NationStates Jolt Archive

"....and in financial news today, Xaosis Enterprises has announced that it will begin transferring it's chief assets towards a new Home Office on the World Disc of Angelus. The relocation is expected to commence at once, according to company spokesmen.

Rumors of the deal had begun circling after a majority of the Xaosis board of directors had established residence on Angelus.

Xaosis spokesman and Board Member Tyran Kendrall disclosed little of the particulars of the deal, saying only that "arraingements have been made of a commercial nature with the District Trust of Angelus and all other relevant authorities."



*************************************************************

Nordanl Bey was in a foul mood. He had just arrived from Araman only to find out that he would have to move out again.

He glared at Hassan Ygorl sitting at his desk. Nordanl did not like Sehndem's number two man: not many in the company did. He was often called "Smithers" behind his back.

Ygorl, however, was nobody's fool. "Sit down, Nordanl."

The Haradrim sat, keeping his face impassive, though he could not conceal irritation. "Where's the boss, Ygorl?"

Ygorl sighed and sat back. "Sehndem is out. We're not sure where."

"You don't know?"

"Of course not. Angelus never tells us where the World Disc is. Once we move the office over there, we ain't gonna know either."

"Then what do you want from me?"

Ygorl tilted his head. "Let's get something straight. I know damn well what you think of me. Well, don't worry, the feeling is mutual."

Nordanl kept quiet, his face defiant.

Ygorl grinned mirthelessly. "But I agree with the boss that you are one cunning bastard, Nordanl. So I'm putting you in charge of handling Xao-Tech."

Nordanl raised an eyebrow. "Awfully generous of you, Ygorl."

Ygorl snorted. "This isn't generosity. This is self-interest. Everyone on the board has a lot riding on the Xao-Tech project, and as our company troubleshooter you of all people could handle both KCTS and FHG in the negotiation process."

"About that.....when are we going to contact them?"

"When the boss says so. He's got a bit more wheeling and dealing to do on the side."



*************************************************************

To District Trust, World Disc, Angelus
From: Xaosis Vinyatirion Office

Arraingements are nearly complete. Cordially request transport to proper facillities from Vinyatirion. Mardai Sehndem and remaning Board personel will also be transferring.

P.S. Thanks for having us

On board the Excelsior=class "Distinct Trust", a soft chime sounds throughout the cabins enhabited by the Executive Board of XAOSIS. A moment later, and Mother appears on all of the screens throughout the ship.

Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen. As you are aware, Angelus has signed an agreement with XAOSIS!, and the new head office has been moved to the WorldDisc.

Of course, this means that your isolation on board this ship is now over, as I/We are certain that you have grown tired of each other's company. Soon you will have the company of millions to spend yourselves upon, as well as the limitless resources of Angelus at your disposal. She pauses, and then is replaced by an image of the solar system.

I/We are also certain that many of you have been wondering where you are located. The more astute of you have placed discreet inquiries into My/Our system, but they have all, of course, been fruitless. While I/We apologize for having to keep you in the dark, I/We assure you it has been for your safety.

To satiate your curiousity, you have been held in a retrograde orbit above the Solar ecliptic at 33x by 21y by 903z. I/We know this means nothing to you, and have thus highlighted the position on your screens. An indicator light appears on the screen, marking their location.

We will be leaving shortly, so please complete all of your business and return to your cabins. You will soon be at your new home, I/We promise.

Deep within the Archailect, a cspace environment spins into being, with Alshai Kommetrez floating in the middle of it. For a moment, he looks disoriented, and then the calm pressence of Mother enfolds him in her loving embrace.

Hello, My/Our Child. Her voice is soft, tender. Kommetrez smiles slightly at the term, and he bows slightly towards her shimmering presence.

Hello, Mother. How may I assist You/Us?

She sighs softly. What do you think of all of this, My/Our child? You think more like a human than any of Me/Us... What do you expect?

Kommetrez frowns. Hrm... well, I remember Garbo telling me when I was Supreme Emperor about Advisor Spoilsport being... compromised. Apparently he was in Melkor's pocket via Xaosis back when it was state-owned, and SIS has just been dying for incontrovertible evidence to that extent. So I'm already a little biased.

A curious look spreads across Mother's face. Have you been briefed on the full situation regarding XAOSIS?

Kommetrez frowns and shakes his head as he connects more completely with the Mainframe. One moment... ... ...I see. I really need to catch up on these things.

Mother smiles softly, and reaches out a hand to gently touch the face of her errant child. Yes, you should. But ultimately, it does not matter. Do you believe the Triumvirate will accept this?

Kommetrez ponders this a moment before replying. I can tell you with certainty that Scolopendra will be all for it. From all my connections, I do not see anyone having a problem with Our actions, especially given our history with them.

Mother smiles slightly. And Sirithil? I/We believe she has had a certain soft spot in her heart towards them.

A mutually beneficial trading partner and "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" syndrome. I can work on that, if You/We wish.

Mother nods slightly. I/We would appriciate that. I/We suggest, of course, a certain element of tact regarding the issue. Sirithil has been known to be... hotheaded and... impatient.

