"Sacre dieu, well I must admit you have me at a terrible disadvantage. Two new applicants to our beloved inner circle? And with such detailed, artisanesque applications too…"
"Apologies, please allow me to continue with greater constancy, I am…" He bows slightly "…Achille Augustin Nadeau, and I'm the head science advisor for our little fraternity; essentially, your boss, in spirit if not in paygrade. I would offer you a hand but the neural net is hardly permissive of physical stimuli, so instead allow yourselves to be contented with a mere 'good luck'. Your almost certainly going to need it".
Achille grins, takes a grape and alights upon the armchair.
"For the purpose of processing your applications according to Commonwealth practice; permit me to address you separately. First of all, mousier Elbert. As your name suggests, you are, if not by birth, a Rheinlander, which already presents yourself very favourably as an asset to our fellowship. Perhaps you'll provide us with some form of communication with those blasted Hessians, oui? Additionally your professed talents at in-space ship repair and servicing could prove critical to us; the Commonwealth is in possession of an extensive fleet of casin… ah, supply vessels, which could do with an individual who isn't too terrified to stick their hand in a manifold when the situation desires. When it comes to research, I myself am a particularly hands-on type of man, so I believe we should get along relatively amicably."
"Welcome to our little fraternity sir. A considerable penthouse and workspace has been arranged for you upon the unhallowed decks of '10, feel free to transfer your assets over there at whatever time suits your interests."
---Unpacking---
"And now for miss Mc Carthy! Cheri, apologies for the wait but it's a habit of mine to save the best till last. It gives me pleasure to truly… sink my teeth into certain application forms."
His smile slackened.
"In all honesty cheri, a person's honesty about their past… it means little to us. If it did, I for one would not be a member of this organisation, nor Robert to think of it. The purpose of the query was entirely reactionary; to gauge what form of a person you happen to be, your temperament, your tastes. All of this checks out finely. It is not critical, no, not even essential, for one to list details of their past. To quote Robert:
"One's nationality and origins mean nothing to us for those two traits were left behind the moment you decided to adopt the zoner way of life, non?"
"To elaborate; the Zoner way of life according to the Commonwealth, whilst slightly cryptic, is to permit enterprising individuals (such as yourself) to perpetuate individual goals. Our only cause is self-determination - self empowerment, funded extensively. We eschew openness, trade in secrets (albeit that of others), turn information into finance. That is what we are cheri; the ultimate survivalists for an extraordinary time."
"I'm considerably gladdened that you wish to participate in our community, and no, we will not stifle your agendas. Indeed, encouraging the goals of others is exactly what has put us here. Permit me to state this; only by attempting to answer the queries of the universe, do we ever truly discover enlightenment. Utilitarianism is rubbish best reserved for the ideologically unsound; of course there's nothing more important than oneself. We're not ones to "take one for the team" here cheri, if you truly appreciate my meaning. Survival of the fraternity is paramount, yet it's the individuals who comprise us which provide us with our very identity."
The grin returned.
"Perhaps your right cheri, it rarely is preferable to go insane alone. But perhaps it is more desirable, and more wholesome, to go insane with others?"
"Consider yourself accepted into the Commonwealth Research Branch, chaired by yours truly. A copious penthouse and workspace has been arranged on '10, feel free to move your assets over to us whenever".
"Oh and your disdain towards combat? That's hardly a flaw cheri. The tongue always outmanoeuvres the sword. That and money."
***tranout****
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)
Sender ID - Ernst Reinhardt Location – Freeport 6, Tau-29 System
Subject – Application to the Commonwealth Guten Abend,
I am looking forward to join your group of Zoners. The filled form is found below.
> Opening /attachments/app213/cwapp.doc
Full Name: Ernst Reinhardt
Age: 49
Provide us with a description of yourself (Your Bio or History): I was born on Planet Stuttgart as the son of two farmers. Grew up, went to school, studied medicine on a qualified university there.
