Nodding toward Mr. Kincaid. "I'm of the same opinion, then my friend here. The fact that we were attacked by all those different dragons so well coordinated suggest someone powerful organised it. So you are probably looking for people to head outside the city and find out who."
Abbo stayed silent most of the time, as his usual, and didn't really catch any clues when looking around the room and maps. Finally, when hearing Kinkaid and the others, Abbo shakes his head.
... Besides... - he started, complementing Rokas - ... It seems someone might be searching for the most expendable members to do so. Maybe even more than one potential investigation location is being brought up by scout reports.
The fashtali tries to maintain his balance, but there's obviously something inside of him growling to get out.
The drow looks the group over as they speculate, and sighs. "Ah well, I didn't expect great insights. Our current military training emphasizes rote learning over thinking. That's not intended as an insult to you, it's simply what we've been doing for thousands of years, with good result. However, it's recently become apparent that we need to reconsider how we do some things." The last bit is apparently more him simply thinking out loud. Then he returns his attention to the group, his voice growing stronger, although it obviously puts a strain on him to talk at close to normal volumes.
"I am going to ask you to do something that is stupid. I cannot tell you why until after you do it. Even I have limits on my activities, and I have been told that I cannot tell you why until afterwards." He pauses to let that sink in, that he has been told by someone higher up in the government.
The only people the head of a major government office like this report to is directly to the Council, meaning the Council is the only group that could give him orders.
"I am asking you to take a job that I cannot describe to you until after you take it. I am constrained to state that the job will be dangerous, perhaps extremely dangerous. I cannot tell you about it until after you take it. The only thing I can offer you at the moment is that if this job is not done, more attacks like the one by the dragons may take place, and many of your friends and family may die in those attacks. You yourselves could be killed in such attacks. Unfortunately, I have been instructed that you are to have no more than one hour to think over your decision. There is a room down the hall, turn left and go down three doors on the right. There is food. Please take the hour to decide. If you choose to accept the job, return here. If not, tell one of the guards in the hallway that you wish to leave, and they will retrieve your platinum ID chit and escort you to the third district. Unfortunately I can answer no other questions until you can answer this one. Take the hour, think it over, no matter what your first instinct is. Once accepted, this job cannot be unaccepted for at least several years."
"If I may, I have additional questions. I know you're rather restricted in what you can tell us, but my questions are rather rote and mundane." Hylar continues unless specifically stopped. "You say it will be dangerous, you say these horrible things, and I literally can only ask the one question that my mind begs: With these dangers, are there commensurate rewards? While I greatly desire to aid this nation which has given me much, I cannot help but ask what I get from it." He hopes it doesn't sound quite as greedy to others as it does to him, but given that they're being asked specifically to risk life and limb, he hopes that they'll be rewarded fairly. It's a legitimate question for someone who could otherwise go off and live a happy life. He doesn't have the concerns of family or friends to worry about, his family is elsewhere and his friends are like as not to die from this mission.
The drow rubs the bridge of his nose. "You will be better compensated than you were in the army. You're still working for the City however, not trying to be merchants."
Rokas listens to the offer and to Hylar question. Standing, he starts moving for the door, but then stops and turn around. "You said several years. Can we get a hint of how many years the city is asking from us? Is it five, ten, twenty? No matter how many hours to decide you give us, it will be a hard choice. You ask for much, but give little inside information. I know it's not up to you. But it would help if we had some pieces of the puzzle before we make life changing choices."
Looking at the rest of his companions. "I think I know what most of you will say. For the undecided, know that you will have my respect, no matter what you decide." After hearing the drow's answer to his question, Rokas head to the room. He eats and drink a bit, will talk to people that approach him, but will not try to convince anyone to stay. He leaves the impression that he wants everyone to come to the decision by themselves.
Then, after the hour has passed. He walks back up to the room.
Well it's not a hard decision for me! Terex exclaims, visions of boldly defending the city against shadowy threats running through his mind. All of the warnings of danger and death don't seem to have fazed him at all. I'll do it! There! I didn't even need to leave the room to decide! So should I wait here while everyone else thinks it over?
The drow looks at the Rokas. "I suggest you talk it over as a group, some of you may have insights that others did not think of... or notice..."
To the small dragonlet, he simply raises an eyebrow. "Your companions might wish some insight into why you choose to accept..."