Furthermore... I would like you to be a physical link between both Angelus and the Triumvirate with the arriving executive staff. I/We have taken the liberty of creating another avatar for you, though the final descision to use it is ultimately yours.

Kommetrez chuckles. I've been working with her since before You/Us reappeared in the Sol system. We go back quite a ways, and so I'm sure she's willing to listen, especially now given the SIS-MISSION single-bureau cooperation system... and oh?

Mother nods. I/We believe that you would be beneficial in getting the Staff used to the Augment, as you are one of the only full-conversion humans out there.

Kommetrez smiles at that. That makes sense. I'll try not to wax eloquent on how full-conversion makes me nonhuman at most and posthuman at least.

Mother laughs softly. I/We would consider you an Advanced Human.

Kommetrez shrugs. Advanced Human, posthuman, Advanced Human Substitute... it's all the same in the end. I am what I am, to quote others wiser than I.

Mother smiles at that one, and leans forward to place a kiss upon Alshai's forehead. Thank you, My/Our child. Take a few moments to accustom yourself to having two distinct bodies. It may take a bit for you to adjust, but I/We believe that you can handle it.

Kommetrez sighs gently. Now, You/We see, that's why I make the not-quite-human distinction. Two or more distinctly different and concurrent perceptions of reality just isn't what a baseline human's built for... but I'm just old-fashioned that way. Thanks for the confidence...

After that, they talked for a while of different things before finally allowing the connection to fade away.

It certainly was the most opulant boardroom meeting any of them had seen, except for Sehndem, who had made deals with Lady Sirithil Feanor herself in her palace in Vinyatirion. It was also the first time the entire Board of Directors where in the same place at the same time. Most of them had been in Asylum at the World Disc, and did the meetings via conference call.

Mardai Sehndem took a hit from the dollar-sign stamped John Galt cigarrette. "So," he said, "Mother wishes to give us augments. Anyone have a problem with that?"

No answer.

Sehndem raised an eyebrow. "Come now, surely somebody has a remark."

Nordanl Bey, the company "troubleshooter," coughed. "Meaning no disrespect to our benefactors," he said, "but I worry about suggestion. If Angelus has it's own agenda, we could be exposing ourselves to risk."

Sehndem smiled. "Business is a risk, Nordanl." He shrugged. "Besides, we won't be the first to use augments. Nathicana has people that use them. I think the risk is very low. Besides, I suspect Mother genuinely wishes a solid partnership here."

No one could argue with that. Angelus had intervened on behalf of Xaosis during the defection scandal, for which the whole Company had been grateful. The offer of asylum on the World Disc had come as a welcome surprise.

Kathdug, the Uruk chief of Security, spoke up. "I share your concern, Nordanl, but frankly this is a perfect oppurtunity to weed out Imperial spies." Everyone nodded at that. Kathdug was unusually intelligent for an Uruk, and he was well aware that the Angelus system would eliminate the spy network that they all knew penetrated the Company in short order.

Sehndem took another drag from the cigarrette, and nodded. "All right. I have a meeting with Kommetrez in a few minutes. Can I inform him that the Board is in agreement with Mother's requests?"

All nodded.

Kommetrez looked up from his desk as Sehndem steps into his office.

Please, have a seat. He motions towards one of the low and comfortable chairs situated in front of his desk. It has fallen to me, as the first of the MechaHumans, Advanced Humans, PostHumans, whatever you want to call us, to speak with you about the upcoming operation.

He stands and walks over to a small cubby in the wall. He presses a button and two small teacups clink into place upon a small tray. He presses another button, and a nozzle slides out of the cubby and begins to fill one of the cups with a steaming liquid. Tea?

With a shrug, he continues, taking soft sips of his tea as he does so. Being a part of Angelus does not mean you become Angelus. I've been asked so many times if I can still be trusted with Scolopendran State Secrets, as I am now connected with Mother, and I envariably tell them that my mind is my own, and while I am connected to the greater Collective of Mother, I am not of Mother.

He smiles slightly and leans against his desk. Being a part of Angelus is an amazing thing. There is so much more out there than I could possibly explain to you. It is the warmth of family, the enveloping hands of what it truely means to be a PART of something. A greater something... I guess you could call it the perfect religious experience. I am a part of a god and yet, I am a part of the community that worships this "god".

His smile turns to a grin and he sets his tea down on the table. Being a part of Angelus does not mean that you'll have to give up everything that is you. As far as I've been told, you will not come anywhere near as fully integrated as I have, and yet... He shrugs slightly. You did not feel what it was like when Angelus Ascended... you do not know what it was like before. I always will, and there will always be that empty memory of the Before Time that I'll never be able to shake.

He shakes his head, a slight laugh escaping from between his lips. I envy you, Sehndem. I truely do.

Sehndem smiles and nods, accepting the offerred tea. "I assure you, most of the doubts expressed here tonight are not my own. Unlike many in the Board, I am always sure of myself." He sipped. "Doesn't mean I'm always correct, but better error then indecision."

