In reply to The Creator (msg #41):

"Hmmmm, seems a little light for what amounts to a 3-star comission. They don't usually entail deadly risk either," replied Stark considering. He let out another puff of smoke that curled and rose like a miniture tornado as it expanded, "Still... it seems the armsman would bear the brunt of any close combat."

He weighed the merits and the current lack of decent comissions for sky couriers at the moment. He sighed and nodded, "Okay, I'm in... but before I commit, I'll need to see this vanship of yours."

He leaned over to Alisdair, winked, and said, "Never commit to fly somethin' you haven't touched, kid."

In reply to Stark Sanderson (msg #43):

"I have no piloting skills, so I doubt the issue will ever arise."
Turning back to Rosh, he gave a small bow, "Money is no object for me, sir, so long as I am paid enough to eat and buy ammunition. On this subject, however, I must ask if these will be provided by yourself for the duration, of if we are to be expected to provide our own. If it is the latter, I may need to ask for a little in advance to buy bullets, or for access to the chemical workshops to manufacture some of my own."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Thu 09 Feb 2012.

  " I will provide any conventional ammunition you gentlemen might need. And fortunately we are well supplied with supplies, and equipment for scientific research, or less academic endeavors." Rosh actually smiled knowingly as he spoke of other applications of his equipment." I will have the Vanship delivered to my estate, and assemble the rest of the expedition so you can make their acquaintance later this evening. If you choose not to accompany us, then there will be no hard feelings. You can consider a short stay at my estates as compensation for wasting your time."
  " I am quite certain that you will find the Vanship to your approval Mister Sanderson, My father was a pilot for the Jah-Rhoon air militia during the unification campaigns He purchased it so he could assist in training Air Guard pilots....and My younger sister has flown it many times, and is rather happy with it."

---

"Aye they are," Nessa smiled slightly," And it does provide opportunities to hone our skills."

    " Even if sometimes the work of associates is not considered by higher authorities." She glanced meaningfully toward the administration building where the Admission's Proctors office was located as she moved to complete her own project." Perhaps if they had some project to consider that was more than a simple term of lab work."

Elsa paused in consideration at those words.

"I...see. And what projects might such associates have in mind?"

"Give me directions to your estate and I'll come over in the morning. When are you expecting this little expedition to commence?" he asked.

  " Two Neva Rouge Place. It's in the Gardens." Rosh replied. " I'll have the rest of the expidition team there in the morning and we can Be under way in a day or two."

---

 I hear some of the Instructors have their own projects, not all of them are sponsored by the Institues. They are challenging and often require superior skils. The Instructors have been known to write letters for students who accel on these projects." Nessa lowered her voice and looked to see if anyone was listening. "Some of them are a bit dangerous though and one or two like Professor Sh'rahda is one of the ones you might want to avoid...I heard he...does unatural research, stealing bodies, and doing things to them."

"Much obliged," he said nodding to the man, "I'll see you in the morning then." With a final puff of smoke that looked uncannily like a vanship, he waved to Valentine and headed for the door.

Alisdair bowed stiffly to the young lord, "I shall see you at your residence tomorrow then, sir."
He turned on his heel and matched pace with Stark,
"Was that wave an invitation to join you, or simply an affirmation of my existence?" The question was genuine enough, he had never been good at judging the intentions of other people's actions outside of combat, and he would normally have assumed that the man wanted nothing to do with him, but they were working together now, and he had bought him food, so it was possible, however unlikely, that Alisdair's presence might be welcome.

"Kid, whichever you prefer is fine with me," he chuckled, "You staying at the Traveller's house?" The young man seemed very focused on his role to exclusion of everything that went on around him. The kids needed to loosen up some. There was something to be said about the stopping to smell the roses bit but he'd been much the same after losing his family. Maybe something similar had scarred the boy as well.

Elsa nodded as she heard of Nessa's suggestion. It was brave...it was bold. It might be her only chance of getting in the Academy.

"I see...that's very interesting. Have you heard of what projects those other professors are doing? I might go and talk to a few of them...just for curiosity's sake, of course."

  " I hear Doctor Jolinus is looking into something but he doesn't want to say what it is. But so far he hasn't found anyone who has the "proper attitude or wide range of skills" He requires." Nessa spoke softly. she seemd to be nervous of being heard discussing the matter. "He's a bit of a recluse but he's a fine man. Hes been a freind of the family for years and has treated my sister on several occasions. But his research, well He has not spoke of it often saying it was best know by as few as possible. I promised him I'd try to find someone who could help him....Mother absolutely refuses to let me work on anything ....Sinister. But I think he just wants to be sure no one steals his work this time."

