Pirates out of desperation, Terrorists out of necessity ...
At first glance, the origin of the Mollys seems shrouded, but the political undercurrents that lead to the current state of Dublin can be seen as early as 750 A.S. The mining revolts of 752 and subsequent attempts by the BAF and BPA to pacify the region only hardened the resolve of the embryonic faction, leaving them with a burning determination to free Dublin from Bretonian control and corporate manipulation. The advent of the Molly-Rogue pact a short while later allowed the latter access to the Mollys' shipbuilding experience, and together they collaborated on a number of projects, including the Z-9000 Barghest, and culminating in the Scylla. After locating a system -which they deemed Londonderry- to call home, the fledgling Mollys began to operate towards the liberation of Dublin in earnest. Due to the small nature of the organization, open war was out of the question, and instead they focus on lightning raids against convoys and poorly-defended military assets.
After a Corsair fleet decimated the Mollys near the planet Cork, a new objective came into view. Not only would the Mollys continue to work towards freeing their homeland, now they also had their dead to avenge. To this day, Corsairs and Mollys clash in the Omegas, leaving broken ships and broken lives on either side.
Molly History -
The Dublin system has been a hotspot of Bretonian industry for decades, mining huge amounts of gold from the asteroids that inhabit the system has made BMM untold riches. However the current situation, where BMM merely control Graves Station and the field it sits in is far from the dream that industrialists had for Dublin.
Discovered between 743 A.S. and 745 A.S., the gold fields in Dublin triggered a gold rush akin to the ones on Earth. People from all over Bretonia, and further, came scrambling to the system, hoping to literally carve out their own fortune from the hoard's of rocks in the system. BMM took centre stage in the rush, establishing Graves Station as their primary base in the system and starting mining operations almost immediately.
Workers were initially paid fair wages but as the sheer number of potential workers increased dramatically as the rush picked up pace, their wages and work conditions were cut dramatically. Workers who had traversed the length of Bretonia to get to this fabled golden system found little to no work and were typically stuck in the system, without enough credits to buy their way home. BMM exploited this to great effect, mistreating workers as simple menial labour and paying them pittance for doing so. The work was dangerous and safety was a rare luxury. Most had no choice but to work for BMM, regardless of the conditions.
This changed on one fateful day.
The Founders Day Revolt in 752 AS. Overworked and underpaid workers took control of their mining stations, executing their overlords, and capturing a pair of mining ships. Rather than attempt to negotiate with the rebels, the BAF arrived in force with a large fleet, destroying the mining ship Endevour and pursuing the Glorious into a dense field, where the pursuers were routed by a series of large mines, set in preparation for the revolt.
The BAF and Bretonian government, incensed at the continuing existence of a revolting band of miners, sent the HMS-Hood, a Dunkirk class battleship, from New London to restore order. This was the last straw for the loyal miners in the system. The entire mining population of the system declared their Independence, and began a long guerilla war against the oppressive and brutal government. The Hood was disabled by a huge mine. The BAF stripped and abandoned the ship, and the independent Miners Guild took it over shortly after, establishing the only Freeport within House space.
The miners had come from all over Bretonia during the rush but there was a significant percentage that had common ancestry from the older Terra age. Many could identify links with the old nations and cultures of Ireland, Scotland and other 'Celtic' nations. Those that did not have the blood link were keen to adopt the cultural link that stressed a fight for independence against an oppressive regime.
Naming themselves the Mollys, they began a campaign to free Dublin from the control of Bretonia and their lackeys, the BMM.
Since the revolt, the Mollies have grown into a fierce group of terrorists and pirates, using attacks on commercial shipping and mining operations, civilian establishments, and BAF bases and convoys in their fight to gain independence.
Whilst their goal has always been to free Dublin, the Molly's recognised the need for gaining power in other ways so they could do such a thing. Using contacts throughout Bretonia and working with the Junkers and IMG, the Mollys explored several systems near Dublin. All but one were useless. This single system became known as Londonderry, named by the Molly's themselves.
After the initial expansion in the system, it has since become a desolate and barren system. It is used only for a safe place for ship construction, training and also a potential fall-back area if the worst should occur in Dublin.
