#endofagent

Time seemed to tick by far too slowly for the Agents as they waited at the abandoned mines for the appointed bell. Men and women slowly trickled in until a large chunk of the Agency stood at the end of the long forgotten valley. Milo North, Berrod Armstrong, Cerina Borlaaq, N’hara Tia, Reks Blanc, Garyn Almos, Tiergan Vashir, Kariun Gallek, Crooked Tarot, Viktor Harlenk, Sergei Harlenk, Su Mindwalker, Erioch Koren, Dylan Skye, Autgar Bloode, Relavel Outtlaw, Avenio Naemig, and Kitakaze Mugenkagami stood before Director Sarij Rahzersyn as he gave what would be his final speech to the Astral Agency.

"This will be the last briefing of the Astral Agents. I think ya all fer coming and fer putting yer necks and yer freedom on the line." The Roegadyn spoke clearly to the group. "Some of ya are new tah the group, some of ya have been around since the beginning, but we are all here at the end of this all."

"The outlook fer the company ain't rosy, I ain't gonna lie to anyone on that. However, we ain't here about to attack an Immortal Flame's base fer that. We are putting an end to Iron Jaw to protect everyone's future even it ain't with Astral Agency. When I say everyone, I don't just mean all of you, myself, or those not with us from the company, I mean every person that Iron Jaw might go for next. We were not the first and if we don't act we won't be the last."

"We have the knowledge and the means tah stop him, to step away from that is cowardice and we might as well be shoving the dagger into the back of the next group he grooms for his use. Even if we fail here, we are doing the right thing as our own choice."

"When this company was first formed, it  was lie to every member recruited. It was a tool for another group's gain. Every job, every mission, every victory and loss was to serve people outside of the company.  We fought and bled for something none of us were knowingly involved with, but when we found out we fought and bled to escape the lie and being a mere tool."

"And we succeeded."

"But Iron Jaw tried to once again turn us into that lie... that tool, but this time our eyes were open and we were not deceived. At the end of this company, I am proud to say we are not a lie and we are not some power craven man's tool. We will end the company in an act that is true to the company's name."

"The Astral eras are ones of hope, peace, and prosperity, where the weak are protected and taught to be strong. Where the bounty of life is shared and friends and family share joy and hope. This mission is not one of revenge. This is the Astral Agency carrying out one final mission to prove all our past failures and umbral dips wrong. We will bring hope, we will bring peace, and we will bring joy."

"We will do this by putting an end to a man would would rob everyone of that joy and peace for his own gain. I ask you all one last time to march under the banner of the Astral Agency and carry out what our name means ONE LAST TIME."

Once he concluded, Sarij Rhazersyn stepped back into the group and handed command to Berrod Armstrong to command the tactics. Berrod explained that Sarij would be running interference to the north so that their attack on Camp Bluefog would not be interrupted by the greater forces from the Ceruleum Processing Plant after the initial assault Tiergan Vashir, Viktor Harlenk and Kariun Gallek would move to support him, hopefully before he was overwhelmed.

The attack would lead with the casters and Garyn taking out the Immortal Flame’s sentry’s with sleeping spells and drugged arrows. Then a second group would engage the response while a final group charged through the preoccupied forces to find Iron Jaw and kill him. He was the only target and the only person supposed to be killed. Berrod knew there was not much else he could plan for ahead of the actual attack so he made it clear everyone needs to be ready to adapt and shift as needed.  The highland would also try his best to shout out directions as he could even through the the linkshell blackout. The Astral Agency member’s grabbed their share of Viktor Harlenk’s emergency potions and began the march to what would be their final battlefield.

The initial skirmish at the gates had to be timed perfectly with Berrod activating the Aetheryte nullifier and linkpearl disruptors. Reks and Dylan worked in tandem to create and spread a harmless mist that knocked out sentries up high, while Su Mindwalker forced a guard to sleep with a mix of barriers and sleep magic. Unfortunately, Garyn’s mark was able to get out a shout before he too was taken down, this time by drugged dart. At the same time Berrod activated both Aetheryte nullifier and linkpearl disruptors. The Aetheryte in Camp Bluefog went dark and the fizzing of pearls sent the camp into chaos. Civilians fled quickly as the soldiers armed themselves and got into position.

