[Exalted] Protectors of the River Province

[Marcao]

"I am not." He replied to Orduin's comment. The fewer people that knew of his nature the better as far as he was concerned. Lookshy was supposed to be far more tolerant of the so called "Anathema" than other places in creation but he still preferred to keep his nature as unobtrusive as possible. He had vivid memories of the first few times he had heard that word uttered, they had not been good days.

His attention slid between Orduin and the woman, a brief smile dancing on his lips. Their reunion was touching and a part of him wondered if he would have to contend with the arrangement that Luna and the Unconquered Sun entered in regards with their chosen. He hoped that if that occurred, it did not occur anytime soon.

Kolth's exchange was caught and he understood that there was a hidden meaning in the exchange but he could not make sense of it. His attention slid to his food and he continued to pick at it. It was quite good and he had no idea how long the people he was going to meet were going to hold him in that meeting..,

[LadyTevar]

Teamhair only smiled at Kolth, before eating more of the delicious food set before her, thinking fondly of a couple tricks she could play upon him, if she wished. She took a swallow of the ale ... very *good* ale ... to cleanse her palate before speaking. "Of course I'll be with Orduin in spirit," she finally said, "Hopefully, I'll be with him often from now on..." She send the Twilight Caste Gunzosha a smoldering look that promised several things for when they were alone.

[rhoenix]

Kolth began fanning himself upon seeing the look Teamhair gave Orduin and shook his head. "Careful - you'll set the building on fire with looks like that," he said while nodding sagely.

As he grinned to show that he was joking, as he smoothly stood, his mostly-full tankard of ale raised. "In all seriousness, today's the day that portents many interesting and good times ahead with good friends. Orduin here finally has a reason to smile instead of looking like someone force-fed him lemons and cat dung all the time, and Yvela, despite his reserved demeanor, appears to already found his place in this odd little group - and I'm honored to say that. To interesting times - may they bring us good fortune, and that which we all seek."

With that, he smoothly took a good drink of his ale, and sat.

[SirNitram]

Orduin took a deep drink. "Works for me, that's always a good toast. But let's get this all over with, I think. The sooner we know where we're going, the sooner the fun can begin, yes? I've not seen anything new or had a chance to take on the Walking Dead in over a month."

[rhoenix]

Shaking his head, Kolth smirked. "You should join the ranks of the scouts and runners, Orduin. I spent some rather stimulating time 'negotiating' with a pack of barbarians just this morning. Sloppy bunch, but they know how to drink."

[The Nomad]

After a pleasant while, it was time for the Chosen to reach their intended destinations. Bidding the innkeeper farewell – the woman winked mischievously at Kolth and Orduin, as if anticipating the former's next escapade – they headed for the District of the Legion, Deheleshen's former business district. Housed inside once-luxurious hotels, whose faded exteriors belied their former glory, the Operations' Directorate was the nerve center of Lookshy's strategic and force projection planning.

After crossing the various rings of the city – a process vastly sped up by the Gunzosha's presence – Orduin, Kolth and Yvela reached the building where Taimyo Teresu Odaï was waiting to brief them. After being discreetly ushered by a secretary in a briefing room adjoining the Taimyo's office, they could get a better look of the man.

Tamyo Teresu Odaï was a short man bearing the markings of a powerful Water-Aspected Dragon-Blooded – short, well-groomed green hair, dark blue skin and the scent of brine. “Welcome, please took a seat,â€

[rhoenix]

As the meeting began, the faint tap of a beak against one of the windows caused Kolth's ears to perk up. Though he didn't show any outward sign that he'd heard anything, he stretched after a moment, and apparently by complete chance happened to see the bird standing interestedly next to the window. He hid a smile, and merely listened to what Tamyo Teresu Odaï had to say.

"Any questions, sirs?" he asked the three of them when he was finished giving them the briefing of the black ship.

At this, Kolth grinned. "Well, it appears from your description that the 'fun' part is already taken care of - so, what about the 'profit' part?"

[SirNitram]

"I will ensure the stealth systems on the armor are fully functional before I engage." Orduin gave a sharp salute, acknowledging the now universal truth: He was a weapon in Lookshy's arsenal, alright, but he was one to be felt, not seen or heard.

Kolth's comment caused a rolling of eyes. Then again, it was the way of people, and Orduin certainly couldn't complain about his hazard pay.

[The Nomad]

Teresu Odaï rolled his eyes almost as a mirror to Orduin. "Form 23XA-b details the standard pay for the duration of the mission, expenses covered within the limits of reason, and risk premium to be determined when your final report is delivered - plus the requirements for the allocation of a pension to living kin should an... 'accident' occur. That's not the first time you're working for us, Mister Inzeti, so you're familiar with our procedures." Indeed, while the salary was usually not lavish, it was quite decent and always a fair reward for efforts and risk taken, though anyone in the employ of the Seventh Legion was expected to see his fair share of fighting and risk. Patriotism was always a desirable quality in Lookshy.

