[IC] Virgin Space: A Space Opera RP of Power, Profit, and Providence

[Letter Bee]

((Collab between Letter Bee and Gentlemanvaultboy))

The doors to Mr. Hut's office opened, allowing Rudolf and GG to enter what at first appeared to be a small, spartan room barely big enough for the baskerville to fit, with a simple wooden desk and a portly man in a tuxedo, with a full head of hair and piercing blue eyes, as well as a small mustache, in a chair at the end. However, once the doors closed again, the portly man - Mr. Hut - clapped his hands, causing the walls and ceiling to widen and expand, providing more room for the Baskerville. The desk then retracted into the floor and was replaced with a large table filled with choice meats and vegetables.

"Do you like it?" spoke Mr. Hut. "This is my new 'Office of Requirement', fitted with complex machines and memory-alloy materials that allow the room to change to their owner's specifications, and the specifications of the guests. I just entertained one young heir in this room, now...let's just say that you have full run of it as I do."

"Now, you're here about Tops?" asked the man.

"Well, that's who my information led to. I... GG, what did daddy tell you about fatty steak?" Rudolf said as the behemous marched forward and lifted a large steak into its mouth. It looked back at Rudolf, hands on his hips and tapping his foot, then raised its head higher and marched off to one of the rooms far corners to tear into it, ignoring him. Rudolf shook his head. "So headstrong. Just like his father. Anyway." Rudolf contiued, walking up to the deck and making himself a sandwitch. "I've been looking for a proper thread to pull on this hobbyist situation for a while now. I think Tops might be that thread, I just need to know where he is."

"Two places," spoke Mr. Hut, "the first is his establishment, Tops' Bar and Hotel, which I gave to him five years ago as his 30th Birthday present. The second is The Labyrinth, a section of heating and water vents, as well as storage facilities, running underneath the city, at the crust of the station. Another hangout is Madame Venus' Pleasure Palace, where almost every kink can be satisfied."

Rudolf bit into a slice of something or other that he's put between two slices of lettus in liue of bread. "Labyrinth seems to me where my interestes lie," he said between swallows. "Unless you can fit an army of monsters in a bar or brothal. You have a map of it?"

A small column rose up to Mr. Hut's left, carrying an old-fashioned paper map on its top, which the man then took, then tossed offhandedly to Rudolf. The paper map contained an image of the twists and turns of the Labyrinth, as well as the presumed base of the 'Artificial Rancor' Army.

Ruldolf gave the map a thorough look. "I was hoping for something digital, but this works. Is there anything down there that you absolutly don't want broken." He asked, sideying GG has he came back to the desk and, heedless of Rudolfs disapproval, took another steak. "My boy can get a bit...rambuctious in exicting situations."

"There's a small fusion reactor and a large pipe transferring heat from it to other places. Don't break those, or you'll literally die, along with millions of workers and customers," was Mr. Hut's reply.

Rudolf whipped out his PDA, scanning the map with it before fiddling with the digital display that was created. He found the reactor and the pipeline and, with a few deft flicks of his thumb, marked them as vital area. Then he he input a six digit password and pressed a button to the screen. A light at the top of the PDA flashed and GG looked up, its eye flashing the same way. "I just updated the VI with that information. It shouln't be a problem now. I'd like to do the same with any personelle you might have down there. Informants, agents of yours, people you want to make use of. I don't want anyone caught in the crossfire."

"I won't pry, of course. We are a security company, after all. Client are entitled to their privacy."

"Well," said the portly man, "I already have a few hundred agents watching the labyrinth, as well as a list of moles within Tops' organization." Another column and piece of paper arose, and went towards Rudolf. "Here is the list. Warning, though, Tops himself won't likely be at the Labyrinth, but I can trust others to 'take care' of him."

"I can't imagine that he won't move once he relizes what's happening." Rudolf said, scanning the list without looking at it and repeating the process. The PDA blinked. The eye blinked, the pictures on the list registering in the VI. "That should give your people ample oppertunity to grab him. I don't suppose I could meet these people, could I?"

"They're in one of my suites in this very spire, a varied bunch of people, technically employed by the Heir to the Mayors and Merchants' association - oops, sorry, I mean the Guild! -" Mr. Hut was interrupted.

"Small world, so am I! I think..."

"Yes, the Guild's Mayors provide the space for your company to work in, while they and their merchants both provide funding," Mr. Hut was a little cross. "Either way, Paradise 'Par' Rapids is here on a fool's adventure against the Sphinx, which dovetails with my plans against Tops nicely." Another smile.

"Vegas Station is a world in miniature, so, yes, 'Small World' is a good description. Now, anything else?"

