Hope House Tea Visitor

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Hope House Tea Visitor
Location: Log_Location::Hope House - Bernadette IC Date: Log_IC_Date::2536 /04/03 OOC Date: Log_OOC_Date::2015/01/28
Characters: Has Characters in Scene::James, Has Characters in Scene::Kitt, Has Characters in Scene::Aubrey
Summary: Log_Short_Summary::An Admiral is on Bernadette and is invited to Tea at the Hope House.
Log_Characters::James,Kitt,Aubrey

Aubrey is dressed, and clean, and even his tiny owl monkey/service animal has been brushed and groomed and dressed in a nice little vest as he makes his way into the lobby. "Kitt, please go and brush your hair. There is an Admiral coming for tea." That's all he says, pausing as he slips a slender purple PDA from an inner pocket, scanning it thoughtfully before nodding. "Thankfully, the crumpets are finished." He has that type of voice where he clearly enunciates, there's no trace of unique accent but he speaks like a computer, a lack of emotion in his tonal inflections. <English>

Kitt just blinks at Aubrey with a rather blank expression. Reaching up to touch her hair that's just brushed flat, "Kitt always brushes hair. Should do more than just brush?" She asks confusedly. Handing off her datapads and such to one of the helpers she moves then to head into one of the back rooms. When she comes back she's trying to braid her hair with her hands bent back over her shoulders. Lopsided, definitely lopsided. <English>

The air is momentarily disturbed as a pair of Alliance gunships pass in the distance, searchlights shining beneath them as they weave an intricate pattern across the city.

 A trio of black vehicles (Or whatever passes as limousines) arrive in front of the House. Stepping out of the first vehicle is a young man, wearing the immaculately starched and pressed uniform of the Department of Security. With his sunglasses on, it's a little tricky to see where he is looking as he makes a few tentative steps up towards the mansion. <English>

Kitt has also changed out of her jeans and into a simple dark silver skirt that flows down to her ankles, and has changed her slippers into the matching slippers to match the skirt. Struggling with her hair though she moves through the shadows to stand behind Aubrey and just watch. <English>

The little hacker just watches his PDA, tapping the screen to bring up the camera feed from outside and he cocks his head to the side curiously before lowering the device and holding it behind his back, wrists crossed behind said back. "They are arriving now I believe. There are several vehicles." A pause as he turns to look Kitt over and bows his head in quiet approval. <English>

Kitt tugs on her braid and gives Aubrey a look before finally makes a sound of frustration and just knots a ribbon in her hair before tossing her lopsided braid over her shoulder. <English>

The young uniformed individual frowns, taking a step to the side, touching his earpiece and murmuring a few words. The side-door of the middle vehicle opens just as the passenger-side door does, with another young man stepping out to hold the second door open, stiffening and saluting as a very much older man steps out. A cane appears, bracing against the ground to let the older man lift himself out. He's still young, dammit, no one is going to help him out of cars yet. With a few wobbly steps, he makes his way towards the entrance of the house. The only that follow him are a middle-aged man with a folder under his arm, obviously an aide judging by his ribbons, and the young man from before. The duo follow the Admiral at a discreet distance as he makes his way towards the entrance, he isn't glacially slow but he isn't rushing himself. <English>

Everson doesn't move, he just stands at attention so to speak, wrists crossed behind his back. PDA held back there comfortably as he glances over to Kitt and then back to the door. There are others who gather in the Lobby as well, well dressed and coifed individuals who range from Companions to other volunteers. They all stand wearing different shades of purple or white and such, standing and waiting. A few have 'Welcome to the Hope House' signs, but those are the younger volunteers. <English>

  The aide frowns as they approach the main door, evidently this is hardly the protocol they are used to. He steps around the Admiral as they near the door, the aide reaching to open it and hold it open for the Admiral and the Depsec officer to enter before falling in behind them.
 
