As three months have passed, you are each individually contacted by the ISPD for questioning.  However, when you arrive for the dreaded interrogation, you notice that there is a human dressed entirely in white with the agent, and at times, he cuts off questions, or asks his own.  As you explain what happened, you get the sense that it could have been much worse if the man in white was not around.

The ordeal over, you return to your lives, waiting for a new mission.

As things have progressed over the short reprieve, you are all finally summoned to Vespar, the capital of the domain of House Sarava.  Regannos's father has called for you all for a company meeting in a memo to each of you.

Jouhan returns from his travels, while Vorneyl appears to have been deep in training for this period of time.  Sister Aria works for a master mechanist, testing new vehicles of the mans design, while he helped to craft her person project.  Of Regannos himself...little can be said...

The Imperial Portal network is well run, with secure check points throughout the domains of each House.  It would take only a couple of hours to go through the check points and arrive for the meeting.

Jouhan returns from a mysterious sabatical holiday which he had requested from Regannos after receiving his payment and agreed he returns month later. At outward appearance he has not changed much at all nor anything was different about him. Expect he now sported three exotic tattoos in his body; one looked like purple stripped green cat over his left arm. A black unicorn over his right arm and snake eatting it's own tail in his chest.

Second which was different that his old metal stick which produced the blade before which is Jouhan's signature weapon has been replaced more exotic and fancier looking handle and was much longer than his old one.

http://www.freewebs.com/lights...t/SaberStaffHilt.JPG

After his return he mostly meditated and spend his days as usual until call came and along with others followed meet with Regannos father, curious about the summons. He studies the checkpoints, trying see how strict security is and hoping the guards do not grow suspicious regarding his metal rod. Most security teams recognize blaster, but almost none recognize the blade handle and most would mock lethal effect of close combat weapon in era of blasters.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Fri 04 Mar 2011.

A powerful metallic feline bounds down the Long Highway. Sister Aria was returning from two weeks leave back home on Telamon III, in the Osorus Domain. She had spent nearly three months working for the aerospace division of Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith, testing out prototype craft. The work had been nerve-wracking, but the experience had honed her piloting skills to a fine edge, and access to the aristocorps' manufactorum had been vital in the design and construction of Kit-10, her signature vehicle.

With the robot's instruments feeding directly into her nervous system through her datalink, the mercenary pilot could 'feel' the vehicle's legs pumping as it ate up the last few klicks to the meeting. Once she finished the long trip from Telamon to Thormorath, it was a short trip to the capital of Sarava. Heavy security at the border of the Blue and Gold Domains notwithstanding. Fortunately, Aria was meticulous about her records and paperwork.

She was pleased when she 'saw' Jouhan through her sensors. She was ready for some excitement that wasn't of the 'I hope this ship doesn't blow up when I test the thruster' type. Besides, a merc can't make her name as a test pilot.

The black metallic cat loped up to Jouhan, servo motors whirring almost imperceptively as it stood upon it's hind legs, shoulders widening as it transformed into humanoid mode. The robot's arms moved stiffly to it's side, appearing to stand at attention as chest plates shifted and swung open.

A bag of shock-absorbing gel deflated to reveal the diminutive pilot curled into a fetal position in the vehicle's chest. Aria extended her legs, stretching them a moment before dropping to the ground. The cat's chest whirred closed as it dropped to all fours on it's haunches.

"Mister Calader." She says as the approaches the psionic warrior. "Good so see you again."

Vorneyl pondered the odd interaction and interplay between the ISPD officers and the agent for whom he supposed was the Mithril Watchers.  Just what sort of game were they playing between them, and more importantly just how were Vorneyl, his employer, and his teammates involved.  Vorneyl wasn't too keen on being anyone's "pawn" but that seemed to be his lot in life lately.  Then again the Empire all its citizens have always been "play things" tossed about back and forth during power grabs between the rival Dragon Houses.

