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Icelander · 12-16-2008, 07:56 AM

Hart stands on his own with a plate of food, studiously ignoring the alcoholic beverages. He's wearing a well-turned out uniform, for once, having taken extra time and care with his new ICfJ dress uniform. His face is set in a facade of blank politeness, the mark of an unwilling veteran of the political luncheon.

He exchanges empty platitudes with any dignitaries that approach him and little by little, his instincts begin to overwhelm tiredness of his abused body. This is a collection of powerful and influential people, some of which may be in a position to help him later with his work. It is not only convenient to cultivate them, it is his duty.

Accordingly, Hart turns on his idiosyntratic brand of charm.

Perhaps Hart is not quite into his stride yet when the Deputy Commissioner, making his rounds of the class, reaches #16. Because the DC's stump speech is notably stilted. He skips the bit where he asks "And what did you do before you joined the Imperial Service?", so that the follow-up question "And are you happy with the step so far?" is without context. He doesn't shrink so hesitate from the handshake, but it upsets him so much that he makes a revealing mistake while he does it.

Kendall Port, Deputy Commissioner for Justice (Pegasus Sector)

Welcome to the Commission for Justice, Colonel Hart.

Hart smiles wryly. They've heard of him.

Hart

Thank you, Commissioner.

The Deputy Commissioner smiles a vacuous politician's smile and hurries on to #17.

Hart takes his example and moves on himself, hoping to leave a more happy impression with at least a few people there.

By means of endearingly clumsy gallantry, he coaxes a smile from a bored lady in the uniform of the Political Division of the Colonial Office. He exchanges witticisms with two of the more open-minded instructors from the Academy, without sounding either stilted or forced. Finally, he comes to the happy knot of graduands and family around Kiloni.

At a moment when her brother Victor is fetching another drink, Hart politely diverts him.

Hart (to Victor)
Lieutenant Queldrona, Imperial Navy, is it not?

Oh, excuse me. Victor, I wonder if I might speak with you?

Victor appears somewhat nonplussed, but motions for Hart to continue.

Hart

My name is Hart and I am posted to Rohan with your sister.

Victor
Of course. I am pleased to meet a colleague of my sister.

Victor's answer is guarded, wary. He is unsure of what Hart wants and it is almost as if he dislikes him. He's much too well-bred and polite to indicate that with words or even gestures. If there is any visible sign of it, it lies in his reserve, instead of the warm friendliness with which he greeted other cadets who spoke with him.

Hart

Just so.

I noticed that she is trying to find escorts to the ball for her family. I just wanted to say that I do not have a guest for the ball. It would be a shame to let a guest ticket go unused like that.

I would be honoured to act as an escort for you.

(slight pause)

Or for anyone else from your family who cannot otherwise attend.

Victor blinks in surprise. Whatever he expected, it was not this.

12-16-2008, 07:56 AM	#41
Icelander Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Iceland*	Hart at the luncheon Hart stands on his own with a plate of food, studiously ignoring the alcoholic beverages. He's wearing a well-turned out uniform, for once, having taken extra time and care with his new ICfJ dress uniform. His face is set in a facade of blank politeness, the mark of an unwilling veteran of the political luncheon. He exchanges empty platitudes with any dignitaries that approach him and little by little, his instincts begin to overwhelm tiredness of his abused body. This is a collection of powerful and influential people, some of which may be in a position to help him later with his work. It is not only convenient to cultivate them, it is his duty. Accordingly, Hart turns on his idiosyntratic brand of charm. Perhaps Hart is not quite into his stride yet when the Deputy Commissioner, making his rounds of the class, reaches #16. Because the DC's stump speech is notably stilted. He skips the bit where he asks "And what did you do before you joined the Imperial Service?", so that the follow-up question "And are you happy with the step so far?" is without context. He doesn't shrink so hesitate from the handshake, but it upsets him so much that he makes a revealing mistake while he does it. Kendall Port, Deputy Commissioner for Justice (Pegasus Sector) Welcome to the Commission for Justice, Colonel Hart. Hart smiles wryly. They've heard of him. Hart Thank you, Commissioner. The Deputy Commissioner smiles a vacuous politician's smile and hurries on to #17. Hart takes his example and moves on himself, hoping to leave a more happy impression with at least a few people there. By means of endearingly clumsy gallantry, he coaxes a smile from a bored lady in the uniform of the Political Division of the Colonial Office. He exchanges witticisms with two of the more open-minded instructors from the Academy, without sounding either stilted or forced. Finally, he comes to the happy knot of graduands and family around Kiloni. At a moment when her brother Victor is fetching another drink, Hart politely diverts him. Hart (to Victor) Lieutenant Queldrona, Imperial Navy, is it not? Oh, excuse me. Victor, I wonder if I might speak with you? Victor appears somewhat nonplussed, but motions for Hart to continue. Hart My name is Hart and I am posted to Rohan with your sister. Victor Of course. I am pleased to meet a colleague of my sister. Victor's answer is guarded, wary. He is unsure of what Hart wants and it is almost as if he dislikes him. He's much too well-bred and polite to indicate that with words or even gestures. If there is any visible sign of it, it lies in his reserve, instead of the warm friendliness with which he greeted other cadets who spoke with him. Hart Just so. I noticed that she is trying to find escorts to the ball for her family. I just wanted to say that I do not have a guest for the ball. It would be a shame to let a guest ticket go unused like that. I would be honoured to act as an escort for you. (slight pause) Or for anyone else from your family who cannot otherwise attend. Victor blinks in surprise. Whatever he expected, it was not this. __________________ Za uspiekh nashevo beznadiozhnovo diela! Last edited by Icelander; 12-16-2008 at 05:34 PM.