Searchin' for a Steady Job

”Lyh E kad oui y tnehg, cen?”

“Rao, pitto, kud y mekrd?”

“Pid sysy, E fyhd y ziela!”

Dante ignored the people on the streets of North City. He had no choice but to anyway, considering he didn’t know the language. He could speak languages from opposite sides of the world, but was clueless when it came to the one in the middle.

Looking around, things felt off. It was strange. The streets were… open, and the buildings short. He wouldn’t exactly call this an “urban environment” if it weren’t for the fact it WAS a city. Amestris, a land he never truly understood. Not backwards, just… foreign. Different. Alien.

Still, work was drying up in Aerugo. The corporations were getting all buddy-buddy with each other, at least as far as he was concerned. Xing was poor anyway, Creta’s scouring for traitors… Crazy shit started after Amestris blew up, and he didn’t like it. Bad for business, which meant it was bad for him.

Coming around a corner, he pulls his coat closer to him. North City was… colder than he’d expect. He probably should’ve packed some heavier clothes. Still, compared to what other people were wearing, he didn’t seem to mind the cold nearly as much. He wondered why…

He’d met with some Black Company contact, and was given an address and a time. Long enough to walk there, but no time to dick around. Professional… That’s what this Dauthi guy was. Punctual too, he imagined. Still, if his information was right, there’d be good pay in this. Or, rather, steady pay, which is what he needed more. Money for bullets, for food, for a home… And steady work. Steady action. Steady gunfights.

”435, 433, 431…” Looking at the building on the corner, he tilted his head slightly, his ears spreading out to either side. It was a small café. No one was inside. Looking down at the note he’d written, he shifted slightly. It was now or never. Crumpling the note up, he slips it into his pocket until he can dispose of it more… properly. He’d land this job, easily.

Approaching the door, he slips some picks and a torsion wrench from an inside picket, looking both ways before raking the pick. With a simple twist, the lock opened, and he slipped inside as discretely as he could.

Looking at his watch, he was… maybe on time. Give or take a few minutes. Maybe he was early, then. All the better to impress the punctual military-types. Slipping out of his jacket, he drapes it over a chair and sits down, placing his bag of… necessities next to it. Taking a seat, he sighs, rapping his fingers against the table. And now, it was simply a matter of waiting.

"Welcome to North City, Mr. Sune. Thank you for being punctual to this meeting of ours." While Dante kept his composure, his ears flicked back and his tail shot straight out in surprise. Taking a deep breath, he holds it in for a few minutes to calm his heart rate down. Anonymity should’ve been expected to begin with, so he shouldn’t have been expecting to see a face. Not yet, anyway.

"Before we begin , allow me to ensure that you can understand me. Your profile indicates that you are in fact of Xingese descent, and so I have been speaking in Xingese. Is this appropriate?"

”Xingese works, if that’s what you want to go with,” he says, cracking his knuckles. That meant there was a microphone I here, or something of the sort. His eyes scanned the walls for anything obvious, but he could only find normal wear and tear. Getting up and moving about wouldn’t exactly be courteous, so… He’d just have to sit there and deal with it. ”Though I’m a Xingese citizen, not decent. Don’t worry. I tend to confuse a lot of people with that.”

Leaning forward, his ears twitch as his foot taps in a steady tempo. Small talk is out of the question. ”So, you got a name, or should I default on Mr. Johnson?” He smirks. ”I don’t mean to offend, I just like putting a name with the face… or, in this case, voice.” Old habits die hard, as they say. ”So, no application? That’s probably good. I’d probably end up filling it out in four different languages anyway.” Not like that’s ever happened before…

His right ear twitched, responding to the tapping on the glass. Turning his head slightly, he sees the Ishvallan standing outside. He tilts his head slightly, his ears perking up in curiosity. This couldn’t be the major general, could he? It certainly didn’t match the description his contact had given him.
As the Ishvallan entered, he sized him up quickly. He hadn’t encountered one before, so this was certainly an experience to remember. He smelled a bit… off, though. Maybe it was the cold air throwing him off. So clean and… stale…

Continuing to watch, he sees the man offer out his hand from across the table. Right, that’s what people did… Hesitantly, he reaches out, his metal hand grasping the Ishvallan’s flesh. A quick, firm shake of the hand, followed by a slight bow of the head would have to do for him.