[rhoenix]

This caused Kolth to chuckle, and then shrug. "Yeah well, you have to make sure. I mean, there was that one time you threw in that extra bonus," he said with a smile. "If we capture the ship and her crew and tow it back to Lookshy, will you reconsider?"

His tone was light, though those that have been around him for any length of time knew he was quite serious, if only because he was now curious as to this little mystery of the Black Ship.

[The Nomad]

"Of course, capturing the Black Ship intact, as well as any of her crew, will yield substantial rewards," Teresu Odaï replied. "A word to the Stores Directorate about an object or two that you just might like, and which have spent the better part of the last centuries locked inside a vault..." His voice trailed off. "I'm not actually aware of their exact inventory, but that is a possibility to consider, depending on what proof you bring back. Anyway, the priority remains the neutralization of the threat. If you do not stop it this time, next time it may strike near Lookshy. Discover its nature and intent, then act in consequence."

[LadyTevar]

Black Ship? Teamhair had heard something in passing, more about the towns going missing. She was not the only Lunar hunting amongst the River Confederation. At the last gathering, one of her age-mates had been quite upset about his town and family gone missing. She had not realized it was this far spread.

The River Cities need better intelligence and communications between themselves. she noted to herself, filing it under 'Improvements'. Lookshy may have more secrets for her to steal for the River Confederation than just military might.

Now, to just get away from Caravan Master Wildstream... I wonder if Kolth would help me there....

[rhoenix]

At this, Kolth nodded, his unblinking gaze locked with Teresu Odaï's as the man replied to Kolth's question. "Sounds good to me. Anything else we need to know or take into account, or can we get started?"

[Marcao]

He made an effort not to look around the former business district any more than he had to. He had a feeling that doing so would encourage distraction and he was not particularly interested in being distracted at the moment. The fact that Orduin was near made the process far less painful or time consuming than it had to be. Their arrival to the Taimyo’s location was noted, his eyes lingering on the dragon blooded for a few moments. When the man made his offer about being sitting he took it. He saw no need to be uncomfortable for the sake of being uncomfortable.

He listened to what the dragon blooded had to say, aware that it was in his best interest to understand everything that was expected of him. A jet black boat, well it was certainly interesting even. He had expected that something of note would require his services, Lookshy had many tools at its disposal to deal with all but the most unusual of concerns. A folder was handed over to him and he opened the folder promptly, his eyes scouring the files that laid within before he looked upwards as the Taimyo finished his exchange with Orduin. He had a handful of questions that came to mind and he sought them out in the offered reports. Firstly, what sort of crew was the black ship known to possess? Was it a human crew or something else entirely? Secondly, was the black ship a sail boat or was it powered by more esoteric devices? The artifact hulls of first age ships were far tougher than anything else afloat. Such a vessel would prove to be very difficult to sink. Finally, what sort of vessel were they being provided?

He sought the answers to those questions in the folder that he was provided. Kolth took the approach that had been present in his mind. He was after all not a Lookshy operative nor a commando, he expected to be paid for his work. He was unfortunately not in the best bargaining position at the moment. Lookshy was not aware of the quality of his work, and as such his ability to haggle was diminished. After they had a taste of his worth however, he fully expected to start negotiating in earnest about his future in the city. An association with Lookshy could make his long term plans come to fruition at a far quicker pace than he had otherwise expected. But time in of itself only counted for someone such as he…

“Everything seems to be rather clear cut so far.â€

[The Nomad]

"Everything we know is in those folders," Teresu Odaï replied. "It goes without saying that we would like this information to remain as secret as possible - if you have to give out some data in exchange for assistance or complementary information, so be it, but please do not spread it lightly." As a precaution, nothing in the folders could incriminate Lookshy, or reveal who their informants and spies were.

There were detailed reports of each sighting. The ship's crew was a complete unknown, as were his capabilities, though it had avoided direct confrontation with all military ships of the River Province, which suggested that any capabilities it had were focused on going unnoticed until it struck.

As for their own vessel, it was a small, fast river boat, manageable by a crew of six or a skeleton crew of two (Yevala was to be the commanding officer), and with comfortable accomodation for up to five additional passengers; cargo capacity could include up to two months of supplies. With both sail and rows, it was small enough that it could venture in most rivers, with comfortable speed. Its armament would be composed of a single light implosion bow, carefully hidden in the prow segment (and, as duly noted, under loan from the Stores Department - which meant take care, or else); it was, however, not heavily armored, favoring manoeuvrability and speed. Where the water level was below six feet, it could send in two small rowboats. There was no space aboard for mounts, however.

A brand new ship, which Yevala would have the honor to christen himself the next morning.

"I believe there is nothing more to be said, so I am bidding you farewell, and may Lookshy and the Confederation of Rivers ever triumph!" He gave them the salute, and called for his secretary to escort the Exalts out.