The Astral Agency split into four groups. Autgar, Rel, and Dylan took to the western gate where they were met with four soldiers. Crooked and Garyn took to the cliffs to try to get into a higher position to get a view of the battleground. Berrod, Reks, Milo, and Su stayed outside of the eastern gate to provide ranged support and direction. Avenio led the charge disrupting their defenses enough Erioch, Cerina, and Kita to charge through with N’hara following in support and Sergei taking care to make sure the Immortal Flames were removed from combat with little harm to them.

It soon became clear that the Immortal Flames were not very crippled by the lack of linkpearls, someone was marking Agents for archers and soldiers to attack. Iron Jaw with a squadron of archers stood on a ridge. The Flame Marshal was not doing anything other than marking targets while the archers took aim.The agents unfortunately were forced into the courtyard of the camp and range of the archers by the presence of a mage preparing a powerful spell at the Aetheryte.

Crooked Tarot attempted to try to get to Iron Jaw to disrupt the marking before he could outflank the Agents, but quickly discovered that his highground path was blocked by a barrier and retreated to go support Milo, Berrod, and Su as Reks headed into the courtyard. Milo and Sergei quickly started working on the barrier to get to the archers and clear the path to Iron Jaw.

Garyn, Koh, and Avenio attempted to disable mage, but discovered the second robed individual had erected a powerful barrier to protect them. The Agents were helpless to but watch the spell complete and every member of Astral Agency be marked by Iron Jaw and a fireball explode outward from the spell hunt them down regardless where they stood.

Autgar, Rel, and Dylan were quickly able to disable the four soldiers in their way, one even surrendered before he could be hurt. Their victory was interrupted by fireballs pelting them and forcing them to see cover under the ridge in a tunnel leading to the main camp.

Erioch, Kita, and Cerina were dealing with two final soldiers guarding the base of the ridge leading up to Iron Jaw when they too were pelted with fireballs, but shielding set up by Su, Reks, and N’hara kept them from harm. Though Koh was not so lucky, taking a fireball to the back and being forced to retreat. Those remaining outside of the camp suffered minor injuries from the fireballs as well.

One by one the rest of the soldiers were dealt with, and the barrier was shattered. It left the battlefield consisting of just the Astral Agency and Iron Jaw. However, something loomed high above the battlefield. The Flame Marshal retreated to the top of the ridge and in his steps aether exploded upward until he reached the apex. Iron Jaw raised his sword skyward called out ot the heavens

“IRYNWILF’S GRYMGRINA VERBRACHEN DER MAETI.”

A great, glowing visage of a iron jawed wolf pushed its head through the clouds. Its growl shook the earth as it stared down at every member of the Astral Agency. Something terrible was to come. Sergei Harlenk had heard of Iron Jaw possessing battle turning ability, but never imagined it as such, and the highlander quickly went about gathering the fallen Immortal Flames and putting all his aether into a shield to protect himself and the unconscious and wounded.

The Agents suffered a mix of awe and fear, but quickly made to defend themselves from whatever was to come. Dylan raised stone from the ground on both sides of the tunnel to seal Rel, Autgar and himself inside a protective coffin. N’hara exerted the last of his aether to create a shield around Koh, Cerina, Eiroch, and Avenio. Su and Crooked created barriers around themselves, Milo and Berrod. Garyn attempted to hide. Milo tried to directly attack the wolf, while Kita attempted one last strike on Iron Jaw as Reks ran to the Raen’s aid to shield him as well.

The tsunami of earth aether ripping down from the sky as the wolf howled destroyed the linkpearl disruptors and the aetheryte nullifier. Even the aetheryte, as it reactivated, changed to a brilliant gold as it was flushed with earth aether. The opaque aether concealed the battlefield and when it passed Iron Jaw was no longer on the ridge, but standing in the middle of the camp ready for a final battle, though his eyes revealed the man was quite overloaded in aether

Once the storm had passed and Berrod saw where Iron Jaw stood and called for everyone to take him out before he could do anything. Like locus the Agents descended upon Iron Jaw. Koh, Avenio, and Cerina closed the gap to bury their weapons into the man. Autgar kept his distance but used aether to simulate heavy punches toward the Roegadyn. From up high Garyn fired an aethericly wrapped arrow, and Rek fired high speed water projectiles down at Iron Jaw. Both Su and Eiroch took shots with magic and bullets.

