[sorry, busy week]
Colonel was not impressed by Jacqueline's authority, and opened his mouth to protest and argue.
"
Remember you swore to respect the arbiter's decision!", Tsetsegma interjected.
The master spy sank in his seat, joining his fingers by the tips. Eyes half-closed, he seemed to introspect. An awkward silence fell in the cabin.
Eventually, the Intelligence officer opened his eyes and smiled : "
A punch for a punch... what a preposterous decision, and such an awful pun! Very well... I shall virgin-punch the Suerrat!", he guffawed. "
But just one request,..." - he raised his finger as he turned to Kaouthrak - "
you gorillas sure can pack a punch... I should have reacted faster to the assault. KaouthRAK, will you teach me your moves, your four-legs biffs, at the gym, on the ring? I've got to be able to defend myself..." And he extended his hand.
It was Kaouthrak's turn to guffaw : "
You mean you offer me a way to pummel your dickhead... legally? Of course I'll teach you my strikes - the hard way! You'll be an expert in Suerrat's quadridextrous fight in no time!". The Lieutenant shook his opponent's hand with a carnivorous grin. With a regretful sigh, he added "
However, Allah is Merciful and Compassionate and so must I be. I won't hit you too hard.".
Arm in arm, the previous enemies stepped off the shuttle and strode to the cocktails table. They clinked glasses. Kaouthrak went on lecturing on the basics of islam, and Colonel tried to drown his boredom in stronger and stronger beverages.
The other guests cheered when they saw the Empress again. The party had declined in intensity, the participants being tipsy and tired. Iita looked at her watch. "
We've got a little time left before the shift nears its end and we have to clean the place - the XO's agreed to turn a blind eye to the party only if it happened during off-duty hours... Let's finish in a gran finale!". She hailed the crowd: "
Let's do the Pyramid dance!"
----
The Pyramid Dance----
A fad at Tseng. The principle is easy: a high-energy music is put on; Jacqueline stands
on the throne and improvises some aerobic dances. A giant image of her is projected on the opposite wall.
Their backs to the "Pharaoh", a step below, three "vizirs" mimic her moves, then 9 grand-priests before them try to synchronize, etc, until all participants dance in unisson, as the inmates of the Philippine's inmates of the Detention and Rehabilitation Center.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CPDRC_Dancing_Inmates. The dancers can watch themselves from above doing the mass choregraphy routine via another projection on the ceiling.
-------------
A great responsibility weighted on the shoulders of the Astrogator. Should she be unable to follow the music beat and/or improvise gracious moves, her next imitators would not follow properly and the choregraphy would fall into chaos (...and laughter!). But if she succeeded leading a spectacular choregraphy, the video of it would spread among the crew - and beyond! - and Jacqueline would become a respected instant celebrity!
[Now, roll for DEX + any skill you find appropriate, -2 because of the stress and tiredness! :)]