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[Nepleslia] Seru's Service

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Zack

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ON>

Master Admiral

It would give me the greatest pleasure if we could dine at my restaurant tonight, perhaps 2300 hours? You seem to have been working yourself very hard, and could do with a well deserved break. I extended the invitation to any guest you want to bring along of course, but keeping the numbers down would be nice.

Seru Emrys

The letter was sent traditionally on paper with ornate writing and sealed with the Emrys symbol.

The invitation remained on Davis's desk, in the same spot since he had opened it in the early afternoon. He had spend the night rather sleepless, and for obvious reasons. Of course, it wasn't the first, or last time he'd receive a death threat. It came with the job. Still, the first couple hours at home had been spent hand-picking his trusted MPs to guard his house and family. The hours rolled by quickly, Davis signing more papers and writing more documents until, at about 2100 hours, he remembered the message on the desk. He wanted to turn down the invitation and get more work done, but doing so may be taken as an insult to his newly-established business partner. And the military building process still needed to be finished. He needed Drei for that. This presented the perfect opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. Using a secured line, he dialed into the room where the dignitary was kept.

"Hello?" A female voice responded on the end of the line. The communication channel had been set for voice only on the other end by the dignitary sent by the Qel'noran. "This is Drei speaking."

"Hello Drei. This is Davis speaking. I've been invited by a business associate to dinner, and can bring a guest with me. I would like you to attend as well so that you can get acquainted with him and so that we can discuss matters of our own as well. Would you like to attend?"

"Yes sir," Drei responded. "That sounds nice, what time am I expected and where shall I I meet up with you?" She naturally assumed what dress code would be in place and began to mentally select what she would wear from among the clothing that had been recently transferred to her room.

Davis quickly sent the information about the location and time to meet at the restaurant to her. "I'll meet you there. You may take an escort for protection if you see fit, but do not draw attention to yourself. I look forward to seeing you."

"Very well, until later then Master Admiral." After saying her goodbyes Drei ended the communication and then went to get dressed, tying her still wet hair up in a ponytail coming from the midpoint of the back of her skull.

The restaurant in question was a Nepalese style cuisine, set in one of the better parts of Funky City. Its front was pillared, the pillars of an ornate oriental style, and inside was the layout of a high class and expensive restaurant. There where candles on the tables, music in the air, and very attentive waiters. The restaurant was not crowded this night, since Seru had restricted the numbers allowed in so to assured reasonable privacy without making them place seem empty. Seru sat in the corner, suit immaculate, and slowly drinking from a glass of fine red wine, and awaited Davis and his mystery guest with some anticipation.

Drei had arrived a few minutes prior to the time she was given by the Master Admiral and was dressed in a flowing black dress that hung off her shoulders on spaghetti straps with a fairly low cut that came across her body horizontally just above her breasts, not having the V-cut that would show off a bit of cleavage like most dresses of the type. Coming down from the right side of her dress was a small golden embroidery stitch that spread out in a fractal pattern, spitting on either side of the slit down the right side of her dress, and ending at the very bottom of her dress. Her legs were smooth and uncovered aside

from a small belt around her right leg just above her knee. She wore her hair down, having it tucked carefully behind her ears and held there by a transparent pin. For the time being she waited outside for the Admiral. Against his suggestion she came without bodyguards and was also unarmed.


The bouncer at the door noticed her but said nothing. It was not his place to question people, especially not ones of a clearly high status.

The Master Admiral came dressed in a double-breasted, fully buttoned charcoal suit. His necktie was a lighter shade of the color of his suit. His deep grey hat, nearly the color of his suit but slightly lighter to compliment his grey hair, sat on top of his head. His jet black, polished shoes squeaked ever-so slightly against the ground as he came to the entrance of the restaurant. "Hello, madam. Was your trip safe?" Davis said to his guest who waited outside for him. Behind Davis, approximately 15 feet, was a man dressed in black, keeping close attention to the two.

The bouncer, an intimidating and large man dressed in a black suit, in turn kept a close eye on him.

"I was able to arrive here uneventfully. I take it yours was the same?" she asked with a slight smile as she waited to follow him into the restaurant.

"Yes it was." He extended his bent arm to Drei, as any gentleman would. "Shall we?" He looked to the man in black. "Stay here."

Drei locked her arm around his, placing her free arm's hand just below his shoulder by crossing her arm over her own chest, "Lead on Sir," She said.

In order to ensure the safety of its clients the restaurant had a truely surprising array of scanners and defense measures. It was well known that Seru could become zealous in occasions like this. Given the proximity of such important quests, the scans doubled, looking for all life signs and hostilities using a wide array of sensors.

"Good evening," Davis said to the bouncer as he walked into the restaurant, looking for his host. "Ah, excuse me," he said to the host. "Could you escort us to Mr. Seru?"

The scanners would pick up the special data pad that was still on and transmitting which had been strapped to her inner leg. She remained silent while the Admiral asked to be seated.

"Jacueline here will show you the way, sir," the host politely smiled. An attractive French-looking young lady in uniform stood waiting.

The bouncer nodded in return, and opened the door for Davis.

Seru noticed Davis and his lady friend walk in, and waved politely, smiling.

"Thank you." He followed the young guide to his table, and, upon meeting Seru, smiled broadly. "Hello and thank you for the invitation. I am quite impressed with the layout of this restaurant!" He pulled the chair out for his female guest, waiting for her to be seated before taking his.

Drei released herself from around the Admiral’s arm and smoothed her dress back under her legs by sliding her hands down the back of her knees as she sat down, "Thank You," she said to the Admiral before looking over at the host for the night.

"Thank you Master Admiral. It was the least I could do really, and I can only hope that our humble restaurant keeps up with your expectations." Seru's eyes twinkled, "And are you going to introduce me to our guest?" He smiled and gestured at Drei.

