<div style="position:relative;top:20px;max-width:400px;" id="postingHeader"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-50px;left:40px;color:#7C1424;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postHeaderTitle"> Piece Together The Fallen </div> <div style="position:relative;background-color:black;color:#A7A7A7;max-width:360px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;" id="postingBody"> <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td> Date: 25 Tessera, 81380 Time: Early evening Who: Quenetym </td></tr></table> Things were starting to weigh down on Quenetym. There was too much for him to do, and not enough time or freedom to really do it. The small bit of bureaucracy he did have to deal with was starting to feel stifling, limiting his ability to do what he felt needed done... For the sake of the Grader's rule, or so he told himself. "Bloody hell..." He spoke to himself as he nearly stalked through the streets of Watani, not paying any heed to other 'dragons filling the walkways. A distracted Quen is a dangerous thing however, his control over his whiplike tail lax, which allowed it to slash a wake behind him giving any who did not give him a wide enough birth a rude shock, literally. He paid no attention to those whom he had injured with his careless walking, storming past the shouts of indignation. His mind was fixed on what he felt he had to do to perform "his work". His foul mood had been due to a runin with one of his 'superiors' in regards to unethical treatment of prisoners. Simply remembering the encounter made the large arden scoff loudly, the mane of hair on his head stood up briskly from his anger, lifted by a uncontrolled flow of electricity. That was something that occurred when he was upset, the power he normally kept in check would flow over his body and pity to any who laid a hand on him in that state. His quick steps brought him to The Watering Hole, the oasis styled bar he had occasionally frequented before being 'enlisted' into service with the Ramath-Lehi Secret Service. No ceremony was paid as he rudely shoved open the doors to the establishment to allow himself in, no doubt his action having drawn eyes from the current occupants. He did not care, though his eyes did scan over each of those inside in turn while his mind pondered on their affiliations. "There is too much corruption... No one is as dedicated to the cause as I am... They cannot be allowed to stop me in what is right... Maybe they are traitors as well, it wouldn't be the first time." The dangerous train of thought broiled in his mind as he took a seat off to one side, absently ordering a hard drink. "Then it is settled..." He began in his head, "I will make them confess if it kills them" he finished aloud, a malevolent grin forming on his muzzle. </div> </div style="position:relative;top:-100px;max-width:400px;" id="postingFooter"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-150px;left:200px;color:#949494;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postFooterTitle"> One Among The Fence </div>
Vythe absently rubbed his thumb against the glass of water he was holding. Moments earlier, his company had deserted him. He had met up with a few colleagues, namely to discuss a new security system that was going to be implemented, hopefully seamlessly, over the next couple of days. Of course, the meeting had been an informal one, and because of that, not much “real" information had been exchanged. The most anyone could have gotten from overhearing their conversation was that contractors had been hired. For what? For whom? For when? One could only assume. Coded conversations weren't Vythe's favourite means of communication, but they worked well when time was short and face to face confirmation was necessary. Even since the cruise fiasco months prior, things had been a lot tighter. Almost suffocating in a way. At least the media had left him pretty much alone. They had focused more so on what Nyri had attempted to do, rather than who had done the vile creature in. Vythe's name hadn't even made the news - though the tabloids... well, who believed those things anyway? The white arden got up from his seat, leaving his glass behind as he pushed his chair in. They'd met in a semi-private booth at the Watering Hole. The entire exchange hadn't lasted long. Now Vythe was the last to leave, and consequently, all by himself. As he stepped out into the public area of the joint, he felt several pairs of eyes rest upon himself. Then there was a quiet whisper among the sea of conversations containing the words, “Grader's cronies." These kind of remarks Vythe paid no attention to. He was after all, quite proud of his job. And, given the chance, he'd smugly laugh in the faces of those who tried to thwart him. Vythe was slowly edging toward the exit when a loud noise at the entrance caused his hand to reflexively reach for his hip. Though unable to see the door from his vantage point, Vythe could read the crowd's reaction well enough. They weren't scared or upset. Just mildly pissed off. The cause of this disruption, as Vythe soon found out, was Quenetym. The other arden was now making his way up to the bar as a few stinging gazes followed his progress. Ever the popular figure. Vythe glanced at his watch. He still had a fair amount of time to spare. The arden straightened his tailored dark grey jacket. He was quite impeccably dressed. Not overly casual, yet not too stiff either. Vythe hadn't run into Quenetym for quite some time, so he felt that touching base with him wasn't such a horrible idea. Although, judging by the other arden's demeanor, Vythe wasn't sure if his company would be welcome. Of course, he'd only know for sure if he tried. Vythe headed to the bar and drew up alongside Quenetym. He tilted his head to the side slightly as he indicated Quen's drink with a nod and a trace of a smile. “What have you got there?"