However, instead of bleeding wounds every blast against the Flame Marshal left glowing scars that radiated the same earthen aether that had flooded the battlefield just prior. But the time the Agent’s rally finished against the man, he laughed.

“Funny, here I am robbing all of you of that final blow you crave… not because of some sick pride, but just because of bad luck.”

The man exploded, sending a few limbs across the camp, while the core of his body and his head became coated in earth crystals and he fell to the ground. Dead. Iron Jaw was dead. The Astral Agency had won.

The shift went from combat to mending the wounded and trying to calm down Cerina who had gone ballistic from N’hara’s aetheric boost to her. However, when Iron Jaw fell the foreign aether in the Aetheryte finished being bled out and the crystal regained its bright blue, unfortunately that also meant that Immortal Flames soldiers started to teleport into the camp ready to take down the Agents.

From the north a large squadron of chocobo riders quickly closed in on the camp, led by Flame Marshal Jute. She was a notoriously no nonsense Lalafell officer who would have no qualms putting down the Agents if they resisted. Thankfully, Berrod and Sergei quickly directed everyone to surrender even as Viktor, Sarij, Tiergan, and Kariun’s bloodied bodies were dropped onto the ground. The distraction team was still alive but not in the best shape.

One by one the Astral Agency was cuffed and filed off to Ul’dah and a waiting courtroom. Cerina, Eiroch, and Aveino were given time to have the Xaela calm down from a rage, as if the Flame Mashal recognized it. Eventually, every Agent was carted off to a stuffy courtroom with Judge Burnt Ash.

It was courtroom Milo and Berrod had been before for Balthius’s trial, but this time the entire  Astral Agency present at for the mission was on trial. The judge quickly began the trial, having already received much of the Agent’s defense from documents dropped off by Lurial and Gideon in careful timing shortly before the Astral Agency’s arrest. One by one every man and woman was brought up to the bench of state their name and affiliation with the Astral Agency. Once they answered they were asked to plea innocent or guilty to the characters of with open assault on Immortal Flames soldiers, assassination of Flame Marshal Iron Jaw, and sabotage of Immortal Flame property. Viktor and Sergei Harlenk had slightly different charges or were not charged due to not being at Camp Bluefog and being an officer of the Immortal Flames.

Every member plead guilty, but before sentencing the Judge allowed Berrod to make a case as to why they should not be sentenced to death or gaol for life. The highland approached the bench and made an impassioned speech on how the Agents merely did what was right for Ul’dah, the Immortal Flames, and Eorzea. How had they not acted against Iron Jaw, his greed would have grown and twisted into worse deeds and crippled more companies. He claimed if the court put them to death the court was just as vile as the deeds Iron Jaw had performed out of sight of the Immortal Flames. Once Berrod was done, Judge Burnt Ash gave the Astral Agency’s sentence.

“Permanent dissolution of the Astral Agency company and a fine of five hundred million gil for damages and other crimes against Ul’dah, the Immortal Flames, and Eorzea. First payment will be due in one sennight If payment cannot be made the former Astral Agency members will be arrested and made to work in mines and other labor sources until the fine is paid.”

Berrod maintained a calm demeanor for the moment. Some of the Agents were relieved, some were almost nonchalant, others were in a panic about the sheer amount of gil, but all were free to go. One by one people departed, though Sergei was escorted off for his own tribunal. Eventually, it was just a few and Berrod Armstrong nearly broke down before he too left the courtroom.

Astral Agency.

The company he and so many had been with for so long.

Had ended.

“Oh, that is better.”

End of Agent: No Home

Berrod Armstrong and Sarij Rahzersyn called a meeting at the former company’s headquarters to discuss the coming due date of the first payment for the massive fine levied against the ex-members of Astral Agency. Reks, Balthius, Relavel, Kariun, Aiouxdaux, Cerina, Viktor, Crooked, and X’iryk showed up to the meeting.

Berrod began by explaining how the he had been able to scrounge up enough gil to handle the first sennight’s payment, neglecting at the time to remark how it it cost him everything and the company house except for two pairs of clothing and one sentimental matter. Unfortunately, the same bill would be due in seven suns again. When that was brought up a good portion of assembled people began to float ideas of how to make the missing gil.

