The Commonwealth Recruitment Frequency Center

[Enkidu]

****Impending transmission****
****Passcode unlocked****
****Comm ID: 'Achille Augustin Nadeau'****

---Unpacking---

Glances at the screen and nearly skins himself.

"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****

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THE SYNDIC LEAGUES
(A co-operative of Rheinland's Shipping Unions, retired from a life of piracy.)

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