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A small lone eagle arrived in Baffin.

It lost it's escorts in the Sigma systems, deeming house space safe enough to fly through for a singe Zoner with no cargo.

Tobias Parkes, Administrator of Freeport 11 was a man well into old age. He had lived in space for most of his life, first with the military until an accident made him lose his left leg, then as a transport captain, until finally retiring to trading aboard a space station as a commodity dealer when his age caused him too much pain to fly daily.

There were no proud robes, just a large overcoat hiding well worn-in clothes. No pretty face, just a weathered one which had seen too much of Sirius.


Three taps echoed in a pattern on the floor, one like a normal footstep, the other a bit heavier, and then a click. This was the sound of Parkes walking away from the hangar with his walking stick propping up his aged frame. His leg with the prosthetic was sore from the flight and he was thankful he would get some rest here.

"I can't remember when I've been in a place so grand. What a waste of credits." He muttered, stumbling along.

He stopped suddenly, having no idea where he was going. Directions weren't included in the transmission to attend.

"Well, I'm going to sit down. I'm sure I look out of place enough that someone will find me soon enough." He sighed, sitting on a bench that adorned the hallway and readjusting the things under his coat to get comfortable.

As the other delegates had been introducing themselves, the Deep Diver, the Renzu Flagship liner of the OSI had been mooring up, although it was only a very short trip from Gran Canaria to Baffin, Voncloud had decided that some show had to be made.
The Fox had been stood at the airdock waiting for the mooring procedure to complete, stood with his secretary as she placed a hand on his shoulder

"You dont have to do this you know..you could still send Director Stow h-"
She would be cut off with a firm but gentle tone from the CEO

"No, ill be fine, this is something I must do myself..I Cant continue to hide behind my Directors to save what I am"

She had nodded to the fox, the small conversation had been going over in his mind as he walked through the corridors, reaching the doors to the amphitheatre, he hadnt dressed formally for this, wearing his usual attire of a trench coat combat trousers and boots along with his eye piece. Looking at the door, he took a deep breath in, then proceeded to walk in surveying who was around.

I hope I am not late. Quiron made his steps faster. He has just arrived to Malaclypse Freeport and was already in late. A few days ago, after the talks of the Leviathan, he recieved a message from Christian which said they should remain in Baffin along with Dirk, since a grandiose meeting will be held at the TAZ's home system. However Dirk decided to leave as he had other assignments aswell to be taken care of.

He wore a simple looking dark grey robe which had a small, but well contrasted orange patch just above his heart shaped a bird in flames. As the Phoenix turned to the hallway which was leading to the Zenarch, he spotted an old man sitting on a bench. Hm, he doesn't seem like a member of the TAZ. I wonder if he is guest too. He started to walk slower as approaching the stranger.

"Good day, Mister." he stepped near to the bench and bowed politely. "I wonder if you know that the meeting has been started already?" he said but after a little pause he came to his senses. "Oh, sorry for my bad manners. I am Quiron Lacroix, representative of the Phoenix and Livadia shipyard."

"Hello there Mr Lacroix." An old man stood up from the bench and shook hands with the man who approached him.

"Tobias. Tobias Parkes. I'm here for Freeport 11. And unfortunately, I'd say it has by now, but I have no idea where it is." Parkes let out a slight chuckle. He never really cared for deadlines these days. Things would happen in their own time.

"Phoenix huh? Part of The Omicroners back in the day? Or the new fleet?" Parkes asked, his curiousity piqued.

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Parkes." said as he recieved the old man's handshake. "Actually, I happen to know where is the Zenarch, since I have enjoyed the hospitality of the TAZ for the last few days. It is through that corridor." he pointed to a hallway. "I would gladly accompany you if you don't mind." he slightly put his hand ahead inviting him to a walk.

"Indeed Mr. Parkes, I flew with the Omicroners for some time. I was a member of the trade department back then. Those were quite hard, but also good times..." he spaced out a little bit. "But anyway, It is good to hear that Freeport 11 has a man who takes care the daily tasks. I hadn't heard any news about your station since Marvin Orphelia's disappearance."