  The Admirals eyes scan the greeting party, obviously waiting for introductions and such, very formal indeed. <English>

Kitt looks at Aubrey and just blinks faintly, her expression rather blank. Not standing at anything close to attention but she's not fidgeting or anything. Head tilting and sending that braid to bounce against her shoulder, Kitt watches the three men for a moment with a look of trying to understand something. At the frown her gaze looks to the aide and just stares rather intensely, those violet eyes never blinking. Still she does straighten a small bit, her hands moving to clasp in front of her. She moves a half a step up so she's just slightly to the corner of Aubrey instead of just behind him. <English>

When the Admiral actually enters, Aubrey takes a step forward and bows his head politely as the people behind him wave shyly and hold up their signs and such until he looks over his shoulder at them. "Query. Is your designation Admiral James Ward?" He makes the inquiry politely before gesturing around him with one hand. "Thank you for accepting our invitation." <English>

The Admiral regards Aubrey a moment, eyes flittering a moment to the crowd behind him before addressing the man. "The official title is Admiral James Ward, Commanding Officer of Alliance Fleet Operations but..... Admiral is acceptable." he says, bowing his head politely in turn, "I thank you for the invitation." <English>

Kitt just blinks again, her gaze going then once more to James and seeming locked visual wise on his shoulder. For a moment her lips part as if to ask a question, but ends up just closing her mouth again and then looks to Aubrey when her PDA beeps, "The tea being steeped, and crumpets are set up."

"Designation includes Rank and Name. Title and Occupation have been noted however. My designation is Aubrey Everson. This is one of my Inventory Managers and my sister Kitt. We are to have tea in the Library. It is more comfortable there. There's a cheese course, a pastry course, and of course fruit. The fruit come from some of our greenhouse gardens, the tea leaves are always donated from donors from Sihnon." Aubrey's tiny monkey, peeks around his legs at James before skittering over to climb up on a chair at the front desk. The white haired young man pauses for a moment before gesturing towards the Library. "If you'll follow us, Admiral?" <English>

James nods idly as he listens to Aubrey speak. "Of course." he says, moving as directed into the Library and lounge, followed by his aide. The Depsec officer waits until all have passed him before following, hands clasped officially behind his back. <English>

Kitt just turns to follow the group once they've passed her. The group with the signs are given silent looks that sends them skittering off in another direction before she closes the door to the Library. Moving then to stand off to the side wordlessly, her hands again clasped in front of her. <English>

The room has been cleared out, save for a few individuals who wear Hope House formal uniforms, the button down purple shirts and dark jeans as they have set up a small table for James and Aubrey and whoever else wishes to sit, white table cloth but there's a very formal black porcelain and silver tea set laid out. There's a tiered tray that has a layer of fresh fruit, a layer of cheeses and crackers, and a layer of crumpets and scones and decadent little chocolate cakes. <English>

The Admiral seats himself in one of the chairs, his Aide moving to stand a few feet behind.... not so close as to intrude but close enough that he can be summoned if needed. The Depsec officer meanwhile stands further back, closer to the wall, just watching and listening. The Admiral glances over the spread, evidently waiting for Aubrey to seat himself. <English>

Aubrey settles down at the table, crossing his legs and resting his PDA in his lap and his hand resting palm down over the device as he glances over to Kitt and nods towards the table. "Kitt, please have a seat." Then he looks back to Admiral. "I apologize, I did attempt to do research on any allergies you may have and did not find any. Do you have any food allergies Admiral?" <English>



Moving to it by Aubrey, Kitt tucks her feet under her, letting her skirt fall to hide the now wriggling toes. Hands again resting in front of her as she keeps looking over the Admiral's uniform with that same blank expression. For the moment ignoring the presence of the other two men. <English>

James gives a little bit of a chuckle, shaking his head. "None, thank you." he says, relaxing back a little into his chair, getting comfortable. His hands fold over his lap, "I hope you'd had a pleasant day so far?" <English>

There is something about Aubrey's expression that would be noticeable to people, the expression doesn't change. There's nothing plastic or fake, but there's no emotion there, he just watches James closely, attentive. "My day has been productive." A pause. "But I am currently dealing with administrative challenges that come with running a charitable organization, as I am sure you understand. And yourself?" <English>

