[IC] The Endless Game

[Synzy]

Inky, nebulous things stirred and writhed across the galaxy. There was a myriad of great mysteries and threats prepared to assault any who tried to establish their dominance in the ever-hostile intergalactic community, but they would not strike yet. For now, the races had time to meet each other, and learn how to cooperate, or slaughter.

[FrozenPhoenix]

Litharian Galactic Date 5372-157, Planet Havatk, Thristrum Maximun Security Prison. Former Master of Eyes Klith imprisoned for treason against the Litharian people and Council of Masters. Sentence is Death to be carried out in two months time. His transfer was successful, no troubles on the way to the planet, then facility, then finally his cell. He has displayed no intent of escaping and seems to have come to grips with his fate. "He's only got another two weeks before his execution. You would think he'd be a little more regretful." Said a Litharain man, staring at a security console and more specifically the monitor looking into Klith's cell. "Well what do you expect, he sold Litharian secrets. That's not a man, not anymore." Another Litharain sitting in the security room as well. On the monitor Klith sat at the edge of his bed, hands folded, chin resting on them. His blank stare empty looking at the far wall. 'It won't be much longer' he thought to himself. And as if on his thought an explosion rocked the facility, the wall he was staring as shattered into dust and rubble and on instinct he ran forward, leaping through the cloud of dust. "What! All units converge on Klith's cell, get us reinforcements to Thristrum Station, he can't escape." A guard captain yelled as chaos erupted all around. Litharain Galactic Date 5372-204, Planet Havatk, Council Chamber of the Masters. Declaration is made that the convicted traitor and criminal Klith has escaped from Thristrum Maximun Security Prison with the assistance of an unknown party. The Litharian Collective turns to assistance in hunting down this dangerous man. "...This is hardly the ideal situation, but out options are limited. Whoever assisted him in escape knew Thristrum's layout and had the resources to bypass it's defenses." Master of Structure Jutaric declared before the other Masters. "But to give the knowledge of his escape to other races will only further compromise ours!" Master of War Karasis shouted back. "If he truly did escape with the help of others it wouldn't matter anyway. He is most likely already hiding with other races in exchange for he knows. Involving others could only serve to assist our efforts of finding him." The new Master of Eyes Xilanthis calmly stated. "I refuse to debate this matter further. Time is of the esseance and we must act, I urge forward the vote." He finished raising his right hand to signal his vote of yes. All around him, Master of Structure raised her right. Master of War raised his left saying no. Master of Advancement advocated to raise her right. Finally Master of Others hesitant at first raised his right. "The vote passes, but this must still be handled delicately, the Wolkar are known hunters and only need a price." Master of Others Hitharis spoke up swiftly. "I shall invite an emissary to the Chambers so we can discuss matters further." The other Masters nodded in unison, adjuring the meeting. Each one heading off in their own directions, but the Master of Others went to his office and to work sending a message to the Alphas. "On behave of the Council of Masters, I humbly invite the Alpha Council to Havatk to discuss a possible diplomatic endevour that has come to our attention due to recent events. Your expedited arrival would be most appreciated. Travel costs and appropriate housing will be covered at Litharain expense. - Master of Others Hitharis"

[Rennac Faintheart]

Wolkar Galactic date 5372-210. Planet Ferran, capitol city Lupis. Alpha Council chambers. The Council of Alphas has recieved word from the Litharian Council of Masters that they wish to recieve an envoy in order to pursue a new diplomatic endeavor concerning recent events. Given this new opportunity to strengthen ties and possibly gain access to the Litharian's higher strength alloys to augment their machines and power armor, they were eager to make a good impression. The Alpha Sirius spoke first as an opening statement. "The Litharians will be valuable allies if they can become pack brothers. It is critical that we ensure this endeavor does not fail. In that regard, I have chosed Alpha Rennacd to represent us in this endeavor." Several of the Alphas growled out in disagreement, all vying for the position to further their own power before being silenced by the Sirius's own howl. The Sirius had fought off several challenges ad proved his strength and his authority. The rest of the Alphas quickly silenced their objections. The Alpha in question, Alpha Rennac Shadowclaw of the Shadowclaw clan and overseeer of the Mercenary guild, stood to be addressed still donned in his full armor. "Rennac, as the overseer of the Mercenary guild, you have the most experience dealing with outsiders. That and my gut is telling me this may be a more... dirty endeavor. I doubt this sudden desire for an envoy is to discuss trading rights. It is too sudden, too rushed. I want you to head out in full gear and be prepared for anything. However, I suggest you do not bring your FERAL. Since they did not outright say what it was they required it is clear they seek discretion. I expect you to approach this with the utmost professionalism." Alpha Rennac smirked and nodded. "Come on, it was only the one time. My little brother was finally coming of age and I had to be the good brother and go with him to drink. Not like I blew up the FERAL depot." "Just save the drinking for AFTER the job. We don't want a repeat of the Stumble Inn fiasc." As if on cue, all the pack Alphas gave a shiver of fear at the memory. "R-right. Will do." Wolkar Galactic date 5371-214. Planet Ferran, capitol city Lupis. The Alpha council has made the announcement that they have dispatched their most capable envoy to the home planet of Havatk to represent the Wolkar people in the diplomatic endeavor.

