neutronium: (pic#9893068)
General Armitage Hux ([personal profile] neutronium) wrote in [community profile] agogelogs2018-05-14 07:12 pm

To Escape the Snare [Open]

WHO? Armitage Hux & OTA
WHAT? After Hux wins his Court battle, he uses the opportunity to start a series of public Salons/Gatherings.
WHEN? ??? [Shh whenever it fits for people. I'm having him hold 'multiple' so people can fit them in as necessary.]
ANYTHING ELSE? I'm trying to keep the need for the mods on this to a minimum so they aren't over taxed; if you need an NPC Aranean or the like, let me know. Feel free to start your own threads [All info will be in the body of the post.]



Attend the General's Salon


[And no, it isn't that sort of salon]




You receive an invitation, requesting your presence at the General's Salon, A place to mingle and discuss the higher things. A neutral space to discuss politics, for Anareans and guests alike.

Dress your best.


But of course, that is far from the truth. Like all things here, everything is dangerous, even if it is beautiful and can seem harmless. Hux has found a large ballroom to use for these gatherings; it gives space for the Aranean's to use their true form if they so wish, while giving humans and guests ample space to avoid confrontation.

Food and drink are provided (donated by a patron), and there is ample siting areas, for people to have small discussions as a group, or perhaps more intimate discussions as well. The floors, of course, are stone--easier to clean up any blood that might be spilled.

For all the talk of 'neutrality', Hux mingles with guests, and sits upon a chair near the center, dressed in his finest and still wearing the necklace provided by the Princess. So his affiliations have been made known; it is unclear if simply being at the salon, or showing favor to him will mean others will think favor is provided to her as well.

But of course, this is just a neutral space. And while those very oppose to the Princess may avoid the Salons entirely (given how Hux won, that wouldn't be a surprise), others of more neutral minds will still attend, interested in gaining information themselves--even if they don't wish to debate.


But if one wishes to discuss a House they might favor, and why--or why COST should be favored over Regency (or why not), feel free and step forward and discuss. See if others lend their voices for and against your arguments. And don't worry, this is friendly after all--no one is going to get eaten.

--unless you offend someone, of course. But that's the risk in this place. Hux isn't going to be able to stop that.
dipolar: ✭ ALL THAT I HAD WAS ALL I GON' GET (pic#11965143)

TOP SUPER SECRET OPTION

[personal profile] dipolar 2018-05-15 11:49 am (UTC)(link)
Hei is dressed his best, a navy suit—if you can call it that—with nuances of his ancient roots adding a unique flare. The way he holds himself in formal dress is a far cry from his posture on any typical day on BASE, easily wearing the guise of a calm, confident man visiting a friend.

"Yes, General." A step into the room, eyes touching on the little details that make him good at his job.

"Understandably wary," the mercenary knows it's habitual, that there are those who can't be trusted with a turned back, so he obliges the skepticism further and gestures to himself: "I have two daggers beneath my jacket and my hands won't be anywhere near them, I assure you. You can leave that open, though, if you prefer."
Edited (too many its) 2018-05-15 11:50 (UTC)
ergosphere: (uncomfortable holo calls)

Discussion

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-18 11:05 pm (UTC)(link)
Kylo didn't think he'd actually gotten an invitation to this little party of Hux's, but here he was regardless. Thus far he'd spent most of his time out of the spotlight, only engaging in debates and discussions when it was foisted upon him. He wasn't one to back down from it, but he'd avoid it where possible. Attending Hux's salon was akin to walking into a den of wolves, or worse.

He didn't announce his arrival, walking in the shadow of some well-to-do Aranean. Spotting Hux, he reached out cautiously with the Force, just to give him the sense of Kylo's proximity. They'd discussed this, and he doubted Hux wanted him to use it so suddenly and without warning, but they had to consider their surroundings. Never lower your defenses, always be ready. He walked the ballroom floor, people watching while keeping Hux in his periphery. What in the hells was he wearing, anyways?

Kylo approached him after the discussions had begun, waiting for a lull in the conversation to say his piece.