Quickly after, I moved to Bretonia and studied medicine at the university of Cambridge. Worked there for half of my life already, and then retired as I disliked their policy, where they didn't take the steps necessary because they were too hesitant. Simple. I quickly came to dislike the restrictice life that a house like Bretonia or Rheinland forces onto individuals such as myself, and so I hoped to adopt the Zoner way of life one day. My job at Cryer stopped me from doing that, as I earned enough to have a good life. However, this does not matter to me anymore, and now I want to devote my life to solve health problems as far as it is possible.
After several rumours I heard about your group in the Taus, I think that the Commonwealth offers what I need. A safe place to research, proximity to the Omicrons, and professional & pleasant individuals in your team.
Specify us your pros and cons:
Pro >
Dedicated - I'll stick to my work until it is done, nothing can distract me as soon as I begin.
Adventurous - I try to get away from stations as often as possible. This includes, but is not limited to, gathering samples for science.
Direct - No beating around the bushes. I'm straight and direct. If you can't deal with it, let me know.
Con >
Almost all of my pros can also be cons for some people, up to you.
Dedicated - Sometimes too much, leaving everything aside just for my work.
Adventurous - Right into the face of danger.
Direct - Too direct for some people to manage.
Social interactions - Mostly considered unnecessary for me. If it doesn't serve a specific purpose related to my work, I might aswell refrain from doing it.
Specify why you desire to join the Commonwealth:
As mentioned above. It appears that you are a qualified group of people which knows what it is doing. I want to be a part of your team, since I simply know what I am doing as well. Your group and location is simply perfect for me, from what I have heard atleast.
Profession before joining the Commonwealth:
As mentioned above, I worked for Cryer Pharmaceuticals, but quit the job because I didn't accept their restrictions and the ones that the houses brought either.
Specify the Branch you wish to be part of(Research or Commerce):
Research
Specify your S.K.1.P.3 Protocols designation:
frozen.mo
*Looks up from a pile of what appears suspiciously similar to a stack of mail-order catalogues; but could just as easily be a stack of ill-gotten corporate documents. Or ponography.*
"Sacre dieu, I..."*Actually reads the transmission before recovering visibly*
"Ah, Mr Rheinhart..."*grins*"...How very germanic of you. Rheinhart the Rheinlander; it possesses a crisp little ring to it, doesn't it? Or perhaps that's just me... It quite often is, you know."
*Takes a sip of some obscure liquor, quite possibly Robert's.*
"Ah, well, at least you wouldn't be alone among us... You for instance would be the second Rheinlander to join my treasured research division; I'm sure you'll corroborate fine with the rest of us. After all, you couldn't possibly be any worse than the last whitecoat to join our assemblage..."
*grumbles, then considerably brightens*
"Regardless my friend; welcome to our fraternity! With a personality bio as erudite as yours it'd be nearly impossible for me to refuse you, no? As to your backstory, well, it is, in a word, unimportant as nobody will be hounding you for any past actions here, no sir. Here my friend, in the arms of our community, you are free to act as you want, to push the boundaries of human ingenuity with whatever nudge, shove or kick it the testicles you deem situationally appropriate, so long as you invest in our actions of course."
"As for directness... well look at me."
"I've prepared a considerably decadent suite for you in the station proper; feel free to redecorate the site to whatever fashion evokes your interest, along with granting a certain somebody an unexclusive, no-holes-barred permit to the extensive/expensive R'n'D suite we have operational here. Feel free to abuse it to your leisure."
"...Oh and good luck, Earnst, I look forward to working with you"
---Logs out---
***Tranout***
***Tranoff***
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)
***Transmission Incoming***
***Transmission Received***
***Sender ID: Doctor Devious*** ***Origin: -//Err***
Code:
Full Name: Doctor Benny Virgilio Conway a.k.a. Doctor Devious
Age: 37
Provide us with a description of yourself (Your Bio or History) : Arch-Scientist, very hands on with my work, always looking to improve himself and achieve things.