James tilts his head slightly. "Eye-opening." he says rather simply, letting a finger brush against the material of his trousers. "I presume you have something to discuss. Invitations to high tea with an Alliance representative are not given without an ulterior motive." <English>

Kitt moves silently to begin preparing tea. Looking expectantly to the Admiral as she lifts a small container of milk, only after making sure the cup has been properly warmed. A small plate assortment of meats and cheeses having already been placed within his reach. <English>

Aubrey blinks and just stares at James for a few moments, head cocking to the side curiously before he glances to where Kitt is preparing tea and then back up. "I have tea with individuals who are noble and have roles in parliament, it is the nature of running the type of organization that I do, Admiral. I give out invitations to important visitors on Bernadette out of respect for their presence here." He bows his head. "But I wanted to ask what your views are on charitable or neutral parties in the verse who seek to help all without discrimination of loyalty or political allegiance?" <English>

James gently nods towards Kidd, "Two lumps, no milk, thank you." he says. His eyes return to Aubrey. He tilts his hand somewhat, glancing down to inspect the back of his hand. "The nature of such charities and.. neutral parties, as you say, make them enemies of the Union by nature." he pauses, "To maintain order and a just system, one has to eliminate those who oppose peace and unity." he says, "By nature, those who would oppose peace and unity must live outside that system, which of course means they have to rely on terror, fear, to extract from innocent people what they require.. and the falsely placed hopes of people that believe that they can change. To put it into context... seemingly merciful supplies of say, food, water, medical supplies, clothing.... may not seem to be overt measures taken to continue a conflict but... they are used to maintain forces that would otherwise go without, and so sustain their efforts to tear apart what has cost millions to maintain." he says, looking at Aubrey evenly. "Neutrality is a myth, in this context." <English>

/Kitt/ nods sharply and fixes the Admiral's tea the way he asks for it. Setting it then in front of him before leaning back again. Looking to the military man in front of her she says nothing and her eyes start to wander along the ceiling. <English>

Aubrey's head tilts from one side then to the other and then back to the other as he listens, watching James closely as he speaks, eyes lingering on his lips before his gaze flicks up to meet the Admiral's eyes. "Levying war versus giving aid and comfort to the enemy are articles of distinction in the concept of treason which have been the topic of much debate in many Londinium social circles. Consider the Companions, who are allowed to take contracts confidentially and provide a service that cannot be tampered or interfered with by Alliance Officials directly. But they operate in a Guild. Same as the Mining Guild. It will be interesting to see how things pan out there as well. Do you not agree?" He reaches for a cup of tea, sipping neatly. "Correction. Neutrality is the state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict, disagreement. A state of impartiality during which people assist those who are negatively affected by the sides of a conflict who do not have the time or means to look after those who are left behind or caught in the cross fires." He pauses. "Could you provide some clarification as to your view on what human life is valuable and what human life is not?" <English>

James gently reaches to take his teacup, nodding politely to Kitt as he lifts it to his lips, taking a dainty little sip, pinky-finger extended. "And when that changes? The Bounty Hunter's Guild for example. Several of its members have since gone.. independent... as they say, and are now fighting against the Union." he pauses, savoring the delectable aromas of the tea. "I do not believe in impartiality. I grant you that the Alliance military has its limitations. It is a broadsword, not a scalpel. The resources available are enough to cover its operations.. to protect the Union. When it comes to sustainability operations and such social endeavors.. well.. they are beyond my control. If I could provide them, I would."
 
