Paris, Versailles Palace, Salon of War

The Salon of War was a beautiful place to those with an eye for such things; marble, gold, and stucco all competing for attention as they crafted a homage to France and the Sun King of old. The current use was less impressive, and the occupants unconcerned with Terran history. They'd spent weeks moving their weapons in piece by piece, using their cover as Vilantian caterers who needed to shine order to secure their place for this event. Now everything was coming into place; they'd come out of this room, take hostages, and while half of the team was holding the area, the other half would be divesting the arrogant Terrans of all their precious jewels and art.

Except that the plan was already in need of adjustment.

Two of the servants came in with empty trays to be refilled, looking at the others with more than a bit of nervousness.

"We need to call it off. Immediately."

Everyone in the room fell to silence in the span of three breaths, before one of the others asked the obvious question. "Why would we stop, Slocil?"

The one who made the initial announcement swallowed. "Freelord Gryzzk is here. His wife and daughter as well."

One of the older ones snorted. "And?"

"What do you mean 'and', Triloe? There is no and, Freelord Gryzzk is here. Freelady Kiole is here. Their daughter is here. This, this, this...mission, we have to call mission abort. Call the others, warn them. We finish our jobs as hired and go to ground."

"We were not hired to serve drinks and food to these fool Terrans." Triloe began tapping the table for emphasis. "We were hired. To steal. Their. Jewels. Along with whatever other items the threat of violence convinces them to give up. Once completed, we take the north service corridor to the waiting vehicles, go to the rendezvous, exchange, and leave. The three of them cannot stop all of us."

Slocil began to slowly shake his head. "Triloe, you do not understand. He is beloved by his company and walks with the armor of the light gods themselves adorning him. We all know what he's done. To stand against him is folly."

"Where is his company then, hmm? Show me the hundreds of souls at his command who can do anything about our actions. He is a Terran pet. His presence here confirms it. He wants to serve the Terrans because they give him clothes, a ship, and what scraps they deign him fit to chew. He has strength, but that strength is borrowed. He is a single individual, and he'll be intoxicated just like the rest of them. If he resists, do unto him what he did unto Aa'tebul."

A more emphatic headshake was the reply. "No. I can't. I joined this with the promise of success. That with this act we would be able to move forward, afford to reclaim our lost honor. The Freelord is an element unaccounted for."

Triloe exhaled, speaking clearly as the scent of the room became concerned about the new wild card. "I recall Senior Commander Slocil as someone who had the courage to do his Lord's will."

"I still have that. But in this time, now? Success means caution. Success means that we have full tactical knowledge of what may be against us. Things that we did not have when the Lord's Hart of the Vilantian Fourth Fleet was ordered to engage the Foreign Legions of Terra. That error cost the Lord's Hart her engines, her weapons, and left her a disgraced hulk to be boarded at the Terran leisure - along with the rest of the Fourth Fleet as well as the Third and Seventh Fleets."

Slocil continued, pacing with his gray eyes only partly clouded with memory of what was for him, a very bad day. "We were destroyed because we didn't know what we were fighting. I will not suffer such to happen again to my clanmates. The Twelve Fleets of Vilantia failed because we thought too highly of ourselves and too lowly of our opponents. As we stand now, someone who was sitting comfortably in Throne City making the decisions that cost victory, cost ships, cost lives is making that same decision from the same comfortable chair again and believing that this time it'll be different."

"You think those over-scented twilight-cast fools will fight?" Triloe scowled softly at the casual insult.

"I think it would be wise to find out if predators now walk among the herdbeasts."

There was a soft snort. "Those going out have a third of an hour to discover if he knows, and then do something about it." There was a nod from Triole to one of the others. "Signal Team Two to hold - a new player has stepped onto the pitch."

___________

Paris, Versailles Palace, Hall of Mirrors

"Fer what?!" Rosie's voice was faintly annoyed.

The more Gryzzk considered, the less he liked the possibilities and his tone shifting accordingly. "Because something bad might be happening shortly and while I'd love to be wrong, I'd rather not be right and helpless. Send immediate recall, make sure Laroy has his sniper rifle." Gryzzk kept his voice low and forced relaxation into his posture, looking for familiar faces.

"You realize that they do have police in Paris?"

"Are the police going to do what I tell them?" Gryzzk's eyes found someone wearing a familiar set of black clothes, along with square black sunglasses covering a thin, hawk-like face.

"Meh...probably not."

"Then advise the personnel who will do what I tell them to leave their drinks and pleasant company and take the fastest route to the ship for weapons and armor issue. Call me when they're ready for further orders. I'll be doing what I can here to delay. Freelord out." Gryzzk went to Kiole's side and he gave her a soft nuzzle.

"There are two exits within thirty feet of us, twilight warrior. I will be taking Gro'zel to one of them." Kiole's breath was warm in his ear and lingered after she parted, taking Gro'zel to 'see if there were horses outside.'