A man dressed in a dapper green suit, wearing black gloves, and carrying a black attaché case followed the dignitaries into the restaurant shortly afterwards. As he entered, he removed his sunglasses, and dark green fedora hat, revealing himself to be a Nepleslian man of about twenty-five, with military-cut brown hair. The man quickly walked up to the host and had a short, hushed, conversation with him. The host pointed back in the general direction that a waiter was leading Drei and Davis. The man nodded, and another waitress brought him to a table a short distance away from where Seru was sitting. The man sat down at his table a short distance away, sort of facing the table where the meeting was taking place.

"Who was that?" Seru sent to the hosts ear piece, using his communication ability purchased from PNUgen.

"I'm not sure, sir," the host replied. "Isn't he with you?"
tenebrismo2000: "But of course," Davis replied. "This is Drei, a good friend and associate of mine. Drei, I'm sure you know Seru, the man behind the legend." He took off his hat, setting it on the edge of his chair and taking his seat.

"No, no he's not. Scan him thoroughly and keep an eye on him." Seru sent back quickly, not a sign of his communication passing on his face.

"A pleasure to meet you, I'm sure." Seru inclined his head.

Drei nodded as well, "The pleasure is all mine I'm sure,"

"There seems to be a malfunction with our system at the moment, but we will keep an eye on him. Sorry for any inconvenience," the host apologized, and then whispered some commands to one waiter and a non-descript security guard in a tux.

"So, how is the cuisine here?" Davis said happily. "It's been a while since I’ve been out to a restaurant, and I want this meal to be an experience to remember..." He joked politely with a laugh.

"A malfunction? We're going to have to see to that." Seru sent back, and the vocally, "The food is top quality, I assure you, you will remember it. Perhaps we should go to one of the private rooms? I only sat here to make the arrival easier, and the private rooms are far more comfortable."

Seru was not one to take chances, a malfunction spooked him, and the strange man.

Drei looked up at the Admiral, remaining silent for the time being.

"Private rooms? You're quite nice to be pulling out the red carpet for us like this." Davis said. He could pick up some subtle change in the environment, mainly from the fact that it was impolite to have guests change their seating after just having been seated. Nevertheless, he stood up and put his hat on.

The mysterious green-suited figure gave his menu a "what the hell is all this?" look as he looked it over, not knowing the first think about Nepalese food. Thank goodness it had some pictures. "How about...chatamari?" he asked his waiter, who was hanging around perhaps more than a waiter should. The waiter replied, "very good, sir."

Drei mimicked his actions, standing up as well but not putting on her hat as she didn't bring one with her. "I believe it is your turn to lead Mr. Seru." Drei said politely.

Seru led the way, out the back and up a series of heavily carpeted stairs, to the private room. This was the most secure room in the restaurant, and also the most luxurious, with mahogany furniture, a chandelier and several very nice pot plants. As an additional feature the walls where heavily re-enforced, and as bugless as Emrys Industries technology could assure. "Please, sit. The Waiter or waitress will be with us shortly no doubt." Seru sat, "So Drei, what do you do?"

Drei followed Seru and clenched her first around her dress to raise the bottom hem a few inches as she came to the staircase, easing her ascension of the staircase. Drei chose a chair near Seru but not directly across from him, leaving that for the Admiral. "I do a lot of things but right now I am looking after a business deal with Master Admiral Davis and ensuring that the quality of our product is up to his standards." She replied.

"Seru also negotiates much business with me, a lot of which is going to help the people of this planet considerably," Davis chimed in. "We're all friends here. We can trust in confidentiality about what goes on at this table?"

"How interesting. We both seem to be dealing with the Master Admiral, not that is unusual of course. I would not dream of insulting you by inquiring about the nature of your transaction..." Seru left it hanging, "And you can of course trust that I will not disclose anything I hear here, I give my word." Seru sent a command to his ring to stop recording.

"If you believe this man is worth of my trust then I shall give it to him." Drei responded to the Admiral before looking back over at Seru, "No worries, I know all about keeping my mouth shut on subjects such as this."

"Before business, let's talk food." Davis said, toning down the mood a little before things really heated up. "What do you recommend?":

"Personally I like the Chiken ko Masu. But everything here is good. The chef was imported specially, I forget from where, some cookery college." Seru grinned, "He's very good, if inventive. His egg ice cream is surprisingly good, but he does the traditional well."

"Egg ice cream?" Drei inquired, "I don't believe I've ever heard of such a dish anywhere in my travels."

"Does sound rather unusual doesn't it? It's surprisingly good actually. An acquired taste." Seru responded wryly.

"I'll take your word for it. Chiken ko Masu it is." The Master Admiral said. "Does that go well with red or white wine?"

"Red wine in my opinion. However I have a preference for a good red wine anyway; much more character than you would find in a white." Seru said, "I'll have a bottle of our best sent up."

"Please have them surprise me with the food selection," Drei asked, not bothering to look at the menu. "And it looks like I will be having the red wine as well."

"Looks like we've got the food down," Davis replied. "After we get our orders in, let's go back to the drab business of business." He said with a wry smile.

Seru quickly communicated their orders to the waiters downstairs. "Alright, business it is."

"You are hosting so I believe it is only fair that you get to go first," Drei said with a bit of a smile.

"If you insist. The good Master Admiral and I are formulating an agreement to bring a safer alternative to typical drugs into the system. How much do you know about Emrys Industries Pheromone Drugs?" He asked in a civilized tone of voice, his posture speaking of easy control.

Drei straightened her back, "The pheromone drugs developed by the Emerys company aren’t actually pheromones at all but instead chemical cocktails designed to have a certain effect for a limited time with minimal after effects such as addiction and hangovers. So far your company has come out with a variety of different types used for things such as pleasure or ability enhancement."

Davis cleared his throat and admired the view of the room, not wanting to interrupt the discussion.

"Very good. As you can clearly see these are a much better alternative to standard drugs that cause addictions and negative side effects. They are much better for the person using it, not only in their health, but also for their lifestyle, sense it is much less likely to become a finance draining habit. We hope that by introducing these into the system with the right governmental back up, we will manage to improve the lives of millions." Seru smiled subtlety, "Quite a noble intention don't you think? I also hope to finance a number of projects in and around the city to help the people."