  He pauses, taking another sip of tea before setting the cup down, folding his hands politely. "The question as to what human life is valuable and what is not teeters on the question as to what is human life? Do you count Reavers into that question? Pirates? So for the sake of argument I will define human life as you and I, simple people living simple lives. By that measure, all human life is valuable, should be nurtured and allow to grow in peace... to reach for the stars, as our ancestors on the Earth that was did... to continue civilization and strive to make for a better world." <English>

Kitt seems to think of something and she pulls out her PDA, before then pushing it to Aubrey and just blinks. <English>

“Query. Union or Alliance, you are a Union of Allied Planets yes. Planets must be Allied to maintain order, however a union is an organized association formed to protect and further rights and interest. Please clarify why you use the term Union as opposed to Alliance in your conversation? As a Military official, do you find it easier to relate to more central terminology such as 'Union'? And as such, do you support only the rights and interests of those you believe are suitably partial to the interest of the governmental structure you are sworn to protect?" The white haired young man lowers his eyes for a moment to the PDA his sister pushes towards him.

"Doctors swear a Hippocratic oath, do they not?" Then on the topic of Human life he takes a deep breath. "Life is the state of being that extinguishes animals and plants from inorganic matter, Human life can be qualified as a specification of that broad definition. This includes the possibility and necessity of growth, reproduction, functional activity and change and signs of sentience. There are many worlds by the definition of world, as we reside in a Universe." A calm sip of tea. "But by your definition, I suppose you do entertain the concept of life unworthy of life?" <English>

James chuckles, "The Union of Allied Planets and Alliance are one in the same. I am aware that there are planets that exist outside this Union, and they are free to exist as they wish so long as they do not bring us into conflict. Live and let live, as they say. By the same vein, if they struggle, they struggle alone. I am aware that this may sound cruel but... it goes back to a very, very, very old english naturalist named Charles Darwin. And his theory of Darwinism, forgive my simplifying of his theory but... the strong survive, the weak die off. As to your question, at its core, I support the Union. It has the strongest chances to survive... combined with it the natural allegiances of friendship, family et cetera."
 
  "You scientifically simplify life. Social norms and mores are not easily explained when coupled with biology and chemistry." he says, reaching for his cup of tea, lifting it to take another sip. "I do. In that such forms of life I deem unworthy of life are a threat to my way of life. A natural feeling, of course. One would not welcome a serpent closer and allow it to end your life merely because you wish all life to exist." <English>

Kitt listens again to the Admiral though her gaze remains upwards, her eyes jerkily tracing the shadows on the ceiling apparently. After a time though she takes her PDA, wipes it clean and types something out again. Once again pushing it towards Aubrey. Then moves to refill the tea cups and make sure they're properly sweetened and such as required by each person. Then taking the plate of pastries and setting it out to be offered towards the Admiral, her gaze looking right over his shoulder seemingly. <English>

"This is a new theory then seeing as the grounds of the Unification war utilized a Romanesque philosophy of willing assimilation or forced assimilation or if necessary death...but you did make slavery illegal so there were thankfully no gladiator arenas after you were victorious. To describe the Alliance, however, as a Darwinist system of government...is illogical however I did ask you about your personal thoughts on the matter so I shall withdraw personal judgment of the variables utilized in this equation." Aubrey reaches for a sliver of apple, bringing it to his lips as he sets his tea cup down.

"Correction. I defined what life was in general and then went on to categorize human life in that definition. When considering the value of life, you must also consider your own. So in your example of the serpent, one's own sense of self-preservation in line with their value for life would cause them to logically choose to save their own life over that of the serpent for psychological reasons that have been bred into us as a species. The need to survive and the innovation and intellect to do so utilizing whatever means necessary, due to a value for human life." He takes a bite of apple. "But that does not deep the serpent life unworthy of life, it simply means you value your life." <English>

James selects a cucumber sandwich, one of his own little personal demons, taking a bite, savoring the light fluffy texture of the bread, the softness of the butter and the slight tang of the cucumber, munching quietly. "The fate of history, I am afraid." he says, smiling. "We are getting off topic, making corrections here and there, extrapolating personal opinions... this conversation could become endless. You asked my opinion on neutrality, and the value of human life... I have given it. I do not believe in neutrality simply because I do not believe it is truly possible. And the value of human life, the question is complicated and can be debated for eons but, in my view, human life is valuable so long as it perpetuates the continuation of human life and that said human life is worth living." he says, finishing his sandwich. "And on the question of neutrality, I bring to fact the matter that we are currently.. sitting.. mostly." he nods to Kitt, "In a building on Bernadette, a core planet... enjoying the freedoms and pleasures won by those of 'us'." he says, emphasizing the last word. <English>

