A Day in the Life of a Diplomatic Courier - RPLOG
From Flexible Survival
Participants
Date
4/6/2023
Log
(Ysadora) The Embassy in Eureka has obviously been disregarded for some time. It looks more like a converted emplacement, a miniature fortress, than it does a diplomatic facility. Still, there's a steady stream of mutants coming and going on business now. It seems like some event must have kicked things into motion here, and a few agents can be seen off to the side of the road unloading crates with Zephyr and RSX logos on them. Prometheans are in evidence as well, easily spotted in their little clusters within the perimeter by their fiery hats. A heavyset little beaver wanders by as you watch, a sash with a maple leaf emblazoned on it wrapped around his chest. Ysadora is waiting for you just outside the entrance. She waves, bouncing on her floating heels, as you approach. "Hey y'all! Thanks for coming. I've been suborned to work for the RSX Ambassador here for a bit, so it's my job to do things like escorting you inside." She looks over the party, eyes lingering a little on Booker with a sly smile. "Oh, and if you have any high explosives, leave 'em outside. Normal weapons and stuff is fine, but they draw the line at anything that could send the Embassy and everyone in it sky high. Does anyone have any questions before we go to meet the Ambassadors?"
(Yew) Yew shook their head. They carried with them naught but the suit on their skin, so they had no need to leave anything behind. They kept silent and waited patiently for more info to be revealed, wondering how much would be left a surprise.
(Junes) Junes nodded and waved to the ghost and poodle, the hoodied chimera getting closer before hearing this and decided to ask "should i leave my bag outside?" seeing booker and brushing a tail on is head "good to see you too!"
(Booker) Booker wandered on up, quietly looking at everyone "Hows everyone doin?" He laughed, returning the pat to Junes head." No explosives? Awww man, He laughed, looking over at Ysadora. "So what all are we doin here?"
(Syntax) Syntax enters the Embassy with a nervous glance around. She wasn't originally on planning on coming, but after thinking on it, why not? She needs to make some more connections among Eureka's political segments.
(Ysadora) There are a pair of serious-looking guards at the Embassy's door. One of them has enormous, hairy arms that would look more appropriate on a gorilla, while the other appears to be a towering humanoid shark. Both are carrying assault weapons, but they nod Ysadora through with only a passing glance as she leads the group through the entrance. "Well, I'm not sure about the exact job. It's all hush-hush, you know, and it's from Alvin. Uh, he's the Zephyr Ambassador, while I'm working for Eve, the RSX Ambassador. They don't exactly get along, so I'm surprised she let me help out on this one, actually." The interior of the building is obviously undergoing some renovations. A few offices off the main hallway are being gutted, with new desks and equipment crowding the corridor, ready to be put in. Eventually, the ghost leads you to a cramped working space near the back of the building. It's just barely got enough room for the two desks crammed in there, only one of which is occupied. A small man, only slightly taller than your guide, stands up and approaches. He's wearing a pair of round spectacles on the tip of his human nose, but below the waist his body flares out into a skunk's hindquarters, complete with a fluffy tail that bobs behind him as he walks.
(Ysadora) "Ah, thank you for coming," the man says in a reedy voice. "Alvin Bell, Zephyr Ambassador. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." He tucks a lock of white curls behind his ear, hiding it among the otherwise black hair on his head. "I presume you're the ones who signed up for our little task, hm?"
(Yew) Yew steps into the embassy, gawking at its interior and trying to avert their eyes from the tougher looking inhabitants. Yew nods to the skunk-man, continuing to stay silent for now. They didn't know quite what they had signed up for, but they didn't care much. They figured the job would be reletavely safe, and that it was a good excuse to learn more about the city.
