Elite roleplay: Citi Gateway

CITI GATEWAY

The Orbis station is a center of activity. Within the station a myriad of places can be found.
  • The Warrens: Where the poor plebs of the station live. It's is a breeding ground for the most unscrupulous. Keep an eye on your wallet when traversing the corridors of these areas.
  • Habitation Complex: For those workers and pilots that can afford it, this area provides closer to 1G gravity for more earth like living.
  • Commerce Divison: and Administration Where the larger corporations make their home. Station administration can be found here.
  • Industrial Complex: Where industry manufactures their various goods.
  • Entertainment: District Bars, theaters and night clubs, tattoo parlors and other establishments can be found vying for a commanders credits in exchange for a bit of fun.
  • Station Security: A high tech brig used to house law breakers until they can be tried, and or deported off station.
  • Medical Ward: Where commanders can get patched up, enhanced, or fix existing cybernetics.

General Roleplay Etiquette:

1. Control only the actions of your own character(s). (AKA: God Mode)
This doesn't matter how small the action is, even if it is as simple as scratching their nose or a direct reaction to something else that just happened. This applies to everything from casual conversation to full blown fight scenes. If you'd like someone to do something specific, PM that person, however keep in mind they are completely within their rights to say no. Especially if said action is inappropriate to their character and/or circumstance.

2. Don't brute force your way into another persons RP.
Approaching with a conversation starter is fine, or indeed some other small action. However charging in, guns blazing and disrupting the flow of another person/pair/groups conversation/arc is about as rude as doing so in real life. If something is going on that you'd like to participate in, be subtle about it. Put out a gentle hook for someone to take, but again, be aware that said hook may not be taken. If you fear it was simply unnoticed, PM the person or people it concerns. Or even leave a message in the OOC forums.

3. Good grammar and spelling is preferred.
We're not asking you to be perfect, but please at least demonstrate willingness. no1 iz gna tak u srsly usng txt spk. There's a wide variety of people here, many who speak English as a second, or even third language. There are even some with varying degrees of dyslexia and/or likely other issues that affect spelling/grammar. We accept them all here. However, people who aren't accepted, are those unwilling to accept polite correction. Remember that even a small thing like the placement of a comma, or the wrong use of there/their/they're can completely change the definition of an entire sentence.

4. Accept constructive criticism gracefully and politely.
If someone spots an issue with your writings, they may wish to help you improve that writing. They may do this through PM or even publicly air their thoughts on the OOC forum. If they have taken the time to be polite and explain what is wrong with your writing, the best way to behave is to respond in kind, using the same manner they have approached you with. It means they have taken an active interest in what you have written and wish to see more. Basically, you have a fan!

5. Don't take the actions or opinions of things done IN RP, to be directly relevant to the writers thoughts or opinions.
Basically, if some ones character calls your character a jackass, it doesn't mean the writer thinks you are a jackass. It's a ROLE they are PLAYING. Watch a movie. The argument between the characters isn't an argument between the actors involved. The same applies here.

6. It's not a popularity contest.
Your RP might be bustling with participants. You have 3 people off station in a fire fight, while another 2 are infiltrating the darkest areas of the station, meanwhile a group of 4 others are tracking your movements in an effort to stop you. Good for you, I'm sure it will be a thrilling read! But you know what? Sometimes the absolute BEST work, comes from two RP characters having a simple heart to heart. Both are valid, both are great, but NEITHER is categorically better than the other. Period.


Inara RP Etiquette:

1. Respect the setting and rules of the universe.
Inara is an Elite: Dangerous 3rd Party Tool. The RP Forums are set in the Elite: Dangerous universe. Elite: Dangerous has rules, as any fictional universe does from Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, or Game of Thrones to Star Trek. If you intend to RP within the Elite: Dangerous universe you are bound by the history and rules of that universe. Simply put, this RP forum is bound by the same rules as the game, so if it can't be done in the game, it is not permitted here. This applies to things from a 50Ly Jump Range on a normal, unmodified Sidewinder, to the destruction of entire stations.

2. Respect the characters created by others.
We have a wide variety of characters already here. It's expected that some will be similar, just as it's expected that two characters will be vastly different. Opinions of each persons character will naturally be varied, but all are valid provided they follow the rules of the universe. You are allowed to interact with, or avoid interaction with, any character in the RP forums. But you have no right to belittle others for their creation. You are not an authority figure on writing, nor are you directly affected by another persons imagination. You might not like it, but you MUST respect it.

