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The Skies have no Limit
macmacnick:
--Near Thula, Northern Firnfeld--
Patrolling the area, a man stood still, surveying the landscape. The icy hills and snowcapped peaks of the nearby mountains gleamed a soft orange hue in the light from the Sun on the horizon, slowly reddening as the Sun retreated below the horizon. Night was falling, the Moon rising. And yet, not all was dark. The sky gleamed, full of the jewels embedded in the backdrop of the Heavens. It seemed like a perfect night. Fate decided otherwise.
In more temperate climes, the snow was long gone, however except for most of the year, except during the height of the “Warm season”, as Thula’s region had only two, the “Warm Season” and the “Cold Season”. Thula was wrapped in a cloak of white; a frigid and remote place. This was both a blessing and a curse. Being remote meant that Thula was sheltered from most of the political intrigue that went on in less remote places, but it also meant that the Townsfolk had to fend for themselves, mostly. Thula’s remoteness and relatively unknown nature led to complications.
The man, a simple militiaman from Thula spotted something, a moving, man-sized silhouette. However, it did not seem to belong to any Human being. It was Avian in shape. The man Rushed back to town, to the militia garrison. There, he used the telegraph, contacting the only place near enough to provide assistance.
--Lord’s Leap, The Fjord Baronies, Baronies Military Headquarters--
An automatic telegraph picks up the transmission and outputs the telegraph’s contents onto a sheet of paper using morse code.
.--. .-. .. --- .-. .. - -.-- / --- -. . / -- . ... ... .- --. . / .- ...- .. .- -. / ..-. .. --. ..- .-. . / ... .. --. .... - . -.. .-.-.-
-- .- -. / ... .. --.. . -.. .-.-.-
.- ... ... .. ... - .- -. -.-. . / -. . . -.. . -.. / .. -. / .. -. ...- . ... - .. --. .- - .. --- -. / --- ..-. / ... .. --. .... - .. -. --. .-.-.-
..- .-. --. .
-. - .-.-.- / ..-. .. --. ..- .-. . / .-.. --- --- -.- . -.. / .... --- ... - .. .-.. . .-.-.-
A worker then translated the message.
PRIORITY ONE MESSAGE
Avian figure sighted. Man Sized. Assistance needed in investigation of sighting. Urgent. Figure looked hostile.
The message was then brought directly to the King, he had dealt with a similar situation before.
BdrLineAzn:
Chang-ning
Central Market
Taking the Emperor's personal vehicle and leaving Zhao Manor to wander around the Capital City as the party preparations take place, the four finds themselves in the Central Market. As the the driver finds a spot to park the vehicle, the couples exit and roam around the many stores and stalls of the busiest commercial district, while being flanked by four Imperial Elites, Chung being one.
Seeing the Emperor out in the public, many people give a bow and move out of the way to make room for the group as they walk. Some give him compliments, but many just simply smile at the man.
Noon rolls around as the couples enters a cafe for lunch. A bell above the door rings as it opens. At the entrance counter, a waiter turns and see who has entered and notice the prominent pairs.
Quickly moving away from the counter, the waiter goes up to the group and bows to them.
(Waiter)
"Oh your Highness, it is a pleasure to have you and your wife, as well as you, Mr. and Mrs. Zhao. Please, let me lead you to your seats."
(Xi)
"Thank you my good sir."
The waiter leads them around the counter into the main dining hall. They can see that the place is almost full to capacity. Some diners turn to see who had came in and almost immediate stand up at who they saw. Seeing this, Xi with a smile motions them with a hand to sit and continue eating.
Once at the table, the waiter hands four menus to each of them as he goes back and continue his other duties as they are ordering.
Naufrage
As the "Diplomatic Fleet" pass the League city of Naufrage, the spies on board the Galleon is currently talking to the Tiger on the radio.
(Tiger)
"You are telling me this now!! Why didn't you report this as soon as you can't intercept that transmission."
(Spy-1)
"Sorry Sir, we had technically difficulties as a sandstorm hit us as we left the Pass towards Sabbia. I think she may know of the plot, maybe others as well."