"That is a start, however you might be biting off more than you can chew. It is hard to say how many gangs and other illegal organizations depend on those drugs for their livelihood. It sounds like things will get a lot worse before they start getting better. How do you intend to deal with their activities?" She asked.

"All Emrys Industries institutions on Nepleslia are secure, it would take the gangs a lot of effort to do any real damage. Our 'dealers' so to speak will be equipped to look after themselves. A healthy dose of paranoia will fend off the rest. And I presume that any truly open action will be dealt with by the FCP. Do you have any recommendations yourself?" Seru responded.

"You've dug in, but that doesn’t mean that your opponent will be so kind as to limit their retaliation to you. It is not a stretch of the imagination to see them going after families, government institutions, and dealers on the streets. Simply because your dealers are armed a well determined force should have no problem taking them out. They might even resort to IEDs and more conventional landmines. Perhaps a more thought out plan is in order rather than just armoring your own fortifications as any wall can be undone with time." Drei said.

"My family is either on Yamatai, in the case of my wife, or on the Destiny, in the case of my son. If he can not take care of himself then that is not my fault. And it was not going to be our plan to have dealers on the street, more to have them in stock in shops, or sold in shops made solely for that purpose. The problem with government institutions is however a problem. How do you deem to tackle it Master Admiral?" Seru said thoughtfully.

"Don't you remember, Seru? All government involvement will be purely anonymous. Should the politicians try to implement law to police the trafficking, I will pull some strings and gerrymander. If anything, the bureaucracy of the government should prove quite beneficial in this case."

"Of course, complete anonymity, which means it all falls down onto my shoulders." Seru smiled and shrugged, "Well I think I can take the pressure. And perhaps I will have to respond in kind." There was a surprisingly cold glint in Seru's eye.

OFF>
 
"I'm sure you can," Davis replied. "You can be assured that I will throw my hat into the ring should it be needed. We will protect the citizens."

"That's good to hear. I have every faith in the FCPD." Seru smiled reasuradly, "They do good work keeping Funky City from exploding."

"With the way your rule is planning to progress you just might be putting them to the test though. Are you considering looking into beefing up the police?" Drei asked.

Davis's mode darkened. "If innocents are threatened, I will send in, without hesitation, the military to correct the situation. It is an inevitability once the mobs launch full-scale attacks."

"Uhm, maybe we should see about the police. Have you seen NovaCorps Riot Drones?" Seru asked thoughtfully.

Drei reached down, parting her long dress slightly at the slit to reach for the object attached to the belt wrapped around her leg. She then placed the small pad down in her lap and waiting for a moment to bring up her questions about the 'product' that he wanted from her. "You could also consider increasing the numbers of power armour and firearms at your military's disposal."

"Including Emrys Industries very own Enforcer Power armour, how is that settling in?" Seru queried.


"There are several options to enforcing the peace," Davis said thoughtfully. "It's just that, I have a feeling that, once everything starts rolling, this will become a street war. It's not beyond thought that the FCPD would be overwhelmed by it. I may have to be as ruthless as they are..." Davis trailed off, remembering the death threat he recieved in his house.

"An unfortunate fact is that you can not deal with the underworld without being tainted yourself." Seru said.

"We will address that when the time comes." Davis turned to his female guest. "Drei, was there anything you wanted to discuss?"

"Yes. In fact we might also be able to provide you with high end product in that regard from our corporation, not just for our previous deal but for security planet side as well." Drei said, remaining intentionally vague while they were here. "If price is an issue I'm sure you'll find that I can provide product cheaper and faster than anyone else if you want to expand our previous arrangement." She picked up the datapad in her lap and placed it on the table in front of the admiral. It was treated with a special coating on the screen so that it could only be viewed from no more than 5 degrees off of directly looking at it. On the pad were the statistics for the broadsides battlecruiser as well as possible paintjobs, most of which looking like the flag for the planet they were currently on. The

Datapad had a touch based scrolling system for the Admeral to look through the various images provided. "We aren't sure exactly what product you want us to provide at the current time so I came up with this for the time being."

The Master Admiral looked over the ship specifications, nodding. "I take it this product will act as a standard model for the whole? The design is quite nice. What would you consider its capabilities to be in comparison to rival products?"

Seru sat back and listened, not seeing anything to say currently, but fascinated by the discussion none the less.

"While not as specialised for certain tasks as other products it should more than fill your needs your this kind of product and easily stand toe to toe with any other product that could be considered a rival. Although some of the attachments are considered outdated I am personally seeing to the development of new attachments to work with our product to maintain dominance in its field. We have tested the product both under controlled and real situations and while it did perform up to expectations modifications should be able to be made on your end if it becomes unsatisfactory down the line and yes, this product will be produced in large numbers making it an excellent model for the whole of your needs." Drei said, maintaining a business like tone.

"I believe that this model is good for midrange operations, and that's where every line needs to start from, whether it is built up or down. We already have our top end model in the works. How fast can we build these models?"

"The entire production value we suggested can be completed within 48 hours of your approval and can arrive here within 50 hours." Drei said. "I have not seen the specifications for your model of product but I am sure that we can complete it within the 50 hour time frame upon receiving the specifications."

"As discussed earlier, are you still capable of working within the parameters of secrecy established earlier? I will send you an outline of the top-end model as well, for your critique."

"Yes sir, We will be able to maintain the level of secrecy you want up until delivery at which point it would be unwise to maintain the secrecy of our involvement as it will be obvious to what extent our involvement is even to your own citizens." Drei said.

"But as long as the terms of the treaty haven't been violated, I see nothing wrong with that action. Uesu understands the difference between free trade under neutrality and an alliance. I will have to make sure that the government stresses that we PURCHASED these from you."

The Master admiral was already thinking of ways to reveal this relationship to the public.

"Very well. It is not my wish to pressure you into an alliance that you do not want." Drei said.