Specify us your pros: Multiple Doctorate level scholastic achievements. Several years of actual work in the field and independent study.
... and cons: Past dealing with less-than-lawful entities, and alleged criminal acts.
Specify why you desire to join the Commonwealth: Fellowship with like minded men of learning. Expanded potential for research and resources.
Profession before joining the Commonwealth: Self-Employed
Specify the Branch you wish to be part of(Research or Commerce): Research
Specify your S.K.1.P.3 Protocols designation: the.normal.anomaly
*The completed form comes with a video attached*
----Video Start----
*A slightly grainy video stream plays , recorded by what is most likely a cheap civilian recording device. A figure wearing a white lab coat backs into view, ducking down a few times making sure that the display is catching him correctly. He stares blankly at the camera for a few moments, before finally speaking, slightly nervous.*
“Hi.”
*He walks off to the left out of view, shaking his hands in front of himself as though having a conversation with somebody off screen, but not actually speaking. After a few seconds he comes back in from the left, arms in a “thinking” posture. He stops about mid-way through the visible area, and turns to the camera.*
*Smooth tone, confident face* “Hello there, Commonwealth. It is my understanding that your esteemed cabal is looking to procure scientific persons for . . . scientific things. Uh, Yes.”
*Breaking his confident face for just a look of concentration, he drops his “thinking” pose and grabs something off of a table below the visible area of the camera, apparently reading a note of some kind for a second. He returns to looking at the camera, a stylus now in his hand that he is unobtrusively fidgeting with*
“Alrighty, application. Name, yes. Well, legally Doctor Benny Virgilio Conway is my name.” *His face drops for a moment, hearing his own name aloud.* “I am serious, Benny is my real first name. My parents, they thought I looked like a “Benny.” So . . . you don’t care. Right. That is not science.”
“How old am I? I’m 37 Sol standard years old. Now I know what you are thinking” *He says this next with an uncertain undertone in his voice* “ ‘Oh, why have I not heard of this man before?’ and the answer is pretty simple. I’ve been working under the radar for a while. A while. I’ve usually been working ‘for’ different people. Gives me time do my own work, do what is really important. Just make a trinket for somebody and collect some money for it to keep this” *Waves to his very cluttered workspace* “all running. I tend to work with groups who either see eye to eye with me, or just happen to want to do something that sounds” *gives a smirk and nod* “‘pretty good.’”
“Here, take this for instance. Just hop on the neural net and look for ‘Fort Bush, Melted, Vault . . .” *his voice falters a little* “. . . and exploded.’ . . . I swear, I am so sorry about that guy’s hands, but I made him new ones, that counts for something right? I mean, Harold “Hard Hands” is a way better criminal name than just Harold right? I bet that accident got him more ‘thug cred’ than any heist he ever did . . . “
*Takes another squinting look at the object on the table*
“Yeah, me, stuff I can do. I’ve got a doctorate in a couple fields from . . . well, the university would rather I not mention their name after I, kinda, used their campus terminals to . . . siphon money out of the LPI retirement fund. There is a legal agreement that I’m not to ever mention their name in connection to myself, and my degrees were officially redacted. I still use “Doctor” in my name. I earned it, and they can’t stop me from saying it! But anyway, I’m an artist, and my portfolio means way more than any stupid document.”
“I’ve got an ‘eclectic’ range of knowledge. Provided the inspiration and resources, I don’t actually know what I ‘can’t’ make. I don’t usually run into the problem of being unable to make something. Oh, oh-oh, like this! *He points to a cinder-block sized metal box with a straight, simple handle and a trigger. The back end of the box had a number of knobs and switches* “This is a maser. Now I know what you are thinking, ‘aren’t those garbage’ and well . . . maybe some other people make some crude masers. Mine however, its niiice” *He looks around for something to use the maser on, spotting a glass of water on a counter. He looks at it for a moment, playing with the various knobs while he does so. Under his breath he says* “Need to add an aiming device” *He pulls the trigger, and the water in the glass essentially explodes after just a moment of being hit with the invisible beam. The glass itself shatters into a few large pieces, mostly from the sharp change in pressure and temperature. He flips a switch and holds it up, a proud look on his face* “This thing is just what I did before making this application, just to have something to do while I thought about trying to join with you guys. Literally, this is made out of a bucket of scraps I keep around, and of course a couple common food heating units. I mean, the most difficult part was just making sure the shielding was in correctly, otherwise . . . well I do like my skin.’”
