MERC XVI: Morality is Relative; Professional Standards Aren't!

[Zefir]

[MERC HQ - Dipsnig's Office]

Dipsnig's mood has been fouler than usual these days, due to that mangy mutt having the gall to attack the base. But when his two subordinates arrive, he puts on a professional manner. The b***h will get what's due to her soon enough. For now they have another job to do. There's a large map of an area of Outside on his desk. The whole office is a bit... goblin-sized, so to speak.

"Good, you're both here. We have an open-ended contract for information about military or para-military groups, and I found a tempting target that should be less of a pain in the ass than if we tried to spy on those Irregular bastards, or however they call themselves now." Okay, so he's still grumpy. "There's a base belonging to some 'Vulpine Empire' up in those mountains. I want you to go there and find out as much as you can. How you obtain the information is up to your initiative."

[MERC HQ - Dipsnig's Office]

Fade looks over the map as well. Having a map of Outside isn't a good idea, since it's out of date befor you can even look at it. He doesn't think there are any mroe informations about the contract.

"Are known how leathel they are?"

[Morty]

[MERC HQ - Dipsnig's Office]

"They want military and security information. So, their capabilities, plans, schedules and such. Solid facts," Dipsnig answers. In response to Fade, he says: "I don't know, but they are soldiers of some sort, and they certainly won't appreciate espionage. So proceed with caution."

[Shadowcaller]

[By the Fireplace]

"Oh, a couple of years." She replies with a nod once she let's go of his hand. "I'm something of a veteran around here, one of the boss's lieutenants. So once you're a member, if you have any trouble I'm the one to talk to. The boss is usually too occupied and Kirk, the other lieutenant... he's pretty busy too. In his own little ways. We don't have too many members but we're a tightly-knit group and we're looking to do a lot of expanding in the future."

[Dipsnig's Office]

Oh hey, it looks like the communicator Malechenar gave Dipsnig is being activated. They're calling him!

[Morty]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

Dipsnig places the communicator on his desk and turns it on.

"Dipsnig Razortooth speaking. How may we be of assistance?"

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

"Oh, a couple of years." She replies with a nod once she let's go of his hand. "I'm something of a veteran around here, one of the boss's lieutenants. So once you're a member, if you have any trouble I'm the one to talk to. The boss is usually too occupied and Kirk, the other lieutenant... he's pretty busy too. In his own little ways. We don't have too many members but we're a tightly-knit group and we're looking to do a lot of expanding in the future."

Caius nods slowly a few times, his hands in his lap now. "Interesting." He'll gaze away from the fireplace to observe the inside of the building. It seems to have lived through harsh times, judging by the occasional crack in the wall, or damage. Caius had been told about the recent attacks on MERC, but he didn't follow the news story very well. He was dealing with his own problems.

"Who attacked?"

[Shadowcaller]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

Dipsnig places the communicator on his desk and turns it on.

"Dipsnig Razortooth speaking. How may we be of assistance?"

Caius nods slowly a few times, his hands in his lap now. "Interesting." He'll gaze away from the fireplace to observe the inside of the building. It seems to have lived through harsh times, judging by the occasional crack in the wall, or damage. Caius had been told about the recent attacks on MERC, but he didn't follow the news story very well. He was dealing with his own problems.

"Who attacked?"

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

The image of lady Celestel Aran appears, Malechenar's spokesperson. "Greetings, mister Razortooth. We like to hire MERC for yet another tasks, namely to help us police Westside until we got further reinforcements. Are you capable of doing this?" She doesn't waste much time on pleasantries apparently.

[By the Fireplace]

"A group of well-organized raiders. Common thugs really. We haven't had any attack at that scale since before I joined however so we weren't prepared, I wasn't even in the base at the time. We're trying to change all that now though." Dena explains without going too much into detail.

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

"A group of well-organized raiders. Common thugs really. We haven't had any attack at that scale since before I joined however so we weren't prepared, I wasn't even in the base at the time. We're trying to change all that now though." Dena explains without going too much into detail.