"Survival of the fittest is one of nature's simplest laws," he said. "Coming from you, though, I suppose we need to agree on a definition of 'fittest.'"

Debates and arguments between them was another nature of law. As long as they were standing next to one another, and an opinion was expressed, a fight of some sort would be inevitable.
ergosphere: (wanna listen to my mixtape)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-26 11:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Nothing Hux said surprised him. They'd worked together long enough to know they didn't see eye to eye about training methods, or really how to even run the First Order. If they both somehow wound up back home after this little adventure through time, he had no doubt they'd have to move quickly for control.

Kylo watched him fuss with the sleeves, before looking back up at his face.

"Power has its own merits," he said. "A swing isn't always misplaced, either, and an injured or dying animal can be even deadlier. You're not wrong, though. Not entirely. The fittest could be physically strong, or mentally superior. Both, and you have your apex predator."
ergosphere: (there's combs in the helmet)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-29 09:10 pm (UTC)(link)
The lack of immediate response was a little concerning. Hux ought to have a retort or a barb ready to go at all times, but instead he just looked away, and gave his thoughts freely rather than speaking it aloud. Hux's compliance with communicating this way sent a thrill through Kylo -- it meant he could be controlled far more easier than he'd ever hoped.

Careful, was all he sent back. Since it was starting to look like they were just standing here, silent in the middle of a conversation, Kylo changed the subject by reaching out and lifting one of the billowy sleeves.

"This seems excessive," he said. He expected the general to stick to his usual uniform, or the closest thing. "By your standards, at least."
ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (except not)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-06-03 02:04 am (UTC)(link)
He must've struck a nerve, otherwise Hux wouldn't so defensive about his outfit. It was entertaining, to say the least. Riling Hux was still a tried and true pastime.

"Forgive me," Kylo said, not sounding the least bit apologetic. "Calling it excessive wasn't a criticism, general."

And he wasn't going to say he liked it, even if he did, which he didn't. Well, he did, but -- it didn't matter. He was a little annoyed that he knew Hux sneered at Kylo's robes, but now suddenly it was an acceptable fashion statement. He'd get laughed off the bridge if he wore that on the Finalizer, though.

"As for what you like, you're very predictable. You wear that uniform like a second skin. I imagine you'd sleep in it, if that didn't crease it."
horsepowered: (x4. Serious face)

chiron | ota

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-15 10:51 pm (UTC)(link)
Chiron attends the salon out of curiosity. Not as to how the things function, but to see how Hux runs things when given the opportunity to do so. The man, from all that Chiron has made of him in the past, is at the very least an interesting fellow to talk to, and some judgements made and things said in the past have indicated that there is much more lurking under Hux's surface than he has ever intended to give away.

It is impossible to ignore that Hux has ensured that this event is quite literally centered around hm. A smart call given how the spiderarchy works, but the necklace is...an interesting addition.

Chiron stays quiet on matters of debate, if only because that isn't his personal objective here. He knows his people well though, their philosophies, how different city-states ruled themselves, and all of that is easy to put into place if approached.

But until then, he is a centaur of silence.
ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (profile)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-18 11:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Hux thrived on being the center of attention, especially when he held a position of power. It would likely wind up being fleeting here, just like his perceived power back home, but at least here Kylo had an interest in preserving his standing among the spiders. No doubt Hux took great pride, and amusement, in that.

Kylo came to approach Chiron after one of his rounds through the ballroom. He hadn't spoken much, simply observing to start, and found most of the Araneans were engaged in the discussion. The ones most likely to be silent were people from COST; save Hux, of course. Some were bolder than others.

"The host may take offense to your lack of engagement," he said. Kylo stood next to Chiron, but watched Hux while he spoke.
horsepowered: (x4. Serious face)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-18 11:40 pm (UTC)(link)
"If he does, he may speak to me about it."

Chiron's response was cool and even handed, engaging but not wishing to go beyond offering commentary on his own participation, or lack thereof. It was far more important to listen right now, and even as he engaged in this conversation, Chiron's ears were focused all over the room.