James adds "Those of us who fought for it". <English>

"A building that has been allowed, by officials higher than yourself, to maintain a state of neutrality due to the services that the Hope House provides to all. After all, in war...it does not matter what the uniform a person was shot in looks like when the woman back home receives a letter and has to tell their children that their father or mother will not be returning because they died. We help those left behind and those caught in the cross fire. It is...an unfortunate place to be, wouldn't you agree?" Aubrey finishes his apple slice and looks to Kitt for a moment before looking back to James. "Do you have family Admiral?" <English>

Kitt just looks at Aubrey and shakes her head faintly, clearing the dishes and handing them off to one of the helpers other than refilling the tea. She still stays silent continuing to listen while her gaze now slowly trails to the man watching him intently all the while. Her gaze having gone to the rarely blinking now. <English>

James sets his jaw firmly, obviously striking a nerve. "Some." he says, clearing his throat. "I have lost more in the fight for freedom and unity than most have that are still living today. I will not lose those memories simply because some wish to laugh and play soldier." he adds. "I have laid more flowers, kissed more graves than I care to remember. They lost their lives to fight for something greater than themselves. We all swore an oath, We'll preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man, or we'll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness." <English>

Kitt just seems to be typing things out on her PDA, perhaps she's taking notes, or maybe it's the sayings she's recording. Otherwise she turns her attention back to James a moment later. Her mouth opens again a moment later and then closes as now she seems confused. <English>

"I do hope you'll take time during your stay to allow us to plant something in memorial of those you have lost, Admiral." Aubrey bows his head before taking a deep breath and his hand still remains in his lap over his PDA, legs crossed...because he at least sits pretty despite the conversational topic. "You are using a quote from Earth that Was, I believe, circa 1964. Fascinating." A pause. "Forgive my manners, I have been chattering on and interviewing you but it is what I am accustomed to. Was there anything that /you/ wished to discuss Admiral?" <English>

James shakes his head, "Those monuments and memorials have already been placed, on Londinium. I believe the greatest memorial is the simple marker that is placed above their burial. Where their family, their children, their.. friends can take a moment to give thanks for their sacrifice." he says, clearing his throat. "As to your question of discussion, I merely ask, whose side you are on?" <English>

"The very purpose of which you speak is the purpose of our gardens. So it is good you already have a place for this to do so. If we forget our dead, we forget ourselves." Then the question is asked is considered for a moment as Aubrey takes a sip of his tea and sets the cup down. "Do you want an honest answer, Admiral, or an answer that will allow you to clearly define where I should be ranked in the scale of potentially dangerous or not? For that, you will need to ask your research and development or scientific departments within your own government, the danger scale that is. As for the matter of sides, I take care of the people that neither the Alliance or the long list of rebellious elements who would like to see the government fail or topple or explode or...whatever they want. I really do not know." He shakes his head. "I take care of the people that neither side have the time to actually care about. That is the side I must stay focused on. We all have a part to play in the universe, and I know my place." <English>

James chuckles, "Where was your latest.... donation? When was the last time the House delivered supplies of quantity, and where would you say the most amount of supplies are delivered? I ask merely because.. perhaps I can be of some assistance." <English>

Kitt holds up a hand and stands up. Moving gracefully over to the desk she pulls out a file folder, before then handing it to Aubrey, this is apparently some printed copies of pages of the last years worth of donations of different types. Then bows her head faintly and sits back down. <English>

Aubrey shakes his head slowly. "People make donations to the Hope House, we deliver the goods...elsewhere, based on reports and requests and so on. We usually have a fleet of ships that...are in our network that assist us with this but at this time, travel is somewhat challenging, especially for cargo vessels." He nods and then looks to the file, squinting. "Haven...Whitefall...and how can you be of assistance Admiral? Can you get our Cargo Volunteers clearance and escorts to at least the border so that they feel safe from any dangerous elements up until they have to brave the unknowns of border?" <English>