(Junes) Junes nodded and handed the guards their rocket launcher, grenades and...a leaf in a bag "ill be back for those but take care of the leaf, it's sentimental alright?" before briskly walking back to the group and hearing the name of the zephyr ambassador they were thinking of a rodent before seeing the half-skunk and with a glance simply said "hey" to him
(Booker) Booker Also handed over a rocket launcher. He followed after Junes, giving a casual wave to the ambassador. "How's it goin?" He said in smalltalk, glancing at the group that had appeared. He looked to Ysadora afterwards. "So..." He trailed off.
(Syntax) Syntax smiles and nods to the half-skunk and inwardly hopes she isn't recognized. "Ah, pleasure to meet ye. Wasn't aware Zephyr had personnel here."
(Ysadora) Ysadora meets Booker's eyes and shrugs.
(Ysadora) The skunk satyr looks you all over carefully, although no signs of recognition are visible on his tight features. "Yes, well, I'm sure you're all curious about what the job is, exactly. It's quite simple, actually. You see-"
(Ysadora) He's interrupted by the door flying open as a towering, amazonian woman bursts through. As tall and powerful as she's built, she's dwarfed next to Umeko, who walks in shortly after. "I found another one, Al," she says shortly, before sitting down in the other desk. Kicking her feet up, she glares at the Zephy Ambassador, who is obviously put out by the interruption.
(Umeko) Umeko ended up running behind the others as she got held up in the security line while temporarily handing over her explosives, and her other explosives, and her gun-attached explosives, and her explosive knife, and so forth. She gave a little wave to the group and made her way into the room to quietly join them, acting like nothing had happened.
(Ysadora) "As I was saying," Alvin clears his throat. "The job is quite simple." He turns to his desk before returning with a thick-looking brown envelope. It has DIPLOMATIC PACKAGE printed on it in official-looking red letters. "I'm sure you've heard about the whole 'termite' thing everyone is talking about. Those hooligans over at the 'Enigma Complex' went and made contact with them, which in turn made everyone else realize what a military power was sitting right under their noses." He says this with a pinch of scorn, apparently completely unaware off all the 'hooligans' in the room with him at that very moment. "So, Zephyr is interested in opening talks with these Termites as well, and we need trustworthy couriers to deliver this to them."
(Syntax) Syntax laughs awkwardly. "Aye, yeah, hooligans. So, ah, what's this message for? We just lettin' them know there's folk that want to talk?"
(Umeko) Umeko also joined in the slight awkward laughing, hoping that the large amount of weapons at the security checkpoint wouldn't be an issue either as they were mentioned. She gave a little nod as Syntax asked the question, letting things continue on for now.
(Ysadora) "If you want ta sabotage Zephyr, now's your chance," the woman at the other desk calls. She'd look human, but she's just a bit too symmetrical under her bun of brown hair; a sense of artificiality on her features. Probably some kind of Woodfield humanoid mutation. Alvin shoots a disapproving glance in her direction. She grins back cheekily.
(Ysadora) He gives a long look at Syntax, then places a hand on the envelope with a serious expression. "That information is confidential. As for who the message is for, you are to deliver it into the hands of one Major Zhao. No one else." He makes to hand the envelope over to whoever is willing to take it, but hesitates. "And, of course, it is -not- to be opened en route. I trust you understand this is a matter of diplomatic import." With that said, Alvin extends the envelope once again. "Who is most comfortable handling packages?" Not a shred of humor shows on his features.
(Yew) Yew had a concerned look on their face as the skunk-satyr stresses diplomatic importance. They pull out a pocket in their suit on the side of their chest, "Do you think this would work? How likely are we to be hunted down for this thing? Would anyone try to either steal or destroy it for whatever reason?"
(Junes) Junes looked to the amazonian woman, assuming that was eve and chuckled a bit "yeah, hopefully we dont run into any trouble on the way" looking to the skunk morph and asking "by the way, are we being paid upfront?" looking into the humanoid eyes
(Ysadora) Alvin creases his lips into a thin smile, the first sign of emotion you've seen from the skunk-satyr. "As far as I am aware, our greatest rival is right over there in that seat. Isn't that right, Eve?" He chuckles to himself, although the jab doesn't seem to have fazed the other at all. "No, we aren't expecting any trouble. None of the other factions should even know about this envelope, much less want to divest you of it." He nods to Junes. "And of course, your accounts will already have been credited with some cash and salvage for your efforts. More will be dispensed once you return successfully."
