Rose From The Concrete

[Andrew Walsh]

Ryan.Bishop: Hmm..

Ryan.Bishop: Katherine.

Ryan.Bishop: I have some business to attend to.

Ryan.Bishop: Would you care to join me?

Ryan.Bishop: I will be meeting a "friend" of mine.

RV-Pennybrooke: What sort of friend? You seem to have a...peculiar selection of aquaintances.

Ryan.Bishop: Just a friend really.

Ryan.Bishop: I am concerned as I tried to send a long ranged transmission directly to her.

Ryan.Bishop: But it appears something is jamming our comms.

Ryan.Bishop: I have a lock on her.

Ryan.Bishop: Within the Bering system.

RV-Pennybrooke: That's not too far at all.

RV-Pennybrooke: Well, you keep interesting company. I'll be happy to see what it's about.

Ryan.Bishop: Let's move then.

[REDACTED]: (A long garbeled message is heard. there are few identifiers that seem to point out at Freeport 2)

[REDACTED]: (The direct connection times out, whatever the case seems comm nodes along the route are damaged)

Ryan.Bishop: [REDACTED] I have a lock on your last known location. If you can hear me I will be there shortly.


Ryan.Bishop: I'm rather concerned about my friend.

RV-Pennybrooke: Is it the sort of friend that has a tendency to get into trouble?

Ryan.Bishop: Identifiers seemed to have pointed out a Station of some sort within the Bering system

Ryan.Bishop: Freeport 2 I believe.

RV-Pennybrooke: Seems like an obvious place.

Ryan.Bishop: Yes which worries me more.

Ryan.Bishop: I can't say I know much about her.

Ryan.Bishop: We have met briefly before and I began working for her.

RV-Pennybrooke: An employer you barely knew? She must have been quite convincing.

Ryan.Bishop: The situation was life or death.

Ryan.Bishop: I had no other alternative.

RV-Pennybrooke: Would you care to elaborate?

Ryan.Bishop: She helped me get out of a particular system.

Ryan.Bishop: A place I hope to revisit under better circumstances.

Ryan.Bishop: The radiation practically destroyed my weaponry and I almost compromised this vessel.

Ryan.Bishop: I would have died if it wasn't for her.

RV-Pennybrooke: What sort of system?

Ryan.Bishop: Hmmm. Well since you and I will be working closely together. I don't mind telling you.

Ryan.Bishop: It was an Unknown system.

Ryan.Bishop: I came across an Alien gate within the Kansas system.

Ryan.Bishop: This is where I met her...

Ryan.Bishop: She saved my life.

Ryan.Bishop: In return, she wanted me to work for her.

RV-Pennybrooke: (she seems to perk up) That gate....I've been there. But never through.

Ryan.Bishop: Remember the artifact that I told you about?

RV-Pennybrooke: Of course.

Ryan.Bishop: It was like it was communicating with me.

Ryan.Bishop: Almost as if it lead me there.

RV-Pennybrooke: There are certainly forms of communication that cannot be described adequately by our current understandings.

Ryan.Bishop: I entered through the gate once it became active.

Ryan.Bishop: A Nomad mothership appeared out of no were.

Ryan.Bishop: I was forced to move in to the system.

Ryan.Bishop: What I saw that day...

Ryan.Bishop: Was remarkable.

Ryan.Bishop: I still have the data recorded within my Neural net.

RV-Pennybrooke: Clearly it wasn't a coincidence. This...."communication" and the lead were deliberate. And you were expected.

Ryan.Bishop: Perhaps you are right.

RV-Pennybrooke: It seems rather unlikely that such an encounter....and such a rescue....would occur by chance in such a place.

[REDACTED]: (Private local comm incoming) Take a look at the old gate.

Ryan.Bishop: We should move quickly.

RV-Pennybrooke: Where are you going?

Ryan.Bishop: Ah [REDACTED].. I thought you was...

[REDACTED]: Hush now... You've been making enough noise across the comms from here on to Liberty.

RV-Pennybrooke: [REDACTED]? I cannot say I expected that.

Ryan.Bishop: Wait...

Ryan.Bishop: You know each other?

[REDACTED]: Rather well one might say.

RV-Pennybrooke: Unless I'm severely mistaken here. It's been quite some time.

