[Date: September 9, 2020] [Time: 1200 GMT] [Ari and Kendrick were both invited to the SAB control room. Ari's been back here when running missions. Kendrick might have been once or twice, it's in the more secure section where merc's don't have free access so quite probably not.] [There's a fair number of high quality terminals and screens, allowing for tracking agents and battleground, image enhancement, research, and most any other mission support requirement you can think of.] [Just Dame Eckerd is waiting in the room right now, from a central elevated viewing area.] [She's got a briefcase on a table.] [Start, arrive in a little earlier or later as you will , I can tune the time.] * Ari walks into the room and nods politely to Dame Eckard. "You wished to see me?" * Kendrick comes walking in soon afterwards. "You called? It's been a while." * Ari looks at Kendrick as he enters. "Good afternoon, Mister Wickham." * Eckerd smiles slightly. "Yes, thank you for coming." She then nods at Kendrick. "And thank you as well. I have on offer for both of you." * Kendrick smiles to Ari. "Good afternoon to you too, Ari." He turns to Eckerd as the polite smile is slowly replaced by a more business-like face. * Ari tilts her head slightly. "What manner of offer?" An offer now? What kind? * Eckerd drops the smile and continues in a business-like manner. "Both of you have been working with us for a while, in different capacities admittedly." She then smiles again slightly. "And have been doing an exemplary job across the board. I'm prepared to offer both of you a manner of promotion." She pauses for a moment. * Ari blinks. "A promotion?" * Kendrick smiles slightly. "You've got more than 100% of my attention." * Ari does not comment about how that would be mentally and physically impossible. But she'd probably like to. * Grysar nods. "The pay isn't any better." She then smiles wrily. "In fact compared to mercanary status, it's much worse. Aside from full access to the training facilities of course. But..." (Eckerd) (Change that to *Eckard) I'm not really in it for the money. You probably know that. Neither am I, and you do know that. * Eckerd nods with a slight smile. "I know, I just try to lead with bad news. The benefits would be a substantially raised security clearance, the option to be involved in non-combat-oriented SAB tasks, and full access to SAB resources and equipment as you deem necessary, within reason, to complete any tasks." * Ari considers this. "This sounds very enticing. What would I have to do?" (Effectively Org ties level 4 or so in SAB. For the mechanics version. :P) (*_*) * Kendrick hmmms... "I'm very interested. Any forms I need to fill out?" A few forms, we'll try to expedite it. A security telepathy check with William. And you must accept any missions that you do not find morally objectional. I have a specific one in mind, but I can't reveal it unless you accept. But this work will actually on the whole be less dangerous." She adopts that slight wry smile again. "High risk is for mercenaries. You two aren't expendable." (That all get through) (Yes.) (And william is the training guy. The ghost.) I have no objections to that, and I am pleased to hear that you are of that opinion on my capabilities. * Kendrick raises an eyebrow. "I have no objection, but you may have difficulty with the telepathy check. Just a fair warning." * Eckerd smiles again and nods at Kendrick's comment, she then opens the suitcase and takes out two short forms and two new security badges. * Ari suddenly has a small beeping sound come from her pocket. "Oh?" She reaches in and pulls out her pager. [The forms restate in a slightly longer form what you've already heard, sign to accept promotion, quick oath of loyalty to King and country that you have to write out long hand, and a few things to sign for permission for.] [Ari's pager reads: "Mi-5 Computer Core Group: Ari, we just got free pizza, mentioned thanks to you, and SAB people. Anonymous giver but checks out. Mind if we eat it?"] * Kendrick reads it over very quickly, checking the legal speak to make sure it works out correctly and quickly fills out the form. * Eckerd seems slightly bemued by the page. [It all checks out. References back to some past forms you've filled out and such. Says to notify if any of that information has changed, but it hasn't since the last itme.] * Ari smiles slightly and answers that she doesn't mind at all, and for them to enjoy it. [The two badges are