SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

"Illinois? Where the Brotherhood of Steel are?" Par asked in momentary fascination before going back on topic.

"As for rewards, how can the Government steal from you if you become part of it? I have been authorized to offer whatever reward the Revolution can offer, or at least, that's my specific interpretation of Napoleon V's orders. And so, I'm offering you the position of Minister of Science, a place with all the prestige that implies. You will never want for anything as regards scientific research, and you will have everything you need to keep both the Revolution and yourself happy."

"Yes, I'm gouging our dear Generalissima by using the exact wording of her offer." [Cha 9]

"Also...you expressed interest in tougher solar panels and other equipment, haven't you? Well," he tapped his head, "I have, within my memory, the chemical formulae needed to synthesize better silicon, and the engineering knowledge to make smaller, more efficient, photovoltaic panels." [Int 10]

@Ordure, @Ulstermann

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST- Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Ney was silent for a moment. "That is...a very interesting offer, Mr. Rapids. Complete autonomy for scientific research, and a leading position in the new government? Very interesting." He smoked obsessively on his cigarette.

 "If I were to consider your proposal," He said at last, "If, I would have certain conditions. I can't sabotage any Order defences or anything before the change in government. Their troops would hunt me down in hours, and I'm not going on the lam for anyone. I need rebel protection for me and a couple of others." 

Again he stopped. "And I need you to do something for me. A personal favour. I have a certain...female friend who is...easy living." He meant whore. "And this friend's boss has certain documents that prove that we have a...business arrangement. I need you to destroy the documents and 'convince' my friend's employer to cease showing an...undue amount of attention in me. Do that, and I'll seriously consider your offer.  My friend's boss is at the Bourbon Avenue club."

OBJECTIVES ADDED: 

- Destroy the ledger containing proof of Dr. Ney's affair
- Intimidate the Madam of Bourbon Ave into leaving Ney and his 'friend' alone

@Ulstermann

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness

Crouching low against the rocky terrain next to Carson Boss nodded his head in agreement as he clearly followed Carsons logic. Although not the smartest man alive Boss knew combat well; and when backed by a sound plan from a smarter mind like Carson he was rare to fail. "If you want." Boss took hold of his shotgun in one hand, his free hand (the left one) quickly unsheathing his crude machete. The rusted nasty looking piece of steel resembled an old world lawn mowers blade attached to a makeshift albeit sturdy looking handle. The hunk of metal he now clutched in his hand looked like the last thing on earth any sane individual would want to be struck with. Hell, Boss just felt dirty looking at the thing.

Using the handmade strap attached to his shotgun Boss strung the deadly instrument onto his back onto before quickly drawing his pistol. The way he held the machete and gun now oppositely mirrored the way he had held the same combination on the boat moments earlier; a fact only a keen eye would pick up-Boss didn't even know he was ambidextrous.

“You cover me like you were sayin and I'll try and go as far as I can without being noticed. Once the shit hits the fan though Ima need some damn good cover fire, deal? You keep the fuckers distracted and I can gut em with this” He raised the crappy looking machete. “You don't wana know how well I can use this. Not first hand anyways.”

With a sound plan in mind the two parted ways, Boss quickly losing sight of Carson as he made his way up towards the wreckage that was the Southern Star. Along the way he quietly dispatched two raiders that had wandered a little to far from the safety of the group; a few quick brutal hacks from his machete quietly tacking out the shipwrecked crewman before they knew what had happened..

Blood dripping from his machete Boss continued to advance unnoticed; just waiting for the shit to hit the fan.

SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

"Good as done," said Par. "Does that mean I should make my departure now? And, thank you for giving a young trader your time." With that, he would leave, rejoining his bodyguards on the way. Then, he would go to Bourbon Avenue; this time, he would buy a local map instead of asking directions.

Once he got there, he would see the gaudy whorehouse, which he can see used to be a high-class restaurant back in the day; the label, Atlantis, attested to that. Now there was the heady smell of aromatic perfumes and scented silken sheets, and of course, there was the receptionist, eager for a new customer.

"Greetings, my good lady," or 'good man' if the receptionist was male, "I am a newcomer into Orleans, and I heard that this was the finest House of Pleasure in the region."