The Londonderry System is considered a No-Fly zone for all BAF ships, and the Molly Asteroid Field, and Dublin in general, have become increasingly dangerous for the BAF and corsairs alike.
The Molly's have traditionally been adverse to other forces interfering in Dublin, the system they claim ownership of. Throughout their existance they have managed to hold them at bay and even keep them out of Dublin. However the Corsair Empire has recently been sending forces into the system, in the hope of claiming the gold fields for themselves and also removing a potential threat to their growing power. The Molly's have been successful in holding them back but they were dealt a blow when a Corsair force destroyed the surface of Cork. This concreted the growing tension between the two entities and has since become a rallying call for the Mollys against the Corsairs.
The Molly Republic has grown rapidly in the past few decades. From their humble origins in Dublin they have expanded throughout the system and into their new home of Londonderry. Huge fields of resources, or gold, were found in Londonderry and as such it has also been heavily developed. With multiple refineries now at their disposal and these massive supplies of resources, the Mollys have entered a new age of expansion. Whilst attacks on Bretonia increased after the initial formation of the Republic, more recent movements suggest a move for a diplomatic solution. If complete independence could be gained through diplomacy, the Mollys could focus their military elements on their nemesis, the Corsair Empire.
The Council is the head of the Molly movement. They are responsible for keeping the Mollys in order and make sure the fight for freedom doesn't stop. It comprises of the Governor, The Vice and the Councilors.
Comprising of the Governor who is the leader of the Mollys movement. He is the big cheese. The head honcho. Any way you slice it, this person runs it. From the largest smugging convoy to the smallest bribe, the Governor is the one who makes it all happen.
The Vice Governor is the right hand man for the Governor, but they focus more on administrative tasks. Filling in for the Governor when she/he is out on business, the Vice Governor is a person to be reckoned with among the Mollys, possessing vast influence on day-to-day operations.
Councilors are expert Mollys and much brighter than the majority. They are experts in fields which is vital for the movement to survive and progress. They help assist and advice the Governor and Vice and plan with them to help improve the faction.
-:Governor-Erin Flynn
-:Vice Governor-Unknown
-: Councilors
Erin Flynn -Councilor of War
Aine Moore
Charles -Councilor of Trade & Relations
Molly Veterans
Veterans are the ones who deal with the flight training of the Mollys and organising, along with the Councilor of War, strikes in key positions of the Bretonian Kingdom. They have extensive experience and much flight time for the Molly cause. They are some of the most experienced and deadly players among Bretonia. Majority of Molly blood look up to these figures as they are the ones who lead them into battle and make sure their training is sufficient to get them home in one piece.
-: Wardog
Non So Far
-: Veteran
Non So Far
Mollys
These Mollys are the arms and legs of the movement. They are the guardians of Molly territory and the scourge of any Bretonian or foreigner alike.
Rookies ~ Fresh meat. The recruits fly cheap ships and drink even cheaper alcohol. Their goal is to fly interference for the Rookies of the Mollys, and to free up valuable assets from standard patrol duty.
Miners ~ These folk are true laborers and aim to supply the Molly movement with as much gold as possible as it is what a lot of the movement is funded by.
Grunts ~ They went from the frying pan into the fire and came out of it smelling like smoke, but still alive. These pilots have survived the harrowing Molly stage of their career and almost to a man.
Aces ~ Sometimes in life a man does something incredible. For some, it's landing the dream job. For the Mollys, it's usually something done while inebriated and shouting insults at Bretonia. The Aces, determined to one-up each other, have done nothing short of the fantastic. Only the best of the Bretonian Armed Forces pilots can compare to them.