"Can't think of it if there is." Rudolf replied, giving two sharp whistles. GG got up and wandered over toward them. "Pleasure doing bussiness with you Mr. Hut." He said, extending a hand. "This rancor problem of yours is going to be settled in no time."

A smile at that, and the doors opened, beckoning the guests to finally continue with their business...

Rudolf look at his hand, then brough it behind him to scratch the back of his head before making his way out of the room. "C'mon GG."

The baskerville lingered for a moment in the office, turning its head as it examined Hut. Then its tendrils floated forward and grabbed as much meat as they could wrap themselvs around and lifting it into the air. It grabbed another steak in its mouth.

"C'mon boy!" Rudolf called from the hall. GG took one last look at Hut then padded out after its owner, easily catching up to the chubby little man as he headed down the hall. "We're going to meet our boss, and after that...we're going for a little walk."

[agentmanatee]

Reben was surprised by Par's forward nature. He was young, extremely so, and hot-headed, no wonder he was disliked by some in his guild. His overt opinions on a potential client would no doubt grate on many members of the largely amoral organization to no end. It was however refreshing for Reuben to deal with so straitfoward an organic, they also danced around in conversation to much for his liking. His right eye unintentionally red and leering he responded to the young man in his grating cybernetic voice, "-That is correct Mr. Rapids, I am a representative of the Society of Steel's Steel Rangers. Per orders from my superiors, I am to assist you in the capacity of a Bodyguard, protecting you as an important asset in the fight against the Sphinx Domination. I am to protect you from threats within and without, and if necassary die in order to keep you safe.-", he mechanically saluted Par, his programming urging him that this was the appropriate time.

As Ahnciel was mentioned Reuben looked down at the small organic, and then back at Par, "-Strictly speaking, organic lifeform Ahnciel is under the custody of the Society of Steel for assaulting a Steel Ranger. In addition, he is an un-categorized and un-encountered organic species in need of study. Steel Ranger directive 39740.2 Sub-Article 43692: A secondary purpose of the Steel Ranger's is the gathering of new and relavent information. Ahnciel fulfills both of these criteria.-", before he could continue a small twitch of his head and his right eye blinking red stopped him for a few moments before he returned to regualr conditions, eye now a solid red, "-I apologise Mr. Rapids, after expunging some information from Ahnciel's flight recorder I found the data was encrypted and has corrupted some of my internal processing. The problem is easily fixable and Ahnciel has assured me he can help. As soon as he tells me he is preppared we will rectify this problem.-"

[Hawlin]

Ahnciel was a little surprised that that the robot had still been lingering around. Although, with the leverage of information involved, he couldn't blame the single-minded nature of machines. The aylv was a bit burnt out from questions and had been preparing a simple answer for the machine that identified itself by a human name. It was almost a little funny that the sophistication of human engineering could produce something that honestly believed it was a person, but Ahnciel wasn't about to point this out since they seemed to have problems of their own. He didn't figure that the script in the black box could stand up to the aforementioned artificial intelligence.

"Eh...vith certainty. I may need to be guided through your code, zough zee analogue vould be no trouble" The genebeast confidently assured with a small wag of their tail. It was the first step on the long road of diplomacy that started with performing maintenance servicing on complicated and questionably sentient circuitry; a worthy challenge as any, if he would say so.

(For the interest of tying events together, I'll have it assumed that Jericho gave Ahnciel directions which would only really make sense to sandwich)

Mild conversation took place during the walk to Par's temporary office. Ahnciel explained in a single-word answer to Reuben's question, "Diplomacy". He didn't figure it mattered if he got complicated with Reuben since it would either be wasted breath, misinterpreted or lost due to 'command syntax errors' or whatever.

The explanation of the faction that Par offered worked a small tilt of Ahnciel's head from his composure. As opposed to Jericho's explanation of human governments being sadly fractured, the idea of a collection for the greater good was refreshing.
"Ah, yeh. Iz good to know zehr iz some stability in-...ehrm" he began, getting annoyed by constantly having to go back on rational statements for the sake of tact. "I-iz nice to meet you" Ahnciel offered before Reuben spoke of his mission as well as their 'affiliation' with the aylv. This came with a quiet agitated groan from the creature, who lifted the prosthetic arm to their face. Being reminded of his humiliation wasn't at the top of his list, but he quickly bounced back. "Yeeess...I am 'Ahnciel', zeh livink being in zee custody ouf zeh Society ouf Steel for numerous reasons" he chirped in a joking manner, concluding with a small sight before continuing to comment on Reuben's explanation for the system glitch.

