Today is the day of your meeting with the Senator, and you have arrived at the great marble building of the Senate Hall early in the day. As you stand at the foot of the steps leading to the main atrium, a small noise and motion at your elbow attract your attention. Before you is a small woman in her elder years, bent even lower by her age. She holds a piece of parchment, folded and sealed with a shapeless blob of tallow, in a hand wrapped in cloth against the unseasonable chill of the morning.
"Beggin' your pardon, sir. My eldest son is on guard duty up there in the building and I need to send him a message. All those steps play havoc on these old bones. Could I persuade you to pass this on for me?" She picks up a small woven basket at her feat. From under the cloth that covers its top, escapes a tantalizing whiff of baked goods. "I also brought him his breakfast. If you'd be so kind as to deliver the basket and letter, you can help yourself to two of my spicy sausage rolls. Gregor won't miss them, and if he eats too many more he won't be able to squeeze into that armor of his."
Today is the day of your meeting with the Senator, and you've overslept. Late to your meeting, you are rushing through the marble halls of the Senate toward Croy's offices. Rounding a corner, your progress is suddenly halted by an obstacle--an apparently mobile column of books and papers. The column gives a surprised grunt as you slam into it, sending books and papers tumbling as you lose your footing on the smooth floor and fall on your rump. Through the drifting rain of papers, you see a young woman sitting across from you looking dismayed through cock-eyed spectacles as she gazes at the paperwork scattered across the floor.
Lost in thought, Master Parisos is startled when the aged lady makes her request. He takes his pipe out of his mouth as he leans down to make a diplomatic demurral.
"Well, I... really madame I... I really shouldn't... I have a pressing..." Somehow, in the middle of his protestations, he is surprised to find his arms filled with both tantalizing basket and letter.
Parisos' expression is a comical 'What just happened here?'
The woman pats Parisos' arm and gives him a close-mouthed grin. "Thank you, young man. The Sanguine Lord bless you and keep you for your aid to an old woman." She then proceeds to give him a description of her son, Gregor, and directions to where his duty station is. Thankfully, it's along the way to Master Parisos' scheduled meeting.
"But I have a meeting..." Parisos sighs and reluctantly nods. It is along the way to his meeting, and it is still early after all.
"Of course Madame. I'll see to it personally." He gives a bow, as he replies respectfully.
After all, what could be the harm to help an old lady?
He starts walking up the broad marble steps to the senate building...
You have arrived this morning at the Senate Forum for your meeting with Croy. After a long trip up the marble steps to the entrance, you wait at the entrance while a pair of Imperial Men-at-Arms go over your letter. After a moment they seem satisfied, their full plate clanking as they move aside and allow you to pass. Further in, another pair of guards watches as your offensive items are placed in a secure lockbox and you are given a claim chit to recover them on your way out. The it's off into the halls to find Croy's offices. You ask directions from a guard or two in order to keep your bearings as you navigate the place. You're fairly close to your destination when a woman trundles past you with a tall stack of books, folders, and scrolls teetering dangerously in her hands. As she rounds a corner, a loose sheet slides from the stack and wafts through the air, sliding to a halt on the crushed marble tile floor. Unaware, the woman is quickly out of sight.
At the top of the steps, Parisos is treated to a view of the Promenade, with its lines of blooming fruit trees and long reflecting pool, stretching away through the city. A pair of guards clad in full plate and bearing the livery of Imperial Men-at-Arms check each visitor to the Forum. You reach the front of the line and they mutter polite greetings. After a perusal of your letter of introduction, during which the female guard sniffs the air and enviously eyes the basket you carry, you are let through the doors and into the vaulting halls. Then a second pair of guards observes as you hand over any weapons or offensive items to a clerk, who secures them in a lockbox and gives you a claim chit to recover them when you leave.