(Tiger)
"Alright then, just keep a closer eye on her and her crews. And try harder to decipher that frequency if she uses it again! You understand me!"
(Spy-1)
"Yes sir!"
(Tiger)
"Good."
Back in Chang-ning, the Tiger disconnects the line and sits back in his chair. Moving a hand through his hair and down his neck, he pinches his noses.
(Tiger)
She and her father must have know more than they let on. Most likely that Oxen of a Zhao must have told the Emperor as well.
Standing him, he slides the contents on top of his desk off in a fit of rage. Then a dark chuckle comes out of his mouth as a plan starts to form on how to keep the plan on track. Calmly, the Tiger walks out of his office towards his vehicle to be driven back to his home. There he starts to get ready for a ball.
Vyshtorg
Zankief's Warehouse
Finally returning to the warehouse, Althea, Courage, and Charles went their separate ways to rest and go about their own business. For Althea, she heads down the stairs into the lower levels to find BdrLine. As she search the different levels, she finally spots him sleeping on a bed with his limbs spread out in one of the spare bedrooms.
Crossing her arms and leaning on the doorway, Althea grins and roll her eyes at her boyfriend. She silently walks towards the sleeping form as to not wake him. Positioning herself at the side of the bed where his face lay, Althea gives BdrLine a kiss on his lips.
Stirring a little at the touch, BdrLine is still asleep and mumbles something.
(BdrLine)
"hehe, strawberries. Why yes Mr. Sunggles, I would like another slice of that cake."
Not the reaction she was looking for, Althea gives a confuse look at the sentence he said.
(Althea)
The heck is Mr. Sunggles? Why am I even asking who he is? Gah, Azn wake up.
Standing up, Althea then proceeds to push BdrLine off the bed instantly waking him.
With a startled yelp, BdrLine scramble off the floor and slices through the air with his hands in the hopes he hit something, not noticing who is behind him.
(Althea)
Why am I dating him again?
Shaking away that thought as well as his antics, Althea grins and taps his shoulder.
Feeling the touch, BdrLine quickly turns around to find out who woke him from his slumber. Noticing that it was Althea, he relax a bit and gives a nervous grin as he rubs the back of his neck.
(Althea)
"So rough morning huh?"
(BdrLine)
"Well, you can say that. I got a call from Ny and it's not pretty, I'll tell you later when Charles and Courage are here. It be simpler to tell it once. Speaking of the two, what did you guys find since you didn't came back last night."
(Althea)
"Nothing out of the ordinary, but we might have saw some people we know from Cathedral here. We followed them to an inn to get a closer look but we didn't have a chance to really see as we left in the morning."
(BdrLine)
"If that's it for now, mind if I get some shut eye in? Been working all night."
(Althea)
"Well alright, but remember, you still need to tell me and the others to what your sister found out."
(BdrLine)
"Don't worry. Now if you excuse me."
Setting the bed again, BdrLine picks up the thrown blanket and makes himself comfortable. Sighing and another shake of her head, Althea goes down and gives him a quick kiss as she leaves him to his slumber.
Lord's Leap
The echoes of boots ring through the hallways as a well dressed man in a officer uniform of the Baronies clutches a piece of paper. After receiving the message, Major Melin of the 1st Royal Honor Guard eyes the passage, especially at the man-sized avian figure. Flabbergasted of someone sighting this figure that should have died with a certain group, he moves quickly through the halls to find King Greger.
Melin finds the King in his study where he is seated behind his desk with mountains of paperwork.
(Greger)
"Major, what is the meaning of this? This better be important if you just barge in here."
Going over in front of his desk, Melin gives a salute and then hands the message to the King in which he takes it.
(Melin)
"My apologies your Majesty, but this is of great importance."
As the King read over it, he places a hand over his chin.
(Greger)
"Hmm, how so?"
(Melin)
"Remember how I debriefed you on all my happenings after the Siege of Anvala and reinstating you as King. This maybe one of those experiments on which my allies have fought against and where I have blown up its main laboratory,"
(Greger)
"You can't mean to say that they are back. There has been reports from Cathedral that this problem has been taken cared of."