"I am prepared at any moment zeht eit vould be polite to do so" Ahnciel answered, figuring that, if Reuben was anything like a normal machine, that oil and noise would come with maintenance, something that wasn't very proper to engage in while in the presence of formal company.

[Letter Bee]

"Thank you," Par spoke to Reuben, "I promise that I will not abuse your services." Turning towards Ahnciel, the 19-year old boy asked:

"Do you need anything to eat or drink?" He was then interrupted by Count Jericho, who then said:

"That won't be necessary, we already had a business meeting where Ahnciel was provided with refreshment." A nod from Par, who then continued:

"How's the Tops job?"

"That man has stepped up his security in the Tops Bar and Hotel, we've also heard notice that -" suddenly, they were interrupted.

"One Rudolf Pendrick to see you," the VI's voice spoke.

"Let him and GG in," Par responded.

Once Rudolf and his immense biological creation, which might remind Ahnciel uncomfortably of the 'abominations' that once enslaved him, entered, Par would then continue:

"Rudolf and GG, this is Count Jericho, Reuben, and Ahnciel. Count Jericho, Reuben, and Ahnciel, this is Rudolf Pendrick and GG; Rudolf is a scientist working to create biological constructs, and does so in space provided by my father, the Mayor of New Amsterdam Spaceport." New Amsterdam Spaceport was a city built around New Amsterdam (the planet)'s Space Elevator. "Despite this line of work, he is a very...humane person who treats his creations - which are nonsapient - with respect, even love. Anyway, we have some exposition to continue?" Count Jericho obliged.

"Benjamin Tops has stepped up his security at his main lair, and it's clear that he's begun preperations for the final phase of his plans. His men are armed with state-of the art weaponry, Railguns, Coilguns, and Plasma Launchers. Security is strongest at the ground levels, it also seems." A nod from Par.

"Rudolf, Benjamin Tops is one of the employees of this space station's master, Mr. Hut, who is currently engaged in a plan to betray the station to our mutual foe." Turning to Ahnciel, the young man continued:

"Said mutual foe is the Sphinx Domination, one of the Four Major Powers of the Eliza Sector. The Sphinx, who occupy the 'northern' part of the Sector, the ones closest to the Terran Warring States, are...a regressive faction who, on guard against a potential AI Rebellion - even though AIs don't currently exist in the Elizan Sector, Cyborgs and Brains-in-jars fulfil their functions - put restrictions on VI - Virtual Intelligence, aka Psuedo-AI - with the result that much automation is slowed down, necessitating the return of old practices such as slavery for labor and manufacturing. This, in turn is 'justified'," Par managed to get his sarcasm across...

"''Justified' by an ideology of 'meritocracy', in which hardship is used to isolate the best, who are then given rulership of their inferiors. However, in order to keep the military machine in order to impose such views on the rest of the Sector, the Sphinx Domination uses various loopholes in their anti-automation laws to authorize the use of brains-in-jars to run their ships and large tanks. They also have crude, but effective railguns, coilguns, and plasma launchers that run on analog control, and even power armor that also runs on analog."

"'Needless to say," spoke Par, "they are loathsome and a threat, and I'm glad that at least two-thirds of us are willing to strike a blow."

[agentmanatee]

Reuben nodded to Ahnciel, "-Shortly, we will commence with maintenance then.-", however, one Rudolf Pendrick was then introduced. Reuben scanned and analyzed him and his... pet GG. Clearly, GG was a creation of the Baskerville's corporation, a sort of sector wide defense solutions company distributing huge, often quadrapedal, cyborg animals meant to protect anyone from a small family to military and political leaders. This particular Baskerville was truly massive, the size of a small land cehicle or speeder, Reuben registered it as a definite possible threat should complications arise. However, for now it was docile and clearly under the control of its owner, who Reben now addressed.

"-Rudolf Pendrick, I am Reuben Jerger, representative of the Society of Steel's Steel Rangers. I am here acting as a bodyguard and ally to Mr. Rapids. I hope that we, working together, may be better equipped to deal with any threats to Mr. Rapids safety.-", with that and an offered handshake, he returned his attention to Par, "-As I would prefer the corrupted data be purged from my memory banks as soon as possible, I request a room in which I and Ahnciel may repair my cognitive systems. Is this request amiable Mr. Rapids. As soon as my maintenance is complete I wil return.-", he awaited his current charges response, hoping to have the oppourtunity to repair himself before Par had them leave the Station and travel further into Domination territory.