James smirks, "My title well.. entitles me to allow people to go too and fro..." he pauses, "I can guarantee your ships reach their destinations... both through travel authorizations and escorts by Alliance vessels.... however, this comes with stipulations, I am sure you are aware of. As noble as your pursuits are..... certain elements are not the best of friends to mine and I would not want supplies to fall in their hands. Apart from a good word that such a conundrum will not exist.... I must remind you, that if a situation occurs, I will end you." <English>

"I only want the Alliance escorts up to the border check points, no further. Having to wait for new escorts would delay our transport schedules and that is not something I am willing to do." Aubrey replies softly before there's that stipulation and then the threat and that causes him to put his cup down as he folds both hands in his lap and he just stares at James for a few moment unblinkingly. "Clarification is required. You do not wish any supplies of food, clothing or medical supplies to fall into the hands of certain elements which you have failed to clearly identify at this time if they are carried by ships cleared by the Alliance? If such a situation does occur and aide is rendered to those who fall into the category of certain elements, you are threatening to end me?" <English>

Kitt rises up silently and moves to where the 'helpers' are. Motioning them out of the room and then recloses the door before sitting back down. Her gaze though staying rather blank as she stares at in random intervals the men in the room (not including Aubrey). That violet eyed stare unblinking. All the while she just sits with her back straight and her hands on her lap. <English>

James nods idly. "I will not be a pawn. Your supplies will be delivered to... those less fortunate, but I am counting on your word they will not fall into the hands of Guerillas... Pirates. I grant you, those groups often threaten the weak and undefended to acquire what they need.. and no one will be punished for that, but if your ships are found to have delivered supplies directly to those groups... or indirectly, through an intermediary, there will be consequences. After all, as I have said, those supplies will only further the suffering of many, and I will not abide that." he pauses, folding his hands in his lap, "I am preserving the union, providing for its people, I will not allow the supplying of those enemies that would threaten it. That is my stipulation." <English>

Aubrey lifts his PDA from his lap, uncrossing and then recrossing his legs before resting his hands back in his lap and he just listens, eyes flicking over to Kitt as she wisely sees the volunteers out and then he gives a small shake of his head. "Thank you Admiral, for your kind and generous offer. Here are my stipulations. If any of my cargo ships are robbed, attacked, or somehow delayed and damaged unnecessarily while they are being escorted, I will hold you personally responsible. No contamination of goods, no confiscation of goods, no deciding to change where the good are delivered for the good of the Alliance forces. If they cannot provide necessary aide to those who are deemed to be affiliated with your enemies, then they cannot provide the same goods directly to Alliance forces. Only the less fortunate. And this is a stipulation that will only be applied to vessels that require Alliance escort." <English>

James clicks his tongue, "I will not be held responsible for ships that are attacked and damaged or destroyed by outside influences. I will do my best to ensure that deliveries are made on time and in proper order but... I want to make clear that those supplies are destined for those who have an actual need for it... to sustain themselves... to grow and prosper... not for those who wish to use those supplies against the Alliance." <English>

Kitt makes a note on a PDA again and slides it to Aubrey, both of her hands this time palm down on the table, her fingers splayed faintly. <English>

"Mm. You will have no say or direct influence over where my goods go, but the flight plans will be provided without hesitation of course, for each individual flight. As will cargo manifests. You will only have access to the necessary records to uphold this potential agreement. And I will write to the Minister of Defense and also to the Lord High Marshall to make sure they are also aware of this agreement and how I am entrusting some, not all, but some of my cargo volunteers into the escort care of the Alliance." Aubrey nods slowly. "And in return, I will make sure that none of these ships deliver toilet paper to those who are opposed to the government. Do we have an accord? And for your clarification, this is an agreement between you and the Hope House as a charitable entity, it is not personal and your contract will be with the Hope House." <English>


James chuckles, "Your goods will be searched, to make sure they comply. It is not unheard of to see weapons transported as farm equipment, after all. Forgive my wariness but this is our first dealing and my trust is somewhat dulled by recent events. Your goods, once inspected, will be transported from here... under Alliance fleet protection, to whichever destination you choose. Those destinations will be approved... and cleared to be free of enemies of the Union. They will be delivered safely. No Alliance official will tamper with them, and we will allow you to attach anti-tampering devices as you wish to prevent any such tampering."