"What is the price for a session with your finest woman, and later, your finest man, if you deal with both genders?" This was to catch the attention of the 'Madam' of the establishment, so as to 1.) draw her to a potential source of money, and 2.) a potentially naive person willing to spend valuable caps.

@Ordure, @Ulstermann

@Tuxedo Fox

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness

Carson took a long, hard look at Boss' machete. "You don't wanna know how well I can use this. Not first hand anyways." Boss growled in a low voice. Carson agreed wholeheartedly with the big guy. "I hear ya, Boss. " He whispered. "Go show those bastards how you use your blade. I reckon they'd appreciate the lesson." 

But his ally was already gone, moving towards the ruptured ship. The Major moved out as well, keeping his head low. He needn't have worried about any of the Marauder sentries outside the ship, Boss was cutting through them like an STD through a whorehouse. Carson moved to the left, where the walkway surrounding the bilge hung into space, broken in two by the crash. Warily scanning the surroundings Carson reckoned no foe would see him climbing onto the walkway. 

He hauled himself onto the thin platform, crouching behind a miraculously untouched metal shipping crate. He could dimly see the shadowy figure of Boss making his way as close as possible to the enemy. The major levelled his AK, drawing a bead on the man sitting on the far stairs. I've been ambushed no less than three times since I came to this fucking place, he thought as he tightened his finger on the trigger. It's good to have the boot on the other foot. 

With that he fired a long chattering burst, the rifle's muzzle-flare leaping from the barrel. The Marauder fell out of sight behind the stairs, blood spattering the rails. Switching targets the officer sent more bullets into the pirates playing cards. He saw one of their skulls disintegrate from the impact before ducking back into his cover. Return fire lashed back, sparking off the bulkhead behind him. Leaning out Carson put a round into another enemy, crowing as the man collapsed like a puppet with it's strings cut. 

The Marauders scattered, diving into whatever cover they had. One guy, hopped up on Jet or something, disdained taking cover at all, running forward with his weapon, an assault rifle with a drum magazine, blazing on full auto. Carson could only huddle down and endure the shooting as a hail of lead screamed around him. He pulled his Soviet cap tighter onto his head. Any minute now, Boss, he thought grimly. Whenever you're ready.

The Battle of Marat Lighthouse had begun.

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST- Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

"We are the finest pleasure palace in Orleans, indeed in the whole South!" The receptionist, a clean-shaven man in his late 30's, told Par with pride. "We have something-or someone- for every taste." 

He listened politely to Par's request. 

"Yes, sir." He said once the trader had finished. You want the Red Room, on the first floor. You can't miss it-it's, well, red. But there is a 100 cap entrance fee-per person." He said, looking at Par's two companions. "You'll have to pay Raymond, the greeter upstairs, if you want in." The man handed Par a brochure. "Here is our catalogue. You'll find any man, woman, or creature you want in there." 

The receptionist went back to his paperwork. 

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness
@Ulstermann

"Eat lead you motherfucker!!" A particularly loud and noisy raider screamed while practically foaming at the mouth, a large drum fed assault rifle raining thunder in the direction (Boss assumed) Carson had just opened fire from. Admiring the dead bodies that littered the ground Boss tried to make a mental note to let Carson know he was a decent shot-you know, if iether of the pair survived the firefight that had erupted in mere seconds.

Fortunately for the moment being all attention was off of Boss; the wall of gunfire the raiders let lose souly focused up on Carsons little perch. Honestly it couldn't have been a better situation for Boss, the distraction literally allowing him to walk out from behind cover into the thick of things without any of the raiders so much as batting an eye. Hell, from the corner of their eyes they probably though he was just another roughly dressed river bandit.

Not wasting a second of Carsons distraction Boss struck his first target from behind; his gnarly looking machete sinking a good half inch into the skull of the chemd up raider that had been shooting the bulk of bullets and obscenities at Carson. The mans enraged expression immediately turned blank as if he could no longer remember what emotion was; the last look on his face being a brief display of agony as Boss turned the machete sideways-effectively pointing the man in the direction of the few men that had now taken notice off Boss.

In a rather morbid display Boss held the machete with one hand; guiding his man sized puppet on a stick into the path of any bullets aimed his way while simultaneously shooting at the remaining card players-in three bullets he'd dropped two more men.