Vorneyl is not bothered by the checkpoints.  He's used to Imperial bureaucratic "red tape" and security procedures.  As long as one had all the proper permits and papers in order, there shouldn't be a problem.  And holding a personal summons from Regannos's father to Vespar wasn't a bad "passport" either.  Of course none of that would matter if the ISPD or someone else was determined to make trouble.  The word "legitimate" only applied when one had sufficient power and/or influence to backup one's assertion of "rights".

Vorneyl looked pretty much as he did before, except his choice of armor was fancier and he was sporting a few added pieces of "magic bling" to supplement his appearance and performance.  There was a certain added swagger to his step, no doubt an increase in confidence in his already capable talents and perhaps an added dash of perfection to his prized skill set.

Vorneyl spotted Jouhan, noting the new tattoos but his attention was mostly focused on the odd cat-bot apparently being piloted by Aria.  With a shrug of his shoulder and a small shake of his head, Vorneyl approached the pair with swiftness but undeniable stealth in each casual footfall.

With a crooked smile, Vorneyl said, "Well Aria... it sure looks like you weren't idle much during our brief break from work.  What sort of "fuel economy" can you get out of the ol' girl... or perhaps this particular metallic feline isn't actually feminine?

And its nice to see you as well Jouhan.  I didn't realize you were one to go in for "body art"... but as tats go, they're not bad.  I see you've upgraded your sword hilt... does its new blade match the increased length of its handle?

Speaking of the gang being all here, has anyone spotted the Boss yet?  I hope Regannos hasn't gotten in trouble with his ol' Pop... I still find it hard to believe how much fuss was made over the last job.  I guess that serves me right for not being overly religious to begin with."

A short time after Vorneyl entered the Vespar side of the Long Highway, the gathering group could see the tall shape of Regannos slowly approaching, and from the wrong direction. Perhaps less unique looking given the the situation, it was easy enough to spot the slight differences in his face and the way he moved as he got closer. Rather then wearing his armor, he was dressed in a long robe in the trappings of House Sarava. The heavy pendant he wore that donated his status as a noble within the Draconic Hierarchy had a golden edge to it now, an emerald set in the center of the pendant.

Regannos had vanished with good reason, and reasons that had not needed to be revealed until this point. Striding up to his former guards, like to be his guards again, his hands folding into the wide sleeves of his heavy robe. "I see you all made it here safely" he said as he gave a nod to each of them in turn, "I do apologize for vanishing on you as I did, but certain events required me to return to Vespar. My Father is waiting."

His words were formal, if terse. Turning on his heel, he clearly expected the others to follow him.

Vorneyl chuckled a light metallic chuckle as he followed behind Regannos.  With a shrug of his shoulders, he glanced back at the others and said in an amused tone, "Well that's one heckava succinct "how do ya do"... guess the question & answer period will have to wait until later."

Vorneyl turned back to look at Regannos as he said in a more serious tone, "Hey no problem Boss, I imagine we all have our reasons for going our separate ways after that last doozy of a job.

And speaking of which... are we all still under a "cloud" because of that?  I don't suppose you could tell me if we're likely to be facing additional "fall out" over those events, eh Boss?"

Jouhan was tense at first upon seeing the metallic feline, tense and curious. He has some fascination to felines so he admired the beauty of the structure of the feline. Then he could not be more surprised when he sees cat go humanoid form, stand on attention before him and chest open and reveal Sister Aria!

When Sister Aria makes her greetings Jouhan nods to her and relaxes and replies; "Same words to you Sister Aria. I see your time in your home has been fruitful. Is your feline merely exotic transport but is it also a combat model?"

Then Vorneyl comes in and points out his tattoos, which were quite visible thanks besides wearing his usual pants he was topless for moment. But team knows he has somewhere in person a solidfied liquid purple jelly sphere which he can place on his chest and it would rapidly cover top half of his body for protection. Also his new blade handle came to discussion so he replies to Vorneyl; "Well, I thought decorate my body little while away but these tattoos hold store of power which can be useful in specific circumstances. Also my blade handle is kind of preconigtion, as in near future I am able conjure blade which demands a more exotic handle. But for now I know only old forms which I knew before and I also can split handle into two sepparated handles to each hand. No, I haven't seen boss yet."