”Now you have a face to match with the voice, and I'll give you the name to match the face. I am former Brigadier General Xanthus Icarus…” Former? Probably should call him Johnson anyway. ”… and I am the second leader of the Black Company.” So, not the man he was supposed to speak to. ”Murazar should be here soon enough, but for now I will handle your...interview, shall we call it. And no, there is no application.” Rapping four of his fingers against the table once, he nods and gives a polite smile. The less paperwork, the better. For both parties, as it would be in this case.

”You have skills that could benefit the Black Company, otherwise you would not be here… Now then, let us get started hmm? I have read your profile, and have seen several interesting things. However, I would like to hear the facts straight from you. What are your abilities? What made Murazar interested in having you here? Surely not just the fact that you are a chimera, interesting as that may be?"

Dante flinched at that last part. “Chimera.” ”I don’t see what being a chimera has anything to do with my… situation,” he replies calmly. He never quite liked being identified as “the chimera Dante,” like he was something that modified what he was, as opposed to the other way around. Still, it wasn’t quite as bad as when he did some jobs in Esparia. People treated him more like a handicapped person… ”My skills come from the streets of Tokyo, starting with pickpocketing and lockpicking. I was scum, way back when. Self-taught to shoot with an old bolt-action rifle. I commanded the respect of my peers in those days, back when the gang was still alive. I was force to… reconsider my life style after a series of almost-fatal events, where I received formal training by ex-military-turned-mercenaries.

“Since then, I’ve become an accomplished marksman, who’s light, fast, and nimble, making me great from both recon and sniping. I’m well practiced in small-unit tactics, and I have a wealth of experience in urban combat. Espionage of various sorts was common, and stealth was something we prided in. Naturally, I’ve picked up a few skills in both those areas.

“Although I worked in the field, I’ve taken the role as a fixer of jobs the past few years. Sporadic work, but it pays decently for not risking your ass out in the field. Some information trading, piling up on favors…” He grins. ”Work’s dried up, however. Pay’s unsteady, and money’s one of the few standard bargaining chips I have. So, a world like ours, there must be steady work for a man such as myself. None of that nationalistic bullshit, just straight-up work. So, I started calling in favors.

“After a little poking around, the Black Company cropped up more than a few times, so I started digging more. Eventually got the name ‘Major General Dauthi,’ cross-referenced a few lists, and guess it was the one from your Briggs. After I sent out a message, all I had to do was keep my ear to the ground. He replied fast enough.”

Leaning back in his chair, he relaxes, eyeing Xanthus over again. To him, this was just any other job lineup. Just that the employer would be a little more long-term this time around.

"I don’t see what being a chimera has anything to do with my… situation" Oh? Now that was interesting: Xanthus liked the way Dante viewed his chimeric aspects. He did not say so, nor give any sort of facial indications, but he had appreciated Dante's opening.

”My skills come from the streets of Tokyo, starting with pickpocketing and lockpicking. I was scum, way back when. Self-taught to shoot with an old bolt-action rifle. I commanded the respect of my peers in those days, back when the gang was still alive. I was force to… reconsider my life style after a series of almost-fatal events, where I received formal training by ex-military-turned-mercenaries."

Ah, of course. The profile had indicated such time spent within Tokyo. How interesting, having come from the literal bottom. Of course, those types tended to be the more skilled, as well as the more...useful. 'Hmm...' Self-taught with formal training given later, probably had fair raw talent that was shaped and molded. More than likely a decent shot in that case, depending upon the level of skill preceding formal training.

“Since then, I’ve become an accomplished marksman, who’s light, fast, and nimble, making me great from both recon and sniping. I’m well practiced in small-unit tactics, and I have a wealth of experience in urban combat. Espionage of various sorts was common, and stealth was something we prided in. Naturally, I’ve picked up a few skills in both those areas."