He set the tea cup down. "While I do not share your philosophical views, Mr. Kommetrez, I agree that I and Xaosis Enterprises stand to benefit greatly. I will not lie to you. I'm a capitalist and a skeptic when it comes to collectivization. But I am also a believer in progress, profit, and private enterprise, as the Company saying goes. That is why I am here today."

He offered Kommetrez a John Galt cigarrette. "Do you smoke?"

He cleared his throat. "I also understand that this is the first time Xaosis and Scolopendran personell have met face to face. I understand your government has been dealing with corruption scandals stemming from Xaosis involvement as a pseudo Ardan ally. I wish to address the Company's position now so that I can settle matters agreeably with the Federation.

I will tell you that Xaosis is quite aware of the grievances Scolopendra may have against us involving the ScoloMart scandal. Since our defection, of course, we no longer are obligated to the Tyrant Melkor to protect the bribed officials. However, Xaosis feels that until very recently it's position has been unsecure, and our allies too few. I'm sure you can understand, then, why we have kept our files on the matter secret and undisclosed.

Now, however, Xaosis is showing profits, and we are making new alliances and business partnership. In particular, we are hoping to forge an ironclad relationship with the Triumvirate states. With that in mind, I am willing in the near future, not immediately, but when our Home Office is settled here on the World Disc, to disclose all of our files to MISSION and the SIS."

No, not for pleasure. Alshai holds up one hand gently at the offer.

Kommetrez chuckles softly. What interest is our historical queasiness towards your corporation to MISSION? Still, he says with a soft smile, that is quite the offer and we'll probably readily accept. Still--although, not to press--the matter at hand is that you are speaking to Me/Us and not a representative of the Segments.

Kommetrez sets his now-empty cup down and smiles. Now that that is out of the way, would you like to view My/Our medical facilities? Considering how many of your people get equipped with Augments, I/We may need to use more than one facility, though I assure you, they are all exactly the same.

Sehndem smiled and pocketed his pack of John Galts. "I would love to see your facillities. Xaosis is attempting to revitalize it's health care department, i'm sure it has much to learn from this place."

Kommetrez nods, and moves towards the door. Follow me, please. He steps out into a long corridor, and a glowing gravdisc slowly materializes beneath their feet.

I'd tell you to hold on, but that really wouldnt mean anything. With that, and a wry chuckle, the disc lifts off of the ground and streaks forward. HUrtling through the hallways at incredible speed, the disc jerks and changes direction at a moment's whim... and yet, the passengers feel not a thing.

A minute or so of the corridors and huge hallways vanishing behind them, and the disc slows to a more discernable speed. GravDiscs are really the only way to travel within the Disc. Since the facility is rather large, it would be impractical to walk, and to provide a more "physical" means of transportation.

He nods, and the disc slows to a stop, and vanishes into the floor. It really is rather efficient and economical. He gestures towards a large glass door, and then steps through the opening as the door slides open to admit them.

This is the main Infirmery, still under the direction of M2. He nods towards the bald hologram that winks into existance before them. M2 is quite proficient in the ways of medicine, as I'm certain that you will find out, but his holographic representation is really only used to sooth the minds of people that are unused to talking to a disembodied voice when going to see the doctor.

Mardai Sehndem nodded, clearly impressed. "Market research has hinted the same thing. Tell me," he turned and tilted his head, curious. "How much nanotechnology goes into Augmentation, if any at all? Xaosis is experimenting with nano and we could sure use some imput"

Kommetrez nods towards the Doctor, letting him reply. Most of it, actually. The only true hardware that is used in the Augment process is a small datajack and an echo plate. The plate itself is nothing more than a sounding device used to communicate across vast distances. He shrugs. Everything else is nanotech. Even the more advanced Augments, the ones that provide full-body emersion into the Mainframe, they are nothing more than thermomolecular wiring laced throughout the body using nanites.

The doctor smiles. Now, our friend AK1 here is a real piece of work. He's very special, as he is no longer quite human. You see, we took his mind and made a construct of it, a perfect transferrance of his mental and human essence, and transformed it into a mechanical entity. He is, therefore, one of Us now, though not quite... His smiles turns into a kind of proud grin. He was my first major work, and I am still quite proud of it.

Kommetrez chuckles. I'm a bit more than your pet project, M2.

Poo on you, AK1! Of course you are more than just my pet project! You are a first! Can I not be proud of my achievements?

Not where I can hear. The dark-skinned Angelan grins.

M2 fairly fumes at Kommetrez. Two out of the Four Angels that were granted their individuality after the Ascension, and we cannot even get along without sniffling at each other.

The doctor sighs and puts his arms around the other gentleman's shoulders in a comraderly sort of way. At least I dont go around mocking your frail human form anymore, now do I?

The exodus was nearly finished.


Home Office in essence consisted of all Xaosis facilities and personnell not affiliated with a Branch Office, ergo, although possessing Branches in Menelmacar and Tersanctus, not all Xaosis assets in those nations were involved with their respective Branches, though most surely were. This was particularly true in Menelmacar where Xaosis did a heavy amount of business, and had every intention of doing so in the future.