Then Regannos shows up and Jouhan silently nods to him and starts follow him when he starts to lead. Not knowing customs he trusts what Regannos is doing and best avoid cultural conflict he is silent and patient. Observing his surroundings in basic alert stage and he even slides down his goggles to increase accuracy of the data his eyes will be seeing.

As the group follows Regannos into the corporate headquarters of Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith, you notice that the security is quite prevalent.  It appears as if they are trying to look their best.  Regannos is recognized on sight, and quickly allowed to proceed with his companions to an elevator to the board rooms.

When you enter the board room, you notice four people already in attendance.  The most obvious is the older looking Half-Dragon, wearing resplendent robes of silver-grey.  The second is a robed figure, who appears to have two swords strapped to his back.  The third is a human wearing Imperial Navy combat fatigues, with long black hair streaked with silver.  The last is a human clad in shock armor, with a military buzz cut, and a scar running down his right eye.

Vorneyl's gaze passed over the first two individuals, assuming the 1/2 dragon to be related to Regannos and the robe wearing sword user to be someone whose expertise probably didn't mesh with Vorneyl's own.  Instead Vorneyl focused on the Imperial Navy type and the human with the military haircut and "battle decoration" (ie scar).  These two were more likely to be the types Vorneyl, as a veteran ex-Legionnaire, would be most familiar with.

Vorneyl remained uncharacteristically silent as he figured this was neither the time nor place for him to speak.  This was Regannos's father's "party" and the 1/2 dragons appeared to be calling all the shots at the moment.  If the Team was meant to know who these 3 other people were, they would learn soon enough... good ol' "need to know".

Vorneyl kept to one side of Regannos, only a step or so behind him, with his gun hand free and ready... not that he expected to need to draw his weapon (if he did then things had really "hit the fan").  Instead Vorneyl remained quietly alert and observed events as they unfolded.  Though he did try to keep sight of Regannos within his peripheral vision, wondering what and how much his ol' Boss knew about what was really going on... as well as trying to gauge just how much "in the dark" the Boss was like the rest of them.

Aria took a belt hanging from her cat's saddle and strapped her cavalry sabre to her hip before accompanying the group inside. She walked a bit behind Vorneyl, allowing him his prefered role of paranoid guardian. Once in the board room, she stands at ease, her hands clasped behind her back.

While her body remained motionless, her eyes scanned the images of the officers and executives before her. The mercenary sent the image to her datapad, and began a search routine to find out as much as possible about the four of them.


[Private to GM: 20:39, Today: Sister Aria rolled 21 using 1d20+7. Gather Info. ]

The Half-Dragon smiles at you, gesturing for you to take your seats.  It appears Regannos is the one to do the briefing, though, as the older half-dragon takes the seat to listen to Regannos speech.  The white-robed figure pulls back the cowl of his robes, revealing the features of a drow male.  Solid blue orbs instead of the usual white look over each of you briefly, before turning to consider Regannos.  Silver runes are etched around his eyes, his hair cleanly cut in a semi-military fashioned flat top.  Both of the military types look over each of you briefly, before turning to listen to Regannos.

Regannos was uncharacteristically silent during the short walk to the corporate headquarters, his hands folding inside of his robes. He gave an apathetic nod to the guards who stood mostly on display in-front of the main lobby, his face remaining stoic even on the elevator ride upwards.

As he entered the board room with the others, he first paused at the door to give a bow towards the other 'half-dragon', words spoken softly were very easily heard by those behind him as "Opsola." The draconic word was familiar enough as to be recognized for "Father".

"Allow me to introduce Captain D'Arville" he said in a somewhat louder tone to his companions as he first indicated the Human in the naval uniform and then armored figure, "and Commander Karde. They are here as consultants and attaché for Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith's new interests."

With the introductions made, and the 4th robed figure with the swords left rather unnamed, Regannos took his place to the left of his Father and motioning for the others to take their own seats. Remaining standing while the others sat, Regannos seemed to take a moment too compose his thoughts before tapping a finger against the smooth stone conference table. The room lights dimmed as a holographic representation of the galaxy sprung to life in the center of the room.