A short time later you find a man matching the description of Gregor--a Nasian fellow, barrel-chested with a bushy sand-colored beard--standing guard over an unmarked door of dark oak. The man leans a bit heavily on his halberd and dark rings under his eyes suggest a bit of fatigue.
Parisos approaches the guard and bows politely.
"I beg your pardon sir, but would you be Gregor?" When confirmed, Parisos hands over the basket and letter.
"An elderly lady said she was your mother and asked me to deliver this basket and letter."
Finally realizing there is another person he reaches over to help the woman: "These didn't need to be in order did they??" He asks hoepfully.
Perception:
** spoiler omitted **
Kon-Tao calls to the woman politely and clearly that she dropped something even going so far to round the corner to catch her.
However he will not pick up the paper unless asked and continue on to his destination not allowing the distraction to veer him from his course or be late for the meeting.
Kon-Tao's calls after the woman, moving round the corner to get her attention. She veers to a halt, the stack in her hands teetering dangerously. She turns, taking a moment to nudge a pair of spectacles back up her nose using the corner of a book in the stack.
"Oh bother! Could...could you just pick it up for me and get it back in the stack somewhere where it won't blow loose again?" She shifts a little, apparently trying to adjust the balance of the stack of paperwork.
** spoiler omitted **
The young woman sits up and pushes wire-rimmed spectacles back up the bridge of her nose, giving a long-suffering sigh.
"No, I can reorganize things when I get to the meeting, if it doesn't finish by the time I arrive. I'm already late! She begins to scramble about on her hands and knees collecting folios, books, and bound bundles of paperwork, restacking them. She gives Broderick a grateful glance when he assists. Other people pass in the hall, some not bothering to look and others giving amused glances as they pass. Most of those appear to be wearing livery similar to the young woman.
Without saying another word he delicately drops the paper on top of the stack in her arms.
She stares at Kon-Tao a moment, blinks, and then, very deliberately and carefully, squats down and sets the stack on the floor. Then she slides a leather-bound ledger from the stack and places it on top to weight the paper down. Pushing her hands under the stack, she lifts it again with a grunt. "Thanks..." she mutters, not bothering to hide an eyeroll as she hurries off again.
Shrugging Kon-Tao continues on to the planned meeting.
Kon-Tao manages to find his way to Senator Croy's offices. Moving through a door off the hall leads him into a sitting room, where a clerk looks up from a desk at the cynean's entrance, running a hand through his receding hair..
"Oh! Good day. You...herm..." He stops a moment, glancing at an open ledger on the desktop and scanning a page. "You have an appointment, yes? Herm..." He scans the page once again. "Kon-Tao, yes? You're a bit early, but the Senator's prior appointment hasn't arrived. Herm. I could ask if he'll see you now."
He stands, giving you a slight bow at the waist. "I'm Alden Graff, the Senator's personal secretary. If you'll wait a moment, I'll announce you." Turning, he moves to a door at the back of the room, giving a light, deferential knock before opening it and slipping inside.
Parisos approaches the guard and bows politely.
"I beg your pardon sir, but would you be Gregor?" When confirmed, Parisos hands over the basket and letter.
"An elderly lady said she was your mother and asked me to deliver this basket and letter."
The bearded guard gives you a grin. You note he's missing an eyetooth on his left side. "Aye, that's me. I'll take those off your hands." He takes the letter first, tucking it in his belt pouch before relieving you of the basket, lifting a corner of the covering cloth and taking an appreciative sniff. "Ah, bless her, I'm starving. Thanks a bunch, mate."
Nodding in assent Broderick thinks, Interesting... filing away the schematics for later, before adding: "Yes, I'm quite late myself for a meeting with Senator Croy." Amidst the re-gathering of papers, Broderick gives himself a quick pat down to ensure that he still has the letter of introduction.
Please let it be here!
"Perhaps you are heading the same way? I can take some of the load, Miss...?" as Broderick reaches to take half the papers.