The Company moved all personnell considered important to the Home Office, which weren't many; Home Office by design was supposed to be small and efficient. However, facillities under Home Office controll were transferred to the appropriate Branches, or, in some case, closed outright. It was an unfortunate cost of doing business.

All the same, Xaosis was on the move. The Company had a small spacefleet of its own, and of course they had a little help from the Distinct Trust. The whole move was executed quickly and painlessly.

Supplamenting the arriving forces were, of course, the Private Security Forces; Xaosis' private mercenary army. Whever Home Office went, they went.

Like a finely tuned machine, the Augments are quickly placed into the bodies of the Executive Board, Sehndem being allowed complete observation rights as the delicate machinery assigned to the task finish their jobs with expert precision. True to his word, M2 oversees it all personally, checking each procedure many times over to make sure that none reject the delicate instruments.

Work is also completed on the Home Office within the Organic Sector, and the worker drones put the final touches on the massive edifice that will stand through the ages as a symbol of XAOSIS' dealings upon the WorldDisc.

Elsewhere, towering Guardian Units escort the newly arrived PFT soldiers on tours of the training facilities, finally leading them to their respective suites. Nothing was spared in the construction of their new homes, opulence shining here as a staple among the rest of the luxurious homes within the Organic Sector.

Soon, all was in readiness. The XAOSIS ships safely tucked away within the massive .045 hangar, and the staff made comfortable in their new homes.

---

Elsewhere, Angelic Skies took notice, and dark thoughts cross his mind.

"I gotta hand it to ya, boss," Othey Selim chuckled. "This was a good move."

Sehndem grinned. "I told you good things would come out of siding against Melkor sooner or later."

They were sitting in the lounge; Sehndem, Ygorl, Selim, Bey, and even Kathdug.

Kathdug, unlike the others, was standing.

Ygorl cradled his glass of Vinyatirion wine. "Well, the move is pretty much finished. How's the Private Security Force doing, Kathdug?" The PSF was his responsability.

The Uruk nodded. "90% of Home Office PSF troops have been settled in to Barracks. Moral seems to be pretty good; Angelus has been giving them everything short of a damn ticker tape parade." The Uruk didn't smile but his features contorted into a grimace that could have been one. "The PSF can be fully ready at standbye in three days. After that, they can begin normal training routines."

"Very good, Kathdug." Sehndem smiled. "Very good."


Nordanl Bey puffed his cigar. Like Sehndem's John Galt cigarrettes, it had a dollar sign stamped on it. The cigars were named Howard Roarks. "Mardai, I think we should open our files to the SIS."

That prompted silence. Though the whole board had agreed that it was necessary, they were still uncomfortable with the idea of allowing a government intelligence agency poke through their files.

Sehndem nodded. "I agree, Nordanl. We have nothing to hide, and besides most of those files originated from our days as an Imperial company."

Othey grimaced. "I hope the SIS understands that."

"They will," Sehndem nodded confidently. "Kommetrez seems to understand our position very well. Our days of being the Giant's tool are long sinced passed."

The rest murmurred agreement.

Sehndem smiled once again and lit a John Galt. "So how does everyone like their augments?"

Othey laughed. "One of my finance people exclaimed that he could crunch numbers so much faster now." Everyone chuckled. The Finance Department was totally bearucratic.

Sehndem had to admit it a unique sensation. Though still uneasy personally about being attached to a collective (he was a profound individualist, and he was relieved that the Archai respected that), he loved technology, and had come to admire the proceedure.

Plus, it allowed management to run the Company like a finely tuned machine.

Sehndem took a drag from his John Galt. Things were, after all, looking up for the first time since the defection.




*************************************************************



"....in financial news, Xaosis Enterprises, long thought to be a figure in the Spoilsport scandal, has broken it's long silence over the allegations of financial involvement with ScoloMart and corruption in the Scolopendran public sector. The Metaconglomerate announced early this morning that it intends to 'fully cooperate with both the SIS and MISSION concerning Xaosis dealings with the Imperium."

'The Financial Department has been instructed to turn over all records concerning the Imperium and ScoloMart over to the SIS,' company spokesman Tyran Kendall announced. "

Several days later, and within a single moment, all of the XAOSIS executive boardmembers fell into a deep catatonia as the command centers of their brains were overloaded by a deftly-placed surge from their Augments. Shortly thereafter, a large number of Guardian Units began their slow task of gathering them all up and placing them on gravdiscs.

In short order, all of them were moved from their beautiful new suites and carried through back corridors out of the Organic Sector towards the waiting ships in port .046.

Elsewhere, a short battle ensued as several of the PFS were taken down with brutal efficiency by a large detatchment of Guardians. Placed into a deep sleep by the powerful stunrods held by each of the Guardians, they too began their long trip towards the docking bay.

Like clockwork, each member of the XAOSIS detatchment was rounded up and taken to .046, where their destiny called.