Rajjun had just walked into the bar known as The Watering Hole in Watani, which just happened to be the next stop in her travels. Travelling the world, she had seen some interesting things and picked up a few friends, but hasn't seen anything but the same surroundings for the past two days. Finally weary, she stopped in and ordered something strong for herself and a bowl of cherry-flavored water with just a touch of gin for Tiikan, a blood red feline-type creature with smallish horns on the tip of her head, deep purple eyes, and black batlike wings protruding from her shoulder blades. She had saved this fine creature about a week ago from a group of bullying children on the streets of Bhim. Sitting on a barstool, Tiikan jumping off her shoulder to drink up her water, she sighed in relief. 'Man,' she thought, 'I haven't been this relaxed in a while. Sure is nice to see other dragons again.' Halfway through her drink, a large dragon made its way through the doorway, pushing through any poor soul that happened to be in his way. This guy was huge. Muscles everywhere, intimidating to all but the foolhardy. He looked around the room, eyes full of suspicion. Making his way to the bar, he sat down and ordered something. The bartender looked a bit frightful, but got the fella's drink anyhow. He sat a mere one seat away from her. Rajjun couldn't help but stare. "Wow." she said, not realizing she had spoken her thoughts aloud.
Jap's blood red eyes followed the actions from a table against the wall. Sitting under the lamp as he was caused his hair to cast dark stripes over his face, shadowing his eyes and making it hard to see his face. He inclined his head ever so slightly to the left to allow a reddish spike to fall aside, revealing the bar maybe four feet away, tops. He sat back and watched the massive 'dragon move to the bar and sit, watched the white Vythe speak to him, and watched all the shocked, awed, and fearful people around the room try, most in vain, to hide their stares. Not that the big guy cared, it seemed. Jap decided to keep his comments to himself this time, though he wished to afford himself a better view. He donned his dark shades--a needed precaution much of the time, since he was a certified master pilot and former USR. He was a far cry from famous, but he knew in some circles whispers would get around, and invaraibly, he was going to get into trouble. That was typical for him, and he let the thought slip from his mind. He lightly sat on a barstool that gave him a good angle on the situation at the bar... if it could be called that. Mainly, it seemed to be an irritated, big guy with a smaller but tough-looking friend (or at least, someone he knew) speaking on something that seemed important. Jap let his shades fall low on his muzzle and peered over at Vythe none-too-subtly. All too familiar, but hard to place. Maybe he had seen him in the USR, or the local tabloid he frequently read when bored enough to run heavily processed garbage through his brain. Jap tapped the bar twice and waved his hand lazily, apparently to the dismay of the bartender, who had no clue what it meant. He seemed to have gotten the message, however, because a simple beer was soon sitting on the counter in front of Jap, though his interest yet lingered on the white arden. He flicked his head up subtly, bringing his shades back into place and throwing a mute over the colors of the place. He took care to keep his eye on Vythe, but didn't move his head much, assured that. even if instinct told him Jap was watching, he couldn't act without confirming that the eyes behind the pitch-dark shades were in his direction. <span style='width:100%;font-weight:bold; font-size:10px'>Out of Character</span> <table class='ooc'><tr><td>Sorry if it sucks... past my bedtime. -__-;;</td></tr></table>
<div style="position:relative;top:20px;max-width:400px;" id="postingHeader"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-50px;left:40px;color:#7C1424;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postHeaderTitle"> Piece Together The Fallen </div> <div style="position:relative;background-color:black;color:#A7A7A7;max-width:360px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;" id="postingBody"> Quenetym still was not paying much attention to the small glass of hard liquor on ice that the bartender placed before him when Vythe strolled up to him. Quen never really liked Vythe, and enjoyed showing it from time to time, though at this moment he didn't mind having someone there to complain about the state of things. "Mmm? Oh... I'm not sure what it is... It had better be strong though." He growled, directing his gaze to the bartender at his last comment, a look which sent the attractive young arden scurrying to help