(Booker) Booker reached a hand out to take the envelope, quietly turning it over and looking at it. "So.. What kinda message is in here? I dont feel like getting stabbed or shot cause some diplomat wanted to be a douche." He tilted his head. "A message of peace?" He tucked the envelope into his bag.
(Ysadora) Booker takes the envelope without issue. It's not particularly heavy and even of form, suggesting whatever's inside is probably just paper. Alvin nods to him. "As I said, that's entirely classified. The communique within is for the eyes of Major Zhao and the termite leadership only." He sighs, removes his round spectacles, and cleans them on his tie. "However, if it will reassure you, it is no declaration of war or any such thing." As he's speaking, Ysadora leans in, apparently just as curious about this as Booker is. "I won't be able to come with you on this one. Eve has some errands for me to run," she says apologetically. For her part, eve looks completely unapologetic, watching the party with every sign of amusement at their suspicion.
(Ysadora) "Now then, I trust you know the way to the Termite mount just outside of town. Do you have any questions before you depart?" Alvin casts a glance at his desk, subtly indicating the amount of work still piled up on there for him to attend to.
(Yew) Yew pauses, "Wait, so why did you have to hire a *group* for this? This mission doesn't seem particularly dangerous, and only one person can really hold the letter... Aren't there like, dedicated delivery people you could've delegated this too? Does Zhao not have a comms device of any sort?" They wonder silently to themselves, trying to piece things together, before tacking on another question moments later, "Are the termites hosile at all?"
(Junes) Junes nodded "that's true, so im hoping we're paid hazard pay but there's another question i have...do you have a map or anything we could use?"
(Booker) Booker crosses his arms over his chest. "Well I suppose this is basically just a goal of walking..." He glanced at the group, looking at Junes. "You got a good question." He leaned against a wall, quietly watching the conversation take place.
(Umeko) Umeko chuckled a bit, "I wouldn't mind some extra hazard pay either, the termites are rather militarized after all and I sure hope they like whatever we're delivering... Also, I need to pick up a few things from security on the way out here too whenever we're ready to go."
(Ysadora) Ambassador Bell appears surprised to have gotten so many questions. "Ah, well, you see," he recovers, "Naturally, with sensitive information, we cannot simply transmit it across the airwaves. That's terribly insecure, which is why it must be hand-carried in a tamper-proof envelope like that one. Standard procedure, you see." He adjusts his tie. "As for your group, we are not -expecting- any problems. However, if trouble somehow finds our courier, then I will be responsible if I did not provide enough security. Think of your companions as insurance against the worse." Finally, he turns to Junes. "If, -if- you find yourselves in any sort of danger, then perhaps we can negotiate hazard pay." The smirk playing across his face suggests he doesn't think that's very likely. "We don't have a map, as such, but the Termite Mound is quite simple to find. Simply leave the gates to the southeast, traverse the forest a short distance, and you'll see it towering above you to the north. Indeed, you can see it from here. Or you could, if we had a window."
(Ysadora) "Now then," he says, just a hint of irritation furrowing his eyebrows. "Did you have any further questions? You should have no issues retrieving your property from security on the way out."
(Yew) Yew nods, having seemingly been satisfied by the answers provided. They look to the rest of the group and get ready to head out. Only now did they realize they recognized every pretty much every face there, causing a look of amusement to cross their face.
(Junes) Junes nodded "i guess we can find it" with that they waved to the amazon and their ghostly friend "alright lets get out there"
(Booker) Booker piped up. "Sounds good." He gave a wave to ysadora, "We'll see ya when we get back!" He headed toward the door, glancing back to see all those following.