[Gentlemanvaultboy]

"Pleasure to meet you Mr. Jerger." Rudolf replied, taking the cyborgs offered hand in both hands and shaking it vigorously, as though he were trying to make up for Mr. Hut snubbing him. The mans voice was surprisingly soft for his rotund build and seemed to escape him like air from a balloon, which meant that when he turned to Par and said, "I'm aware. Mr. Hut has arranged a meeting between me and Mr. Tops," it wasn't nearly the dark statement overflowing with subtle menace that he thought it was.

In contrast to this it was impossible for GG not to exude at least subtle menace even when engaging in something relatively innocent. Towering over Ahnciel, the beast bent down and what was unmistakably snuffling was audible under the armored plating on its face. It tilted its head in curiosity and kept sniffing this strange new thing it'd found. "You can go ahead and pet him if you like, he's a pussycat." Rudolf said, noticing this and not paying it any mind.

[Hawlin]

Ahnciel had been about to accept the offer for refreshments, curious of their culture and its view of food as well as the idea of maybe getting more water out of it, but it was quickly shut down by Jericho. With a sigh, he nodded to Reuben, assuming they'd eventually be allowed a more proper setting in which to work. A soft whirr rose from their mechanical arm, the fine fingers inside of the 'skinning' kit cycling through the tools; bits, magnets and a few small 'manual' tools chime against the selectors like tiny bells. It was a bit primitive, but with no gaps in the short succession, Ahnciel was certain he had all of the tools he needed.

They were broken from concentrating on their check as the door slid open and they were introduced to the large human by the name of 'Rudolf'. Alone, they met the description of the old human classifications. Heavy though deceptively kindly in demeanor. However, what truly worried Ahnciel was the beast that followed them into the room. The aylven skinner was no stranger to ghastly sights, given the abhorrent forms of his previous keepers, though he grew pale at the sight of massive creature from which machinations of perceivably sinister intent sprouted or sat fixed to its form. The creature within the metal was nothing that he'd ever seen, and it didn't help that he couldn't tell where beast ended and steel began.

Par's introduction of the man did little to ease Ahnciel as he visibly shook, taking a few steps back and instinctively lowered himself in an attempt to become less noticeable even as GG approached. Up close, it seemed almost as if it had been grown into the metal in some sort of parody of the Aylven 'keepers', only it was more like an animal and crafted with a disquieting grace. The implied intent and deliberate structure of the living weapon openly laughing in the face of the Aylv's 'nightmare machine' and any one of its children.

Ahnciel lifted his arms to defend himself from its approach as it leaned in to sniff him. Its muzzle bumped against them with just enough to nudge him off balance and to the ground with a frightened yip. It tilted its head at the moment of Rudolf assuring that it was a 'pussycat', or whatever that meant to Ahnciel, he swallowed hard and lifted his good hand to shakily reach out to it. Being met with another 'snuff' as his hand neared its massive head, he jumped, scrambling up the nearby Reuben's back and perching on their shoulder while almost incoherently whimpering something about how 'Eit vahnts zeh blood in my veins!'

"Vaht iz eit!?" he barked in horrified confusion, wrapping his arms around Reuben's helmet to steady himself.

[Letter Bee]

"Sure, why not?" Par agreed to Reuben's request, "there's a spare guest room to my left; you can use it if you want." He would then turn to Rudolf, saying:

"Ah, of course, Mr. Hut has a gift for calling upon the best people he can. That said, though, if Tops' plans involve Baskervilles - I inferred that from the fact that you're interested in this matter in the first place - then the rest of us should be wary of the man." And finally, Par would turn to Ahnciel, who had reacted...badly to the presence of GG.

"You have...a bad history with biological creations?" Par questioned. "Anyway, GG here is a 'Baskerville', an artificial organic lifeform - nonsapient - created for purposes of security and companionship by Rudolf." He then mused; Ahnciel was surely an independent biological creation himself, one not created by the Gardeners of Gimloe, who treated their sapient biological creations like equals.

"Biological manipulation in the Eliza Sector is an advanced Science," Par would continue, "although in many quarters, it is taboo. Rudolf's knowledge of how to create Baskervilles was stoen from the Gardeners of Gimloe, the fourth Main Power of the Eliza Sector. The Gardeners are a faction of ecologists who sow barren worlds with life, and create new lifeforms for various purposes, some for security, others for companionship, and some to serve as equal partners."

"I'm expositing this because even though you," the 19-year old boy would stare at Ahnciel as he clung to Reuben's helmet, "are a biological creation almost as good as what the Gardeners create, your...traumatized behavior shows that you have not encountered the Gardeners at all, which in turn means that you originated with a terriary power, or...travelled here all the way from the Terran Sector, which is rumored to have advanced technology."