-: Ace
Matt Fisk
Deaglan Cormack[S]
Colleen O'Finnegan
Eamon O'Malley
-: Grunt
Carrie Duncan[S]
Collin O'Sullivan
Earlene Daly[S]
James Corey
Charlie O'bannon
Tony Longton[S]
Bo Little
Johnny McBryde[S]
-: Rookie/Miner
Art O'Harrigan
Brian O'Neilly
Sean Oliver
Geogre McDorrell
Christine Elliot[S]
William O'Harris[S]
Neasa O'Harrigan[S]
[S] - Secondary Characters
Special Wings
Dublin Guardians
Four Odins were given to the Mollys as a sign of good faith from the Hessian allies. They were named after four ancient Norse gods, Bragi, Njord, Eir and Magni to defend Dublin, the Mollys' home.
Wild Geese
Wild Geese are the Mollys that are working outside of Bretonia as mercenaries, hired by Molly allies in order to support the Mollys of Dublin.
[M]-Title|WG
Cork Strikeforce
Cork strikeforce is a small fleet that has been retrofitted with the new engine technology SCRA provided the Mollys with. It was created after SCRA sent a small fleet to assist with the defense of Dublin from attacks while the Cork strikeforce moved to the Omegas to assist the Hessians and SCRA to fight Corsairs in a united front.
Three Odins are used by personal players. One Is Shared.
Five Arbeiters are shared.
Equipment
Red Hessian "Natterturn Zwei" cannons and turrets Liberty Rogue "Sammael" cannons and turrets Molly "Trefoil" cannons and turrets
Saoirse Molly Gunboat Turrets Liberty Rogue Cruiser Turrets
Special Ships & Equipment
Two sets of Six H4-Z "Brimstone" Lane Hacker Gunboat Turrets
Two Lane Hacker Gunships LWB "Destroyer" cannons and turrets Unioner "Protector" cannons and turrets
The above equipment is usable only by the Wild Geese
Don't know if it's going to be used, that would be up to Hoodlum, I suppose, but I'd like to see it bbcoded. I'll pay for it personally and present it to him.
Have fun. And oh, I know you love that font you've used for most of the pages you did, but if you can use another one, but still suiting the IND, that'd be good.
ID - Independent Neuralnet Division IFF - None Tag - [IND]
Leader - Fellow Hoodlum
Roppongi
"On behalf of Interspace allow me to welcome you to Roppongi Station. We are honored by your interest in our company and its history."
Yoshi Takagari stood beside his wife with no small displeasure etched across his face. He scratched irritably at one of his arms, pulling the suit back to reveal a second sleeve of artistic tattoos. The trip to Roppongi had been her idea, for their anniversary. Though the damned lifts to the restaurant promenade were down, leaving the two of them stranded whilst they waited on a quickly 'impressed upon' security guard to summon one of the security back lifts.
Now he stood burning time while watching a holographic man dump the history of some gaijin organization into his ears, the place stank of the foreign scum and he could have sworn that a he spotted a Chrysanthemum in the distance. His anniversary night better end spectacularly.
"The advent of jumpgate technology in 185 A.S. prompted a huge demand in Bretonia, Kusari and Rheinland to quickly establish trade networks to mirror those being laid in Liberty.
However, the astronomical costs associated with the venture discouraged the possibility of rapid growth. With the market need clearly evident the Interspace corporation was founded in 218 A.S. by Ageira and Deep Space Engineering who could pool the necessary capital in insure and finance the vent*static*"
The security guard looked over with a grin, "If I may sir, let me switch to something a bit more interesting."
Quick navigating down the directory listings he selected another option with what looked to be practiced ease. As the Kusarian businessman hologram was replaced by that of its 'artistically designed' female counterpart. Yoshi noted a dreamy gaze overtake the man's face and imagined it was a well practiced file access indeed.
"The events of 521 and 523 AS were significant ones for Interspace Commerce. Incensed over supposedly inflated construction costs and heavy debts incurred in their rush to acquire trade lane networks, the nations of Kusari and Rheinland enact embargoes on Liberty and refuse all payments to Interspace.
Suddenly bereft of her lifeblood of foreign material imports Liberty and Interspace formed a compromise, allowing the two nations to wipe their debt and nationalize their tradelanes in exchange for a payable toll for tradelane use to be paid to Interspace for two hundred years. Regardless the company suffered a grievous financial loss in addition to their planet side facilities in both Rheinland and Kusari.
