The Profits

[Neko]

::For half a heartbeat, she thought about letting Quick stew for a minute, just for her own amusement, but decided against it. It would probably be best not to get on his bad side before things even really got started.::

Shrug

-It is what you think it is, and they will get over it.

I thought this might make things easier though.-

::Her eyes narrowed then as she looked at him.::

-Just make sure I get it back when things are done.-

::He new about hoods like this? Did that mean he has had run ins with the Vanguard in the past, or was he talking about something else? She would have to keep an eye on this one.::

-I had some ideas...

Has anyone tried to track the "bandits"? Hide in wait and follow them back after a raid?

If that has not worked, then perhaps we could trick them. Have someone, or someones, hiding in the supplies so they are taken back to where ever it is they hide...

It would be dangerous, but I can't think of another way to do it if they leave no survivors.-

[Serenity]

As the mental exchange occurred, the other mercenaries around the table looked back and forth between the telepaths with bemused expressions.

"Oi, Quick, what's the googly eyes? The 'ell did you put on?"

Quick snapped out of his alluring gaze and looked back at the other men, "Sorry, I all of a sudden became captivated by silence."

The mercenaries were smart enough to figure that the bracer was the source of the awkward silence and scoffed at Quick's attempt to sidestep the question, but that wasn't important at the moment.

"Get your head out of your arse then! We're shipping out tomorrow and still don't know how to go about these whoresons."

Quick hung his head down, thinking about Neko's proposition, but instead of replying to her he decided to keep everyone in the loop, lest they start to think him suspicious.

"We could always have a forward scout, or have someone follow behind in secret to watch the goods get lifted, but if I have an inkling about how these boys work, they'd do the same. After all the failed attempts to protect the goods, they must think we'd try harder ourselves."

"So we wont be sneaky then?" said one of the mercs.

"I didn't say that. I think we can use our little friend here," said Quick with a mischievous grin. Neko knew this likely to be the other option she had suggested.

And what way is that then?"

Quick walked over toward Neko and began to pace around her as if inspecting a piece of furniture, eyeing her every detail. This in turn got the whole room looking at her, trying to see what Grayson was getting at as they couldn't immediately see the solution.

"Our friend here is small, probably very light, " started Quick, "So she'd be easy to confuse with cargo, I reckon. Most of the men going on this job are too heavy, and too big to fit in the crates. The thieves will know something is wrong if they try to lift a box and it's heavier than the others. She, on the other hand, I think is just light enough not to tip off anyone who try to snatch her box."

The mercenaries looked at each other and exchanged glances, silently considering the proposal.

"So you want us to stick 'ir in a crate then? Wait for her to get snatched?"

"That's the plan before us."

"But if she do get taken, she'd likely be alone in that hideout."

[Neko]

SIGH

::She looked down at the table, uncomfortable at being studied so by those in the room with her.::

-I am aware of the dangers. But it seems the best route to discovering their location.

Besides, it seems those traveling with the wagon are in just as much danger, perhaps moreso. Considering they leave no survivors...

Best not bring that up I think...-

::She smirks and for a moment there is just a bit of resemblence in that look to her father, before she looks up to Quick.::

-Just make sure you can find me...-

[Serenity]

Quick Grayson smirked back, I hope these things can reach long distances.

"I think we have ourselves a volunteer for a dangerous, life threatening mission, boys." said Quick.

The other mercenaries simply nodded their heads, not caring if the Hatchling had volunteered her womanhood.

"So that's it then? Put her in a crate and hope for the best?"

"Looks that way gentleman, but I suspect we won't have any trouble. I think she's more than up to task."

"Fair enough."

With that, the mercenaries got up and eventually left the room, leaving Quick along with Neko.

We'll be meeting tomorrow at the company warehouse with the caravan, and from there leave at first light. There will be more men and women joining us, these sods were the ones who lead them. If anything they'll try their hardest to make sure the goods reach their destination, but in the event we all die or have to retreat, you'll be the secret weapon. If you get into their hideout, get out quickly and mark the entrance. Then the louts will have nowhere to hide.