“Well, as I said, I can build things. I do build things, and I suppose if needed I can do repairs as needed as well. I mean, most common systems were built to be repaired by normal human beings so anything like that would not even be much of a task for somebody like me.” *He says the previous with an overly inflated sound of pride* “Really, I find that if one applies even the basics of the scientific method, most every problem can be handled."
“As for my “cons”, I think I’ve touched on those already. I ‘might’ have worked with some criminals in the past, and well, I am not exactly on the best terms with some Liberty government branches, provided anyone recognizes me." *he mutters to himself* “They never seem to recognize me.” *He returns his attention to the camera, suddenly aware he was talking to himself* “I swear, my legal name being attached to anything I have done in the past will not be a real problem, I haven’t used it since college for much anything. I think most of those problems got expunged or sealed or something. If you really need to try to track anything down I have done recently, I go by ‘Doctor Devious’ while I am ‘working.’ It really gets through to the criminal element, you know? Benny, they laugh at, but ‘Doctor Devious’ gets . . . laughs too, but at least the sort of slightly scared laughs sometimes.”
“Lets see, how to describe my former employment . . . oh my, is it thirsty in here?” *He looks around for his glass of water, realizing that he of course blew it up with his maser.* “Just a second.” *He goes up and turns off the camera. Instantly the camera is back on, and he has a new glass of water sitting back on the counter where the first one was* “Anyway, I like to think of myself as ‘self-employed.’ I build things and such to achieve my ends. That is my real passion, achieving . . . my ends. Not that I think it will interfere at all with your ends. Our ends are totally separate ends, I think. Not too separate though. There is overlap, certainly, like the middle of a Venn diagram. Anyway, yes, self-employed. Self-employed for other people sometimes, but definitely self-employed.”
*Again he looks at the desk ahead of him.*
“I am looking to get into the research division of your,” *He pauses, thinking of a novel phrasing to use* “honored establishment. I think it is clear that I might be wasted as a common trader and supplier. I have a great greatness to offer your research team. And with funding and resources there would be no stopping me-us. You. I really think there is potential for a great partnership here.”
“Well, assuming you decide to respond and need further, live contact, you can reach me under S.K.1.P.3 ‘the.normal.anomaly’”
*He adopts a very polite set of mannerisms*
“I look forward to a reply from you at your convenience, and thank you for taking the time to review my application for admission.”
*Appears to be mulling over a sizable E-book. Also appears to be vastly enjoying himself.*
"Now Sir, I'd usually grace you with the conventional procedure of grilling you as to exactly who the hell you are, but it appears that we're already quite well acquainted with each other; congratulations. So, Monsuir Vergillio Conway, now that your a well-blooded, full-fleshed member of our little fraternity, let me analyse the outrageous little asininities of your past... Ah."
*Flips the book shut with a notable thunk, smile radiant.*
"So Sir, exactly what the Diomedes is an arch-scientist? From the bluffing, scraping mannerisms riddling firmly your transmission it appears your... notoriety is a little screwy, oui, at least from the very little I could unearth. But do not worry Sir, in our little society, money is no object (well it is, sort of. Gold bricks and all that), but regardless friend, you have my curiosity as peaked as a cockerel's p... ruff. Ahem, anyway sir, you'll hardly find yourself pressed to defraud the elderly here, mon ami, as grant money proves rather plentiful in the boundaries of our domains. But so enlighten me squire..."