3. Be caught up on current events before joining in.
You need basic things like character descriptions in order to interact with them. You also need to know what's going on in the surrounding areas. This is simply because the people you are hoping to RP with, might be gearing up to something that you might not want to be part of. Or simply that the most recent post, out of context, could leave a different impression on the goings on than if you gather that context. We don't expect you to read every single post from the beginning of the forums, just enough to get that basic understanding.

4. Either subscribe to, or frequently check, the Roleplay: Q&A and OOC forum.
People may be discussing something relevant to you there, or even discussing you directly. Perhaps someone asked what the general consensus on the existence or non-existence of a certain object. Or we're just chatting about random gibberish. Either way, be aware of it and use it. If you're unsure about something, such as how guns would look and or behave, or even the music selection, use the OOC forum to ask. We don't have all of the answers, but the collective knowledge and logic usually allows us to overcome an issue and come to a decision on what should be allowed. Frontier Developments, and even David Braben himself, don't have the answers to every possible question that can be asked.

5. Large Scale events exploding out of nowhere are a complete no go.
We get it. Everyone wants their character to be noticed and for people to be tripping over themselves to interact with them. In some audiences, an introduction involving you blasting in for landing in a fiery wreckage of a ship, before cart wheeling out and sword fighting 35 Ninjas before whisking off with the local celebrity for a glorious night of passion, is in fact, cool. This is not one of those audiences. It is generally considered better to build your character up slowly over time. Eventually, you might even have a legitimate excuse to fight those Ninjas. Maybe even with other RP participants by your side.

6. Perfect characters are boring.
The point of a character arc, is that it is in fact, an arc shape. One who is morally unquestionable, fully kitted out and an infinite fountain of knowledge, cannot go through an arc. Give your character flaws. Be it a tendency towards befriending the wrong people, or a bad knee that frequently gives out at inopportune moments. It gives readers something to latch onto and empathise with. You can give your character exceptional capabilities at something, but it requires balance. She's a damn good pilot with no equal, but can't drive an SRV for peanuts. It can lead to some very interesting moments between characters, be it heartfelt or comedic.


Other Notes:
It should be noted that there can be exceptions to these points. For example, good grammar when a character is speaking is actually rare. Few people in real life actually speak with perfect eloquence after all. Or previously arranged actions during a fight scene, such as someone stumbling back after a punch. What's key to remember is context.

All in all, remember this is purely for fun. We have some seriously talented writers here, and others whose writing history starts and ends at high school. But many are willing to help out in whatever way they can. All it takes is that you ask nicely.

Also keep in mind that many people who RP here, also have logbook stories related to the character, or characters, they portray. If it looks like there's an "in joke" going on that you're unsure of, it's probably in those.

In fact, some users have even gone to the trouble of creating "alts" to RP with. If you read back far enough, it's usually pretty clear who has and hasn't, and which ones are the "alts". It's therefore not unheard of to see the apparent seizing of control of other characters. If you do spot one, point it out in the OOC section. If intervention is needed, it will be sorted quickly and (hopefully) politely.

Most, if not all RP participants here have Logbook stories pertaining to their character(s). These are for the reading pleasure of anyone who wishes to do so. While it can be useful to read them in order to gain a bit of backstory on a character you wish to interact with, it should not be assumed that your character shares that knowledge. Within the E:D Universe, these Logbooks either don't exist, or are private diaries kept by the characters. Either way, without explicit statements to say otherwise from the writer, your interactions should reflect that your character is in the dark about any information you, the writer/reader, have gained from reading the stories.
14 Aug 2023, 9:43pm
I stopped in front of the hotel for a moment, not too pleased about its upper-end design. There was a certain way of doing it where I didn't mind special decor, but this felt like it went too far. And as if an Imperial had designed it. I'd also read its name wrong in Venus' message.

'Well, at least no one heard me complain about it.', I thought to myself. 'Anyway, time to go in.'

I checked my clothing before I stepped in through the front door. I still wore my usual, simple black attire, with regular, unrevealing pants and shin-high boots. The only slightly different part being a sort of jacket that ran a little closer to my upper body, putting some emphasis on my fairly well-developed breast. It was not something I tended to wear often, given that I cared little for showing my body off in any fashion, but today, I seemed to feel somewhat comfortable in it.

