Practical Diplomacy, Friday, January 4, 2019

[sith_happened]

The class would find themselves in the Danger Shop, which had been set up like a diplomatic reception: drinks in the back of a too large, too bright, room with much too long a line; a variety of languages being spoken with various degrees of expertise; waitstaff circulating with varieties of mid-level snacks on tiny skewers (and no, they don't know what they are either); and people standing in pairs, singles, and small groups looking uncomfortable.

"Welcome to a networking opportunity," Anakin said, making a slight face, "otherwise known as roughly 40 percent of your life as a diplomat. Today's assignment is to introduce yourself to three people in this room, including me, exchange business cards--" he passed them out to every student as he continued speaking, "and come away with three ways to remember who they are for the next reception."

He smiled a little evilly. "Because there will be a next reception."

Comments

Re: Mingle!

[in_sidon_we_trust]

Yeah. Sidon tended to have that effect on people.

"Absolutely certain!" he insisted with a laugh. "Perish the thought! I am, after all, hardly Prince of Fandom. While we're here, we are all equals, fellow students," he was making an assumption there, of course, the mention of a class making him feel very much that this was one of the new students and not one of the computer generated guests, although he could easily run with that as well, "in it together! What a pleasure it is to meet you, Jack." He placed a hand to his chest and bowed ever so slightly. "What do you make of the festivities so far?"

Re: Mingle!

[axe2grind]

"Sidon, then." Jack pressed his hand to his chest and returned the bow, straightening a little awkwardly. "I hardly know what to think. I've only been here a week, and there are new devices and new places and new ideas every day. None of them unpleasant!" he added hastily. "Just. Rather a lot. At once." He let out a breath. "And how do you find it?"

Don't say 'with a map', Sidon.

Re: Mingle!

[in_sidon_we_trust]

"Oh, I find it absolutely marvelous," Sidon gushed easily, "though, I will admit, not without its flaws. Of course, I do have the advantage in that respect, as I've been attending this school now for well over a year, affording me quite the time to become rather accustomed and familiar with it."

As if he hadn't been entirely gung-ho about this place right from the get-go. But his smile, for all its teeth, was sympathetic and understanding.

"It can be terribly overwhelming, though, especially if it's not something you're used to. But look on the bright side! It's the final class of the week! Make it through this, and you've officially made it through, relatively unscathed! An occasion, I should think, that calls for a bit of celebration! Might I get you something? A refreshment, perhaps, and then we can toast to your success and you can tell me all about where you're coming from. Ev? Or Oz? One of those," he repeated Jack's earlier words with another grin, "or possibly both! I'm incredibly excited to hear about it."

Re: Mingle!

[axe2grind]

You are overwhelming, Jack thought, feeling a little dazed at all those words. But again, not in a bad way. "Ah, certainly. Whatever would make a good toast, Your-- Sidon." Who was certainly one of the more relaxed members of royalty he'd ever met.