Kon-Tao manages to find his way to Senator Croy's offices. Moving through a door off the hall leads him into a sitting room, where a clerk looks up from a desk at the cynean's entrance, running a hand through his receding hair..
"Oh! Good day. You...herm..." He stops a moment, glancing at an open ledger on the desktop and scanning a page. "You have an appointment, yes? Herm..." He scans the page once again. "Kon-Tao, yes? You're a bit early, but the Senator's prior appointment hasn't arrived. Herm. I could ask if he'll see you now."
He stands, giving you a slight bow at the waist. "I'm Alden Graff, the Senator's personal secretary. If you'll wait a moment, I'll announce you." Turning, he moves to a door at the back of the room, giving a light, deferential knock before opening it and slipping inside.
Waiting for the moment Kon-Tao considers the meeting. He had brought with him a number of designs. One for a portable man carried cannon. Another for a suit of armor that can boost a mans strength. All of these were quite complicated and may need to be adjusted for mass production.
The young clerk smooths back her curly brown hair and straightens her clothing as she stands up, pushing up her spectacles once again before fixing hazel eyes on Broderick. "Amalie, Amalie Sumner," she says by way of introduction, "and Senator Croy's offices are that way," indicating the way you were going, "whereas I'm headed this way, hence our abrupt meeting here in the hall," she explains, pointing the way she was going, and then clapping her hands to emphasize her point. "If you'd be so kind as to load me back up, I'll be on my way and then we can both avoid being any less late for our respective appointments."
The smell of the rolls in the basket distracts Master Parisos from much else as Gregor takes one and bites off half in one mouthful, revealing ground sausage baked into the middle. He gives a moan and, mouth still full, mumbles his thanks again, lifting the basket to offer the prymidian one of the baked goods.
As Kon-Tao goes over his designs in his head, the far door opens again. Alden Graff holds the door as a man dressed in fine robes enters. He stands just over six feet in height, with well-styled hair and close-cropped beard of dark brown, starting to gray at the temples. His blue eyes appear sharp and observant as his gaze fixes on the cynean with an appraising look.
"Welcome. I hope our discourse today proves to be mutually beneficial," he says in passable Cynean. Then, switching to the Common tongue: "I am Senator Roald Croy. I'm in need of competent people to provide service to me in, shall we say, unconventional ways."
Tempted, Parisos sniffs the enticing aroma from the basket and lifts a hand.
"Well..." He said, considering, but he shook his head and backed up a step.
[b]"That is very generous of you sir, but I have an appointment with a Senaor and I really cannot be late.
[b]"Have a very good afternoon and bon appetite!"
He bows to Gregor and proceeds back down the hallway towards his appointment at a deliberate pace.
"One of the Senators has requested guidance from the Church. While this is not entirely unheard of, such roles usually go to followers of the Sanguine Lord. However, this particular personage is of interest to us, and we would like to see his efforts succeed. You are to report to Senator Roald Croy at the capitol building and provide whatever assistance you can, within the bounds of your conscience. Should you need any guidance, you may always return here to consult with one of your superiors, or the Kaga Himself, should it be necessary."
"Amon, you are being put on special assignment. We have had a request from one of the Senators for a protective detail. He has made a reasonable argument that he may need someone of your abilities and command has seen fit to have me procure an agent to assign. I have chosen you."
"You will provide what service you can to Senator Roald Croy, in whatever capacity he deems fit, so long as his commands do not break Imperial law or countermand your orders from Section Omega. Also, we are doing this to build a bridge of trust between us and the Crown Council. That said, we also want as much knowledge about the Senator and his operations personally, within the Crown Council, and the overall Senate as well. You will provide regular reports weekly as you are able. Questions?"
And restarts his dash once more through the halls, weaving and dodging people as he goes with quick apologies as his only defense. Upon reaching the door, he stops to pull out the letter before throwing the door open. "Sorry I'm late! There was this confusion and collision in the halls and papers were everywhere! But I'm here!" Waving his letter as if to dispel any doubts that may linger in the air.
