Jouhan stood silent, not intimidating but more alert sort. He however curiously looked on the cat, which looked back with intelligent eyes.

Familiar, or another mage in disguise of a cat as bodyguard? Or something more maybe?

Vorneyl allowed himself a small, sad smile as the half-elf offered drinks.  Vorneyl knew company policy and fully expected the Boss to take care of that matter but Vorneyl was curious if the offer would have been extended to him personally.  Of course Soulmechs don't eat or drink and they lack taste buds (though supposedly some advanced models had sensors that acted as such) but it would have been an interesting insight into Tasian's character to see how he treated a soulmech socially speaking.

Vorneyl remained stationary and continued to survey the room for any signs of danger to the Boss.  The cat caught his eye but Vorneyl was no magic-user, so if the cat was something more than it appeared, Vorneyl would have to deal with it at the time it revealed itself.

Shrugging, Tasian sat back down, and pulled out an old fashion paper file, marked Private.

Handing it over to Regannos, he looked a little uncomfortable.  "The information in the packet is a little more detailed than what I am about to describe, but I will lay the cards on the table.  Recently, a minor noble of House Altara requested a private Safari on one of our chartered worlds.  No major issue at all, even from our contacts in House Sarava.  Everything was set, and the dragon lord was on his way to our space port, when he suddenly disappeared yesterday.  We tried to track the vehicle by GPS, but it is no longer showing up.  We have the last known coordinates, and it puts them near a very, very bad part of Asterik city.

This morning, we received a transmission from that area, though we were unable to pinpoint its location."  He said, activating a wall screen.

"We have the Dragon, if you want it back, deliver to us 100.000 gps in an unmarked, unregistered van.  We will release him after we acquire the ransom.  No police, and no witnesses."  A black cowled humanoid spoke.  In the background, a white dragon is bound in chains, its mouth muzzled.

"I think you can see my companies delicate position in this matter, hence...our need for a private organization to help us with the situation."  Tasian spoke, rubbing his chin slightly.

"Well, time to get to work." Aria thinks to herself as she takes off her helmet and turns away from the trophies. She tucks her helmet under her left arm and removes the datapad from her belt, disconnecting it from the network of I/O lines running through her flight suit.

"Could you please transfer that file to me, Mr. Tasian?" she asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Sat 26 Sept 2009.

Regannos studied the tape with interest, taking note of the chains and giving a quick glance to see if there was anything on them of note before looking down at the offered folder, opening it slowly to examine the papers within. "I see. Well I will admit that should it be known that a Dragon Lord, even a White, had been captured on your watch that you would be hold accountable by there house, and possibly the Lords at large for a lack of security" he said without looking up as he continued to read from the folder, "However, the fact that they had the ability to contain a dragon, regardless of station, is impressive. It speaks to there skill, preparedness, and perhaps even backing."

Regannos didn't want to say it, but there was a good possibility that it was a hoax, the White Dragon having allowed itself to be captured. It seemed, at least to him, amazing that given the wealth and natural power that a full blooded dragon had that one had been subdued as such. Even for a White Dragon, even though they were spoken as the least among the Houses. Certainly seems possible, given it may have found it amusing.

"However, discrepancy is our Watch Word, and should the choice be made to take the account, we will put forth our considerable efforts to accomplish our mission and preserve the name of your business." He added as he continued to read from the papers, obviously waiting to see what would be offered in compensation for such a delicate mission.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:39, Thu 24 Sept 2009.

Following the conversation, Tasian does not hand over a copy of the message to Sister Aria.  "Indeed, and that is why I asked for your company.  The reward...100,000 credits to your company, and an even 10,000 credits to each of your employees who assist you on this mission.  Thank the Merchant that these street thugs didn't know the true cost of their prize, otherwise, I may have been bankrupt.  As for their backing, that is a good question, one for which I have no answer.  I have no major rivals for my select clients, so I am assuming this is a random act against my company, unless you can prove otherwise.  Do we have a deal?"  He asked, holding a data chip that Aria wanted in one hand, and pulling out a contract with the other.  Looking over the front page, you notice it is a liability contract for any leaked information from your companies sources, and a privacy clause to boot.