"Getting aid from an enemy of the Yamtai Star Empire isn't a great way to build a firm relationship certainly. Better to keep it buisness, just buisness." Seru commented.

Davis nodded. "It is just that, business. Besides, the Star Army is enemies with literally anyone outside its ranks. I'm concerned with the durability of this treaty, as we have gotten the short end of the terms."

"Well they have more military might. This gives them an advantage in diplomacy." Seru said, "Charm and skill rarely comes into it."

"I'm well aware of the Yamatai Empire's bloody history, it isn't like them to leave something alone if they can take it. Caution is well adviced when dealing with them." Drei added. "We are just helping to even out the playing field a bit. I am not in the busness of provoking things."

"True, but if we were to maximize the output determined within the document, I'm sure we would have enough might to push for renegotiation."

"You ensure that the intergalactic scale of justice doesn't weigh too heavily in one empires favour." Seru smiled wryly.

"I'd hardly consider justice to be a factor here." Drei responded.

"I agree. It's grimmer than that. This is a matter of survival. If the war with the Mishu were to end today, do you think Yamatai would be so kind to us?"

"What is justice but the reinforcement of a societies morals? It's all relative really, what is moral on Nepleslia isn't on Yamatai. That simple." Seru said, someone grimly.

"But that does not give one society the right to impose its moral system on another." Drei said, "That is something that it has taken quite a while for me to learn."

"And I don't know. I do not have quite as grim an outlook on Yamatai as you do. And the right and the capacity are often linked, whether that is right or wrong." Seru shrugged.

A green-uniformed man burst in though the door to the room, panting, a data pad in his hand. "SIR!!"

"The handover was far too easy. Yamatai just didn't want to get involved on a two-front war," Davis said. "Might has always made right, if history is to tell us."

"Yes, what is it Lieutenant?"

Drei had opened her mouth just as the man burst in, before speaking she simply closed it and turned her head to the side to look at the man who had come in through the door.

Davis took the datapad.

"Sir, we've just been informed the Star Army has taken over the Mishhuvurthyar capital world of Hyughflar!"

"This is very unusual, and rude." Seru sent a query downstairs about how the man had got passed without information being sent to him.

"What?" Davis stood up, walking paces away from the table, reading the information. "Has this been verified?"

"Well this is an unusual turn of events." Seru thought, "A most interesting dinner." He drank from his wine.

"Yes sir, the planet has surrendered. It's on the news! I thought you should know, sir!" the lieutenant said, still breathing heavily from running. "Our intelligence, however, says that the rest of the SMX territories refuse to surrender, though, and have even turned on those that have given up."

"Typical resistance, but we would give up if our capital fell?" Seru asked, "Of our relevant nations of course."

The Nepleslian Army messenger saluted to Admiral Davis, "With your permission," he panted, "I will return to headquarters."

"Lieutenant, I want a collection of all public reports on this matter, as well as any intelligence information we have on the Mishu. Have this on my desk as soon as possible. Dismissed."

As soon as the messenger left Drei started up again. "Of the constantly falling world it is up to me to be the one there to catch it." Drei said, "This will undoubtedly complicate things, It looks like the war will end earlier than anticipated. Shall I try and move up the time table for the delivery of the goods?"

"Just because the capitol is gone doesn't mean that the war is ended, a cornered rat fights twice as hard." Seru said, "Although it is always best to expect the worst."

"The structure may stay standing once the keystone is removed but by then it is only a question of when not if." Drei said.

"Unless a new keystone is built of course." Seru responded quickly.

"If the SMX capital world has fallen, the war is, for the most part, over. The resistance will be fierce, but unorganized. Yamatai will push relentlessly until their enemy is vanquished." Davis had several options opened to him. "We will begin production as soon as possible. We MUST have a standing force before this conflict is resolved."

"Remind me, how many ships does the Star Army of Yamatai have at its disposal?" Seru asked smoothly.

"But it takes a fine craftsman to produce such a stone and place it just right and those are hard to come by if not completely out of reach." Drei added, turning to Davis. "Yes sir, I shall endeavour to have them delivered within 50 hours of this moment." As she said that she activated a small transmitter inside of her body, getting the process going.

Davis sighed. "Last reports had the number above 4 million. As per the alliance, we are required to have 20 fleets of no more than 1000 each, for a total of 20,000. Ridiculous..."

"And so if they do attack these 50 or so ships aren't going to make an enormous amount of difference. It's completely unfair numerically, and you'll need a lot of time, or a lot of purchases from our friend here to make it even seem remotely feasible to see of an attack. Isn't that the situation?" Seru commented, not trying to offend anyone.

"Considering our maximized output would be 1/4 of 1% of Yamatai's military strength, we're at their mercy anyway. That, however, is not to say that we cannot at least make ourselves look like a self-sufficient government."

"Everyone must start someone," Drei said.

"Of course you are, you where self-sufficient before the Yamataian Empire and you are now. I'm just making the point that overly aggressive purchase or production of war ships could be misinterpreted." Seru commented smoothly.

"And relying on the Yamatai Empire for protection is a much better course of action I'm sure. You would end up under their heel either as their conquest or their puppet." Drei said.

"No, I'm not saying you should rely on their protection. That would indeed make you nothing but a puppet nation as they could demand things for their protection. I'm just stating the opinion that you shouldn't increase the size of your military too fast. Or call in too many ships from external sources." Seru spoke trying to calm the situation down before it could potentially explode.

"However if they were to wait any military build up would look like a threat against Yamatai rather than defence against the SMX. The window of opportunity is already closing." Drei said. "Is there any more business to discuss?"

"This is very true, but then they could claim to be protecting themselves from one of Yamatai's other myriad of enemies." Seru mentioned, "Can we not simply continue this delightful discussion?" Seru asked honestly.

Davis thought carefully about what was being said. It was true, no matter how much he wanted his Nation to be respected, he would have no capabilities of making any considerable military. After a long pause to calm himself down, Davis spoke. "For now, that is true. Yamatai could crush us regardless of what we wanted to do. We will, therefore, shift our philosophy to planetary defence and exploration. I at least want our planet to be well-defended. Drei, begin production, but use a relatively realistic production schedule, something fast, but not so fast as to be heinous. Perhaps several weeks. It is rational to think that this war will take some time to end. Once we finish the first fleet's production, we can chalk up any faster production to mastery of the technology."