Several began to consider their own liquidation of property, some suggested going into ‘entertainment’ business, and a couple had contacts that would be able to ‘loan’ some gil to the members to keep them out of the mines for another week. At that point, Sarij spoke up about the two other options they had been given.

One: The Syndicate had offered to loan them five hundred million gil to cover the fine and even establish the company as an actual entity once more. 

Nearly all recoiled at the thought of being owned by Ul’dah’s oligarchy. Sarij also calculated that even if they were able to manage a million gil every month to pay toward the loan on top of all other costs of living, in twenty turns they would have paid seven hundred and fifty million and still have a quarter billion to go because of interest.

Two: Lady Cisi of the Red Barge Trading Company had offered to buy the fine in its entirety and already had purchased the company house at higher than market value. The Lalafell claimed that there would be no strings attached to the contract at all. It was merely her buying the fine, forgiving it, and owning the property.  

While the recoil was still present, there was more of an unease around accepting such a golden deal. Questions of distrust and folly bounced around the room until Sarij and Viktor left to go get the merchant herself.

Lady Cisi and her assistant Rosa arrived in a cacophony of sour remarks about the state of the building. Remarks they carried into the room with the gathered former Agents. The very first thing the Lalafell made clear is that there were no strings to this contract offer on account that she did not care the slightest about anyone in the defunct company. Her adamant claim went so far as to say ‘the most the people of the company could do for her is die so there were not any social awkwardness at wealthy gatherings.

Rosa spent most of the time attempting to translate Lady Cisi’s remarks into softer language with little avail as her employer continued to rail on how unimportant the people of the defunct company were. Eventually, Berrod reached a point where he asked everyone gathered if they had protest to the contract. No one raised any protest after some time of Lady Cisi’s assertions.

With discussion out of the way, Berrod was given the thick contract, which once again required assurances nothing was hidden within it. The highlander took to reading the entire thing, with the aid of Aiouxdaux on the more colorful legal terms. In the end, the Director of Astral Agency signed away the fine that would have had every member of the the company in the mines until they were gray, broken, or dead.

Though, now, the members of the company had one sun to take all their belongings out of the estate or lose them forever as Lady Cisi changed the locks and began junking everything she did not have feel have value. If the members did not have a place for their things and their head at the end of the nights, Berrod had mangled some favors with the Silver Bazaar and Aleport to provide lodging for the former members and their chocobos.

((ICLY AFTER SUNDAY THE HOUSE IS LOCKED. OOCLY PLAYERS DO NOT NEED TO CLEAR OUT THEIR ROOMS.))

Today, Agent Ends.

End of Agent: Choices

A highly official letter, complete with proper seals of authenticity, was sent to every member of the defunct Astral Agency.

“Greetings esteemed members of the former Astral Agency. Your troubles have not gone unnoticed by the highest authorities of Ul’dah. When word reached the Syndicate of the terrible fine levied against you and your friends and family on top of having your company dissolved, it moved several of the members. It is entirely unfair for such a heavy burden to be placed on men and women who have served so endlessly to assist U’ldah, the Immortal Flames, and the Eorzean Alliance.

So with the heart of cooperation several members of the Syndicate have bound together in support of ensuring that the Free Companies that often help the Eorzean Alliance are not forgotten. To that end the Syndicate offers your members a loan of the five hundred million gil and re-certification of your free company with the direct support and protection of the Syndicate along with all other beneficiary aspects the Syndicate can offer Astral Agency as sponsor.

If you are interested in allowing the Syndicate to repay all the tireless work the Astral Agency has done for coin and country, please contact my office in Ul’dah. In a matter of a few short suns, through cooperation and understanding we can put this whole foul, unfair matter behind us all and move forward for the glory of the Sultana.”

End of Agent: Endgame

The final few suns were upon the Astral Agency. In order for the assault on Camp Bluefog to last more than just long enough for reinforcements to teleport in with a single distress call over a pearl, the Agents needed to prepare the battlefield for their favor as minor as it would be. It would have to be a small team to escape suspicion. Viktor Harlenk, Balthius Stark, Caden Agron, and Erioch Koren answered Sarij’s call to Nanawa Mines. Thankfully, two of the group were mostly unknown to Iron Jaw and his forces.