This dramatic change in the landscape of Interspace's commercial purpose, in addition to investor worry and the political backlash following the defiance of Rheinland and Kusari Interspace was put in a position of adapting to a new purpose or fading from existence.
In 535 A.S. Interspace shifts its market from insuring and financing tradelane construction to encompass the insuring of interstellar freight. The following century is one of rapid growth as the bulk of Interspace's political prowess and massive commercial capital is applied to ruthlessly dominating the industry and to gaining local governmental favor by working to protect the tradelane networks from the threat of piracy.
In 700 A.S., Interspace Commerce and Ageira technologies developed a revolutionary new cargo scanning and tagging system. In conjunction with advances in neural net technology the concept of real time interstellar freight, banking and vessel insurance services become a sudden reality. Possessing the raw capital required to launch such a venture in conjunction with their relationship with Ageira, Interspace was in the position to utterly monopolize the interstellar insurance market overnight.
The Interspace Neuralnet Department was originally created to oversee the development and implementation of this new program. Upon wholesale universal adoption, however, the department was tasked with the supervision of high end insurance accounts and banking needs in addition to providing nearly all of the company's investigative and shipping services beyond the four colonies and into the borderworlds."
With a bow, the image of the woman flickered out and was again replaced with that of the station map and directory. With a small sigh the guard tore his gaze away to smile at the couple. "Please then! It would seem that our elevator has finally cleared up, we'll have you at your destination shortly."
Cutting their way amongst the grumbling lines the guard reached a far wall, of which a portion slid away to reveal a utilitarian service elevator. Quickly ushering the pair in they began their assent to the station's promenade. Yoshi reflected that, while it was a shame that he would not be afforded the opportunity to gaze upon his native world during the ride, at least he would be able to eat within this lif- a small pinging noise broke him from his reverie - glancing up he noticed an urgently flashing light adjacent to a small screen.
"Sir?" began the guard "Would you mind hitting that button for me? Just activates the camera so they can see who's in here. Give the screen a good look though so they know who you are."
With a slight shrug Yoshi turned back to the panel and pushed the red button.
With a burst of white noise a rush of rapidly shifting lights and color flooded from the monitor to play across Yoshi's widened eyes. A long minute passed before the monitor went silent again leaving Yoshi's mouth to slowly fall open as he stared transfixed at the panel. Eventually his jaw seemed to come back to life, muttering a series of what sounded to be nonsensical babble before he fell to a heap on the deck.
The elevator opened on the promenade of the station, from where crowds were being disgorged from a full compliment of working lifts. Yoshi stepped cautiously forward, looking around in some confusion. Taking a glace behind he noted a smiling security guard accompanied by a woman.
"Thank you sir! Please enjoy your stay on Roppongi."
With that the lift closed and he was left to wonder why on earth he had decided to book passage all the way out here just to buy lunch.
Elsewhere, a neat man stood behind a technician watching as he decoded the harmonic code placed in the series of mumbles dictated by their unwitting charge. Yoshi's 'wife' strolled up from behind accompanied by the guard, affixing a nose plug drawn from her neat suit as she went, pausing but for a beat to inhale with pleasure.
With a short bow the man addressed the pair. "In but a moment we'll have the timetable and route of the artifact shipments in hand, your vessel has been prepared and will have the information uploaded shortly.
As the pair took their leave the man returned to follow Mr. Yoshi's progress across a series of monitors. Mr. Yoshi wouldn't know his part in today's latest step in a campaign of systematic attacks on artifact trade within the region, which is just as well, so much neater to conduct business when violence could be sidestepped... But just as well when that same violence could be enacted by another's hand.
The Hogosha should really have known better than to attempt to attempt the two and a half percent price increase.
The technician glanced up to a monitor as Mr. Yoshi took up a menu and began to order.
"Should we at least comp his lunch, sir?"
With a smirk the man turned on his heel and strolled back towards his office.
"We're running a business here, son. Not a charity"
Waterloo
Foxhunt Limited, a small independent trading firm attempting to get its start in Bretonia had become a problem. The small company had recently reported multiple instances of cargo loss, destroyed ships on the resource run between Liberty and Bretonia. Normally this wouldn't be such an issue, rating a sweep or step-up of escort craft, but this small company had opted for one of the best policies openly available to a enterprise of their size and it was beginning to cost money. So the investigators were launched.