The hotel reception almost blinded my eyes in white and gold colors, making me look slightly displeased and sigh, shaking my head at the same time.

"Definitely the kind of place an Imperial would visit."

I moved forward to the receptionist, who eyed my hood first, then my hands, as though to ensure I carried nothing in them.

"Welcome. What can I do for you?", they asked me, providing me with a curious and concerned look, due to my looks.

"I'm here for ..." I checked my wrist computer to be sure about what I was supposed to say. "... Duval's party. Or, at least, she said I was supposed to say that."

"Of course. Please take a seat. Someone will guide you to the room shortly."

I followed the instruction and sat down, reading a message from Meowers telling me she was making her way over to the station, and some more. I decided not to answer it, figuring that we'd get a moment to chat before the plan went into motion, anyway.

Figuring out what to do with yourself can take longer than you ever imagined, but it can also bring something new into your life. Maybe something that you needed, but didn't know about.

I'm heading for Inara then. Will send you a message once docked at Citi.


As soon as I was done reading, one of the hotel workers came up to and asked me to follow them to the conference room politely. I said nothing and simply walked after them, until in front of the room, where they left me alone. I knocked on the door to announce my presence and waited, shifting around somewhat nervously, with my arms held behind my back.
14 Aug 2023, 10:09pm
The knock on the door was alarming as I had been enthralled in a novel from old earth. I quickly marked my spot on the paper page and slid in a thin platinum bookmark gently closing the book in the process. I stood from my seat and adjusted my dress to remove the wrinkles. I approached the door and opened it.

'Oh hello. You are the first to arrive. Thank you. We can wait for the other one to arrive. In the mean time feel free to indulge in some of the food and drinks. Most of it is simple cuisine and there is a plethora of items to choose from.'

I motioned for Kasumi to enter the room and closed the door behind her as she entered.

'Oh uhm before she does arrive I wanted to apologize properly for my previous interactions with you. You deserved none of what was done. Even the hateful comments I had made were unwarranted. I don't know you and have no reason to judge you.'
14 Aug 2023, 10:43pm
"Save the pleasantries for when Diaz is dealt with. We'll have plenty of time to chat about things after that. Though, by then, I guess you'll already have made the point anyway."

'Not that I really want to.', I added in my thoughts, and turned my attention to the various things on the table. But I wasn't feeling particularly like eating anything at the moment, so I left them be.

"Does this room have a holo projector? And tell me it's just going to be us three. I'm not going to talk in front of a crowd."

I contemplated removing my hood for a moment, but decided against it. For one, I didn't know if there were any cameras within the room, and I didn't feel like showing what I looked like properly or by intention to the Imperial woman. It also provided me with a certain sense of comfort where I much needed one, surrounded by what felt like excessive decor - an environment that didn't contribute much to improving my mood. But I'd push it aside once Meowers arrived and things came to properly planning the assault out. I had to, if just to ensure it succeeded.
14 Aug 2023, 10:52pm
'For now it is only going to be the three of us. The rest of the team is floating around the port waiting for the recall for the briefing. It would really only be myself giving the briefing.'

I look around the room then back to Kasumi. Seeing her discomfort I offered up some form of reassurance.

'There are no cameras present I don't appreciate the eyes I can't see watching me. This also was requested with discretion and if imperials will follow any protocol it is not displeasing guests requests.'

'You look uncomfortable though if I had to guess I'd assume you aren't one for expensive decor. I must agree, I too sometimes find the decor a bit much. I chose this place though because I wanted someplace more private than the bar.'
14 Aug 2023, 11:02pm
"Fine. But I'll probably not hang around for them to arrive once we're done. I'm not one for people, or large crowds for that matter."

I sighed, and sat down on a chair, leaning on the table.

"And yes, I don't like it. There's decor to make something look better, and then there's decor for the sake of decor. This place... definitely falls into that latter category. No offense, but it feels like Imperials also do more often than not. Anyway, let's just leave that on the side to focus on figuring out how we go about getting everyone on and off that carrier in one piece. Once our third guest is here, that is."

I decided to keep my hood on, anyway. The more secretive part of me liked to keep it on, and it was currently winning over in my mind.
15 Aug 2023, 7:30am
Just arrived. Point me to the right place where do you want to see me.


