripped her heart, but each following movement brought with it the memory of practiced etiquette and courtly behavior from years long past. Indeed, in her maroon velvet coat, gold trimmings, and ruffled white shirt, the ensemble she sported was a throwback to that same past life, evoking the courtly style of the reign of the last of Gallia's kings. She stood out among the throngs of Gallia's finest through her lack of military decoration or uniform, the only evidence of any martial inclination coming in the form of an ornamental silver gorget hanging from her neck and a peculiar sabre adorned with a butterfly-winged guard at her left side.
Her heartbeat quickened with each passing moment, a flurry of excitement and racing thoughts coursing through every inch of her. Mitigation came through practiced breathing and posture, and within a few more steps, she had become one with the upper crust again. With proper manner and decorum, she accepted a flute of champagne from a waiter, then began working towards her ultimate objective of being at such a function: Mingling. Her violet eyes, piercing as they scanned the environment for potential conversation partners, darted across the room as though they would encounter a familiar face just around the corner.
...but it seems they are not done with me.
RE: The Gala - Ulon - 03-03-2024
Another Rheinland aristrocrat enters the room later in the evening, putting Rhineland punctuality into question. His clothing is kept humble, but indicative of low rank nobility. Some Rheinland military officials greet the man, recognizing him as Count von Berckheim. Though he has spent little time socializing with Rheinland's elites in his life, he is known for his ties to the military. The count welcomes the attention, but the smalltalk is kept brief today. A Gallian navy officer rushes to the group, seemingly awaiting the baron. The noble leaves the Rheinlanders aside to formally greet him.
"De Berckheim, it is an honor to meet my distant cousin. Fate has it that our family is reunited on this historic occasion."
"A fateful encounter indeed. I hear the travel was troublesome. I am glad you have made it in one piece. Well you will be able to tell me all about it, let's get something to drink first."
The two distant relatives quickly delve into a corner of the room, as if it were their own, seperate world. Not shedding much attention to the gala around them, they remain there for hours. No one seems to pay much attention to the two men and their encounter, dwarfed by the appearance of much more important socialites.
RE: The Gala - Barrier - 03-03-2024
A cluster of Rheinland military uniforms draws people’s attention at the entrance, as the Maître d' is seen making urgent gestures which set the staff moving with slightly more pronounced alacrity. The action seems to be centered on a thin man in the middle, who walks with a slight stoop and has a simple tailored uniform and a fashionable comb-over of greying hair, both not quite managing to hide the damage sustained to the left side of his body. Besides the aura of command, attention is drawn to the man due to a veritable “metal salad” on his right breast, reflecting the many lights focused on the entrance.
Admiral Henze’s eyes flick upwards, taking in the room, but soon resume their far-away look, as he continues listening to the report of the man beside him. Taller and burlier, with a head of black hair and a five-oclock shadow, this officer seems ill-at-ease in his surroundings. Leutnant Beist finishes speaking, and seems to wait for more from the Admiral, who instead gives him a brief smile of encouragement – and Beist understands that his worst fear has come to pass. Far from being able to stay on Henze’s side, he is to mingle and gather whatever information he can. With another “final” adjustment of his own substantially decorated smock, he snags the nearest glass of booze to fortify himself, and begins resolutely scanning the hall for Gallic Navy uniforms.
The Admiral is not left alone, however – a spare hard-bitten man with hair showing a tinge of grey and a forbidding expression mirrors his every step. With him, but less obtrusively, are his hand-picked security detail, out of uniform but with tell-tale bulges of body armor and personal defense weapons. Kapitanleutnant Boll knows that his marines would make little difference in a coordinated assault or a kinetic strike against the Gala, but he is professional enough to leave such musing out of his mind, trusting the Gallic security forces to have things well in-hand. Instead, he performs another comm check, as one of the marines ogles a passing waitress, before snapping back to reality, telling herself that she was checking her out for hidden weapons.
Already drawing attendants, Henze slows to a crawl, so as to be able to say a few words, while still moving to his ultimate objective - the Grand Amiral of the Combined Fleet, Célestine Delacroix.