Having gotten the answer to his question, which was in fact pretty much exactly what he was looking for, Hylar heads to the other room for discussion. Kasha follows along, having no other interests in the room. Hylar also communicates to her that there is food in the other room, as she is likely hungry by this point.
Yeah, I suppose that's right, Terexaltherin agrees.
He flies down the hall to the indicated room and waits impatiently for the rest of the group to get there. The moment everyone is in range he broadcasts, Okay, so what possible reason could you have for not wanting to be heroes and save Kotelia? he asks impulsively. Sure, there's the whole painful death in the wilderness thing, but really, none of us got killed by the dragons, and that's been the only time we've really done anything with all our training. This is a chance to actually be heroes, to really fight for Kotelia and keep it safe!
"Kayniik, was getting hungry missed breakfast today." He says walking out of the office to go and find the room with the food. While walking he is picking his teeths with the sharp nails he has on hand, not really concerned what the others might think of him.
Once in the room Kayniik quickly takes a small portion of food and sits down quitely in the corner to eat it. When he is done he shares his reason to accept "Kayniik will join help city. Kayniik never feel home in military and temple all day is borring. Kayniik will be hero for the city who took him in, make people remember his name. Kayniik get life experience return to temple old and wise and train younglings."
'Wow a big ask', thinks Kincaid, 'Lets see if I have this straight, they want us to agree to do something without knowing what, but they won't say why till it's done. That's very odd, perhaps the why is a dangerous secret. If you don't know why, you can't spill the beans...'
Kincaid listens to some of the other's reactions, noting the length of duty was an issue for some. It was different for him, the only ties he had where to his Goddess and the memory of his guardian. Serving the city is what he'd wanted, the only pertinent question was would this be compatible with his oath to be merciful? Perhaps, the Drow had suggested the job might prevent future dragon attacks, preventing an awful lot of harm to the city and it's citizens. Likely at great personal expense. It seemed possible the Job was, of course the Drow could be lying. He considered his words and opened his senses, if there as some strong moral taint he'd know...
Rozzev nods in agreement with Terex.
"I also do not need any time to decide. I have no desire to be a hero, but this city is my home, and the home of my family. If something I can do can prevent something like the dragon attacks from happening again, I'll do it, no matter how stupid it might seem. I'm in."
He salutes the drow and heads to the other room. He looks around at everyone a moment before speaking again.
"Is anyone seriously considering saying no to this? If the city falls, we're all dead or enslaved anyways. And besides, what else were you planning to do with your life?"
It is quite obvious to everyone that Rozzev has no doubts at all about accepting the mission.
Mr. Pasternack sat with his hands over his knees. He may have leaned to listen in a bit too much, eyeing the drow guy. When he finishes, Mr. Pasternack stands up with a fist over his heart, bowing once, "I, the great and marvelous Mr. Pasternack will gladly offer my service to a city that greatly needs it. Why, you should have seen the dragons cower before my mighty and large fist." He held a hand up, making a few jabs at the air for show.
But his muscle was much less impressive...and something caught his mind, holding a finger, "If, say, we should join this cause most valiantly, will we be given nicer clothes? I'm not saying my uniform is not the most stylish article of clothing, but it is very used and very worn and may have recently lost all of the buttons during the dragon attack."
Once that question was answered, Mr. Pasternack gave a quick nod and would then bow real short like, "Excellent. You have my answer; I will be in the room, thinking over my battle plan." He pulled his arms close to his sides and made some fierce faces, "Huh! Hugh! Yeah! You feel great! You feel great! Ugh!" Pulling his breath in, he spun about on one foot and just walked out of the room. Nearing the room with the food in it...he ate as much as he could in an hour, taking breaks every now and then, to slowly eat more.
"Mork and Gork, brother has no choice, will also help. Yes. Smack things good!"
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The drow raises an eyebrow, yet again, at Mr. Pasternack, and again pinches his nose and nods. "I think we can get you some new clothes, yes."
Kincaid listened to Terex's argument and he found himself nodding, perhaps they could make a difference.
Clanking in his ornate armor, Kincaid approached the Drow and spoke thoughtfully, "I am a dichotomy, having sworn to show mercy and compassion, to heal the injured and cure the sick, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Yet I am a warrior, my sword is sworn to be their best defence. There are evils in this world that can be dealt with no other way."
He looked him in the eye and added, "I don't need to know what your job is, or why it needs to be done. I just need to know that it can be done while upholding my oath. If so I'm in, not for glory, or money but because I trust it has to be done."