Hopefully that'll open up somethin for Carson Boss thought as he lined up his next shot, his eyes growing wide as an arc of white hot fire filled the air from somewhere to his right. Turning he met eyes with the bandit leader who Boss was to pumped full of adrenaline and drugs to properly recall name wise. Honestly he was more concerned with the (dead?) raider on the end of his machete who had burst into flames courtesy of his former Boss.

In what was a rather sudden attempt to rip his machete free Boss was met with a horrifying "Ca-Link" sound as his machete snapped in half. Well, more like thirds-and he was left holding the smaller digit. Staring at the broken piece of steel for what felt like hours Boss finally looked up at the bandit leader with a display of disbelief etched on his face; the sight of the flamethrower wielding lunatic laughing at him sending him into a rage.

"YOU FUCK! YOU FUCKING FUCK!" Boss roared clearly upset about more then just some broken machete. The blade had obviously meant something to him on a personal level. "Ill fucking KILL you!" His words dripped with venom and the seriousness of a man that intended violence;which became even more clear when he actually threw himself at the raider leader who had been halfway into shooting yet another volley of flame Boss's way. Sheer momentum carried Boss rather safely through the short burst of fire, he could feel the crackling heat and dancing flames kiss his skin during his mad dive but for the most part he was unscathed-only the tail ends of his duster actually catching fire.

Boss seemed to completely tune out the fact that he was on fire though as he wrestled on the ground almost comically so against the slightly larger man-like an angry animal Boss kicked, punched, stabbed, and headbutted any piece of flesh that wasn't his own-even biting the mans ear off at one point.

After a few moments of what had evolved into a rather epic brawl the remaining raiders seemed to lower their guards slightly-as if the show of their Boss fighting some crazy stranger was in fact more interesting then the potential sharpshooter that had just killed so many of their comrades. Bandits were stupid like that.

@Tuxedo Fox

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness

Carson clearly heard the butcher sound of Boss' machete cleaving into someone's head. He peeked  over the crate; sure enough his ally was in the process of using the spitted  raider as a meat shield against the flamer blasts of the junior Marauder officer, who hadn't been killed by Carson's opening volley. Boss had blasted two more scum dead by this time, and Carson added his own fire, dropping two more Marauders who seemed confused at this second attack. 

 "YOU FUCK! YOU FUCKING FUCK!" He heard Boss roar as he slotted a fresh mag into his rifle. He took a quick look. He wondered what Boss was so pissed about. All he had was a snapped machete. Better that than a snapped spine. His eyes widened as he saw Boss launch himself clear through the flames. Christ, thought Carson as he steeled himself to move, but that blade must have some story behind it.

[Commando] The theory of fighting  in built up areas is as old as time. It is a horrendously tough and costly business, and leaves the survivors veterans. Carson had fought in more built-up areas than he cared to remember. Carson had spent literally his whole life learning how to be a soldier in the old-fashioned term, a highly trained pro excellently armed and equipped. 

And it showed. 

His first burst caught a Marauder in the torso, sending him down in a tangle of limbs. The major vaulted the rail, moving quickly forward. A Marauder stepped from cover. Bam-bam-bam! The AK barked and e foe screamed, blood erupting from the bullet holes torn in his chest. 

Carson swivelled and shot another scumbag down as the pirate aimed his pistol towards Boss. 

The remaining foes, still stunned by the ferocity of Boss's attack, backed away. Carson helped them to decide by putting a bullet or three amongst them. Running to where Boss was still struggling with the Marauder junior leader, he swung his rifle butt into the side of the raider's head with all his strength.

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST- Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

"We are the finest pleasure palace in Orleans, indeed in the whole South!" The receptionist, a clean-shaven man in his late 30's, told Par with pride. "We have something-or someone- for every taste."

He listened politely to Par's request.

"Yes, sir." He said once the trader had finished. You want the Red Room, on the first floor. You can't miss it-it's, well, red. But there is a 100 cap entrance fee-per person." He said, looking at Par's two companions. "You'll have to pay Raymond, the greeter upstairs, if you want in." The man handed Par a brochure. "Here is our catalogue. You'll find any man, woman, or creature you want in there."

The receptionist went back to his paperwork.

"Good thing that my bodyguards have beautiful wives to come back to, then, and only I will be in need of your establishment," Par said as he went up to the first floor, approaching a door that was crudely painted red. Approaching a man that he knew to be Raymond, Par handed over 100 caps to the greeter, choosing to be silent as the man looked over his money, then opened the door.