"If not, then I've caused no offense and have no cause for concern."
ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (lookin a little better)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-20 03:12 pm (UTC)(link)
"He's not an Aranean, so you're likely right," he said. For all their etiquette and poise, these spiders turned on people quickly. It would be more fascinating if they weren't constantly in danger of being their targets. "Hux doesn't forget when he's been slighted, though."

A bit of advice he'd do well to remember himself.

Kylo turned to look at Chiron, curious but not really scrutinizing. From his answer, he seemed the type that Hux liked to keep around him: collected, confident, attentive to their surroundings. "Have you known him long?"
horsepowered: (x10. Disapproving faces)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-20 03:45 pm (UTC)(link)
"Not as long as you, clearly," Chiron replied. There was mild interest in his tone, and he maintained a stiff posture. That was due to the spiders though, not his conversation companion. "Which has been...?"

Perhaps deflecting wasn't a good idea, but curiosity was the word right now.
ergosphere: (there's combs in the helmet)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-21 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
Kylo didn't particularly see it as deflection. They were still on the subject of their esteemed host, and he was always curious how others saw Hux. Namely, what sort of part Hux was playing to endear people to him, or if he sincerely sought their allegiance.

"Five years. Nearly six, though now that we apparently travel through time it's harder to tell." It wasn't a lot of years, really, but often it felt like a lifetime.
horsepowered: (x4. Serious face)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-21 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
"I see," Chiron replied. Hux barely spoke of other people in their conversations together, which now that he considered it, was a very curious omission indeed. Especially since this a relationship half a decade old.

"Well, I'll bow to your assessment of his temper then. When the topics turn, perhaps I'll have a greater insight to offer."
ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (I think there's a flaw in my code)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-22 12:42 am (UTC)(link)
Once someone got to know Kylo Ren, they generally weren't in a hurry to admit being associated with him. Hux was doing himself a favor.

"You have no opinion of the current subject?" The gathered Araneans weren't squeamish about it, at least, which was no surprise. He'd crossed paths with a lot of different alien cultures, but rarely one so cutthroat while so finely dressed. "It's relevant to our mission."
horsepowered: (x8. Eyes closed)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-22 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
"It is, but it is also a discussion that I think already has a widely accepted answer here." It was such a shorthand for one group to assert dominance over another. Besides, here, it was obvious that there were more that agreed with the concept.

"I'd rather speak on something that has more uncertainty in the room, as it were."

ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (kill it if you have to)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-26 11:59 pm (UTC)(link)
"Such as?" The opening discussion topic was suited for the Araneans, no doubt. But Hux wouldn't hold one of these gathering without posing another topic that would stir up some emotions, and probably violence. Like everything, they'd have to do their best to avoid getting eaten if it came to that. "I'm certain Hux has his own list of topics, but he'd take suggestions."

Maybe. If Kylo suggested them, Hux might suggest he leave.
horsepowered: (x6. He smile)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-27 11:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"What is the best form of government for a given place? What is the obligation of government to it's people? What is the obligation of the people to their government? If the social contract is broken by either, what is an appropriate way to respond?"

Chiron tilts his head with a small smile.

"These are questions as old as time. They have no true answer, but they inspire far more nuance."
ergosphere: (Default)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-06-03 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
The Araneans probably all had a pretty solid answer for all of those, too, but -- Chiron was likely right. The slightest differences in their reasoning or the discourse would lead to a bloodbath between Houses. It didn't take much to set one of those off, it seemed. A safer opening discussion had probably been for the best here.

"Impressive," he said. "You should suggest those to Hux. I'd be interested to hear his answers, anyways."

It wouldn't be wise for either of them to sing the praises of the First Order among COST. They certainly wouldn't agree. Watching Hux lie about it to spin it into something they would agree with would be half the entertainment.
horsepowered: (x11. He leap)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-06-04 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
"Or you could respond to them. You did prompt them, did you not?"