With a nod, he acknowledges the small bit of information. "Understandable." Following that, he'll gaze towards her, taking a second to look over Dena closely for the first time. She might even be attractive to him had he not still been hung up on his wife, or that bizarre encounter with that necromancer that worked for Marciano.

With a shudder that can only be witnessed by the most perceptible as a slightly twitch of his lip, he'll look away.

---

Dipsnig's Office:

The phone is ringing, and it's Marciano on the line.

[Morty]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

Dipsnig staples his fingers together and raises his eyebrows.

"An interesting request. I think we could arrange something like that. Our licensees, specially paid, providing security to your districts. It could be tempting to adventurers and mercenaries who are currently between jobs. And of course our members would be on standby in case of emergencies."

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"What is it, Marciano?" Dipsnig asks, picking up the phone. Knowing Marciano's ideas, this is either going to be something profitable, or irritatingly unrealistic.

[Solidarity]

[MERC HQ - Dipsnig's Office]

"They want military and security information. So, their capabilities, plans, schedules and such. Solid facts," Dipsnig answers. In response to Fade, he says: "I don't know, but they are soldiers of some sort, and they certainly won't appreciate espionage. So proceed with caution."

Marcus engraves the orders in his mind.

"Got it." he says, turning to Fade midway through an about-face. "Let's go then. 'Keep you posted, boss."

He takes a sheet of paper out from a sack and taps it to produce a small sigil that glows half a second and replaces itself with a replica of Dipsnig's map. Tucking it away, the wizard strides out of the office.

[Shadowcaller]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

"While enforcers are good and all, we actually require people that knows the law. They're going to be enforcing it after all. So I require anyone who polices Riverside to learn the laws they're supposed to enforce. It's not exactly a job you trust random adventurers to, unless we're actually being invaded again of course." Celestel replies with her hands folded together and looking straight down at him.

[By the Fireplace]

"Something's bothering you, mate?" Dena asks with an elegantly raised eyebrow. She must be practicing it or something the way she does it. "I could offer something to eat if you'd like."

[Morty]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

Dipsnig nods slowly.

"Hmm, I see. That is a good point. In that case, I would create a special division in the ranks of our license holders. To apply for it they'll need to show a knowledge of Riverside law and pass a background and aptitude check. They'd be headed by our full-time members who are familiar with your laws. Full MERC membership is about to require stricter security procedures regardless," Dipsnig says. "How does that sound?"

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

"Something's bothering you, mate?" Dena asks with an elegantly raised eyebrow. She must be practicing it or something the way she does it. "I could offer something to eat if you'd like."

He shakes his head, brushing away her suggestion and offer with a wave of his hand. "No thanks. I'm fine." With a deep breath, he'll change the topic, staring back into the embers of the fireplace. "So, do many people ask for work around here? or am I the first in a while?"

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"What is it, Marciano?" Dipsnig asks, picking up the phone. Knowing Marciano's ideas, this is either going to be something profitable, or irritatingly unrealistic.

There's a static bit at the end of the line, suggesting the call is made from a place with a poor connection. It's definitely Marciano though, as bright and cheery sounding as he usually is. "Heh. Hey there, been a while, ain't it. So, I 'eard about your issue with the warlord, whatever the hell. Glad you guys are still around, but it seems like you maaaaay be in the night for some better defenses, an' things. Luckily for you, it's kinda my job to supply people with the equipment they need to do right. Aheh."

"For a cost, of course. I can 'ave my repairmen there fast, and add some nice new security features ya won't get anywhere else. But I'm gonna need something in return..."

[Shadowcaller]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

"Good, but I'd still like to inspect the ones you send to us." Celestel replies. "Just have enough of them to be ready for attacks, people might take advantage of the fact Tenbras forces has withdrawn from the city. How soon can you send them?"

[By the Fireplace]

"There was a wizard, a shape shifting cat and a warlock joining not long ago, which is good considering most people around here aren't very magical. Members come and go though and some of them don't last very long." Deadtime and all. "I try to socialize a bit with them but most people here aren't really all that good with people. Our boss is a grumpy goblin so I guess it rubs off on ya."