[Marcao]

"I see." He responded as the Taimyo clarified of the level of information that the folders that had been given to them contained. "I see no reason for us not to take great care as to what we reveal in our travels." He was very much aware of how precious information could be. He had no desire to share any knowledge with anyone unless he had an excellent reason to do so and the others agreed. The lack of incriminating about Lookshy was not at all surprising. He expected competence from the inhabitants of the city. They were in many ways the best that the chosen of the dragons had to offer. They would make suitable allies as well as other things.

He did not like the fact that information on the Black Ship was so thin, but if Lookshy had more to go on they would hardly utilize three exalts on such a mission. The fact that it had managed to avoid confrontation with other ships in the province suggested a stealth capability of some kind.

Maybe the ship could go underwater?

It was a stretch but it was a possibility that could not be discounted. His thoughts went to Bluehaven pirates but they were far away from home if that was the case. Forces of a Deathlord? Thorns was to the south after all. He did not have enough information to go on, he would have to formulate a theory after the first sighting of the vessel. Of the ship that they were being provided he had no complaints. It should do the job nicely, without being terribly blunt. One of the shiny first age ships would have been too much to hope for.

"I agree. We have been provided with ample information and adequate tools to carry out this task." The taimyo saluted but as he was not part of the military he did not respond in kind. His patriotic words were heard but he did not respond to those either. On the other hand he did not mock them, the man seemed to genuinely believe what he was saying. He had no interest in trying to abuse him out of that notion. It was his city, pride in where you lived was often a good sign.

He waited for the secretary to arrive and followed without complaint when he was escorted out of the room. His mind was preoccupied with the possibilities of their task, as well as the capabilities of their adversary. Still, a part of him could hardly contain his excitement. He had missed being on a ship...

[rhoenix]

Nodding politely to the (somewhat pompous but necessary) official with a smile, Kolth left with the others out of the room, and looked happily expectant as he did. "So, a mystery of a big evil black ship. I don't know about you Yvela, but I think Orduin might be right this time - we might be dealing with Abyssals here. They might be sneaky sometimes, but they're certainly not subtle."

[Marcao]

"I usually like puzzles Kolth." He admitted as he walked alongside the man. His attention sliding towards Orduin for a moment before he looked at Kolth once more. "It is certainly a possibility that we cannot discount. The so called Death Knights have sprouted over creation like mushrooms." He went silent for a moment before he continued. "It may also be a more mundane threat, either way we are going to find out soon enough."

He smiled faintly at that. This mission was an opportunity to make his presence and worth felt. He had every intention of taking advantage of it. His head turned as he glanced towards Orduin once more. "Will you seek to bring your lady friend along on this little expedition?" It was true that she had not been part of the meeting, but she could prove of use in the days ahead.

[SirNitram]

Orduin nodded. "I just wanted to get the hell of Requisitions And Supply done first. We'll all meet up at the ship once we're ready to go. Then we can head out and find what's been happening with all this." A pair of gloves were pulled on to hide the most obvious Gunzosha implants. "Just no messing with that artillery. It's on loan in my name and we might need it."

[The Nomad]

Crossing the Barracks District to get into the Warehouse District, it was a formality for Orduin to get an appointment with one of the officials from Requisitions and Supplies. Supplies had already been assigned to the yet-unnamed vessel - food, clothing, medicines, tools, weapons and ammunitions... The sailors were Lookshyan, trusted helots who were in line for citizenship - and who would obtain it after this assignment, if all went well.

Unless Orduin had any special demands, there was nothing to be added, the official concluded, bowing the head in admiration for a member of the Gunzosha commandos.

[LadyTevar]

A myna-bird was following them as they went about their business, watching them with interest as she thought of ways to get invited to their little party. Her knowledge of the River Confederation would be a great aid. There was just the little matter of CaravanMaster Wildstream to deal with.

[Marcao]

“Sounds good Orduin, I will take care of some minor business that I have left in the city and finish my preparations before our reunion.â€

[The Nomad]

The preparations for the journey cared for, the three Solars then made way home - or what was, for them, home: the Gunzosha barracks or an inn in the Fourth Ring.

As the day was drawing to an end, Teamhair Tahalshia, flying up in the sky, peeked down to see Caravan Master Wildstream coming back into the Third Ring, in the District of Artisans, heading for the fashion boutique. A secluded alleyway nearby would allow shifting back into another shape...

[LadyTevar]

Tevar took full advantage of the situation. Landing in the alley, she spun her anima outward gently but quickly, her mind focused on a face, a body, and wrapping herself fully inside the illusion.

As Caravan Master Wildstream passed, a young man stepped out of the alley and caught up quickly. "Master Wildstream of Nexus?" the young man asked, a wicked grin upon his face, his eyes slightly reddened. "I am Kolth Inzeti, and my employer has asked me to speak to you regarding the Lady Tahalshia...."

[The Nomad]

With a startled look, Tanner Wildstream acquiesced: "What is your employer's message then? Who is he, by the way?"