'As I thought, he does have marksman talent. Hmm...' Xanthus brandished his pencil again and marked down a note or two while Dante was speaking. 'Marksman...recon...sniping...small unit tactics...urban combat? Excellent. Hmm...espionage and stealth. Murazar may want to run a simulation or two, but if Dante has skills in the areas that he claims, then he will be a real asset to the Company.' Xanthus marked down one last note, then closed the book, placing it and the pencil upon the table.

“Although I worked in the field, I’ve taken the role as a fixer of jobs the past few years. Sporadic work, but it pays decently for not risking your ass out in the field. Some information trading, piling up on favors…work’s dried up, however. Pay’s unsteady, and money’s one of the few standard bargaining chips I have. So, a world like ours, there must be steady work for a man such as myself. None of that nationalistic bullshit, just straight-up work. So, I started calling in favors. After a little poking around, the Black Company cropped up more than a few times, so I started digging more. Eventually got the name ‘Major General Dauthi,’ cross-referenced a few lists, and guess it was the one from your Briggs. After I sent out a message, all I had to do was keep my ear to the ground. He replied fast enough.”

Well, that certainly answered the question of how Murazar found him. One who is actually intelligent enough to keep an ear to the ground after sending out a message asking after Mura? Xanthus resisted the urge to chuckle for a brief moment. He reopened the book and made one final note before making a long mark across the top of the page. Finally, he set the book down onto the table again, with the pencil on top as before. Xan began to speak, but it was mostly to the air in front of him at first. He sounded as though he were mentally going through a list.

"Hmm...well, that was intriguing. A marksman, specializing in recon-based missions...adept in urban combat...small-unit tactics...espionage capability, as well as knowledge of information trading...likely knows how to handle said information..."

At length Xanthus finally brought his attention back to Dante himself, his crimson eyes looking the man over briefly. Almost casually, he drew up several opinions of the man within his own ever-calculating mind. After an infinitismal amount of time had passed, Xanthus resumed speaking, but this time he spoke directly to Dante.

"Hmm...obviously a simulation, or rather a field-test or two would be appropriate. I do not doubt your abilities, however I would like to know just how skilled you are. You understand, I imagine...however, from what you've told me, I can see why Murazar is interested in you. Hmm..."

With that, Icarus looked towards the window as though he expected to see someone there. He made a slight gesture with one hand, and a nearby chair moved itself towards the table, making a space for a third person to sit. With that, Xanthus stood up, and made a motion that indicated that Dante should probably do the same.

Murazar decided that now was the tiem to arrive, he had been listening and watching enough to know that Xan was handling it fine and Dante was going to probably make a fine brother-in-arms. He was dressed today in khaki pants with a maroon colored and collared T-shirt. His combat boots plain for all to see and slick sunglasses rested on his head. He looked like one of the cool college kids rather than a soldier.

He knocked on the window before entering, his entire posture slouched and relaxed as if he had not a care in the world. He smiled in a friendly manner before glancing around his surroundings for just a blink of an eye. If you didn't watch him you would have never known for his head did not move. He held out a hand to Xan before speaking, Isvhallen of course." Brother how fares Mr. Sune?"

Then he didn't so much as turn as his eyes seemed to lay on Dante. He took his sunglasses off, his blue eyes that looked almost real if one didn't look close enough. His hands had some kind of prosthetic skin over the automail. He appeared to a normal person, just like one of them. To this chimera, he would probably look and smell like something far worse than death. All the souls screaming in his head seemed to attest to that matter. He smelt of sulfur and the afterlife.

He spoke to Dante directly, the authority and sheer power in his voice quite obvious. His tone however also bespoke informality and a sort of humrous nature."Hello Dante. Before we start on whatever Xans going to test you on, i'd like to know just how good at getting information you are. What do you know of me, Xan and the Black Company?" His own little test, to see how much homework this kid has done. He didn't introduce himself because it was completely unnecessary and a waste of valuable time.

