Letter Bee

Precipice of War - The Big Leagues of NRP (Only generous tippers need apply)

Iron Lady, Part Nine

In her home, as she sat behind her desk doing paperwork, Priscilla chastised herself for feeling bad at the loss of control she was experiencing. Wasn't this what she wanted? To cede control of her country to the people and their will? Just because reactionaries are taking advantage of that to deceive the people did not change the fact that freedom to fail was still freedom; and that the Filipinos should be allowed the chance to make mistakes. But Diyos/Dios! Why must it be so hard?

What pricked her was the lack of news from Vinh; Lady Trung lived, but that was all she knew. That and the deal made with the People's Republic of Thailand to blockade French Indochina and Diem's 'Republic of Vietnam'. Better tidings came from Sarawak, where Sultan Al-Hakam Kiram and his followers were making themselves home.

Irene entered, carrying a bag with more letters. Priscilla picked one at random; it was about the Military Appropriations Bill that was jointly passed by all three major parties of the Philippines. It seemed that Aurelia's 'May 24th Movement' had made great efforts to prove its worth to the democratic system of the Philippines. That, despite the invitation extended to Rhodesians; Priscilla knew more about her rival's dealings than she let on. Well, she'd allow White Flight in, all right, but only because Aurelia had been most 'generous' in giving the Youth League of the New Philippines Party the power and responsibility to watch over the 'ideology traitors' in Subic Bay.

Another letter came from Father Agustin, saying that her moves against the corrupt Workers' Co-Operatives in Subic were not only working, but welcomed; the lot of the mixed-race children and refugees had improved after a lot of work. Then the post-script of the letter praised Aurelia, forcing Priscilla to metaphorically scourge her heart of jealousy.

Yet another letter: The Houist Party of the Philippines uges Priscilla Aglipay-Rizal not to whore her country out by resigning her office or refusing to name a member of The Party as her candidate in future elections - No, just no. As she said, her people had the freedom to fail, and she had no desire to reign like a monarch like Hou was reputed to be doing. Taking a blank piece of paper and one of those newfangled ballpens from America, Priscilla wrote a hasty but coherent reply.

I am no autocrat, nor will I be commanded like the subject of an autocrat. If you and your group have not come up with a suitable candidate to run against Aurelia in the upcoming elections, then examine and criticize yourselves as to why. Provide what the people want better than Aurelia could.

Priscilla leaned back on her chair, then faced Irene, who was still there. "I'm tired, Irene. I've been ruling too long, and the temptation to just hold tight to power is wearing me down. I've worked so hard to create a country I can be proud of, and now I need time for myself."

Irene gave an understanding smile at that. "Well, fuck everything everyone says. Aurelia, the Houists, your own desire to work yourself to the bone, fuck them. You've done enough; let others pick up the slack. Resign if you have to. Who knows, perhaps with the guilt over having privileges gone, you might go out and see the world; won't you like that?"

Priscilla was doubtful. "I don't want to leave my country in its time of need -"

Irene cut her off. "So you would rather your country keep needing you, then?"

Priscilla tensed, then relaxed. "You're right; I have ruled long enough..."

Precipice of War - The Big Leagues of NRP (Only generous tippers need apply)

Golden Lady, Part Three, The Agriculturist, Part Five

Aurelia dreamt of money. Money made the world go round; money measured success and ambition. Money was the mark of someone who had succeeded in their goals. But if given the choice, she would give it all away if it meant resetting the game, making more money from a low position and defeating another ladder of enemies; competent enemies who were there to make things more fun.

As she woke up and called for a servant to dress her, the latter part of the dream faded into wistfulness. The Contessa would not choose to be poor like Priscilla; how did the latter measure success? Smiles and happiness were ephemeral; money and beautiful things were forever. But she had to admit it, the Lady President was successful in what she did, an equal in ability. Aurelia respected that like few others of her class had.

Once dressed, Aurelia took out some papers from her desk; a bill of transfer that would give up the bulk of the planes she had bought from Rhodesia to the Philippine Air Force; the latter's planes were obsolete models not fit for the fairly good pilots that manned them. Of course, she would keep the best aircraft for herself and her plantation, including a lavish private plane that she can use to take official 'diplomatic trips' to The West, where she needed to build up support for the Special Economic Zones that would make her expenditure on the New Philippine Electronic Grid break even.