"Thank you for brining these opportunities to my attention...I do believe I will have to visit the good Doctor Jolinus after my shift here ends today."

Elsa smiled at Nessa, ignoring the wonder scents in the room.

  "Well I know that administrtion has been dragging it's feet in....." Nessa spoike softly and then stoopped before touching on a sore subject. " She returned to her station and began to attend to her project as she waited for several other students to pass by. " And He really does need someone who can help in his experiments he is a rather nice man."

"Thank you," Elsa said earnestly.

She would go and check up on this possible opportunity, of course.

"Oh, dear! I have quite a bit more work to do. Sorry- thank you for your kind words and new information, but work must be done."

  The projects were realatively easy for both women to finish now that discussion and puzzling out bad writing had been completed. Elsa found herself alone in the lab after hours by the time she finished the students and other healp having left an hour or two earlier. The room was dark and quiet, only the sound of a rain storm against the windows sounding above the hiss of the burners and whup,whup,whup...of the venting fans.

Elsa sighed at the silence- yes, she loved the sciences and working. But, sometimes, it was the quiet moments that were the best.

Well, she should go Doctor Jolinus. And see if his experiments needed an assistant.

  The professors office is nearby in one of the adjunct buildings. a lamp burns in the window and the sound of someone mixing preparations sounds through the door as Elsa approaches. There is a slight muttering as she reaches the door, a single voice going through a complex formula of organic compounds and acids. The habit was not uncommon among chemists as it helped them from making simple mistakes during preparation. Other than the office and small lab there is no one else about in the building and the entire area seems to be disused for the most part.

Elsa knew better than to interrupt the litany- she'd used it herself from time to time and an interruption could lead to an explosion. Literally.

So, instead, she waited- for her kind often could stay still with the patience of the dead. And, when the litany reached a proper place where it could be interrupted, she knocked on the door.

 The smell of acrid smoke wafts over the transom above the door, and there is an amused laugh as the voice finished the process. The sound of a slight sizzle accompanied the smell and the pleased laughter.
  " Yes, enter," The voice called as Elsa Knocked." Mind the fumes their a bit strong." The  door opened to reveal a tall slim man in a lab coat and heavy leather apromn and glass face mask He holds his notebook and peers over a pair of multi lensed glasses as he looks to the doorway.

  Ah, Miss SlosBerg, I don't remember asking them to send you over....If the work office sent you over I don't have any work for you... " He paused and studied her slightly. switched a few lenses and looked at her again, a slight smile twitching at one edge of his lip.
  With the door open the overpowering scent of fresh bread and honey reached her nose the Middle aged man smiled awarmly as he made some internal decision and motioned to a desk." we haven't had the pleasure of a proper introduction, But I have heard that you are suprisingly industrious, talented and reliable....polite words for you do what your told and don't make it too awkward for some of our more traditional professors."

Elsa smiled slightly at the compliments given to her- she'd learned long ago not to give more than that since many people still found her kind to be disturbing.

"Thank you for your kind words, Professor. I find the work...rewarding. I have heard impressive things about you, as well. Nessa Watts has told me very nice things about you. In fact, she suggested that I come and talk to you."

  "Bless her," The professor motioned for elsa to step into his workshop and closed the door behind her. The chemistry setup burbled loudly as the preparation distilliled into a small beaker. On the table a rather badly mauled looking Spine Back scalimander lay pinned back as if being dissected. it's injuries appeared to be more from it's capture than any examination. the small venomous predators were a serious nusience in older portions of the isalnd city.
  " I have been conducting some research into the physical properties of the abilities of several species. Most precisely their biological ability to heal from serious wounds by some unknown means. It is neither arcane, or of any other preternatural nature, so I must assume it is a biological process."

Elsa tilted her head.

"Interesting. I believe I understand...are you seeking to replicate the ability or simple study, professor?"

" Before I can replicate the process I must fully understand it." the professor smiled slightly." I am hoping to learn the secret of this process, and with diligent study I believe I can instill this ability into people, as not simply something stored in a bottle, or granted by a short term spell; but a life long answer to severe injury, and disease."

"That sounds like a worthwhile goal, Professor. One which I would love to have a part come to fruition. If, of course, you would have me."

" I've heard you were an able assistant."" The professor replied with a nod," I'd be happy to have someone who has fewer preconceptions about what is and is not a suitable field of study."