Murazar was thinking to himself, he wondered many things a long with his more tactical and strategical thoughts. Chief among them was simple calculations of what to do with Dante, his more off the topic thoughts included Amity and the war. It was an odd thing, a steady relationship in his case. Something he never thought to have. Hell his whole new outlook on things and his personality seemed to be different than the morbid deranged self he was.

He was still deranged mind you. Just quite a bit less so than before. He kept his smile fixated on both of them. It had a tinge of Madness leaking through it, just for fun of course.

Dante never got why talking to yourself bothered people. This Xanthus? He got it. Good for keeping track of a mental list, or something along those lines. Something his mother babbled on about when he was young.

”Hmm...obviously a simulation, or rather a field-test or two would be appropriate. I do not doubt your abilities, however I would like to know just how skilled you are. You understand, I imagine...however, from what you've told me, I can see why Murazar is interested in you. Hmm...” Dante tilts his head, his left ear perking up while his right flattened out. Simulation? Field test? What are these shenanigans? Bring on the paperwork! At least then he can start writing in four different languages. He shifted in his seat, sighing. Fucking Amestris.

Eyeing the moving chair with suspicion, his attention’s quickly draw to the door. Taking Xanthus’ lead, he rises to his feet, bowing towards the newcomer. ”Pnudran ruf vynac Sn. Sune?” Not Amestrian. It wasn’t as harsh on the letters. During their quick exchange, Dante couldn’t help but notice the smell wafting from the newcomer. The stench of human, oil, either latex or silicone, a woman… and the same scent that Wiseman4 and Moncrieff tended to have on them after a job gone south. Still, he preferred all that over those of a dirty hobo. The horror…

"Hello Dante. Before we start on whatever Xans going to test you on, i'd like to know just how good at getting information you are. What do you know of me, Xan and the Black Company?”

Dante fidgeted slightly. He had intended having information on-hand in case the job offer fizzled out, either to sell to ensure no one else gets it, or as blackmail. Business is business, after all. So, after hesitating, he picks up his suitcase, plops it rather unceremoniously on the table, and opens it up. On top of his rifle, he has several manila envelopes.

”Major General Dauthi, I’ll presume,” he starts. The same air of superiority that came with the position, he assumed. ”Beyond a host of mental disorders that’ve been speculated, you were hired on as a mercenary to Briggs, and rose to become the Head of Intelligence. Smart move, by the way. Several automail replacements – and you might want to clean those sleeves when you get the chance… Speculated, um, intimate relations or intentions with General Tsukino. In-fighting with a, uh… Ito… How many of those guys are there, anyway? Currently blacklisted in Creta for a plethora of reasons, though my favorite is ‘conspiring to commit multiple counts of murder under the pretext of vigilante justice.’ Known leader of the Black Company, and currently in a relationship with this lovely lady.” Looking at the picture himself for a moment, he flips it around to show off. ”I’ve got the negatives for this and a bunch more if you’re interested in copies, by the way.” Slipping the files back into the envelope, he switches to the next.

”As for Briga- waitaminute…” Taking out a pen, he writes a correction on the envelope. ”Former Brigadier General Xanthus Icarus. Employed at Briggs for quite a long time, associations with Tsukino and Ito, known employment at the Black Company, and suspected connections to some assassination company.” Looking over at Xanthus, he shrugs. ”Aren’t we all, in a sense?” Looking back at the papers, he scans through it. ”People have noticed a severe, um… lack of alchemy with you, whatever the fuck that means. You’re also mentioned in some Cretan documents, mostly reviews of the Dietrich War last summer, usually mentioned along with some alchemy mumbo-jumbo ‘Pride of Amestris.’ Also, something from a Cretan spy plane, something which I haven’t been able to get an explanation on.” Flashing a blown-up photo of West Amestris, with a large black figure reaching out across the landscape. ”Again, just a sample. I like where the center gets bombarded by Cretan artillery, the crafty bastards.”