pretty nice, top of the line security wise.] * Ari then begins looking over her form. [Pager: "Yay! We'll send over leftovers and the note." * Kendrick takes the badge and whistles. "I suppose I should quit my day job?" * Eckerd nods. "It's a good idea, a lot of this work will involve more regular hours." [Ari finds no problems in her form.] * Ari looks up. "If I am not needed for any specific missions, I would like to continue the computer work I have been doing here." * Eckerd nods. "We have one additional mission for you. Otherwise you're work will be essentially the same, just sometimes involving more sensative information." Then I have no objections. * Kendrick nods. Good. Once you've signed Ari, I'll discuss this new mission." * Ari signs her form. * Eckerd hits a control panel button. "Alright, begin, and tell Agent Lord he may enter." [On the various screens a variety of shots of all the current SAB mercanaries are shown.] * Kendrick folds his hands behind him and watches. [At the same time, Mi-6 Agent Lord enters from a side door (the Bond type guy). He's actually just in high class professional-ware and not a Tuxedo. He gives a professional nod to both of you.] * Ari nods professionally back. As you've doubtless noticed, our staff size has increased substantially of late. Some of these persons we recruited, some it was more mutual, some came to us by odd means. Most all have been fairly effective, but a good number have shown a questionable sense of ethics. I've noticed that before. First-hand, in fact. * Ari does not name names. No, she doesn't. Recent events with Ms. Crosse have clearly demonstrated that we've been overly-lax in screening. I also wonder if any of our agents may have secondary agendas contrary to the interests of SAB. * Lord looks faintly sheepish at the mention of Ms. Crosse. * Ari frowns briefly. "I had heard of that incident." * Kendrick nods. "There's little we can do for the victim, but... I still have to have a word with Ms. Crosse." As both of you have worked closely with the other special agents, I believe you're particularly suited to taking this Internal Affairs role. In fact, I'd prefer if you, Ari, not discuss your change in status with the others. I do not reveal secrets easily. You can be assured that I shall not discuss this one. * Kendrick nods. Secret's safe with me. * Eckerd seems faintly amused and nods. "Excellent. Your first mission is to find a way to make clear to Ms. Crosse that further punishment is within our means without pushing her to act out. Your larger overall assignment is to hunt moles or anyone with agendas contrary to our goals." Session Time: Wed May 19 00:00:00 2004 This will take some serious consideration. * Lord coughs politely and then Eckerd nods. "As your liason from Mi-6, I can provide access to our resources and even conduct international operations for you if need be." * Kendrick hmmms. * Eckerd nods at Ari's comment. "Take your time. Feel free to ask for the help, including requesting field operations, from any of our staff." (Definate perks to org ties level 4 in a 3pt/level organization. ;P) * Ari turns to Kendrick. "Do you have any ideas at the moment, Mister Wickham?" Not particularly. I'll tell you right now that Jason's someone we should look out for. As well as Crosse, and a few others. * Ari nods. "I already believed as much. Would you care to elaborate on those others?" As a side note I'm inclined to think you can trust Mr. Marlyne, but obviously he has his reporting agenda. Still he could be a valuable source for information and could likely be finnessed into runing seperate investagions. * Kendrick nods. "I agree, I'll speak to him on the matter if we require his help." I also believe that Jonathon is trustworthy. And I would not be averse to speaking with him as well. * Eckerd nods and then waits for Kendrick's response. (He already gave one?) (I meant to Ari's equestions.) They all may have other agendas, but as for moral issues, Ben would perhaps be the most likely to have problems in this area. Kathrine Andrews isn't completly trustworthy in my opinion, but I think you already know that... Why do you say that? I have only worked with her once, so I am far from knowledgeable in that matter, but I am curious as to why you think that. * Eckerd doesn't interrupt. On Ben... His inaction and lack of reaction lead me to beleive he may have had a hand in Ms. Crosse's actions, as if he was expecting it. Or he's become used to such