Ryan.Bishop: Establishing secure comms.

Ryan.Bishop: Scanning....

Ryan.Bishop: Channel secure.. Network protection added.

Ryan.Bishop: We should be alright to communicate via this channel.

RV-Pennybrooke: It's funny. Though it never came to my mind who your friend might be, it makes a lot of sense now.

[REDACTED]: You ought to know better. I've heard BDM are cracking down on anonymous neuralnet exit nodes.

[REDACTED]: Similarly as your former employes as well

Ryan.Bishop: Something I hope to rectify.

Ryan.Bishop: I am using a device created by the Lane Hackers to protect our comms.

Ryan.Bishop: If you're aware of such an organisation.

Ryan.Bishop: Then you should know they can conceal us very well.

Ryan.Bishop: However.

Ryan.Bishop: We should probably move to a more discreet location.

[REDACTED]: They'll conceal as much as they'd sell your private logs to a highest bidder should there be one.

[REDACTED]: With relations between houses growing tense small guys are trying to make their fortunes.

RV-Pennybrooke: It would be a strange party for a scrap collector to stumble upon here.

RV-Pennybrooke: A more discreet location is probably a good idea.

Ryan.Bishop: So what do you suggest?

RV-Pennybrooke: Hm. There are a number of isolated spots nearby. Honestly, even a bit further out in this system would likely be adequate.

[REDACTED]: Then find the spot.

Ryan.Bishop: Katherine I'll follow you.

RV-Pennybrooke: I know a place nobody will go.

Ryan.Bishop: I do hope you know what you're doing.

RV-Pennybrooke: Of course.

[REDACTED]: Always in confidence.

RV-Pennybrooke: Perhaps misplaced confidence, as I'm not sure of the severity of the situation yet.

Ryan.Bishop: I've never had chance to doubt either of you before.

Ryan.Bishop: Probably because I'm always on the other end of the stick so to speak when I am with you.

Ryan.Bishop: Is that..

Ryan.Bishop: Minnesota.

RV-Pennybrooke: It's a jump hole to a rather obscure corner of Liberty, yes.

Ryan.Bishop: Is this wise?

RV-Pennybrooke: Unlike Bering, this place isn't on the front lines of a war.

RV-Pennybrooke: Well. This is reasonable secluded. Lovely view, as well.

Ryan.Bishop: Moorhead station is within visual range.

RV-Pennybrooke: I don't think that place sees much more traffic than maybe a monthly supply ship.

Ryan.Bishop: Perhaps.

RV-Pennybrooke: But if you'd prefer, we could take cover in the clouds. Would rather spoil the view, though.

Ryan.Bishop: Perhaps somewhere else would be better.

Ryan.Bishop: I fear Angie wouldn't be too comfortable here.

Ryan.Bishop: Wouldn't you agree?

RV-Pennybrooke: Hm. Problem is, we're rather in the middle of two houses. That are at war. Not many better places.

Ryan.Bishop: Perhaps we should take this back to Bering.

Ryan.Bishop: Maybe we can find a more secluded place from there.

RV-Pennybrooke: Bering should work, I suppose.

Ryan.Bishop: I don't mind travelling of course.

RV-Pennybrooke: A bit further out then, to be sure.

[REDACTED]: If something bugs us we'll just turn it into scrap.

Ryan.Bishop: A good motto to live by.

RV-Pennybrooke: The two of you, anyway. Not much I can do.

RV-Pennybrooke: Suppose this is as good a place as any.

Ryan.Bishop: Seems very quiet.

Ryan.Bishop: So.. Angie.

Ryan.Bishop: The work you wanted me to do for you.

Ryan.Bishop: How do you propose I go about doing that exactly?

Ryan.Bishop: And what is it you want?

[REDACTED]: My associates want to have awareness on the scene.

[REDACTED]: Or rather... within it.

Ryan.Bishop: Your associates?

[REDACTED]: Employers.

Ryan.Bishop: Hmm. I assume they want to remain a well kept secret for now?

[REDACTED]: That isn't up to me to decide. So there is that.

[REDACTED]: The Order is an interesting organization, I'm sure you'll find yourself at home with them, considering your previous...

RV-Pennybrooke: Interesting...well, there's no denying that. Not the only word to describe them, though.

Ryan.Bishop: Perhaps, but still..