  He continues, "This agreement will be between the Hope House and the Office of the Admiralty. They are aide shipments, they will be treated as such, and tracked as such. If I see a single marking on a crate within a terrorist stronghold, you will be held responsible." <English>

Kitt makes another note on a PDA, only after slowly sliding her hands off of the table. When she slides them back on again her gaze isn't on the larger of the three men but on the aide. Tight and intense. <English>

Aubrey tilts his head to the side. "There...are no border or rim planets that are approved and cleared to be free of enemies of the Alliance, Admiral. Please do not insult my intelligence I believe in most social circles that would be considered rude and inconsiderate. This, maybe challenging to believe, but many people do not like the Alliance. We are delivering supplies to the people on these worlds who do not have what they need to survive and we deliver our own goods. Not your goods, not alliance marked goods, the goods shipped and donated to us by people all over the universe to give to others. You will not be a pawn, and neither will I allow the Hope House to become a pawn. We are a symbol of Hope, that cannot fade." <English>

James glances down, drumming his fingers on his knee. "I am aware, of the situation on the border and the rim. Which is why I will not fault you for providing for them. At the same time, I will not accept your direct supply of goods to enemy elements. I want these supplies to reach those who are truly in need. If you give me your word that these goods will reach those who truly need them, I will accept that, until proven otherwise." <English>

"I can give you my word, that that all Hope House goods and services reach and are provided to those who truly are in need." Aubrey replies, glancing over to Kitt and giving a small shake of his head. "As we always have. And always will. And please note this escort arrangement can and will only be in place temporarily, until we find a more permanent...solution. Again, we very much appreciate your kindness and generosity here. Your commitment to your government is admirable." <English>

James nods fimly, standing. "Very well then, send the necessary details to my office and I will see that they are approved and the proper... arrangements are made." he says, gesturing to his aide and the depsec officer. "A pleasant evening, to be sure." he says to Aubrey, offering his hand and a polite bow. <English>

Kitt's gaze watches the Admiral as he rises and then holds out his hand. It's only once the hand is out that she rises gracefully. Her hands again clasping in front of her as she watches the goings on, giving a small delicate curtsy as well. <English>

Aubrey uncrosses his legs and gets to his feet slowly, shifting his PDA to his left hand so he can lifts his right in a bit of a wave. "It will be done." He offers a curtsey and then blinks. "My apologies, for personal reason I do not shake hands, but I do wish you a very pleasant evening." <English>

James chuckles, taking his hand back, bowing politely. "Well then, a pleasant evening," he says, nodding to his duo, turning to depart the room quietly and orderly. <English>

Kitt watches the man leave and starts rambling in expletives that range from chinese to russian to gaelic. Sitting down on top of one of the far tables and moving to her skirt to see where she poked holes through the fabric to just above her knees. "Ouch." She finally says. "Kitt not liking him, kept doing doubletalk." <English>

Kitt says in English, "unity and alliance are not same thing"

Aubrey just watches James leave quietly before he tilts his head to the side and lifts his PDA, tapping a button to save whatever program was running and he bows his head. "Yes. He is a Knight." A pause before he shrugs a shoulder. "But, he's dealing with a Queen. Now. Vanilla ice cream is in order." <English>

Aubrey just watches James leave quietly before he tilts his head to the side and lifts his PDA, tapping a button to save whatever program was running and he bows his head. "Yes. He is a Knight." A pause before he shrugs a shoulder. "But, he's dealing with a Queen. Now. Vanilla ice cream is in order." <English>

Kitt bounces on her slippered toes and makes a noise much like one of excitement just lacking the smile, "Ice cream!" <English>