Regannos took the contract in question, looking it over carefully. He expected the non-disclosure clauses and privacy clauses, they were after all a given due to the nature of the request. "Those terms do seem reasonable Mr. Tasian, though as far as an official contract is concerned I do have to have a copy sent to our own layers for liability reasons, which I can do now to speed things along. I will add that you are hiring my employees. If you wish to hire me there will need to be extra considerations" he said before turning and adding "Vorneyl, if you would please do the honors over a secure link."

"However, there remains the possibility that there was someone on the inside, and I would have to request the information concerning the transport that the Dragon Lord took before his disappearance. In addition, do you plan to honor the ransom Mr. Tasian, even if you do not we will have to make arrangements to make it appear that you plan to if we have the possibility of drawing at least one of the kidnappers out to capture them. Given the circumstances, the less blood the better I think."

The Half-Dragon's tone was even as he spoke, businesslike and trained as one might expect. He still had a nagging feeling that there was more to this then what was being said, but such things could be discovered later.

[Private to GM: 18:33, Today: Regannos rolled 17 using 1d20+8. Diplomacy. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Sat 26 Sept 2009.

Aria's expression remains stoic, but her eyes roll in her mind. Trust a businessman to think that a piece of paper made people more trustworthy. Her contract already had clauses calling for discretion, and a mercenary who talked too much about her employer's secrets had short future in the business.

Mr. Tasian ponder for a moment, before shrugging.  "How you figure out the pay of your employee's is your business, I was offering only bonuses for a mission completed.  I expect that you will find that the 100,000 credits will be in an unmarked and unregistered van, the deed in your companies name.  I can appreciate your position in this, but I am sure you can appreciate my own.  Your companies payment is the ransom.  There is no questions on this matter.  Either you protect your assets, or you don't, but my concern is only for the Lord of House Altara... and my companies reputation.

As for my employee files, they are open to your examination, but I do not think you will find anything of interest.  The driver of the truck was found dead, chopped to pieces by an unknown energy weapon.  If he was paid off before hand, it did not show up in his transaction records.  Do we have a deal?"  He asked, looking intently at Regannos.

[Private to Regannos: What your sensing is that Tasian is trying to get the job done, but he is stretching his resources pretty thin in a short period of time.  He is adamant that the payment and ransom being the one, probably because of the difficulty in raising such money in so quickly.  He is not likely to default on the contract, especially for monetary reasons.]
[Private to Jouhan Calader: When Mr. Tasian brings up energy weapon that is unknown, it seems that it may be similar to your own mind blade.]
[Private to Sister Aria:  If Regannos accepts you review the data.  Not much to go on, but its unusually quiet, no real background noises.  Maybe an underground bunker or perhaps complex is your thoughts on the matter.]
[Private to Vorneyl Kenath:  Standard Contract for Privacy and Non-Disclosure.  Very basic, and similar to your companies own.  Lawyer's have no problem with it.]

Jouhan ears pick then something up in conversation, he steps forward and bows politely to Tasian and asks; "Is it possible view the corpse of the driver? It can give us clues about the terrorists. I assume as you wanted keep low profile you have not send the body to morgue, at least yet I presume."

Regannos did not impress easily, given he had been taught how to navigate the political intrigues of the Draconic Houses. Even so, the pluck that Tasian showed by placing the van that the random was in under the name of the company was if nothing else admirable. "So it comes down to a business matter if the kidnappers get the random or not. Not to mention you could always say that we allowed them to take it given the van is considered our property. Obviously I cannot allow Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith to be associated with such an origination" he said evenly as he took closed the folder containing the information he had been given and picking it up.

"I will say this Mr. Tasian, that is an interesting way to get us involved. On anyone else, it may not have worked. On someone directly related to one of the Dragon Lord's that own the company, you know I have no choice to accept" he paused as he picked up one of the pens from the desk and placed it over the contract before he added "I don't suggest you do it again, otherwise it may not work in your favor a second time. Particularly with myself." The Half-Dragon's tone was even, but the green eyes that stared down at Tarsin where hard and cold, a warning if nothing else.

He signed the contract and said "Please file a duplicate with my legal department as soon as you are able. Hopefully when we meet again Mr. Tarsin, things will have gone as planned. Now then, where is my van being held."