Ryan.Bishop: I've never had much contact with the Order.

Ryan.Bishop: How would you suggest I go about interacting with a group like that?

Ryan.Bishop: They have only ever been on the back end of my guns after all prior to all of this.

[REDACTED]: They still need people and conflicts are costly.

Ryan.Bishop: I am sure...

[REDACTED]: Unlike houses they don't have that steady supply of cannon fodder, and they value skilled pilots.

Ryan.Bishop: So I must prove my worth.

Ryan.Bishop: They need trust worthy people no doubt.

[REDACTED]: Without a doubt. I have confidence that you'll succeed.

Ryan.Bishop: From what I have heard the Order have eyes and ears everywhere.

RV-Pennybrooke: Considering their position and the people likely to join them, I doubt they do thorough background checks on everyone.

Ryan.Bishop: So your "Employers" must be after something of great importance.

Ryan.Bishop: If they want me to do this.

Ryan.Bishop: You saved my life once before Angie, I didn't know I was about to risk it all again.

[REDACTED]: You aren't the only option available. Your chances might be higher among the other candidates.

Ryan.Bishop: I see...

Ryan.Bishop: As soon as I have made contact with the Order I will inform you.

[REDACTED]: You may want to gather a few things about them. There been some commotion in Baffin related to them.

Ryan.Bishop: Hmm.. I'll ask around.

Ryan.Bishop: Knowledge is power after all.

Ryan.Bishop: And a good conversation starter.

Ryan.Bishop: I also have work with Katherine here.

Ryan.Bishop: In regards to the Nomad power cell.

[REDACTED]: Be careful about what you say from now on.

RV-Pennybrooke: Indeed. Strange how so many little things fall together like this.

Ryan.Bishop: Katherine You don't seem at all shocked by any of this.

RV-Pennybrooke: Not particularly. Should I be?

Ryan.Bishop: As you said I keep interesting company.

Ryan.Bishop: And yes Angie, I will.

Ryan.Bishop: I will have to leave all of my research within Katherines hands.

RV-Pennybrooke: I really cannot promise anything. That isn't exactly my area of expertise.

Ryan.Bishop: Professor Diogenes Heinlein will be able to assist you.

Ryan.Bishop: I will remain in contact with you at all times.

RV-Pennybrooke: Someone we can trust, I presume?

Ryan.Bishop: Trust...

Ryan.Bishop: Something that has become a stranger to me.

Ryan.Bishop: Be careful with him.

Ryan.Bishop: He may be a scientist.

Ryan.Bishop: And rather enthusiastic about my work.

Ryan.Bishop: But he still falls under the University of New Berlin.

Ryan.Bishop: We don't want him claiming my work as his own after all.

Ryan.Bishop: The work I have done is better left secret.

RV-Pennybrooke: You can trust everyone. As long as you know what they want, and what you can trust them with.

RV-Pennybrooke: Don't worry. I know my own kind well enough.

Ryan.Bishop: I will start within the Omicron systems.

Ryan.Bishop: And see what I can dig up.

[REDACTED]: Start with Freeport 11, it's an interesting place.

Ryan.Bishop: Very well..

RV-Pennybrooke: That it is. Some of the most intriguing encounters I've had started out there.

[REDACTED]: The Order frequents it, considering their outpost.

Ryan.Bishop: Katherine, I am transferring my logs and research to you.

Ryan.Bishop: You will find access code that lead to a direct line to Professor Diogenes Heinlein.

RV-Pennybrooke: Very well. I'll see what we can do.

Ryan.Bishop: Tell him I am otherwise busy and will be back as soon as possible

Ryan.Bishop: Until then you will take my place.

Ryan.Bishop: The Power Cell itself is within a safe house on Heissenburg.

RV-Pennybrooke: One thing, though. You mentioned feeling a calling that drew you to that place. Likewise, I cannot stay in place on Heisenberg

RV-Pennybrooke: forever. I will be drawn out, that much is inevitable.

RV-Pennybrooke: But of course, I will make the necessary arrangements.

Ryan.Bishop: I will have a direct transmission link to your vessel.

Ryan.Bishop: It will boost comm signals and allow you to receive everything I say concisely.

Ryan.Bishop: You can then travel too.

Ryan.Bishop: And do what you must.