Sitting down in the chair, he glances at the other envelopes he has. ”The Black Company’s currently under contract of Briggs, as opposed to Amestris itself. However, you do have a number of Amestrian militants under your employ, plus some kickbacks to some other militant figures, like some Esparian chick in South. Speaking of which, Creta isn’t taking kindly to this ‘Alex Corde’ character snooping around London and Philly so much. You’ve got your own place in the mountains in North, and there’s rumors of being a little too close to Briggs for a mercenary company. Underground railroad, rapid redeployment, all those fancy military terms. Rumors also say you’re scoping out other countries, though that’s just word on the street. Nothing solid as-of yet.” Tossing the envelope into the briefcase, he closes it, and places it on the floor next to him. ”Of course, pending employment, this information will stay just between us,” he adds, smirking.

Xanthus gripped Mura's outstretched hand in a firm handshake, briefly losing himself to the musings that were so apt to come upon him these days. It seemed slightly ironic that Murazar, the one who was human inside and out, possessed artificial parts; Xanthus himself was only half-human, being artificial on the inside, but betraying that in no way on the outside. With something of a smirk Xanthus noted that Murazar appeared to be the most casually dressed person in the 'cafe' right at the moment. Another decent bit of irony that the Ishvallan was going to have to talk to Mura about in the near-future. "Brother how fares Mr. Sune?" Ah, of course Murazar would use Ishvallan. The language was rather personal to them, and since most people could not in fact speak it, the language was also rather entertaining to use when no one else needed to understand the words spoken. The Ishvallan shrugged lightly before actually responding briefly:"This one is rather interesting Murazar; I think that if he has the skills that he claims, and is as decent at information gathering as he so claims, he would make an excellent addition to the Company."

With that Xanthus allowed Murazar to have his moment to speak with Dante personally. As expected of the Lord Captain Commander, he asked about Dante's information gathering skills. Not knowing quite what to expect, but having been in these sorts of situations before, Xanthus was only slightly surprised when Dante simply pulled out several envelopes and began to list off facts.

”Major General Dauthi, I’ll presume. Beyond a host of mental disorders that’ve been speculated, you were hired on as a mercenary to Briggs, and rose to become the Head of Intelligence. Smart move, by the way. Several automail replacements – and you might want to clean those sleeves when you get the chance… Speculated, um, intimate relations or intentions with General Tsukino. In-fighting with a, uh… Ito… How many of those guys are there, anyway? Currently blacklisted in Creta for a plethora of reasons, though my favorite is ‘conspiring to commit multiple counts of murder under the pretext of vigilante justice.’ Known leader of the Black Company, and currently in a relationship with this lovely lady. I’ve got the negatives for this and a bunch more if you’re interested in copies, by the way.”

Xanthus simply nodded once or twice as the information was read off of Dante's list of facts. He had of course known about everything on the list, including the blacklisting and Mura's...relationship with Reila. However, even he had to raise an eyebrow when he saw a certain picture that was presented. Resisting the urge to snort with amusement like a common teenager, Xanthus recalled where he had seen the woman in the image. The last time was in a desert, and if she was still half as...energetic as she had been then...well, they do say that opposites attract. With a small inner sigh, Xanthus prepared himself to hear what Dante had to say about him.

”As for Briga- waitaminute…Former Brigadier General Xanthus Icarus. Employed at Briggs for quite a long time, associations with Tsukino and Ito, known employment at the Black Company, and suspected connections to some assassination company. Aren’t we all, in a sense? People have noticed a severe, um… lack of alchemy with you, whatever the fuck that means. You’re also mentioned in some Cretan documents, mostly reviews of the Dietrich War last summer, usually mentioned along with some alchemy mumbo-jumbo ‘Pride of Amestris.’ Also, something from a Cretan spy plane, something which I haven’t been able to get an explanation on. Again, just a sample. I like where the center gets bombarded by Cretan artillery, the crafty bastards.”