(Ysadora) The party makes their way back through the Embassy, and security returns their property without a fuss. Soon enough they're standing on First Lake Street, out of sight of the Embassy guards. What few passerby are on the street right now don't seem to be paying much attention to the group. Eureka gets all kinds, these days. The Termite Mound towers over the forest to the east, with the sun hanging low behind it, casting a huge shadow over part of Eureka. It'd be easy enough to head in that direction and a relatively short walk to the mound's entrance. For the moment, however, it seems' they've been left to their own devices.
(Ysadora) Junes sniffs the air and glances around. There are a few interesting scents here, and the soft fragrance of flowers wafting in the air, but nothing that would indicate they're being followed or watched.
(Yew) Yew watches the group as they all head outside before slowing their stride to look to the ominous termite mound, "Is... *That* where we're supposed to go? I've been wondering what that is..." They briskly move towards it, moving to be a bit ahead of everyone else.
(Junes) Junes nodded and once a decent way from the hill decided to have their tails reach around back of everyone or using sight to semd a message with illusions in their voice ( alright so! it seems they aren't following but just in case im saying here but, i say we read the message and see whether we even deliver this or just have a chat ourselves with the major ) but then you heard more clearly from the actual chimera so unless there are objections, maybe a thumbs up or down, whether we get something to eat after too?"
(Booker) Booker followed after the group. "So.. We head halfway there and see what's what?" He spoke coyly, incase anyone was listening. His hand gesturing to the mound. "So shall we? I don't foresee any issues with getting there."
(Umeko) Umeko looked over to Yew, "Yeah the termite mound is pretty huge for sure... We've been inside it before, and we should be fine to deliver things, especially if you can change your scent -just- to be safe. Last time we had a skunk beast to spray people with it, but I guess I or whoever else can do the same can apply it and approach and explain things." She also nodded to Junes, "Might as well, I don't see why not after all."
(Ysadora) The package feels heavy in Booker's bag, weighted down with the import of whatever secrets it contains. It'd be easy to slit the tape and open it. More difficult, but not impossible, to hide evidence of that tampering afterward.
(Yew) Before moving off, Yew turned to Junes, responding to their spoken words, not quite sure what to do about the mental ones, "Yea, food sounds great. Do you know if this city has any good places?" They moved forwards, still in earshot of a conversation, but far enough away to stand out from the group. They turn around to face Umeko while walking backwards, "Wait... A skunk beast sprayed you? Were you trying to smell like skunk butt or did he do it to someone else, or was it a different spray or?" Yew trailed off, their tone begging for clarification.
(Junes) Junes responded to the question rather silently as you started to smell a lightly milky wood scent "among other things! although it should be okay" before the ghostly illusion voice rang out again ( hmm he said something about tamper proof, would anyone have something to maybe examine that or maybe we can trust the major and ask about the deal, give our piece and opinions on zephyr before they make a decision they may regret...and let them open since it might build our trust...so for now? maybe we shouldn't open it...) they glanced over to booker who had the envelope currently
(Booker) Booker glanced at Junes as she 'spoke' "Well We could always just point out Zeph is a greedy company and might not have the best intentions." He glanced around , seeing how far they were from the building. He gestured to the group. "If we wanna check it out we can slide into an alley or something... It doesn't seem to be anything too crazy, not even a wax seal or something."
(Umeko) Umeko focused her nanites and changed her scent as well to match a termite soldier, muttering under her breath, "Ugh, I hate smelling like termite... Going to need another long shower after this..." She turned and nodded to Junes afterward, "Honestly probably the best thing to do. Also we already deceived the termites the first time we got in, might as well be open and honest with them going forward instead of anything else. Also we should probably head out of town and make our way into the woods soon..."
(Ysadora) With the sun hanging low in the sky and and envelope yet unopened, the party's consensus seems to be traveling to the mound and asking Major Zhao, upfront, what's inside. It's Booker who's actually holding the thing, though, so it remains to be seen if that's how events actually unfold.