Par would then enter, looking with some wonder at the surprisingly clean bed with red silken furnishings, lit up by electric lights, with hangings of translucent cloth and of course, music intended to be erotic.

He then looked over the brochure, looking for people who were 18 and above, reasonably tall, with smooth skin and reasonably strong physiques, as well as an intense gaze. After that, he would pick two indviduals that fit his specific critera, which was when Raymond came in, saying:

"Have you picked a whore yet?" This was met by a nod, and Par pointing at two pictures in the brochure.

"Good choices," said the greeter as he went off to procure Par's picks...

Short Timeskip

Par's clothes were now lying neatly folded in a nearby pile as the 19-year old lay on the bed, basking in the afterglow of esctasy. His...partners clearly knew their craft, that was certain. Now, to wait and see if he had caught the attention of their Madam...

@Ordure

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST- Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Ten minutes or so after Par had finished his business a bulky bodyguard-type entered the room. 

"Excuse me, sir." He said, politeness in his voice. "I would like to extend the greetings of the proprietor of this establishment. The Ma'am would like to make your acquaintance , if you would follow me." 

Leaving Par to get dressed the bodyguard waited outside. Once Par came out the bodyguard led him up another flight of stairs to a heavily guarded door. Once Par went through it he found himself in a large opulent room. An enormously fat woman, Madam Catalina, looked up from the paper she was working on.

"Ah, our newest customer." She said, chins wobbling. "Please have a seat. Can I interest you in some Bourbon? I trust our girls and boys are treating you well?" 

@Lord Coake

Aside from some street scum seen off by his bodyguard,  Franklin has had a productive afternoon. He has made 370 caps off of the gullible of Orleans. 

A Ghoul stepped from the shadows down the street from Scar and Franklin. He had been there for hours, quietly watching the con man work his magic. Now he came up to the pair. He was wearing a faded trench coat and fedora, and his fierce yellow eyes were mirthful. 

"Well, friend." He began, voice rasping like so many of his kind. "You've quite the silver tongue. Half of the people you've sold this shit to are no fools, but you still parted them from their hard-earned caps." He shrugged. "No offence, if course. In fact, I might have an opportunity for you to make some serious change. It's not exactly legal, but judging from your stock here I'm guessing you're no pillar of the community." 

@Ulstermann

Franklin and Scar were rather surprised that they managed to make such a large amount from the citizens of Orleans, indeed it truly was a hub of trade and commerce. As they began closing up for the day, disassembling their stall and packing up the rest of their goods, they were approached by a ghoul, clad in the clothing commonplace for the mysterious strangers of Pre-War movies. Scar started to tell him to back off, but before he could speak, Franklin held up his hand and stopped him. Listening to the Ghoul speak, Franklin nodded his head and replied "My associate and I are very much interested, and wish to hear more. But, before we continue, perhaps you would prefer if we left for somewhere more private, Mr...?" He stopped, hoping the ghoul would give him some kind of name or title to use.

SECONDARY QUEST- Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Par was back in his rich clothes, facing the Matron of the establishment, taking the measure of her body language; it was clear that she was a powerful woman, one who knew how to use her authority and her knowledge of the city's secrets.

"Why, Bourbon would be nice," spoke the merchant, courteously taking the glass, "and yes, both your boys and girls have taken care of me well." He then looked around. "You must maange them well." A smile and a sigh.

"But, you must already have your suspicions as to why I wanted to attract your attention with this expenditure of wealth." Okay, maybe the Madame didn't, but she surely had them now. A soft stare.

"You see, my parents were killed by the Order back when they were Anti-Trade, and the Order snubbed me when I tried to bury the hatchet with them. This left me to join...a certain faction that would normally be bad for business. And they have an interest in your establishment, the information that can be gleaned from it, and, of course, a certain client." A small wait for the look of shock, disbelief, and displeasure that would grace the Matron's face.

"Sadly, yes, I am here about Ney." Par actually looked sad.

"The Revolution wants him to be their new Minister of Science, and is prepared to use any means, including force, to make sure that he could not be blackmailed by anyone else other than them." Okay, that was made-up, but could be the truth. "However, I myself do not want the deaths of so many people on my conscience, so I am offering this better deal."