'Hmm...well, I have to admit that his information on me is rather impressive, if it is slightly outdated.' Xanthus thought to himself with a small shrug. With the exception of the beginning, which was quickly corrected, the information was rather correct. A lack of alchemy? 'Well, I suppose that when the man who calls himself the most powerful alchemist suddenly stops performing alchemy...' With a small smile, Xanthus realized that he had been the perfect person to become Pride even before that event with the Philosopher's Stone. He had already been too arrogant to be a mere human. When Dante flashed his photograph concerning Pride, Xanthus raised an eyebrow again. There was only one moment in time wherein that could have happened; when he was hit rather hard by artillery during the battle against Creta. That had been the first major regeneration that his body had undergone; it had also been the first time that Xanthus truly realized for himself that he was almost literally undying. For his part, Xanthus assumed that Dante had finished with his presentation, but quickly realized that he was just getting to his conclusion.

”The Black Company’s currently under contract of Briggs, as opposed to Amestris itself. However, you do have a number of Amestrian militants under your employ, plus some kickbacks to some other militant figures, like some Esparian chick in South. Speaking of which, Creta isn’t taking kindly to this ‘Alex Corde’ character snooping around London and Philly so much. You’ve got your own place in the mountains in North, and there’s rumors of being a little too close to Briggs for a mercenary company. Underground railroad, rapid redeployment, all those fancy military terms. Rumors also say you’re scoping out other countries, though that’s just word on the street. Nothing solid as-of yet. Of course, pending employment, this information will stay just between us."

There were several reactions that might have been excellent for use at this point, yet Xanthus chose the one that seemed to pop up first in his mind. He chuckled for a bit, then simply gave up and began to laugh heartily. For some seconds he simply laughed, then he regained control of himself so that he could actually speak, firstly speaking to Murazar. "I like this one Mura! Most men don't have the sheer nerve to pull a stunt like that, so I'm fairly certain that at the least he has balls and pride." Calming himself down even more, Xanthus spoke to Dante directly this time. "Well then, I have to admit that your information network is more knowledgeable than I would have given it credit for. You certainly have formidable information gathering skills, as well as a generous amount of pride, which are the only major things that I particularly care for at this exact moment. Hmm...to clear up any doubts about my previous words, I'll say that you'll be tested for your skills after you have finished with your paperwork. Unless the Lord Captain Commander decides otherwise, I believe that you would make an excellent addition to the Black Company." With that, Xanthus simply cracked open his copy of The Art of War, and made a quick check mark on one of the pages. He then began to write notes rather quickly one right after another, obviously simply jotting down personal remarks. He gave a swift nod to Mura, gesturing for him to say whatever it was that he needed to say to Dante.

Murazar held a small polite casual smile the entire time that Dante talked, the man was good. For someone who was getting information that for the most part was put out by Murazar himself or his associates. He smiled at xan as his opinion was given and how xan talked to Dante, he decided he would speak to xan first. Ishvallen of course,” Ballsy, Smart, and obviously skilled. Honest as well if a bit too direct. Timing and words will come with experience however. I agree with you brother. Although, I guess you just learned i’m dating Amity. Eh? Small world.”

He turned his eyes to focus on Dante before speaking back in Amestrian with that polite casual smile of his that almost seemed unnerving if you thought too much upon it. ” Aye, I am an honorary general of Amestris for Briggs. Although you might want to check the market again before trying to coerce me into anything. Call it a reminder in the future, while I appreciate the integrity and straight out ballsy nature of that. I myself, put out almost all of that information onto the market myself or via associates. “ He held up a hand and every time he covered a topic he would unfurl a finger,”Mental disorders have been speculated since the first war, you cant really prove any of it nor can anyone else. It wouldn’t bother me anyway if it was let loose in public. I have yes, several automail replacements, those intimate intentions with Reila however aren’t speculation. It came very close to happening. I did fight with dai, we are nearly complete opposites. Poor fellow was brainwashed at the time. Anyone from Creta’s military ought to be able to tell you im blacklisted. Lastly, i’m not interested in the copies. Thank you for the offer, but why else would I date her in the most public places if not to spread that information?”

He paused a moment before yanking a thumb at Xan in a relaxed manner, his tone continued to be nonchalant. ” Half the stuff you have on Xan is wrong. You’ll be beyond surprised and impressed to find out whats exactly up if you ever see it in action. Also what little information you do have on our lovely Ebon Citadel is well known, considering how many construction workers and specialists I had to hire in order to construct that place along with the tunnel system. Thankfully i’ve made some updates to that tunnel and it is currently closed.”