Herman Dustrang was now idling in his Eagle above the general vicinity of the Leeds/Magellan jumphole, waiting for the day to wrap itself up with the inevitable result. Herman's contact on Freeport 4 had signaled some time ago that the Crown Jewel, A Foxtrot transport, had been spotted passing in the distance but had not approached the trade lane leading to Manchester.
Could be that they were running a load of supplies to a mining platform out there, but the cargo manifest taped to his dash spoke of boron heading towards Leeds. Idiots were making for the shortcut to save a little cash on Interspace's dime.
With a mutter about idiot traders Herman activated the 'bully' another time, sending out a pulse which would awaken the beacon hidden on the Jewel if she were in system. With glee the ship announced that the beacon had been activated and would be passing by in but a few short minutes.
Firing up the burners he made to meet with the fool of a transport, the rough plan being to deliver the news that utilizing dangerously unstable wormholes was a violation of some bit of the contract or another to scare the idiot into -not- flying by pirate bases on someone else's dime. Then fine the heck out of him.
That's when he saw the Molly ships, two O'Malleys and an O'Kelly, dissidents who hadn't taken to the new era of peace and good times which had fallen over the land. It looked like they were going to beat him to the transport by at good heartbeat at least, but while he hadn't come looking for a fight he'd be damned if he was going to watch another load of premium insurance go tumbling into space.
That's when he noticed that the Molly's had fallen into formation with the transport.
"Warte mal, was zur Helle..."
Hastily he commenced a scan of the transport, earning himself nothing but a screen full of interference rather than the expected neat lineup of Ageira tagged goods.
Ignoring the incoming flood of neigh indecipherable warnings emanating from the Mollies Herman proceeded to knock the transport out of cruises, scoring him a solid scan of the vessel's hold. What that revealed did little for his mounting sour mood.
The sons of ***** had been dumping their own cargo and running contraband on the sly! As Molly Trefoils began to batter on his shields Herman hastily packaged the data and sent it to Waterloo in New London. Foxhunt wasn't going to walk away from this one unscathed. Probably wasn't going to walk away at all.
Engaging his cannons he readied the Eagle to return the fight. The Molly ships were laying an intimidating amount of fire in his path, but with a little luck he might be able to perform his good civic duty and remove another unlawful smuggler from the world. Maybe even do it without getting his ship turned inside out in the process.
Bonn
Samantha followed the pilot's gaze to a Republican train, also apparently thinking of running the same gambit, furiously firing at a swarm of small Xeno fighters less than 6k down their path. With the Cross' engines cold there was no way they could make it through relying on maneuvering thrusters. With a resigned grin Samantha reckoned that mayhap a little fun might come out of things yet, she trusted the Cross to see her through the trouble.
"Welp! Was a good shot! Fire up the spinner and get ready to shuck and jive a bit. Let the gunners know that I'm perfectly fine with donating company plasma to the Xenos, terrorists or no everyone deserves fair treatment in that regard!"
As the ship flickered to life Samantha flicked a switch, issuing the general call to arms; it also fired off a signal to the trio of escorting fighters trailing a few minutes behind. Best part about being cocky concerning a fight was having the guns to back it up.
"Oh" Samantha added to the pilot "If the Xenos manage to nab the Republican train see about getting the paperwork together on salvage rights for rescue."
Could be a good day was only going to get better.
Important IND Press Release
Some minutes ago the Vice Presidents of the Interspace Neuralnet Division came together to make a very special purchase. Ourselves. The appropriate stocks have been exchanged, the lawyers have met in a cataclysmic battle which shall be recorded in song and dance for generations to come. The receipt has been framed and sealed in the Ship's Inn, which as we speak is being rather forcibly removed from Newark station to be ferried away to parts unknown.
The Interspace Neuralnet Division has had a rich history with Interspace Commerce. We've grown from a rather small organization of devilish rogues to a rather robust organization of devilish rogues with extensive commercial and economic holdings.