"I fill in Ney's business, fill in any shortfall that his loss will give you, as well as give you a direct conduit to Napoleon V herself, so as to avoid any more unpleasant conflicts of interest. I will also personally guarantee the safety of this establishment from any measures taken by the Revolution against the Milloux District in the coming war. In fact, I am even prepared to put in a downpayment of 200 caps in order to show that I am financially solvent enough to follow through on my promise." Par didn't know that he couldn't count on Vicksburg anymore.

"So, what do you think?" Par opened his arms wide, giving the Madame a view of his (admittedly clothed) body.

[Cha 9], [Lady Killer]

@Ordure, @Ulstermann

@Lord Coake

"McNulty." The Ghoul said. "Mike McNulty. Yeah, we can talk in the Wolfe. It's just down the street." With that NcNulty led the two down the street to the bar. 

Once seated at the bar the Ghoul ordered three beers. "My treat." McNulty said. Once the drinks arrived the trench coated Ghoul began speaking in a low voice. 

"So I'll make it quick. I wanna rob a bank. The First Southern Trust, over on Dijon Street. I'm lookin for some pros to join up, and you and your pal there could be quite an asset. I can tell you're no Order stooge or Rebel crazy-you've the dust of the road on ya.  It'll be dangerous, and you'll have to do some work for us to prove you're worth a decent cut, but we can all make some serious money." 

SECONDARY QUEST ADDED- The Dogs of Dijon Street

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

The Madam looked over at the youngster. "I guess we could make that work." She said at length, after carefully weighing her options. "There are other customers I could interest myself in. You, for example." She fluttered her mascara-clad eyelids at Par. She looked like nothing more than a love struck Brahmin.

"Besides." She went on. "I have more than enough evidence over the good Doctor."

@Letter Bee keep an eye on the OOC, it's where the progress of secondary quests will be tracked.

SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Par smiled.

"I know about the Ledger, Madame," spoke the 19-year old, looking genuinely fascinated himself; he liked her personality. "How about the same deal your 'entertainers' get - I give you a good time, you give me the ledger?" [CHA 9] [Lady Killer]. "You know I can give one."

Should she agree and take Par to her bed, the 19-year old boy would eagerly disrobe, showing the Madame his fine body; weak and thin, but well-fed and full. Then, knowing his lack of strength and endurance, Par would then rely on his agility and knowledge of Sex Manuals to give the utmost pleasure. [Joint Int 10 and Agi 7* roll].

*6+1 Intense Training.

@Ordure, @Ulstermann

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

The madam laughed. "Oh, my young friend, of only I were ten years younger." She shook her head. "I'm a businesswoman, not a ditzy teenager. For one thing I don't know where you've been or how healthy you are. Hell, I'm too old for that kind of thing." She smiled a little sadly. "Shame. And no, you're not getting my ledger. Not if you were the best lay in Orleans. That little book gives me power over many many important people, and I'm not about to give that up." The huge woman leaned back in her chair. "Anything else, sir?" 

@Ulstermann

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness

Boss tuned out Carsons handiwork as raiders dropped around him like flys-he was too caught up in trying to wrestle himself into a good position to put an end to the leaders right hand man. Fortunately Carsons violent interruption in the form of a rifle butt to the head was all the distraction Boss needed; taking advantage of his dazed and confused attacker he rolled himself fully on top while pinning the raiders arms to the ground with both of his knees.

Without giving the man a moment to recover Boss let what was left of his machete fall to the ground while simultaneously grabbing at his soon to be victims face with both hands. Slightly more aware now the raider struggled to twist away from Boss, however this was a futile attempt as Boss sunk both thumbs into the mans eyes-a squishy sounding snap filling the air as Boss continued to press down onto the now screaming and writhing figure; his thumbs completely disappearing in moments. With a quick jerking twist Boss ended the poor bastards suffering.

Dragging himself back to his feet he quickly bent down and retrieved his fallen pistol and blade before turning his attention to Carson. Covered in a decent layer of blood, grime, and dirt Boss looked like something that might have walked out of the Bog-it was a good thing he was wearing goggles. Giving the butchered body on the ground a few more heavy kicks Boss finally spoke up while holstering both his pistol and machete.