Sarij explained that the group would need to get some link pearl disruptors hidden in the the four corners of Camp Bluefog to fully disrupt any calls for help. They would also need to position an aetheryte nullifier near the camp’s aetheryte, thankfully that one had a glamour over it to look like a rock until it was activated. To get into the camp without sticking out, Sarij had hired a merchant to allow the Agents to escort him through Bluefog and most of the way to the Ceruleum Processing Plant and to carry two crates: one with the disruptors and nullifier and the other with a portable aetheryte for establishing base camp.The briefing was short and to the point. Afterwards the Agents made their way to the rendezvous point with the wagon.

The journey to Camp Bluefog was uneventful, and even their arrival was by the book so to speak. The driver parked the wagon by the aetheryte did the usual meeting with soldiers and unloading of cargo. Once the cargo for Bluefog was unloaded the driver took off for the mess to get some food and drink. The entire affair was watched with only mild interest by Flame Marshal Iron Jaw and a masked soldier high above them on an outcropping.

The four Agents decided to minimize risk by having Erioch place his disruptor closest to Iron Jaw while the other locations were handled by the members of the company Iron Jaw. Balthius took the furthest, hiding his behind a boulder, Viktor bought some supplies at the market while stowing his, Caden pretended to relieve himself of several mugs of ale while stuffing the disruptor into the brush, but Erioch got the attention of the Flame Marshal by ‘mining’ near him. The Roegadyn scolded the man but did not show any further interest.

As the driver started to return to the wagon, Caden ran interference so that Viktor and Erioch could get the nullifier in place before they all left the camp. Just as they arrived they exited without affair, but the masked soldier no longer was standing next to Iron jaw.

The journey continued north toward the Ceruleum Processing Plant, but at the fork in the road that used to lead to the Amajina Mythril mine, the driver stopped his wagon. He instructed the Agents to get out of his wagon and take their crates with him. There was no reason he could explain why other than he was paid to take them here; he also had no desire to know why, he just wanted to do his job and move on.

After grabbing the crate, the Agents made their way toward the old mines to get ready to clear out creatures and cultists as Sarij had warned there may be, but once they got to the mining complex there were only a few lazy bombs floating about and single Immortal Flame soldier with blond hair. Viktor regrettably recognized him: Everret Black. The four of them faced the leader of the assassin group that had caused immense damage to the company estate and effectively killed the company as an official entity

This time the Assassin was considerably less interested in conversation, merely remarking that Iron Jaw had signed a new contract to kill the Agents at his leisure and would be paid for each head he turned in the Flame Marshal. Any further discussion was cut short by the lancer charging into the group and taking a swing at Viktor and a thrust at Balthius.

Erioch leaped into action, forgoing his revolver for the moment in favor of trying to tackle the man. Caden attempted to maim the assassin with a cleave of his great-sword, while Viktor shifted into readying himself to support the group. Balthius took advantage of the metal nature of the lance to try to send electricity up the lance to fry Everret.

However, the Spinner’s Shears assassin proved as agile as the other two the Agents had faced. He turned Erioch into a projectile against Batlhius and some sort of hidden armor deflected Caden’s strike. Even as the Agents attempted a second assault, Everret evaded expertly, save for an unexpected stone strike hurled by Viktor. Even that blow proved less of a true strike and more of an inconvenience as he tumbled back to give himself space.

It was then that the man donned his true attire: the bladed armor of a dragoon. His lance was replaced by a terrible spear wrapped in red aether and dripping some vile liquid from its tip. A few shots from Erioch’s revolved did little to bypass physical and aetheric armor wrapping his form, and other attacks were cast aside by the dragoon leaping through the air and disappearing into the blue haze ever present over Northern Thanalan.

Erioch had seen that combat maneuver before and bolted to find some sort of cover. Caden warned off the other two to find their own cover as he readied himself to endure the landing and try to lock down the dragoon so the others could have get some clean strikes in on Everret. To the Agent’s fortune, the murky sky also prevented precision on the part of the Dragoon.

To Caden’s unfortunate luck, when the Spinner’s Shears assassin landed where all of them once were, the blast of force and aether sent him and copious amounts of debris backward and against the cliff walls. His armor prevented too much harm, but left him unable to get up quickly. It was up to the other three to act to prevent the dragoon from leaping again.