Meowers’ message was a welcome, albeit short-lived, distraction from the environment I found myself in, and to a slightly lesser degree from Venus’ presence. I set to replying to it in an instant.

Didn’t she tell you… oh, whatever. It’s some place called ‘Chateau dans le ciel’ or whatever. Whoever owns the place likes French, apparently.

Anyway, just tell the receptionist that you’re here for ‘Duval’s party’. They’ll have someone guide you here.

Oh, and try not to get blinded by the decor as you come in.
15 Aug 2023, 9:03am
Kasumi's message reached me when I was in the elevator zone, just ready to call one.

Didn’t she tell you… oh, whatever. It’s some place called ‘Chateau dans le ciel’ or whatever. Whoever owns the place likes French, apparently.

Anyway, just tell the receptionist that you’re here for ‘Duval’s party’. They’ll have someone guide you here.

Oh, and try not to get blinded by the decor as you come in.


A bit of navigating through the station hallways... And I was, looks like, in the right place. Oh. What a gorgeous establishment, I'd say you, both the façade and the interior, marble-white walls, lavishly decorated by gilded ornaments and statues, a fountain in the main lobby, exotic little trees, all that just screamed 'Imperial'. And, needless to say, I was ready to shine in the high circles of that amazing society, I looked absolutely magnetic, I'd say stunning: a couple of guests and employees couldn't help but stare at me in awe. And I didn't blame them for that: elegant, exquisite black dress, dark tights and high heels, I've had everything I needed to be the queen of this party. Well, almost everything, with little nuances here and there. But, hey, could you forgive a lady those few, unimportant and absolutely minor details? Like, let's pretend that violet hoodie is a dress, uniform khaki cargo trousers could absolutely go as tights, and we may also think that a pair of military magboots are nothing but high heels.

Ah, screw it. Forgot the godsdamned jewelry.

"Duval's party, please," I told the receptionist. "I've been invited."

Soon, a hotel employee came to me, with a polite khm-khm, of course, and guided me to the conference room.
15 Aug 2023, 11:12am
I looked to the door upon hearing it open and watched Meowers enter, making the triangle of Diaz’s soon-to-be demise complete.

“Nice of you to join us.”, I remarked. “I was starting to become mad looking at the walls in this place.”

At least, she was wearing something simple, similar or identical to what I’d seen her wear last, unlike the dress that Venus was wearing, which I’d regarded with a certain, strong lack of interest. Hated dresses, and I’d rather - or have to - be shot in the head to ever wear one. I knew that even without ever trying one on.

Part of me wondered whether I’d get any remarks on the slightly closer-fitted jacket I wore, as it might seem slightly out-of-character for me with how it highlighted my chest, but quickly discarded the thought in favor of more serious matters.

“So, now that we’re all here… want to get started?”
15 Aug 2023, 2:50pm
"Yeah, hello," I nodded, greeting both women. "And, totally agreed."

Saying so, I made a theatrical motion that, as I thought, was able to encompass my entire set of opinions better than words: starting with moving my head slowly left to right, as if I were looking at everything and studying my surroundings, I ended that act with a deep sigh, rolling my eyes.

"Ah, anyway. Let's get down to business, I suppose. If there's nothing only three of us should know before we start, of course."
15 Aug 2023, 3:21pm
'Oh hello there. Yes welcome. Let's get this going.'

I offer a friendly wave to Meowers and divert my attention to Kasumi.

'So what did you find that has you concerned? And we really must get our plan figured out.'
15 Aug 2023, 3:45pm
“Not that I’m aware of.”, I replied to Meowers, looking at Venus.

“At least, I was told I wouldn’t have to embarrass myself in front of a crowd, so that won’t be an issue. Anyway… about that problem, yeah.”

I activated a projector at the center of the table, and had it display a specific ship and pilot designator.

“See that designator? That’s one used by Black Flight.”

I paused for a moment to let the information go in.

“If you need to know who they are, it’s some kind of elite mercenary group used by Azimuth for their operations. Works in the shadows, usually covers for their shady shit. Hunts down people they don’t want around any longer or captured, used to destroy anyone trying to figure out what the Thargoid artifacts were before we knew. They even went to Colonia to kill someone who knew about that Project Seraph shit.”

I stopped to catch my breath.