Turning to Rudolf again, Par continued:

"Where will you confront Mr. Tops? I, once Reuben is well, plan to join Count Jericho in attacking his establishment at Tops' Bar and Hotel."

Back to Reuben.

"Anyway, if you want to, you can go clear the corruption in your systems now. We'll have more to do later."

[Letter Bee]

((Collab between Letter Bee and souleaterfan320))

Sphinx Prime

In the Imperial Palace of the Sphinx, a massive stone structure modeled after the temple of Angkor Wat on Old Earth, Alan Anderson sat on the throne room, which was ornamented with gold and ebony, with a throne of purest mother-of-pearl, all handcrafted by skilled artisan-slaves, who had to be rewarded with freedom after proving their merit. Nevertheless, in this large chamber, Alan listened to reports from his informers, who, in keeping with the low-tech approach of the Sphinx, were using primitive radios and 21st Century Internet; FTL comms were managed by brains-in-jars.

He was satisfied, the campaigns were going well, taking world after world as they went. His main fleets, after smashing the defenses of each world, were followed up by consolidation forces who would begin the process of destroying advanced technology - except that which ran on analog control - and forcing the population into brutal enslavement. With the help of his new allies, allies that were against the Sphinx's ideals, he would conquer the Sector, and live a life of power and pleasure.

"Sir," said a runner, a brown-skinned 18-year old clad only in a pure white, wrap-around kilt, "Kain Sheffield is here to see you!" Alan smiled; the weapons maker was a key ally in his plans.

"Let him in," his voice boomed out, amplified by primitive microphones.

Meanwhile, deep within the confines of HAMMRCO's largest facility....

Kain took a long draw on his Cuban cigar, as he stared this latest non-abiding client. He had grown tired of the current rise of clients who decided that it would be a great idea to opt outof paying him, and try to take him on.

this poor man, he has no idea what he's gotten himself into.., he thought. He looked deep into the mans eyes before him, looking for some kind of sign of remorse, but just saw a scared boy with power.

'... Mr. Jones, you have two choices. Either you pay me your dues, or.....'

He takes another long draw on his cigar, before putting it out on the mans forehead, and removing it, as the man screeched out in agony*

'I can make this the worse day of your horrible, miserable life. Scum like you disgust me. You make promises that you cant fulfill...'

He pulls out his .45, pushing the clip in, and loading the first bullet.

' ...luckily for you, ive got all day. So, what is it gonna be,hmm?'

The man looks at Kain, fear and worry in his voice as he speaks.

'P-please, sir... Im sorry, I promise you ill have the payment to you within the week, I have a wife, and family. I beg you, have some mercy...'

The mans tearducts finally give, as he sobs, whilst Kain watches the pitiful man cry like a small child, then Kain speaks to him.

' you said that last week. The previous week. The week before that. How am I to belie-'

Kain's phone rings, and he picks it up.

' yes...? Hmm.. Alright, then. Ill be on my way, just finishing up some business... Ill be on my way, it shouldn't be much longer, my apologies to Alan.'

He hangs up, looking to his previous client.

'Im sorry, our contract has been terminated, goodbye.'

He raises the pistol, blasting the man in the face, and the man falls dead. Kain. Shook his head at the insolent man, it was only a mere two hundred thousand credits that was owed, nothing more, nothing less. But yet, he couldn't pay his dues. Kain holstered his pistol, made his way to the surface, getting into his personal cruiser, that blasts off to Alans current location. Upon arriving, Kain steps out, patting down his clothes, and walks towards the door, and follows Sphinx custom procedures before entering. Upon making his way to Alan, he smiles.

'Alan, my dear friend, good to see you. How are things going?'

"Everything is fine. A dozen worlds just fell yesterday, and full wartime mobilization isn't cutting into our pockets as much as they should," one can tell that Alan was keeping secrets. Secrets about how he was able to find the materials and industrial capacity in order to send out such massive fleets. Then again, the Sphinx Domination's interior was largely unknown to outsiders, while communications within the Domination were...slow, slower than in the other major factions.

"However..." the Emperor of the Sphinx trailed off, "we need more. We need more weapons, ones that do not use automation or sophisticated computer programming and run by analog control. We also need data on what weapons the enemy is using, so as to gain a picture of their capabilities. And so, I am willing to give you the greatest gift an Emperor can give to an outsider - a noble title in the Domination, allowing you to claim one of my personal lands, the Planet of Sabbat."

Sabbat was a resource-rich planet, smaller than Old Earth, but with the same gravity due to the presence of heavier elements like Platinum and the like, which can be found in abundance. It was a pristine place, filled with life, and it had been used as a pleasure planet by Alan's father, Mark. Now, however:

"I want you to develop the planet, set up slave-factories and mines and shipyards. Use the slaves taken in the recent conquests; if they are moved from their old homeworlds, they will be less likely to resist."