Aboard the Dominion Revenant class Michaelangelo, Serafina Alighieri watched over both Alpha and Beta squadrons as they docked at the WorldDisc at port .046. Their orders had been clear – cooperate with the Archailect and take on the passengers waiting for transfer.

Keeping in constant contact via their augments, the crews went about their duties with precision and speed, navigating the gravdiscs containing their ‘guests’ to the quarters and holding areas already prepared for them aboard the Angelan-designed ships. The Xaosis staff slated for their care were each carefully restrained – both for their safety, and the safety of others – and made as relatively comfortable as could be managed, given the circumstances.

It was an unusual situation to be sure, but not one Alighieri was going to argue. What had been made clear was the importance of this particular mission, and as such, she did not intend to disappoint.

Messages were relayed back over Channel Spook. In a quiet room in the Dominion, a dark-haired woman smiled, sending a quick response in turn.

“Now to see just what our bargaining chip is worth,” she murmured.

Omicron Blu waited patiently on board the Tempted Betrayal, a slight smile on her face as she is given notice that all was in readiness. She nodded slightly to the new Dominion captain of the vessel, and settled back into her gravharness to wait.

Nathicana sat quietly, pondering her missive, biting her lower lip absently as she went over the words. Would it be enough? She took a slow sip of her ice water, then tapped the send key.

We shall see.


To the Honorable Warlord Konrad Althalon,

I realize our latest dealings have not been under the best of circumstances, and that currently, our nations do not have any recognizable ties, and yet I ask you to hear me out.

The Dominion, and myself, have regretted the loss of such an amicable and steadfast relationship as our nations previously enjoyed. This is not the time for me to be arguing the ‘whys’ of it all, suffice it to say, it has pained me to lose such valuable friends as the Imperium, and I have hoped to find a way to mend relations.

It is my understanding that there are several persons with whom the Imperium still has, shall we say, ‘issue’. In particular, Sehndem of Xaosis and his board members. Let me cut to the chase.

I have them.

If this is something that interests the Imperium, please contact me.

Respectfully,

--Nathicana D’Aquisto, Dread Lady of the Dominion



----------------------

Aboard the Tempted Betrayal Captain Cipriano Inzaghi offered the avatar a glass of wine. "Some refreshment while you wait, my Lady?" he said with a pleasant but roguish smile. "I'm told the loading has almost finished."

Blu calmly accepts the offered glass with a nod. Thank you, Captain. She takes a sip, then purses her lips in thought.

You've been with the Dominion Space Corps for a while, no? Is this your first command of an Angelic vessel?

The Warlord strode into his office with a nod to the Easterling marines on either side of the attendant doorway, drawing a stylus from behind his ear as he mounted the dias on which his massive iron desk sat.

A green light blinked on a large panel underneath the large ethereal monitor which was fused into the structure. He leaned forward with mild curiousity and flicked on the prompter. After slogging through the Imperial Communications Protocol system, he found the waiting message, and absently tucked the pen back behind his ear as he read.

Moments later, his laughter filled the hall. "Sehndem, you silly bastard," he laughed. It would be a wonderful reunion. But first, he had to write his response.



To the Honorable [?] Dread Lady Nathicana D'Aquisto:

Your proposition is of great interest not only to the Imperium but to me personally, for a number of reasons which I shall not bother myself to explain now. Suffice to say I would like to arrange for the exchange of these terrorists at once. I would suggest that this exchange take place either on Io itself or on an IASN vessel, of course.

I must ask, however, what is the state of the terrorists? Are they alive? Dead? Knocked out?

I'm most definately looking forward to your response on the matter.

[insert really spiffy looking digital rendering of Althalon's signature here]

Nathicana arched a brow as she read the response. She had expected the offer to be accepted, however …


Ever the wit, my Lord Althalon. In response to your queries – yes, they are all in perfect health, and are presently unconscious and packaged up just as nicely as you please. Of course, I’m pleased that our offer seems to have been accepted warmly. I can only hope that this may help pave the way for relationships between the Dominion and the Imperium to warm as well.

I am aware that there is a bounty on their heads. In remembrance of past endeavors, and as a token of our esteem and sincerity, we will require no monetary compensation for this service. I am quite willing to await the decision of the Imperium as to what if anything such favors are worth, all things considered.

As for the meeting place, I would suggest a neutral site, on Io preferably

--Nathicana



--------------------------------

“Indeed, my Lady,” Inzaghi said with a smile. “I’ve served out here and aboard the WorldDisc since the first groups were stationed. I’ve been entrusted with a beautiful ship – for which I thank you.”

He tilted his head for a moment, then smiled warmly. “They’ve just finished the last of them. Negotiations are currently underway.

Atlahlon tapped the stylus against his chin, and pondered his response for a brief moment. Finding his words, he composed his response.



To Lady Nathicana:

A meeting on Io would make sense, yes. However, the need for a compound or some other building [since the surface is not exactly inhabitable] probably means that we'll have to meet in some sort of established territory. I'd venture to guess nonetheless that there is little or no 'neutral' ground on this god-forsaken rock. If you can find one, and we can land a ship there, I'll be more than happy to arrange for the exchange of the prisoners.