Ryan.Bishop: Angie.. Since you have saved my life once.

Ryan.Bishop: I will do what you need me to do for free.

[REDACTED]: And you're about to say there is a catch...

Ryan.Bishop: The catch is.

Ryan.Bishop: If I lose my life doing your work.

Ryan.Bishop: You will carry out my research for me.

Ryan.Bishop: I know you have hit a lot of dead ends.

Ryan.Bishop: Your life work is complete as you said.

Ryan.Bishop: However, I feel mine is not.

Ryan.Bishop: I'm sure you understand.

[REDACTED]: I understand. You've got much ahead of you, 'savior of mankind'.

[REDACTED]: Or whatever it is they call themselves today.

Ryan.Bishop: Ha. Is there anything else I should be aware of before I get to work?

[REDACTED]: You know their fluff, I'd expect you to considering your background.

Ryan.Bishop: Indeed.

[REDACTED]: Other than that they're extremely paranoid.

Ryan.Bishop: A strength in there eyes.

Ryan.Bishop: However, it leaves them vulnerable.

RV-Pennybrooke: Though they seem primarily paranoid of outsiders. Markedly less so among themselves.

Ryan.Bishop: Quick to trust.

[REDACTED]: They'll want to know that you're yourself.

[REDACTED]: As if you could be someone else.

Ryan.Bishop: Well I'm sure that I'll be fine.

Ryan.Bishop: I have had to do what they will do to me to people before.

RV-Pennybrooke: Don't assume. Assuming is unhealthy. Only do and see.

[REDACTED]: Make yourself a legend. Use your talents and whatever contacts left to make it consistent and provable if need be.

Ryan.Bishop: Okay.

Ryan.Bishop: Katherine you should head out to Heissenburg.

Ryan.Bishop: I will move to Freeport 11.

RV-Pennybrooke: Mm. I suppose I should.

Ryan.Bishop: There you will not only find the power cell, but you will find a device too.

Ryan.Bishop: Equip it to your vessel.

Ryan.Bishop: It will allow me to remain in contact with you.

RV-Pennybrooke: Very well.

Ryan.Bishop: Angie, if you need me at all.

Ryan.Bishop: Contact Katherine to convey the message back to me.

Ryan.Bishop: It is better you keep your distance.

[REDACTED]: As would you. The Order doesn't like us much. I suppose its something to do with cardamine.

RV-Pennybrooke: They don't like me much, either, honestly. Though they so far have not been shooting me on sight.

[REDACTED]: They're getting more and more aggressive lately.

Ryan.Bishop: I do wonder why.

[REDACTED]: Whether it's overconfidence or desperation we'll know soon enough, wouldn't we, Ryan?

Ryan.Bishop: Indeed.

RV-Pennybrooke: Certainly since the Toledo incident. Though I hadn't travelled the Omicrons much before that.

[REDACTED]: May be you even had a relative or someone you knew at Toledo, who knows, but that'll be up to you to figure it out.

Ryan.Bishop: Goodluck Katherine.

RV-Pennybrooke: There's no such thing as luck.

RV-Pennybrooke: But I appreciate the gesture.

[REDACTED]: After all ash can't really verify claims...

Ryan.Bishop: It seems going to the Library to search for my ancestors isn't the most productive way to go about it.

Ryan.Bishop: I am rather persuasive after all.

Ryan.Bishop: I'll find something.

Ryan.Bishop: Take care you two. I'll be in touch.

RV-Pennybrooke: As will I.

[REDACTED]: Scratch that neck of yours, may be there is even a distant zoner relative to be found, hah.

Ryan.Bishop: Hopefully not a Zoner ha!

Ryan.Bishop: Never liked them much.

[REDACTED]: For your sake let's hope there ain't one.

RV-Pennybrooke: Humans are all the same, in the end.

[REDACTED]: So.. What do you think of this latest acquisition?

RV-Pennybrooke: Bishop?

[REDACTED]: Plays his own game, or so he thinks. Let him have it for now.

[REDACTED]: We can play along.

RV-Pennybrooke: Yes, I was about to say....lots of self-interest. But he's confident and clever. And he trusts you.

RV-Pennybrooke: I'm sure he'll be a useful asset as long as we keep an eye on him.

[REDACTED]: He trusts as much as it would benefit him.

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