[Morty]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

"I should be able to round them up in a week or two, if such a time frame satisfies you. We're dealing with the aftermath of a raid on our premises, and it consumes some of our attention," Dipsnig says.

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"You're quite correct that we were attacked, but we're already drawing up our own plans for new defences. And for purposes of security, we're doing most of it ourselves. But do tell what it is you need from us. Maybe we can still cut a deal," Dipsnig responds.

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

"There was a wizard, a shape shifting cat and a warlock joining not long ago, which is good considering most people around here aren't very magical. Members come and go though and some of them don't last very long." Deadtime and all. "I try to socialize a bit with them but most people here aren't really all that good with people. Our boss is a grumpy goblin so I guess it rubs off on ya."

Caius will smile a little bit at her last phrase, her humorous tone and anecdote bringing a sad sort of smile from him, before it washes off his face like melting wax, leaving that blank sheet of nothingness that is his face devoid of emotion once more. "A wizard, charming." With a frown, he crosses his arms a little, wrist over wrist in his lap. "Ah, right, Razortooth. I was told about him."

"Sounds like an interesting man."

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"You're quite correct that we were attacked, but we're already drawing up our own plans for new defences. And for purposes of security, we're doing most of it ourselves. But do tell what it is you need from us. Maybe we can still cut a deal," Dipsnig responds.

With a crackle at the other end of the line, Marciano seems to breathe a little too close to the phone. "Oh? Pff. Now, that's no fun. Hell, ya know me, my security's some of the best in the city! If it weren't, I wouldn't be here right now." He does that every once in a while, say something just a tad grammatically incorrect. It's not that he's unintelligent, or uneducated, so why did he do it? Can't be on purpose, can it?

"No one would want to come near ya. But, anyway. If you 'adn't 'eard, some weirdo I ain't 'eard of kicked the hornet's nest last night, and seems to be on the track to direct conflict with me and mine. Obviously, that's unacceptable. The first target's goin' to be my casino, that much I know. So... Ya know that 'ired muscle I use of yours?"

"I'm going to need more. Real soldiers, not just average Joes."

[Zefir]

[MERC HQ - Dipsnig's Office]

"They want military and security information. So, their capabilities, plans, schedules and such. Solid facts," Dipsnig answers. In response to Fade, he says: "I don't know, but they are soldiers of some sort, and they certainly won't appreciate espionage. So proceed with caution."

[MERC HQ - Dipsnig's Office]

"Self defence should be the only leathel action then." Fade replies and takes a look at the map. "I will do so, like before." He reminds himself about the temple thing he was involved, but a miliary organisation is less likly using magic. Well, he needs to find out and maybe lure them into using their powers to help him escape, if he needs to.

Marcus engraves the orders in his mind.

"Got it." he says, turning to Fade midway through an about-face. "Let's go then. 'Keep you posted, boss."

He takes a sheet of paper out from a sack and taps it to produce a small sigil that glows half a second and replaces itself with a replica of Dipsnig's map. Tucking it away, the wizard strides out of the office.

Fade doesn't react to Marcus and waits until he is out of the room. For Fade Amrcus is a bit disrespectful to their leader one of the only things he himself cares. He will bow slightly to Dipsnig and will leave if he got nothing to tell him.

[Shadowcaller]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

"Of course, the sooner the better though. But if there wasn't anything else I think we can finish our negotiations here." Celestel says.

[By the Fireplace]

"Wizards ain't so bad once you get to know them. You just gotta keep those feet of theirs firmly attached to the ground and stop their heads from going too far up their arse and they can be decent." Dena replies. "As for the boss, what can I say? Not the most charming of people but he keeps his priorities straight, at least most of the time. Couldn't hurt to be a bit more ambitious in his aims."

[Morty]

[Dipsnig's Office - Malechenar]

"Quite. Expect to hear from me soon," Dipsnig says.

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"Oh, I've heard a lot of things," the goblin says. "Like that someone shot up the Temple of Inari and people are saying it was you. Or rather, assuming it was you for some reason."