"Very well, I will hold off on delivery of the product." She said

"As for defence, do you have any form of planetary defence network? Defence satellites? I'm sure between Emrys Industries, and whoever you represent fair lady, we can develop something." Seru smiled, He felt progress was being made.

"We have what was left to us by Yamatai, which isn't much in regard to planetary defense. We'll have to create one from scratch." Davis finally returned to his seat at the table. "I'd also like to emulate the production of the NSS Destiny, so we can pursue rapid exploration of the northwest sector."

"The Destiny? I feel you'd have to talk to NovaCorp about that, they would be most put out if you copied their designs without asking. Ephesus, I happen to know the man, in particular is most guarding of his designs." Seru smiled at the thought of the Elysian, he'd had some good conversations with him, humorous.

"Yes, I've talked to Ephesus personally," Davis dryly said. "He should be returning to Nepleslia shortly, within a couple days, actually."

"Really? I see by your expression that the meeting wasn't completely to your liking?" Seru smiled slightly.

"I feel his heart is in the right place, but he can be impulsive. At least nobody was harmed."

"Indeed, a brilliant mind however. Who else did you speak to? I know some of the people on board." Seru queried.

"A Tanjo and an Apesael," Davis said, wondering where his food was. He hadn't noticed how hungry he was getting.

"Apesael? That would appear to be my son." Seru sounded pleased that his son was keeping relatively good company, and had survived the riot.

"Oh really? What a small universe we live in." A smile spread across his face. He was happy the conversation was changing to a lighter tone. "He was very polite and dignified when I spoke to him."

"Good. I would expect no less from him. He's a good boy really, although he has decided to live without us for a while." Seru shrugged slightly, "I hope it will be a character building experience for him, and it does mean he isn't under my feet. How is your son?" Seru asked concerned.

"John is just fine. He's a strong, young man. I see greatness when I look into his eyes."

"If he turns out like his father, I'm sure there is no question of that." Seru smiled friendly, "So often the father is judged by the qualities of his son."

Their was a knock on the door, and a pretty young waitress walked in balancing the meals expertadly, and quickly dealt them out to the relevant people (Seru having sent details of who ordered what already), before bowing and leaving the room without saying a word.

The Master Admiral sighed, looking off into the distance. "I want him to live a life he chooses. I want him to be safe from harm and happy. That is the most any father can ask for."

Seru nodded his head, what he wanted from his son was perfection, and to be the best he could be. However he would not disagree with such an important contact. "Would you like someone to check your food? I can assure you that that it is scanned for toxins before serving, but perhaps the personal touch would more assure you?"

Davis was about to decline, but he remembered... "Yes, that would be nice..."

Seru clapped his hands and in came a muscular man in a black suit, "If you will, test the Master Admirals food." The man nodded and took a device out of his pocket, and passed it over the food, before taking a small sample of each different type.

Davis watched the man, still thinking about his son.

Detecting nothing, the man took a knife and fork out of his pocket "Do you mind if I take a small bit of the chicken Master Admiral?" He said in a deep voice.

"Oh, I'm not much of a big eater anyway," he replied quietly, with a chuckle. "Go ahead."

The man nodded, and took a small piece, and popped it in his mouth, chewed and swallowed.

"Sir, that food," The man coughed, "was lased with some very potent poison, possibly Botulism. If it wasn't for gene-enhancements you where kind enough to pay for I'd be dead. As it is I'm not feeling too well. I suppose that someone most have tampered with the scanning equipment." The man said weakly.

"Very good Charles, go see the medics." Seru said calmly. After the man had left his voice grew cold "This is intolerable, we have seen to many malfunctions, sir, please accept my humblest apologies. Someone must have known you where coming. Who did you tell?"

Davis could only stare at the appealing meal, the one that had been intended to kill him. He was unusually calm. "I told nobody outside of my associate here and my personal bodyguard, who is waiting outside. It is not outside the realm of possibility that an agent within the restaurant has ties to someone who wants me dead. I could've been followed as well. Regardless, it seems I'm a marked man."

"I'll interrogate my people, Master Admiral, I assure you of that, and will treat however is guilty in the traditional manner." Seru said grimly, "Torture to death."

"He may be more useful alive than dead," The Master Admiral replied calmly. "Interrogation can reveal much information."

"Of course, that is part of the reason for the torture. He, or she, does not need to know it is to death. And there are ways I have of getting people to talk." Seru was grim but calm, "It will also send out the right message to the gangsters." Seru sent the message to Ghed to lock down the restaurant, no one in or out until this was finished. The proceedings could wait until they where finished here of course.

"There are non-invasive ways of gathering the information you want from someone without having to resort to torture. I am glad that you remain undamaged Master Admiral." Drei said, still calm as before.

"Of course, we have other ways, one that I would like to see tested out actually." Seru mused.

The Master Admiral looked up from the food. "I suppose it's fast food for me tonight, then?" He joked.

Seru shuddered, "I'd hope not. I'll get something prepared, under my own eye if need be. I assume you won't be eating yours either my dear?" he asked Drei.

"Sir," a voice came over the radio to Seru. "Some of the customers are getting ancy about us not letting them out. What should we tell them?"

"Tell them there has been an attempt on the Master Admirals life, and we request their assistance in trying to work out who the attempted assassin was." Seru sent back, "Besides the chicken of course." Seru joked.

"Should we really be announcing that I'm here?" The master interjected quickly.

"Halt that." Seru sent, "What would you prefer?" he asked.

"Although I doubt someone would try and kill me in this fashion, why take a chance... You should focus on the chefs that had access to the food rather than customers who couldn't have touched the food." Drei said.

"I suggest stating that an incident has occurred and that, for their safety they need to wait inside."