[FrozenPhoenix]

Litharian Galactic Date 5372-218, Planet Havatk, Palace of the Masters. Emissary Alpha Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw is received at the Arkthurias Memorial Space Port and quatered in the Palace of the Masters while preparationf for the meeting are made. Litharian Galactic Date 5372-220, Planet Havatk, Palace of the Masters. Meeting preparations finish and Emissary Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw is summoned to the Chamber of the Masters to begin their deliberations. The Masters were already present sitting at their curved semi-circle table waiting in silence for the Emissary to arrive through the large double doors at the other end of the room. A small table had been set up in the middle of the semi-circle so each Master would be an equal distance from where he would sit. Behind each Master was a grand tabard each one showing their specific symbol of office. From left to right, Master of Advancement Nithurk, Master of Others Hitharis, Master of War Karasis, Master of Structure Jutaric, and finally Master of Eyes Xilanthis. The room being an ornate over arching cathedral-like design with new aged pillars lining the walls. Above their heads was a domed roof that extended up high above. Everything around seemed to be either an expensive polished wood or an immaculately carved ornate marble or granite.

[Rennac Faintheart]

Envoy Rennac Shadowclaw enters the room, donned in his power armor and his helmet under his arm as his footsteps reverberate through the ornate cathedral style room. The only piece on him that was remotely decorative was an embroidered shoulder cape used for official meetings and events. He took his seat, placing his helmet on the table in front of him before turning to the Master of Others. "Before we begin I would like to thank Master Hitharis for contacting my people concerning this diplomatic endeavor. It is a strong belief of my people to welcome any who would have us as comrades and allies. Hopefully we can begin paving the way toward stronger diplomatic ties in the future. That said, I understand you are in need of a professional. As the Overseer and elite member of the Mercenaries guild, I am interested in getting underway as soon as possible considering this undertaking is likely time sensitive."

[FrozenPhoenix]

Master of Others Hitharis gave a shallow bow to return the respect given to him. Around Rennac the other Masters in turn gave their greetings. The Master of War came last, "Save your empty words Wolkar, your words lack the honor they intend. You are here against our race's better judgement." The Master of Others, Master of Structure, and Master of Advancement all turned to Karasis at the same time. But it was the Master of Structure Jutaric that spoke up first, "Enough Karasis, this man came to us of his own free will and means to do right by us. Hold your tongue if you seek only enemies." The Master of Others spoke up next, "Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw, thank you for coming to us on such short notice. You are correct in this matter, we need an expedited solution to a problem that if you can accomplish it will strengthen our ties." The Master of Eyes Xilanthis pressed a few buttons on his section of table causing a holographic representation of Klith to form in the center of the room for all to see. "This is the former Master of Eyes Klith. Indicted for treason and sentenced to death. He recently escaped and fled off-world. As the Master of Eyes he has proven elusive and difficult to capture. He knows too much of Litharain protocol and tactics to viably be taken by a Hunter Team. That is where you come in." The Master of War chimed in again, "This does not make you valueable, only different. You are nothing to the-" The Master of Advancement was the next to silence him, "Karasis, enough! We are to be allies not enemies, so save the banter for another battlefield." The Master of Eyes returned to his speech, "You will be compensated for his return, your price is what we are here to negotiate."