Ciaran was taken back by how quickly the others promised themselves to an unknown cause and of course she wanted to serve the city as well but switching from the rather tame job of a regular guard to this secret assignment was quite a jump. "She'd want me to help the city in anyway I can." She said to herself with a nod. "I'd still like the time to think." She'd inform as she headed to the indicated room, for a moment alone with her thoughts.
The drow looks up at Kincaid, and nods. "How you do your job is up to you. I care not how you do it, as long as you do it. I can only say that how you do your job is your choice, I hope that helps you make your decision."
He nods at Ciaran, acknowledging her need to think.
"Makes things better when we can work as we perfer. Not being tied down by orders help a bit. Kayniik make a difference. Greatforge tells Kayniik to help keep friends alive and well." The goblin responds jumping up and down agreeing with the others, as best as his heavy armor allows him.
Kincaid replies in a formal tone, "It does. I shall serve with honour." His armor clanks softly as he bows.
Cygnus disappears from his chair once bidden to go seek out the food and share his own insights, he heads for the room that had been offered. He investigates the food on offer for a few moments, before settling on something with an inordinate amount of carbohydrates, he sits in front of the spot for a few moments, as he fixes himself a plate with his mage hand, then hovers it over to the side of the room.
"You know, it's not every day that the council asks a person in such a major position to do something like this - picking us out of everyone, moreso than the clandestine things!" he says before beginning to eat at all. "Though I suppose we wouldn't know about the secret missions, would we?" he asks, tongue lolling out to the side. "I'd thought of going to retake my ancestral home once I made it out of the military - my ancestors deserve no less, but perhaps I could be persuaded to stay here. What do the rest of you think?" he asks as he begins to nibble at his food, taking pieces gingerly in time.
Rozzev looks earnestly at Ciaran and Cygnus, and begins pacing back and forth as he speaks.
"Cygnus, I think that if Kotelia falls, it will be difficult, if not impossible to retake your home. You will need allies both to retake it, and to keep it. Where will they come from if not here? I do not think there is anywhere else. And Ciaran, I know this may seem like I made a sudden decision without really thinking about it, but this is my people's home. And what life is like for ratfolk out in the world, and what it was like before Kotelia existed... Well, I will not go back to that. Here, my people are treated as equals, as valued members of society. Not looked down upon, and given the worst jobs that no one else wants to do. No one is looked down upon here for your race or appearance. It is your actions and abilities that matter. And that is why it is no decision at all for me. If Kotelia falls, the whole world will be measurably worse."
He sits down abruptly, looking slightly embarrassed after his speech.
"And if our failure is the cause of Kotelia's fall, history will mark us as worthless forever. It's a very large jump in responsibility from what we have now maybe we just aren't ready for it and they should find someone better suited for the task."
The little pseudodragon looks over the assembled group from his perch. So... does anybody need more convincing? he asks.
"If there were better, I feel they would likely choose better. While there are certainly more powerful people, and more capable people, they chose us, Miss Ciaran. If they needed someone more capable they'd have chosen them. For whatever reason, they desire us."
"Kayniik good. Ready to start working."
Overhearing what appeared to be a blink dog debating the merits of the offer, Kincaid wonders if he could help. Nodding he introduces himself, "I don't believe we've met, names Kincaid. I actually don't know we had anyone like you in the forces. That's actually kind of my point, if anyone here was one of the truly powerful or amazingly capable, they'd need no introduction..."
Hoping he hadn't offended anyone Kincaid paused and if so smiles apologetically before continuing, "It seems to me being well-known is a liability for some missions. Especially since it seems they believe we run the risk of capture, as unknowns the enemy won't be looking for us specifically. Lets say the worst happens and we do get captured. If we don't know the strategic plans, we can let them slip. Besides as we're mostly rank and file it's no big loss to the city if we disappear... Don't look so glum about that, I choose to believe they think we have a chance. They're not stupid, they know our capabilities after all. It is kind of their business to know that sort of thing."
Hylar sighs, he had rather been hoping that someone aside from him would have second thoughts or be considering alternate choices. Not wanting to look the coward he was, though, he agrees. "Okay, well someone has to keep you alive. If only for the reason that I might feel a little bad if you died because I wasn't around." He does briefly ponder where the floating brain had got off to. Perhaps for a floating brain it was less desirable even than for Hylar to be in the service of a country like this.
Rozzev nodded in agreement with Cygnus and Kincaid.