*Smothers a chuckle in a wealth of tissue paper*.
"...All these pett... ah, significant acts of good-humoured criminality tied to your working career; they all appear to have a running theme Monsieur Sournois, notably your desire for, well, recognition. Not that I'm eschewing that particular quality, of course..."
*Consumes a grape*
"...*chews*So,*swallows*,Enlighten me Sir, what exactly catalysed you to pursue a life of darkness? Despite the protestations of a certain associate of yours; you're hardly a sociopath, that much is clear. But tell me Sir; exactly what do you think you are, Sournois? Some variety of Machiavellian genius, all short of a cloak, hat, and a damsel in distress? Again Sir, this isn't critique, merely an observational analysis of your person. As to that séduisant little maser of yours... well, that's quite a ferocious little item sir. Point that at your internals and the insurance people would have you licking up the remnants; not one to take through spaceport security, let me tell you now... But that, in itself, is an item of interest. Tell me sir, what catalysed you to actually construct that device? It's obviously highly dangerous, atypical and nonstandard. What exactly is it for, a weapon perhaps, for as that microwaves are ineffective; a mere EM-shield would prove deterrent enough. Because you could perhaps, because it's cool? Sir, your motive force is beyond me, but your enthusiasm... it is palpable. It's high time we had some workable, hands-on physicists in our little unity; men like yourself, for sure."
"Je suis désolé for my previous distraction, Doctor Sournois. It's so pleasing to hear from someone with which one can hold a mildly linear conversation... refreshing, even."
"I would say transfer any materials you see fit over to the station, but it appears you've already done as much, and for that I commend you. Please preserve your sense of the moment Conway, it's very becoming."
"Pas de soucis et bonne chance Doctor. I look forward to working with you. Oh and if you're looking for some form of compatriot in the physics department, I'd consider conversing with either Doctor McCarthy or Doctor Z Krovin. They make for quite the compadres."*Grins*
*The CW Frequency receives a simple up-link, containing an attached file and channel protocols that direct back to the sender.*
Application Form Wrote:Full Name: Astrid de Vue
Age: 37 | Born: 10th of June 699 A.G.S.
Provide us with a description of yourself (Your Bio or History): Born within one of the middle-class families on New Paris, i was raised with an inquisitive nature, always longing for more than what i had already.
After finishing the University of Avignon with full diploma in the Department of Legal Sciences and Economic Policy, as well as attending for two years in the Faculty of Law and Political Science, within the Paul Verlaine University, i decided to join one of the many law firms in Ile-du-France. My career swiftly escalated as i managed to prosecute a large number of criminals who were fighting against the crown, but sadly it did not last long. Two and a half years ago I managed to find incriminating evidence over a Royal Police Officer, but for some reason the case was closed and I was sought as a traitor.
I was lucky enough to be saved from a gloom fate by the Council, who managed to "smuggle" me out to Roussillion. I also found out from them about most of the Crown's... misplaced ideals, and realized i was better off outside Gallia.
As of late, i find myself able to work once more, but of course we all have particular standards, and i won't allow myself to lower below mine. As such, I have been looking for appropriate business partners and luckily, i found this interesting... dare i call it "cabal", that may be suitable for me.
Specify us your pros and cons: Aside from the mentioned record in Law-related business, I have also been told that I have great persuasive skills.
In regards to my less valuable attributes, I could say i am sometimes too inquisitive, as well as my devotion to work, which can reach both extremes at various times.
Specify why you desire to join the Commonwealth: As do all of whom I've heard so far, joining this particular society will be of great help to me if i plan to once again reach a note-worthy position within Sirius.
Of course, giving something in return to those that I might call associates is not out of the question.
Profession before joining the Commonwealth: I worked as an independent lawyer for 3 years, then joined as an attorney for the Fidal Law-firm in Ile-du-France, up until my... departure.
