The conversation appears to be going poorly between the Drow agents and Vorneyl, but it soon seems that something has been arranged.

The ISPD agents return after a few minutes, clearly displeased.  "You four, help Lord Regannos up.  You will escort him to Mr. Tasians' residence, and then to the Imperial Bank.  The rest, we are going to investigate this...incident."  Without so much as an apology, the two agents and four officers head towards the hole in the wall, light going up from flashlights as they disappear into the darkness.  Vorneyl looks deeply troubled, but refuses to speak about the matter.

Regannos was glad to be helped up, though he still had no idea what was going on. "I am assuming that my guards will be coming with me then" he said shortly to the ISPD officers as he brushed the road dirt of his knees in a rather upset manner.

Jouhan remained kneeling, his perceptive eyes and mind studied the situation going on between Vorneyl and the drow officers. Reading their lips and read their expressions and body language in surprising accurate detail with his analytical philosophical mind.

When Regannos is lifted up he remains where he is, until drows command otherwise.

OOC: Nat 20 on sense motive (25) and 19 in perception to 'read lips'.

The drow wave off Regannos question as they walk away, more interested in the tunnel than their previous prisoners.  Once Regannos is up, the officers moved to help the other members of the group up.  "Sir, we are ready to leave when you are.  We apologize for their actions in this matter."  One of the officers spoke, before reporting back to the station via com link.

OOC:  You cannot understand the language they were speaking, but you get the feeling that both ISPD agents and Vorneyl... have some common background.

Sister Aria immediately stood upon being dismissed by the ISPD, replacing her helmet and closing her eyes as the device's sensors replaced her vision. After inspecting the van to make sure that the cargo is secure, her lips remained motionless as the helmet projected her voice to her employer, "I have what I believe is a suitably sanitized press release prepared for you to review." She says as she held her datapad out towards Regannos, "If you believe that it would be preferable for credit to go to Daguam di Thrae vur Zarzith rather than..." her eyes follow the Drow as they vanish underground, "Other parties."


[Private to GM: 06:04, Wed 27 Oct: Sister Aria rolled 18 using 1d20+13. use device.
06:03, Wed 27 Oct: Sister Aria rolled 32 using 1d20+13. use device. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Mon 15 Nov 2010.

Vorneyl rejoined the others shaking his head slightly and then shrugging his shoulders as he said, "Well that was interesting.  I guess its true what they say about Elves disliking the very concept of Soulmechs... even "dark elves" like these Drow."

Vorneyl cast a wary glance back at the departing ISPD officers and allowed himself an almost human sounding metallic sigh as he added wearily, "Something tells me we've not heard the last of this... or necessarily seen the last of them"

Vorneyl looked at Regannos and added in a more cheery tone, "So what now boss?"

Brushing himself off, he nodded to Vorneyl and looked in the direction of the ISPD for a moment before snorting out a cloud of frosted air. "Aye, I've had enough of this place for a while. Let us be gone" he said. He left the unspoken addition that he would have words with Vorneyl later on.

With the ISPD investigating the temples destruction, you are escorted by the two police vehicles to Silver Eye Interplanetary Safari's headquarters.  The police officers remain outside, waiting to provide you with further escort to deposit the reward.  As you approach Tasians' office, you notice the receptionist does not buzz you in immediately.  "It will be one moment, Lord Regannos.  Mr. Tasian is finishing an interview."  She speaks politely.

Vorneyl's "eyebrow" (the curved "flesh" since he's hairless) rises and he glances over at Regannos as he says softly, <sub>"Three guesses as to whom he's having his "interview" with?

Ya know Boss, the next time we contract for a job, right after the "combat pay clause" we ought to slip in something about "bonuses" or "time & half" for any job that ends up touching on these ever politically sticky "religious issues"... sound reasonable?"</sub>
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Fri 19 Nov 2010.

Jouhan follows the group and is not much surprised they are not let in immediately. He instead checked for time being the company's advertises and checked from local customer provided computer screen to check is there any news or reports regarding the accident, and read for amusement what media has made about it.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:42, Fri 19 Nov 2010.