some other 'dragon. His eyes blinked in shock as his ears picked up the sound of a impressed, or startled, "Wow" to his side. He swiveled on the bar stool to look over the Yki seating beside him. He actually let a chuckle come from his heavy set frame as he shook his head. "It isn't polite to stare." Was all he said to her before turning back to Vythe. He was about to say something to Vythe when he felt an almost prickling sensation between his ears, the left giving a rather perturbed twitch. Someone was looking in his direction, whether at him or at Vythe he wasn't sure, but he knew someone was looking. Reluctantly he took a deep breath, trying to ignore his inquisitiveness, as well as his disdain for being watched, to speak with the relatively important arden sitting next to him. "And what brings you here on this wonderful evening?" He smirked with more than a touch of sarcasm painting his tone at the word 'wonderful'. He was still grumpy at the days events, and it would probably take finding someone to vent upon to relieve him. Unfortunately, he began thinking while covertly studying Vythe. He was already looking at the arden, so it was not too difficult to mask his weighing of the other 'dragon. "Maybe Vythe is at the bottom of this corruption..." He thought to himself during his study, though he quickly shook the thought from his head, believing it ridiculous. "But what if it isn't?" A little voice spoke in the back of his head, quickly growing stronger and less of a whisper. "Koani has been doing some things you don't like. Giving away too much power. Maybe it's Vythe's doing?" That voice spoke with a tone that dripped acid, seething in his mind. Quen then took a deep drink from his glass, draining it before he put it back on the bar top, before snapping his fingers at the tender for another. His eyes never left Vythe, however, his weighing not quite so hidden then. </div> </div style="position:relative;top:-100px;max-width:400px;" id="postingFooter"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-150px;left:200px;color:#949494;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postFooterTitle"> One Among The Fence </div>
Vythe smiled again faintly. It was quite clear that there was some animosity between the two ardens. Quen didn't particularly like Vythe, and vice versa. Vythe fancied that their reasons for disliking one another were quite different. Though the exact reasoning behind Quen's dislike was a bit of a mystery to the white arden. After all, Quenetym was in Koani's favour – much to Vythe's dismay. Perhaps it was just because Vythe himself was somewhat disapproving of Quen's profession. Yet didn't the two ardens possess a similar sort of ruthlessness in the line of duty? Who was he to judge? It was complicated, whatever the case. Vythe gave the Yki a glance, she was a pretty, young thing, but he otherwise did not comment on the thill's remark. It was amusing, but that was about it. Quenetym was formidable looking. Vythe could definitely give the guy that much. So the thill's remark was entirely justified. The arden could still feel eyes upon himself, although, when one travels often with Koani, one gets quite used to inquisitive eyes. It was the gazes that were anything but inquisitive that were the dangerous ones. Vythe didn't let this phase him. Instead he rested his weight somewhat upon the bar counter. He didn't sit down though. There was something vague in Quenetym's eyes that made him uncertain. Choosing to ignore Quen's sarcasm, as was Vythe's custom, the security guard replied, “The usual really. I was here on business. I had to hear out the details on some contractors. Nothing too extraordinary really. Now I've got a little bit of time to spare, so I thought I'd see what's been happening in your circles. I don't think I hear even a fifth of what goes on down there. Not that I think I'm really missing out." Still Quenetym was staring at him rather queerly. Was he being sized up? It seemed like it. If Quenetym was looking for a fight, he wasn't about to find one with him. Bar brawling was far below Vythe's 'level of sophistication.' “Actually... more importantly, how are you?"
Finishing her drink, the white Yki stood, her midnight purple markings black in the dim light of the bar, her misty purple eyes fixed on the two dragons next to her. She walked over to them and smiled. "Hmm. Would you boys like me to buy you a drink?" She noticed that the large dragon had almost finished his drink. "How are ya'll today?" She had noticed the aminosty between the two and was indeed very curious about these shady looking fellows. "By the way," she finished, "I am Rajjun, at your service. Nice to make your acquaintance." She held out a hand, waiting for one of them to take it.