____

This will be your opportunity to prepare if you'd like to go out on the town and buy any equipment you need. If not, we can go straight on to the next day.

[Neko]

-I can manage that. Just keep your end of the bargain. And I'll be taking that back for the night. you can have it again tomorrow.-

::She gestured to the bracer and refused to leave until it was passed over.::

((I think I have everything I need, unless one of the new people wants to join up.))

::She stood outside the warehouse the next day trying to battle the doubts in her head over the course of action she had not only accepted, but came up with herself. However, despite an entire night of trtying to think of a better way, she could come up with none. So with a huff to blow some loose strands of her bright purple hair from her face, she pushed off from the wall she was leaning against and headed to enter the warehouse.::

[Serenity]

Since we've gotten an influx of new people recently, you will be given the opportunity to join in on this adventure before it really gets underway.

Just reply that you'd like to join and I will include you in the narrative.

[Ferin]

I would be happy to be included in this.

[Serenity]

And I was just beginning to have fun...

Quick smirked as he removed the bracer and handed it over to Neko before leaving the room.

"You have an attractive voice, if I might add."


Early the next morning the Talady warehouses were buzzed with activity as the merchant caravan was preparing for it's largest shipment since the attacks started. Over ten large wagons were being strapped and readied for transport, each being carried by teams of six horses. Employees ran back and forth finishing the final touches, with Talissi marking things off manifestos, double checking everything for accuracy.

Outside the warehouses, standing by for moving orders, were teams of armed mercenaries and volunteers. One could tell that three mercenary companies were a part of this, as men brandished distinct markings from their clan. Among them were several volunteers and solo adventurers looking to make good money. All in all, there were roughly 30+ armed men ready to move and protect the merchandise with their lives. If they can help it.

(Ferin, you're among those who decided to take the job on without affiliation to a mercenary company. You are also aware of Quick Grayson and his role in this operation as the lead.)

As Neko surveyed the area, she could spot Quick and his distinct hat a mile away. The impromptu coordinator of the caravan defense was discussing with the same three men Neko saw yesterday.

[Ferin]

Ferin had caught on to the news of the operation through the usual means that the shady kind happened to use... Information had it's way of moving into the hands of those who desired it. And, well, posters helped.

Until he arrived here, he had no idea who this Quick Grayson man even was. The name, nor any within the locales outside of Brenellia for that matter, meant little to him. It was his intention to locate Quick and get in on the plan, if they had any other ideas than merely flanking a caravan and fighting off any would-be thieves. But, first thigns first, was finding the man in charge.

Ferin had been, until now, on the edge of all the activity beneath the shade of an overhang. But now, he revealed his black clad form which in any other setting would have been a peculiar sight. His first move was to approach any random troop that he could and ask for the location of Grayson. So, that is what he did.

Without hesitation, Ferin approached a man who was readying the horses to draw the wagons. His tongue was clearly un-practiced when he was the initiator, but he spoke nonetheless,

"Excuse me... I'm here to lend a hand. If it's no hassle, i'd like you to direct me to Grayson. He's in charge of the escort, right?"

[Serenity]

The man prepping one of the horses turned to Ferrin, clearly a bit nervous seeing as his life was in peril. Not to mention being surrounded by men who look like they were going to war.

"Umm, yes, yes Mr. Grayson is in charge I suppose. He's the chap over there in the hat and coat." the man said pointing at a group of four men talking over a map it looked like.

The worker bowed his head quickly and went back to what he was doing.

[Neko]

::She surveyed the troops as she made a bee line for Quick. She wondered how many of them knew the danger they were getting into. How many of their families would be mourning their passing in the coming days. But she could not dwell on it. Folks signed on for dangeous duties all the time, perhaps some miracle would see a few safely home instead of buried in a ditch by the roadside.