'Hmm... I see. As far as those weapons, I may just have a cache of railguns that may interest you.'

Kain began think about this offer, it sounded like they awanted him to get truthfully involved in their efforts, and that is something he would rather avoid.

' I am truthfully sorry, but running a multi-planet company has been a struggle enough, as it is. Perhaps I could send one of my close associates to assist with this? I could guarantee you that this planet will be fully colonized, and producing the requested materials at an unprecedented rate using only the methods you've mentioned.'

He truthfully hoped that this would work, but just as a failsafe, he tossed out an idea.

'In case my 'friend' goes back on his word, you will receive your requested weapons, free of charge. '

He knew this was a risky move, but it was one he was confident in being able to take a hit like that and make up for it, in due time.

' I am only worried that my potential clients might be turned away, if it is seen that I have my hands in politics, again. This is why I suggest having a close client of mine do this. I can continue my usual business with the outer planets, and still keep our ties strong. I know tensions have been high, recently, so im willing to help with whatever I can handle.'

"That's even better!" Alan smiled. "You are a very good businessman, Kain Sheffeild. I am...sorry for daring to impose on you. As for what you can handle, well, let's just say that an attempt of mine to seize control of Vegas Station is about to fail soon. Can you devise a way to repair ties with 'Mr. Hut' once it does?"

Kain thought about this long and hard. He knew he should say no, but this also provides an opportunity to worm his way into Vegas Station, and opportunity that he could've only dreamed of. With this, he would have access to a near unlimited supply of mercenaries at his disposal, and a way for him to set up the 'black market' , so he could further his plans.

' I'll see what i can do. I should be able to muster something up. How quickly do you need this to happen?'

"In a few days; you will also be given forty billion nuggets of pure platinum in order to use at your discretion in trying to repair relations with Mr. Hut; use them for bribes, blackmail, covert operations, you're also permitted to take ten percent of the funds as a down payment for your services," Alan said, already thinking of the anguish of the slaves whose lives were spent acquiring such wealth.

Kain grinned, thinking about the resources. Everything was falling into place, this was much, much to easy...

'I'll get it done as soon as possible, then. Thank you for your business, I knew I could count on you, Alan. Also, in return, I need to ask a favor. A select few of my clients are spreading around blasphemous rumors about deals that I had supposedly made deals with enemies of the sphinx empire, something that you and i know all too well to be false. I need them wiped off the face of existence. There scaring away my customers, and its not good for business, is do it myself, but in doing that, is be enforcing those falsified stories in the heart of those who've heard it from those liars' mouths. Could you do this friend the said favor?'

"Of course, of course," spoke Alan, "consider those clients dead."

Kain smiled, and bow in Alan's presence.

'Ill begin my work immediately..'

He extends his hand for a handshake.

'It was a pleasure doing business with you, Alan.'

"A pleasure doing business with you too," the man said, taking the handshake. "Now, if you don't have any more business, I have some more informats to see..."

'I see, ill be on my way, keep me in touch.'

Kain walked back to his cruiser, and sat down on the lavish seats in the interior, as the door closed. He grabs a bottle of champagne from the built in cooler and opens it, pouring himself a glass to celebrate a great deal struck, once again.

[Gentlemanvaultboy]

"You can hardly call it stealing, Mr. Par, they gave it to me." Rudolf said, grabbing GG round the neck as it followed the strange little yelping creature over to Reuben, stopping it in it's tracks. "You are being so rude today." He said, before turning up to Ahnciel. "Sorry, I had no idea you were a gene-mod. I thought you were just into the cosplay. He always gets curious about other types, but he's harmless. Watch."

Rudolf let the big monster go and it obediently stayed in place. Rudolf stood in front of it and said, clearly and in a loud voice, "GG, sit!" The beasts giant haunches hit the floor with a muffled metallic thud. Rudolf extended his hand, palm up. "GG, shake." A claw that could tear its way through the hull of a starship lifted up off the ground a placed itself delicately in Rudolf's hand. Rudolf smiled. "GG, hard shake."

A pair of tendrils snaked their way forward and wrapped around Rudolf's waist and under his arms, lifting him up into the air and quickly shaking him up and down for three seconds before placing him back on the ground where the man tried desperately to re-find his bearing. He steadied himself on a chair and shook his head. "That one was a whole lot more fun when I was younger." He said laughingly. "But you see, he's a good boy. Well, until anyone takes a shot at me. Speaking of!"