"Their hospitality? I hope it was as grand as this hall." Parkes hobbled along, his walking cane tapping in tune as Lacroix guided him to the Zenarch.

"Trade? I remember Dankien Moebus of that department. A logistical master. I dealt with him several times on Freeport 11 as a commodity dealer...." Parkes remembered the Corsair incident and went slightly silent.

"Well, we're the final frontier? We're too busy doing work to talk most of the time." Parkes retorted, making a slight jest at Zoners in the border worlds. He believed the Edge was it. You either were in it, or you were just playing Zoner.

"I don't expect this meeting to be much, but I came anyway. I don't have much life left in me, so I might as well travel a bit. Someone else will take care of the work on the freeport." He sighed, feeling even older than he was.

"As strange as Marvin was, I'll miss him." He thought, as the pair continued onwards to the Zenarch.

"Well, I shouldn't complain. I got a guest room in Shasta with a nice view on the surrounding enviroment." said Quiron to Parkes as he limited his walking speed to his companion's. "But I agree with you. Acting is preferable than talk. I hope this meeting won't long last. I miss the Omicrons, being so close to the Houses makes me ill." he pointed out to his problem as an Edge world resident.

"Mr. Moebus was my superior, working as his secretary. Later, when he was elected to the ranks of the Seniors, I took the administration of Freeport XV for a small period. But due to some health problems, I had to resign to Gran Canaria for one and a half year." remembering the medical treatments made his face quite worn-out. "But I've returned where I belong. Sadly, most of my old friends are already gone by that time."

The two men reached an archway, guarded by templars. The air noticeably changed for better. Quiron stopped for a moment. "We are here Mr. Parkes, this is the entrance of the Zenarch."

"Well its been a while since I moved out from the omicrons, every inch I travled reminded me of the horros that happend in house space, " I hope this meeting wont take too long I might have a HMO on my back just knowning im this close to house space", all the sudden I hear some strange voices " have I gone insane" *Over here Mr.Lee!", I see this gentlman who I dont recognize.. "Hello.. Mr.Lee, My name is Parkes.. We are glad you have come" I slowly turned and started walking towards him, I could almost here the jaw music in the background. I remained skeptical but to the point where he showed me the entrance to the zenarch.

" No, I wouldn't mind you calling me Robert, monsieur " he replied to Mojo as they were facing each other

" In fact, I'd actually prefer to be called that, most Sirians cannot pronounce my other name unfortunately " he said only to be interrupted by the appearance of a madame, Sarah John-Kane which joined at the request of Mojo.

After her brief greeting with mr. Mojo, she turned to Robert and presented herself. Robert knew he had to return the favour and so, he tilted his hat once again and said:

" Monsieur Robert d'Autoine. At your service, madame. "

Before he could get to know the woman better, she left, continuing her own business or perhaps trying to meet the other guests. In the meantime, mr. Mojo went for the green table, signaling Robert to follow him. He mentioned something about some "proper binding rituals" , something which Robert viewed with confusion and with a little too much surprise.

He followed the host of this meeting only to see him greeting a third person, a person unlike any others. He was astonished at his appearance, but seeing Mojo offering a pipe to this guest gave him more reasons to worry as he had a despicable opinion against smoking.

Still, not wanting to disturb the two, he awaited for them to finish their greeting so that he could approach Matok and greet him with a warm:

" Bonjour, Allow me to present myself. Robert d'Autoine, Head Councilor of the Commonwealth"

Followed by a firm shake of hands

Parkes nodded understandingly at Lacroix. He knew exactly of what was being spoken underneath the surface. He agreed with it, for the most part.

"A shame indeed. But you seem to be doing much better now." A slight smile escaped his weary face.

"Thank you for showing me the way Mr Lacroix. I'll go and find a quiet place to gaze at the stars before I'm forced to interact with people in this congregation." He winked, just before walking away to the table with refreshments on it. If he looked busy enough eating, perhaps no-one would approach him. He certainly didn't look important enough to be here.