(Melin)
"But your Majesty, my allies have even said that they pop up even if they have been dealt with before, I don't want to take that risk if they are still out there."
(Greger)
"Very well Major, I'll send out our best scouts."
(Melin)
"Let me and a team from my Division handle this, as with all due respect, we are your best scouts before we were reassigned as your personal detail."
(Greger)
"Indeed you are. Alright then, since most of Firnfeld are independent cities, you'll have to check in with the regional militia. So how soon can you and your team can leave."
With a smile.
(Melin)
"At the end of the hour your Majesty."
(Greger)
"Live with Honor."
(Melin)
"Die in Duty."
Giving a salute once more, Melin exits the office to gather men for two ships.
BdrLineAzn:
Lord's Leap
Moving quickly away from the King's study, Melin pulls out a radio that is hanging off the side of his belt. Turning a few dials, he speaks into the piece.
(Melin)
"Frey, you on?"
(Radio)
"Major. Yes I'm here. You need anything?"
(Melin)
"I want you to get the rest of the men who went with us to Izumi and to prepare the Squids. There have been an avian-size man sighting up near Thula."
(Radio)
"Wait, you can't mean that someone is creating more of those things? We blew up their lab when we were down there."
(Melin)
A turn of a knob later, the radio is Chang-ning as Melin places it back where it was originally. Still going at a fast pace, he finds himself at his office and enters. Opening another door, Melin faces a room full of different uniforms and a small wall rack of weapons. Changing out of his dress uniform and into snow gear, Melin goes to the wall rack and pulls out two pistols and holster them on either side of his body. Grabbing as well is his personal sabre and ties it off onto his right. Lifting up a pack that was on the floor, it is then soon stuffed with a few maps and ammunition for his side arms. With all things accounted for, Melin exits the room and out of his office to the awaiting ships out n the dock.
Staying by his word, Melin arrives to the docks in thirty minutes. Standing in front of two squids is a small group of seven men. One of them steps away to greet Melin.
(Frey)
"We are all set and ready to leave."
(Melin)
"Good. So just like last time. Just follow me."
(Frey)
"Roger. Alright, let's load up! We are on our way!"
With a quick yell to the others, the remaining six split off into groups of three and board both vessels. Jumping aboard his own, Melin gives a quick systems check and turns to the radio.
(Melin)
"Up we go. Full speed all the way, we'll head towards Glowwater then west from there."
Without slight hesitation, both Squids rise out of their berths and turn for north.
Vystorg, Zankief's Warehouse
Feeling well rested, BdrLine leaves his room to search for Zankief. Finding him on the actually warehouse floor, BdrLine ask if he can gather everyone in the building for an announcement. Nodding, Zankief goes over to a wall intercom and pushes the button.
(Zankief)
"Hey is this thing on? *screeech* Ahhhh, damn. Anyways, to those still in the warehouse, stop what you are doing and head over to first room on the first sub-level, got an announcement regarding the situation we are in?"
With that being said, Althea, Charles, Courage, Gareth's group and as well as the rest of Zankief's men start to converge to the first sub-level.
Few minutes later, the room is mostly filled with a couple of stragglers coming in. But with a majority of the people in the warehouse inside, BdrLine stands in the front and gives them the information regarding the Yeshan "Diplomatic" Fleet. Once finished, questions are soon fired from the mass of people.
(Zankief)
"Hey quiet and calm down for a second! Jeese. Look I know that this is a big deal, but what we need now is to get prepared and find a way to stop this thing. So first thing first, we need to re-infiltrate Slava's Guildhouse and find out what more does he know. From there, we'll take it step by step. Is that clear."
Scattered agreements can be heard from the group.
(Zankief)
"Good, now go back to what you were doing before."
With the meeting over, the group quickly disperse. Out in the League territory, the said Fleet has passed Landmark and is now heading Southeast.
Chang-ning
A hour before the ball is suppose to start of the ball, the Zhaos and the Imperial Couple arrive back to the former's manor. As they enter, the main floor is highly decorated.
The four take in the sight of just the single room they are in.
(Shen)
"Wow. I Jia can make this look good, I wonder what the ballroom will look like."