(Ysadora) For a moment it looks as though Booker's going to lag behind and open the thing himself, but soon enough he hurries to catch up with the group. They set their sights on the towering pillar in the distance and set off. It's a fairly straightforward walk, just down Lake Street, then Alexandria Drive, and out the Eastern Gate. As they pass River Avenue, however, a short shot from the gate, something begins to seem oddly off...
(Ysadora) Booker notices a figure standing in the center of the road ahead of them, silhouetted against the evening light. Although not particularly big or menacing, there's something disquieting about the way their hands are hidden in the pockets of their long leather coat. Junes notices this as well, and further realizes they're alone on the road. The soft smell of flowers seems to be coming from the figure ahead of them, but other than that, not a single pedestrian seems to be anywhere nearby. It's only Umeko who sees the telltale glint of sunlight in the windows of the buildings to either side. Someone is in both, guns silently trained on the group. The figure steps forward, revealing poofy white hair on a grinning muzzle and a slick pompadour that bobs in the air before him. "'Evening, folks. Name's Jarvis, local florist. I was just wondering if we could have a quick chat about that thing you're carrying."
(Yew) At seeing the figure, Yew slows their stride, taking caution as they approach. At hearing Javis mention 'that thing' Yew moves their hands to their neckline and pulls their suit over their face, creating a hood made out of the same rubbery, protective material. A muffled voice emerges, trying to sound friendly, "Hello Jarvis. Would you like to know more about my suit?"
(Junes) Junes points a finger at jarvis "you aren't with those assholes at zephyr are you... besides they wouldn't smell as great" looking more to him before mentioning "ill be honest i love doing what i can to fuck over that souless company" you can hear a bit of genuine anger before their tone calmed "but i am wondering what they want and burning some bridges for them honestly but im only sharing this because i have a feeling you might be the same?" their hands in the pockets of their hoodie
(Booker) Booker casually stops at the middle of the group. "Huh?" He looked at Jarvis with a dumb look. "What?" He just stares at him. "Is this like a mugging or something?" He crossed his arms. " What you want my creds or something?" He glared at Jarvis.
(Umeko) Umeko raised an eyebrow at Jarvis after looking around, "Do you normally conduct business with guns trained on your 'customers' from the window? Not the best first impression I would say, especially if you happened to have an interesting proposition beyond just theft." She gave a little nod towards Junes as well, while staying alert and surveying the situation. "I agree with my partner over there as well, if you have something interesting to say, I'll still hear it out."
(Ysadora) Jarvis smirks at Yew's display. "Hey, hey, take it from a fellow poodle, the act's not doing you any favors, dig? And nah, if this were a mugging, we wouldn't be talking all friendly-like. And the guns, well...that's just business as usual in the seedier parts of Eureka, yeah? It don't mean nothing." He takes another step forward and inclines his pompadour toward Junes. "See, this little one is talkin' my language. If you're looking to screw over Zephyr, why, giving me that packet is the best thing you could possibly do. I'll even offer you a trade." Taking one hand out of his pockets, Jarvis reached into the breast of his suit, only to pull out a full bouquet of colorful flowers. "What do you say? Pretty flowers for a pretty person?" His grin is nothing short of unabashedly sleazy.
(Yew) Yew gave Jarvis a confused look that quickly turned into silent fury, only visible through a pair of green tinted lenses. At mention of the guns they started to look around for what he was talking about. The only sign of guns they could see was maybe a hidden gun in Jarvis' coat. They thought of their options in case things went south.
(Junes) Junes gave a sigh "im hoping to burn them where it hurts but, with care as well since i trust some people getting this letter, im going to tell them about some atrocities and why they shouldn't let zephyr have even a smidge of control but...there are other matters so if you'd like you are your group can come along no hard feelings if the others agree but I wouldn't mind hearing you out as well since ive got my ways"
(Booker) Booker tilted his head. "Well since junes already said it was a letter.. Why do you even know, or want it?" He rolled his eyes. "Besides you got a one outta four chance to get it if we all scatter, and Those arent good odds."