"Plus, I seriously doubt they're pinning all their hopes on us. I bet there are multiple other groups getting similar offers.'
I think we're good, Terex. - said Abbo to the Pseudodragon, with a grim expression. He obviously had concerns, but the arguments of the other members - like Rozzev - made sense on his feline head.
When the group shuffles back in after the hour is up, the man with the clockwork arm is accompanied by the woman from the front desk. When they trek back in, she waves them to seats. "Geltherian's voice is strained from meetings with the Council, I'll be doing most of the speaking for him. My name is Lethierin Graybane, I am Geltherian's personal assistant... and despite his wishes, also his younger sister, before any of you begin thinking we're married due to the same last names." She takes out a wooden pointer, and starts by pointing at each person, starting with Kincaid, who just happens to be the one on the left most of the bench. "Will you be taking the job or leaving?" She then continues through each person, asking the same question.
When she's done with the last person, she looks a bit surprised. "Well then, 9 out of 10. I hadn't expect that. Now then, if you'll all please sign or make your mark or press your nose, as the case may be, to these scrolls... Your new job will give you access to information that is considered Secret, level 10. Since I am sure you are not fully aware of what all the levels mean, it basically means that if you reveal information you learn on this job without proper permission, the Council will like execute you, and whoever you told. They may also put you in prison for a century or so before they do, depending on how upset with you they are. Since we are also likely to be punished if you spill the beans, let me say this up front. If I catch any of you telling tales, I'll personally rip your guts out and string them up as Winter Fest ribbons." Her voice remains cool and even throughout.
The woman isn't joking, she'd cheerfully gut someone for telling tales, and probably use them as decorations...
"Now then, if you will direct your attention to this map..." She walks over to the map that shows Kotelia and it's nearby environments, the one that is very similar to the one everyone learned growing up. "This is a map of Kotelia and everything we know about within 100 miles of the Fifth District Walls." There is almost nothing on the map. "You will notice that, unlike the maps you used in school and the military, that there is nothing on this map, other than Kotelia." She turns, and is obviously absolutely furious, but controlling it, barely. "That is because the lying, traitorous, cowardly rat dung brained IDIOTS that were in charge of the Sententia Tabula for the last four hundred years have been lying their collective asses off in order to rake in resources from the rest of the city. Everyone in the Tabula Sententia above the rank of Corporal has been exiled, executed, or killed during arrest. Any of their immediate family who was aware of their deceptions have also been exiled, executed, or killed during arrest. The attack on the city is a direct result of these idiots pretending to scout for dangers around the city for nearly four centuries rather than actually doing their gods be bloody jobs!" The wooden pointer in her hand snaps, sending splinters flying around the room.
Geltherian clears his throat. "And that is why she is telling you this, the last time I had to give this speech, I nearly muted myself."
Mr. Pasternack had stuffed his inventory full of sweetrolls and other food things from the free offerings. He also walked out of the room a bit slower, patting his stomach. A few times, he had to take some deep breaths, pause in his steps to place his hands on his thighs and breath out some steady "Whoo"s.
Taking his time to enter the room behind the others, he leaned his weary body against the wall. Closing his eyes, he listened. This all reminded him about the conversation he had, way back when, when he first declared himself a..."Mm?" Peeling himself off of the wall, he lurched forward, clearing his throat, "I think I ate too much. Suddenly, I feel very ill. But I should be fine."
Taking a few heavy breaths, Mr. Pasternack neared the map and looked down upon it, "This does seem to be incomplete. Is are task then, to detail this map?" Touching his uniform's jacket as he spoke, running his hands along the edges, "I'm not one for cartography, honestly. But I'll help explore the land."
Terex's usual mirth seems to evaporate at Lethierin's news.
Oh. He didn't really 'say' the word "oh", but the wordless impression he telepathically broadcasted was probably best translated as such.
He was silent for a long moment afterward. So not only do we not know who attacked us... it's the fault of Kotelians that we don't. He seems to find this second part worst than the first. Well, we'll just have to go out there and fix that.
He pauses a moment. You've probably thought through how to do that better than I have, he admits. What are our exact assignments?
"Kayniik's parents told him maps lie, but Kayniik may not say it aloud. Friends disappear from temple, just stop coming to visit Kayniik and parents." He responds to the speech, surprised his parents were right all along, yet he wasn't sure as he has never seen outside fourth district, except when looking out from the upper walls. "Kayniik wants to help correct this. What are we to do?"