I can't say I know how far this will go as to mending DLN-Imperium relations, but I can assure you that it's at least a good start. I'll hold off on informing my superiors about the matter until it's in the bag. No sense in getting Melkor all excitied for nothing, should some unforseen happenstance negate the exchange.

Let me know what your thoughts on the matter are. Enclosed are some coordinates I had my aides drum up; if any of them are acceptable, we can get this show on the road.

[that signature again]

Looking over the coordinates and comparing them to a 3-D rendering of the surface – as updated as it could be given the way that hellhole of a moon was constantly changing – she Nathicana pondered thoughtfully. Aye, that should work.

She jacked in and linked up with Allighieri via the Angelan network, something she rarely did, and went over the options with the commander. The woman had been there recently, knew the terrain far better than she did herself, and had proven to be both capable and level-headed in the past. She’d handle this well, no doubt.

Instructions were given, details exchanged, and when all was in readiness, Nathicana curled up in her usual comfortable c-space environment, and wrote her reply.


My Lord Althalon:

We accept the location of [coordinates], estimated arrival at [military standard time]. I agree with your assessment there – lets not get ahead of ourselves. The understanding that there are no guarantees is a given. I’ve worked with the Imperium long enough to know that if nothing else. Were yourselves and Lord Melkor ones to be easily bought, I’d not be bothering with you. I’m not so naive as all that, nor are you foolish enough not to see through such a ploy. As I said, a token.

I will be in constant contact with Commander Allighieri, who will be overseeing the exchange. If there is anything you wish to pass on during the meeting, it will be relayed and replied to directly.

With regard,

--Nathicana D’Aquisto


----------------------------------

Aboard the Michaelangelo Serafina Allighieri nodded thoughtfully. Everything was ready, the plans were in place ... and she didn’t like it one bit. This smacked of underhandedness and dishonorable behavior, and though she recognized the motivation, and understood the opportunistic way many of her countrymen approached things, it didn’t make it any easier on her conscience. As always, she would obey her orders to the letter – her personal code would not allow for less – but she wasn’t going to be happy about it.

“Alert the fleet. Set course for Io. Once outside Saturn space, we’ll make the jump on my mark. Inzaghi, make sure our guest is as comfortable as possible,” she said, passing on her regards effortlessly over the network to the avatar aboard the Tempted Betrayal, as well as coordinating personally with the other captains. Regardless of the ease of communication the augments offered, there was still traditional protocol to be observed, in her mind.

“Lets get this over with.”

Field Marshal Ezr Sergoyan climbed aboard the shuttle, as men bustled about behind him on various errands, the light from various flashing klaxons filling the large hangar. Most of the men at the base were Haradrim marines; Io had turned into a defacto base for the Southron Guardsmen infantry that Lord Melkor had come to hold in such a high regard, though Ezr himself was a Veriag.

As the shuttle began to make its final preperations to depart, Ezr went over his meeting with Warlord Althalon in his mind. He was to oversee the transfer of a number of political prisoners to Imperial custody; and if what Althalon was telling him was true, it was a matter of great importance. The Field Marshal continued to ponder the implications of the exchange as the shuttle lifted off and shot out of the hangar, into the unforgiving Io atmosphere.

Soon, the Imperium would bring justice to these backstabbing devils. Sergoyan consoled himself with this thought as the craft rapidly approached the designated coordinates. He'd have to focus rather heartily on the task at hand, as Ezr was never fond of the Dominion. He began to wonder why Althalon chose him for the meeting in the first place, as out of all the Warlord's officers he detested the DLN the most, and made no show of hiding it, leastaways in Imperial company. Certainly he'd have to mask his contempt during the upcoming meeting.

The heat was no better than it had been before. The sheer intensity nearly took her breath away, and beat against her with what felt like a menacing malevolence. She could feel her skin prick painfully as she walked briskly down the ramp in her full military ensemble. The perspiration that soon followed did little good, evaporating nearly as fast as it developed.

I hate this Godforsaken pit …

Ahead of Allighieri marched a squad of the soldati meccanica, Dominion once-humans so twisted and changed by the Angelans that hardly a shred of their true nature remained. They were walking weapons, linked via the mainframe, and born of a hatred for their enemies. Two of them flanked her and another squad followed up close behind. None of them seemed to care one way or the other about their surroundings, and despite the heat, still managed to look cold and distant.

Standing at a comfortable yet attentive stance, her hands resting at the small of her back and head held high, she waited to meet her Imperium counterpart. They had all been briefed – she was confident each of her people knew their places. Hopefully it would be done before she could no longer fight the urge to rip the hot jacket she was wearing right off. Damned protocol.

Now for the show.

Ezr Sergoyan and his entourage arrived perhaps intentionally 10 or so minutes late; leaving the DLN reps to literally stew in their own juices. The craft touched down about 20 yards away, and coolant hissed from the hatch as the door slid open.

He steps out, and with a nod to his gurads, approaches Serafina and her entourage. "Greetings," he grunted, wiping the perspiration off his brow.