He turned to Par and whipped out his PDA, flipping the screen to show the map of the tunnels. "I was planning on running my boy through that rat maze and seeing what I scared up. Tops is building an army of monsters and they'll probably be down there. I imagine he'll spook once he hears what's happening and you can pick him up then. I'm ready to go whenever. Coordination is important and Remmy would yell at me over the phone if I put you out at all."

[agentmanatee]

Reuben was surprised by Ahnciel's extreme reaction to the Baskerville. Clearly he had never seen anything like it, and was terrified of the beast. Reuben decided this was the perfect moment to leave for maintenance.

"-Come Ahnciel, we will now perform my system purge. Away from the Baskerville to which you have displayed intense fear.-", with Ahnciel draped around his head like some strange hat Reubens made his way to the guest room. Once arriving, he closed the door and gingerly placed Ahnciel on the floor, "-I will now open my head casing to give you access to my CPU's. I will allow you to purge the corrupted data from there.-", he kneeled before Ahnciel before opening his head casing.

His mind was... strange. A mess if wires, hard drives, CPU's and more archaic and futuristic tech ran through parts of hid grey matter like spider webs. Several rubes with s strange viscous black substance ran through his fleshy mind, which was saturated with the liquid. Parts were metal parts were not, but it was clear what section contained the corrupted data. Ahnciel needed just to reach into the flesh-metal amalgamation of a mind and fix it.

[Hawlin]

Realizing their awkwardness in being on Reuben as they were called out by par, Ahnciel thought fast. "Iz...classified" he offered in a shaky tone while trying to come off as formal, unsure how tight-lipped the fleet wanted to be about their failures since he hadn't been given cue cards or checklist. This thought teased at a curiosity of what was on the chip that was currently safely housed in his arm. It was important enough to be given to him, though kept from him for so long. "Eh-ehn humans should know not to play vith fire like...zeht" he began with a nod in GG's direction, though his tone grew soft and almost intrigued as he watched it take orders from Rudolf.

Lifting its clawed paw, Ahnciel watched with bated breath as he expected the beast to simply gut the man. The aylv's ears tilted to a side in curiously cautious perplexion as the amalgamation of flesh and steel obeyed the human, even going to the length of lifting and actually shaking the man. While this confirmed his suspicion of the creature's terrifying strength and mostly served to unnerve Ahnciel further, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of empathy for GG. It was almost like looking in a mirror, both in the sense of his brand's origin as well as their own foolish attempts at making what humanity apparently did so well. It made Ahnciel feel disgusting on top of the fright from the creature's anonymously blank expression, obscured by steel. He couldn't get past the feeling of hidden eyes and unknown expressions contained within metal and held by a living creature, especially one of such overt physical prowess. Intentions and even the concept of 'soul' hidden behind its own design so well...any human Ahnciel could even unflatteringly imagine would be proud to hold its leash.

Poor thing...

'Thankful' was an understatement as Reuben made the executive decision to leave the room with Ahnciel still clinging to them. The door shut behind them and even being in another room, the scientist still visibly trembled while watching the door. It tapered off to calmness after being set down, renewed by the task at hand, though still keeping an eye on where they came from. Seeing the beast in such a state bent his fear into something far darker than simple instincts which annoyingly plagued him. The idea that humans would do such a thing to life, and that he was now in 'cahoots' with them was unsettling. He touched on the thought and then let it fade as not to make himself a hypocrite in his own mind; after all, Ahnciel was more aware than any of where uncontrolled gene-molding could lead a society.

Almost on cue with his thoughts, Ahnciel looked upon Reuben's mind-meats and simply sighed. "Szo...ehm...do humans use brains to enhance zeir machines?" he asked, flicking a few small tools from his arm which slid open to offer an array of options extended outward on tiny gripping appendages. With a deep breath, he gently began to tinker, tapping a syncing-diode to one of the wires to 'feel out' the error and quickly beginning to right it with a few twitches of the mechanical arm's fingers.

[Letter Bee]

"We'll be going...once the station reaches its artificial night," Par said; "that'll be enough time to eat and drink. We'll also be in constant communication; not that you don't already know the basics of covert operations. And, thanks for being concerned about me; glad to know it's not just because my father provides office space." Or was it? Nevertheless, that was unimportant to Par.

"You know," he would then say, "when the mayor of a single Spaceport-City, on one planet, and the trader of a single merchant fleet, however large, are recognized as leaders of an entire organization devoted to mutual interest and 'enlightened self-interest', I think we've already crossed the line to becoming a 'Government'. Yes, yes, I know, concentration of power causes bad things, but...it's complicated."