Jap ran four fingers through his hair and let it fall back into place, half over his eyes. He let his eyes fall to the thill--Rajjun--and studied her carefully. She wasn't as interesting to him as Vythe or Quen, but he was never really interested in what wasn't dubious or hostile, and to Jap, the conversation seemed to be bolth. He turned in his barstool and looked over Vythe once again, then it hit him. He had seen a picture of him before. He smirked slyly, apparently ready to join the conversation. <span style='color:red'>"Quite a bit of thinly-veiled sarcasm is clouding the space between you two. It's ruining the peace..."</span> he said, clearly not serious by the lopsided grin he flashed as he grabbed his beverage and tipped it back for a few seconds. He put it back roughly where it was and wiped the tip of his mizzle on the back of his glove. <span style='color:red'>"Vythe, was it?"</span> he commented sidelong, turning back to the counter. For the first time, he had read something of worth from an unlikely source. He didn't even realize he put the wrong inflection on his name.
<div style="position:relative;top:20px;max-width:400px;" id="postingHeader"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-50px;left:40px;color:#7C1424;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postHeaderTitle"> Piece Together The Fallen </div> <div style="position:relative;background-color:black;color:#A7A7A7;max-width:360px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;" id="postingBody"> As Vythe spoke about his reasons for being there, Quen simply nodded, catching the movement of the bar tender out of the corner of his eye as he was given another drink. Curiosity peaked in the large 'dragon's head at the realization that Vythe had not yet taken a seat. Had he not been asked how he was doing and what sort of things he had been up to, he most likely would of made a comment to the fact. "Me? I'm about as fine as one can get having to wade through an ocean of bureaucracy to do one's job!" He spoke with some venom, though if one was intelligent they could tell it wasn't directed towards Vythe, but simply venom at the situation in general. "As for what's been keeping me busy? The same thing that always keeps me busy. Traitors, spies, and other types of malcontent that need to see the light." He grumbled, and would of continued if it weren't for the introduction of the yki thill, and then rapidly thereafter the interruption made by Jap. Had he been drinking, he mostly likely would of spat some of it, what with his not being too overly fond of being interrupted, much less by complete strangers. He swiveled on the bar stool to be able to see the two others in a better light instead of out of the corner of his peripheral vision, keeping all three in view. "Rajjun, you say? Well, seeing as you're being ever so friendly," he started in his characteristic sarcasm, "my name is Quenetym." He did not however, take her hand. "And what sort of services do you offer?" That comment however, was made with a tone much different from acid, but still not what a young thill would like to hear coming from such an arden as himself. As far as Jap's interruption, he really paid that little mind. He was like that though, he'd give a bit of his attention to a thill if she tried to get it, but random ardens he usually ignored unless necessary. Of course, with Quen ignoring meant being cataloged in the back of his mind, but not spoken to. As such, he decided to let Vythe deal with the red arden off to the side. </div> </div style="position:relative;top:-100px;max-width:400px;" id="postingFooter"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-150px;left:200px;color:#949494;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postFooterTitle"> One Among The Fence </div>
'Quentenym eh?' she thought. 'Isn't very polite, now is he?' She narrowed her purple eyes at his rudeness, though he did offer his name, he didn't take her hand, as was considered polite, and she also didn't care too much for his tone of voice. She didn't mean to interrupt a conversation, but she didn't much care for the way she was being treated, either. "It depends on what services you're reffering to." her voice equally bitter and acid-toned.
Vythe chuckled softly in response to Quen's comment about having to wade through bureaucracy. It was the truth in the arden's statement that made it relatively humorous. It was true that there were many layers to the “System." Perhaps what it was that surprised Vythe was how well they worked together with one another. All data was passed, for the most part, electronically using encryptions... the only hold up in the process was the people one had to seek permission from. Much like what some of Vythe's subordinates were seeking from him today. The System worked though, and without it? Well, it'd be an anarchist's dream. “That sounds a little bit more interesting than babysitting," Vythe commented, his voice rather toneless. Vythe's eyes shifted over to Rajjin as she introduced herself and offered to buy the two of them a drink. Before Vythe had a chance to respond though, another arden spoke up near him, commenting on Quen and Vythe's exchange of words, and then taking a stab at Vythe's name. “Vythe Vidallyn," he said, offering his name to both Rajjin and the newcomer, “Head of the Grader's Security." That in itself was no secret, so it was information that Vythe rarely chose to withhold. “I'm afraid that I'll have to decline that drink though, Rajjin. It's just not something I do often." Vythe continued to stand by the counter instead of taking the remaining free seat beside Quenetym. Only now he placed a little more of his weight on the counter. When the tender looked in his direction, the white arden only gave a small shake of his head. Still there was much that was going on. Quen appeared to have turned his interest onto the young thill, whether serious or jokingly, Vythe could only guess. He hoped it was the latter though. It looked like his and Quen's conversation had been broken up for the time being, so, in the meanwhile... The arden looked over the stranger who had spoken his name. He had a bit of an air about him. Vythe's guess was that he was either some sort of mercenary, or perhaps even worked for (or quite possibly against) the reigning government. Whatever his profession, it appeared as if it required self-discipline. “So what's your name and occupation?" he asked the gloved stranger.