Allighieri tightened her resolve to be pleasant, cursing internally at the thrice-damned Imperium bastards and their lack of punctuality. She made a curt, respectable bow to Sergoyan and stepped forward with her hand outstretched. "Skymarshal Serafina Allighieri of the Dominion," she said, meeting his eyes with a steady gaze.

He extended a sweaty hand. "Ezr Sergoyan, Imperial Field Marshal. I'm given to understand we've got some terrorists to deal with?" he inquired flatly.

Serafina nodded, firmly shaking his hand. "I simply need you to sign off here," she says, taking up a datapad offered up wordlessly by one of the soldati meccanica standing just behind her, then offering it up to Sergoyan. "And then we'll bring them out. Final signature upon completion of the trade."

Sergoyan nodded as he drew a stylus from his breast pocket. "Of course," he sighed, as the Southrons behind him stood at ease. He leaned forward and scribbled his name hastily on the datapad, and deftly tucked the stylus behind his ear. He examined his counterpart with skepticism, "So.. where are they."

Allighieri sent a silent message along the Mainframe, giving the 'all clear' to the crew to start bringing the captives out. The first appeared at the top of the ramp, carried on an Angelan hoverdisc, soon followed by the rest. Serafina stops the progression as the first reaches them, then nods to Sergoyan. "If you wish to examine to assure yourself that they are indeed merely unconscious ..." She watched him carefully nonetheless.

He nodded curtly to Allighieri and gestured for his men to follow as he approached the first of the tubes. Clasping his hands behind his back, he leaned forward and examined the tube [which happened to hold Nordanl Bey, a Southron acquaintance of Ezr's] meticulously. A number of Southron Guardsmen dispersed from their formation and each took to a tube, examining them in much the same fashion Ezr had.

After a few moments, each of the men had weighed in with a favorable response. Ezr Turned back to Allighieri. "Well, it seems you're not lying," he snorted. "For once."

The Dominion folks watched their counterparts with a quiet wariness, never interfering nor hovering. Decorum would be observed. The comment from Sergoyan drew a number of heated glances - no few from the inhuman soldati meccanica, their cyber eyes flashing red as they bristled visibly. Serafina held up a hand giving them a quick signal.

"In the interest of honoring this arrangement, I'll let that pass, Ezr. However, I suggest you modify your tone in the future."

Sergoyan snorted. "If you'd like to avoid comments like that in the future, I'd suggest making some requests of your leader." He walked around to his previous position, presenting himself to Allighieri a second time. "Perhaps a good way to avoid the quips is to cease embodying them."

Allighieri drew herself up to her full 1.8 meter height, looking up at the taller man with no fear in her eyes whatsoever, and pressing in close to speak softly. "I don't give a fuck what you think of her or her policies, but I'll be damned if I'm going to sit here and take personal insults from one of Althalon's bootlickers on account, boy." She firmly pushed the datapad against his chest, never blinking. "Now lets get this over with so we can both be done with it, shall we? It's not as though either one of us enjoys each other's company enough to drag it out."

Ezr laughed and waved his hand dismissively. "As you wish, Ms. Allighieri." He shouted a phrase in Haradrim, and several Southrons mounted the ramp back to their own vessel, emerging a moment later with gurneys for transport back to the ship. Ezr folded his arms over his chest and grinned. "Any time your ready, Serafina." He nodded towards the pods. "Load 'em up."

She watches the transfer proceed with a tight jaw, determined not to let the heat get to her, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the trickles of perspiration that run across her brow. Once all the captives have been taken, "Scrivere," she says tersely, smiling up at Sergoyan and showing more teeth than is likely neccessary, dark eyes glittering. "Sign."

Sergoyan calmly drew the Stylus again and slowly signed his name, as an equally unnecessary toothy grin spread slowly across his face. "Of course," he snickered.

The Imperium officer clasped his hands behind his back as the last of the tubes was loaded up. "Well, then unless I'm mistaken, this is the end of our joyous meeting?"

Allighieri took back the datapad, examining it briefly. "If there are no further 'pleasantries', then yes sir, I would believe so." With a sharp salute, she took two steps back towards the waiting soldati meccanica, then nodded. "Until we meet again, Mr. Sergoyan. It has been ... a pleasure."

Sergoyan grunted softly and nodded over his shoulder to his men, who snapped at once to attention. "Indeed. Althalon will contact your country when he hears back from Lord Melkor on the issue. Now if you'll excuse me, I've got an air conditioned ship to return to."

"Indeed," she said cooly, turning on her heels and marching back up the ramp. One squad follows her back in while the other holds their positions, watching the Imperium representatives cart off their prize.

Ezr and his entourage make their way back without incident to the Imperial base of Aurontel; Althalon's stronghold on the Jovian moon--deep in the heart of the Io Imperium. The tubes are unloaded, and Ezr and his crew saw them to Althalon's chambers, where they were to be roused. Southron Guardsmen filed into the room, some dozen of them standing at rigid attention around the room.