RE: The Gala - StellarViss - 03-03-2024
Entering the already packed ballroom, two figures can be seen: Eloise Madeleine de Lefèvre and her husband, Timéo de Lefèvre, both officers in the Gallic Navy. Eloise, living up to her family name, glides with grace towards the Gallic side. Her gown, a work of art in itself, cascades around her in layers of the finest silk, dyed in emerald green. It is exquisitely fitted and decorated with golden embroidery, accentuating her noble origin, while her décolletage is adorned with a necklace of diamonds, a testament to her family's prestige. Her husband, Timéo, on the other hand, is dressed in the standard officer's white dress military coat of the Navy, which sits snugly over his shoulders. The coat is adorned with patterns of laurels and an orange symbol of the Council. His white breeches, fitting tightly to his form, tuck into polished black boots that gleam under the ballroom's lights. Completing his ensemble is a bicorne hat, adorned with a cockade in the colors of Gallia. On his side is a sword, tucked in the scabbard of standard make.
"Dear, I know you are not used to this type of outing, but bear with me. If you find yourself talking with one of the Rhinelanders, talk about our war with Kusari. Do not mention the civil war; unlike us, they got it worse than we did."
Timéo shrugs and extends his arm towards his wife.
"You worry too much, Eloise. I won't bring shame to your family's name."
Eloise takes his hand and subtly guides Timéo towards other Gallic officers.
"If only. Let's try to enjoy this event"
RE: The Gala - Arne - 03-03-2024
![[Image: 4e5NkKr.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4e5NkKr.png)
![[Image: jkIwxaP.jpeg]](https://i.imgur.com/jkIwxaP.jpeg)
"Here we are..." Vizeadmiral Gunter Kunrad arrived on the Gala together with his adjutant and bodyguard Bootsmann Holger Lahm, both wearing their military suits with the nessecary ribbons. While the KKS-Ostkantone was relatively unnoticed during the escort of the RNC-Burghausen, they did their part in defending the battlecruiser from the terrorist attacks. They both came in- purposely after the Grossadmiral's entrance. Him taking away most of the attention made it better for Gunter to get his plans to fruition and not get distracted in the formal greetings. Being born and raised as a farmer's son, he was never the biggest fan of these upper-class meetups, but saw then merely as a necessity to create better connections.
They walked towards the wine table and started tasting one with a good looking sticker on it's bottle. "I've never been the biggest fan of wines in general. Just give me a good old glass of Rheinbier." Bootsmann Lahm remarked. Gunter tasted himself. "While i wholeheartedly agree, our gracious hosts don't need to know that, Holger." He had to admit though, for wine this were some high-quality products, presumably only served to the richest of society.
"What are we exactly doing here again, Herr? This was not part of our initial assignment." Holger remarked. Gunter looked him serious and straight in the eye. "We are here, my protegee, to create better relations and connections with the Gallians." He took another sip. "While a memorable moment in itself, our Kaiser was a bit... "overzealous" in his speech about Rheinland superiority. We are here to make sure our Gallic Kameraden aren't left with a sour aftertaste." He pointed to a group of junior Gallic officers close to them. "Why don't you start with these men and women. Split up from me and try to relativize what our beloved Kaiser said. He stopped halfway from turning. Oh- and don't stray too far from me, Holger." Holger nodded. "Verstanden, Herr." Then they both went their way.
RE: The Gala - Barrier - 03-05-2024
“And is it true that Emperor Frederick has never actually served on a ship before?” Henze winced at the crass question, but he knew it had to be answered.
“No mein herr, and neither is he expected to do so. The Emperor has many responsibilities of state, as do I.”
“But-”
Henze made a dismissal gesture to Boll, who effortlessly steered the functionary away from the cluster of attendants. Looking past, Henze noticed the two men in Rheinwehr uniform in conversation with different groups.
After Boll returned, Henze indicated the more decorated of the two, and said,
“Bring the Vizeadmiral here for a moment. I have a small task for him.”
Boll nodded, and spoke into his earpiece. One of the marines began to purposefully move through the crowd, snatching up an unnamed piece of finger food. Still chewing, she continued dodging the high and mighty, who seemed to be set on ignoring her presence completely. The Vizeadmiral had his group in a thrall, and Treiber did not want to interrupt the moment. Looking around for some entertainment as she waited, she noticed the other Rheinlander – a flyboy with a uniform snug in all the right places. Like her, he seemed to go unnoticed by most of the throng around them.
‘Their loss,’ she thought.
Suddenly, the man looked right at her. She looked him up and down, and then indicated towards the Vizeadmiral. Getting closer, she asked,
“You think he’ll be long? Don’t wanna keep the boss waiting…”
Beist finally managed to extricate himself from the clutches of yet another bejeweled vision of grace and beauty, and one he suspected was the fifth reporter to approach him. Although the Admiral made pains not to single him out for any specific occasion, word has still gotten around. Beist didn’t mind the attention, but the need to watch his words grated on his bluff sensibilities. Oh, how he wished to be back in the shit-hole after trying to bring in that ALG woman… With no future prospects, there was no need to watch his words at the time, and he became strangely nostalgic for what occurred no more than two years ago. Or was it three now…?