Jap inclined his head and took off his glasses, slipping them into the inside pocket on his jacket. <span style='color:red'>"Jap. Pilot of the Akaihane... resigned from the USR. If you are the head of Grader security--which, I know you are--then you doubtless have my record hidden somewhere in a filing cabinet. All certified Masters are kept tabs on, no?"</span> he took a light sip from his bottle again and stood and offered his hand to Vythe in a surprisingly gentlemanly fashion, once again inclining his head, this time in a respectful nod. Invariably, he was going to get his record pulled now--or so he thought. He would have to be careful after. He hadn't left the USR under the best of conditions, after all, and things just got shady from there. He wasn't entirely sure of what was in the folder he knew was sitting in the back of some USR archive somewhere, but the insubordination was likely in bold red letters on whatever sheet was his record. He idly adjusted his leather jacket and ran four fingers through his hair, smiling at Vythe in his lopsided, cocky way. <span style='color:red'>"Tell me, Vythe... How much do you know about me, exactly? I don't claim to be famous, but in some circles I am known. I certainly know about you, as your reputation preceeds you."</span> OOC: Kinda got cut short, I have something to do post-haste, but didn't want to keep y'all waiting. I'll try to make sure I have more time in the future.
<div style="position:relative;top:20px;max-width:400px;" id="postingHeader"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-50px;left:40px;color:#7C1424;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postHeaderTitle"> Piece Together The Fallen </div> <div style="position:relative;background-color:black;color:#A7A7A7;max-width:360px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;" id="postingBody"> At Rajjun's response to his thinly veiled question, he simply laughed. "Oh, my dear... I don't think a pretty slip of a thill, such as yourself, would really be interested in offering any services I would be interested in right now." He spoke with a slick bit of slyness. His comment wasn't at all false, but Rajjun probably wasn't thinking about the services he actually had in mind. Truth be told, he wasn't really that carnal, and his reasons for being interested in the odd young 'dragon now and then certainly not what one would expect. As much attention as he was paying the yki before him, he was also paying a good deal of attention to Jap, mostly cataloging what was being said in the back of his mind, as per his custom. Quen rarely let anything past him, and chastised himself whenever he the rare bit of information slipped through his fingers. Had they not been interrupted, Quen would of made a snide remark in regard to Vythe's comment on "babysitting", and the other arden certainly would not of liked it had he done so. So it was somewhat of a good thing the two 'dragons decided to get them in a pincer of sorts. The distraction from his paranoid ponderings allowed him the spare moment to realize the two weren't all too different in truth. They both did what they felt they had to, though he did feel that Vythe's backbone needed a bit of work at times. With his mouth opening to speak to Rajjun again, his ears caught Jap's comments on being "on the books" and whether he was known. Now, Quen did have a bit of a bad habit for tooting his own horn, and that was the time he usually did so; when he could showcase his knowledge. "You were discharged due to extreme insubordination, notably disrespect to your superiors and disobeying direct orders. You refused to destroy a ship if I recall." This he spoke without looking from the thill, though he did grin broadly. In truth, he wasn't one hundred percent sure of what had happened to cause Jap to be somewhat rudely removed from service, mainly due to the fact that the 'dragon's file never seemed to be overly interesting, beside of course the fact that he may cause problems in the future. After a momentary pause, he decided to turn on his stool somewhat, so he had the three of them in his vision, though the bartender was now running back and forth out of sight. With a grin at Vythe he began speaking in a rather casual tone now, most of his sarcasm gone for the time being. "Vythe... Maybe you'd like to see exactly what it is I do?" </div> </div style="position:relative;top:-100px;max-width:400px;" id="postingFooter"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-150px;left:200px;color:#949494;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postFooterTitle"> One Among The Fence </div>
She didn't like him. Not one bit. And seeing that the other one was his 'friend', of sorts, she didn't think she'd like him either. She was, of course, interested in what they were saying, though. On the file, destroying ships, pilots, insubordination. They must work for the government. Rajjun had heard that they had some pretty shady people up in that branch. She had just been looking around for some work, but not so sure if she should get involved with these dragons. "So, ya'll work for the government? What are you doing in a place like this, if you don't mind me asking?" she said, speaking to not one of them in particular, just whoever decided to respond first, if she even got a response.