She hadn't forgotten about her election promises; her ancestors broke deals with their inferiors without a second thought. While Aurelia did think they were entitled to such behavior, it was still stupid for them to do such things and it would be stupid for her to break her vow now.

The Golden Lady looked at the window outside, appreciating the sunrise. Priscilla had been known to do the same when she wasn't a workaholic. One of the few things they had in common. As another servant entered in, the Contessa would say as she turned around to face him, "What is it?" Both she and the servant knew the answer, but the latter confirmed it anyway, "It's the Agriculturist, Archibald Santos. He's here to see you."

Aurelia's reply was, "Has he changed to something decent? It would be shameful if he looked like a...farmer instead of a scientist."

The servant bowed deeply and said, "He's changed to better clothing, Contessa. But, if I am allowed to ask; what do you need him for? You already got some of his Ethiopian grain."

The Golden Lady smiled, "Why, we're giving each other gifts; Science needs grants, after all."

------

Aurelia was delighted by Archibald Santos' gift; the latter had even changed to proper scientists' wear to present it! Said gift was illustrated on a piece of engineering paper, which contained a very simple blurprint that even she can understand; not that she was stupid, of course!

"A wooden windmill built from scrap that powers a crude dynamo of copper wire, iron, and rubber that, with a car battery for storage, can power four lightbulbs or a radio. Why, this will bring light to rural villages in record time!" And give me votes, also in record time. "But setting these up in multiple places all at once requires either the Government's help, or mine. And for some reason..." Aurelia trailed off, "You prefer my help. Why? Hasn't the Lady President given you enough?"

Archibald Santos replied, "While it is true that I am a loyalist of the New Philippines Party till the end, the fact is that our Lady President is most understandably spending most of her money on Defense. The Military Appropriations Bill just got bloated, leaving less time for peaceful pursuits. True, I got to explore the idea of mushroom farming in tunnels; I even managed to write a thesis for it -"

Aurelia cut him off, "So, like most scientific idealists, you don't want your discoveries used for dealing death when you would rather foster life. Understandable. Very well, grants given, or should we say...patronage?"

Archibald nodded at that.

------

Once the meeting was done and Aurelia had eaten breakfast, she would then go back to her desk, where she would find more letters forwarded to her. The corrupt Worker Co-operatives in Subic had requested to be part of the new Special Economic Zones beign set up; Aurelia would allow them that...but signal her public break with them by allowing a provision in the bill to allow Youth League cadres to appoint 'permanent inspectors' to the Co-operatives with sweeping powers to interfere in their internal affairs.

This gave her an opening to convince Priscilla to allow White Flight, a Rhodesian 'Private Piloting Academy', to set up shop in the Philippines as part of a clandestine 'pilot training program' that would improve the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force. If she talked right, White Flight might even be allowed a cut of the Military Appropriations Bill Archibald was complaining about...

Innocence Lost: An RP of Child Soldiers and Science Fantasy

(hum, hello, i'm a newcomer. Can i Roleplay with you?)

@zathra

RP is full right now, sorry.

Star Wars: Phantom Thieves (New Canon; Six Years before TFA; 5 players wanted)

Interested.

Would our characters have any form of combat training? Or would we all be relatively inexperienced with combat as a whole?

@MagratheanWhale

You get martial arts courses or sport blasters, but other than that, most training comes from the person who's visiting ya in dreams.

Note that I will have to devise another NPC as Akira was inappropriate for the setting.

Innocence Lost: An RP of Child Soldiers and Science Fantasy

Hello, anyone here?

Fate/Vacuous Radiance: A Roleplay based on the Fate/Stay Night series!

On second thought, never mind; uninspired.

Fate/Vacuous Radiance: A Roleplay based on the Fate/Stay Night series!

@ADamnFiddle, I might be up for it.

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

@EliteCommander, I messed up your mention; sorry about that.