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac smiled and nodded to each greeting offered, pausing when the Master of War began his tirade against the Wolkar. "My people have always been open to others, welcoming even the most alien and different into our society and treating them as we would our own kin. One's heart will be as empty as their pack if they choose to trust no one." With those words of wisdom spoken he returned his focus to the briefing, absorbing all of the details that were made available as sparse as they were. A former spymaster was certain to be a difficult hunt, though he had tracked down ghosts before. He nodded as the overall briefing concluded. "I will assume you want him brought in alive if possible, dead if necessary. I would typically ask for any information like patterns or aliases linked to the target though in this circumstance I understand such details would be quite sensitive to your national security. I shall have to do without. As for payment.." He paused as he could feel the scowl from the Master of War already, knowing he was more than ready to jump on the Wolkar's words as soon as he spoke. "I opt to not receive monetary payment. In lieu of such I propose that once Klith is brought to justice that we may begin talks towards a trade agreement or possibly begin discussions for an alliance. Given the unusual nature of this proposition, I am more than happy to negotiate any stipulations you may have on this matter."

[FrozenPhoenix]

The Master of Others being the master of diplomacy and trade with other races chimed in a tad surprised, "Of course we would be willing to make talks-" The Master of War was next interrupt, "Your sayings and words still ring hollow. You have no honor to give merit to humility." The Master of Others was about to speak up in protest again, but The Master of Eyes motioned to silence him. Continuing the Master of War spoke angrily, "We won't seek an alliance with honorless wretches. Twenty million Phire will be your payment and we won't see your hide again." The Master of Structure looked astonished at the mention of twenty million her head turning to the War of War with wide eyes opening her mouth to protest, but was again silenced by a gesture from the Master of Eyes.

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac's smile was replaced with a scowl as the Master of War spoke once more, the Litharian's words biting into his patience. "I do ask for the Council's forgiveness, but I was brought here under the understanding this was a mission of diplomacy. If this is nothing more than a bounty posting, then I am afraid you have contacted us through the improper forum. Normally I would be required to instruct you to contact the guild through the proper channels to post your bounty and to go through the standard process of hunters gaining the notification and coming here. Though, of course, they would have to willingly accept upon receiving the notice and come here of their own volition and I cannot guarantee they would approach this hunt with the same... discretion as you would likely prefer. However, you technically have not done the proper paperwork to post the bounty, and this Klith could be a potential threat to my own people should he set his sights on Ferran. According to guild charter, the penalty for seeking jobs outside of the guild is to be permanently banned from the guild and denied all resources from the guild. That leaves three options. The first is that I direct you to filing out the proper forms and have the guild send out the bulletin to all available hunters, though that will be far more messy. I can accept the job but refuse payment, though the Wolkar diplomatic corps will likely turn down future requests and just redirect your inquiries to the guild since, as the Master of war pointed out, your only interest in the Wolkar is as mercenaries. The third option on the table is that we revisit my previous proposal and the payment for recovering the traitor Klith before he reveals anymore of your government's secrets will be promises of future talks between our people. There is no guarantee needed of any alliance or even a trade agreement for that matter. We could do something as small as setting up an exchange rate between our nation's currencies." The Wolkar paused and let that sink in, allowing the council to mull over his words as well as the point he made of the lessened relations between their people. In all but one of those scenarios, they suffer consequences whether they be long or short term. The Wolkar was not being deceitful but merely following legal and diplomatic protocol, though that would hardly stop the Master of War from running his mouth. If anything, his experience with this group thus far was enough to possibly close diplomatic channels in his mind, his impression of them being very closed minded and intolerant of others which was a direct contrast to how the Wolkar approached those of other races.

[FrozenPhoenix]

The Master of War was absolutely livid. A creature as low as this thinking he had domain and power among the Litharians was an insult and one he would not stand for. He slammed his fist onto the table and the large doors opened allowing a pair of heavily armored and armed Karadon, clearly modified to be lethal monsters of death. The 16 foot high pair marched towards Rennac standing at attention at either side of him ready for their orders. "You have no domain or reason to mock us! You have no power and should be honored that we have even offered to pay you!" The Master of War shouted in response. Around him the Masters of Structure, Advancement, and most of all Others seemed absolutely livid about to depose the Master of War for his actions, but to teh side the Master of Eyes continued to pacify the others a grin on his face growing as the Master of War continued his rant. "I think this meeting has come to a conclusion, we shall adjourn and return to deliberations after our guest has had some time to think on our offer." The Master of Eyes said calmly, gesturing the guard to escort Rennac from the room.