"The current state of Dragon Empire is considered stable, and with the new decree of expansionism set forth by Emperor Mezzenbone, raw resources are at all all time high" The admission seemed to come out just a little strained, perhaps his words would have been a little more condescending a few months prior. "However, there in lies the problem. Because of the relative security of the Core, the desire for privatized security has been slowly dropping off over the last 200 years or so. Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith's own profit margins have been slowly been eaten away by upstart companies that are far less trained then our own operatives, but charge less by the same token. Obviously we cannot do the same, there are certain expectations that come with being an Aristocorp, and Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith has always kept above those standards." As he spoke, Regannos gave a nod to his Father and a slight smile before continuing with the presentation.

Tapping the desk again, the display shifted, an overlay of the House partitions of unknown space filtering over the galactic display. Along with tags popping up to show the relative points of Draconus and the other Core worlds. "As few companies outside the Core could afford our services on the long time contracts that the Aristocorp requires to sustain a proper profit margin, we must start looking into alternate avenues of security." With another tap, several colorful lines wormed there ways outwards from the Core worlds into the Outlands, several sections flashing red.

"While few threats could stand up to the Imperial Armada, nor the resources used to secure new words, the space between these new worlds has become a nest of privateers and pirates. It is impossible for the Armada, much less the Legion, to guard every new trade route that snakes its way through the Outlands to the Core. I do not need to remind anyone here that the Core requires this influx of resources to continue as we do. As it stands, there are relatively few Aristocorps and even less independent mercenaries that offer to guard interplanetary travel. As it stands, most shipping companies rely on the Legion for help, and it is well known they are often overstressed and often react far too late to prevent significant loss of cargo."

With those words, the display slowly vanished as Regannos finished with the words "Beyond the gravity wells of the planets, there lies a great deal of potential in both removing a strain on the Empire, as well as profit for Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith. As a speculation venture, a ship has been commissioned for this particular venture. I would be present as a representative for the Aristocorp and its interests, as well as acting commander in terms of missions taken or refused. Captain D'Arville will provide his expertise in naval warfare and transport, were as Commander Karde will lend his abilities in information gathering and mission planning" he gave a wave of his hand to Vorneyl, Aria and Jouhan "And I requested the three of you as members of the crew given your track record and proven ability. Should we succeed, and there is no reason we would not, this venture could provide the capital needed for Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith to create its own fleet of interstellar vessels."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:39, Wed 16 Mar 2011.

Vorneyl raised his hand casually and asked in an interested tone, "So if I get this straight Boss, you're basically saying we're going to play escort as a sort of "caravan guard" for trans-planetary/trans-system shipping with the occasional bout of good ol' "pirate hunting"... is that right?

So is it expected that most of our action is going to take place in space with potential ship-to-ship boarding actions?

Do you have a projection for what percentage of the time we'll be playing nurse maid to nervous merchants and what percentage of the time we'll be given the green light to go on the offensive to hunt down the pirates?  I imagine the latter option will require fairly extensive intel gathering and planning, but could potentially take us ground-side for assaults on covert pirate bases."

Vorneyl paused before continuing, "On a different note... where's our profit mainly be derived from in this scenario?  Is it mainly from the fees charged for escort paid by the big shipping firms?  Or are we also perhaps getting a "grant" from the Imperial government, perhaps paid out of the Legion's budget, for taking on these duties and thus freeing up official Imperial resources for continued outward expansion & occupation?

Additionally, can we claim a piece of the prize-money?  I mean when we take down a pirate or privateer, who gets to claim their goodies like their ships or weapons/gear or even their technical/intelligence data for the local systems?"

Vorneyl paused again to glance back at the Capt. & Cmdr. as he added, "Speaking of which... what sort of "official authority" are we being granted to pursue these pirates in Imperial or Outland space?  Will we be operating under actual "officially recognized" authority within Imperial law to pursue these pirates and privateers, taking the fight to them as it were?

Are Capt. D'Arville and Cmdr. Karde our official "liaisons" with the Imperial Navy & Imperial Legion... or are they no longer formally in Imperial service and now working strictly for you Boss?"