actions in his past corporate work. I have seen some of his actions first hand, so I will not disagree with you on potential moral problems. But I was mostly curious about your opinion on Ms. Andrews. * Kendrick clears his throat. "Ah, I suppose that's understandable. I'm just a bit skeptical on that sort of thing..." Tell me, is Ms. Andrews actually working with us? In particular, the relations she has with Tim are very... interesting. She is his adopted aunt, I believe. Not a blood relation. She came to us with some information on the PK Corp. She's come along on a few subsquent missions so yes she work for us in part. As for Tim, you should know he had been a thief before we captured him. On an anonymous tip. Ahh, now several things they both have referred to make sense. With his abilities, I can see how he would have been tempted to follow that path. That would make sense, then. * Kendrick smirks. "Just call me paranoid, then." Caution is important in this line of work. Better to be paranoid, as you call it, than blindly naive. Yeah, well, I've just learned to be that way from experience. * Eckerd smiles wrily. "On the topic of paranoia, I'll also forward along records that we haven't put in the mission logs. We keep the non-secure hallways and areas bugged, given the sort of agents we employ. If you think they'd be helpful you'd be welcome to check them." * Kendrick nods. "That would be very helpuful, although I hope your employees don't mind the evesdropping." Thank you; I believe that could be of great help. We automatically delete anything involving no one of questionable loyalties at the end of each week. * Ari nods. Of particularly interest to this conversation, Katherine apparently has some history with Saki. Interestingly enough her background is also clean of any indications of supernatural activities. I find this, implausible. Considering the powers she appeared to wield, I find it extremely implausible. * Kendrick nods. "I would think so." Doubtless her past has been wiped. The reason for that may be perfectly benign, and if they did a good job it'll take on-site research to get around. The bigger question is who did it. So she has connections to both Tim and Saki, and also potentially to the PK Corporation. This shall be interesting to investigate. * Kendrick nods and smirks. "Very interesting." (Oh, I assume you don't necessarily want to get in depth tonight, that right?) (Yep.) (Not exactly. ^^;) (I need time to think of good ways to go about things.) (We can start some of it tonight if you guys want, though. I can stay up a bit since I have off tomorrow. ^_~) Glad you look forward to your work. I'll have what information we have, including those logs, sent to you. You're welcome to proceed at your own pace, but unless you have any specific questions I should get to other business. (Go as long as you want. ^_^) * Kendrick nods. I have no further questions at this time. However, if you would like to discuss things, Mister Wickham, I have plenty of time for that. No questions here either. I've got to conduct some research of my own. I've been slacking recently. ^^; * Ari smirks very briefly. "Would you like any assistance?" * Eckerd walks out while Agent Preston walks in from another door. He's carrying in two pizza boxes with a note attached to the top. Or any pizza, for that matter? Hi Ari, the other Mi-5 computer group sent this over, I'm just taking it around. ::He then blinks at Kendrick:: I could use some, certainly. Although I'm never adverse to good food. Remember that. * Ari actually smiles. "I shall." Feel free to have as much of this as you'd like, though. I shall only partake of a little, as it does not entirely agree with me. * Preston then smiles and walks up to a free table away from any consoles. "You're welcome too Arthur. Better chow than we shared on the island." * Lord gives a quick smile of solidarity and then pulls up a chair. [There's actually a mix of food left. A lot of vegan no-cheese. Some extra cheese. Three slices Hawiaan. Two vegetarian. One all meat. One pepperonni.] [The note that's been attached reads: "My thanks to Ari, and all the men and women in the computer department, for your recent help. Your hard work is appreciated by those of us in the field."] (Is it a handwritten note, or is it typed?) [Typed. Actually on paper from the company. The note says: Purchaser requested pizza to be delivered along with the following message.] * Kendrick chuckles. "You work in