Althalon nods wordlessly to his Field Marshal, and presses a few buttons on Mardai Sehndem's pod. Prodding the Easterling with his finger, Konrad grins. As Sehndem comes to, he finds Althalon's face inches from his own. "You got f*cked."

Sehndem's eyes snap open, and flutter, as he takes in Althalon's visage, coming to the sudden, horrible realization that no, he's not dreaming. He tests his restraints, only to confirm what he quickly came to suspect. Locked down, tight. He quickly assessed the situation, discovering that the words he heard were quite apt indeed."Well..." he trailed off with a sigh. "I'm glad it was you, Konrad."

The Warlord laughed as several large Haradrim set themselves upon loosing Sehndem's bonds. "Indeed. Though I imagine your glee will fade in due time. Melkor has yet to learn I've got you here, he does," said the Easterling, immensely pleased with himself. He paced around the tube as Sehndem was brought to a sitting position by one of the guards. Irons are affixed to his wrists.

"As you well know, you're wanted back home. you did some rather nasty things to our economy, if I recall correctly." Althalon paused, and tapped his chin with a gloved finger. "Come to think of it, I've still got seven bullet scars from that night. Wasn't fun for me at all, Mardai."

Sehndem sighed and looked up at him. "Konrad, Konrad...you always were quick to offense.....I could of course swear to you, truthfully, that I had nothing to do with that. But my word it seems, means nothing now," countered Sehndem. He shook his head and suppressed a groan. "While we are on the subject of my inevitable execution, Konrad, am I permitted a cigarette?"

One of the men near Sehndem instantly produces a ciarette, places it in Sehndem's mouth, and lights it. Konrad leaned against a wall and slowly removed his gloves: first his right, then his left. "I've got some questions. Firstly: where are your accounts?"

Sehndem took a hit and looked up "You know full well where they are. Outside of Imperial jurisdiction." He snorted. "You used to work for me, remember? You know how I run things."

The Warlord casually grabbed a baton off the wall, and flicked a switch. A massive bolt of eLectricity shot through the rod and popped at the top. The room lit up as a shower of sparks fell from the device. The guards snickered, and the Field Marshal grinned wickedly, folding his arms over his chest. Althalon stared at Sehndem flatly, and continued. "I'll ask you again. Where are your accounts?"

Sehndem sighed. "Torture. Of course. I figured as much." He sighed, pausing for a moment to enjoy what may well be his last cigarette. "I dispersed the accounts. They are being held by the Branch Offices. Offices which I might point out are outside of Imperial borders."

Konrad shook his head. "That doesn't matter. Surely you have the power to centralise them." He smiled. "Inside Imperial Borders." Althalon cracked the baton again and nodded to the guards, who heaved Sehndem off his pod and held him before the looming figure of the Easterling Warlord, arms akimbo. Althalon waited.

Sehndem blinked, seemingly unfazed by the relative change in his position.. "Where in Hell did you get that idea?"

Sehndem wrestles his hand free of the Southron's grip and takes another puff of his cigarrette. "If I tell you, you will kill me anyway. If I tell you, will torture me anyway. I don't see very much incentive for me."

"Well, then, lets put it before the Board, shall we?" replied the Warlord without a second hesitation. He nodded to Ezr.

The Field Marshal stepped forward. "Wake them up, boys: it's time to have some fun."

One by one, the guards set themselves upon opening the cryotubes and waking the people inside. Another squad of Haradrim Marines walk into the room presently, and ready their weapons. The room is packed with Blackjackets.

Sehndem sighed for what had to be the hundredth time. "You know me well, Konrad. Too well. I fold."

Althalon folded his arms over his chest and handed off the baton to Ezr. A portable banking terminal is offered to Sehndem by a Southron Lieutenant. "Get me to it," demanded ALthalon.

Mardai set his jaw and reluctantly pressed a sequence of numbers into the terminal. He squinted at the screen. "You're taking it all, aren't you?"

Althalon drew his jaw, and he extended his hand. "Give me the terminal." He didn't wait long for a response, and snatched the terminal from Sehndem's hand. A grin spread slowly across his face, illuminated by the soft blue glow of the terminal's screen.

"Well Althalon, I don't imagine growing up in Ali'Staan you figured it would end like this, did you?" Inquired the dejected CEO. Behind him, the Board stirred.

Althalon laughed. "You've still got a bit of time left; you won't be dying here on Io, I'd venture to guess. Lord Melkor wishes to.. have a few words with you, as it were. After that.." he trailed off. "Who knows."

He held the datapad behind his back and nodded to his old friend. "At any rate, we've got to submit you and your Board for a physical before the real fun begins. Gotta make sure you've not got any bombs in you or some such nonsense. Come now, we'll get started."

The Warlord turns and leaves, as two Haradrim close on Sehndem and scoop him up, dragging the dazed Easterling out of the chamber. The Board is taken out in much the same fashion, and he adjorns to his office to contact Dor Daedoloth and make the necessary transfers.

Xaosis, it would seem, was up shit creek, and nary a paddle in sight.