When she reached Quick's side, she stood where she was sure to be seen, with arms crossed and one hand holding the spare bracer as she waited to be acknowledged.::

[Ferin]

Not one to prolong un-necessary social interaction, Ferin made his way towards the mant he worker had pointed out without so much as a glance. Though, the man wouldn't have caught it either way given the rush he had been in. The tension in the air was practically non-existant to Ferin. After all, the only emotionally tangible thing to him was an opportunity to earn alittle extra coin in order to prevent something similar to what had happened in the Wistvale tavern from happening again. Practically being cornered into accepting the first coin you see no matter what strings are attached is a bit of a pain to say the least.

With these musings of coin and bloodshed in mind, the black clad man approached behind Quick and made to tap him on the shoulder. Whatever they were discussing, well, it could simply wait until after he was told what was to happen here.

"Excuse me, sir... Quick Grayson, correct? I'm here to lend a hand. So i'd like a briefing on what exactly is going on here."

Pompous... No, centered. His tone was indeed brought about by self-preservation, but the monotonous drawl made it evident that this was, to him, like reciting a pre-written speech. He was here for the monetary gain, and that was all. If Quick were a good judge of character, that would have been a plain thing to see.

[Serenity]

Quick quickly noticed Neko as she made her way over to him, grinning ear to ear as she approached.

"Well if it isn't our ace," he exclaimed, making the merc captains turn to see Neko.

He quickly grabbed the bracer, seeming eager to talk to Neko again. Ah, hello, Kitten. I do miss our secret chat

"What the hell is that thing, Grayson?" asked one of the merc captains.

Quick simply laughed, "Haha, please."

As Grayson was having fun with the mercenary captains, his smile vanished as the newcomer arrived, one he didn't recognize but assumed to be doing this mission solo. He didn't appear eager to meet with the rest of the men yet, but Quick didn't scoot Ferin away.

"Morning there, stranger, glad to have you with us. I am going to announce the plan to the independents soon while these gentleman relay the instructions to their own men."

The less folks know about your special assignment, the better

"But it's going to be pretty simple, you all are going to be the vanguard of this little operation. You will escort three wagons with the most valuable cargo ahead of us, hopefully flushing out the 'bandits'."

You will be in one of those wagons, Kitten. We want you to get snatched, after all...

[Ferin]

Another simple task. At least, it was simple in verbatim. Ferin had taken part in many escorts when he ran with Gan's troop, and this one didn't seem to be any different. Besides the more... Colorful display of race shown first in the face of the cat woman. And the fact that Quick believed a show of force would 'flush out' any bandits who would target the wagons. It seemed that if it were their intent to meet that affect, this would be something they did each and every time this Talady company wanted to send even a single wagon shipment.

It wasn't in his nature to question motives if there was coin involved. It wasn't a plan he agreed with, but for the time being, it would have to be something that he would force himself to stomach.

"Sounds like a solid plan." The hot air came from Ferin's mouth, "It looks like we've both the numbers and skill to accomplish the goal. I eagerly await the announcement."

Following this, his eyes traced to Neko. "And her? She looks more the stealthy type than the beat the heck out of you type. What's her role here if I might ask?"

His mind immediately rushed to the logical conclusion... She would sit in the back of a wagon, probably lay there. Then jump out when the would be bandits attempted to make off with the cargo. Quick 'had' deemed her their 'ace'. So it was clear she had some sort of pivotal role in this operation. Especially since she was here, in what Ferin called the 'Big Wig Club' of the operation without so much as a howdy do. His expression was as complacent as always. His frown was kept in seemingly permanent stasis at all times, showing his general indifference to... Most everything.

"Ah, and while you're avoiding that question. What sort've pay are we talking about?"

[Neko]

::She glanced over the newcomer to try and measure his skill. If he was to be in the vanguard, he would need every bit he could muster, and some luck besides.

-I agree. Letting them know could possibly effect how they act, and therefore tip off the bandits. Best to keep them in the dark.-

Again, she didn't like it. Not because of the danger she would be in, but for the danger the others would be in, unknowingly. Sure they suspected an attack. But did they truly know that no survivors have ever been left in these raids? No, she didn't think so. But what choice did she have? This was the best plan to find their hideout, and unless another was suggested, it seemed their only route.

-What are the supplies? Anything flamable or explosive?-

She asked, as she looked over the wagons and studied the crates she would be hiding within.::