But, all things change with time.
The Interspace NeuralNet Division is no more. However in the interest of saving money on business cards you'll now find us under the handle of the Independent NeuralNet Department; your sleek chauffeur between the turbulent uncertainties of the borderworlds and the cumbersome bureaucracy of the core.
As a company born from and fostered under a tradition of taking large sums of money of uncertain origin and transforming it into perfectly legitimate funds we have all of the experience and know how one needs to interact with the core of Sirius without the trappings offered by a Manhattan side address.
But, to those of you who have availed yourselves of our services this is all well known.
To those who do not, well, we look forward to continuing our business with you.
The Skinny
Its important to note that Interspace is not a shipping company, they deal in securing the financial endeavors of her sister corporations via insurance, economic backing and vigil supervision of the tradelane networks that serve as the vital arteries of the four houses of the Sirius sector.
That is not to say that Interspace does not ship freight. Either under specific contract or client request an additional fee can ensure that Interspace will utilize the resources at its disposal to see virtually any cargo reach virtually any destination intact.
As an Interspace Commerce faction the IND is charged with maintaining the surface perception of that organization as well as being the best possible example of conduct by which players can portray themselves on the discovery RP server. In pursuit of achieving that objective the IND will largely be concerning itself with the business of managing 'premium insurance' shipping in addition to her secondary role of trader escort/lane security.
That being said, the primary purpose of the IND is to serve as a launching platform for a rich array of interaction with whatever persons or organizations with whom we might encounter in our various travels. Also there's something about becoming embarrassingly wealthy (we lied, we're not embarrassed at all) in the process.
The IND is one of the oldest factions on the Discovery RP server, its founding members serving as some of the server's founding members. With a rich and robust history providing for the foundation of what many might consider to be an overly shady branch of Interspace Commerce running behind a winsome front of being entirely legitimate. Or we're perfectly legitimate atop an undercurrent of shadiness, or we're perfectly legitimate and have not an ounce of shady in our bones. Heck we're so good to go we're practically glowing.
Thats enough of the tour, head on down to the giftshop and go buy a spoon or something.
"On behalf of Interspace allow me to welcome you to Roppongi Station. We are honored by your interest in our company and its history."
Yoshi Takagari stood beside his wife with no small displeasure etched across his face. He scratched irritably at one of his arms, pulling the suit back to reveal a second sleeve of artistic tattoos. The trip to Roppongi had been her idea, for their anniversary. Though the damned lifts to the restaurant promenade were down, leaving the two of them stranded whilst they waited on a quickly 'impressed upon' security guard to summon one of the security back lifts.
Now he stood burning time while watching a holographic man dump the history of some gaijin organization into his ears, the place stank of the foreign scum and he could have sworn that a he spotted a Chrysanthemum in the distance. His anniversary night better end spectacularly.
"The advent of jumpgate technology in 185 A.S. prompted a huge demand in Bretonia, Kusari and Rheinland to quickly establish trade networks to mirror those being laid in Liberty.
However, the astronomical costs associated with the venture discouraged the possibility of rapid growth. With the market need clearly evident the Interspace corporation was founded in 218 A.S. by Ageira and Deep Space Engineering who could pool the necessary capital in insure and finance the vent*static*"
The security guard looked over with a grin, "If I may sir, let me switch to something a bit more interesting."
Quick navigating down the directory listings he selected another option with what looked to be practiced ease. As the Kusarian businessman hologram was replaced by that of its 'artistically designed' female counterpart. Yoshi noted a dreamy gaze overtake the man's face and imagined it was a well practiced file access indeed.
"The events of 521 and 523 AS were significant ones for Interspace Commerce. Incensed over supposedly inflated construction costs and heavy debts incurred in their rush to acquire trade lane networks, the nations of Kusari and Rheinland enact embargoes on Liberty and refuse all payments to Interspace.
Suddenly bereft of her lifeblood of foreign material imports Liberty and Interspace formed a compromise, allowing the two nations to wipe their debt and nationalize their tradelanes in exchange for a payable toll for tradelane use to be paid to Interspace for two hundred years. Regardless the company suffered a grievous financial loss in addition to their planet side facilities in both Rheinland and Kusari.