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac was about finished with dealing with this biggot. He already planned to have the Lithorians not only blacklisted on their diplomatic channels but also have them blacklisted from the guild. This biggot was risking war the moment he called his guards after the wolkar had simply laid out the options available to them since he was not there representing the guild but solely as an ambassador of the Alpha Council. If news of his detainment had reached Ferran, it would mean certain war. When a member of the pack is taken, the entire pack rallies to free them. He quickly stood and readied himself for a potential conflict, his armor hissing as it moved. "This is no insult. I am not here under the authority of the guild, therefore I cannot just accept your job without the bounty being formally posted and processed. I am here strictly as a diplomatic envoy. Unless it concerns the ties between our nations, my hands are tied." His tone was as professional as it came, ready to fight his way out if it seemed to be neccesary. Thankfully however, it looked like it might not be needed as the Master of Eyes seemed to take control. The Wolkar could only hope he was more stable than his counterpart, or else he would need to put his jetpack to use. Once he got back to his quarters he opened up his portable terminal and printed the necessary forms. If these bozos wouldn't negotiate with him as a diplomat, they would need to fill out the necessary forms to hire him through the guild. He also notified the Sirius about the situation should the Masters be rash enough to imprison or kill him and start war.

[FrozenPhoenix]

Once Rennac was back in his room it wasn't long until a soft knock rapped on it, and before a responsive could come the door opened. In stepped the Master of Eyes all dressed up in his immaculately smooth white suit and some sort of fruit in his hand. "I do hope you are decent." he said with a light chuckle and a hand extended offering the fruit.

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac eyed the master of eyes warily, hesitating before accepting the fruit and having it sampled with his suits medical probe to scan for toxins. He was not going to hide that his trust was highly damaged after that disaster of a diplomatic negotiation. "No worries about that. Most of my kind practically live in our armor. Speaking of, you may as well look these over." He handed the forms to the Master of eyes, his tone impassive. "The first is the physical form to process your bounty on Klith so I can actually act to represent the guild since I was unable to before. The second is a list of guidelines concerning regulations for using the guild. I made sure to underline how attacking or otherwise detaining a guild worker without legal provocation is cause for the person or government to be blacklisted for a period no less than ffty years. At this point its going to take a hell of a lot to make me reconsider my current proposal to cease any diplomatic ties between the Wolkar and your people, just as a heads up."

[FrozenPhoenix]

Xilanthis took the paper and began to look it over, "Impressive, very orderly. But completely useless" He said tossing it to the floor. "You see Karasis is the only master with issues with you. The rest of use actually want to have diplomatic ties strengthened and forged. Unfortunately Karasis will not be swayed with from his old ways." He began to move towards the bed, laying down with his hands behind his head. "Litharian politics are a funny thing, and apparently very different from the Wolken sort. This 'job' as you see it is a diplomatic mission. Unfortunately karasis sees it only as a job to pay a worthless piece of trash from a worthless planet." He let out a sigh, thinking about all the heedless times Karasis has almost lead them to war over his ideals, if he wasn't a tactical genius he may have been sent into early retirement. "That is why when we reconvene I'll suggest that the Wolken are not to be trusted and to supplement the hunting party with one of ours. This chance of a dual-species operation will allow our ties to be forged in the ways of old, the ways of Karasis. Meanwhile I can focus on 'convincing' the masters to change the the deal. Of course it won't be hard, like I said the other masters already want it. I was thinking of establishing a trade connection between some of our fringe worlds. It would be safe, convenient, and beneficial to us both. What do you think?"

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac listened to Xilanthis with intent, glad to hear the master of war was certainly in the minority. It did raise a question or two about how their system worked if one could block all progress despite the majority working against them. "Truth be told this only became a job because of Karasis. I was in full support of this being a diplomatic endeavor from the beginning. I still hope it is possible, though if Karasis is any indication of how the rest of your people believe any lasting relations may be a lost cause. Still, if you believe this will offer some chance of success, I would be a poor envoy if I did not pursue this option. I'll go for it. I do ask that someone capable be assigned as my shadow for this one. This will be no hunt for a greenhorn."