"No questions sir. If that will be all, I'll take my leave and commence the mission immediately."
*Salutes Director Malshenko, and Heads off to meet with Senator Croy, only to return moments later*
"Um,just one question sir. Where can I find Senator Croy?"
Reaching a hand out, "Nice to meet you Miss Sumner, I am known as Broderick." As he picks up his half of the papers (the one with the schematics) "I couldn't possibly let you get delayed yet again by chance with another collision, allow me to be your escort on the way."
While they walk Broderick will try to slip the schematics underneath his own letter amidst small talk. "So Miss Sumner, or may I call you Amalie? How long have you been working here in the Senate?"
As Kon-Tao goes over his designs in his head, the far door opens again. Alden Graff holds the door as a man dressed in fine robes enters. He stands just over six feet in height, with well-styled hair and close-cropped beard of dark brown, starting to gray at the temples. His blue eyes appear sharp and observant as his gaze fixes on the cynean with an appraising look.
"Welcome. I hope our discourse today proves to be mutually beneficial," he says in passable Cynean. Then, switching to the Common tongue: "I am Senator Roald Croy. I'm in need of competent people to provide service to me in, shall we say, unconventional ways."
"Indeed. If you have summoned me it sounds as if you require a unique form of mechanical assistance. I have studied much of Armanian designs and while copies are impossible without incurring their various guilds wrath I understand the basic sciences and can develop a number of practical designs based upon their foundations. I have a number of blueprints and sketches with me if you would be interested?"
Kon-Tao attempts somethign like an affable smile. An odd effect on a face made entirely of crystal.
Amon: Malshenko gives a grin. "His offices are at the Senate building. A letter of introduction is being drafted for you. Pick it up on the way out of the building. He'll be expecting you today."
Master Parisos: Gregor gives you a shrug and a "Suit yourself" look, continuing to chew his roll as you turn and leave. A short while later you find yourself outside Senator Croy's offices.
Broderick: At your offer, her expression and tone soften a bit. "Oh, why yes, that's very kind of you to offer." You gather half of the scattered stack (including the schematics) into a pile and proceed down the hall back the way you came.
"Amelie is fine. I've been here just over a year now. I work for Senator Volkov. Will you be working for Senator Croy? He's...well, he's certainly making himself known around here."
Kon-Tao: The Senator smiles. "It sounds fascinating and I would certainly like to see them sometime in the future. However, for the time being I think there are other ways you can assist me. I'm assembling a team of professionals and your talents will certainly be of assistance to them in certain operations I'll need done."
"Thank you sir!"
Amon stops by the secretary's desk to pick up the letter of introduction, and proceeds to the senate building.
Master Parisos enters the Senators chambers and presents himself to the factotum present. He offers his letter of introduction.
(Limited to a 10)
As he weaves around a pair of clerks, Broderick inquires: "Oh really? In what way? Nothing nefarious I hope..
Broderick: Amelie laughs. "Oh, no, I didn't mean anything like that. It's just he's...unconventional. There are a lot of older and more established members of the Senate that consider him something of a radical. Then again, some of these people think you're a radical if you use the wrong spoon to eat your soup at a formal dinner."
Amon: A short while later you arrive. The guards at the door take one look at your uniform and let you pass, as does the clerk and a second pair of guards that collect and hold weapons from visitors. A quick question to them and a page is summoned to lead you to Croy's offices.
Master Parisos: A mild-looking human fellow with a receding hairline greets you in the outer office and receives your letter, consulting a leather-bound ledger on his desk. "Herm...yes, here we are. You are expected, Master Parisos. If you would have a seat," he says, indicating one of several comfortable-looking chairs in the room,"I'll inform the Senator of your arrival. He's currently speaking with, herm, another visitor. I'm sure he'll see you at his earliest opportunity. Herm." With that, he rises and moves to another door at the back of the room, knocking deferentially before slipping inside.