“Anyway, they’re probably going to be that Anaconda’s escort fleet, and I’d expect them to have… how can I put this… they’re probably going to be flying tough and heavy hitters. And that transport’s no joke either. But we have to stop it from docking to prevent the handover while we’re busy fighting whatever Diaz throws at us.”

I lit up the Anaconda’s specifications on the holo-projector, noting the reinforced shield and armor primarily.
15 Aug 2023, 4:11pm
'So we're screwed is what you're telling me. None of our ships outside Aventus' anaconda will match these ship descriptions.'

I look at the ship specifications and pull up Lifeboats specs.

'The ships are nearly identical. We don't have the time to perfectly match the ship specs. What if we have one of the commandos act as the scientist supposed to be on board and lie? Say because of the breach at Gardner Point there was a ship change required?'

I look to Kasumi and Meowers looking for input. My tone shifts to a bit more concern.

'The squad on this ship will make our lives significantly easier once we get inside. SVI-2112, SV-21A.... What do these mean? Ship ident and what?'


Last edit: 15 Aug 2023, 4:30pm
15 Aug 2023, 4:37pm
“Ship and pilot identification, I think. As far as I know, at least - I’ve stayed far away from anything that’s had to do with those guys, at least if I knew they’d been active somewhere recently. Only know about them from others who have been monitoring Azimuth more than I have, and found them posing as system security vessels, usually around the wreck of a ship with Thargoid cargo in the middle of it. And, as you might expect, there’s not exactly a lot of publicly available information available.”

I sighed.

“Do what you think you need to make it look as foolproof as possible. But bringing down that Anaconda won’t be easy, even with a Corvette bearing down on it. Might need to direct some of the carrier’s turrets on it, or I’ll need someone to help me tear it apart.”

I closed my eyes, and breathed.

“And that’s just one of the problems. Those guys being there means Azimuth is taking this really serious. And if things start to go wrong for them, they’ll probably have at least one or two, maybe more wings of ships waiting nearby as backup. File doesn’t say if there are, though. I guess they want to keep them in their back pocket for if Diaz doesn’t play along nicely.”

Another pause, thinking.

“That aside - I can take control of a few systems externally, but only for a time. Pad control, FSD, thrusters - can shut it all down temporarily, but they’ll probably get around the lockout quickly. We’ll need to hit engineering so I can put any chance of escape out of action permanently, or at least until we need to use it.”
15 Aug 2023, 5:07pm
'Take the FDL wing to assist you with the support ships. Hopefully it will be enough of a distraction to get our ship on board that carrier.'

I pull up a holo image of the Queen Anne's Revenge. The Victory class carrier is shown in the middle and a dotted flight path is shown with a scaled image of a Cutter.

'During the commotion I will approach the carrier from out of sight of the bridge. Once in range I will drop a recon limpet onto the ships communications array. Hopefully the daemon on there will temporary override the alarms system on the carrier without alerting the crew.'

I zoom the image in and locate an access port near my flight path.

'Once I'm close enough to the carrier I will EVA to this access port and enter the ship. My Cutter will then turn on the heat and draw even further attention from us. This port should be close to engineering which I can access and shut down the thruster assemblies and can turn the turrets to the ships you are facing.'
15 Aug 2023, 5:16pm
“You don’t have me convinced that it’s a good idea to go on alone. But if you’re gonna go to engineering already, you might want to look at this.”

I tossed Venus a small device that fit into a hand easily.

“If the security systems of the fleet carrier turn out to be a little much, you can plug that on the FSD and it will send it into a safe reboot cycle. Simple, but buys some time if we need it. It’s basically just an electrical charge… if you put a little too much energy into it.”

I looked at the carrier’s hologram again, leaned on the table with both hands.

“What’s the armor on that thing like? I’ll ram into the damn thing to get inside if I need to. And I can use the limpet connection to give them some headaches already, which you don’t seem to have heard. No need to bother with the turrets yourself. And what about the support fleet that Diaz has?”

A look went toward Meowers, as if to ask if any ideas were to come from that side of our, so far rather two-sided, triangle.

Post a reply

You must be signed in to post here.
ROLEPLAY ONLY! Respect the universe settings!
If you are new here, please try to at least partially involve in the ongoing stories and conversations instead of establishing a completely different "arc". You can always turn it to a different story later.