Gryzzk's next stop was Reilly, who was currently chatting up one of the security people. "Is everything in order, Jenassa?"

As her fingers danced along a jacket seam, Reilly all but purred at the guard who seemed distinctly uncomfortable at the attention he was getting. "Mmm. We were just talking about his weaponry - long and hard, but it seems to be missing a few accessories that your stick has, Major. Such a pity, really." She reached up and patted the side of the guards face. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go dance on my ex-boyfriend's ego a bit more."

Reilly nodded over toward Yomios, who was being shadowed by one Diamond Shaft. As she turned, Reilly whispered without moving her lips again. "Batons only - no electricity. Going to send a message to everyone watching. Which better be everybody in the company, because I did not shave my legs just so nobody could see it." She then flowed through the crowd, carefully maneuvering and being just social enough to make her way toward the Moncilat and her would-be paramour.

All of this meant Gryzzk had to make his way to his own target. It wasn't nearly as easy and Gryzzk was quite grateful his shoes had a protective toe-covering. He briefly considered making his way there spurs-first, but decided against it. While he wasn't sure of all the niceties of Terran social events, he was fairly certain that drawing blood would be frowned upon in this particular venue. Finally he was able to snag another glass of fizzwine and gently nudge the gentleman he was looking for.

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There was a very faint look of curiosity on the target's face as he responded to the nudge. "Balto, my friend - have you come to discuss a new policy with Skunkworks? I'm given to understand yours is a growth business of sorts. But this may not be the proper venue for such things."

"I fear that some things cannot wait, Agent Smith - may I call you call you Agent Smith?"

There was a casual nod in reply. "Of course. So what can your favorite insurance agent do for you this fine evening? Unfortunately we don't have a policy on hand for indemnification against cross-species sensory abuse, but we're working one up for future occasions like this."

Gryzzk smiled softly as his mind started working out the best way to communicate what he had to say. "Such a pity. But I was currently interested in working up a new policy surrounding this event. Quite time-sensitive, I'm afraid."

"Oh - a new policy specific to this event could be costly."

"Very much so - but I fear necessary, as the vetting process for the servants this evening may be suspect." Gryzzk paused to frame his next piece of information. "Tell me, what is in this in this glass? It smells interesting, and the bubbles. It's not unlike fizzwine from the homeworld - but cold, which is not our preference. The air of it is much...sharper. Almost as if a plasma of some sort was introduced during the finishing." Gryzzk sniffed but didn't drink.

"It's called champagne - from a specific region; anything else is technically sparkling wine." Agent Smith's head moved fractionally toward the door where the food servers were coming out. "Tell me, have you tried the appetizers?"

Gryzzk shook his head. "I have learned caution when around Terran foods, but if the food is from a similar region as the drink I believe that care is warranted, if one prioritizes safety."

There was a light smirk. "I think the food may have a similar quality."

"My head chef lives by the words 'If the food is good enough, the grunts won't care about the incoming fire.' I suppose that's less of a concern here, but the places I go seem to have a habit of experiencing such." Gryzzk quietly hoped the roundabout warning wouldn't be missed.

Agent Smith took another not-sip from his glass. "Do you think the food authorities need to be involved?" That sounded odd enough and innocuous enough to be a yes as far as Gryzzk was concerned.

"A quiet word in a quiet ear would not go amiss, Agent Smith. Perhaps someone familiar with Vilantian cuisine could be called upon - our dietary needs are not impossible, but attention to detail is necessary."

"Well. I look forward to receiving an itemized list in the morning, Balto." Which, as far as Gryzzk was concerned meant that this was now paying work. He cleared his throat softly as he walked away.

"XO, tell me you got all that."

"Of course I did - but there's something else we need to worry about."

"There's more?"

"Well, yes - good news is, recall is in progress; bad news is that Corporal Larion found something interesting while he was looking around."

Larion's voice broke in quietly. "Freelord, while I was ascertaining your location I found a second cluster of Vilantian and Hurdop life-signs; they are at a location that is designated a secure high-value item storage facility that is alongside a river. Whatever is happening at your location I believe is a feint due to the...high visibility of the event you're at. Everyone, including the authorities will be mobilized to your location, leaving the individuals at the second location greater room for error."

"What...what clan would do such a thing?"

Gryzzk could almost hear Larion's headshake. "None that I am aware of. Perhaps the Hurdop clans, but not one of ours." There was a pause as each of them considered possibilities. "This is...something new. I'm not entirely certain I approve."

"For the moment, set that aside. Continue tracking the others - XO, communicate with the local police; advise them of Larion's discovery and advise that we will be on station here shortly and will be assisting in peacekeeping as needed."

"Understood. I will advise sir that the building and surrounding area were declared a Terran Heritage site. The authorities will take a dim view of orbital strikes no matter how justified."

"Dim enough to refuse payment?"

"Dim enough that they would send us the bill for damages."

