He smiled, genuinely amused, Considering your interest lets make a deal. We'll go to wherever we need to, and when I return to Bretonia I'll make contact with you about utilizing your skills in a role that best suits you.
He paused, it was always a challenge dealing with people motivated by overt self interest, one couldn't appeal to their sense of duty or honour. Professionalism was one thing, duty another. Come, let us not keep your benefactor waiting. But as for what's in it for you? Well if money is your poison of choice that can be arranged. But may I be so bold as to offer something a little more valuable, purpose. As it were
Always dangerous to play with mercenaries, but the rewards were always worth it, if one survived to tell the tale.
The mercenary had gotten up from the floor still tired from the ordeal he went through. This contract had gotten the most of him, and it didn't seem to end with just a simple delivery. He couldn't help it, though. He needed money and any advantage he could muster no matter where it came from.
"We're going to Freeport 1 then. She's waiting there."
He slid his cybernetic arm over the cell's controls. A bright green light flashed as the glass door unsealed, opening itself to the side. He gestured the Director to follow while two droids followed them both to one of the two ships resting in the Dunlin's Hangar - Ego's Valkyrie.
I had a notification pop up today as I browsed the Neural Net. I've been locked out of the Auxo Affiliate network - finally. It took them an awful lot of time to realize that I don't want to have anything to do with them. Screw them, I've got more useful contacts now.
Earlier today I finally had the meeting happen with Victor Steiner. The Director of the SIS I kidnapped a month or two ago. Needless to say I'm now a fully fledged Secret Service Agent with access to their network and other things. Some which include someone named "Hanna". She oversees the operations going on in Rheinland for the SIS. I will keep this name in mind. Maybe she can help with my shortage of replacement components and other things going on in Rheinland. Lots of options, that's for sure.
And I've officially tossed away the name Ego. One more step towards being myself, and not a tool for the other two mongrels plaguing my head. The third one is...creepy. Almost too quiet, even. But when he talks I get shivers down my spine. Ego was a name I didn't know why I had. Whose idea was to name me like that. So I chose my own now.
And of course, Sunderland. Steiner told me he'll grant access to the Research Station in exchange for me flying the colors. By that I assume he means me using some sort of badge. Or flying the transponder from time to time. I'll make that sacrifice for the greater good.
There are plenty of rumors surrounding The Cobra. Leader of the Xeno Alliance. Now there is a new rumor to pin on the fridge: "The Kingsnake died". Someone named Ridgenose got in contact with me. At first I bluffed, saying I know him. It was only later on in my conversation with him that memories had begun to seep in. Vincent liked him. And there was no point in lying the guy. Raven told him about me. I played along and... and, hm. The rest is history.
I told him what I knew about my "birth". It took no more than a day to see the same person along with other three running to the Omicrons. Ridgenose said the Kingsnake is dead. Cobra, is dead. I didn't feel anything for the guy. Never quite properly met him.
Deep inside, though. Why did I feel so demolished by the news? I kept hearing his crying echo through every corridor, every hallway, every room. I nearly lost control too. Like a headache turned seizure that you can't get rid of. For the first time I couldn't hold a proper grip. Even had to pop a PsyBlocker before passing out... it was awful. Just, awful. Wish I could sympathize with the guy, but I'm behind the wheel. Not him.
There was a time I wanted to just die. Fade away, but now? I can't let go. Not until my job is done. Not until the Vault is-
NOT UNTIL I AVENGE-- ...soon.
Note to self. Lacing a one of the vials containing Radoxol among other compounds with an additional drug to block psychic influence should prevent such outbursts in the future.
[A battered Caliban drops down on a metal chair in front of the camera which stared back at him. It shook lightly as his hand dropped down on the table. He spoke as if he was drained of energy.]
It has been a while since I've visited The Wayfarer. Dust everywhere and all, but...at least the droids kept some sort of cleanliness to the place.
[He leans forward, facing his terminal. He navigates through the poorly arranged files only to give up later, rubbing the two "eyes" of his helmet as if they were his own in frustration.]
Last log was registered in 829 A.S. Those were simpler times. Compared to last year's events I am now facing the consequences of my poor decision making, Sentinels taking over Sirius and the risk of losing control permanently.
That isn't even the worst part. Revenant has gone mad. Much more so than she already was. I'd laugh at her predicament if it weren't for the fact that she also dragged a scientist named Lazurith in her problems. How far you've fallen, Raven...calling me a mad, backstabbing snake. Right, a slave too. What are you now, huh? I've seen your own friends look at you in fear. Both because they're afraid of you, and because they're afraid for their lives.
I've seen you and Laz get taken by Hemlocke. You truly pissed him off. While you're gone the Sentinels are spreading like a plague, and I can't do much to stop them. Or slow them down. I hope your happy with what you've done with yourself wherever you are.
[He shrugs, tapping against the table's surface with his fingers in a certain rythm. Ticked off by the entire situation, perhaps.
One man doing his best to hold off a plague. It almost sounds heroic. Wish I'd turn to someone to find the help I really need though. But I'm not you, Raven. Besides, who would I turn to? Damien? I've forged some sort of truce with him and Section 8 with Fiorella's help. But that doesn't mean I can go and ask colossal favors like these. What can he do anyway? Shoot them? It doesn't work anymore. The Sentinels have grown too strong.
It feels like I got stronger myself though. I managed to interact with the anomalies around Sirius. Better than ever, actually...I can choose the destination somehow. But it's Them that I keep running into. The Sentinels can sense my presence faster than ever. I need a way to hide myself from them. And fast, because - ...right. The Shrine may not last for long. I've had visions. A Dark Matter Storm to overtake the place. A structure that lasted centuries would crumble at the hands of the Sentinels.
My options are limited right now. To find a solution to this problem I'll need either something, or someone. Something? An artefact, a shiny rock or something. A miracle if there is!
Someone? No one knows Nomads better than Nomads themselves. This name...Sho'zak. Or Shozak. It bounced around a lot. It's the only lead I've got so far. Besides...they've got something to do with Hemlocke. I need to find them whether I want to or not. I sincerely doubt they would agree to anything even if I found that one through some miracle. Nomads will be Nomads. Especially when we're talking about the Mainshare.
[Caliban gets up from his chair, leaning towards the terminal's camera. His helmet's lenses focus at the video recording briefly before extending his arm to end today's log.]
There are more details in this story than what I'm letting on, but I'm not here to create audio novels.