Specify the Branch you wish to be part of (Research or Commerce): I believe i would be best suited for the Commerce branch, although my skill-set could also extend beyond the usual dealings of your organisation.
Specify your S.K.1.P.3 Protocols designation: w3.player
***Incoming Transmission***
***Comm ID: Robert d'Autoine***
***Partner ID-Link Identified: Astrid de Vue***
***Transmitting***
Bonjour, most eloquent and amiable, former citizen of the noble and beautiful, but also indiscriminately spoiled ( like any other ) House of Gallia.
Allow me to present myself:
My name is Robert d'Autoine, and I happen to be the Head Councilor of the "humble" and yet, entirely dishonest, - and when I say "dishonest" I say it not because I imply we undertake certain, less than humane propositions and activities, but merely because we love to indulge our lives with an excessive degree of diplomacy, persuasion and subterfuge - organization known as the Commonwealth, an organization entirely composed of Zoners, or to put it blunt: precious individuals with even more precious talents that simply had enough of the despicable corruption that resides in the cesspools you may still refer to as a "House" ( although I must admit that Gallia is still one of the few that still retains it's beauty and aesthetics )
Anyway, on to the matters at hand, monsieur, I must admit that I am simply delighted to hear such desires of joining our petite organization from a monsieur, a person such as yourself who possesses the certain intricate talents you possess: Talents worthy of the highest and most coloured intrigues and plots.
Oui. It is a certainty, that your persuasive skills will find a new home, to settle themselves in and unleash their ambitions for a common goal that we all possess, after all, we're the Commonwealth, non?
The only question for you which I may have would be: "How far are you willing to go in order to pursue your ambitions and unleash your potential, monsieur?"
But I believe that is a question you may have the occasion of answering me personally, with an answer of which I am certain it will change ones you will attain the opportunity of viewing life through our... perspectives.
Welcome to our fraternity, monsieur.
***Transmission Ended***
(08-10-2015, 07:03 PM)Antonio- Wrote: King Eduard is the greatest
Provide us with a description of yourself (Your Bio or History) : There is nothing much I can provide of myself other than the fact that I only remember living in a rather small city.. of sorts. I was still small when I saw it burned to the ground. Now how did I even get to see it burn and not die..?
Distant explosions.. nearby gunfire. Ships flying around. Needless to say I seemed to be almost scared to death I ran into a little mountain and stopped there for a while. And what else would a little girl who just lost her living place do in a time like that? Cry, most likely.
And as if by either blind luck or a rather convenient event, I got picked up by a rather young man, who I continued to live with ever since.
Until one day he left without a word, and I was left to live by myself. A cruel thing If I say so myself but I can not help it.
How this all had happened, and why. I dare try to remember anymore.
I might be also a bit young, considering what one might expect. But one needs to be able to survive even in the harshest of enviroments, hence why I am here. I consider this will not be a problem, no? As fussing over that matter is utterly useless to me, or anybody else..
Specify us your pros and cons:
Cons:Rather quiet. And possibly some violent behaviour that might occur out of nowhere, though a rarity, only happens if I am angered enough. A tad bit unfriendly towards some lawful people, or those with bad attitudes towards me. Pros:I can help with some odd jobs or small stuff that might need to be taken care of. Or smuggling. Depends.
Specify why you desire to join the Commonwealth: After that person left me, I started to have an urge to explore a bit and learn more and ended up hearing about you. And it seems this group of people seems to be a fair fit for someone like me.
Profession before joining the Commonwealth: Freelancing.
Specify the Branch you wish to be part of(Research or Commerce): Commerce. As an "affiliated freelancer". As it seems to fit more for myself.