Smiling slightly, the Half-Elf gestures to the folder.  "In the garage, 100,000 gps in its back.  There is enough room for your employees to protect your money.  The drop off point and instructions are within."  A odd look crosses his face, as if what he was doing was giving him indigestion.

"These are not tactic's I approve of, but I have little choice in this matter.  In the Empire, we all serve one master or another, in this case, I serve a Lordling of Asamet, and I do not wish to disappoint that particular House, given the amount of business they do with my company.  If you wish to examine the driver's corpse...it is in a storage freezer in the garage.  We will be turning the body over tomorrow, once this matter is complete."  Mr. Tasian spoke, handing over the recording for Aria to observe.  With the contract signed, all that is left for you to do is get ready for your mission, and perhaps look over the corpse of the driver.

Vorneyl bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment of Regannos's command and utilized his skill with cryptography to help insure the security of the transmission.  In a few minutes Vorneyl got the reply back from HQ.  Clearing his throat (or at least making the synthesized sound to simulate that organic action), Vorneyl said in a business-like tone, "My Lord Regannos, I have the preliminary results from the analysis of our firm's attorneys.  They state that this is a standard contract for privacy & non-disclosure, very basic and rather similar to the type of employment contract our own firm utilizes.  Our attorneys found no problem with the terms of the contract."

Vorneyl glanced from Jouhan (who had just requested to view the body) to Tasian before he said in a curious tone, "Mr. Tasian, you just thanked the Merchant that these "street thugs" didn't know the true value of their hostage.  But do you think it likely that such ignorant or ill informed thugs would have been successful in actually capturing their quarry?  Also isn't it a bit unusual for a Dragon Lord to travel with such a light complement of security and/or entourage?

Additionally, regarding the request of my associate Mr. Calader, you mentioned that the body was "chopped to pieces" by an "unknown energy weapon."  First off, does it appear that the majority of the "chopping" occurred pre or postmortem?  Namely, was the majority of the trauma inflicted concurrent with death or was the deceased specifically mutilated after death?  If the latter, was there any apparent "message" conveyed?  Were the driver's primary identifying features sufficiently unmarred to allow easy identification or did you need to rely on secondary characteristics such as dental records and/or DNA tests?

As for the weapon, why do you assume an energy weapon?  Was their cauterizing along the edge of the wounds?  Were there any marks around the body such as carbon scoring or plasma residue?  Was the area tested for distinct energy signatures often left behind?  Were your experts able to definitively rule out any specific energy types?"

[Private to GM: Vorneyl Kenath rolled 25 using 1d20+10. Cryptography. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:30, Tue 29 Sept 2009.

While Vorneyl approach matter in pure medicine scientific approach Jouhan heads to the garage to check the corpse. Study it and make test cut with his own blade to check result besides original cuts done by the thugs.
[Private to GM: All below rolls is to find out details in the corpse.

18:03, Today: Jouhan Calader rolled 17 using 1d20+3. Heal.
18:03, Today: Jouhan Calader rolled 14 using 1d20+3. K:Psionics.
18:03, Today: Jouhan Calader rolled 15 using 1d20+10. Perception.]

Regannos listened to the questions posed by Vorneyl as his face remained stoic. Even so, his long whiskers twitched and shifted uneasily in the air, as if a reflection on his inner thoughts for those who knew enough about his kind to read. The fact that the primary backer for Tasian was a member of Asamet answered more things for him then it didn't, though it brought forth the question of who that individual was, and if they had a hand in the current issue. Regannos did not think that possible, after all who would sabotage there own company, but the plans of Dragons often spanned centuries and where often only decipherable by another of there kind, Regannos knew this all too well.

"Very well Mr. Tasian, if everything is in order we will see to our duties and be in contact with you, if nothing else, once the issue is resolved or if we require anything from your records or company. In the event that your building is being watched by the kidnappers, I would ask that we leave our hovercraft here for the time being and use the van as transport to the drop location. Hopefully we will be able to give off the perception that I and my employees are still present, though if we have not returned by two hours after the end of your business hours, please have one of your pilots return it to our headquarters. If need be, we can find an alternative means of returning." Regannos closed the file in question and gave a nod to both Vorneyl and Aria, though he was slightly displeased to find that Jouhan had vanished.

"To work then" he added as he made his way to the exit of Tasian's office.