Regannos snorted a bit at Vorneyl and replied "You'll have to take it up with legal. But at least you won't have to worry about the typical taxes on the money we just made, given its already in solid currency."

He looked at the secretary and added in a slightly louder tone "I would like to see Tasian now, miss. I am still charging him time and a half until we complete our contract by speaking with him."

Although you come off as angry, the receptionist does not ring up Mr. Tasian.  You hear a wooshing noise as the doors open, revealing two individuals walking out of the office of Mr. Tasian.  One is familiar.  An ISPD agent to be sure, barely holding in some feeling of either rage or disgust.  The other is a human dressed in pure white street clothes, which match both his hair and eyes.  As they move past the group, they nod at you and continue, both not speaking.

Jouhan finds nothing in the current news media about what transpired, though there were reports of seismic actively recently.

"Mr. Tasian will see you now."  She spoke politely, before turning back to her keyboard.

The room beyond is dimly lit, though as you watch it is slowly getting brighter.  In his chair, you can see a half-elf worn thin by the recent days of worry, and a cat who looks to be trying to cheer him up in the only way cats know how.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:20, Fri 07 Jan 2011.

Jouhan follows regannos into the slowly ligthening up office, again he curiously looks cat but he is silent and lets someone else do the talking while he observes the surroundings. Hoping nothing has complicated the matters and they will be get paid.

Vorneyl warily eyed the dark & light pair who exited the room ahead of their group.  The presence of any ISPD officer, but especially a Commander, was reason enough to begin worrying about where things were headed.  As for Mr. White, that had potential implications that Vorneyl didn't have the time right now to consider much less worry about.

Vorneyl followed his Boss Regannos into the meeting room with Tasian flanking him opposite Jouhan and also remained alert to their surroundings.  Too much unexpected had happened on this job for Vorneyl to take anything for granted at the moment.

Muttering to himself a bit about receptionists not knowing who they where dealing with, Regannos paused as he saw the ISPD and the human come out of the office. He gave a nod to the Drow, however angry he might be, but he had particular eyes for the all in white human. If that's not a white dragon, then I'm a Human he thought with a light shake of his head, though he kept that idea to himself. Regannos had known enough Dragons over his life, after all.

Entering the office proper, he motioned for the others to close the doors behind them, as he walked over to Tasian's desk. "While I suspect you have already heard, our mission was successful. Though the individuals we faced where far from what was unexpected."

Mr Tasian straightens up a little, smiling slightly.  "So I have heard...though I am to report the...gratitude of my customer for your timely rescue.  Thank you for your efforts.  The ISPD is difficult enough to deal with in the best of times, but having the Mithril Watchers keeping an eye on things makes me feel a little better.

As promised, 10,000 credits to you and each of your employees."  He spoke, gesturing to four bank notes on the table.  "As well, the Lordling of Asamet has left behind a bonus for the rescue.  I believe he matched my reward, credit by credit.  A rare token of appreciation, but one I am sure your company earned."  He spoke, resting back in his chair.

Vorneyl softly sucked in a "breath" (a hold over from when he had an organic body) when Tasian mentioned the "Mithril Watchers".  Vorneyl glanced over at Regannos before focusing back on Tasian and lightly coughing (another old organic habit) before he said in a concerned tone, "Well that is indeed most generous of the Lordling.  Pardon my interruption Boss, but I'd like to ask Mr. Tasian a question if I may?

Umm... Mr. Tasian, just why did both the ISPD and the counter-intel oriented Mithril Watchers get called into this case?  I mean I know the kidnapping of any Dragon is a big deal, but calling in both "hush-hush" groups, especially considering their rival agendas and rival overlords, seems a bit like overkill.

It is particularly curious that the Qesemet aligned Mithril Watchers would take such an interest in the abduction of a White Dragon, whom I assume is traditionally aligned with the Asamet.

Is there something more about what's going on here or what went down at the ransom drop that we have yet to be informed of?"