(Umeko) Umeko rolled her eyes a bit at the flowers, "I feel like we should just open it at this point and see what we're even getting into honestly. If it's something mutually beneficial like keeping Zephyr from getting a hold on this town, then I feel like some sort of agreement might be arranged. Something tells me that I doubt you'll leave the safety of your backup to join in these talks like they suggested, and I'd rather we not blindly hand it over or destroy this part of town along with each other if we can help it."
(Ysadora) The sleeves of his jacket rustle as Jarvis lets out a heavy sigh. "I wish I could tell you more, about who I work for or why they need those papers, but..." He withdraws his other hand from its pocket, holding something long and silvery, glinting in the sunset. There's a click, and then a steel comb flicks out from the device. Jarvis takes a moment to run it along his pompadour with practiced ease. "Let's just say it's a concerned citizen, someone who cares about Eureka, and leave it at that, yeah?" Stashing the comb again, he continues with his hands spread, palms out. "And you're right, dig? If you decided to split right now, not much I could do about it, and I'm not in a position to follow ya over there. All that's left is for me to appeal to your...better nature." As he says the last part, his dark eyes subtly flick to the two windows. "Open it right here and now, doesn't matter a bit to me. In fact, I can probably make sure you don't even get any flak from that half-skunk stick-in-the-mud over at the Embassy. The packet vanishes, and none of this ever happened."
(Yew) Yew kept silent, figuring the communicating was best left to the people already talking. At this point, they were just backup. As long as they didn't make too many enemies, they were probably fine with their decision.
(Booker) Booker from the middle of the group, leans forward ever so slightly and mutters to junes. "Fake Envelope?" Before stepping up next to her. "So what, we're just supposed to trust you? Big 'trust' exercise with guns pointed at us." He looked at that at this point pompus ass ahead of them.
(Junes) Junes hears bookers suggestion and then! an idea forms as their tail brushed booker on the head briefly before walking closer to the florist "i have something to say but let me just get closer to say it, but i hope we can meet again but" coming a bit closer until stopping they activated a special type of suggestive nanomagic and started pretending to speak and waited to see how he would react and hoping they hadn't agreed to something too complicated, hoping he might clue them in on what maybe he heard and letting them on their way
(Ysadora) Whatever Junes is saying, or isn't saying, it isn't audible to the party as a whole. The poodle's muzzle is turning up into a sly smile, though. He seems to like what he's hearing.
(Ysadora) Although it's probably not so obvious to the other listeners, Umeko is certain nothing was actually said.
(Umeko) Umeko listened in closely, her long elf-like ears giving a slight twitch as she noticed the curious lack of words, though she kept a poker face all the while. In the meantime she stayed silent and let Junes keep it up since it seemed to be working while eying the gunmen in the windows for any potential trouble.
(Ysadora) Jarvis takes a single pink carnation from his bouquet and hands it to Junes. "Come by the burned-out building on State Street when you're ready. This will get you in." He pockets something, which Junes can clearly see is imagined (or illusory), the raises a hand. There's a soft clunking sound as the gunmen disengage from the windows. "I won't take up any more of you pretty people's time. I appreciate you talkin' with me so friendly like, tonight," he says in a louder voice. With that, he starts to stroll by on the street as though nothing happened.
(Yew) Yew shrugged off not being able to hear Junes as a side effect of quiet talking and their hood over thier ears. Their eyes followed Umeko to the windows, only able to spot the gunmen as they hear the clunk of them leaving. They watch Jarvis walk off, either moving forward to slowly follow them, or lagging behind to watch where he moves. Once he moves out of sight and earshot, Yew takes off their hood and moves back to the group, "So what was that all about. Anyone know him or something?"