The mercenary accepts the video file and analyzes it as they head to the garage. As with her employer, she runs various tactical scenarios through her mind. Including the fact that the victim could be part of the conspiracy himself, allowing himself to be 'captured' in order to extort money from Silver Eye.

"The recording is clean." She states as they enter the garage. "Very clean. Very quiet. Likely underground or a shielded complex, since I don't see any evidence that the sound was cleaned out electronically."

Looking at the soulmech, Tasian shrugs.  "I would think few would dare to assault a dragon in the Empire.  Such an act is punishable by death.  As for the light security...well, it was the request of the Lord that he travel in the least conspicuous way possible.  He was a little out of his element in the domains of Sarava, so I thought little of it.  If he had enemies, they are very clever.  My company has very tight security, as you will see in the background checks of my employee's.

The guards body...was hacked to pieces.  I do not know whether before hand or not, but I would assume not.  One of my hunters says the wounds were cauterized prior to decay.  There was no residual energy that we could detect, no blaster wounds, no plasma scorches, just pure energy.  We were able to identify the remains by DNA samples, also in the file."  He answered Vorneyl's questions as best he could.  You can tell he disliked the subject greatly.

[Private to Jouhan Calader:  Your examination of the body is as you thought.  A mindblade was the weapon in the guards death, and it was gruesome.  Although not a normal energy for others in the Empire, your training recognize hatred, rage, even a hint of fear emanating from the body.  There are those of your Order who left, who do not follow the path of enlightenment.  They use the dark emotions to empower them, and it is well known that they deal with whomever gives them enough power.  It is probable that one of these 'dark jedi' were hired to help in these matters.

OOC:  Think of your order as life oriented, Protective and Kind, these others focus on themselves, even at the expense of their souls.]

Jouhan comes from the freezer where the corpse was, closing the door behind him he thinks deeply how he uses the information. Also how exactly he reveals it to his co-workers and his employer.

When folks come down into the garage, preparing to depart he informs to Regannos; "Regannos, after brief examination of the driver's corpse I would advice our group be very cautious. As I recognize the corpse was done with melee weapon specialist, a using similar technique to mine but differing in emotional philosophy.

Expect our opponents have blood thirsty, probably even sadistic, skilled close combat specialist. Our enemy may have some other experts also hired in their field likely, consider how dangerous their gambit is."

Regannos paused as he reached the door of Tasian's office, turning around slightly to remark "If there is one thing I have learned Mr. Tasian, is that there is always someone better out there. Better tech, better backing, or just better skill wise. For both our sakes, let us hope that we are better then those who we have been set against. However, if nothing else we have an advantage over them, for the moment at least. We know they are skilled, we know they are well financed. And we know they are dangerous. These things may not seem like much, but they are better then nothing at all."

With that said, he strode purposefully out of the office, not really wanting to be there any longer. Perhaps it was Draconic pride, or human stubbornness, but he really did not like being manipulated in the way that he had been. Lack of control was never something anyone liked to experience, yet when you thought about it, who was really in control of the Empire? Regannos knew it was a rhetorical question, but it still bothered him. Dragons, of course. Even now, they are still in control. After all, we are doing this because one is in danger he thought sourly. He expected that Vorneyl and Aria would come in time, if they had additional questions pertaining to there new employer.

As he arrived at the buildings garage level, he was mildly surprised to find Jouhan with yet more information My, I really should see what my Sire paid for them. At least more impressive then the last ones he thought as he added aloud "Well then, the only way to deal with such a person is with another of there skill, or at extreme range. I doubt we will get the opportunity for the latter, so if this person does show up Jouhan, it will be up to you to subdue him or her." True enough, Regannos had seen the man's weapon at work, and while he didn't understand why there was still such a focus on melee combat in the age of weapons, he still could not doubt its effectiveness.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Tue 06 Oct 2009.

Jouhan nods and replies; "Indeed, wisest choice is to let me handle him or her. That's why I am in the team after all, to deal with unusual threats what you face." Of course he and Regannos had long discussion about Jouhan's viabillity when he discovered he was melee specialist who has not even a gun to speak about.

But Jouhan had pointed out that even if most melee combat is ineffective and unwise in present era it only just means the remaining religions or factions which follow this path just need go much higher level skill and ability to survive in such era. Also most melee figthers in the era has means negate ranged weapons or tech shields some method.