Kon-Tao: The Senator smiles. "It sounds fascinating and I would certainly like to see them sometime in the future. However, for the time being I think there are other ways you can assist me. I'm assembling a team of professionals and your talents will certainly be of assistance to them in certain operations I'll need done."
"Ah, a team of specialists then? I do admit it is rare that I have worked with others on any projects. I assume this is a particularly large and complex program then?"
Upon reaching the office of the senator, Amon will stride up to the secretary.
Excuse me sir. I am Sector Omega agent Amon Alhombra. I have a meeting with Senator Croy today. He should be expecting me.
Parisos bows to the factotum.
"Yes of course." He takes the indicated seat.
"Another visitor? Anyone I know?" He inquired curiously.
"Herm...I don't know how I could possibly answer that, sir, since I don't know who you know. Herm. That is to say, I did not know him until we were introduced."
Upon entering the office, you note that one of the comfortable looking chairs in the place is occupied by a prymidian male, who seems to be waiting on an appointment. The secretary, a prematurely balding human man dressed in functionary's clothing, stands to greet you. "Agent Alhombra, herm, yes. Senator Croy was awaiting someone from your organization. Please have a seat and I'll inform the Senator you've arrived."
"Complex and long-term, yes. I don't think I'd describe it as 'large' since the team is small and of varied specialties. Politics is very unlike your profession, Kon-Tao. In some ways they are alike: both are complex and the way they operate is often a mystery to many. However, there are significant differences. Where politics is concerned, it is convoluted and often runs against the very rules by which it is said to function. Hence I need a team of...troubleshooters, shall we say, that can help move things in the proper direction. I assure you that your skills will certainly be tested and should you serve efficiently, your designs and plans will see fruition and due testing in the field."
At this point, there is a quiet knock and, at the Senator's summons, Alden Graff slips into the room. "Herm, begging your pardon, sir, but you have another visitor. Herm. Master Parisos and he's on time. No sign of Mister Cromwell as yet."
The Senator nods. "Give us a few moments and then I'll send for him." Graff gives a short bow and retreats to the outer office. Croy turns back to you. "Another specialist, here by request. Perhaps we should speak with him and I can give you a better idea of the talent I'm recruiting."
"I'll try not to cause too much a commotion, else dinner parties will never be the same." Broderick quips.
As they reach the Senator's door Broderick will knock to allow them entrance. "It has been a pleasure walking and talking with you Amelie, hopefully the next time we meet will be less accidental and with much less paperwork."
Handing over the stack, he will retrieve his letter (and the schematics) as surreptitiously as possible.
Amalie does not seem to notice the loss of the schematics from her stack, too focused on keeping things balanced as you hold the door open for her to enter. She gives you a smile. "Likewise, Broderick. Thank you for taking the time. I hope I didn't make you too late for your meeting." With that, she moves into the office, leaving you alone with your new acquisition...and still late for your appointment.
Nodding to the Prelate and reponding with an understanding, 'Of course,' the P'tan excused herself and headed for the capital building. With little time spent delaying, she proceeded inside shortly after arriving, intending on finding the senator's office at once.
Standing at six feet and cutting a ferocious silhouette, she stood out like a sore thumb. P'tan were a bit on the scarce side as races go, in part owed to frequent mercenary occupational hazards. This one had dark red fur, but the nature of her black stripes were not unlike the symbol of the Kaga itself. Outfitted in functional, form fitting leather armor, she stared back with amber eyes at any, regarding those who pondered for too long with her own unbroken gaze.
Halting a random person in the hall with a firm snatch of the arm, she asked, "Where is Senator Croy's office? I have a meeting." It was not meant as impolite.
Amon approaches the prymidian man with an congenial smile.
"Greetings and Salutations. I am Agent Amon Alhombra, do you also have a meeting with the Senator?"