After taking her seat, Aria sat virtualy motionless with her hands folded on the table in front of her as her Half-Dragon made his statement. The young mercenary would have been satisfied with hearing simply "We are going to be flying escort missions in the Outlands," but she understood that the nobles of Qesemet meant such speeches as a measure of respect to their employees. The blue rulers of her home in Osorus tended to be more blunt to their underlings. Still, as long as all parties held to the terms of their contracts, Sister Aria cared little about the philosophical differences between the Iron and Gold Kingdoms.

Also, Regannos was likely trying to look his best in front of his father. Obviously a large amount of capital was at stake in this venture, and his fortune in Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith would rise or fall with it's success. Or lack thereof. If Aria had had any questions, Vornyl asked them and more. Besdies the question of looting rights, the details of the Aristocorps' finances had little concern to her. She was tempted to just zone out of the conference and take Kit-10 for a spin remotely, but that wouldn't be professional. Instead, she left her masterpiece creation at its station outside the Aristocorps' headquarters and contented herself with skimming any tidbits of interest she could find on the Net about Captain D'Arville and Commander Karde.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Sun 20 Mar 2011.

Standing up, Captain D'Arville clears his throat.  "According to the Expanded Imperial Charter, the Silverwing had much of its armaments removed for non-military sale.  However, we still have a decent amount of defensive capabilities in the area of weaponry.  I am your official contact within the Imperial Navy, semi-retired of course.  Accordingly, part of our contract with your company is that every effort is made to return stolen goods to its owners prior to legal confiscation.  Spacecraft...unless stolen, are for the company to decide their fate.  In regards to your other questions, a small portion of the Imperial budget foes to fund these en devours, enough that it is reasonable for companies to pursue the vocation of pirate hunters.  This new venture operates under Imperial Law in regards to bounties, privateering, and anti-piracy codes."  With that, he takes his seat.

Now Commander Karde stands up, taking a measured look at you all, particularly the drow at the table.  "My team and I are no longer a part of the Imperial Legions.  We mustered out about a year ago.  My unit is assigned to provide protection, deflection, and distraction to your missions.  I will be honest, we all hail from Arissia, a fringe planet only within the last decade having been...acquired by the Domain of the Blue Dragons.  The Wild Karde's are eager to show what we can do, and the best way to do that is by partnering with an organization such as Daguam di Thrae vur Xarzith.  He finished, he takes his seat.

Finally, Lord Aggreagan stands to address the room.  "As you can see, our new venture is one of expansion and possible adventure, everything that...well, that our company has hoped for, for some time.  In order to better facilitate this new venture, I have hired a new member for your team.  I present to you Kalic Vorniir, a knight of the church and a historian of no small ability.  I trust that he will provide a reasonable new addition to your team.

[Private to Sister Aria:  Of Captain D'Arville, you find numerous commendations for his services within the Imperial Navy, not much more.  Of Commander Karde and his Wilde Karde's, however provide a little more information.  The entire group hails from the same newly conquered world of Arissia.  They have some positive feedback from their previous employers, except one.  It appears they cut one of the contracts from a military corporation.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:31, Thu 24 Mar 2011.

Jouhan like Sister Aria was silent about whole converse. His own order was rather neutral regarding matters of piracy, of course prefering it does not exchist but he would need do more ground work than usual to check there is none his brothers or sisters in crew. As their kind tend to inflitrate around to gather information in some long term missions.

Also soemthing.....distant part of him.....grew excited about the concept of hunting pirates. But same distant part made Jouhan reveal one his rarest facial features; slight frown, upon seeing the drow in table and more so when heard it would join the crew.

I do not like him....but I do not know why.

Whole life Jouhan is haunted some odd memories, sensations or thougths which he knows were once part of him but has been on purpose.....muted. He knew there was reason for it and he should ignore them. But as he cannot stop his breathing he cannot stop from feeling. It's eternal subject in his order is the perfect servant a emotionless? A person who feels only pure serenity with no anger, malice or dislike or like? Or should person embrace positiive emotions despite it also brings negative ones too?

Either way he lets others talk and let him ponder and observe in silence. So far he had nothing offense against working different margins than before.