"Then perhaps don't?"

"Just in case you considered it an option, Freelord. Keeping this channel open in case you need me to hear something."

"Understood." Gryzzk began looking around to ascertain where everyone was, and began heading toward the drinks area. Reilly looked faintly bemused by Diamond's latest attempts to indirectly convince Yomios that she would find his bed comfortable. Gryzzk opened a channel.

Reilly's voice was low as she answered the hail. "Please say you're rescuing Yomios. Poor girl has wooshed Dennis so many times I almost pity him."

"Possibly - I need you to borrow Dennis' staff for a moment and create a distraction. Hopefully Yomios can use the moment to find another place to be." Gryzzk paused, remembering the last time he said the next sentence. "Indulge yourself."

"You really do like me."

Gryzzk was about to regret the decision when he was run into by a servant. There was a distinct moment of chaos as glasses bounced and clattered on the floor and drink was spilled in all directions. There was mild surprise as Gryzzk noted that it was the same servant he'd attempted to engage earlier. The servant and Gryzzk both knelt instinctively to start cleaning the mess with a towel.

"Apologies, six thousand apologies Freelord. I was clumsy." Even through the nose filters, Gryzzk could sense a spike of fear from the servant. "If you must complain, I am Slocil of Clan Aa'Teb..Aa'Plians."

"It is but clothing, Slocil. But have a care with yourself in the future, the wind carries excitement - not just here but on the riverbank as well."

There was surprise in Slocil's expression. "Freelord?"

Gryzzk kept his voice low as he spoke - he didn't want people to hear and panic, because this was chancy enough. "I suspect that whatever you are planning to do is being done as a ruse to draw attention from a second action this night."

To his credit, Slocil didn't flinch. Much. "I will alert my fellows. You will have less to concern yourself with here. But there is a hardened core that will be here shortly to introduce themselves." The servant patted Gryzzk's uniform down with a towel. "Apologies Freelord. I must retrieve additional towels for your uniform, if you could make your way to the door there, there will be others there."

There was a final pause as Slocil stood. "I fear we may never see each other again after this night. But I hope we do."

Gryzzk stood and tugged his jacket smooth out of habit and felt something there that wasn't when he bumped into Slocil. "If we do, I believe I owe you a drink." There was a slight smile. "Now if you would, the bathroom - I fear this drink has reminded me of certain needs."

Slocil nodded and gestured subtly. "That direction, Freelord."

Gryzzk went to the bathroom and dried himself further. "XO, what do we know about Clan Aa'Plians?"

"Well, they tried to take up the mantle after you put a shotgun round in Minister Aa'Tebul's bone-piece. They were the head of the conservative faction, but they lost the infighting in a spectacular fashion. Lately they've been agitating for a return to the old ways but ever since your last little run-in with Greatlord Aa'Laughingstock, they collectively got a case of shut-the-fuck-up. Which...well, y'know. You got kids. When they're quiet for more than fifteen minutes, they're either asleep or up to something."

Gryzzk checked the newfound item and discovered he'd been given a plasma stunner. "XO, they are up to something - I've been given a weapon by one of the waitstaff here. Have Larion pinpoint every Vilantian not currently assigned to us and cross-feed that information to shuttle tactical. Whatever time they think they have, cut it by twenty percent - tell them to gear up on the move and brief them en route."

"Oh you think it's going to be that kind of party?"

"It might be." Gryzzk secured his pistol, left the bathroom to catch Reilly entertaining both herself and the crowd - she was sinuously moving on a raised platform, neatly dodging various artworks as she sang some ancient Terran song; a woman wondering where all the good men went to, and where were all the gods, and something about a streetwise Hercules to fight the rising odds. It was enough to capture the attention of almost everybody that wasn't serving drinks or appetizers - and it didn't hurt that Reilly had a lovely singing voice. Yomios seemed amused, if her hand over her mouth said anything.

It was almost a relief when the side doors opened and all the servants dropped their trays to pull out stunners and fire shots into the air loudly.

Reilly dropped the microphone and all but tackled her parents to get them down on the ground under a table. Diamond caught the microphone and started shrieking into it at a pitch Gryzzk had never heard without the shrieker being damaged in a most painful place.

All told there were several dozen Vilantians streaming rapidly out the doors - finally the apparent leader jumped onto a table and fired three shots to get everyone's attention. Gryzzk could still hear Diamond shrieking, only being silenced when Yomios put her hand over his face.

"This is a robbery! Hands in the air, everybody freeze. Everybody down on the ground."

Nobody moved, and after a few moments the scene turned awkward.

Gryzzk cleared his throat softly. "Well, which is it? Do you want us to freeze or get down on the ground? If I freeze, I cannot very well get down on the ground. If I get down on the ground, well then I'm moving. You see the conundrum you've placed us in, I hope."

The leader pointed his weapon directly at Gryzzk. "...You. Congratulations, you are now my hostage."

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