Amon will offer to shake the prymidians hand and take the seat next to him.
"I'm just glad that I do not seem to be late."
After patting himself on the back on his latest acquisition, Broderick remembers he is late for his meeting, proceeding to run with all haste towards Senator Croy's office.
"Complex and long-term, yes. I don't think I'd describe it as 'large' since the team is small and of varied specialties. Politics is very unlike your profession, Kon-Tao. In some ways they are alike: both are complex and the way they operate is often a mystery to many. However, there are significant differences. Where politics is concerned, it is convoluted and often runs against the very rules by which it is said to function. Hence I need a team of...troubleshooters, shall we say, that can help move things in the proper direction. I assure you that your skills will certainly be tested and should you serve efficiently, your designs and plans will see fruition and due testing in the field."At this point, there is a quiet knock and, at the Senator's summons, Alden Graff slips into the room. "Herm, begging your pardon, sir, but you have another visitor. Herm. Master Parisos and he's on time. No sign of Mister Cromwell as yet."
The Senator nods. "Give us a few moments and then I'll send for him." Graff gives a short bow and retreats to the outer office. Croy turns back to you. "Another specialist, here by request. Perhaps we should speak with him and I can give you a better idea of the talent I'm recruiting."
Kon-Tao, curious and slightly confused asks. "What precisely do you mean by troubleshooter?"
As Amon briefly engages in conversation with Master Parisos, the door to the inner office opens and a cynean emerges, followed by a human male who
stands just over six feet in height, with well-styled hair and close-cropped beard of dark brown, starting to gray at the temples. His blue eyes appear sharp and observant as he looks over the two seated in the waiting room. Alden Graff stands, but before he can say anything the door bursts open and another young man enters, loudly apologizing for his tardiness and waving a letter around. Looking a bit puzzled, a female p'tan, dressed in the colors of the Kaga, slips in behind him. Alden simply lets out another "Herm..." and looks to the other man.
"Well, it seems we're all here at last. Graff, be so kind as to bring some refreshments into my office. Good folk, if you'll come inside and be seated, I believe I can explain myself to everyone's satisfaction at this point."
Following Senator Croy back into his chambers, you are all seated and Graff returns with a tray containing a carafe of wine, ceramic cups, and an assortment of cheeses, cold meats, and a small loaf of bread. After collecting the appropriate letters from the group, he retreats to the outer office and leaves you with Croy.
"My friends, we live in a precarious time. The Imperial Alliance was forged to protect the citizens of all civilized nations, to promote peace and understanding and usher the world into a new age of enlightenment. Current political stances threaten that well-being, weakening us, when there are enemies waiting to seize on such weakness and destroy us while we remain divided."
"I do what I can within the halls of the Senate to promote a stronger, more authoritative Alliance so we can show a united front against those enemies--Xon, the quickslavers, the Janus horde, the Khaynites--but it is not enough. I have decided to seek other options. Unconventional options, to say the least. I want a team of experts, answerable to me, to undertake certain...operations, that are outside the purview of the Senate. Also, I feel that these operations may expose me to hostility from those that oppose my views. Hence, I may also ask you to perform operations of security for my person and those with whom I interact. You will all receive a regular stipend and have your accommodations within the city paid. You also will receive special dispensation to go about the premises armed, and will be known to the Imperial guards and will not be bothered as you go about your business here. If you are to go further abroad, there may be certain...complications, but I feel you may be talented enough to overcome them."
"You all come well recommended. However, I'd like to see how you can operate as a team. So, if you are in agreement, I am in need of historical information from a local archive off the grounds. Your first duty for me would be going there and retrieving certain documents for me for research. I am sure you have questions and I will answer them to the best of my ability."
Master Parisos nodded slowly.
"Yes of course. I was sent to be of service." He said forthrightly.
He leaned forward intently. "But... retrieving documents sounds more like a library aide's job. Why would you need us?"