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

Scipio Industries and Finance + Ken Neumann

Before anyone asked, yes, Leonard did input his payment details into Koren's device, transferring one million credits right away. Then, as the small group went back to the hangar, Raj glared at Ken, his helmet making his demeanor more sinister. The Mandalorian would then say: "I don't like you, Believer.."

Ken would nod at that as they reached the spot Leonard's shuttle was encamped next to where Lez and Puevi were. "Dislike accepted. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go see my friends and report to them, then go on that date with Leonard. I'll be within sight range, don't worry."

"Wait!" Leonard ended up saying, "Let me come with you. As I said, I like bringing others down. Slavers who think themselves invincible is as good a target as any."

Ken smiled and gave a short nod, gesturing to Leonard - but not Raj - to follow. Once he approached Puevi and Lez, he would introduce Leonard, saying, "Guys, this is my date, Leonard L. Scipio; he brought me to see Koren himself, and now the Vordans taken as slaves are now free. So, mission success, except for the destruction of GORT Company."

Leonard would then speak up. "My name is Leonard L. Scipio, Ken's date, and I have something to offer; a free gift. If GORT Company is the name of those slavers, I can give a few squadrons of droid fighters, some Droideka Mk. IIs and a large quantity of Buzz Droids to help in their downfall. All I want are holo-records of their downfall and death..."

Ken nodded at that. "Puevi and Lez will make sure those droid fighters, second-generation Droidekas, and Buzz Droids are used right." He would then turn and face Lez. "You and Puevi are to ambush GORT Company when they next make their apperance; Puevi and the team can find them while I go on a date with this guy," he pointed at Leonard. "I am also planning to discuss with the Believers' main leaders about a large-scale operation on Kintan; if this is done right, an entire planet will be liberated, as well as most of an entire species."

Puevi would ask, "What about the other Elias, Elias Ordo? I presume we should find him ourselves?"

Another nod from Ken. "Yes; find him and get him interested in an attack on GORT Company..."

@Sep@Zarkun Perhaps @RumikoOhara[@Elite]

Star Wars - Lawless Galaxy

((Collab Post between Sep and Me))

Paradise Conference Room

Leonard, Raj Vizla (who was presumably double-checked for weapons), and Ken would be escorted to the fancy meeting room on top of Paradise’s spire. The reactions of each person were different; Leonard thought that such luxury was par for the course for rich people like him and Koren, Raj thought that so much fancy decorations were eye-grabbing to the point of disorienting potential attackers, while Ken gaped like a rube before Leonard told him, “Don’t you have business to discuss as well, Ken?”

Ken closed his mouth, face twisting into mistrust of the owner of this place once more. Nevertheless, he would take a seat once Leonard had; Raj would stay standing. Both would then wait for Koren.

Koren entered the room at the top of the stairs, two droids entered the room first. When meeting with an individual with a bodyguard precautions had to be taken. He didn’t go full out with the IG-100s but he was flanked by several BX-Commandos, they were far more nimble than the 100s anyway, less durable but he liked how agile they were. He was taken slightly aback when he noticed the younger man present, he was told he was meeting some form of businessman and his bodyguard. The adolescent seemed out of place, so did he himself in his armour and trenchcoat however he could pretty much look however he wanted because he owned the place. He expected a certain level of class from clients.

He directed his attention straight towards Leonard, he was the money after all, “Can I help you?”

Leonard nodded, and extended his hand. “My name is Leonard L. Scipio, from Scipio Industries and Finance; my parents belonged to the IntergalacticBanking Clan. As for the good people accompanying me, the Mandalorian is Raj Vizla, my bodyguard, and my...date, Ken Neumann. We came here to negotiate a deal.”

A pause for effect, before Leonard would bring up a piece of paper - a holographic projector was too much of a security risk as it contained electronics that can be repurposed for surveillance or weaponry - that contained blueprints and designs for a new version of the Seperatist Droideka; this model contained ion cannons and more powerful shielding as well as regular lasers.

The young man then explained, “I procured this from a rival in the Corporate Sector before the jealous CEOs there drove me out. I already have a number of units manufactured, so there is no harm in giving the designs to you as a gift; do with them what you will.”