“Of course we keep tabs on all the Masters," replied Vythe, his mind trying to supply him with a few choice facts about this Jap character. His name was familiar, although since Jap was a member of the USR, Vythe's intel on him wasn't the greatest. He tended to let the USR folks deal with their own issues. Unless it was an matter of national security - then he'd throw his nose in there. When Jap further asked Vythe what was known about him, the arden frowned. As far as Vythe could recall, Jap had been labelled as a “potential." Meaning that the government folk did regular check ups on him, but since they hadn't jailed him, he was either clean... or perhaps part of something bigger. Regardless, Vythe didn't want to speculate. Guessing got one in trouble. Instead he shrugged his shoulders. He could easily pull up Jap's profile... yet all those records were confidential. They weren't meant to be shown to the public, and specially not meant to be shown to the person that they were written about. Vythe was just about to explain this to Jap when Quen spoke up. Vythe shot Quenetym a sharp look as he spoke. Why was he giving Jap a taste of what was written in his file? Sure he hadn't shared much, but it was the principle of the matter. The word insubordination did jog Vythe's memory though. There was a bit more to this seemingly laid back, former USR pilot. Had Vythe not been quite certain that Quen's alcohol tolerance far surpassed his own, he probably would have chastised the other arden for leaking information so freely. Then again, perhaps there was some sort of method to his madness. “Rajjun was it? Well, not all of us, this fellow here," Vythe jerked his head at Jap, “did our planet a disservice it seems. But... those things happen." Insubordination was unacceptable according to Vythe. Had he been the commanding officer in the USR when Jap failed... Sworn oaths were not made to be broken. Perhaps it was the negativity flitting around in his mind that caused Vythe's ears to perk when Quen grinned at him and dropped an invitation. What was he up to? Was Quen here on a mission? “I think that I would like to, yes." Vythe responded, not quite sure what he was getting himself into.
<span style='color:red'>"Insubordination is a nasty word used when someone does what they feel is right when it is contrary to the beliefs of the higher-ups. Honestly--I care a great deal about the safety of this planet, but that particular ship was suspect and nothing had been proven. As well, I feel that there was some corruption in the middle of the chain of command... There's far too much that the middle-rank officers get away with, I'd say."</span> he lectured at Quen and Vythe in a serious tone. In truth, he'd done worse than the report said, even having fired on his commanding officer... but being the best had it's perks, and he had pulled all the strings to reduce the magnitude of the reports. He yawned and eyed Vythe sharply. <span style='color:red'>"In all honesty, I would say your job is far better than mine was. You are in a place to give orders rather than take them, and you get to do things as you see they should be done by what morals you hold... I, however, was told to obey orders mindlessly and without question."</span> he sighed, <span style='color:red'>"Consider that what I did or did not do was for a good reason, and that I'm not so bad..."</span>
"I see." She responded to Vythe. "Well, I don't want any trouble from ya'll, then. But you, unlike your friend here," she nodded over to Quen, "seem like a pretty good guy. Respectable, at least." Turning to the newcomer, "Jap, was it? Former military? Hmm. Not a good position to be in when moralities are involved. That kind of job should be left up to the countless heartless robots already out there. I'm sure there is, indeed, corruption among the higher-ups, but, I suspect it wouldn't be a good idea to talk about such things out in the open. Especially if your already on their records."