Specify your S.K.1.P.3 Protocols designation: er4d1c4t0r
Full Name:
Jennifer Perez Age:
24 Provide us with a description of yourself (Your Bio or History) :
I was born at Planet Cambridge and never had any siblings. Not much happened in my childhood. I started messing with electronics when I was about twelve years old and soon got known for experimenting much with them. After finishing school I studied Nanotechnology, electrical engineering and digital technology in Liberty, I followed a school friend of me there. After finishing that I bought a Spatial and refitted it with place for me to experiment and sleep. I still had a house back then, but I left and sold it after people started complaining about power blackouts which probably were created by some of my experiments, but anyways. So I sold my house and explored Sirius for a bit in my spatial, searching for a new place to live and research, without people around who have no idea about what I do, and why. I stumbled over your frequency in the neuralnet and it sounded like a good idea. No more limits like in the houses. Specify us your pros and cons: Pros:
I'm interested, I like my work and I experiment much. It often leads to unexpected results, nevertheless interesting ones though. I studied what I research and I consider myself to be good in it. Cons:
My experiments lead to minor disruptions from time to time, I usually get them back under control quickly though. I was also told that I am not really patient and that I get annoyed quickly. I cannot confirm that. Specify why you desire to join the Commonwealth:
I wanted to find a new home, where I can research, find new friends, a new family maybe, since my old one... ah, well, don't really want to speak about it. Profession before joining the Commonwealth:
Freelancer, Researcher. I accepted jobs to get money while I was flying around in Sirius. It worked I guess, but I had more fun in researching stuff than raising money for it. Specify the Branch you wish to be part of(Research or Commerce):
Research, of course. Specify your S.K.1.P.3 Protocols designation:
picard124
Transmission Terminated
"Common sense is the best distributed commodity in the world, for every man is convinced that he is well supplied with it." René Descartes
"Hm, Mrs Perez, your case is an intriguing one party due to the excruciating ardour's I've actually had to undergo to process it effaciousy, but bien, the fault is my own."
*Squints narrowly at the application*
"So mon ami, let's take an analytical, unbiased glance at your skill set; it's certainly quite an impressive one, one that would effectively round the circle of intellectual prowess that rings our little research department. Indeed Mrs Perez, you do enthral me rather; but merely triggering neighbourhood power-outages hardly seems like a legitimate reason to scamper over to the Boarder Worlds. Who exactly are you running from cheri, the electrical board?"
*grins oddly, as though tittilated by his own joke.*
"…None-withstanding, the…. ah how do I put this tactfully, the morbidly magnificent overstaffing issue that we have as of late (not that I'm in any way whining like an infant, but such is irritance); that It's becoming incessantly more expensiv… frustrating to provide sufficient resources to everyone within the department proper. The resulting logistical armageddon is so blastedly convoluted you'd need an antimatter cannon to actually make any indent in it, but enough of that."
"On the matter of your temperament - your alleged lack of patience, cheri." *Sips something obscure*"…Ah, bien. Ah, anyway, whilst the Commonwealth does embrace it's anarchistic elements (indeed, we are all mavericks from something), the whole balance of our fraternity rests upon unity, not discord. Certainly, we may all try to murder each other in our spare time, but when working towards a common purpose the pieces are expected to slot together… We're a chain cheri, there is no room for fragile links."
"Usually Cheri I would not mind as much, but blade has so recently struck me; that of a particular Commonwealth member, impatient, very much like yourself, who manipulated the fraternity in the wrong ways, and for the wrong reasons. She had "issues" integrating with us Mrs Perez. She would not be open, nor frank, nor clear in her directives, and that, cheri, is the crux. You may use others my dear, but you may not use us."
"…On this basis then, I'm prepared to render you, temporarily that is, a full member of the Commonwealth inner circle. If you manage to settle effectively with us (as I'm sure a woman of your station would), then we can extend that spell… perhaps indefinitely. It is your choice, Jennifer Perez."
"Welcome to the Fraternity Mrs Perez. Feel free to move whatever supplies and assets you possess to the Freeport proper and Monsieur Grengar will escort you to your quarters."
"…Oh and as for collaborating with comparable individuals; I'd try monsieur Devious in the same department, his skill sets are greatly compatible, you could build off each other?"
THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)