"Very good, tell them there has been an unfortunate incident and we require them to remain in place for the moment." he paused, "provide them with free popadoms."

Drei just sat quietly for the moment.

Davis wiped his brow with a tired expression on his face. "So, how do we go about this investigation?"

"I'd say we interview them. One by one. Unless you have a better idea? I'd start with the chefs." Seru said calmly. "If need be we can use some of this." Seru took out a silver pheromone canister from his inside pocket.

"Start with the last person you hired," Drei suggested.

"I will stand in the background of this investigation, until something turns up. It's best that I remain as anonymous as possible." Davis said.

"A good point milady." Seru quickly ran through his memories, "That would be Parais the Chef. New last week. And of course Master Admiral. There are holographic projectors in this room, sit in that corner, and they will not be able to see you." He pointed to the corner, next to the drinks cabinet. "The drinks might be toxic of course,â€
 
Seru could do nothing as this commotion went on, but slowly, terribly slowly his wounds were repaired, the massive internal damage was healed, and within a quarter of hour he was on his feet, still clutching his stomach, as he looked at the destruction. There wasn't much of his restaurant left, what with the front being broken down by an Nepleslian Police vehicle, the police force themselves paying no regard to colatoral damage, and the whole fire fight. Seru sighed, this was not going to do great things for his restaurants reputation. It did give him something of an incentive, however.

He made his way slowly up the stairs, being berrated by the sprinkler system all the way. He reached the top slowly, and went to check on the private room. He saw the distorted remains of the door, and turning the corner, saw the body of Drei, damaged horribly. Out of regard he went to check on her, hoping futily that she might be alive, although her head had obviously been hit by a Xaser blast. Getting closer he noticed some peculiarities. Her muscles, where they where shown through burnt flesh where grey, exposed bone did not look right. There where no blood around her, not even red cautaurised flesh, and her limbs twisted in impossible angles, jaw opened grotequely. "She's not human." He murmered, trying to pick up her hand, but it was stiff and unyielding. Fascinating.

"Ghed, send in an extraction team. I have something of interest to pick up." Seru sent.

"Yes sir." Ghed sent back.

In a few minutes, a Jilanth would be there was an extraction squad.

(OCC: If there is something wrong Zack, tell me.)
 
(OOC: She does have an organic skin so there would be cauterized flesh around where she was hit by the Xaser. Her dress would not be damaged by the Xaser but there would be a hole of burnt flesh around where she was it)
 
The flashbang slowly wore off, Davis's eyesight returned.

"FCPD?" He said. "I need to know what happened!"

"Sir!" The man who carried him into the vehicle answered. "Our orders are to return you to the government building for immediate military protection."

The Master Admiral growled at him, taking this as an act of insubordination. "Are you questioning my authority, young man? You WILL explain to me what happened."

"Sorry Sir! You were the victim of an assasination attempt. The cyborg soldier and his associate snuck in under false pretense, where things developed into what they are now. Both were killed. Minimal casualties were found, although your associate was one."

"Which one!?"

"Sir, the young female... not the waitress."

"I...I see..." Davis muttered, solemnly bowing his head in respect for Drei. "I need to get back as soon as possible..."

Davis was already thinking of how to react to the attack...
 
The extraction team soon arived, the Jilanth floating above the street, and a team of three men in Dusk suits came into the building through the remains of the front wall, and made there way up to the private room, the waster cascading off them adding to the sureal image of the black bodysuits.

"What do you want us to extract sir?" The lead one asked Seru, through laser communication, silent to anyone listening.

"Her," Seru pointed at Drei's body, "Take her to the Jilanth, and then back to Nepleslia Prime." He said, using their name for their main bases for non-food, in one of the industrial areas next to one of their factories. It's existance was known on a certainly need to know basis (and of course to SAINT).

The lead Dusk nodded, and they assembeled, picking up the prone body of Drei, and carefully carrying her down the stairs to the Jilanth, climbing up a rope ladder to the passanger area.

Seru stayed for a minute, and saw the waitress as if he'd only just noticed, his mind had been elsewhere. He went and knelt next to her.

"It's alright now child, no-one is going to hurt you." He assured her gently.
 
The trembling waitress jerked a little bit when Seru kneeled next to her. When her boss spoke to him, she only looked up at him. Her face was a mess, her makeup running because of her tears. Seeing the face of her boss only made those tears well up again.

The swat van roared to the govenment building and, in a matter of moments, Davis was returned to his office where an entire squad of infantry was stationed for his protection.

Without so much of a word, Davis strode to his desk and sat down, calculating...
 
Seru descided that the sprinklers where not really helping anyone, and got the computer to switch them off.

"It's alright, it's over now, everything will be fine." Seru said, holding out a hankerchief for her to use. His heart went out to the poor dear, although if she continued this too long it would begin to annoy him, although on his face there was only a type of fatherly caring displayed on his handsome features.

Outside the Jilanths doors closed, and it headed off to the Nepleslia Prime, moving in an orderly fashion, and descending into a hanger to the side of one of their factories. There some Research scientist came out of the sub-teranean Nepleslia Prime, and began to do preliminary tests on Drei's body.
 
The waitress tried to stand, but her legs were so wobbly that she just collapsed on the ground again. It was like she regressed to the state of a newborn calf. With a quivering hand, she took the handkerchief and wiped her face. Her breathing started to slow down as she finally started to regain her composure. She attempted to speak, but could only let out huffing gasps.

Emrys smiled friendly, and held out a hand to help her up. "One step at a time, you've been through a lot." The girl had an intriguing innocence around her.

“A...ah....all...i...I... w-w-w-wanted to d-d-ooo was a good job." The waitress gasped out inbetween breaths. She still could only barely support her body, even with Emry's support. "Now l-l-look. It's all g-gone."

"My child you did a wonderful job, you where great. In fact you have to be one of the best waitress' I've ever been served by in my opinion," there was not even a trace of insincerity in his voice, "And the restaurant will be rebuilt, and you will have your job still." He wanted to calm the delicate creature he was supporting.