Since the Agents had spread in all directions, they flanked the dragoon in a way that would force him to defend himself from all directions. Erioch’s makeshift grenade launcher, throwing explosives and then shooting them, disrupted the aetheric armor just in time for Balthius to charge with a powerful punch to Everret’s face. With his helmet shattered Everret attempted to leap away defensively, but Viktor’s earthen grasp caused him to lose one of his boots, and probably damaged his leg some as he wrenched free.

The four agents kept an eye on the skies waiting for him to return once more. This time he had retreated to a cliff side, hurling a threat to them before vanishing beyond range of the last shots and rocks tossed at him.

“Know this, as long as I am paid, you and yours will fear even the bluest of skies.”

Once the man was gone the agents discussed what to do now. If Everret Black returned to Iron Jaw, the Flame Marshal would know something was up, but Caden Agron remarked that at this point it was far too late to change course. Viktor reported in the success and danger of Everret’s escape, but began to set up the aetheryte for the assault team while Erioch and Batlhius started gathering supplies for the long few nights waiting for the team guarding the basecamp before the attack on Camp Bluefog

Hey folks,

Since the End of Agent is nearing its end; there are only five events related directly to progressing the Arc left. (Naturally, smaller events may occur regarding the consequences of the the different events or spill overs from main events), I just want to give thanks ahead of of the climax of the Arc to all the Agents who have taken time out of their day to participate in the events and subplots, even if it just a handwavey ‘my character did x!’ It helped me keep going on this arc through times I got discouraged doing it.

While it in terms of arcs it probably is one of the smaller arcs, only lasting about three months, We nearly had an event a week... sometimes three events in a week. I truly hope that everyone has had quite a bit of fun with it.

I would also like to extend special thanks to the other officers of Astral Agents who helped me write the Arc in many ways. Their input and help helped turn this Arc from just an ‘idea’ to a reality that could engage the Free Company and help folks become invested in the story. Directly, I would like to thank Berrod for helping many times in playing NPCs during the arc to help keep everyone excited and active.

A few things regarding the two events occurring next week (End of July and Start of August). I know Saturday is day mostly good for people, but the event will be starting early so that our European time zone folks can be involved in it as much as they can. I plan on..having a break during the event though as it looks to be a long one.  Also, I know some people work on Saturday or have other things! So the midweek event will take place on a day and time that those who can’t attend Saturday can attend. This event will be designed to support the other event so everyone can contribute to it.

I hope to see as many people as there can be involved in the last few events, and that it is an exciting ride. Thank-you all once more for letting me run this arc.

-Sarij/Zex

End of Agent: Time’s Up

There was no avoiding this meeting. The Astral Agency was out of gil. What was coming could not be avoided.  The only thing Sarij could do was try to preserve the future for the members of the company, and to do that he was going to host two meetings. The first would be with the command staff of the company so that the second with the entire company would not be as chaotic since the command staff would all be on the same page.

Thankfully, Reks Blanc, Berrod Armstrong, Sergei Harlenk, and Cerina Borlaaq all were in attendance. Sarij began the meeting with the heavy blow of, “The company is going to be closed in two sennights.” He continued by explaining that as things were the future of the members, even if they were not under the same banner was in jeopardy. Iron jaw cleaned up his loose ends and the Agents were loose ends. It would not happen immediately, but every member would be marked by the Spinner’s Shears after the company closed.

Cerina accused Sarij of giving up and demanded he step down if he no longer could carry the burden of leadership. She pointed out quite a few matters with her usual tempered fury, but Sarij quickly alleviated her fears by informing her that the reason he was calling the meeting was to inform the leaders and then the company, the Astral Agency was going to commit treason by attacking an Immortal Flames’ Base and killing Iron Jaw.

Sergei, being a member of the Immortal Flames, was torn, but after Sarij’s assurances that the only Immortal Flames that was to die was Iron Jaw, and that the company would go out of their way to avoid causing serious harm or death to other soldiers, Sergei agreed and began to confer with Reks on methods of non-lethal takedowns of soldiers. Meanwhile Cerina and Berrod differed with Sarij on matters of loyalty.