He paused to look over at xan who was happily popping notes on his art of war copy. Crazy ass homonculous, brothers though they were sometimes mura wished he was a homonculous too. Sometimes he thought that would only make him more insane. Regardless of those distracting thoughts, he smiled casually to Dante and spoke with a sort of ‘congratulations’ attitude. ” Congratulations, your in. Once we’re at the Ebon Citadel, you’ll get that paperwork and some briefings. In the meantime, lets find out what job you’ll be having and get transportation underway.” He looked over to Xan and spoke in ishvallen again,” Brother, i’ll call for transportation if you figure out what position he’d be good for. I personally am thinking either under the cowgirl or our bubbly assassin.”

"Well then, I have to admit that your information network is more knowledgeable than I would have given it credit for.” Damn straight it was. ”You certainly have formidable information gathering skills, as well as a generous amount of pride, which are the only major things that I particularly care for at this exact moment.” Yep, good money and favors spent then. Now, just for some paperwork and some preliminary testing, and…

”Although you might want to check the market again before trying to coerce me into anything.” Dante smirked, though raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t sure he quite got what he offered. ”I myself, put out almost all of that information onto the market myself or via associates.” Wait, what? Taking on a serious look, his tail stopped swishing for a moment as he thought that over. Soon, it went back to swaying, but more slowly now. ”Congratulations, your in. Once we’re at the Ebon Citadel, you’ll get that paperwork and some briefings. In the meantime, lets find out what job you’ll be having and get transportation underway.”

He waited until he was done talking in the foreign language again, taking the time to think things over himself.

”I do have some conditions for hiring me, though,” he says. ”Not to spoil a good deal, but I have my own priorities to look after. Now, I realize that you’re not into the whole ‘cloak and dagger’ thing. Frankly, I’m glad that there wasn’t a passphrase like ‘the Cretan spring comes in April,’ or ‘the constipated crow flies at midnight.’ But I’m a man of subtlety, when I can afford it. Pausing for a moment, he begins counting on his fingers. ”As such, I’d like a secrecy clause, since I’d rather not see you be so cavalier with my personal information as you are with yours. After all, if you’re willing you make your girlfriend a target, why wouldn’t you sell me out so easily? Second, I’d like to be filed as an ‘advisor’ or ‘freelancer.’ I’ll be a full and faithful employee to you, but if anyone looks into it, at a glance I’ll just be doing some sidework. Third, if anyone asks, I do odd jobs. Seek out new prospects, help train new inductees, whatever, so long as it’s not too intensive. There’s always someone above me that I’m doing it for, whether such a person actually exists or not.” Clenching his hand into a fist, he lays it down on the table and raps his fingers against it. ”My life’s in the shadows, guarded by anonymity. I’ve shown a great deal of trust and respect, and while you’re not obligated to give me any, I do have certain expectations. However, I cannot have your carelessness what little comfort that gives me.”

Exhaling heavily, he begins rapping his fingers against the table in a steady beat. ”So, since you failed to read in between the lines, let me spell out my offer: this information isn’t here to fail to impress you. This information is here to show that, whether you like it or not, there’s information out there, and I have it. Hell, I have copies. Now, a lot of time, money, and favors went into all this, which means I have to recoup it somehow. The obvious answer would be to get employed, but, barring that, I’d sell you my services in another way: for a fair fee, I’ll refrain from selling this information. For a larger fee, I’ll help wipe it out. While you might fail to see how the identity of your girlfriend could be used against you, I’m more than aware that there are people out there that would see her as a target. Then again, I do, but, thankfully, no one’s hired me to do anything to her, and even if they did, I make it a point not to kill children.”

Staring Mura in the eyes, he finishes. ”So, either give me my reasonable protections, pay me, or let me be on my way. Because, dead or alive, if you don’t make this worth it, then I’ll make sure this information spreads. Simple as that.”