Koren picked at the piece of paper. “A bit archaic isn’t it? The paper method that is at least.” He took the piece of paper and clicked his fingers as a droid came and collected the paper. He couldn’t believe the guy brought a date here, to an important business meeting. A date who looked more out of place than a Wookie on Dac. “So the part happens where I welcome you, and where you give me a gift? Now, for what you’re wanting?”

Leonard then nodded, trying to look serious. “There are two things I want. One is to find a faction to back with my money, my technology - an example of which I have showed you - and of course, my factory ship and its ‘products’. The second...is to bring down institutions and people who think themselves invincible. Basically, I want to back a faction that is against the Empire.” A faint smile. “Although my words can apply to the Hutts as well.”

Ken looked at Leonard with shock, then unexpectedly grinned at the other guy, a grin that signalled a shared interest and shared enmity.

Leonard then continued, “The New Republic is a candidate for said investment...but it is currently doing nothing.”

Koren sighed, a philanthropist. “Okay, that’s all very well and good. Though why is it that you’ve insisted on meeting me? My neutrality is well known, my past is reasonably well known. I was a Separatist, so I’m not really all for the Republic or the Empire and to be honest the Hutts are a continuous pain in the butt and the scum of the Galaxy, but they’re the oldest standing institution in said galaxy. Be clear, get to the point. I sell information only, advice is for friends, what is it you want from me?”

Leonard’s voice turned low. “I am looking to buy information on the defenses of Kintan, the Nikto homeworld, as well as the ‘liberation movements’ among the Nikto species. Or alternatively, I’ve already posted a one-hundred thousand credit bounty for information on this ‘Galactic Republic Remnant’, payable immediately.” Best not to tell him I have a Kaminoan on my side as well as use Seperatist droids; I’ve offended him a lot already.

Then, Leonard remembered something, and turned to Ken. “You have something to see Koren about as well, right? Otherwise you wouldn’t have accepted the date so quickly.”

Ken nodded, then faced Koren, his voice matter-of-fact. “I am actually here about the several hundred Vordans sold to your faction. Let’s just say that there are people who want them free; I am one of them.”

Leonard’s eyes gaped wide in shock, before his palm met his face. He then turned to Koren, and spoke, “all right, damage control; I am willing to pay a few hundred credits for each of those...Vodrans to free them, if you’d overlook what my date said so rashly…”

Koren crossed his arms, matter of factly. “The Vordans aren’t up for discussion-” He turned deadpan to face the boy after he spoke. “-Your knowledge of my procuring them, and desire to free them as well as your age means you have to be a Believer. Remember not everything isn’t as clear cut black and white, there is not a single slave aboard this ship, that is all you need to know.” He turned back to face Leonard.

“Galactic Republic Remnant is just that, I’ve met with their supreme commander just before this meeting. Hell, you probably passed him when your shuttle docked. There’s not much to say there, they’re a faction upholding the values of the old Galactic Republic. How much are you offering for the defenses on Kintan and contacts? I can have the information you seek within half a rotation.”

Leonard elbowed Ken as Raj gazed down at the young man, suspicion evident even through his mask. Then, the banker would tell Koren, “One million credits. Up front.”

He then turned back to Ken, who was suddenly fearful. “So, is the date still on?”

A surprised Ken nodded, “Yeah, thanks for everything.”

Koren nodded as he extended his hand. “It’s a deal, feel free to stay onboard Paradise while you await the information, I’ll make contact with my agents immediately and have a datafile for you within the set timeframe. Should it take any longer I’ll refund half of your investment as per my usual contracts.” He looked at Ken. “A note for future business, don’t bring a date along. I don’t care for being entertainment for some romantic or sexual relations. It’s not what I’m here for, and I don’t particularly care for it either.”

Leonard nodded, “I promise, Ken will be here for legitimate business next time, instead of skullduggery.” A sigh as he took Koren’s hand. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Koren clicked his fingers and a service droid walked forward with a mobile terminal as Koren turned to walk out. “Input your payment details into this device, once the funds are safely in my account my timeline and work will begin. Now, if you excuse me I have associates who have returned who need to see me.” With that, he turned to leave with a billow of his coat.

And with that, Leonard, Raj, and Ken left.