"All I know is, the Sphinx's recent activities require change, change in the way we do things."

------

Ahnciel and Reuben would have a...challenging time trying to get the corrupted programming out, especially as it seems Ahnciel didn't get the memo that Reuben was a cyborg, not an AI. Nevertheless, after a few hours, they would succeed in purging the bad data from Reuben's head; hopefully, this would also lead to more...bonding between them. But, Reuben will at least, hopefully, feel the urge to get back to Par soon - didn't the boy mention an operation against a Pro-Sphinx faction in this very station?

[Letter Bee]

Plot Ideas/Future Plot for the Story

Expansion Arc (Arc One):

- The Sphinx Domination begins a new offensive, using a massive number of ships; they're not more advanced than what the others have, but they are more than what the Domination can normally produce. They also seem to have more troops.
- Paradise 'Par' Rapids is in Vegas station to negotiate with 'Mr Hut' and hire mercenaries for operations against Sphinx Space. The Sphinx, however, have their own agents trying to subvert Mr Hut. Basically, internal intrigue and skirmishes.
- The regions of space closest to the front will be affected by the apperance of enemy fleets.
- The regions of space furthest from the front will be affected by the drafting of troops and the diversion of resources to the front.
- Depending on player activity, the PCs might learn that the Sphinx are being aided by a mysterious force.

Interlude One:

With the Sphinx Domination either defeated or victorious, it's time for the PCs to take a breather; thankfully, there are three opportunities:

For PCs who choose to align themselves with Par, the latter arranges a vacation to the Tyrias system, or asks Charles Harris to do so. There, they do stuff like racing, stargazing, eating, and, sigh, navel-gazing. There might also be romantic hijinks and accidents. Also ships getting fixed and probably serious medical treatments.

For PCs who are aligned with the Sphinx or are otherwise villainous, Alan gives them a vacation in the tropical beach world of New Hawaii, where they are served and 'served' by half-clothed slaves. There is surfing, waterskiing, doing hard drugs, and people trying to screw each other.

For Neutral PCs who haven't chosen a side yet, they get a mysterious invitation from Mr. Hut, who may or may not have lost Vegas Station, inviting them to his Luxury Dreadnought, The Palace. There, they enjoy racing, stargazing, eating, drugs, and have both romantic hijinks and people trying to screw each other. Oh, and Mr. Hut will continue trying to manipulate them to taking his side in matters.

Siege Arc (Arc Two):

- Whether the Sphinx Domination is defeated in the Expansion Arc or not, they will still muster a vast fleet and attack Terra Nova using overwhelming numbers, causing Par and whatever group he musters to go there and help the defenders in defiance of Guild orders. Should said overwhelming numbers fail, the Sphinx Domination will unveil a series of new dreandoughts, equal to Geth Ships. This new fleet is both numerous and technologically superior, and so Terra Nova falls with only the minimum of railroading.

Alan Anderson, Emperor of the Sphinx Domination, then prepares to set fire to the garden world below, before Par approaches Alan and asks for a deal; he can have Terra Nova and its technology, but if he 1.) spares the gardens, and 2.) allows the population to evacuate, he would give himself over to Alan as a political hostage (Heir to the Guild, remember?). Alan then orders Par to strip to demonstrate his resolve, clamps a slave collar onto Par, then keeps his word, allowing the remnants of the Gardeners of Gimloe to live another day, albeit demoralized.

Interlude Two:

A Council is held in New Amsterdam between all the remaining factions opposing the Sphinx. Players either participate in the Council or go enjoy the taverns.

Alliance Arc (Arc Three):

Basically, the Council succeeds and forms an alliance against the Sphinx, which is churning out large numbers of advanced ships. People are also suspecting that something is up with said Sphinx, because it is not normally in their capacity to keep fighting for this long, even if they are winning. So, by now, there is speculation that they are getting help from elsewhere, speculation that is true - the Sphinx are being given a hand up by the Archonate of New Athens, one of the Successor States of the Human Federation back in the Terran/Core Sector. How do people find that out? It's up to the players; they can capture prisoners, break into paper archives, 'rescue' a brain-in-a-jar, or make up their own option.

Either way, the Alliance manages to force the Sphinx into a stalemate, and the PCs have the task of turning the tide either for or against them, and, to ensure maximum freedom, they are allowed to make suggestions.

And so, the PCs do their things, there is a final battle against either the Sphinx on their Throneworld, with the Domination and the Archonate of New Athens being defeated, or a final battle in New Amsterdam, where the Alliance is destroyed.

If the former, Par gets rescued, and may or may not have avoided getting raped, and if the latter, he definitely gets raped.