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

"Wizards ain't so bad once you get to know them. You just gotta keep those feet of theirs firmly attached to the ground and stop their heads from going too far up their arse and they can be decent." Dena replies. "As for the boss, what can I say? Not the most charming of people but he keeps his priorities straight, at least most of the time. Couldn't hurt to be a bit more ambitious in his aims."

He nods subtly, thinking upon the wizard's he encountered recently. Those pyromancers, yes, and the one that could work with time. They were particularly difficult to put down, though he did eventually manage to escape relatively unscathed. He would have succeeded his mission, had it not been for the time traveler and the warrior with the shield. The man just wouldn't stay down, stubbornness annoyed him, especially in foes he'd rather not be forced to kill. He'll speak. "Never found them enjoyable. Too fond of fire."

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"Oh, I've heard a lot of things," the goblin says. "Like that someone shot up the Temple of Inari and people are saying it was you. Or rather, assuming it was you for some reason."

There's a pause, followed by an amused sounding exhale of air. "Hah. You know what people do when something they can't explain 'appens, Dipsnig. They blame whoever makes it feel a little less meaningless. As long as there's someone to blame, it lessens the pain. And what can I say, people seem to like hatin' me. Must be on account of my beautiful personality, eh?"

[Lost_Deep]

The Kitchen

Sometime when not much is going on, there is the smell of baking in the kitchen. The waffle iron is in use, and a large bowl of batter is anted up.

Hopefully the 'watched pot never boils' thing doesn't count for waffle irons, because Memento isn't letting that waffle iron out of his sight! However, the bowl of batter is almost as tall as the Espurr is... he's not going to be able to eat all those waffles.

[Shadowcaller]

[By the Fireplace]

"Different kinds of wizards my friend." Dena comments. "A lot of people are against elf or drow too ya know? Haters gonna hate and all. There is no way to avoid it no matter who you are or what you work with. Someone is always gonna hate your guts. Even if you're just a human dude minding your own business."

The Kitchen

Dena enters the kitchen, giving Momento a surprised look. Wasn't he ever gonna stay in that pokeball? So far he had been far more trouble than he had been worth. She really ought to take him to a dungeon, yet Memento didn't seem to have any kind of combat instinct so far. "I really don't think you should eat that many waffles little guy, you won't be able to move." She comments, she wasn't even sure she could eat that much.

[Lost_Deep]

The Kitchen

Memento makes that hiccup noise at Dena. The waffles then finish, and with the help of multiple telekinetic fields a plate of waffles with all the accoutrements winds up on the table... facing Dena.

Memento then goes about filling the waffle iron again.

[Morty]

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"That very well may be," Dipsnig says. "But, you see, people do think you did it. And, frankly, your general modus operandi doesn't incline anyone to believe you didn't do it. Plus, there's only so many people who have the resources for an attack of this scale. Bottom line: unless you can prove you didn't commit this particular atrocity, fresh in everyone's minds as it is, I'd be taking a big risk signing a big contract with you."

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

"Different kinds of wizards my friend." Dena comments. "A lot of people are against elf or drow too ya know? Haters gonna hate and all. There is no way to avoid it no matter who you are or what you work with. Someone is always gonna hate your guts. Even if you're just a human dude minding your own business."

That brings a small smile to his face, though it's sort of a melancholy one. "Yeah. Lots of hate in the world. I've never cared about the shape of someone's ears or anything like that." There's a pause as he blinks and stares towards Dena, admiring her red eyes, so common in drow, along with her stark white hair. He'd never seen a drow in person before. "The hair is natural?"

[Dipsnig's Office - Marciano]

"That very well may be," Dipsnig says. "But, you see, people do think you did it. And, frankly, your general modus operandi doesn't incline anyone to believe you didn't do it. Plus, there's only so many people who have the resources for an attack of this scale. Bottom line: unless you can prove you didn't commit this particular atrocity, fresh in everyone's minds as it is, I'd be taking a big risk signing a big contract with you."