(Kyao)
"She is one of the best. Now let's head up and get ready, the first guests will arrive soon."
Taking their gaze of the interior decor, they all head into their separated rooms and change their attire.
5 PM hits the Capital and soon the first of the many guests arrive to the manor. Many of the upper class of Chang-ning is attending this ball in the honor of the safe return of both Zhaos. And as expected, both the Tiger and the Deer are among the people in attendance. Throughout the night, both the Xi and Shen tries to avoid the two and talk to them minimally if given the chance.
The event wears on, but around midnight the majority starts to leave the manor. Standing by the entranceway, Shen personally thanked each one as they file out. As the last couple exits, Shen closes the door behind him and walks back to the ball room. Still inside and sitting at one of the tables, Xi and his wife is still drinking and talking to Liu. Walking towards them, Shen grabs and pours himself a glass and takes a set next to his wife.
(Shen)
"That was one hell of a ball I say. I got to thank Jia again for putting this up."
(Xi)
"Like I said, she does everything all out."
(Liu)
"Since the ball is over, when are the two of you heading home? It's a bit late, so if you want we can have the servants prepare a room for you."
Suddenly the lights in the ballroom turns off and doors can be heard closing. In one side of the room, loud yells can be heard as several thumps hit the floor as if they were pushed with the door closing behind them. During this whole time a familiar voice goes through the room speakers.
(Tiger)
"I think it would be swell if his Majesty and his wife stay here for the night, maybe even more that a night. Along with the rest of the staff here."
(Huan)
"Is everyone ok? Ting you good? Jouf, Fa?"
(Liu)
"Huan, is that you?"
(Huan)
"Mom? Yeah it's me, also everyone who works for us. What's happening."
(Shen)
"I think I know."
As suddenly as the lights turned off it comes back on again as the Tiger stand near one of the doorways looking towards Shen and Xi. Behind him stands the Deer while being flanked by several soldiers.
(Xi)
"Admiral Fang, what is the meaning of this!"
(Fang)
"Oh just a precaution so that my plan will be carried out as planned. See I have a little suspicion that somehow a particular group of people manage to get word of it. It started to grow into more of a fact as my spies have reported back to me of secret meetings and encrypted radio frequencies."
(Shen)
"You send spies to watch over us!?"
(Fang)
"Ah, I didn't say whom I sent the spies on. But my suspicions are now gone with that simple statement."
(Xi)
"This is treason and conspiracy against the Empire."
(Fang)
"But watching our enemies grow while we sit back and try to diplomatically coax new cities to join our great Empire. That I say is conspiracy. Your ancestor was a fool for driving a revolutionary group off our homeland."
(Liu)
"The Birdmen? You are part of that power hungry group of lunatics."
(Fang)
"No my dear, just a simple follower of one of their beliefs. See they wanted the world for themselves and to eradicate all of the six factions. What I'm doing is dominating and uniting all under our Veil. One by one, standing with the Guild."
(Shen)
"You won't get away with this."
(Fang)
"Oh yes I can, that is if you don't want your daughter to be blown out of the sky by my forces with her and her friends. Now I'll be off, there is a meeting soon that I have to attend in the Guild soon. My men will watch over you."
The Tiger turns away and heads out to the final open door. Those with him follow him out and close and lock it. Leaving the house staff, inhabitants, and Imperial Couple inside.
End of Day 15
Start of Day 16
Piemanlives:
For the past day the crew has been sitting around testing the waters of Vyshtorg, so far nothing has come up, with the captains daughter and their main gunner missing the crew is in a bit of a state.
--Somewhere in Vyshtorg--
Lorena sat up in the bed, she felt something was wrong but didn't know what, rubbing her eyes she gained a clearer vision of her surroundings. She was in a room, a nicely furnished one at that, she scanned the room looking for a clue of what happened last night, if there was one thing she couldn't comprehend, it was how she got here, or her lack of clothing for that matter. She felt a slight rustle on the bed, and turned to see Dahlia on the other side of the bed, she was, thankfully, still clothed. From the window the sounds of the city could be heard, a few small airships were soaring over head, trams bustled through the city streets, ferrying goods from market to market. Lorena spotted a set of clothes folded on a dresser earlier that she decided would probably be best get dressed in, spending a few moments to sort out exactly what it was she about to wear. Satisfied it wasn't anything too strange, yet rather dismayed by the inclusion of a skirt, thankfully a modest one that went down to her knees. Sighing she put on the ensemble on as she wondered where her actual clothes had gone to.