Almost in a daze, Beist found that his body took him away from the crowds into the gathering dusk of the gardens, the mellow hanging lights having just come on. He simply needed to re-focus his attention, and go back in there and do his duty. Even if he did not manage to get any of his questions answered, the type of questions posed to him may be just as informative. His mind automatically sorted the existing ones into categories – Henze, the Emperor, the Rheinwehr’s training regimen… Didn’t these people have spies of their own in Rheinland? With a sigh, Beist knew that the collating of all the information would take much longer than the gala itself.
Turning to go back in, he noticed a man off to side, leaning against the wall, and watching the proceedings with half an eye, the other glancing at the compad beside him. Noting the uniform, Beist chuckled – here was one who might understand the woes of detailed reports. He approached to make his acquaintance.
RE: The Gala - Barrier - 03-05-2024
Holger just finished his conversation with the Gallic Junior officers. While they were friendly, he could not tell if they were actually really interested or not. "Well at least some of them listened." He told himself. Turning around, he noticed a muscled woman clad in body armor looking straight at him, then pointing to Vizeadmiral Kunrad. Hearing her, he instantly knew what she meant with "the boss". He looked at the Vizeadmiral, then back at her and smirked. "Right this way frau uhm... what did you say your name was?." Then they walked straight towards him.
"...and while the Kaiser may be a bit spirited in his words, he always has the best intentions for Rheinland and it's allies." Gunter was on a roll. The group of Gallic politicians were listening very intrigued to him. Almost everyone was interested in the personality of the Kaiser after all. "You'd think he w-"
He got interrupted by a tap on his shoulder. Not expecting this, he turned around with a displeased face, until he realized it was Holger, followed up by a woman in armor that he assumed was security of the Grossadmiral. His face became a little less displeased.
"This better be good Bootsmann Lahm." Holger, looking serious, was followed up by Treiber while he said,
"Entschuldigung für the sudden interruption Konteradmiral, but Grossadmiral Henze needs a word with you."
Gunter sighed in himself. He turned to his group and said,
"I'm afraid duty calls to me even on this festive day. Enjoy the rest of the party meine Damen und Herren." He made a small bow and the Gallians waved at him.
He gestured to Holger and Treiber to lead the way. Arriving near the Grossadmiral, one of the security personnel halted him. Gunter just looked back at him. The security agent quickly realized his rank and abruptly stepped aside. Then he saluted towards Henze.
"You wanted to speak to me, Herr?"
"Ja, Vizeadmiral," Henze said with a meaningful glance around them. "Walk with me a while." They began another slow circuit of the hall, with Boll and the rest of the detail falling in at a distance, one of the marines chatting amiably with the Bootsmann.
“You need to understand something before you return to the party.” Henze said, looking resolutely forward. “The Emperor’s speech was brief and to the point, and is already being reported that way in Rheinland. These Gallic embellishments are mere romanticizing of a different House and culture.”
Henze paused and waited for a reply, wearing a fixed smile as he inclined his head to another high-ranking dignitary. Kunrad smiled and nodded at the same dignitary while he pondered on the words of his superior. He had an idea of what he meant, but decided to play it safe for now. Then looked back to Henze.
"Are you suggesting the speech has been changed to to the public? Grossadmiral... what are you implying exactly?"
“Ja, the Gallic news agencies, they embellished it. It is understandable.” Henze gave Kunrad a piercing glance. “We should probably avoid encouraging any further discussion on the matter.”
Kunrad nodded. "Very well Herr. Next time I'll stray away from such topics in the future." He took a quick glance to the left, making sure no unwanted listeners were around. He then continued. "But i have the feeling there is something else you want to tell me, Herr?"
"Nothing for now. With this out of the way, I expect you to enjoy yourself." Henze sternly admonished. "The interrogators will help jog your memory on our way back, so there is no need to get too focused. Just go light on the alcohol - it is deceptively potent."
Henze toasted Kunrad with an ornate glass, filled with a clear golden liquid.
"I would never trust a drink this expensive, Herr." He then returned the toast with his wine.
When Henze returned to other matters, he looked for Holger and gave a sign for him to come. "Change of plans, Holger..."