(Junes) Junes gave a small shrug and quietly answers "i think hes a florist but otherwise not sure, hopefully i can get more info but for now we should go what do you all say?"
(Booker) Booker shrugged as the individual left. "Alright lets hurry up and get to the mound before we get any more suprises... Where did he say to meet again?"
(Umeko) Umeko sighed with some relief, "Glad that's over... I think he said State Street, there's a pretty noticable big burned out building to the west of here, pretty hard to miss since it's stuck around even with the rebuilding efforts. I'd be willing to come along whenever that meeting occurs, though if I had to guess, they might be related to the crime rings around these parts based on the gunmen... I never dug too deep into them but you hear rumors when you work around this city enough. Of course, the fact the Zephyr wants to get involved means they could be from the other players too, who knows anymore..."
(Ysadora) Once Jarvis is out of the way, the party enjoys an easy walk the remaining distance to the termite mound. Just as the Ambassador suggested, it's a short turn north of the forest path. The maze within is a bit more annoying to traverse, but with Junes and Umeko both smelling strongly of termite, the Enlisted stay well away from them. At the top of the air vents, Lieutenant Barr intercepts the group. She seems to have been informed of their arrival already, however, and leads them into the colony proper. Junes waves at the guards as they pass. One waves back. Soon enough, they're in the same meeting room several of them graced before, Major Zhao sitting primly across from them and the diplomatic envelope on the table.
(Ysadora) "Thank you for bringing this by hand. I understand something quite sensitive is inside." Zhao takes the envelope in one hand and examines it against the light, as though deciding whether to open it.
(Yew) Yew adopted a friendly face as they entered the termine mound for the first time. They tried to wave with guards with Junes, trying to gague their reaction to a new face. Besides that, they wait patiently and silently for the people who looked like they knew this place to try their hand at diplomacy.
(Junes) Junes waved to the guard "hey! tell the major junes and some of the bunker team are here!" waiting before being greeted with the major herself "alright so, I won't deny we wanted to open the card because many of us dont trust zephyr and well, let me tell you... whatever they offer i recommend you do not accept, however we delivered this intact because well i trust your decision however you should know, people get trapped in debt, they refuse to unload overflowing supplies that would easily be shared and well... because of them a of mine passed, not because he did anything against zephyr but simply the notion that he held knowledge was a threat but... before a team could do that he died in an unusual accident honestly so....be warned and just walk away from the deal...oh and curiously could we have the letter when you're done? some concerned citizens stopped us as well and maybe we can get together some better relations between us all using this" putting their hands on the table with a sigh
(Junes) Junes still looked down and added "his name was elias thomas, i wouldn't recommend asking too much since i dont know if the name is still monitored or information would be risky but he was nice"
(Booker) Booker extends a hand to the Major. "Could I open the letter for you? No insult to you, but just incase theres something 'in' the letter.. I dont think Zephyr would be so stupid, but i've been wrong before.."
(Umeko) Umeko gave a little bow to the Major, "If you would be so kind to entertain our ragtag group, and perhaps even share this information with us, we would happily give you some additional input for you to consider and make a more informed choice as to what would be best for your people. As our friend has mentioned, Zephyr is not exactly the most ethical or trustworthy group out there, even if they hold much power and resources... They essentially built me into what I am today, but I wouldn't have left them if I felt that they were the ones best fit to inherit this land as they seek to do. Also as Booker mentioned, I also had a bit of concern in the back of my head of that possible danger, though they're usually not quite that forward and obvious..."
(Ysadora) Major Zhao absorbs the input from all parties. She nods at Junes and Umeko in turn, sparing a curious glance for Yew. Then, maintaining eye contact with Booker, she takes a hook on one of her fingers and slices open the tape on the package. The envelope's top flap folds open easily and Zhao removes a thick sheaf of papers. She flips through them silently for a moment, before pursing her lips and turning back to the party. "I believe what you said about not knowing what was in here. In truth, I was only informed that a diplomatic package was arriving, but not what it contained. This is largely what I expected, but at the same time, not." She narrows her eyes, poring over the first page again as though finding it difficult to believe. "This is a joint contract submitted by both Zephyr -and- RSX. Signed by both their representatives. It promises favorable treatment and trade rates for the Termites so long as we refrain from signing any binding agreements with Eureka or the Enigma Complex." With this last, Zhao looks up at the party again, watching their reaction.