“Lets keep moving.” Was all he barked before spitting a glob of something black out, acting as if gouging a mans eyes out was just a common day occurance. Not waiting for Carson he set off, unslinging his shotgun from his back as he continued the trek towards the lighthouse.

As the pair made their way towards their destination Boss could feel the metallic floor that was the Southern Star shift and groan beneath his feat. Turning to look at Carson he said. “Watch your step, don't think this floor is exactly-” He was cut off as the sound of metal grinding and collapsing filled the air, the floor beneath him literally giving way as he was sent to the floor below in an almost comical perfect circle.

Dazed and laying among a pile of scrap Boss looked up to see Carson peering down from above. “Im fine!” Boss hollered while trying to catch the wind that had been knocked out of him. It was a miracle he hadn't been crushed or skewered in the fall.

@Tuxedo Fox

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness

SECONDARY QUEST- A Light in the Darkness

Carson hurried the remaining Marauders out of the bilge with carefully aimed single shots from his rifle. By the time the last enemy had fled through the corridor Boss had finished off the Marauder with the flamer by gouging his eyes out and snapping his neck. Not for the first time since meeting Boss outside the Trading Post in Orleans, Carson found himself wishing that he could recruit Boss to the External Security Bureau. Maybe he would bring the idea up at some point.  "Damn me, you certainly dealt with that shitbag." Carson said. 

"Let's keep moving." Was all Boss answered, retrieving his weapons. Carson nodded, reloading his AK as he followed the blood-spattered Boss up the stairs and into the darkened interior of the ship. 

The entire ship groaned and creaked as the pair made their way though her lower levels. Carson kept glancing up at the ceiling, hoping the entire thing wouldn't fall. They had just reached what had once been the passageway to the canteen when the floor shifted under their feet. Carson steadied himself against the wall until it subsided. 

Boss turned back to Carson. "Watch your step, don't think this floor is exactly-" And with that the section of flooring Boss had been standing on collapsed, pitching Boss down into a lower level of the wreck. Once the horrid sound of tearing smashing metal had ceased the major went to the edge. 

"Still breathing?" He called. 

"I'm fine." Came the breathless reply. Boss had avoided a gory death by implement at least. 

"Fuck's sake." Carson spat, looking for a way down. Nothing. "Right, man." He went on. "Looks like we're splitting up. Just keep heading upwards, that'll get you to the upper deck." He reached into his pack and withdrew two small torches. Attaching one to his AK barrel he tossed the other to his companion. "Clip that under your shotgun barrel." He called. "I'm gonna backtrack till I find a way up. Good luck!" With that Carson turned on his heel and jogged off. 

The Enclave officer found another way through the ship with relative ease; there were many ladders, stairs and the like. Carson headed up two levels before he ran into his first obstacle. 

The stairwell  to the level above him was blocked by a number of heavy shipping crates that had been tossed there by the impact of the ship against the shore. To add insult to injury there was a four-man squad of Marauders patrolling the corridor. Carson, crouched in a doorway, realised he was going to have to take them down. 

It wasn't difficult. The enemy were all in an enclosed space with no idea they were in danger. Carson spun out of cover, flicking on his torch. The glare blinded the patrol, who flinched. Carson cut them all down without a moments thought, sweeping his AK back and forth until not a man lived. The officer moved on without a glance, leaving their blood staining the floor in an ever-widening pool.

The trip through the rest of the ship was uneventful. Only a few men were about, and they mostly stayed in small groups in cabins, wardrooms, and the like. But once Carson reached the ship's bar, he ran into a far grater obstacle than a stack of boxes and a couple of underlings.

He was halfway through the door before he even saw the danger. It was the ship's executive officer, or the closest thing it had to one. Collins, for that was his name, saw that Carson wasn't one of his and dropped the bottle he had been inspecting. "Time to die, fuckhead!" He growled, launching himself at Carson before he had a chance to bring up his weapon and blow Collins away. The Jet-fuelled Marauder crashed into Carson, sending him careening into shelves full of bottles. The major ducked out of the way as Collins slashed down with his electrified blade, cleaving through glass and steel like it was butter. Carson rolled under the next blow, pulling himself upright and opening fire. 