The revelation shocked Kincaid to the core, how could this have been allowed to happen? Under his breath he whispered, "Sethana preserve us..."
Looking back at the map, Kincaid shook his head, "That's a lot of territory to cover. I hope there's more than just us working on this?"
Rokas listen to Lethierin explain the situation. When she points her stick at him, he responds that he will be taking the job. While she explains the sensitivity nature of the information and the possible punishments, Rokas shutter at the idea. Why would anyone wants to betray the city?
When Kincaid mention the vastness of the territory to cover, Rokas looks at him. "If there is no one else then us here, it's either because they didn't want us to know who would be the other groups or there isn't any other groups... for now."
Turning back to the Lethierin. "So you want us to do recons and Intel gathering? While I'm sure we are competent enough to survive out there, most of us didn't get any training in that type of field. So I'm guessing you have some specific mission you want us to do."
Hylar does not particularly concern himself with most of what is said. Okay, you can't say anything to anyone. Those he'd talk to are already in the room, so that wasn't much of a concern. If families were complicit, then that's a failing of theirs also. He is sure mercy was shown to those who were innocent... hopefully. "I am at least well suited to scouting terrain, as is Kasha. We are almost the most suitable candidates for these tasks." A blink dog, a tiny dragon, and a number of other rather feral creatures would be well suited for the wilds as well, perhaps this was why they were chosen out of everyone. Also their trustworthiness, as these groups were likely close-knit and not apt to be influenced by outside forces. That Pasternack gent though, he was something else.
Rozzev accompanies the group back at his half jog, and merely salutes and nods in agreement when Lethierin asks him if he's taking the job.
He seems fairly oblivious to what she's saying, at least until she starts talking about the actions of the former Tabula Sententia members. An expression of shock comes across his face, and seemingly without realizing it, he stands up out of his chair and begins pacing back and forth, tail quivering in anger.
When she is done he bursts out, "Why were ANY of them exiled instead of killed or imprisoned? They could easily have doomed us all with their irresponsible actions. Any sort of freedom is too good for them."
Those who know him have never seen him anywhere near this angry. His fists constantly clench and unclench, and he seems to be looking for something to punch.
"Just tell me what I need to do, and please tell me that if I ever confront any of these exiles, I do not have any restrictions on how I am to deal with them."
"Exiles are Exiles." Is all Geltherian says in response to Rozzev.
Letherin seems to get herself back under control. "You have been selected as the first two of four groups we are initiating as a new
Kotelia Speculator Speculatorem. You are now the only KSS troops the city has. And yes, I'm aware none of you have been trained as scouts. Nobody in the city has been, although we thought we had specially trained scouts. We've even gone back to the Old Name for the service, in the Old Tongue, to differentiate you from the 'Scout Service'. Unfortunately, we will have to have you learn on the job."
Geltherian clears his throat, a rusty sound, like metal scraping on stone. "Just to be clear, your duty, at least as much as finding out information is to get back here with it, and your learning. You will be training additional KSS troops after each mission."
Letherin pauses, then nods and continues. "You were selected for a myriad of reasons. Primus, you are a pre-existing unit, and thus proven to work well together. Secundus, you have a mix of personality types, and thought processes." She glances significantly at Pasternack. "Tertius, you have a wide variety of species and special abilities, even for Kotelia." She looks signficantly at Terex, Cygnus, and Hylar. "Quartius, none of you have existing connections to anyone formerly in the Tabula Sententia, nor do you have any connections to any existing political group or faction in the city. Quintus, you are, to put it indelicately, not vital to the city's continued function. That is not meant as holding your lives lightly, it is simply truth. If every one of you died in service, it would not cause the downfall of the city. This is a dangerous job, and we will not sugar coat it, it is likely that some or all of you may not make it back."
Geltherian nods. "Please do not take that the wrong way, I have no intention of throwing your lives away. You're not arrow fodder. You're citizens of the city, and you are needed. Part of why you are needed is that you aren't needed for anything else. Any other job can be done by others."
Letherin continues. "Tandem... the Old Council chose you from a list of those submitted for consideration." The Old Council is a myth, or at least, most would have thought it was before that admission. There are persistent rumors that there is an 'Old Council', the wisest and the most powerful of Kotelia's citizens, somehow preserved through the ages, who advise and guide the Council.
Terex nodded solemnly. I think I understand, and I have nothing to ask right now until after I know our specific mission.