Sarij presented that he was going to give every member a chance to back out of the company while the company committed treason, so that they would not be caught up the the arrest and trials. Both Cerina and Berrod agreed with that, but what they did not agree with was that Sarij intended to let folks know if the company somehow still existed after the dust settled, all would be welcome back without guilt or shame even if they crossed their name off in the book. The three of them discussed the matter for a short while, Cerina and Berrod valued loyalty over preserving the future for all. They would not fight for someone who would not support the company. Sarij took a stance of:  he did not ask if he could have the company commit treason so he could not hold those who stepped away at fault. In the end Sarij relented to the other two directors of the company and made an announcement on the pearl.

"This is Director Sarij Rahzersyn, may I have the attention of all members of the company?"

"Before the meeting today, there is something that must be addressed. The matters of the meeting will stray into territory that will lead to arrests, gaols, and perhaps death. However, while I did not ask any of ya if we should go in that direction, I will give ya the choice to walk that path.”

“If any of ya are not willing to risk everything, including freedom ya may scratch yer name out of the book at the front of the estate. Ya will be blameless fer the what is to come, and /I/ will not hold anything against ya if ya choose that route. Ya must preserve yer future, even it ain't with us. 

Should ya choose tah leave yer name in the book, please come tah the sparring room for the meeting."

"Thank-ya."

The sparring room quickly filled up with members of the company. On top of the command staff there was Dylan Skye, Milo North, Avieno Naemig, N’hara Tia, Kitakaze Mugenkgami, Releval Outtlaw, Autgar Bloode, Crooked Tarot, Garyn Almos, Kairun Gallek, and Balthius Stark.

Despite the tone of Sarij’s call on the pearl, the majority of the group was almost jovial seeing everyone gathered up together as such. Even after Sarij mentioned the matter of committing treason, much of it was almost laughed off, except by Crooked who quickly tried to throw together a plan to frame Iron Jaw with false evidence and false testimony. His argument gain some traction before it was stopped by the command staff with a dose of cold reality: there was no time and Iron Jaw would not just sit around letting them frame him. Crooked took his leave from the room for some time before later returning to the room.

When the fact the Agent’s goal was to kill Iron Jaw finally was brought up, more protest was raised. Garyn and others believed it was the wrong way, and that the company would just become like the Spinner’s Shears. Kitakaze and others raised point that there was no solid proof that the Spinner’s Shears would not kill them even with Iron Jaw dead, as well as there was no solid proof that Iron Jaw was the top of the conspiracy.

Once again, the problem was time. They knew Iron Jaw was working to try to get a seat on the Syndicate by taking control of Free Companies to build his wealth, and Everret Black, the leader of the Spinner’s Shears cell Iron Jaw had hired, claimed that their contract with Iron Jaw was completed. Neither were rock solid refutations of the concerns brought up in the meeting, but because of lack of time… they had to act on the assumption alone.

Eventually, Sarij was able to bring up the actual plan of attack.

Before the attack a smaller team would set up pearl disruptors around Camp Bluefog and attach a device to the Aetheryte there to temporarily remove it from the aetheryte network. Then the primary attack would have to occur within a few suns to prevent the devices from being discovered.

The Agents would meet at the abandoned mine in Northern Thanalan. From there Sarij and a few others would go to the south to attack the watchtowers and keep forces from the Ceruleum Processing Plant busy while the main force looped around the watchtowers to attack Camp Bluefog. The moment the Agents approach the camp, they would activate the disruptors to prevent communication and additional forces from engaging them. There would be a very short window to kill Iron jaw,

Once Iron Jaw was killed, the Agents were to surrender themselves to the Immortal Flames without a fight. Given that they did not kill any other soldiers they would have an advantage when on trial.

Naturally, a few of the Agents in the meeting were less than keen on the idea of being arrested. Milo and Autgar suggested disappearing until the whole matter blew over. Aveino interjected to remark it would look better if the entire company surrendered rather than some bolting and becoming wanted. Sarij and Berrod reaffirmed Avenio’s statement along with treason not something that ‘blows over,’ and much of the company came to terms with the fact they would at least spend a night in the gaol.

Slowly the Agents filtered out of the sparring room to ready themselves for the troubles ahead. In the end Sarij and Berrod were the last in the room to discuss what future Sarij had forced upon the company until they too left the estate.