The bullets thumped into Collins' armour, staggering the man but not stopping him. The second in command came on still, battering Carson's rifle aside and slamming him against the bulkhead. Feeling Collins' hand close around his neck he scrabbled desperately behind him, grabbing and smashing two bottles over the enemies' head. Collins reeled back and Carson yanked the grenade he had taken from Boss' barge from his belt. "Eat it!" He gasped, tossing the grenade at the Marauder while diving aside. 

The explosion tore a hole in the side of the ship, fire blossoming from the hole. Carson was thrown off his feet into the bar, shreds of flesh and splinters of wood raining down. Collins blade, still gripped in his fist, buried itself in the wood centimetres from Carson's head. The major slowly turned and read the inscription along the sword. "Bloodthirster." He said quietly, yanking it from the bar. "Should make a fine replacement for Boss' machete." 

Carson grunted with the effort of heaving the hatch open. With a final shove the hatch slammed open and Carson climbed wearily onto the top deck of the Southern Star. He looked round, satisfied that no one was about to jump him, and walked over to the rail where he lit a cigar. He would start looking for Boss in a minute, but right now he was going to take a break. 

SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

SECONDARY QUEST-The Dogs of Dijon Street (Will be taken after the end of the above quest)

Par knew his limits.

"Nothing more, then," said the 18-year old boy. "I must take my leave, and come back to Ney, then Napoleon." He then smiled at her. "Thank you for your time; we will meet again in much better circumstances." Sigh, he was going to have to do some fast talking with Ney at this, he hated disappointing the man. Par steeled himself; he was just going to have to win Ney the old-fashioned way.

((Am I permitted a Timeskip?))

Timeskip

Par and his bodyguards would go to Ney's Mansion once again, and once they were allowed in, and Ney would talk with Par in private again to ask him how things went, the Merchant would say:

"I talked with the Madam; I agreed to be one of her regular clients in exchange for her leaving you alone and the Revolution not burning down her establishment. That fulfils the 'prevent your friend's employer from showing an undue interest in you' requirement." A slight smile, then he continued:

"However, I was not able to destroy her ledger, or acquire it. But, I got the next best thing; namely put myself in a position where I would be able to stop her from blackmailing you if she ever feels the need to go back on her word." Or push her to blackmail you if you refuse. [Int 10].

@Ordure, @Ulstermann

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST- Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

Ney shook his head at Par's news. "Very well." He said at last. "It will do for now. I didn't really expect you to get the ledger anyway." He sighed. "So for now I will back the Revolution-silently." 

SECONDARY QUEST-Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

"Thank you," Par said a little sleepily. "Now, I must find a place to change clothes and go back to the Generalissima." And with that, he and his bodyguards went off.

Timeskip

Another alleyway later, Par was back in his normal clothes, and it was clear that his low endurance and strength was failing him. He was breathing hard as he and his bodyguards went back to the Proix District, and he himself continued on to the bar, where he gave, breathlessly, a report to Napoleon V, telling her that Armand Ney had accepted her offer in exchange for the position of Minister of Science in the New Directory, and that he had also secured the good offices of the Madam of Atlantis Brothel.

After waiting for her reaction, Par would say:

"Thank you for letting me prove myself. I hope this is the first of many dealings." And with that, he would go off to his warehouse for some sleep.

((I hope you don't mind me timeskipping Par; I thought he needed some sleep.))

Timeskip Two

SECONDARY QUEST-The Dogs of Dijon Street

Par had just woken up from some good sleep...if only to find that his group was cut off from Vicksburg. Damnit, how will he keep his promise to the Madam at this rate? Or, for that matter, pay his bodyguards?

It was Bruno, one of his fellow traders, who said:

"Yeah...about that...we recieved rumors that some medium-level gangster is recruiting people for a bank robbery. Perhaps we can lend some brawn and brains for that?"

"Bruno, you're a lifesaver!" Par said, "literally!"

After eating breakfast and brushing his teeth, Par, along with four average-sized bodyguards, left the warehouse, although not before the 19-year old said:

"Remember, evacuate this establishment tomorrow!"

And with that, they left to find the gangster who was looking for help robbing a bank.

@Ordure, @Ulstermann

@Letter Bee

SECONDARY QUEST Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained- COMPLETE

You are now a member if the Revolution. Congratulations!

For your actions you receive either

X1 Laser Rifle

OR

X1 Revolution Light Armour

OR

300 Caps