Tasian ponders the question a moment, before shrugging and relaxing back into his chair.  "Well, you will find out soon enough.  Our client was not the only dragon kidnapping by these thugs, apparently.  All across the Empire, various minor dragon lords were abducted and held for ransom.  Luck, and the various intelligence agencies of the Empire, has led to many successful recoveries.  The ISPD answer only to the Emperor, but the Watchers have long been in power within the Golden Kingdom.  Just as the Iron Kingdom has the Adamantine Order to police their kingdom, we have the Mithril Watchers.  Although the ISPD answers directly to the Emperor, while in Qesemet space, they also have to work with the Watchers, least they be accused of violating the Imperial Charter.  Anything that risks the security of Qesemet is of interest to them, so I am not too surprised that both would show up to receive a report from me."  He spoke, regaining some of his composure.

Jouhan interest grows when he heard the client which they rescued also matched Mr Tasian payment offer by each credit....literally doubling their reward.

Hmmm, that's lots of credits. Need invest them well.

He lets Vorneyl and Regannos talk while Jouhan waits meeting concluded. He is more and less eager to get spend his credits for few purchases.
[Private to GM: Also perhaps a level up?]

Snorting lightly, Regannos shook his head some "Aye, I've worked with the Watchers before. Nice bunch of folks, as long as you don't piss them off. Though they would have likely been our friends if the ISPD decided to hold us for.....'questioning'. As it stands, saving a Dragon even if it was a White one, and getting rid of a Reaper temple is a good day's work."

"Still, if you would be so kind to give me the White Dragon's information so I may convey my appreciation to him personally, I would be appreciative" As he spoke, he gave a nod to Jouhan to collect the credits from the table. Obviously they would count them later. "I am also sure that the Watchers are waiting for us back at the office, I would be surprised if they were not. Aria if you would be so kind to retrieve our normal mode of conveyance? As well as moving the....'ransom' from that broken down piece of antique that we used."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Sun 30 Jan 2011.

You see Mr. Tasian nod in agreement with your statement, before speaking.  "This is true.  Anyways, Lord Kalixanith is already off planet, eager to be on his safari trip and be well away from another possible kidnapping attempt.  Perhaps, if you so desire, I can spread your organizations name in the circles of the Imperial Society of Arcane Magic on Vespar.  I know of a few researchers who could use your help in their research.  Again, I offer you my thanks for the timely rescue of my client."

Aria leaves immediately, pulling forward your corporate hovercraft to the front of the building.  A security craft from the Imperial Bank arrives shortly, transferring the 'ransom' into their vehicle, with the police escort, to the bank.

Producing his card from one of his sleeves in a practiced gesture, he placed it on Tasian's desk. "Feel free to recommend us to any one you feel needs our brand of private enforcement who know how to keep there mouth's quiet. Thank you for your business Mr. Tasian, and your payment."

With that, and their 'bonus' gathered he gestured to Jouhan and Vorneyl to follow him. He didn't stop walking until they reached the hovercraft, the Half-Dragon powering down his weapon before tossing it inside and opening another bottle of chilled wine, though not bothering with a glass rather just drinking from it straight as his whiskers curled a bit. "Right, lets get back to head quarters Aria. I'm sure there are individuals waiting to speak to me already."

Jouhan had collected the reward money smoothly and carried it. Once inside their own hovercraft he saw Regannos take straight from the bottle.

Does not look good if boss takes from bottle, he probably needs lots to steel himself up to it seems.

Jouhan kept his thougths to himself and he asked; "I may not be man of politics but I am curious what sort of consequences our little endeavor may have on global scale if none at all? It seems things are well buried up for us as there was nothing in public news about the accident. Expect minor mention about earthquake."

Aria stood waiting by the vehicle after the payment was transferred, her face concealed behind her trademark helmet. She waited by her open door until everyone was inside before stepping in. The mercenary driver wasted no time in accelerating into traffic.

As she gripped the wheel in her gloved hands, she swears to herself, "If the dragonling expects to renew my contract, he better not expect me to keep driving with my hands..."

The group returns to the headquarters of the company, though no visitors await them.  Hard to believe, but barely a day has passed since you first received the call to rescue the lordling of the Iron Kingdom.  The world around you appears to be running just as any other day...

Three months of passed, and still you have not been contacted by either the Mithril Watchers nor the ISPD.  Perhaps there would be some new jobs in the near future.