--Vyshtorg Harbour--
Standing aside the vessels gantry at the prow of the vessel, Alex and Richard disconnected their craft as the rest of the crew prepared to lift off, at the moment they had nowhere to store it however Phillip was using some connections he gathered over the years to secure a holding for it while they went about their buisness.
Alex
"Have you seen Dahlia or my Daughter around?"
Richard
"I haven't actually, wherever they've gotten I have no idea, think we should look for them?"
Alex
"We'll have to eventually, for now we can leave the ship to Reynold, he knows what to do."
Richard
"Should I give them a farewell present than?"
Alex
"And by that you mean?"
Alex was trying to remember the last time Richard recommended a "Farewell Present," he's pretty sure it ended with an explosion.
Richard
"I don't know, this wrench prehaps? They'll probably need it eventually."
Alex
"Oh."
They looked back to the ship, with their craft on the pier the crane looked empty and flimsy, though considering it's construction it could lift long beams with ease. The other thing they noticed was that it as backing away from the pier, though still within throwing distance. Richard took one look at them, stood as far over the pier as he could, and threw the damed thing with all his might. A moment later and signaled by a loud clang they strained to see Travis, yelling various insults and obsceneties their way.
Alex
"Well at least nothing blew up right?"
Richard
"I'll have you know that was not my fault."
Alex
"Lets just get to work alright?"
--Vyshtorg Harbour, Storage--
He and Alex had decided that splitting up might do them some good when it came to searching for information, with Alex scouring the higher socialites for information, Richard was listing in for anything around the docks. As he passed one of the warehouses something seemed a bit odd about, standing in front of it for a few moments he wondered if he shoulded check it out, deciding against it for the moment he left the warehouse alone as he continued his search for information.
--Vyshtorg, High Residential--
Alex was in a bit of a precarious situation, as socialtes typically knew the latest information, a bit edited and less concise, he decided to see if he could get into a party held by a well known industrialist in the city. However the only thing he could get in for was guard duty, which at least paid well. Sighing he sat down in his chair, it was lucky he was on duty in the ball room, at least with this he could have an excuse to listen in on conversation without a reprimand, after all it was his job to keep these people safe, which also begged a question, why hadn't the regular guard on staff for this? Wouldn't they be more trustworthy than a bunch of random's from the street or mercenaries who could really be working for skies know who.
Lady
"Oh did you hear the news? Apparently they found something in the north, no idea what it was, something about birds, but apparently it's gotten the Baronies all riled up something fierce."
Man
"Why would they be concerned about a simple feathered creature?"
Lady 2
"I heard that it was actually some sort underground organization concerned with the destruction of the current order and then taking it over and putting their own system in place all the while assisted with dasterdly creations of their own design."
Man
"You shouldn't believe everything others say."
Lady 1
"You must admit that statement is utterly ridiculous!"
He really couldn't follow the conversation very well, however as the second shift arrived to relieve him he saw a group of well dressed guildsman walk into the host's study. He looked about for moment before deciding to follow them in.
--Vyshtorg Harbour, Storage--
Richard
"Well it's now or never isn't it?"
He once again stood outside that strange warehouse. He really didn't know why he was so interested in it, but he got this feeling that something was slightly off about it. He prepared himself, and knocked on the door.
Yiski:
--Crimson Skies Saloon--
After yesterday's events, Roland and Yiski had the opportunity to debrief at a nearby patrol office. Yiski had given the details of the firefight, except for Lance's group involvement. Afterwards, the two were safely escorted back to the Crimson Skies Saloon to a very relieved Lauren.
After explaining, everything, to Lauren, Yiski found it best to make a few more discrete calls. Once new arrangements were made, the three went to sleep, unaware of the events transpiring.
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