"R-really?" Her face crumbled up and she started to cry again. She hugged the man, but after a few moments stopped, remembering her current state of cleanliness. Now her tears were a mix of joy and embarrassment. "I need to get to the r-restroom..>"
 
"What do we have here then?" Seru asked, striding into the lab at Nepleslian Prime, he'd had a pleasant conversation with the waitress, and continued to explore Nepleslia for a day or so, before heading back. His suit was flawless as usual, and his handsome features where relaxed for the moment.

"Well an advanced artificial, android, synthetic being, whatever you want to call her, she is one. Advanced technology. Scans show, an advanced ceramic skeleton, a form of smart metal muscles, and a network of heating wires that create an imitation of warm flesh. The flesh itself seems to be a artificial organism, does a very good job of mimicking human skin." The lead scientist, a gaunt white haired individual spoke, in a surprisingly unemotional voice "Currently we're looking into what she/it uses for a nervous system before tackling the brain. That's the mother load we think."

"Don't let me get in the way." Seru smiled. Drei's body was lying on a medical style table in the centre of the room, and array of sensors above it. She was naked now, her clothes on a separate table, with other scientists working on them. "How did you get her to lie like that? She seemed to have rigor mortis when I was there, completely inflexible."

"That was due to know heat working upon the smart metals, and the effect caused by xaser blasts. We used heat generators to unfurl the muscles and get her into a position where she could lie down." A younger scientist whispered something to the gaunt ones ear, "And we have the results from an array of tests."

"Oh please tell me." Seru smiled, interested. He liked this lab, it was clean and futuristic looking.

"The 'nervous system' so to speak, is partially room temperature superconducting fluid, good stuff too from these results, and an electronic relay system in the muscles. Very effective. Results from this organism, slow work actually, organic work is never fast, shows that it can receive sensory data in the form of touch, temperature, sound, and most other sensory data you can think of, nothing eccentric, but effective. Her ears and eyes are actually completely ineffective. Do nothing." He tut-tutted, "This is very impressive, very very impressive."

"And when are you going to work on the brain?" Seru asked.

"Well that would include removing part of the skull, and we thought that might be disrespectful, to whoever picks it up. So far we haven't been particularly invasive." The scientist responded calmly.

"Then we'll say we where seeing if there was some way to bring her back. Nothing complicated." Seru replied casualy.

"Right. Well if you think we should." The scientist shrugged, "Get me a laser scalpel, a diamond edge saw, and standard scalpel." He demanded from a younger scientist, and these where duly gotten for him. He moved to the body, and activated the laser scalpel, a thin brilliant line of energy springing out. "And you're completely certain about this?" He asked Seru.

"Yes, just minimilise the damage, preferably just a small circular cut." Seru was deeply interested, things where going well here, although he had a nagging feeling that they might not have a huge amount of time left.

The scientist shrugged, and then with surgical precision began to make a cut in the androids head, careful not to cause damage to the brain within, and slowly cut a circular incision.

As he cut into the side of the skull the laser's heat started to trigger muscle reactions in the face although her body remained still enough as to not interfere with the cutting.

His task finished, he carefully tried to take out the piece of skull, to reveal the brain.

With the skull removed, the slightly pinkish mass of inside was revealed as well as the fibbers running around the inside of the skull.

"Fascinating." the scientist muttered, "Pass me a sampler." He said, holding out his hand into which the younger scientist dutifully placed a small device. The elder scientist placed it in the hole he had created, and took a tiny sample of the brain matter. "Here analyse that." He quickly put it in a glass containment tube, and handed it to the younger scientist, who put it in some form of analysing machinery. The elder and younger scientist crowded around the machine to see the results of the analysis, "Eh, this could take an hour, maybe more." the scientist told Seru.

"I'm fine with that." Seru made himself comfortable, he did not have anywhere important to be.

After an hour or so, the computer displayed its findings. The elder scientist left out a low wolf whistle. "Well it's biological to start, grown, biological components feeding off rather nice energy source if these readings are correct, complex molecules that break down over time into energy. Weaving through this is a series of superconducting wires, which give the interface between the brain and the body. We have the DNA which is good. We might well be able to recreate it." The scientist was unemotional still, his voice portraying nothing.

Seru smiled contently, this was good. "Why do you sound so unemotional Tav?" He asked the scientist. "It wasn't in your files."

"Experimental brain operation." Tav replied, "Managed to remove my amplitude for emotion successfully. Wasn't the aim of the operation, but what are you going to do." he shrugged.

Seru gave a quiet laugh, "You could have had it seen to if you wanted. What I'm interested in is if there is some way to repair the android."

"You're asking me to try and repair something working on a completely alien set of technology from what I'm used to, with information I have only just gotten, and who has received significant damage to the brain with a xaser?" Tav aked.

"Pretty much." Seru replied, standing up and straightening his suit, "Also work out all you can about that organism, the ceramics, the superconductors. I want to see if they can be reproduced. I'll be back later, I hope to see some progress." Seru smiled and walked out. "Don't forget the clothes." He called out behind him.

"Damn this is not going to be fun. Alright, we have to work on repairing her. Get to people, Mr. Emrys doesn't like to be kept waiting." Tav went back to studying the brain, while the younger scientist allocated people roles.


They worked long and hard, but in the end their technology wasn't up to it. Create a new brain, perhaps, without lots of work, but to repair this one, to save the memories, that was beyond their scope. They managed to get a large amount of information about the ceramics, organic components, and superconductors, and plenty of data from clothes, establishing that they where exotic molecules that had a tendency to bond together after being split and change colour, some hints of a computer although it was proving hard to track down, some form of fabric based computer, around the rear, but in the end they gave up on trying to repair her, news that made Seru a little sad. He had liked Drei, and despite the likelihood of whoever she worked for having a hard copy, it was still emotional. He had a shrewd idea about who they where, he'd just need more work on it. More time.
 
tenebrismo2000 (2:23:21 PM): ON>

High above the planet of Ralfaris a girl was staring up out of the massive windows of the planetary ring, watching as lights moved about outside as the sky started to fill with stars. Of course in this place a star wasn't just a ball of energy floating in the void, each of those stars was a piece of technology and raw materials that had been shaped into a starship that was awaiting transit to elsewhere. Exactly 48 hours had passed sense the order to create those ships had been received and now it was time to negotiate what exactly those ships would be used for. Master Admiral Davis's office received an audio only communication from the dignitary's temporary residence asking for a meeting with the Master Admiral over distribution of product to the NSA in his office as soon as possible.

