Agree to Mizuki's proposition and Get some Company

As the party seemed to start losing steam and the finger foods were finished Katla finally met back up with Jaclyn, her aide seeming grateful for the excuse to cut away from a pair of peacocks wearing dresses that changed color every time they moved.

"Hope I wasn't interrupting something fun." Katla said, practically feeling the daggers on her back as she and her aide made their way towards where Mizuki was standing with a noblewoman about Jaclyn's age. Clearly her entertainment for the night.

"With those two? Never. They consider themselves pluckers but everyone knows their game. It's a wonder they bother to keep it up." Jaclyn said with a shake of her head as Mizuki made a quick excuse with her companion to come meet them. Her eyes falling briefly to Jaclyn before turning to Katla. Her arrival interrupting their conversation.

"I'll pass your request along and act on it if needed." Katla informed her. There was no privacy field active and Katla had no doubt there was someone listening in. It was best to keep it vague for now. Something Mizuki seemed to appreciate as she nodded.

"Thank you Commodore. We will send you and," She looked over at Jaclyn, "your staff the relevant files." There was nothing more to say. Mizuki returning to what was sure to be some sort of 'diplomacy'. Katla had met spooks before and she was starting to think Mizuki slotted somewhere in that category. That was beyond Katla's concern however, if the Queen's Intelligence Service decided to act that was their business and with so many important people and uniforms present they were almost certain to be watching. Katla had only briefly looked over the manuals about what was called Indirect Information Warfare and it had made her never want to touch the field with a ten foot pole.

"Now, what was this about plucking?" Katla asked, as she was left alone again with her aide.

"It's a stupid court game." Jaclyn said rolling her eyes. "Pluckers seek out maidens and seek to rectify the situation. Commonly by pretending to be interested in the other manner before springing a trap of some sort. Those two work as a pair, one receiving while the other comes up from behind. It was clever at first and three now wear dresses because of them but everyone else has gotten wise to it."

"That makes you wear a dress?" Katla asked, she'd thought that the suits and dresses were more of a voluntary thing. Jaclyn confirming that with a shake of her head at the question.

"It's something of a tradition just for the next party but its fallen out of favor. The two simply made their targets enjoy themselves a bit more than their families would like." Jaclyn looked back over where the two were, having found a new target for their affections. "Which is why they can still occasionally still succeed in their little hunt." She noted as the two started leading away the dark-haired young woman in uniform that they'd managed to entrap. "I suppose she thinks its best to lose it at home rather than risk it against the enemy."

"And you?" Katla asked curious. Causing her aide to flush slightly at the question.

"Its... something I would prefer to share... with someone I care for. But I know what business I am in." Jaclyn said finally after getting under control. "You my lady?"

"I've gotten by just with my mouth so far but the rest is either going to be one hell of a prize for a lucky winner or someone will finally manage to finally charm me down." Katla said with a shrug. "Don't get me wrong, its been tempting quite a few times and I've had a few close calls but its honestly sort of become a 'how long can I go' sort of thing." Considering the noises and pleasure she'd **** out of people over the years it had really made her wonder what she was missing but either tradition or pride had held her strong. "Speaking of sex, seems like a number of folks aren't exactly just going with the servers." Katla noted. Dresses seemed to be dissapearing just as quickly as the headband servers, some were simply going home, others however were either 'going home' or slowly making their way to the side rooms with a partner, or even a few of them. Their affection becoming a little bit more open as they got closer as if putting on a show.

"As I said, a dress draws attention, and if one is seeking a match they often wish to show... other skills as well." Jaclyn explained. "Who goes with whom can also show where alliances stand at the moment. See there?" Jaclyn a woman wearing a tight finely tailored green dress that showed every line of her figure, her poise and manner indicating her age to be somewhat on the higher end even if technology kept her looking young. On her arm was a slight woman in a green and gold tailored suit which was clearly meant to emulate the uniforms of the military but with more ornamentation. "A week ago she would have been on the arm of a member of the Oria family, a minor member of the family might even have been here for that exact purpose. Something must have broken down quite seriously as the one with her now is a Moren. They're in the same faction but they are most certainly not friends."

"So even who you fuck is a statement?" Katla asked

"Anything is a statement if someone looks hard enough for one." Jaclyn replied noncommittally. "But often there is something to see. The games of court take many forms" She finally admitted after Katla raised an eye at her.

"What will it say if you and I find a green banded girl and thank her for our host's hospitality?" Katla asked, indicating one of the remaining ones, the server's skin was a bit on the tanned side, her dark black hair hanging down past her shoulder, her tray of finger food was empty and she didn't seem to be moving in any hurry to go and get it replaced, her eyes watching the room carefully.

"Y-you mean together?" Jaclyn asked, realizing that was exactly what Katla meant she cleared her throat. "It would be a statement of neutrality as you said though some will always look for a deeper meaning in it."

"Then let's go state some neutrality." Katla said with a smile, leading the way, Jaclyn following after her.

The woman was slightly distracted from her vigilance when Katla arrived, her eyes resting on the door to a side-room, one indicating it was occupied.

"Jealous of someone?" Katla asked, the server quickly gracing her with a smile, a slight twitch in the corner of her eye the only indication of surprise.

"Not for too long I hope." Her voice was smooth and velvety. "It would be my honor to serve you Commodore." Her gaze went passed Katla to where Jaclyn was standing, "And any company you care to bring." There was a slight hint of amusement in that.