10 - The Magus

New Hope Hospital

New Hope Hospital B ward internal footage. 4000.04.05 21:58 UniTi

"Well that's new," Juniper comments as she moves her arm slowly, she looks to her newly reconstructed shoulder as if it were someone else's.

"How are you??" Lira bolts upright, having dozed off at her side, "Are you hurt?"

"Oh, well shoot, didn't expect anyone ta..." Juniper tears up, "Oh golly, it sure do hurt a lot."

Lira grips her hand and squeezes gently, "Fool! You must use cover more! Stop taking the bullets!"

Juniper chuckles, holding back a tear, "I just- you're right. I've been wounded every mission I'm... just terrible."

Lira shifts uncomfortably, not used to speaking with people or... emotions, "Uh, er... no... not what Lira mean. You are important, but fool... er... reckful? Take care of self!"

"Reckless, you mean - reckless," Juniper chuckles again, "Thank you for being here," Juniper says softly as she begins drifting back to sleep despite the pain.

As Juniper drifts off Lira feels something she's rarely felt in her life before... friendship? Loyalty? Whatever it's called, she knows that she'll fight to the death to protect this new home of hers and her friends like Juniper.

A Meeting Under Starlight

Starlight Underground VIP room, 40000.04.05 22:02 UniTi

"You're late," a tall, slender man in a fancy business suit and holding a ... staff(?) greets Zev, Dax, and Silas.

"Erm, hello Mr Mag-" Zev begins before the man cuts him off with a wave.

"We don't use that name here, and we haven't the time. Call me Magnus. I allocated 5 minutes to this meet and you're 2 minutes late," he says a bit crossly.

"Zev, Dax, and Silas, I presume," he points to each in turn, then continues as if racing against a clock, "Perfect. Confirmed," he says nodding to himself - this conversation is surprisingly one sided.

"We're here for-" Zev begins again

"Yes, yes, I know. Warpjack Marauders, nasty little fiends those," Magnus looks at this clock, "We're down to half of our time gentlemen, I suggest you be more punctual next time. I have a contact who knows the inner workings of the Marauders - I have set up a rendezvous for you, their name is Brannick but first, I need you to do something for me."

"This place is not easy to find," Silas responds simultaneously with Dax.

"Of course," Dax rolls his eyes

"Indeed, I may wish to see you succeed, but I am not running a charity here gentlemen. You are going to need to head into the Crystal Wastes, far outside this bubble of civilization to meet a man named Brannick. 

I happen to have an interest in a spire out there, I discovered some signals being given off from within. Your task is simple: Defend the tower until I can arrive a few minutes behind you - driving off any locals or wildlife that may approach."

"What type of tower?" Silas asks, his interest piqued.

"I am unsure, though it may be from the Progenitors - those erstwhile creators."

"Alright, we're in but... this job we're doing for you is worth more than the information we'll get from Brannick..." Zev adds, raising his eyebrow, "What else will you provide?"

"How much is the information worth to you?" Magnus asks, rhetorically, "But I am not an ungrateful man," he flourishes a hand and Zev realizes that a single one of the rings he's wearing is worth a small fortune.

"I will provide you some heavy firepower AFTER I arrive to claim the tower - a Shell Gun to be precise."

Dax whistles and Silas nods.

"And what's stopping us from simply speaking with Brannick and leaving?"

"Well, aside from your good hearts and conscience?" Magnus laughs softly, "The fact that I've set up the rendezvous AT the tower of course. Great landmark and mines three gems with a single pick."

"Wily," Zev compliments, but truly he knew they were in once Magnus offered a Shell Gun - they could definitely use more firepower.

"Yes or no, Captain? I need to know quickly, we're down to seconds before your departure."

"It's a deal Magnus," Zev smiles his roguish grin, "Send us the coordinates, we'll defend this tower of yours. How hard could it be?"

"That's the spirit, I'm sure it'll be a breeze for a Crew of your caliber. That'll be all gentlemen. Thank you," Magnus ushers them out the backdoor and as the doors close the crew can hear a bell rings at his front door.