[FrozenPhoenix]

The Master of Eyes nodded his head as Rennac talked. "You are partially right. We only need a majority vote to have anything pass, so we don't need him to vote with us. After all he will most likely still hate you when this is over, nothing we can do about that. Jutaric, Hitharis, and Nithurk all want to catch this bastard so we don't have a threat this big looming over us. But I see a potential here. Which is why I hope you can forgive my attempts to support Karasis. If I didn't they would have beaten us in a majority and we'd be all happy and dandy with Wolken looking for the traitor. But now if I can turn this into a joint mission we could use it as an excuse for further development using this as a political stunt. I can see the headlines already, 'Wolken and Litharian team up to take down traitorous master.' Builds a sort of, 'this can only only be a good thing' mentality. It's kind of funny how words can sway so many minds. Ah, but such is the way of the unseen hands. The little things that make all the difference." Xilanthis stood up and made his way to Rennac extending his hand to shake, "I know it seems strange, but sometimes its the people who are the real target and it's up to us to make the most of a sour situation. I'll make sure you get a good candidate to join you. Oh and before I forget, you were never under arrest, I just had to make sure we had a talk before you left the planet with a demonized impression of us."

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac nodded with the plan, figuring this method would strengthen ties more, though it would be playing things a bit dangerously. Overall it did make sense why the master of eyes wanted to manipulate events in such a way. "Mhm. You should also avoid anyone who has loyalty to Krasis over the council as a whole. As it stands I wouldn't put it past him to have one of his men try to kill me during the hunt or even hiring a non guild merc to try and assassinate me. For all his talk of honor he was more than ready to kill an unarmed diplomat. Plus, it looks much better for the tabloids not to read 'Wolkar-Litharian taskforce fight one another!' As for the whole demonized impression, I thus far only have a demonized impression of one of you. Its the fact that one person is the head of your military that worries me." He paused seeing the extended hand, tentatively grasping it and giving a firm shake.

[FrozenPhoenix]

After their shake the Master of Eyes withdrew his hand and paced towards the door, "As the Master of War, he has access to our armed forced, but I am not without options. Just trust that I have our best interests at the forefront of my mind, no matter what I say at tomorrow's meeting." With that he moved to push the door's open button, but just before his finger found it's mark, his bother began to dissipate into a smoke and as he was vanishing into thin air, he made one final remark, "And don't' forget, I was never here." Litharian Galactic Date 5372-221, Planet Havatk, Chamber of the Masters. The continuation of yesterday's meeting begins. The Masters are already sitting at their respective seats and are awaiting Emissary Rennac Shadowclaw of Clan Shadowclaw.

[Rennac Faintheart]

Rennac strode into teh room once more, his pleasant demeanor from before gone as a scowl replaced it. His helm was always within reach this time, hand never leaving it as if he were constantly on guard and ready for the possibility of violence. His tone was curt and to the point. "Given the debacle at our previous meeting, I would like to clear up a misunderstanding. I was meeting with you before ONLY as an envoy of the Wolkar pack collective, and therefore was not entitled to represent the mecenary guild at that time. Since Master Krasis has stated this is no longer a matter of diplomacy, I had to inform the Alpha Council as well as the guild of the change of plans. Now, I can represent both here today. Now then, lets get on with this so we can end this nasty business quickly." A subtle nod toward the Master of Eyes served as both the signal to resume the briefing as well as a signal to inform him of hsi act. He was already mapping out the hunt in his mind, his main plan to be to make the public believe the negotiations were rocky at best and seem like they could fall through quickly. Since this target was a spy master, it was likely that he would be less eager to reveal himself to one who was having positive results in peace talks with those who wanted him dead. He had to put on the act so that the guards present would think any sort of alliance or positive relation would be impossible and would spread that belief to others. With a bit of data manipulation on the end of the Wolkar galactic net station, it could easily be spread to wherever Klith was hiding.

[FrozenPhoenix]

Master of War Karasis seemed as though he had a few choice words to say, but held his tongue. Instead Master of Others Hitharis chimed in, "On behave of the masers I wish to apologize for yesterdays little event. Master of War Karasis means well, even if he doesn't always speak it." Giving a shallow bow at the end." "This isn't an ideal situation, but I don't believe we have deceived the Alpha Council in any sense of the word. This still remains a diplomatic mission. We seek to find if the Wolkar can be assist us in this matter discreetly before we advance our intents further." Master of Structure Jutaric added. "As for the possibility of diplomatic payment, we are more than ready to accomodate." Master of Others Hitharis finished.