<div style="position:relative;top:20px;max-width:400px;" id="postingHeader"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-50px;left:40px;color:#7C1424;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postHeaderTitle"> Piece Together The Fallen </div> <div style="position:relative;background-color:black;color:#A7A7A7;max-width:360px;padding-left:20px;padding-right:20px;font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:10pt;text-align:justify;" id="postingBody"> Quen simply sat with a smirk plastered across his face as he listened to the two 'interlopers'. As far as he was concerned, if you joined the USR you were basically a hunk of meat to be molded in to a killing machine. Free will didn't even come into the equation. At Rajjun's comment on his not being a 'pretty good guy', he blinked and turned to face the thill. As he shook his head he leaned back against the bartop, one elbow atop it to prop his large torso upright. "Pah. You just don't appreciate my sense of humour, m'dear." He spoke with a chuckle, "And you should have no worries about getting trouble from us, unless of course you're breaking the law." he finished with a wag of his finger and a wink. Sometimes he was nice, it did happen now and then. "At anyrate... I'm not sure if I have a subject ready at work..." he began, directed at Vythe. "But... If you'd like, you could simply point to someone in this club and I'm sure they would be sufficient as a demonstration. You'd be amazed at what you can find out from a random member of the public at large." A snicker trailed his words at the thought of accosting some random 'dragon and basically bleeding them dry of everything they know, whether relevant or not. With a shove of the elbow holding him up against the bar, he lifted himself from the barstool, stretching up to an impressive height of roughly seven feet before his slouch took over his posture bringing him a little closer to earth. He turned to Rajjun and Jap in turn, grinning softly, "Now... I'm not sure either of you would care to join us. Some might say my line of work rather unsavory." Truth be told, he would of loved for the two to join in. Who knows? He might learn something interesting tonight. </div> </div style="position:relative;top:-100px;max-width:400px;" id="postingFooter"> </div> <div style="position:relative;top:-150px;left:200px;color:#949494;font-family:Segoe Script;font-size:10pt;" id="postFooterTitle"> One Among The Fence </div>
Tiikan, completely oblivious to the going-ons around her, finally finished with her cherry water, stretched on the bar while licking her lips and fangs and looked around. Her master was nowhere to be found. Finally, she saw Rajjun chatting with some strangers. Giving a bestial sound that sounded like a mixture of a meow and a snarl, she leaped into the air, startling some other dragons, and landed on Rajjun's shoulder, folding her wings back in. "Oh!" Rajjun gave a startled jump as small pin-like claws dug into her shoulder. Reaching her arm back to pet her Tiikan, she gave a smile and said, "Sorry girl. Of course I didn't forget you, haha." Turning her attention back to Quen, she replied, "I haven't been in trouble with the law, as far as anyone knows." She smiled and gave a small laugh. "And, sure, I would be quite interested in viewing your work. I've nothing else to do for the moment, seeing as I'm here to stock up and rest before I continue on."
OOC – Free from the confines of college! At least... for a few weeks. “Mm... still, if you suspected corruption, you could have not taken the mission and gone to a superior. Disobeying while in the direct line of duty can be catastrophic. Middle-rank officers are given quite a bit of power so that they're able to make quick decisions without hesitation. If you take their orders directly, and they happen to be “wrong," the chain of command dictates that the person giving the orders would be held accountable." Vythe said in response to Jap's little lecture. In his opinion, USR soldiers existed to take orders. It was their patriotic duty to follow them through – whatever the cost. It wasn't much too different with Vythe. He had sworn and oath and would stay true to it. Morals were not allowed to get in the way. Perhaps he too was one of the “countless heartless robots" that Rajjun referred to. Vythe looked to Quen as he began to speak. He spoke about not having any immediate subjects to “practise" upon. Which was a pity, Vythe supposed. He thought that he could quite easily remedy this though. The stalwart arden glanced out at the crowd. The vast majority of the faces that his cool blue eyes swept across were unknown. A few he knew to be part of the more “aristocratic society." One fellow in particular stood out to the arden though. He was a few inches shorter than Vythe, had mellow, dark brown eyes, and a light beige and white pelt scattered with black markings. The arden, Vythe knew, had been picked up on several occasions. He was suspected of being part of one of the larger drug operations. In fact, although they lacked the proper evidence, he was suspected of being the main operator responsible for delivering heavy drugs manufactured in Bhim to some handlers in Swaraj. Karlon Nelnis. If that even was his real name. Vythe nodded toward the fellow, indicating to Quen who he meant.