This dramatic change in the landscape of Interspace's commercial purpose, in addition to investor worry and the political backlash following the defiance of Rheinland and Kusari Interspace was put in a position of adapting to a new purpose or fading from existence.
In 535 A.S. Interspace shifts its market from insuring and financing tradelane construction to encompass the insuring of interstellar freight. The following century is one of rapid growth as the bulk of Interspace's political prowess and massive commercial capital is applied to ruthlessly dominating the industry and to gaining local governmental favor by working to protect the tradelane networks from the threat of piracy.
In 700 A.S., Interspace Commerce and Ageira technologies developed a revolutionary new cargo scanning and tagging system. In conjunction with advances in neural net technology the concept of real time interstellar freight, banking and vessel insurance services become a sudden reality. Possessing the raw capital required to launch such a venture in conjunction with their relationship with Ageira, Interspace was in the position to utterly monopolize the interstellar insurance market overnight.
The Interspace Neuralnet Department was originally created to oversee the development and implementation of this new program. Upon wholesale universal adoption, however, the department was tasked with the supervision of high end insurance accounts and banking needs in addition to providing nearly all of the company's investigative and shipping services beyond the four colonies and into the borderworlds."
With a bow, the image of the woman flickered out and was again replaced with that of the station map and directory. With a small sigh the guard tore his gaze away to smile at the couple. "Please then! It would seem that our elevator has finally cleared up, we'll have you at your destination shortly."
Cutting their way amongst the grumbling lines the guard reached a far wall, of which a portion slid away to reveal a utilitarian service elevator. Quickly ushering the pair in they began their assent to the station's promenade. Yoshi reflected that, while it was a shame that he would not be afforded the opportunity to gaze upon his native world during the ride, at least he would be able to eat within this lif- a small pinging noise broke him from his reverie - glancing up he noticed an urgently flashing light adjacent to a small screen.
"Sir?" began the guard "Would you mind hitting that button for me? Just activates the camera so they can see who's in here. Give the screen a good look though so they know who you are."
With a slight shrug Yoshi turned back to the panel and pushed the red button.
With a burst of white noise a rush of rapidly shifting lights and color flooded from the monitor to play across Yoshi's widened eyes. A long minute passed before the monitor went silent again leaving Yoshi's mouth to slowly fall open as he stared transfixed at the panel. Eventually his jaw seemed to come back to life, muttering a series of what sounded to be nonsensical babble before he fell to a heap on the deck.
The elevator opened on the promenade of the station, from where crowds were being disgorged from a full compliment of working lifts. Yoshi stepped cautiously forward, looking around in some confusion. Taking a glace behind he noted a smiling security guard accompanied by a woman.
"Thank you sir! Please enjoy your stay on Roppongi."
With that the lift closed and he was left to wonder why on earth he had decided to book passage all the way out here just to buy lunch.
Elsewhere, a neat man stood behind a technician watching as he decoded the harmonic code placed in the series of mumbles dictated by their unwitting charge. Yoshi's 'wife' strolled up from behind accompanied by the guard, affixing a nose plug drawn from her neat suit as she went, pausing but for a beat to inhale with pleasure.
With a short bow the man addressed the pair. "In but a moment we'll have the timetable and route of the artifact shipments in hand, your vessel has been prepared and will have the information uploaded shortly.
As the pair took their leave the man returned to follow Mr. Yoshi's progress across a series of monitors. Mr. Yoshi wouldn't know his part in today's latest step in a campaign of systematic attacks on artifact trade within the region, which is just as well, so much neater to conduct business when violence could be sidestepped... But just as well when that same violence could be enacted by another's hand.
The Hogosha should really have known better than to attempt to attempt the two and a half percent price increase.
The technician glanced up to a monitor as Mr. Yoshi took up a menu and began to order.
"Should we at least comp his lunch, sir?"
With a smirk the man turned on his heel and strolled back towards his office.
"We're running a business here, son. Not a charity"