Chiron wasn't sure why this young man seemed so...he didn't want to say deferential, that wasn't the right word, but the two had some weird connection that was unspoken.
horsepowered: (x6. He smile)

gotta love when i come in from a long walk to a delightful tag

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-28 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"It's an interesting approach to the version my own people invented," Chiron responds. His tone is mild and pleasant enough, but there has been an air of detachment around Chiron's person since the start of the affair. He has been present, but not truly there and active.

Hux's own person makes it clear the man is enjoying the hell out of it, in a very quiet way.

"Congratulations are in order for a quick rise and a clear, resounding success."
horsepowered: (x6. He smile)

ahaha! Nice.

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-29 11:56 am (UTC)(link)
"Well, it is male only, so this is already a massive improvement in that department," Chiron says quietly, not wanting to even possibly offend. He's realized he's already done it with his word choice. He meant nothing insulting by the word interesting. "But most discussion was had while reclining on couches, rather than circulating around the room. The concept and discussions had in the symposium, however, remained the same."

Chiron's own body language remains guarded, but gods, Hux might as well be strutting about the place like a proud warrior at this point.

"You're projecting that fact quite clearly. And it was impressive, I caught the end of the matter on one of the televised matches."
horsepowered: (x14. I have a cunning plan)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-05-31 12:14 pm (UTC)(link)
"We're in agreement about not understanding the idea. By the time I was summoned things had changed, but we're also talking a difference of a few thousand years." It wasn't anything that could change in an instant. It was also a true fact that between Fiore and Dany, all of his Masters had been incredibly capable and powerful women.

But thinking on symposiums again, Chiron nodded along as Hux spoke. "I believe you're correct about why they were used. Couches were...well, imagine my normal form and me trying to make use of one." The height of comedy, that's what that was. "Towering over others does make for a better display, I'll agree."

Chiron's eyes move around the room for a moment, not exactly spying on any one person or conversation, but carefully making sure the room's overall feel was the same.

"It's been interesting to see what everyone is capable of." There were a few Chiron knew, like Mordred, but everyone else was a pleasant surprise. "I've been in the arenas, usually with two days of fighting and then one or two days of taking a break."
horsepowered: (x13. Hold your horses)

aka guess who doesn't wanna type up grail war bullshit tonight

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-06-04 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
"That is an explanation best given in a different setting," Chiron replied. He wasn't embarrassed exactly, but there was some level of recognition that he had left out some important details that really should have been explained at an earlier date. Like when they discussed the whole centaur thing. "It's generous to say my circumstances are complicated. And for that explanation, you'll have to give a little bit of leeway to magic."

He suspected that that was the problem that Hux was going to have, in the end. Magic and Holy Grail Wars really did demand a certain amount of well, willing to roll with the whole thing.

"I believe you could argue that the whole event is a perfect expression of the key pillars of their culture. Brutality, cunning, and...video games, although I think that outlier could be slotted in under the brutality heading." It was certainly something familiar, in it's way. The Greeks had their games that showed off the perfect male forms, did they not?
horsepowered: (x8. Eyes closed)

~IT'S SCIENCE~ TRUST US. and i'm sure hux is gonna fuckin love grail war bullshit

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-06-05 11:57 am (UTC)(link)
"You'll need it more than I will, I suspect." It was a statement of fact from Chiron's tone of voice. For him, was simple reality, and a perfectly normal reality all things considered. He was a bullshit magic horse about five ways from Sunday. That was the plain truth.

Chiron nodded along as Hux argued for the video game's distinction a little more. It was a good point, and fairly argued. "I believe you're right. My attempts to learn the skill were...slow, and while I understand the concept, I don't think I have the right mind frame for it." But there was something else. "Working on isn't playing though, and I'm curious how that distinction translates for you. Did you make an attempt?"
horsepowered: (x6. He smile)

[personal profile] horsepowered 2018-06-11 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
There was apologetic look on Chiron's face, in the end, before the topic fell by the wayside. It was better mentioned on BASE, well away from prying spider eyes and Regency ears. There was a chance the information could be used against Chiron here, and that was unacceptable.