"People can think whatever they want about me." There's a laugh. "But hey, as long as they can't prove it, it doesn't matter. When you're someone like me, it don't matter what the public things 'boutcha." He'll shuffle a few papers around on his side, looking at something. "Nooooow, actually, I have a list of people it could have been. Not that it matters." With a grin, he'll respond. "Now, of course you'd be taking a risk. That's why you won't be signing a contract with my publicly. All I need is a few of your well-trained whatevers to spend a li'l bit of time with me, sort of help with defenses."

"No one but them would ever need to know."

[Shadowcaller]

The Kitchen

Dena stares at the waffles and then at Momento again. "Look, I appreciate it and all little guy, but I'm not sure I can eat all that. That's enough waffles for two people already and I'm not seeing you stopping either." Momento was going to cause waffle-based doom to MERC if he wasn't stopped soon!
"Or are you planning a waffle-party?"

[By the Fireplace]

Dena runs a hand through her hair, careful about not messing up her hairdo too much. "This? No one ever asked that funnily enough. But yeah, it's as natural as it gets. Didn't even have to fall into magical goo to get it." She laughs. "But it's not exactly unique, there are a whole bunch of white-haired weirdos like me running around. They call us drow."

[Lost_Deep]

The Kitchen

Memento makes that noise again, serving up a plate for himself. He hops over to the table, needing to stand on the table. He starts to spread peanut butter over his own waffles, using his telekinetic field instead of a knife. His attention is on Dena, though.

[Shadowcaller]

The Kitchen

Dena sigh mentally, how was she ever going to be able to control this guy? She takes a seat and looks at the waffles, grabs one and breaks off a piece of it and eats it. "Maybe you can learn to make some more complex food one of these days. Like rabbit stew or sushi."

[Lost_Deep]

The Kitchen

Dena will get a mental image sent to her of a recipe book. MERC doesn't really have one of those, does it? Sure, there's the internet, but Memento doesn't have a tablet, and it's not like Dena lets the cat use her computer.

Memento will add syrup and then starts cutting and eating the waffle with his telekinetic power.

[Hattish Thing]

[By the Fireplace]

Dena runs a hand through her hair, careful about not messing up her hairdo too much. "This? No one ever asked that funnily enough. But yeah, it's as natural as it gets. Didn't even have to fall into magical goo to get it." She laughs. "But it's not exactly unique, there are a whole bunch of white-haired weirdos like me running around. They call us drow."

Caius nods in affirmation. "Yes, that." He'll reply after she's spoken, his voice seeming to slowly become a little more easy and calmer as his body posture begins to show comfort here, or at least not unease. "It's handsome. Drow? I've only heard little bits here and there. Most of it isn't good. You don't seem like most." He speaks very matter-of-factly, even his compliments sounding a little bit... odd, different. Not creepy, just very oddly said.

[Shadowcaller]

The Kitchen

Dena will get a mental image sent to her of a recipe book. MERC doesn't really have one of those, does it? Sure, there's the internet, but Memento doesn't have a tablet, and it's not like Dena lets the cat use her computer.

Memento will add syrup and then starts cutting and eating the waffle with his telekinetic power.

Caius nods in affirmation. "Yes, that." He'll reply after she's spoken, his voice seeming to slowly become a little more easy and calmer as his body posture begins to show comfort here, or at least not unease. "It's handsome. Drow? I've only heard little bits here and there. Most of it isn't good. You don't seem like most." He speaks very matter-of-factly, even his compliments sounding a little bit... odd, different. Not creepy, just very oddly said.

The Kitchen

"So if I get you that, you'll make food for me? Guess that's one way to earn your keep. I might take you to a dungeon some day though, how'd you feel about that little guy?" Dena asks as she breaks off yet another piece of the waffle. She isn't a very fast eater.

[By the Fireplace]

Dena smirks. "What do people expect when they meet a drow honestly? I get that people think we're mean, but how much of that can you really show in ten minutes?" She shrugs, giving Caius a questioning look, smiling all the way. She has a very expressive body-language, often using her hands as she talks. "But I suppose I'm slightly different from other drow I met. They tend to be shorter and have differently colored eyes." She wraps some of her hair around her finger. "And a slightly different shade of white hair too."