(Yew) Yew never heard of Eureka or the Enigma Complex, and only knows surface level details about RSX and Zephyr. But, they do know enough about the companies to doubt any buissness deals they propose, "Have Eureka or the Enigma Complex offered you anything recently? Is there a deadline on this contract?"
(Junes) Junes was looking up and you could see them thinking "they mentioned enigma at the front desk and, well honestly some eureka people stopped us for a chat under well, mainly negotiable conditions even if at gunpoint, but their BOTH willing to work together for your favor? but more than that our bunker group isn't even that far off the ground so they genuinely must be scared if those two are working together... honestly a little scary but hopeful as well, maybe we have a chance to well...change things hopefully for the better" nodding to the major "we hadn't opened it because we truly do trust your judgement, take time to look into things and research as needed or talking to others, more in fairhaven if needed for more information but remember, try not to dig into info on elias thomas or anything related to more sensitive research or maybe nanomagic because they dont seem to like that and i dont know the degree they'll go for going too far into it..." you could see their sideways glance held its own curiosity saying this "but if you need anything we'll try to help over in our growing spot, even if you choose to accept their deal at least for me but... take the time to consider it...oh and yeah mind if we take the leftover letter later?" before answering yew "try not to give the companies this info but...im part of the enigma complex, we're working on delving and cleaning a bunker nearby"
(Booker) Booker retracted his hand after the Major opened the letter. "Yeah.. Feel free to look into all the options, and I'm sure anyone would be willing to sign a treaty with you, some more honorable than Zephyr." He gestured to the letter. "If you want we can go over all the fine details to make sure Zephyr isnt trying to pull a fast one on you." He gave her a half-smile, attempting to not be awkward since she ignored him before.
(Umeko) Umeko raised an eyebrow in surprise at the last part. "I'm surprised that we're on their radar enough for them to mention us, but this is very typical behavior for them. They want to choke out local cooperation and make everyone reliant on them as they slowly take over this region as well. There's a lot of potential when neighbors unite and work together after all. Eureka alone has a rather robust economy for a relatively independent city-state, along with valuable trade infrastructure like its ports. We also could form a good deal of mutually beneficial trades as we work on developing the bunker. Zephyr and RSX have plenty of technology to offer, but free trade is also something very valuable to consider as well, as compared to being locked into exclusive contracts with them that will favor their agendas. While not signing it would indeed benefit our own group, I think it may be for the better for your people as well, especially if you wish for us all to maintain more independent positions and not be living under their heel."
(Umeko) Umeko added, "Plus, indepence grants you more bargaining power when trading with them after all, especially if you have something that they can't acquire easily."
(Ysadora) The Major's dark eyes flick from the sheaf of papers to the party and back again. Umeko's words seem to have struck a chord with her, and she nods along as the oni speaks. Finally, Zhao tosses them on the table between you. "Take it. I believe I speak for the General when I say the Termites have no intention of accepting such a restrictive deal from Zephyr and RSX." The slightest hint of a smile crosses her face. "I would like to think we're interested in, as you said, more 'honorable' partnerships than this. I will confer with the General and we'll dispatch a messenger to the Embassy with our refusal." Her head turns toward the ceiling for a moment in thought. "Of course, we'd like to offer our thanks for bringing this to our attention intact. We don't have access to your 'freecred' system, but please see Lieutenant Barr to be allowed access to some salvage on your way out." With that, Zhao stands, dusting some invisible lint off her uniform. "Now if you will excuse me, one of the Enlisted will see you out."