"...Ah, I see," Chiron nodded, and the concept made sense. Similar ideas and set up, different purpose. He was happy to understand that much at least, much of the gaming had gone over his head. "Were there any that matched to what you helped develop exactly, or greater variation than you expected?"
ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (lookin a little better)

closed to william

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-24 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
Kylo could put up a front of looking and acting interested in this salon for only so long. He'd debated with Hux, he'd socialized among the others, doing what was expected of them while representing COST. It was enough posturing for one night, he felt. Soon, he'd be walking into the arena and waging a battle of his own. He didn't intend to throw a party after he won, though. This place really did suit Hux.

After his last conversation had ended, Kylo hadn't approached anyone else, eyeing the exit instead. It was probably poor form to leave without excusing himself, or some other nonsense, but Hux was currently engaged with someone else. Kylo demanded priority -- when he could. The general had barely recognized his authority back home, and here Kylo was stuck playing whatever part he had to play. He opted to wait it out, but couldn't stomach the thought of entertaining someone else. He'd watched people use private alcoves in the ballroom, and he headed for one of those. He wasn't hiding, just... taking a break.

He'd been people-watching for the most part, not keeping track of who had come and gone. Kylo hadn't considered the room might be occupied before walking into it, drawing up short as he sensed the presence of another. It wasn't Aranean, at least, which provided some relief.

"Who's in here?" It was an unnecessary demand, and not because the light in every inch of this place was dim.
omniavincit: (pic#12264168)

[personal profile] omniavincit 2018-05-27 01:30 am (UTC)(link)
William is a non-presence at the salon, a name and a face that slip effortlessly from memory (he is, at one point, mistaken for a servant—honestly or not—and handed an empty glass). He's here to listen, to glean what he can of Aranean allegiances while observing his fellow COST operative in an environment of his own design.

When he tires of endless opining, of clacking mandibles and people holding words to one other's throats, he turns his attention to the private rooms. He watches, now and then, his gaze carefully blank, noting who's leaving with whom. How long they're gone. It's not until the crowd's begun to thin that he slips into a recently vacated room, to see—if the couple who was just in here was sloppy enough to leave any trace, if their host's curiosity is as wide-ranging as his own.

He tenses at the sound of the voice, draws himself up—the motion smooth if not graceful—into accepted Aranean posture. “John Arable. Of COST.” His voice is quiet, contained. “Was there someone you were looking for?"
ergosphere: (uncomfortable holo calls)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-05-29 08:57 pm (UTC)(link)
"No," he said. "No one. I thought the room was empty."

Kylo didn't turn to leave, instead walking further into the room. If 'John' was waiting for someone, he didn't particularly care. He'd leave when he wanted to, and not any sooner.

"I'm with COST, as well. Kyle." He didn't sound too enthused about his name, nor did he extend his hand to shake in greeting. Instead he clasped both hands behind his back, appraising the room around them.
omniavincit: (pic#12264167)

[personal profile] omniavincit 2018-05-30 09:48 pm (UTC)(link)
The other man—the least likely Kyle William has ever seen—conducts himself as though used to people keeping out of his way, and William isn't eager to be the exception. He nods in lieu of a handshake, then disappears, bit by bit, to the fringes of the room, studying a sconce made of interlaced metal. Listening to the rise and fall of voices outside.

It's an appreciable length of time before he turns and says, dust-dry, “Take it you didn't come here for the conversation.”
ergosphere: @ na-i-cons (what?)

[personal profile] ergosphere 2018-06-03 01:56 am (UTC)(link)
Kylo had no interest in filling the silence, though he was annoyed William hadn't left. Most people got the hint and didn't linger near him overlong, whether or not they knew him. He liked to think he exuded an aura that warned people away from him. Instead, it sometimes attract the wrong sorts. Like Mordred.

He scowled when William spoke. Conversation wasn't why he'd walked into an empty room, but maybe he was talking about the salon as a whole. His observation wasn't wrong, either way.

"No. But we all have to make our appearances. And the host is my -- companion." He looked confused about that for a moment. It would be awkward to call him a subordinate around here, but what else was appropriate? Colleague? Coworker? Partner? It all sounded wrong. Hux was a menace, that much was certain.