the computer department? Never would have guessed." Of course not. Computers are absolutely the last thing one would associate with me. [The place is called Black Cab Pizza. "We'll take it there!" There's a picture of a black cab on the box, which is the typical London Taxi.] Go ahead and take a slice, if you wish. I have been informed that it checks out, so unless a mysterious sickness is sweeping the computer department as we speak, you should be perfectly safe. And if one were, I would be wondering why I hadn't been informed. * Kendrick takes a slice of the pizza and eats it while talking. "I've eaten stuff less sanitary before. Could be a secret admirer, eh?" I highly doubt it. * Preston grabs a vegetarian slice and Lord a meat. Lord's a bit more delicate as he's cautious to protect his suit. * Ari takes one of the no cheese slices and eats slowly. Do people actually have secret admirers anymore? Hard to say. I'd always prefered a more direct, a fine wine, sparkling conversation... * Preston cuts him off. "End that with a bad sexual entendre pun and I will kick." He's grinning while he says it. * Ari smirks briefly. * Lord smiles slightly. "I'd never dream of it." * Kendrick chuckles. At any rate, while I am not sure who sent this, I hope you are enjoying it. Care to have a slice yourself? Or are you not one for pizza? * Ari waves the remaining part of her slice at Kendrick. "I am partaking of it." You should work on your powers of observation. * Kendrick blinks. "Shows how much I'm paying attention." * Ari smirks ever so briefly again. * Preston chuckles. "I'm always happy to have free pizza. Even if I don't know who it's from." Don't make me pull up the tabloids and tell you who's slipping unmentionables into the pizza this week. Would it be any different from those who were doing it last week? * Lord glances over at Preston and comments drily. "So I've heard from a few people who had the misfortune of leaving a box around alone while you were in the area." Not really. * Preston shrugs. "Hey, pizza wants to be eaten. And I buy every couple of weeks." * Ari looks over at Preston. "And I'm sure your generosity is greatly appreciated." She finishes off her slice, but doesn't make any moves to take another. * Lord doesn't further rag on Preston he instead glances over to Ari and smiles fairly charmingly. "I do thank you though, for giving me the chance to partake in this fine meal. Out of curiosity will you be further investigating your mysterious patron?" You are welcome, and I believe I might be. Well, if it involves tracing the source to any mysterious or far away locales, I will of course be at your service. If you need help, I'll be glad to lend assistance. (Lord says that) * Preston adds after Lord's comment. "Particularly if he thinks it'll lead to opportunities for nookie." What Agent Lord wishes to do in his spare time is no business of mine, so long as it does not interfere with his work here. I appreciate all your offers of help, though. * Lord shoots Preston a dirty look. "You impugn my honor sir." He smiles after he says it though. But I think the mysterious pizza investigation can wait for a bit. * Preston returns the grin and grabs another two vegetarian slices and heads off. "Well then, I think my work here is done. Swing them by R&D section when you're done in here if you'd be so kind." (offscreen that is. No planned encounters) I shall do that. Have a good afternoon. You too. (Sorry, had to AFK) Do you think you'll have any need of my help on more important matters today? I can stay longer, or you could just call me later. ::He takes out two cards with a bit of panache. Nice caligraphy and they're the sort that contain a smart chip that most phones can talk to and automatically acquire the address book info.: The pizza is all important. You should know that. * Kendrick grins. "Anyways, I should be leaving for now. Thank you for the promotion, and I hope to serve as best I can." * Ari accepts a card and nods to Lord. "I don't think we will be needing your help at the moment. Please feel free to take some more of the pizza." * Ari looks at Kendrick. "You as well. Otherwise, I fear it may go to waste. Although I'm sure I can find someone to take it off my hands..." * Lord collects a few slices and takes a box with you. "Mi-6 thanks you." He then heads off. * Kendrick walks out. "Until next time." Yes. Have a pleasant afternoon, Mister Wickham. I'm sure I shall be seeing you again shortly. [End]