Jouhan had proved that he could use his blade to throw it short range, also incredibly fast close distance on foe and also able literally dodge or endure ranged attacks. He had even once got a solid hit from plasma gun unscathed, he had never revealed how he does what he does but Regannos has good idea that Jouhan may be a psion, or psionic powers using person at least.

"If I might make a tactical suggestion, sir." Aria says as she accesses the area of the proposed exchange site on the Infonet. "Assuming that you want you weapons with you, I will bring our vehicle into this garage so that we may transfer our weapons to the ransom vehicle. Then I can drive the company vehicle back to headquarters, so that anyone monitoring may believe that we have all left."

She holds her datapad in her palm, projecting a holographic image of the exchange area. "I will leave the headquarters quietly and position myself here..." She points to a spot offering concealment and good lines of fire, about 100 meters from the site. "Once you arrive in the ransom vehicle, if you park here, facing this direction, it will offer me clear fire at anyone in the driver's seat, and access to fire into the back of the vehicle should they try to flee."

"Before leaving the vehicle, the windows could be opened and I can disable the controls to keep them from being closed again, allowing us freer access to fire at the occupants." After outlining her suggestions, "I trust the rest of you can coordinate your disposition and response, if my lord finds my plan for my own position acceptable."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:15, Fri 09 Oct 2009.

Vorneyl chuckled at Jouhan's description of the assailant, with a slight synthetic metallic ring to the chuckle.  Shaking his head, Vorneyl quoted a line from an old vid that he was enamored with, "Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side.  A quick draw, a steady hand and a dead eye aim are all the philosophy I've ever needed to rely on.

Still... if Jouhan wants first dibs on this "slicer & dicer", then far be it for me to deny him the privilege."

Vorneyl glanced over at Regannos and said in a more serious tone, "Perhaps before we head out, I ought to take a look at this corpse as well?  By your lordship's leave, I'll only be a few minutes."

Vorneyl waited for Regannos's permission before heading out.  He had noted Regannos's reaction to Jouhan's "independent action" and Vorneyl wanted to stay on the Boss's good side for now.

PM
[Private to Vorneyl Kenath: Not being much of a healer, you cannot tell much about the body.  It was chopped up pretty well, and the cut marks look cauterized prior to the mans death.  Not alot of blood either.]
[Private to Sister Aria:  That may be a good idea.  Taking your motorcycle out from your headquarters to arrange a meet up.  Are you going to suggest Vorneyl be the driver?]

A simple moving van, unmarked, awaits in the garage.  If you use the key in the folder, it unlocks the back, revealing a mountain of gold bricks, each stamped with the authority of the Empire.  Each brick is numeral-ed in the 1,000 gps range, and with the Imperial license marked clearly on each one.

Regannos gave a wave of his hand towards Vorneyl, giving him leave to do as he wished as he turned to Aria. "I am unsure that we would be able to properly mount the weapons onto our transport, not only in time but also that it could hold the mounts" he said as he walked closer to the van and gave one of hits archaic 'tires' a light kick. "Moving our own transport back to headquarters will not likely work should anyone be on watch either. Who ever we are dealing with are at least trained the same or better then the Legion, and they would notice that I, Vorneyl and Jouhan are not with you. While it may be possible to impersonate the last two, I do not think we could find anyone who looks like me even from afar."

He gave a light shrug and added "As it is, I would much rather keep everyone together. For all we know, even if you return to headquarters, you could be ambushed on your way back. There are too many unknowns and we do not know enough about who we are dealing with to make any proper conclusions about there coordination. I do agree with the rest of your plan however." As he said this, Regannos reached into his pack and removed a small hand-held device and turned it on. It was the Half-Dragon's Security Scanner, as he used it to see if anything extra had been planted in there new vehicle.

[Private to GM: Checking for hidden devices or bugs, should there be any]

[Private to Regannos:  Standard GPS navigating system.  The holding area looks like it has enough room to hold most of your group, except perhaps one of them.  One of your party members will need to be driving the vehicle.  If you look over the file, you see that the meeting spot is in a vast underground parking level, near the end.  Not exactly an ideal place to assault, but springing an ambush very nicely.  Perhaps you can turn the van into a trap for these abductors.]

PM.