Davis hadn't slept a lot during the last two days. And why not? Someone just tried to take his life. His plans were damaged by the untimely death of his dignitary and the destruction of the restaurant. He didn't know where Seru was, either. The news stations covered the TV with talks of an incident happening at the restaurant, but Davis had done well not to make himself too well known. All the FCPD would say was that it was a VIP rescue mission. Davis let out a long sigh. It seemed that there was no turning back now. Just then, he received and audio communication, and Davis immediately switched it over to a secure channel. "Master Admiral Davis speaking."

"Good day to you Master Admiral." Came a female voice on the other end that sounded exactly like one from before, "The product you requested from us has been completed and now we just need to know where and how to deliver it to the NSA."

"Yes, I suppose delivery of the goods should follow a timed release pattern, so as not to raise suspicion. You are to move the products to the coordinates I will be sending you." Davis punched in some locations of NSA production facilities. "Split distribution between these locations."

"Alright, there is other business to discuss that I would like to handle in person." The voice said, "Will you be free later on to talk? I can be at your office shortly if you are available now."

"I am available to talk. I take it you've heard of the unfortunate events that have transpired?"

"I stay up to date with the news, The recent computer attack against that financial institution, the shootout at the restaurant, and so forth." The voice said.

"Very well then. I will be waiting for you. Security, naturally, has been raised considerably, so give me a signal of some sort or communicative information that I can use."

"I should already be on file with your staff and I'd like to think that I'm a bit to old for secret handshakes." The other voice said with a slight chuckle. "Lets see, how about this, my signal will be the name of the food you ordered at Seru's place?"

"That should suffice," The Master Admiral replied. "I look forward to seeing you."

"As do I Master Admiral. I will make my way to your office now." The voice said.

Davis hung up the phone and waited. In the meantime, he used his computer terminal to access information regarding the Mishu war, the strongest mob groups in the country and Emry industries.

The Mishu records had the war ending quickly. At least that was good news, Davis thought.

Nearly ten minutes later The Master Admiral's Secretary walked into the room with a slight sway in her hips that complimented her well rounded figure. "Sir, your appointment has arrived. She said to tell you that you had 'Chicken Ko Masu."


"Good day Master Admiral." Said a rather thin female with long black hair and a slender body about 5"4' tall. She looked exactly like the Drei he saw even down to her black pants and black leather jacket with two yellow stripes around the shoulder areas even though the Drei he had seen was the recipient of several shotgun blasts to various parts of her anatomy. "I apologize for being so vague over the phone but only so much security can ever be guaranteed when working over an electronic medium." She looked over her shoulder at the secretary who was in the room with them and waited for that girl to leave and close the door before continuing. "We have completed the starships and can deliver them at any time. I have also made provisions for instructors to help your crews learn how to pilot and operate the starships."

"Very well," Davis replied, eyeing the unusual similarity to Drei this person possessed. "If you look to this data pad, I've written up the locations where delivery of these ships will be split up between our four main production facilities on Nepleslia." He passed a data pad, facedown to the edge of his desk. "Forgive me for being so upfront, but you bear an unusually exact similarity to Drei..."

"I am Drei," She responded as she walked up to his desk to take the data pad into her own hands. "I am glad you brought that up first. The body that was disabled in the attack at the restaurant is something that I would like to have returned."

Davis could only narrow his eyes, confused. "So, you're saying that you are Drei? Does this mean that your bodies possess a sort of mental transfer ability? The assassination attempt at the restaurant has left contact with our corporate relations impossible for the moment. I would say that this body you speak of is within possession of Emrys."

"I will have to get in contact with Emrys then." Drei said as she put the data pad down on the desk in front of her. "I am an intelligence that operates many millions of starships, bodies, structures, and electronic information repositories simultaneously. This body, although capable of independent thought and action, shares my personality and intellect in the same way that the body which was disabled in the restaurant did. My superiors are

unwilling to risk one of their own lives in a deal so far from safe areas."

"Oh, so I've been in discussions with an advanced artificial intelligence." Davis nodded in appreciation. "A very wise move, if I do say so myself. Nepeleslia is dangerous, more so than I had initially thought if enemy agents are so quick to act." He cleared his throat. "So now that we laid the transport of our items in order, is there any other matters with which you wish to proceed? Will this body of yours remain as your previous one did?"

Drei sucked in a little bit on her inner lip and bit down slightly when he said artificial but remained silent until he finished, "Yes, this body will remain here to facilitate communication. As for transport I will start the delivery to the locations you requested slowly to avoid their origins being traced and to give the impression of the ships being produced by your facilities. There is also another thing, if there is something I can do to help reduce criminal objections against your administration please let me know. I do not doubt your police’s capabilities however it seems that they might be overwhelmed if the discussion with Emrys held any truth."

"If I do need your assistance, I will ask. You have been more than helpful, and I greatly appreciate all that you've done for Nepleslia. I have some ideas about handling the criminal presence, and I believe that Emrys will be capable of caring for itself for the most part. I do not want to disgrace myself or my nation any further by putting you in more danger than need be, regardless of your ability to operate within several different bodies."

"You do not need to worry yourself with my security. It is highly unlikely that anyone will be able to deal permanent damage to me but your concern is flattering." Drei said, "I believe that is everything that I have to say. If there is nothing else then I will instruct the first of the ships to arrive."
"Thank you for your understanding." Davis stood up and bowed slightly. "Still, I would be honored if you accept my apologies for my lack of security earlier. It will not happen again."

END
 
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